Progress towards the elimination of hepatitis B in children in Colombia: A novel two-phase study approach.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established a target to eliminate mother-to-child-transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV), defined as a prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) of ≤0.1% among children, by 2030. Using nationally representative serosurveys to verify achievement of this target requires large sample sizes and significant resources. We assessed the feasibility of a potentially more efficient two-phase method to verify EMTCT of HBV in Colombia. In the first phase, we conducted a risk assessment to identify municipalities at the highest risk of ongoing HBV transmission. We ranked the 1122 municipalities of Colombia based on the reports of HBV infection in pregnant women per 1000 population. Municipalities with ≥0.3 reports per 1000 persons (equating to the top quartile) were further assessed based on health facility birth rates, coverage with three doses of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB3) and seroprevalence data. Hepatitis B risk was considered to be further increased for municipalities with HepB3 coverage or health facility birth rate <90%. In the second phase, we conducted a multistage household serosurvey of children aged 5-10 years in 36 municipalities with the highest assessed HBV risk. HBsAg was not detected in any of 3203 children tested, yielding a 90% upper confidence bound of <0.1% prevalence. Coverage with HepB3 and hepatitis B birth dose was high at 97.5% and 95.6%, respectively. These results support the conclusion that Colombia has likely achieved EMTCT of HBV.

Venezuelan migrants and access to contraception in Colombia: A mixed research approach towards understanding patterns of inequality.

BACKGROUND: Migration should not put at risk the achievements of SDG 3: Universal Access to Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, particularly access to contraceptive methods for Venezuelan migrants in receiving countries such as Colombia. Each year, more than 2 million men and women have access to modern contraceptive methods in Colombia. However, amid the pandemic, disruptions in supply chains, the interruption of essential services for sexual and reproductive health, and social inequalities may jeopardize these gains in contraception among Venezuelan migrants and refugees. The measurement of inequalities focuses on identifying the epicenter of inequity that is particularly relevant within the humanitarian response under strain. The objective of this article is to identify inequalities in access to contraception services among the migrant and refugee populations in six cities that concentrate 70% of the Venezuelan migration into Colombia and to discuss the challenges they represent for future emergencies. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We used a cross-sectional, descriptive study that included a mixed research approach (quantitative and qualitative analyses) based on three activities: i) analysis of contraceptive care records for the period 2018-2019; ii) measurement of inequalities in access to contraceptive services, and iii) design and implementation of twelve focus groups among Venezuelan migrants and refugees for discussion. RESULTS: Despite the evidence of a 70% increase in the use of contraceptive services among Venezuelan migrants between 2018 and 2019, there are absolute and relative inequalities in access to contraceptive methods both in the migrant and refugee populations versus the host population. The inequalities are mainly explained by the demographic dependency rate and the lack of job opportunities. CONCLUSIONS: The provision of essential sexual and reproductive health services to migrant and host populations must be regular, continuous, and shielded so that under no circumstances is it interrupted neither for infectious disease outbreaks to climate change emergencies in the future.

Percepciones de niñas, niños y adolescentes sobre violencias en los entornos familiar y escolar en ocho municipios de Colombia / Children and adolescents' perception of violence in family and school settings from eight municipalities in Colombia / Percepções de crianças e adolescentes sobre violência nos ambientes familiar e escolar em oito municípios na Colômbia

Resumen Objetivo: Esta investigación explora las percepciones, actitudes y prácticas de niñas, niños y adolescentes sobre violencias en los entornos familiar y escolar. Metodología: Durante 2018, se aplicó una encuesta sobre sexualidad, convivencia familiar y entorno escolar a 16 558 niñas, niños y adolescentes escolarizados de entre 9 y 19 años de edad, habitantes de ocho municipios de Colombia, de las zonas Caribe y Pacífico. Resultados: Se encontraron porcentajes altos de violencia en el hogar y de actitudes violentas en el entorno escolar, además de bajos índices de educación sobre temas relacionados con la violencia de género. La violencia física fue ejercida en mayor frecuencia en los niños y adolescentes varones, entre los 15 y 19 años, y en los municipios de Bahía Solano y El Carmen de Atrato. En contraste, la violencia sexual fue principalmente ejercida a las niñas, entre los 9 y 11 años, y en los municipios de Uribía y Pivijay. Conclusiones: las normas de género y las expectativas sociales atribuidas a las personas en función de su sexo exponen a niñas, niños y adolescentes a violencias diferenciadas; a ello se suman la edad y el lugar en el que se habita.

