A potential syndemic effect associated with symptoms of depression among men who have sex with men.

INTRODUCTION: Globally, depression rates are high among men who have sex with men (MSM). Multiple factors may interact synergistically to increase this risk. This analysis assessed the prevalence of symptoms of depression among MSM in Brazil and synergistic effects of several factors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in 12 cities using respondent-driven sampling. Sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics were collected. The PHQ-9 was used to screen for depression. Having moderate-severe depressive symptoms was compared to none-mild using logistic regression. The syndemic factor was a composite of hazardous alcohol use, sexual violence, and discrimination due to sexual orientation. Those with one to three of these factors were compared to those with none. RESULTS: The weighted prevalence of moderate-severe depressive symptoms was 24.9% (95%CI = 21.8-28.8) and 16.2%, 22.9%, 46.0% and 51.0% when none, one, two, or three syndemic factors were present, respectively, indicating a dose-response effect. Perception of HIV risk, high level of HIV knowledge, known HIV infection, and health self-rated as poor or very poor were also associated with depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of moderate-severe depressive symptoms among MSM in Brazil is high, and selected factors act synergistically in increasing their prevalence. Public health policies should consider holistic depression prevention and treatment interventions for this population.

A potential syndemic effect associated with symptoms of depression among men who have sex with men

Introduction: Globally, depression rates are high among men who have sex with men (MSM). Multiple factors may interact synergistically to increase this risk. This analysis assessed the prevalence of symptoms of depression among MSM in Brazil and synergistic effects of several factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in 12 cities using respondent-driven sampling. Sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics were collected. The PHQ-9 was used to screen for depression. Having moderate-severe depressive symptoms was compared to none-mild using logistic regression. The syndemic factor was a composite of hazardous alcohol use, sexual violence, and discrimination due to sexual orientation. Those with one to three of these factors were compared to those with none. Results: The weighted prevalence of moderate-severe depressive symptoms was 24.9% (95%CI = 21.8-28.8) and 16.2%, 22.9%, 46.0% and 51.0% when none, one, two, or three syndemic factors were present, respectively, indicating a dose-response effect. Perception of HIV risk, high level of HIV knowledge, known HIV infection, and health self-rated as poor or very poor were also associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The prevalence of moderate-severe depressive symptoms among MSM in Brazil is high, and selected factors act synergistically in increasing their prevalence. Public health policies should consider holistic depression prevention and treatment interventions for this population.

Perceptions of Community Health Workers (CHW) on barriers and enablers to care for people with psychosis in rural Mozambique: findings of a focus group discussion study using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour framework (COM-B framework).

BACKGROUND: Psychotic disorders contribute significantly to the global disease burden by causing disability, impaired quality of life, and higher mortality in affected people compared with the general population. In rural settings, where there is limited or no access to healthcare, individuals living with psychotic disorders often seek support from Community Health Workers (CHWs). However, little is known about what CHWs know about psychosis and how they manage such cases. This study aimed to explore the CHWs perception of psychosis and their experiences and beliefs about the factors that might enable or hinder care-taking for patients with psychosis in rural settings in Mozambique. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted in rural districts of Maputo Province, a southern region of Mozambique, using six focus group discussions with participation of 79 CHWs. Thematic analysis was used informed by the Capabilities, Opportunities, Motivation and Behaviour framework (COM-B). RESULTS: Nine primary themes were identified. Overall, CHWs perceived psychosis as treatable medical conditions and held a positive attitude about being part of the care-taking process of patients with psychosis in rural settings. Partnerships with key-stakeholders such as traditional healers, health care workers, and families, were perceived by CHWs as enablers to improve access to care in rural areas. However, stigma, myths, and lack of competencies to treat people with psychosis were perceived by CHWs as barriers for appropriate care. CONCLUSION: CHWs, with adequate support, could play an important role in the care of patients with psychosis in rural settings, including identifying patients requiring care and referring them to appropriate healthcare professionals, and following up medicated patients with psychosis. Training of CHWs should consider inclusion of basic mental health care competencies.

