Chemsex among men who have sex with men during the Mpox health crisis in Brazil: A nationwide web survey.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the factors associated with the practice of chemsex among MSM in Brazil, especially during the Mpox health crisis, and to design effective prevention and intervention strategies specifically for this population. DESIGN: A cross-sectional and analytical study using an electronic survey, conducted from September to December 2022, during the peak of the Mpox outbreak in Brazil. SAMPLE: A total of 1452 MSM aged 18 and older. MEASUREMENTS: Data were collected via the REDCap platform through a survey with 46 questions. These addressed demographic data, sexual affiliations, practices, experiences with Mpox, healthcare service usage, and stigma or fear related to Mpox. RESULTS: The prevalence of chemsex was 19.42% (n = 282). Multivariate Poisson modeling indicated a high incidence of chemsex among those diagnosed with Mpox and those involved in high-risk behaviors. The practice of chemsex was six times higher among those diagnosed with Mpox (95% CI: 4.73-9.10). MSM who engage in bugchasing had a prevalence twice that of the main outcome (95% CI: 1.31-3.16). CONCLUSION: There is a significant need for targeted interventions for MSM in Brazil, especially given the Mpox outbreak. This study highlights the strong relationships between chemsex, experiences with Mpox, and various sexual behaviors, underscoring the importance of effective public health initiatives.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Surveillance of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Brazil: An Ecological Study.

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the notification of new VL cases in Brazil in 2020. It is an ecological and time-series study (2015-2020) with spatial analysis techniques, whose units of analysis were the 5570 Brazilian municipalities. The study population consisted of all new cases of VL recorded between 2015 and 2020. The P-score was calculated to estimate the percentage variation in new VL cases. Global and local univariate Moran's Indices and retrospective space-time scan statistics were used in spatial and space-time analyses, respectively. It was expected that there would be 3627 new cases of VL in Brazil in 2020, but 1932 cases were reported (-46.73%). All Brazilian regions presented a negative percentage variation in the registration of new VL cases, with the Southeast (-54.70%), North (-49.97%), and Northeast (-44.22%) standing out. There was spatial dependence of the disease nationwide in both periods, before and during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a significant reduction in the incidence of new VL cases in Brazil during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings reinforce the need for better preparedness of the health system, especially in situations of new epidemics.

Sexual Practices and Predisposition to PrEP Use Among Men Ages 50 Years and Older Who Have Sex With Men: A Cross-Sectional Study.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the sexual practices of men ages 50 years or older who have sex with men (MSM) and factors influencing their predisposition to use preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Brazil and Portugal with 718 MSM. Of these, 278 (38.7%) were categorized as being at high risk for HIV based on the HIV Incidence Risk Index (HIRI), and 418 (58.2%) expressed a predisposition to use PrEP. Overall, sociodemographic factors and specific sexual practices increased the likelihood of being classified as high risk for HIV, particularly sexual position and sexual activity. However, factors that influenced the predisposition to use PrEP included age group, receptive anal sex, knowledge of postexposure prophylaxis, high HIRI score, and a history of syphilis. These findings underscore the urgent need for health services to provide comprehensive and adequate attention to the realities of this population, considering its complexities and specificities.

Intention to use PrEP among men who have sex with men and engage in chemsex: an international descriptive study.

