Effects of Behavioral Intervention Components for African American/Black and Latino Persons Living with HIV with Non-suppressed Viral Load Levels: Results of an Optimization Trial.

There is an urgent need for efficient behavioral interventions to increase rates of HIV viral suppression for populations with serious barriers to engagement along the HIV care continuum. We carried out an optimization trial to test the effects of five behavioral intervention components designed to address barriers to HIV care continuum engagement for African American/Black and Latino persons living with HIV (PLWH) with non-suppressed HIV viral load levels: motivational interviewing sessions (MI), focused support groups (SG), peer mentorship (PM), pre-adherence skill building (SB), and navigation with two levels, short (NS) and long (NL). The primary outcome was HIV viral suppression (VS) and absolute viral load (VL) and health-related quality of life were secondary outcomes. Participants were 512 African American/Black and Latino PLWH poorly engaged in HIV care and with detectable HIV viral load levels in New York City, recruited mainly through peer referral. Overall, VS increased to 37%, or 45% in a sensitivity analysis. MI and SG seemed to have antagonistic effects on VS (z = - 1.90; p = 0.057); the probability of VS was highest when either MI or SG was assigned, but not both. MI (Mean Difference = 0.030; 95% CI 0.007-0.053; t(440) = 2.60; p = 0.010) and SB (Mean Difference = 0.030; 95% CI 0.007-0.053; t(439) = 2.54; p = 0.012) improved health-related quality of life. This is the first optimization trial in the field of HIV treatment. The study yields a number of insights into approaches to improve HIV viral suppression in PLWH with serious barriers to engagement along the HIV care continuum, including chronic poverty, and underscores challenges inherent in doing so.

Advancing behavioral interventions for African American/Black and Latino persons living with HIV using a new conceptual model that integrates critical race theory, harm reduction, and self-determination theory: a qualitative exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Rates of participation in HIV care, medication uptake, and viral suppression are improving among persons living with HIV (PLWH) in the United States. Yet, disparities among African American/Black and Latino PLWH are persistent, signaling the need for new conceptual approaches. To address gaps in services and research (e.g., insufficient attention to structural/systemic factors, inadequate harm reduction services and autonomy support) and improve behavioral interventions, we integrated critical race theory, harm reduction, and self-determination theory into a new conceptual model, then used the model to develop a set of six intervention components which were tested in a larger study. The present qualitative study explores participants' perspectives on the study's acceptability, feasibility, and impact, and the conceptual model's contribution to these experiences. METHODS: Participants in the larger study were African American/Black and Latino PLWH poorly engaged in HIV care and with non-suppressed HIV viral load in New York City (N = 512). We randomly selected N = 46 for in-depth semi-structured interviews on their experiences with and perspectives on the study. Interviews were audio-recorded and professionally transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed using directed qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: On average, participants were 49 years old (SD = 9) and had lived with HIV for 19 years (SD = 7). Most were male (78%) and African American/Black (76%). All had taken HIV medication previously. Challenging life contexts were the norm, including poverty, poor quality/unstable housing, trauma histories exacerbated by current trauma, health comorbidities, and substance use. Participants found the study highly acceptable. We organized results into four themes focused on participants' experiences of: 1) being understood as a whole person and in their structural/systemic context; 2) trustworthiness and trust; 3) opportunities for self-reflection; and 4) support of personal autonomy. The salience of nonjudgment was prominent in each theme. Themes reflected grounding in the conceptual model. Participants reported these characteristics were lacking in HIV care settings. CONCLUSIONS: The new conceptual model emphasizes the salience of systemic/structural and social factors that drive health behavior and the resultant interventions foster trust, self-reflection, engagement, and behavior change. The model has potential to enhance intervention acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness with African American/Black and Latino PLWH.

African American/Black and Latino Adults with Detectable HIV Viral Load Evidence Substantial Risk for Polysubstance Substance Use and Co-occurring Problems: A Latent Class Analysis.

Substance use problems are highly prevalent among persons living with (PLWH) in the United States and serve as serious barriers to engagement in HIV care. Yet, in contrast to studies of single substances, little is known about patterns of polysubstance use in this population. Moreover, other risk factors (e.g., financial hardship, incarceration, homelessness, and mental health distress) are also prevalent and complicate HIV management. The present study drew on a cross-sectional survey with African American/Black and Latino (AABL) adult PLWH from low socioeconomic status backgrounds in New York City who were insufficiently engaged in HIV care and evidenced detectable HIV viral load (N = 512). We used latent class analysis (LCA) to explore patterns of polysubstance use and their relationships to financial hardship, incarceration, homelessness, and mental health. LCA yielded three substance use classes: Class 1, a high polysubstance use/high-risk substance use class (9%); Class 2, a polysubstance use/moderate substance use risk class (18%); and Class 3, a moderate polysubstance use/moderate-to-low-risk substance use class (74%). Mental health symptoms were prevalent in all classes, but Class 1 had greater mental health distress than the other two classes. Current homelessness was more prevalent in Classes 1 and 2. We cannot end the HIV epidemic without engaging and treating AABL PLWH who have serious barriers to engagement along the HIV care continuum, and who evidence polysubstance use along with co-occurring risk factors. Clinical settings can develop outreach and engagement approaches to bring this subpopulation of PLWH into care settings, and further, specialized services are needed to successfully screen, treat, and retain them.