Abstract Objective: The study explores children and adolescents'perceptions, attitudes and behaviors regarding violence in family and school settings. Methodology: A survey about sexuality, family life and the school setting was conducted in 2018 to 16,558 children and adolescents aged between 9 and 19 years, who were attending school and were residents of eight municipalities of the Caribbean and Pacific regions of Colombia. Results: High percentages of family violence and violent behavior in the school setting were found along with a low degree of knowledge about subjects related to gender-based violence. Young boys and male adolescents aged between 15 and 19 years from Bahía Solano and El Carmen de Atrato municipalities were exposed most frequently to physical violence while girls aged between 9 and 11 years from Uribía and Pivijay were exposed mostly to sexual violence. Conclusions: Gender norms and social expectations expose children and adolescents to different types of violence. Other contributing factors are age and place of residence.

Resumo Objetivo: Explorar percepções, atitudes e práticas de algumas crianças e adolescentes sobre a violência nos ambientes familiar e escolar. Metodologia: Em 2018, foi aplicada uma pesquisa sobre sexualidade, vida familiar e ambiente escolar em 16.558 meninas, meninos e adolescentes entre 9 e 19 anos, habitantes de oito municípios da Colômbia. Resultados: Foram encontrados altos percentuais de violência doméstica e atitudes violentas no ambiente escolar, além de baixos níveis de educação em questões relacionadas à violência de gênero. A violência física foi maior em meninos e adolescentes, entre 15 e 19 anos, e nos municípios de Bahía Solano e El Carmen de Atrato. Por outro lado, a violência sexual foi maior em meninas, entre 9 e 11 anos, e nos municípios de Uribía e Pivijay. Conclusões: as normas de gênero e as expectativas sociais atribuídas às pessoas com base no sexo, expõem meninas e meninos e adolescentes à violência diferenciada, agregando idade e local onde moram.

Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de niñas y niños sobre educación sexual integral en ocho municipios de Colombia / Knowledge, attitudes and practices of girls and boys on comprehensive sexual education in eight municipalities of Colombia

Resumen Introducción: La educación integral para la sexualidad permite dotar a niñas/os y adolescentes de conocimientos basados en datos empíricos, habilidades, actitudes y valores que fortalecen sus procesos de empoderamiento para disfrutar del derecho a la salud, el bienestar y la dignidad humana; además, les permite comprender cómo proteger y velar por la garantía de sus derechos a lo largo de su vida. Objetivo: Describir los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas en educación sexual integral de 6 645 niñas y niños escolarizados en ocho municipios priorizados de Colombia. Metodología: Ocho municipios fueron seleccionados según indicadores socio-demográficos, embarazo adolescente y violencia de género. Los criterios de inclusión fueron definidos: niñas/os escolarizados de entre nueve y 11 años de edad y con residencia habitual en el municipio. Una encuesta de Conocimientos, Actitudes y Prácticas fue diseñada, validada y aplicada para recolectar datos de 5 600 hogares, 50 instituciones educativas y 6 645 niñas/ os. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de la muestra, profundizando en los datos obtenidos del cuestionario aplicado a niñas/os. Resultados: Se encontraron altos porcentajes de desacuerdo de violencia directa contra la mujer y validación de formas sutiles de violencia en las niñas/os. Los niños reciben más castigos físicos que las niñas. El término sexualidad es desconocido por la mayoría de niñas y niños, quienes creen conocerlo lo dialogan principalmente con su mamá y más del 20 % no lo hablan con nadie. Las niñas y niños participantes están iniciando relaciones sexuales a edades tempranas sin previa educación en sexualidad. Conclusiones: Las niñas y niños interiorizan y reafirman roles tradicionales de género y tienen percepciones erradas sobre la sexualidad, por lo cual, es necesario profundizar en el significado de sexualidad y sobre la violencia basada en género. Esto con el fin de desarrollar capacidades en la toma de decisiones, que influyan positivamente en sus proyectos de vida.