Cultural adaptation of psychological interventions for people with mental disorders delivered by lay health workers in Africa: scoping review and expert consultation.

BACKGROUND: Lay Health Workers (LHW) are important providers of community mental health services and help mitigate access and treatment gaps in Africa. However, there is a paucity of knowledge about the role and performance of these workers, as well as about the extent to which the interventions delivered are culturally adapted to the African context. AIMS: This scoping review aimed to explore the content and aspects concerning the cultural adaptation and sustainability of psychological interventions delivered by LHW to people with mental disorders in Africa. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of the peer-reviewed literature published from January 2000 to December 2018 to identify psychological interventions delivered by LHW for people with mental disorders in Africa. We systematically searched PubMed, Google scholar and Hinari to select relevant publications. The articles were evaluated for risk of bias according to study design with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's (NHLBI) Quality Assessment Tools. Expert consultation was performed according to Arksey & O'Malley framework and cultural adaptation analysis was performed according to Bernal framework. RESULTS: Out of 14,549 retrieved records, we identified ten peer-reviewed articles conducted in Zimbabwe, Uganda, South Africa and Zambia describing four distinct interventions. Six were randomized controlled trials; none addressed implementation outcomes. Group-based interpersonal therapy (n = 5), trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy (n = 1), problem solving therapy (n = 3) and narrative exposure therapy (n = 1) emerged as psychological interventions delivered by LHW for people with depression, anxiety, trauma and suicidal behavior. Psychological interventions delivered by LHW in Africa were all culturally adapted to meet the competence of LHW. All the interventions were associated with symptom improvement, but the quality of this evidence varied widely with study design. CONCLUSION: Task-shifting psychological interventions delivered by LHW after appropriate cultural adaptation show promise for addressing unmet mental health care needs in Africa. More effectiveness and implementation evidence is needed, especially with regard to psychological interventions delivered by LHW for adolescence, older people and those with severe mental disorders and suicidal behaviors.

The RESPECT study: a feasibility randomised controlled trial of a sexual health promotion intervention for people with serious mental illness in community mental health services in the UK.

BACKGROUND: People with serious mental illness (SMI) have sexual health needs but there is little evidence to inform effective interventions to address them. In fact, there are few studies that have addressed this topic for people with SMI outside USA and Brazil. Therefore, the aim of the study was to establish the acceptability and feasibility of a trial of a sexual health promotion intervention for people with SMI in the UK. METHOD: The RESPECT study was a two-armed randomised controlled, open feasibility trial (RCT) comparing Sexual health promotion intervention (3 individual sessions of 1 h) (I) or treatment as usual (TAU) for adults aged 18 or over, with SMI, within community mental health services in four UK cities. The main outcome of interest was the percentage who consented to participate, and retained in each arm of the trial, retention for the intervention, and completeness of data collection. A nested qualitative study obtained the views of participants regarding the acceptability of the study using individual telephone interviews conducted by lived experience researchers. RESULTS: Of a target sample of 100, a total of 72 people were enrolled in the trial over 12 months. Recruitment in the initial months was low and so an extension was granted. However this extension meant that the later recruited participants would only be followed up to the 3 month point. There was good retention in the intervention and the study as a whole; 77.8% of those allocated to intervention (n = 28) received it. At three months, 81.9% (30 I; 29 TAU) and at 6 months, 76.3% (13 I and 16 TAU) completed the follow-up data collection. No adverse events were reported. There was good completeness of the data. The sexual health outcomes for the intervention group changed in favour of the intervention. Based on analysis of the qualitative interviews, the methods of recruitment, the quality of the participant information, the data collection, and the intervention were deemed to be acceptable to the participants (n = 22). CONCLUSIONS: The target of 100 participants was not achieved within the study's timescale. However, effective strategies were identified that improved recruitment in the final few months. Retention rates and completeness of data in both groups indicate that it is acceptable and feasible to undertake a study promoting sexual health for people with SMI. A fully powered RCT is required to establish effectiveness of the intervention in adoption of safer sex. STUDY REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN15747739 prospectively registered 5th July 2016.