Black and Latino Persons Living with HIV Evidence Risk and Resilience in the Context of COVID-19: A Mixed-Methods Study of the Early Phase of the Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has great potential to disrupt the lives of persons living with HIV (PLWH). The present convergent parallel design mixed-methods study explored the early effects of COVID-19 on African American/Black or Latino (AABL) long-term survivors of HIV in a pandemic epicenter, New York City. A total of 96 AABL PLWH were recruited from a larger study of PLWH with non-suppressed HIV viral load. They engaged in structured assessments focused on knowledge, testing, trust in information sources, and potential emotional, social, and behavioral impacts. Twenty-six of these participants were randomly selected for in-depth semi-structured interviews. Participants were mostly men (64%), African American/Black (75%), and had lived with HIV for 17 years, on average (SD=9 years). Quantitative results revealed high levels of concern about and the adoption of recommended COVID-19 prevention recommendations. HIV care visits were commonly canceled but, overall, engagement in HIV care and antiretroviral therapy use were not seriously disrupted. Trust in local sources of information was higher than trust in various federal sources. Qualitative findings complemented and enriched quantitative results and provided a multifaceted description of both risk factors (e.g., phones/internet access were inadequate for some forms of telehealth) and resilience (e.g., "hustling" for food supplies). Participants drew a direct line between structural racism and the disproportional adverse effects of COVID-19 on communities of color, and their knowledge gleaned from the HIV pandemic was applied to COVID-19. Implications for future crisis preparedness are provided, including how the National HIV/AIDS Strategy can serve as a model to prevent COVID-19 from becoming another pandemic of the poor.

Effect of non-invasive brain stimulation on behavior and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels in autistic patients.

Aberrant neural connectivity and intra-cortical inhibitory dysfunction are key features of autism. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) protocols have been proposed that modulate this aberrant plasticity. However, additional investigations are needed to evaluate the impact of this intervention on biological biomarkers of the disease. We recently demonstrated alterations in serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) immunoreactivity in subjects with autism compared to controls. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the change in serum levels of the neurotrophic factors BDNF and IGF-1 in patients undergoing NIBS therapy. Sixteen subjects with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were tested 1 week before and 1 week after NIBS to determine the short-term outcome on behavior using the total score on the autism behavior checklist, autism treatment evaluation checklist, clinical global impression severity and the autism diagnostic interview. ASD subjects younger than 11 years old (n = 11) were treated with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and those 11 years and older (n = 5) were treated with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Serum levels of BDNF and IGF-1 were evaluated by Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay before and after the intervention with NIBS. A significant reduction in scores on the clinical behavioral scales was observed in patients treated with NIBS (ABC-T p = .002, CGI-S p = .008, ADI-T and ATEC-T p < .0001). There was a trend towards reduced serum BDNF levels after NIBS (p = .061), while there was no change in IGF-1 levels. These data support further studies on the potential of BDNF as a biomarker to measure the effectiveness of NIBS in autism.

Understanding long-term HIV survivorship among African American/Black and Latinx persons living with HIV in the United States: a qualitative exploration through the lens of symbolic violence.

BACKGROUND: Persons living with HIV (PLWH) are living longer, although racial/ethnic and socioeconomic status (SES) disparities persist. Yet, little is known about the experience of living with and managing HIV over decades. The present study took a qualitative approach and used the lens of symbolic violence, a type of internalized, non-physical violence manifested in the power differential between social groups. We focused on adult African American/Black and Latinx (AABL) PLWH from low-SES backgrounds. METHODS: Data were drawn from two studies with AABL PLWH in New York City (N = 59). After providing signed informed consent, participants engaged in in-depth semi-structured interviews on aspects of HIV management. Interviews were audio-recorded and professionally transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed using directed qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Participants in the two studies were comparable on sociodemographic and background characteristics. They had lived with HIV for 20 years, on average (range 3-33 years). All were from low-SES backgrounds and most were African American/Black and men. Participants experienced a convergence of multiple social exclusions, harms, and stigmas, consistent with symbolic violence, which contributed to disengagement from HIV care and discontinuation of HIV medications. We organized results into five sub-themes: (1) participants were "ground down" over time by material, social, and emotional challenges and this diminished self-worth and, at times, the will to live; (2) social isolation and self-isolation, based in part on feeling devalued and dehumanized, served as stigma-avoidance strategies and mechanisms of social exclusion; (3) stigmatizing aspects of patient-provider interactions, both experienced and anticipated, along with (4) restricted autonomy in HIV care and other settings (e.g., parole) reduced engagement; and (5) poor HIV management was internalized as a personal failure. Importantly, resilience was evident throughout the five sub-themes. CONCLUSIONS: Symbolic violence is a useful framework for understanding long-term HIV management and survivorship among AABL PLWH from low-SES backgrounds. Indeed, forms of symbolic violence are internalized over time (e.g., experiencing devaluation, dehumanization, loss of self-worth, and anticipated stigma), thereby impeding successful HIV management, in part because avoiding HIV care and discontinuing HIV medications are primary coping strategies. Results have implications for interventions in community and health care settings.