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a valuable tool in the response to the HIV epidemic, recommended for groups with a higher risk of HIV infection, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly in the context of high-risk sexual behavior such as chemsex. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with the intention to use PrEP among MSM who engage in chemsex in Brazil and Portugal. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of a secondary dataset from a larger study conducted between January 2020 and May 2021 throughout Brazil and Portugal involving 1852 MSM who engage in chemsex. An initial descriptive analysis was performed to calculate the absolute and relative frequencies of independent variables related to the intention to use PrEP among MSM. A multivariate regression model was developed to identify factors independently associated with the intention to use PrEP. Results: Although a high level of PrEP knowledge (85.75%) was observed among MSM who engage in chemsex, the prevalence of intention to use PrEP was only 59.07%. Five variables were associated with a higher prevalence of intention to use PrEP [engaging in double penetration - adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 1.56, 95% CI: 1.44-1.69; being assigned female sex at birth - aPR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.12-1.61; cruising - aPR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.06-1.38; not using condoms - aPR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.05-1.36; and being an immigrant - aPR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.07-1.25], while having knowledge of postexposure prophylaxis (aPR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.84-0.98), having a casual sexual partner (aPR: 0.86 and 0.85; 95% CI: 0.74-0.99 and 0.74-0.98), and engaging in group sex (aPR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.73-0.90) were associated with a lower intention to use PrEP. Conclusion: The intention to use PrEP among MSM who engage in chemsex was high, and several factors were associated with this intention. Understanding the factors associated with the intention to use PrEP among MSM practicing chemsex is crucial for developing targeted interventions to increase PrEP uptake in this population. The results of this study suggest that tailored approaches are necessary to promote PrEP use in this population.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis among Brazilian men who have sex with men: a comparative study between migrants and non-migrants.

Introduction: Investigating the use and adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in MSM is a global health priority in the fight against HIV. Strategies must be capable of increasing usage and reaching not only the population living in the country but also those who immigrate, who face additional vulnerabilities. Based on this, in this observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study, our aim is to analyze the use of PrEP among Brazilian men who have sex with men, whether they are migrants or not. We aim to highlight preventive opportunities and strategies for the global health scenario. Methods: We utilized a sample of Brazilians living in the country and Brazilian immigrants residing in Portugal, one of the main destinations for Brazilians in recent years. To estimate the prevalence ratio (PR) of PrEP use, we employed the Poisson regression model with robust variance estimation using a covariance matrix. Results: A total of 1,117 Brazilian MSM PrEP users participated in this study, with 788 residing in Brazil and 328 in Portugal. Multivariate analysis was conducted in three stages: overall, and for subgroups of residents in Brazil and immigrants in Portugal. We identified four convergent factors that increased the prevalence of PrEP use in Brazilians regardless of migration status: having two or more casual sexual partners per month, engaging in challenging sexual practices as the receptive partner, disclosing serological status on apps, and being single. Among native Brazilians, four unique factors stood out: being in a polyamorous relationship, having sexual relations with unknown casual partners, and having higher levels of education. Discussion: This study highlights the need to implement strategies to strengthen PrEP adherence in Brazil and create international programs that facilitate its usage among populations migrating between these two countries.

Temporal Analysis of Malaria Cases in the Brazilian Yanomami Pediatric Population: A Retrospective Ecologic Study From 2003 to 2022.

This retrospective ecological study investigated malaria incidence among Brazilian Yanomami children and adolescents from 2003 to 2022. Of the 145,573 recorded cases, 75.9% occurred in the Yanomami pediatric population. Moreover, an increase in the proportion of cases among the 10-19 age group has been observed, potentially associated with the recruitment of Indigenous adolescents to mining areas in recent years.

Temporal trend, spatial analysis and spatiotemporal clusters of infant mortality associated with congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazil: Time series from 2000 to 2020.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the spatial, temporal and spatial-temporal patterns of infant mortality associated with congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazil between the years 2000 and 2020. METHODS: Ecological study of time series, with spatial analysis and spatiotemporal scan of infant mortality associated with congenital toxoplasmosis from the records of deaths of the Mortality Information System of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The rates were smoothed by the Local Empirical Bayesian model. The Global Moran Index, Global Geary's Contiguity and Getis-Ord General statistics were calculated for spatial autocorrelation assessment. The trends were evaluated by the Joinpoint method. RESULTS: We identified 1183 infant deaths associated with congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazil between 2000 and 2020. The predominant characteristics were male sex (52.1%), post-neonatal age group (51.9%), white race/colour (45.7%), and Southeast region of residence (40.0%). The infant mortality rate associated with congenital toxoplasmosis showed an increasing trend in the country in the years analysed. The spatial analysis showed heterogeneous distribution of mortality in the Brazilian territory and found no evidence of spatial autocorrelation; but spatial-temporal analysis identified three risk clusters involving 703 municipalities. CONCLUSION: Infant mortality associated with congenital toxoplasmosis is a persistent public health problem in Brazil. The risk factors male sex, indigenous race/colour, early neonatal age, North and Northeast regions and risk clusters mapped in this study should be observed for future analysis and planning of health care policies in the control of infant deaths associated with congenital toxoplasmosis. Health surveillance strategies and public health policies need to be strengthened.