Challenges and opportunities in the science of research to practice: lessons learned from a randomized controlled trial of a sexual risk-reduction intervention for psychiatric patients in a public mental health system

Objective: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention efficacy trials with psychiatric patients have been conducted in research settings in high-resourced countries, establishing short-term efficacy for reducing sexual risk behavior. None has been implemented within systems of care. In the last decade, overcoming this research-to-practice gap has become a focus of implementation science. This paper describes the first and only HIV Prevention intervention trial for psychiatric patients conducted in real-world outpatient psychiatric settings facilitated by trained clinic-based providers. Methods: The HIV Prevention intervention, which uses the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model to achieve sexual risk-reduction, was rigorously adapted to the local context and clinic services' needs. Participants from eight clinics were randomized to HIV Prevention or Health Promotion conditions. Results: HIV Prevention participants showed significant improvement in Information-Motivation-Behavioral domains; in this group, behavioral intentions were associated with significantly fewer unprotected sex occasions, but reduction of unprotected sex occasions was similar in both conditions. Conclusion: Our trial was conducted before implementation studies became widely funded. Transporting an intervention to a new culture or into real-world practice settings may require adaptations. Our results demonstrate that clear guidelines are needed regarding whether to conduct efficacy, effectiveness, and/or implementation research as the most appropriate next step. Clinical trial registration: NCT00881699

The impact of psychiatric symptoms on condom self-efficacy among people with serious mental illness.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how psychiatric symptoms affect the self-efficacy of people with serious mental illness to protect themselves and their partners from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by using condoms. METHOD: As part of a National Institute of Mental Health-Funded study, people with serious mental illness (N = 467) were recruited in public psychiatric outpatient clinics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for an HIV prevention intervention. We examined the effects of psychiatric symptom severity on condom self-efficacy at baseline across 4 symptom clusters: affect, positive, negative, and activation. RESULTS: Greater activation symptom severity (e.g., elated mood) was related to better condom self-efficacy, whereas greater negative symptom severity (e.g., blunted affect, emotional withdrawal) was related to worse condom self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Our findings suggest that people living with serious mental illness who exhibit more severe negative symptoms are less likely to perceive themselves as capable of using condoms, condom negotiation, and/or condom acquisition, whereas those with more severe activation symptoms are more likely to express confidence in their capabilities. Interventions to prevent HIV and other STIs among people living with serious mental illness should take into account the effects of these symptom clusters on condom skills acquisition and perceptions of self-efficacy in carrying out needed protective behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Challenges and opportunities in the science of research to practice: lessons learned from a randomized controlled trial of a sexual risk-reduction intervention for psychiatric patients in a public mental health system.

OBJECTIVE: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention efficacy trials with psychiatric patients have been conducted in research settings in high-resourced countries, establishing short-term efficacy for reducing sexual risk behavior. None has been implemented within systems of care. In the last decade, overcoming this research-to-practice gap has become a focus of implementation science. This paper describes the first and only HIV Prevention intervention trial for psychiatric patients conducted in real-world outpatient psychiatric settings facilitated by trained clinic-based providers. METHODS: The HIV Prevention intervention, which uses the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model to achieve sexual risk-reduction, was rigorously adapted to the local context and clinic services' needs. Participants from eight clinics were randomized to HIV Prevention or Health Promotion conditions. RESULTS: HIV Prevention participants showed significant improvement in Information-Motivation-Behavioral domains; in this group, behavioral intentions were associated with significantly fewer unprotected sex occasions, but reduction of unprotected sex occasions was similar in both conditions. CONCLUSION: Our trial was conducted before implementation studies became widely funded. Transporting an intervention to a new culture or into real-world practice settings may require adaptations. Our results demonstrate that clear guidelines are needed regarding whether to conduct efficacy, effectiveness, and/or implementation research as the most appropriate next step. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00881699.