Critical race theory as a tool for understanding poor engagement along the HIV care continuum among African American/Black and Hispanic persons living with HIV in the United States: a qualitative exploration.

BACKGROUND: African American/Black and Hispanic persons living with HIV (AABH-PLWH) in the U.S. evidence insufficient engagement in HIV care and low uptake of HIV antiretroviral therapy, leading to suboptimal clinical outcomes. The present qualitative study used critical race theory, and incorporated intersectionality theory, to understand AABH-PLWH's perspectives on the mechanisms by which structural racism; that is, the macro-level systems that reinforce inequities among racial/ethnic groups, influence health decisions and behaviors. METHODS: Participants were adult AABH-PLWH in New York City who were not taking antiretroviral therapy nor well engaged in HIV care (N = 37). Participants were purposively sampled for maximum variation from a larger study, and engaged in semi-structured in-depth interviews that were audio-recorded and professionally transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using a systematic content analysis approach. RESULTS: We found AABH-PLWH experienced HIV care and medication decisions through a historical and cultural lens incorporating knowledge of past and present structural racism. This contextual knowledge included awareness of past maltreatment of people of color in medical research. Further, these understandings were linked to the history of HIV antiretroviral therapy itself, including awareness of the first HIV antiretroviral regimen; namely, AZT (zidovudine) mono-therapy, which was initially prescribed in unacceptably high doses, causing serious side effects, but with only modest efficacy. In this historical/cultural context, aspects of structural racism negatively influenced health care decisions and behavior in four main ways: 1) via the extent to which healthcare settings were experienced as overly institutionalized and, therefore, dehumanizing; 2) distrust of medical institutions and healthcare providers, which led AABH-PLWH to feel pressured to take HIV antiretroviral therapy when it was offered; 3) perceptions that patients are excluded from the health decision-making process; and 4) an over-emphasis on antiretroviral therapy compared to other non-HIV related priorities. We found that although participants were located at the intersection of multiple social categories (e.g., gender, social class, AABH race/ethnicity), race/ethnicity and social class were described as primary factors. CONCLUSIONS: Critical race theory proved useful in uncovering how macro-level structural racism affects individual-level health decisions and behaviors. HIV clinical settings can counter-balance the effects of structural racism by building "structural competency," and interventions fostering core self-determination needs including autonomy may prove culturally appropriate and beneficial for AABH-PLWH.

Hybrid STTR intervention for heterosexuals using anonymous HIV testing and confidential linkage to care: a single arm exploratory trial using respondent-driven sampling.

BACKGROUND: An estimated 14 % of the 1.2 million individuals living with HIV in the U.S. are unaware of their status. Yet this modest proportion of individuals with undiagnosed HIV is linked to 44-66 % of all new infections. Thus innovative intervention approaches are needed to seek out and test those with undiagnosed HIV, and link them to HIV treatment with high retention, an approach referred to as "Seek, Test, Treat, and Retain" (STTR). The present protocol describes a creative "hybrid" STTR approach that uses anonymous HIV testing followed by confidential care linkage, focused on heterosexuals at high risk (HHR) for HIV, who do not test as frequently as, and are diagnosed later, than other risk groups. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a single-arm exploratory intervention efficacy trial. The study has two phases: one to seek out and test HHR, and another to link those found infected to HIV treatment in a timely fashion, with high retention. We will recruit African American/Black and Latino adult HHR who reside in urban locations with high poverty and HIV prevalence. Participants will be recruited with respondent-driven sampling, a peer recruitment method. The "Seek and Test" phase is comprised of a brief, convenient, single-session, anonymous HIV counseling and testing session. The "Treat and Retain" component will engage those newly diagnosed with HIV into a confidential research phase and use a set of procedures called care navigation to link them to HIV primary care. Participants will be followed for 6 months with objective assessment of outcomes (using medical records and biomarkers). DISCUSSION: Undiagnosed HIV infection is a major public health problem. While anonymous HIV testing is an important part of the HIV testing portfolio, it does not typically include linkage to care. The present study has potential to produce an innovative, brief, cost-effective, and replicable STTR intervention, and thereby reduce racial/ethnic disparities in HIV/AIDS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02421159 , Registered April 15, 2015.

Strategies to uncover undiagnosed HIV infection among heterosexuals at high risk and link them to HIV care with high retention: a "seek, test, treat, and retain" study.