Adherence to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in Portuguese-Speaking Countries.

Strengthening strategies to improve adherence to the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in key populations constitutes a global health priority to be achieved across countries, especially in countries that share a high flow of people such as Brazil and Portugal. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with adherence to PrEP among MSM from two Portuguese-speaking countries, highlighting the opportunities and preventive strategies for the global health scenario. This was a cross-sectional analytical online survey conducted from January 2020 to May 2021 with MSM in Brazil and Portugal. For analysis of the data, the Poisson regression model was used to estimate the prevalence ratio (PR) for developing a model to evaluate the associated factors in both countries in a comparative and isolated way. Adherence to PrEP use corresponded to 19.5% (n = 1682) of the overall sample: 18.3% (n = 970) for Brazil and 21.5% (n = 712) for Portugal. Having more than two sex partners in the last 30 days (aPR: 30.87) and routinely undergoing HIV tests (aPR: 26.21) increased the use of this medication. Being an immigrant (PR: 1.36) and knowing the partner's serological status (PR: 1.28) increased adherence to PrEP in Portugal, whereas, in Brazil, it was being an immigrant (PR: 0.83) and not knowing the serological status (PR: 2.24) that promoted the use of this medication. Our findings reinforce the need to invest in programs and strategies to improve access and adherence to PrEP, especially in key populations.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards the Prevention of Schistosomiasis Mansoni in an Endemic Area of Alagoas, Northeast Brazil.

We analyzed the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of schistosomiasis mansoni prevention in an endemic area of Brazil. This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2021, with 412 participants living in the municipality of Feira Grande, Alagoas, Brazil. Data collection occurred through visits to the Health Center Urbano II and Massapê, through an interview with a structured questionnaire to identify the levels of KAP regarding schistosomiasis prevention. Of all respondents, 70.87% lived in rural areas, 22.66% reported a history of past schistosomiasis and 52.71% never participated in schistosomiasis control program actions. Factors associated with better KAP scores were being part of an older age group, not using rainwater and having no history of past schistosomiasis. Specifically, among the domains, attitude was the highest score and knowledge was the lowest. Participation in a health intervention program, knowing someone who had schistosomiasis and having been informed through a public health program seemed to have an important impact on the population's KAP. Our results contributed to broadening perceptions about schistosomiasis prevention, highlighting the positive impacts that health programs and interventions have on disease control.

Determinants of sexual exposure to HIV in Portuguese and Brazilian adolescents: a path analysis. / Fatores determinantes da exposição sexual ao HIV em adolescentes luso-brasileiros: uma análise de caminhos.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the direct and indirect effects of determinants of sexual exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus among male adolescents who have sex with men and the implications for nursing care. METHOD: cross-sectional study carried out with 578 Portuguese and Brazilian adolescents aged 18 and 19. Interrelationships of conjugal status, use of dating apps, practice of chemsex, unawareness, partner credibility, challenging sexual practices and ineffective forms of protection against sexual exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus were evaluated using the Path Analysis technique. RESULTS: significant direct effect on sexual exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus: conjugal status (ß=-0.16), use of apps (ß=-0.30), challenging sexual practices (ß=0.48) and ineffective forms of protection (ß=0.35). Indirect paths: partner credibility influenced ineffective forms of protection (ß=0.77); having a steady/polyamorous relationship influenced the use of dating apps (ß=-0.46); chemsex, mediated by challenging sexual practices (ß=0.67), determined greater sexual exposure. CONCLUSION: adolescent sexual behaviors and forms of amorous/sexual relationship must be considered in nursing care planning to reduce sexual exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus.(1) Adolescents present high prevalence (81.0%) of sexual exposure to HIV. (2) Specificities of sexual practices are determinant factors of sexual exposure. (3) The higher the credibility given to a partner, the higher the sexual exposure to HIV. (4) Challenging sexual practices (such as fisting) determine sexual exposure. (5) Nursing care must focus on lowering exposure to HIV.