Ending AIDS as a Public Health Threat: Treatment-as-Usual Risk Reduction Services for Persons With Mental Illness in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Persons with mental illness have higher HIV infection rates than the general population. Little is known about whether care systems for this population are effectively participating in global efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat. This study examined treatment-as-usual HIV risk reduction services within public mental health settings. METHODS: The authors interviewed 641 sexually active adults attending eight public psychiatric clinics in Rio de Janeiro about participation in a sexual risk reduction program, HIV testing, HIV knowledge, and sexual behaviors. RESULTS: Nine percent reported participation in a risk reduction program in the past year, and 75% reported having unprotected sex in the past three months. Program participants had greater HIV knowledge (p=.04) and were more likely to have had HIV testing in the past three months (p=.02), compared with nonparticipants. Participation was not associated with sexual behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Including persons with mental illness in efforts to end AIDS requires a greater commitment to implementing effective interventions in public mental health systems.

Validation of the Mental Illness Sexual Stigma Questionnaire (MISS-Q) in a sample of Brazilian adults in psychiatric care / Validação do Questionário de Estigma Sexual na Doença Mental (MISS-Q) em uma amostra de adultos brasileiros em atendimento psiquiátrico

ABSTRACT Objective We evaluated the psychometric properties of a new instrument "Mental Illness Sexual Stigma Questionnaire" (MISS-Q). Methods We interviewed 641 sexually active adults (ages 18-80) attending public outpatient psychiatric clinics in Rio de Janeiro about their stigma experiences. Results Nine factors were extracted through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and labeled: 'individual discrimination by others'; 'staff willingness to talk about sexuality'; 'staff and family prohibitions'; 'sexual devaluation of self'; 'perceived attractiveness'; 'mental illness concealment'; 'perceived sexual role competence'; 'withdrawal'; and 'locus of social-sexual control'. 'Withdrawal' and 'locus of social-sexual control' showed poor psychometric properties and were excluded from further analysis. The remaining seven factors had high factorial loadings (.39 to .86), varying from sufficient to optimal reliability (Ordinal α ranged from .57 to .88), and good convergent and discriminant validity. Conclusions The resulting MISS-Q is the first instrument assessing mental illness sexual stigma with demonstrated psychometric properties. It may prove useful in reducing stigma, protecting sexual health, and promoting recovery.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliamos as propriedades psicométricas de um novo instrumento "Mental Illness Sexual Stigma Questionnaire" (MISS-Q; Questionário de Estigma Sexual na Doença Mental). Métodos Entrevistamos 641 adultos sexualmente ativos (18 a 80 anos), frequentando clínicas psiquiátricas ambulatoriais públicas no Rio de Janeiro sobre suas experiências de estigma. Resultados Foram extraídos nove fatores por meio da análise exploratória fatorial e rotulados: 'discriminação individual por parte de outros'; 'disposição pessoal para falar sobre sexualidade'; proibições pessoais e familiares; 'desvalorização sexual de si mesmo'; 'percepção de atratividade'; 'dissimulação da doença mental'; 'percepção da competência de papel sexual'; 'retirada'; e 'locus de sociosexual ao controle'. 'Retirada' e 'locus de controle social-sexual' mostraram propriedades psicométricas fracas e foram excluídos da análise posterior. Os sete fatores restantes tinham altas cargas fatoriais (0,39 a 0,86), variando de suficiente até confiabilidade ótima (Ordinal α variou de ,57 a ,88), e boa validade convergente e discriminante. Conclusões O resultante MISS-Q é o primeiro instrumento que avalia o estigma sexual da doença mental com propriedades psicométricas demonstradas. Pode ser útil na redução do estigma, proteção da saúde sexual e promoção à recuperação.