BACKGROUND: Over 50,000 individuals become infected with HIV annually in the U.S., and over a quarter of HIV infected individuals are heterosexuals. Undiagnosed HIV infection, as well as a lack of retention in care among those diagnosed, are both primary factors contributing to ongoing HIV incidence. Further, there are racial/ethnic disparities in undiagnosed HIV and engagement in care, with African Americans/Blacks and Latinos remaining undiagnosed longer and less engaged in care than Whites, signaling the need for culturally targeted intervention approaches to seek and test those with undiagnosed HIV infection, and link them to care with high retention. METHODS/DESIGN: The study has two components: one to seek out and test heterosexuals at high risk for HIV infection, and another to link those found infected to HIV care with high retention. We will recruit sexually active African American/Black and Latino adults who have opposite sex partners, negative or unknown HIV status, and reside in locations with high poverty and HIV prevalence. The "Seek and Test" component will compare the efficacy and cost effectiveness of two strategies to uncover undiagnosed HIV infection: venue-based sampling and respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Among those recruited by RDS and found to have HIV infection, a "Treat and Retain" component will assess the efficacy of a peer-driven intervention compared to a control arm with respect to time to an HIV care appointment and health indicators using a cluster randomized controlled trial design to minimize contamination. RDS initial seeds will be randomly assigned to the intervention or control arm at a 1:1 ratio and all recruits will be assigned to the same arm as the recruiter. Participants will be followed for 12 months with outcomes assessed using medical records and biomarkers, such as HIV viral load. DISCUSSION: Heterosexuals do not test for HIV as frequently as and are diagnosed later than other risk groups. The study has the potential to contribute an efficient, innovative, and sustainable multi-level recruitment approach and intervention to the HIV prevention portfolio. Because the majority of heterosexuals at high risk are African American/Black or Latino, the study has great potential to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in HIV/AIDS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01607541, Registered May 23, 2012.

BDNF, proBDNF and IGF-1 serum levels in naïve and medicated subjects with autism.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) promote the development and maintenance of neural circuits. Alterations in these factors might contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We asked whether serum BDNF, proBDNF, and IGF-1 levels are altered in an ASD population compared to controls. We measured serum BDNF, proBDNF, and IGF-1 immunoreactive protein in boys and girls aged 5-15 years old with mild to moderate ASD and non-autistic controls by ELISA. IGF-1 was increased in ASD serum compared to controls and was correlated with age and with CARS scores. Serum BDNF levels did not differ between groups, however, proBDNF serum levels were decreased in subjects with ASD compared to non-autistic controls. Medicated, but not unmedicated, ASD subjects exhibited lower serum proBDNF levels compared to controls, while neither IGF-1 nor BDNF levels differed between treatment groups. These data support the involvement of proBDNF and IGF-1 in the pathogenesis and treatment of autism.

Understanding Medical Distrust Among African American/Black and Latino Persons Living With HIV With Sub-Optimal Engagement Along the HIV Care Continuum: A Machine Learning Approach.

Medical distrust is a potent barrier to participation in HIV care and medication use among African American/Black and Latino (AABL) persons living with HIV (PLWH). However, little is known about sociodemographic and risk factors associated with distrust. We recruited adult AABL PLWH from low socio-economic status backgrounds with insufficient engagement in HIV care (N = 512). Participants completed structured assessments on three types of distrust (of health care providers, health care systems, and counter-narratives), HIV history, and mental health. We used a type of machine learning called random forest to explore predictors of trust. On average, participants were 47 years old (SD = 11 years), diagnosed with HIV 18 years prior (SD = 9 years), and mainly male (64%) and African American/Black (69%). Depression and age were the most important predictors of trust. Among those with elevated depressive symptoms, younger participants had less trust than older, while among those without depression, trust was greater across all ages. The present study adds nuance to the literature on medical distrust among AABL PLWH and identifies junctures where interventions to build trust are needed most.

Actitudes de la enfermería comunitaria ante intervenciones ambientales para la promoción de la salud / Community nursing attitudes towards environmental interventions for health promotion

Un estimado de 12 millones y medio de muertes anuales, las cuales representan casi la cuarta parte de la letalidad global, se atribuyen a ambientes no saludables. La OMS identificó factores medioambientales susceptibles a gestión o cambio, que pueden ser modificados mediante intervenciones clave, a fin de disminuir la morbimortalidad de un centenar de enfermedades o afecciones. Este estudio tuvo como finalidad comparar y analizar las actitudes del personal de enfermería comunitaria sobre intervenciones ambientales para la prevención de enfermedades infecciosas y parasitarias, condiciones neonatales y nutricionales, y enfermedades no transmisibles; ya que en la medida que estuvieran predispuestos y tuvieran una actitud positiva hacia las intervenciones, esto debería influir en su conducta proactiva y en sus próximas actividades de promoción de la salud. La muestra final de 158 participantes estuvo compuesta por 21 enfermeros y 137 enfermeras, con edades comprendidas entre 22 y 53 años, con una mediana de 29 años (±6,74). Para la elaboración del cuestionario de actitudes se tomó como base la sección "Enfermedades y lesiones e intervenciones ambientales clave" del informe global de la OMS titulado "Prevenir enfermedades mediante ambientes saludables" Se obtuvieron los índices de actitud por intervención y categoría de acuerdo al modelo propuesto por Manassero & Vásquez. Los resultados mostraron que los índices actitudinales, para la categoria "adecuada" son positivos y los más altos, ligeramente positivos los de las plausible y levemente negativos para "ingenuas", es decir, los enfermeros, pueden identificar acciones adecuadas con mayor facilidad, se le dificulta identificar las frases plausibles y más las ingenuas. Lo que permite comprobar que las actitudes de los enfermeros pueden ser paradójicas y confusas. Siendo evidente la necesidad de realizar sesiones educativas continúos y acorde con las actualizaciones científicas y políticas internacionales y nacionales. Se recomienda incluir la reflexión explícita y personal como instrumento básico para lograr el cambio actitudinal(AU)