Influence of Sociodemographic and Emotional Factors on the Relationship between Self-Compassion and Perceived Stress among Men Residing in Brazil during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The analysis of sociodemographic and emotional factors is essential to understanding how men perceive stress and practice self-compassion. In health crises, this problem becomes an emergency for public health. This study aimed to analyze the influence of sociodemographic and emotional factors on the relationship between self-compassion and the perceived stress of men residing in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a nationwide cross-sectional study carried out between June and December 2020 with 1006 men who completed a semi-structured electronic questionnaire. Data were collected using the snowball technique. Perceived stress was measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), and self-compassion was assessed using the Self-Compassion Scale. Most men had low self-compassion (51.5%; n = 516) and a moderate level of perceived stress (60.9%; n = 613), while 15.9% (n = 170) had a high level of stress. The prevalence of men in the combined situation of low self-compassion and high perceived stress was 39.4% (n = 334). Living with friends had a higher prevalence of low self-compassion and high perceived stress. The prevalence of common mental disorders was high (54.3%). Men with low levels of self-compassion reported higher levels of perceived stress; however, this association was moderated by emotional and sociodemographic variables. These findings highlight the importance of considering individual and contextual factors in public policies promoting men's mental health.

Fatores determinantes da exposição sexual ao HIV em adolescentes luso-brasileiros: uma análise de caminhos* / Determinants of sexual exposure to HIV in Portuguese and Brazilian adolescents: a path analysis / Factores determinantes de la exposición sexual al VIH en adolescentes luso-brasileños: un análisis de rutas

Resumo Objetivo: analisar os efeitos diretos e indiretos de fatores determinantes da exposição sexual ao vírus da imunodeficiência humana entre adolescentes homens que fazem sexo com homens e as implicações para o cuidado em enfermagem. Método: estudo transversal, realizado com 578 adolescentes de 18 a 19 anos luso-brasileiros. Avaliaram-se inter-relações de situação conjugal, uso de aplicativos de relacionamento, prática de chemsex, desinformação, credibilidade do parceiro, práticas sexuais desafiadoras e medidas protetivas pouco eficazes sobre a exposição sexual ao vírus da imunodeficiência humana, com a técnica de Análise de Caminhos. Resultados: apresentou efeito direto significante para exposição sexual ao vírus da imunodeficiência humana: situação conjugal (β=-0,16), uso de aplicativos (β=-0,30), práticas sexuais desafiadoras (β=0,48) e medidas protetivas pouco eficazes (β=0,35). Nos caminhos indiretos: credibilidade do parceiro influenciou medidas protetivas pouco eficazes (β=0,77); ter relacionamento fixo/poliamoroso influenciou o uso de aplicativos de relacionamento (β=-0,46); chemsex, mediado por práticas sexuais desafiadoras (β=0,67), determinou maior exposição sexual. Conclusão: comportamentos sexuais dos adolescentes e configurações do relacionamento amoroso/sexual precisam ser considerados no planejamento da assistência em enfermagem para diminuir a exposição sexual ao vírus da imunodeficiência humana.

Abstract Objective: to analyze the direct and indirect effects of determinants of sexual exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus among male adolescents who have sex with men and the implications for nursing care. Method: cross-sectional study carried out with 578 Portuguese and Brazilian adolescents aged 18 and 19. Interrelationships of conjugal status, use of dating apps, practice of chemsex, unawareness, partner credibility, challenging sexual practices and ineffective forms of protection against sexual exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus were evaluated using the Path Analysis technique. Results: significant direct effect on sexual exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus: conjugal status (β=-0.16), use of apps (β=-0.30), challenging sexual practices (β=0.48) and ineffective forms of protection (β=0.35). Indirect paths: partner credibility influenced ineffective forms of protection (β=0.77); having a steady/polyamorous relationship influenced the use of dating apps (β=-0.46); chemsex, mediated by challenging sexual practices (β=0.67), determined greater sexual exposure. Conclusion: adolescent sexual behaviors and forms of amorous/sexual relationship must be considered in nursing care planning to reduce sexual exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus.