Recent illicit drug use among psychiatric patients in Brazil: a national representative study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate factors associated to illicit drug use among patients with mental illness in Brazil according to gender. METHODS: A cross-sectional representative sample of psychiatric patients (2,475 individuals) was randomly selected from 11 hospitals and 15 public mental health outpatient clinics. Data on self-reported illicit drug use and sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral characteristics were obtained from face-to-face interviews. Logistic regression was used to estimate associations with recent illicit drug use. RESULTS: The prevalence of any recent illicit drug use was 11.4%. Men had higher prevalence than women for all substances (17.5% and 5.6%, respectively). Lower education, history of physical violence, and history of homelessness were associated with drug use among men only; not professing a religion was associated with drug use in women only. For both men and women, younger age, current hospitalization, alcohol and tobacco use, history of incarceration, younger age at sexual debut, and more than one sexual partner were statistically associated with illicit drug use. CONCLUSIONS: Recent illicit drug use among psychiatric patients is higher than among the general Brazilian population and it is associated with multiple factors including markers of psychiatric severity. Our data indicate the need for the development of gender-based drug-use interventions among psychiatric patients in Brazil. Integration of substance use treatment strategies with mental health treatment should be a priority.

Validation of the Mental Illness Sexual Stigma Questionnaire (MISS-Q) in a sample of Brazilian adults in psychiatric care.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the psychometric properties of a new instrument "Mental Illness Sexual Stigma Questionnaire" (MISS-Q). METHODS: We interviewed 641 sexually active adults (ages 18-80) attending public outpatient psychiatric clinics in Rio de Janeiro about their stigma experiences. RESULTS: Nine factors were extracted through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and labeled: 'individual discrimination by others'; 'staff willingness to talk about sexuality'; 'staff and family prohibitions'; 'sexual devaluation of self'; 'perceived attractiveness'; 'mental illness concealment'; 'perceived sexual role competence'; 'withdrawal'; and 'locus of social-sexual control'. 'Withdrawal' and 'locus of social-sexual control' showed poor psychometric properties and were excluded from further analysis. The remaining seven factors had high factorial loadings (.39 to .86), varying from sufficient to optimal reliability (Ordinal α ranged from .57 to .88), and good convergent and discriminant validity. CONCLUSIONS: The resulting MISS-Q is the first instrument assessing mental illness sexual stigma with demonstrated psychometric properties. It may prove useful in reducing stigma, protecting sexual health, and promoting recovery.

OBJETIVO: Avaliamos as propriedades psicométricas de um novo instrumento "Mental Illness Sexual Stigma Questionnaire" (MISS-Q; Questionário de Estigma Sexual na Doença Mental). MÉTODOS: Entrevistamos 641 adultos sexualmente ativos (18 a 80 anos), frequentando clínicas psiquiátricas ambulatoriais públicas no Rio de Janeiro sobre suas experiências de estigma. RESULTADOS: Foram extraídos nove fatores por meio da análise exploratória fatorial e rotulados: 'discriminação individual por parte de outros'; 'disposição pessoal para falar sobre sexualidade'; proibições pessoais e familiares; 'desvalorização sexual de si mesmo'; 'percepção de atratividade'; 'dissimulação da doença mental'; 'percepção da competência de papel sexual'; 'retirada'; e 'locus de sociosexual ao controle'. 'Retirada' e 'locus de controle social-sexual' mostraram propriedades psicométricas fracas e foram excluídos da análise posterior. Os sete fatores restantes tinham altas cargas fatoriais (0,39 a 0,86), variando de suficiente até confiabilidade ótima (Ordinal α variou de ,57 a ,88), e boa validade convergente e discriminante. CONCLUSÕES: O resultante MISS-Q é o primeiro instrumento que avalia o estigma sexual da doença mental com propriedades psicométricas demonstradas. Pode ser útil na redução do estigma, proteção da saúde sexual e promoção à recuperação.