An estimated of 12.5 million annual deaths, which represent nearly a quarter of global fatalities, are attributed to unhealthy environments. WHO identified environmental factors susceptible to management or change, which can be modified through key interventions, in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality of a hundred diseases or conditions. The purpose of this study was to compare and analyze the attitudes of community nursing staff regarding environmental interventions for the prevention of infectious and parasitic diseases, neonatal and nutritional conditions, and non-communicable diseases; since to the extent that they were predisposed and had a positive attitude towards the interventions, this should influence their proactive behavior and their next health promotion activities. The final sample of 158 participants was made up of 21 male nurses and 137 female nurses, aged between 22 and 53 years, with a median of 29 years (±6.74). For the elaboration of the questionnaire of attitudes, the section "Diseases and injuries and key environmental interventions" of the WHO global report entitled "Preventing diseases through healthy environments" was taken as a basis. Attitude indices were obtained by intervention and category according to the model proposed by Manassero & Vásquez. The results showed that the attitudinal indices for the "adequate" category are positive and the highest, slightly positive for the plausible and slightly negative for "naive", that is, the nurses, can more easily identify appropriate actions, It makes it difficult for him to identify plausible sentences and more naive ones. This allows verifying that nurses' attitudes can be paradoxical and confusing. Being evident the need to carry out continuous educational sessions and in accordance with international and national scientific and political updates. It is recommended to include explicit and personal reflection as a basic instrument to achieve attitudinal change(AU)

Estrategias de afrontamiento ante la crisis sanitaria: un estudio comparativo en enfermeros de costa y sierra ecuatoriana / Coping strategies in the face of the health crisis: A comparative study in nurses from the Ecuadorian coast and highlands

Se realizó una encuesta transversal de dos muestras separadas por conveniencia de enero a marzo de 2021 a fin de comparar la prevalencia de percepción de riesgo e identificar diferentes estrategias de afrontamiento en enfermeros de la costa y la sierra ecuatoriana. Las muestras incluyeron dos grupos de profesionales de enfermería para un total de 518. El 49,0% (n= 254) de los participantes laboraban en la sierra ecuatoriana y el 50,8% (n= 263) prestaban sus servicios en la costa ecuatoriana. Muestreados provenientes de varias clínicas, tanto en la costa como en la sierra ecuatoriana, fueron abordados aleatoriamente por el entrevistador para participar en el estudio. Se examinaron y compararon los resultados de las pruebas de las tres muestras. Los grupos se eligieron en función de la conveniencia del muestreo y la supuesta conciencia de los factores de riesgo de COVID-19. En cuanto a la percepción de riesgo, su prevalencia es significativamente mayor para las enfermeras de la costa que las de la sierra. Las enfermeras que prefieren trabajar en equipo durante la crisis sanitaria tenían probabilidades alrededor de 0,30 más bajas, lo que puede interpretarse como un factor protector. Respecto al miedo al contagio no se hallaron diferencias entre enfermeras de la costa o la sierra(AU)

A cross-sectional survey of two samples separated by convenience was carried out from January to March 2021 to compare the prevalence of risk perception and identify different coping strategies in nurses from the Ecuadorian coast and highlands. The samples included two groups of nursing professionals for a total of 518. 49.0% (n= 254) of the participants worked in the Ecuadorian highlands and 50.8% (n= 263) provided their services on the ecuadorian coast. Samples from various clinics, both on the coast and in the Ecuadorian highlands, were randomly approached by the interviewer to participate in the study. The test results of the three samples were examined and compared. Groups were chosen based on sampling convenience and presumed awareness of COVID-19 risk factors. Regarding the perception of risk, its prevalence is significantly higher for nurses from the coast than those from the mountains. Nurses who prefer to work in a team during the health crisis had probabilities around 0.30 lower, which can be interpreted as a protective factor. Regarding the fear of contagion, no differences were found between nurses from the coast or the mountains(AU)

Asociación entre cuidados paliativos y enfermedades crónicas en pacientes Covid persistentes en un hospital ecuatoriano / Association between palliative care and chronic diseases in persistent Covid patients in an Ecuadorian hospital