Resumen Objetivo: analizar los efectos directos e indirectos de los factores determinantes de la exposición sexual al virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana entre adolescentes hombres que tienen relaciones sexuales con hombres y las implicaciones para el cuidado en enfermería. Método: estudio transversal, realizado con 578 adolescentes luso-brasileños de 18 a 19 años. Se evaluaron las interrelaciones del estado civil, uso de aplicaciones de relación, práctica de chemsex, desinformación, credibilidad de la pareja, prácticas sexuales desafiantes y medidas de protección ineficaces sobre la exposición sexual al virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana, a través de la técnica del Análisis de Rutas. Resultados: presentó un efecto directo significativo para la exposición sexual al virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana: estado civil (β=-0,16), uso de aplicaciones (β=-0,30), prácticas sexuales desafiantes (β=0,48) y medidas de protección ineficaces (β=0,35). En las rutas indirectas: la credibilidad de la pareja influyó en medidas de protección ineficaces (β=0,77); tener una relación fija/poliamorosa influyó en el uso de aplicaciones de relación (β=-0,46); el chemsex, mediado por prácticas sexuales desafiantes (β=0,67), determinó una mayor exposición sexual. Conclusión: se deben tener en cuenta las conductas sexuales de adolescentes y las configuraciones de una relación amorosa/sexual en la planificación de la asistencia de enfermería para reducir la exposición sexual al virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana.

Tendência Temporal e Distribuição Espacial da Mortalidade por Câncer de Boca em Sergipe / Temporal Trend and Spatial Distribution of Oral Cancer Mortality in Sergipee / Tendencia Temporal y Distribución Espacial de la Mortalidad por Cáncer de Boca en Sergip

Introdução: Anualmente, no Brasil, 15 mil pessoas são diagnosticadas com câncer de boca, e quase metade delas morre. Sergipe está entre os sete Estados brasileiros com maiores índices. Objetivo: Analisar a tendência temporal e a distribuição espacial da mortalidade por câncer de boca em Sergipe entre 2007 e 2016. Método: Estudo ecológico de série temporal de base populacional, utilizando técnicas de análise espacial. Os dados de mortalidade foram obtidos no Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM). A análise das tendências temporais foi realizada no modelo de regressão de Joinpoint por meio da regressão de Poisson. Foram realizadas análises espaciais utilizando o estimador de intensidade Kernel e os índices de Moran Global e Local. Resultados: Foram analisadas 543 mortes por câncer de boca. Os casos mais frequentes ocorreram em homens (74%), com idade média de 64 anos e baixa escolaridade. As taxas de mortalidade global (variação percentual anual ‒ APC=2,5; IC 95% 0,9-6,7) e masculina (APC=2,96; IC 95% 1,2-5,6) aumentaram. Houve também uma tendência crescente de mortalidade por câncer na língua (APC=10,05; IC 95% 3,8-16,7). A mortalidade relacionada a outras localizações anatômicas foi estável. Houve concentração de óbitos nas Regiões Metropolitana, Centro-Sul e Centro-Agreste. Conclusão: Durante o período analisado, a taxa de mortalidade geral mostrou uma tendência crescente, com concentração nas Regiões Centro-Sul, Central e Metropolitana, sendo necessário manter medidas de prevenção e controle contra o câncer de boca em todo o Estado de Sergipe