Recent illicit drug use among psychiatric patients in Brazil: a national representative study

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate factors associated to illicit drug use among patients with mental illness in Brazil according to gender. METHODS A cross-sectional representative sample of psychiatric patients (2,475 individuals) was randomly selected from 11 hospitals and 15 public mental health outpatient clinics. Data on self-reported illicit drug use and sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral characteristics were obtained from face-to-face interviews. Logistic regression was used to estimate associations with recent illicit drug use. RESULTS The prevalence of any recent illicit drug use was 11.4%. Men had higher prevalence than women for all substances (17.5% and 5.6%, respectively). Lower education, history of physical violence, and history of homelessness were associated with drug use among men only; not professing a religion was associated with drug use in women only. For both men and women, younger age, current hospitalization, alcohol and tobacco use, history of incarceration, younger age at sexual debut, and more than one sexual partner were statistically associated with illicit drug use. CONCLUSIONS Recent illicit drug use among psychiatric patients is higher than among the general Brazilian population and it is associated with multiple factors including markers of psychiatric severity. Our data indicate the need for the development of gender-based drug-use interventions among psychiatric patients in Brazil. Integration of substance use treatment strategies with mental health treatment should be a priority.

Cigarette smoking among psychiatric patients in Brazil.

The aim of this study was to estimate tobacco smoking prevalence among psychiatric patients attended in care facilities in Brazil and assess associated factors. A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted of psychiatric patients (N = 2,475) selected from 26 care facilities. Current and ex-smokers were compared to those who had never smoked. Odds ratios were estimated using logistic regression. The current and past smoking prevalence rates were 52.7% and 18.9%, respectively. Being male, aged 40 years or over, drug and alcohol use, unprotected sex and a history of physical violence were factors associated with both current and past smoking, while a low education level (≤ 8 years of schooling), history of homelessness, not practicing a religion, current or previous psychiatric hospitalization, and main psychiatric diagnosis substance use disorders, were factors only associated with current smoking. Tobacco smoking prevalence among this population was high and was higher than the rate in the general population. Appropriate interventions and smoking prevention policies should be incorporated into mental health services.

Cigarette smoking among psychiatric patients in Brazil / Tabagismo entre pacientes psiquiátricos no Brasil / Tabaquismo entre los pacientes psiquiátricos en Brasil

The aim of this study was to estimate tobacco smoking prevalence among psychiatric patients attended in care facilities in Brazil and assess associated factors. A cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted of psychiatric patients (N = 2,475) selected from 26 care facilities. Current and ex-smokers were compared to those who had never smoked. Odds ratios were estimated using logistic regression. The current and past smoking prevalence rates were 52.7% and 18.9%, respectively. Being male, aged 40 years or over, drug and alcohol use, unprotected sex and a history of physical violence were factors associated with both current and past smoking, while a low education level (≤ 8 years of schooling), history of homelessness, not practicing a religion, current or previous psychiatric hospitalization, and main psychiatric diagnosis substance use disorders, were factors only associated with current smoking. Tobacco smoking prevalence among this population was high and was higher than the rate in the general population. Appropriate interventions and smoking prevention policies should be incorporated into mental health services.

O objetivo do estudo foi estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados com o tabagismo entre pacientes psiquiátricos no Brasil. Estudo multicêntrico de corte transversal foi conduzido com 2.475 pacientes com transtorno mental, selecionados de 26 serviços. Fumantes e ex-fumantes foram comparados com aqueles que nunca fumaram. Odds ratios foram estimados por meio de regressão logística. As prevalências de fumantes e ex-fumantes foram 52,7% e 18,9%, respectivamente. Sexo masculino, idade 40+ anos, uso de drogas e álcool, prática de sexo desprotegido e histórico de agressão física estiveram associados tanto com fumantes quanto com ex-fumantes. Já a escolaridade ≤ 8 anos, história de ter morado na rua, não ter prática religiosa, internação psiquiátrica atual ou anterior, e transtorno por uso de substâncias como diagnóstico psiquiátrico principal foram associados somente ao tabagismo atual. A prevalência de tabagismo nessa população foi alta e maior do que para a população geral brasileira. Políticas de intervenção e prevenção do tabagismo devem ser adotadas pelos serviços de saúde mental.