El empeoramiento del curso de la infección por COVID-19 es favorecido por la comorbilidad con enfermedades crónicas de base, incrementando la letalidad de la enfermedad. Tras la infección por SARS-CoV-2, se ha descrito la persistencia de diversos trastornos relacionados con la enfermedad, denominado síndrome post-COVID-19, cuyos síntomas se presentan frecuentemente en pacientes con una enfermedad inicial grave, siendo responsables de un alto porcentaje de fallecimientos a nivel mundial. Se realizó un estudio en 93 pacientes con síntomas de COVID persistente en los últimos 6 meses y diagnóstico previo de enfermedad crónica, con el fin de determinar la asociación entre cuidados paliativos y enfermedades crónicas en pacientes COVID persistentes en un hospital ecuatoriano. Para ello, se obtuvieron datos clínicos y se aplicó un instrumento con indicadores de cuidados paliativos Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool con 27 items de respuestas dicotómicas. Los datos se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Los síntomas orgánicos más prevalentes fueron cefalea, ansiedad, depresión, tos; destacando el dolor y la fatiga entre los sistémicos. Se obtuvo una mayor prevalencia de enfermedades crónicas en mujeres y pacientes mayores de 65 años, además un alto porcentaje de pacientes con enfermedades crónicas presentó más de una comorbilidad y requiere cuidados paliativos. El estudio demuestra una asociación directa entre los cuidados paliativos y la comorbilidad por enfermedades crónicas en pacientes COVID persistentes; sustentada en la necesidad de atenuar los síntomas y mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes afectados(AU)

The worsening of the course of the COVID-19 infection is favored by comorbidity with underlying chronic diseases, increasing the lethality of the disease. After SARS-CoV-2 infection, the persistence of various disorders related to the disease has been described, called post-COVID-19 syndrome, whose symptoms frequently occur in patients with severe initial disease, being responsible for a high percentage of deaths worldwide. A study was conducted in 93 patients with symptoms of persistent COVID in the last 6 months and a previous diagnosis of chronic disease, in order to determine the association between palliative care and chronic diseases in persistent COVID patients in an Ecuadorian hospital. In order to do this, clinical data were obtained and an instrument with Supportive and Palliative Care Indicators Tool was applied with 27 dichotomous response items. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The most prevalent organic symptoms were headache, anxiety, depression, cough; highlighting the pain and fatigue among the systemic. A higher prevalence of chronic diseases was obtained in women and patients older than 65 years, in addition, a high percentage of patients with chronic diseases presented more than one comorbidity and required palliative care. The study demonstrates a direct association between palliative care and chronic disease comorbidity in persistent COVID patients; based on the need to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life of affected patients.(AU)

Comparación del índice de masa corporal por género en personal administrativo de una universidad ecuatoriana

Introducción: En el análisis del entorno laboral existen evidencias que relacionan la obesidad con la disminución en la productividad y el ausentismo laboral, siendo un tema de interés dentro de la salud ocupacional. Objetivo: Comparar el índice de masa corporal (IMC) por género en el personal administrativo de la matriz de la Universidad Regional Autónoma de los Andes (UNIANDES), en la ciudad de Ambato, Ecuador, en el periodo noviembre-diciembre de 2018. Método: Estudio de tipo observacional, descriptivo, transversal y prospectivo, enmarcado en un diseño epidemiológico, correspondiente al nivel relacional, en 130 sujetos de dicha institución. Se empleó como procedimiento estadístico paramétrico la t de Student para muestras independientes. Se utilizó un impedanciómetro de alta precisión, marca Inbody 770. Se usó la prueba Kolmogorov-Smirnov con la corrección de significación de Lilliefors para analizar la normalidad de los datos y la prueba de Levene para la homocedasticidad. Resultados: Predominó el género masculino en edad, peso, y talla, con superioridad del género femenino en los valores correspondientes al IMC y el porcentaje de masa grasa, según la bioimpedancia. La prueba de normalidad de Kolmogorov-Smirnov del IMC arrojó una significación asintónica (bilateral) de 0,170 y 0,200 para varones y hembras, respectivamente, con una p≤0,05. Conclusiones: Luego de comparase el IMC por género en el personal administrativo de UNIANDES, se evidencia que no existen diferencias entre géneros en la población analizada.

Introduction: In the current analysis of the workplace environment, there are evidences linked with obesity and its influence on productivity and absenteeism decrease, representing a topic of interest on occupational health. Objective: Comparison of body mass index (BMI) by gender in administrative personnel at the matrix institution, Universidad Regional Autónoma de los Andes (UNIANDES), in the city of Ambato, Ecuador, in the period November-December 2018. Method: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and prospective study was carried out in 130 subjects of this institution. It was framed in an epidemiological design, related to the relational level. As a parametric statistical procedure an independent samples t-test (or Student´s t-test) was used. An impedance meter of high-precision, model Inbody 770, was used. It was applied the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test including the Lilliefors significance correction for analyzing the data normality and also it was used the Levene test for homoscedasticity. Results: Male gender predominated in age, weight, and height, whereas, female gender was superiority in values related to BMI and percentage of fat mass, according to the bioimpedance analysis. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test of BMI yielded an asymptotic significance (bilateral) of 0.170 and 0.200 for males and females, respectively, with a p≤0.05. Conclusions: After compared the BMI by gender of administrative personnel at the UNIANDES, it was evident that there are no genders differences in the population analyzed.