Introduction: Annually, in Brazil, 15 thousand individuals are diagnosed with oral cancer and almost half of them die. Sergipe is among the seven Brazilian states with the highest rates. Objective: To analyze the temporal trend and the spatial distribution of oral cancer mortality in Sergipe between 2007 and 2016. Method: Population-based time series ecological study, using techniques of spatial analysis. Mortality data were obtained from the Mortality Information System (SIM). The analysis of temporal trends was performed with the Joinpoint regression model using Poisson regression. Spatial analyzes were carried out using the Kernel intensity estimator and the Moran Global and Local indexes. Results: 543 oral cancer deaths were analyzed. The most frequent cases were in men (74%), with an average age of 64 years and low education. The overall and male's mortality rates (annual percent change ‒ APC=2.5; 95% CI 0.9-6.7 and APC=2.96; 95% CI 1.2- 5.6), respectively, increased. There was also an increasing trend of mortality by tongue cancer (APC=10.05; 95% CI 3.8-16.7). Mortality related to other anatomical locations was stable. There was a concentration of deaths in the Metropolitan, Midsouth and Mid-rural regions. Conclusion: During the period investigated, the general mortality rate showed an increasing trend, with concentration in the Midsouth, Mid and Metropolitan regions, and it is necessary to maintain preventive and control measures against oral cancer throughout the State of Sergipe

Introducción: Cada año en Brasil, 15.000 personas son diagnosticadas con cáncer de boca y casi la mitad de ellas mueren. Sergipe es uno de los siete Estados brasileños con las tasas más altas. Objetivo: Analizar la tendencia temporal y la distribución espacial de la mortalidad por cáncer de boca en Sergipe entre 2007 y 2016. Método: Estudio ecológico de series temporales basadas en la población, utilizando técnicas de análisis espacial. Los datos de mortalidad se obtuvieron del Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad (SIM). Poisson realizó el análisis de las tendencias de tiempo en el modelo de regresión de Punto de unión. Fueron realizadas análisis espaciales utilizando el estimador de intensidad del Kernel y los índices Moran Global y Local. Resultados: Se analizaron un total de 543 muertes por cáncer de boca. Los casos más frecuentes se dieron en hombres (74%), con una edad media de 64 años y baja escolaridad. Aumentaron las tasas de mortalidad global (porcentual cambio anual ‒ PCA=2,5; IC 0,9-6,7) y masculinas (PCA=2,96; IC 95% 1,2-5,6). También hubo una tendencia creciente de mortalidad por cáncer en la lengua (PCA=10,05; IC 95% 3,8-16,7). La mortalidad relacionada con otros lugares anatómicos fue estable. Hubo una concentración de muertes en las regiones Metropolitana, Central-Sur y Centro-Agreste. Conclusión: Durante el período analizado, la tasa general de mortalidad mostró una tendencia creciente, con concentración en las Regiones Centro-Sur, Centro y Metropolitano, y es necesario mantener medidas de prevención y control contra el cáncer de boca en todo el Estado de Sergipe

Construction and validation of an instrument for assessing the functionality of individuals with schistosomiasis / Construcción y validación de instrumento de evaluación del funcionamiento de individuos con esquistosomiasis / Construção e validação de instrumento de avaliação da funcionalidade de indivíduos com esquistossomose

ABSTRACT Objectives: to construct and validate an instrument for assessing the functionality of individuals with schistosomiasis. Methods: methodological study, developed in three stages: 1) construction of the instrument and its association with categories of the International Classification of Functionality, which the study used to elaborate the questions; 2) validation of content, performed by judges experts in the subject; 3) application of the instrument by the test-retest technique in the population with schistosomiasis in 14 days. The study used the correlation coefficient kappa to calculate the degree of agreement between the judges kappa. Results: in its final version, the instrument consists of 27 items, 9 of which are from the Body functions component, 6 from Body structures, 4 from Activity and participation, and 8 from Environmental factors. Conclusions: the constructed instrument has a biopsychosocial approach, considering four components of the ICF, besides presenting good validity and interobserver reliability.