El objetivo del estudio fue estimar la prevalencia y los factores asociados con el tabaquismo entre los pacientes psiquiátricos en Brasil. Un estudio transversal multicéntrico fue realizado en 2.475 pacientes con trastorno mental, seleccionados de 26 servicios de salud. Los fumadores y los exfumadores fueron comparados con aquellos que nunca habían fumado. Las odds ratios se calcularon mediante regresión logística. La prevalencia de fumadores y ex fumadores fue un 52,7% y un 18,9%, respectivamente. Hombre, edad 40+ años, uso de las drogas y alcohol, sexo sin protección, e historia de agresión física se asociaron con fumadores y ex fumadores. Escolaridad ≤ 8 años, estar sin hogar, no practicar ninguna religión, hospitalización psiquiátrica actual o anterior, y trastornos por uso de sustancias, así como el diagnóstico psiquiátrico primario, se asociaron únicamente con el tabaquismo actual. La prevalencia de tabaquismo en esta población fue alta y superior a la de la población general de Brasil. Se deben adoptar políticas de intervención y prevención del tabaquismo por parte de los servicios de salud mental.

Correlates of hepatitis B among patients with mental illness in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess correlates of hepatitis B among adults with mental illness under care in Brazil. METHOD: Cross-sectional national multicenter study of 2206 patients with mental illnesses randomly selected from 26 public mental health services. Sociodemographic and behavioral data were obtained from face-to-face interviews and psychiatric diagnoses from medical charts. Serology testing was conducted, and prevalence rate ratios were estimated by log-binomial regression. RESULTS: The weighted prevalence rates of current hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (HBsAg+) and previous HBV exposure (anti-HBc+) were 2.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5%-2.7%] and 17.1% (95% CI: 16.0%-19.0%), respectively. Correlates of HBsAg+ included male gender, younger age (18-29 years), unstable place of residence, intellectual disability, main psychiatric diagnosis of dementia, presence of other medical comorbitidy, use of alcohol/drugs during sex, more than one sexual partner and use of cocaine. Correlates of anti-HBc+ included male gender, older age (≥30 years), black skin color, lower education, unstable place of residence, currently hospitalized, intellectual disability, history of any sexually transmitted disease or syphilis, poor HIV knowledge, history of imprisonment and sexual violence. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis B is an important comorbidity among psychiatric patients in Brazil. Screening for HBV, effective prevention and intervention strategies, including universal HBV immunization, should be routine practices in these mental health services.

Correlates of HIV infection among patients with mental illness in Brazil.

People living with mental illness are at increased risk for HIV. There are scarce data on correlates and prevalence of HIV infection, and none with a nationally representative sample. We report on correlates of HIV infection from a cross-sectional national sample of adults receiving care in 26 publicly funded mental health treatment settings throughout Brazil. Weighted prevalence rate ratios were obtained using multiple log-binomial regression modeling. History of homelessness, ever having an STD, early age of first sexual intercourse before 18 years old, having suffered sexual violence, previous HIV testing, self-perception of high risk of HIV infection and not knowing one's risk were statistically associated with HIV infection. Our study found an elevated HIV seroprevalence and correlates of infection were not found to include psychiatric diagnoses or hospitalizations but instead reflected marginalized living circumstances and HIV testing history. These adverse life circumstances (history of homelessness, having suffered sexual violence, reporting a sexually transmitted disease, and early sexual debut) may not be unique to people living with mental illness but nonetheless the mental health care system can serve as an important point of entry for HIV prevention in this population.

HIV risk behaviors among outpatients with severe mental illness in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

We conducted the first study to examine rates of sexual activity, sexual risk behaviors, sexual protective behaviors, injection drug use (IDU), needle sharing, and knowledge about HIV/AIDS among outpatients with severe mental illness (SMI) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Using a measure with demonstrated reliability, we found that 42% of 98 patients engaged in vaginal or anal sex within the past three months. Comorbid substance use disorder was significantly associated with sexual activity. Only 22% of sexually active patients used condoms consistently, despite having better HIV knowledge than those who were sexually abstinent. Overall, 45% of patients reported not engaging in any HIV protective behaviors. There were no reports of drug injection. Adults with SMI in Brazil are in need of efficacious HIV prevention programs and policies that can sustain these programs within mental health treatment settings.