Introdução: Na análise do ambiente de trabalho, há evidências que relacionam a obesidade com diminuição da produtividade e absenteísmo, sendo um tema de interesse dentro da saúde ocupacional. Objetivo: Comparar o índice de massa corporal (IMC) por sexo no pessoal administrativo da sede da Universidad Regional Autónoma de los Andes (UNIANDES), na cidade de Ambato, Equador, no período de novembro a dezembro de 2018. Método: Estudo observacional, descritivo, transversal e prospectivo, enquadrado num desenho epidemiológico, correspondente ao nível relacional, em 130 sujeitos da referida instituição. O teste t de Student para amostras independentes foi utilizado como procedimento estatístico paramétrico. Foi utilizado impedância de alta precisão Inbody 770. O teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov com correção de significância de Lilliefors foi utilizado para analisar a normalidade dos dados e o teste de Levene para homocedasticidade. Resultados: O gênero masculino predominou em idade, peso e altura, com superioridade do gênero feminino nos valores correspondentes ao IMC e percentual de massa gorda, segundo a bioimpedância. O teste de normalidade do IMC de Kolmogorov-Smirnov apresentou significância assintomática (bilateral) de 0,170 e 0,200 para homens e mulheres, respectivamente, com p≤0,05. Conclusões: Ao comparar o IMC por gênero nos servidores administrativos da UNIANDES, fica evidente que não há diferenças entre os gêneros na população analisada.

It's a Process: Reactions to HIV Diagnosis and Engagement in HIV Care among High-Risk Heterosexuals.

After HIV diagnosis, heterosexuals in high-poverty urban areas evidence delays in linkage to care and antiretroviral therapy initiation compared to other groups. Yet barriers to/facilitators of HIV care among these high-risk heterosexuals are understudied. Under the theory of triadic influence, putative barriers to HIV care engagement include individual/attitudinal-level (e.g., fear, medical distrust), social-level (e.g., stigma), and structural-level influences (e.g., poor access). Participants were African-American/Black and Hispanic adults found newly diagnosed with HIV (N = 25) as part of a community-based HIV testing study with heterosexuals in a high-poverty, high-HIV-incidence urban area. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was used. We described linkage to HIV care and clinical outcomes [CD4 counts, viral load (VL) levels] over 1 year, and then addressed qualitative research questions about the experience of receiving a new HIV diagnosis, its effects on timely engagement in HIV care, and other barriers and facilitators. Participants were assessed five times, receiving a structured interview battery, laboratory tests, data extraction from the medical record, a post-test counseling session, and in-person/phone contacts to foster linkage to care. Participants were randomly selected for qualitative interviews (N = 15/25) that were recorded and transcribed, then analyzed using systematic content analysis. Participants were 50 years old, on average (SD = 7.2 years), mostly male (80%), primarily African-American/Black (88%), and low socioeconomic status. At the first follow-up, rates of engagement in care were high (78%), but viral suppression was modest (39%). Rates improved by the final follow-up (96% engaged, 62% virally suppressed). Two-thirds (69%) were adequately retained in care over 1 year. Qualitative results revealed multi-faceted responses to receiving an HIV diagnosis. Problems accepting and internalizing one's HIV status were common. Reaching acceptance of one's HIV-infected status was frequently a protracted and circuitous process, but acceptance is vital for engagement in HIV care. Fear of stigma and loss of important relationships were potent barriers to acceptance. Thus, partially as a result of difficulties accepting HIV status, delays in achieving an undetectable VL are common in this population, with serious potential negative consequences for individual and public health. Interventions to foster acceptance of HIV status are needed.

Factors Associated with Recent HIV Testing among Heterosexuals at High Risk for HIV Infection in New York City.

BACKGROUND: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends persons at high risk for HIV infection in the United States receive annual HIV testing to foster early HIV diagnosis and timely linkage to health care. Heterosexuals make up a significant proportion of incident HIV infections (>25%) but test for HIV less frequently than those in other risk categories. Yet factors that promote or impede annual HIV testing among heterosexuals are poorly understood. The present study examines individual/attitudinal-, social-, and structural-level factors associated with past-year HIV testing among heterosexuals at high risk for HIV. METHODS: Participants were African-American/Black and Hispanic heterosexual adults (N = 2307) residing in an urban area with both high poverty and HIV prevalence rates. Participants were recruited by respondent-driven sampling in 2012-2015 and completed a computerized structured assessment battery covering background factors, multi-level putative facilitators of HIV testing, and HIV testing history. Separate logistic regression analysis for males and females identified factors associated with past-year HIV testing. RESULTS: Participants were mostly male (58%), African-American/Black (75%), and 39 years old on average (SD = 12.06 years). Lifetime homelessness (54%) and incarceration (62%) were common. Half reported past-year HIV testing (50%) and 37% engaged in regular, annual HIV testing. Facilitators of HIV testing common to both genders included sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing or STI diagnosis, peer norms supporting HIV testing, and HIV testing access. Among women, access to general medical care and extreme poverty further predicted HIV testing, while recent drug use reduced the odds of past-year HIV testing. Among men, past-year HIV testing was also associated with lifetime incarceration and substance use treatment. CONCLUSION: The present study identified gaps in rates of HIV testing among heterosexuals at high risk for HIV, and both common and gender-specific facilitators of HIV testing. Findings suggest a number of avenues for increasing HIV testing rates, including increasing the number and types of settings offering high-quality HIV testing; promoting STI as well as HIV testing; better integrating STI and HIV testing systems; implementing peer-driven social/behavioral intervention approaches to harness the positive influence of social networks and reduce unfavorable shared peer norms; and specialized approaches for women who use drugs.