RESUMEN Objetivos: construir y validar instrumento de evaluación del funcionamiento de individuos con esquistosomiasis. Métodos: estudio metodológico, desarrollado en tres etapas: 1) Construcción del instrumento y su asociación con categorías de la Clasificación Internacional del Funcionamiento, que fueron usadas para elaborar las preguntas; 2) Validez de contenido, realizada por jueces especialistas en la temática; 3) Aplicación del instrumento por la técnica de test-retest en la población con esquistosomiasis en el intervalo de 14 días. Para cálculo del grado de concordancia entre los jueces, se utilizó el coeficiente de correlación kappa. Resultados: en su versión final, el instrumento se constituyó por 27 ítems, siendo 9 del componente de Funciones del cuerpo, 6 de Estructuras del cuerpo, 4 de Actividad y participación y 8 de Factores ambientales. Fue considerado válido y confiable. Conclusiones: el instrumento construido tiene abordaje biopsicosocial, considerando cuatro componentes de la CIF, además de presentar buena validez y confiabilidad interobservador.

RESUMO Objetivos: construir e validar um instrumento de avaliação da funcionalidade de indivíduos com esquistossomose. Métodos: estudo metodológico, desenvolvido em três etapas: 1) Construção do instrumento e associação deste com categorias da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, que foram usadas para elaborar as perguntas; 2) Validação de conteúdo, realizada por juízes especialistas na temática; 3) Aplicação do instrumento pela técnica de teste-reteste na população com esquistossomose no intervalo de 14 dias. Para o cálculo do grau de concordância entre os juízes, utilizou-se o coeficiente de correlação kappa. Resultados: em sua versão final, o instrumento constitui-se por 27 itens, sendo 9 do componente de Funções do corpo, 6 de Estruturas do corpo, 4 de Atividade e participação e 8 de Fatores ambientais. Foi considerado válido e confiável. Conclusões: o instrumento construído tem abordagem biopsicossocial, considerando quatro componentes da CIF, além de apresentar boa validade e confiabilidade interobservador.

Construction and validation of an instrument for assessing the functionality of individuals with schistosomiasis.

OBJECTIVES: to construct and validate an instrument for assessing the functionality of individuals with schistosomiasis. METHODS: methodological study, developed in three stages: 1) construction of the instrument and its association with categories of the International Classification of Functionality, which the study used to elaborate the questions; 2) validation of content, performed by judges experts in the subject; 3) application of the instrument by the test-retest technique in the population with schistosomiasis in 14 days. The study used the correlation coefficient kappa to calculate the degree of agreement between the judges kappa. RESULTS: in its final version, the instrument consists of 27 items, 9 of which are from the Body functions component, 6 from Body structures, 4 from Activity and participation, and 8 from Environmental factors. CONCLUSIONS: the constructed instrument has a biopsychosocial approach, considering four components of the ICF, besides presenting good validity and interobserver reliability.

Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Portuguese-Speaking Countries: A Structural Equations Modeling Approach.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (VH) has caused concerns due to the possible fluctuations that may occur directly impacting the control of the pandemic. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with COVID-19 VH in Portuguese-speaking countries. We developed a web survey (N:6,843) using an online, structured, and validated questionnaire. We used Measurement Models, Exploratory Factor Analysis, Exploratory Structural Equation Models, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis for the data analysis. The overall prevalence of COVID-19 VH in Portuguese-speaking countries was 21.1%. showed a statistically significant direct effect for VH: vaccine-related conspiracy beliefs (VB) (ß = 0.886), perceived stress (PS) (ß = 0.313), COVID-19 Misinformation (MIS) (ß = 0.259) and individual responses to COVID-19 (CIR) (ß = -0.122). The effect of MIS and CIR for VH was greater among men and of PS and VB among women; the effect of PS was greater among the youngest and of VB and CIR among the oldest. No discrepant differences were identified in the analyzed education strata. In conclusion, we found that conspiracy beliefs related to the vaccine strongly influence the decision to hesitate (not to take or to delay the vaccine). Specific characteristics related to gender, age group, social and cognitive vulnerabilities, added to the knowledge acquired, poorly substantiated and/or misrepresented about the COVID-19 vaccine, need to be considered in the planning of vaccination campaigns. It is necessary to respond in a timely, fast, and accurate manner to the challenges posed by vaccine hesitancy.