Exploring Factors Associated with Recent HIV Testing among Heterosexuals at High Risk for HIV Infection Recruited with Venue-based Sampling.

Annual HIV testing is recommended for high-risk populations in the United States, to identify HIV infections early and provide timely linkage to treatment. However, heterosexuals at high risk for HIV, due to their residence in urban areas of high poverty and elevated HIV prevalence, test for HIV less frequently than other risk groups, and late diagnosis of HIV is common. Yet the factors impeding HIV testing in this group, which is predominantly African American/Black and Latino/Hispanic, are poorly understood. The present study addresses this gap. Using a systematic community-based sampling method, venue-based sampling (VBS), we estimate rates of lifetime and recent (past year) HIV testing among high-risk heterosexuals (HRH), and explore a set of putative multi-level barriers to and facilitators of recent testing, by gender. Participants were 338 HRH African American/Black and Latino/Hispanic adults recruited using VBS, who completed a computerized structured assessment battery guided by the Theory of Triadic Influence, comprised of reliable/valid measures on socio-demographic characteristics, HIV testing history, and multi-level barriers to HIV testing. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with HIV testing within the past year. Most HRH had tested at least once (94%), and more than half had tested within the past year (58%), but only 37% tested annually. In both men and women, the odds of recent testing were similar and associated with structural factors (better access to testing) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and diagnosis. Thus VBS identified serious gaps in rates of annual HIV testing among HRH. Improvements in access to high-quality HIV testing and leveraging of STI testing are needed to increase the proportion of HRH testing annually for HIV. Such improvements could increase early detection of HIV, improve the long-term health of individuals, and reduce HIV transmission by increasing rates of viral suppression.

Relación entre índice de masa corporal y trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad en niños / Relationship between body mass index and attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity in children

Introducción: El índice de masa corporal es un indicador de la densidad corporal. El trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad es un síndrome que presenta tres síntomas: inatención, hiperactividad e impulsividad. Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre el índice de masa corporal y el trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad en niños. Métodos: Investigación observacional, transversal, analítica bivariada y ambispectiva, desarrollada en 111 niñas y 125 niños, de 10 a 12 años de edad estudiantes de la Unidad Educativa Hispano América de la ciudad de Ambato, Ecuador, en el período septiembre 2017- febrero 2018. Los datos del índice de masa corporal y el trastorno por déficit de atención se procesaron en Microsoft Excel, el software Minitab® 18.1 para el cálculo de los coeficientes de correlación de Pearson y Spearman, y prueba de Grubbs para comprobar normalidad y análisis de valores atípicos. Resultados: La media del índice de masa corporal fue de 20,15 en niños y 20,63 en niñas, lo que se consideró normal. El trastorno por déficit de atención: 93,7 por ciento de niñas y 90,4 por ciento de niños, también fue normal. En estos últimos, existió una ligera predisposición por este trastorno. La correlación entre ambas variables fue ligeramente positiva: niñas 0,02 y niños 0,457. Conclusiones: El índice de masa corporal y el trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad tienen parámetros normales en niñas y niños y existe entre ambos una correlación positiva débil. Es necesario establecer estrategias educativas para la disminución de la obesidad y malnutrición infantil(AU)

Introduction: The body mass index is an indicator of body density, determined by the relationship between body weight and height. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a syndrome with three symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Objective: To analyze the relationship between the body mass index and the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in students. Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, bivariate and ambispective analytical research, carried out in a population of 111 girls and 125 boys, from 10 to 12 years of the Hispanic American Education Unit of the city of Ambato, Ecuador, in the period September 2017 - February 2018. Processing data in Microsoft Excel for body mass index and for the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and with Minitab® 18.1 software for the calculation of coefficients of Pearson and Spearman correlation, as well as the normality tests and analysis of outliers with the Grubbs test. Results: The average for body mass index was 20.15 in boys and 20.63 in girls, considered normal. Normal results were obtained in the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in 93.7 percent of girls and 90.4 percent of boys, there being a slight predisposition for this disorder. The correlation between both variables was slightly positive: girls 0.202 and boys 0.457. Conclusions: Both, body mass index and the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have normal parameters in girls and boys, with a weak positive correlation between them. It was proposed to establish educational strategies for the reduction of obesity and child malnutrition(AU)