Abstract Introduction: Comprehensive sexuality education enables children and adolescents to be provided with knowledge based on empirical data, skills, attitudes, and values that strengthen their empowerment processes to enjoy their right to health, well-being, and human dignity. Additionally, it allows them to understand how to protect and guarantee their rights throughout their lives. Objective: To describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices in comprehensive sexuality education of 6,645 school age children enrolled in eight prioritized municipalities in Colombia. Methods: Eight municipalities were selected according to its sociodemographic characteristics, and indicators of teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence. The inclusion criteria were: children going to school between nine and eleven years old and habitually residing in the municipality. A Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices survey was designed, validated and applied to 5,600 families, 50 schools and 6,645 children. A descriptive analysis of the sample obtained was carried out, delving into the data obtained from the children's survey. Results: High percentages of disagreement regarding direct violence against women were found in children's responses, as well as validation of subtle forms of violence. Boys received more physical punishment than girls. The term sexuality is unknown by the majority of surveyed boys and girls, those who believe to understand it have discussed it mainly with their mothers and more than 20% have not spoken about it with anyone. The participating boys and girls are initiating sexual relations at an early age without prior sexuality education. Conclusions: Girls and boys internalize and reaffirm traditional gender roles and have wrong perceptions about sexuality. That is why, to develop with them decision-making skills that will have positively influence in their life projects it is necessary to deepen the meaning of sexuality and gender-based violence.

How to adapt sexual and reproductive health services to the needs and circumstances of trans people- a qualitative study in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: People living a trans-life require access to equitable healthcare services, policies and research that address their needs. However, trans people have experienced different forms of violence, discrimination, stigma, and unfair access barriers when dealing with healthcare providers. Therefore, adapting sexual and reproductive health services with the purpose of providing more equitable, inclusive and discrimination-free healthcare services is an urgent need. The article presents an example of how operative research can be used in order to adjust sexual and reproductive healthcare services to trans people's needs, identities and circumstances. METHODS: This is a qualitative study written from a constructivist perspective, and it is based on the voices and experiences of trans people in four major cities in Colombia. The research used a combination of focus groups of discussion (n = 6) and in-depth interviews with trans people (n = 13) in Barranquilla, Bogota, Cali and Medellin. This research had two specific objectives: i) identifying the main sexual and reproductive health needs of people living a trans-life; and ii) generating new evidence in order to guide the adaptation of sexual and reproductive health services centered to trans people's needs, identities, and circumstances. Qualitative data codification and analysis was using NVivo. RESULTS: Once access barriers to sexual and reproductive health services, unmet sexual and reproductive health needs were identified, the research helped define strategies to adapt sexual and reproductive health services to the needs, identities, and circumstances of people living a trans-life in Colombia. Amongst the main barriers found were healthcare costs, lack of insurance, stigmatization, discrimination and abuse by health care providers. Perhaps among the most notable sexual and reproductive health needs presented were trans-specific services such as sensitive assistance for the transition process, endocrinology appointments, and sex reaffirmation surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence obtained from this research allowed Profamilia, a Colombian healthcare provider, to adapt the sexual and reproductive health services it provides to people living a trans-life in Colombia. Furthermore, it was possible for Profamilia to design and implement an inclusive sexual and reproductive health program that specifically addresses trans people's needs, identities, and circumstances.

Uso de servicios de salud y enfermedades transmisibles de la población migrante y refugiada venezolana / Use of health services and communicable diseases of the Venezuelan migrant and refugee population

Resumen Introducción: Colombia es el principal país receptor de población migrante venezolana. Esto ha implicado identificar las necesidades en salud de esta población, como la atención y tratamiento de enfermedades infecciosas. Objetivo: Analizar el uso de servicios de salud relacionados con VIH/SIDA, malaria y hepatitis virales en migrantes y refugiados venezolanos en Colombia durante 2018 y 2019. Metodología: Estudio de investigación mixto. Se desarrollaron 12 grupos focales con mujeres y hombres venezolanos y se realizó un análisis del uso de servicios de salud por diagnósticos de VIH/SIDA, malaria y hepatitis virales, durante 2018 y 2019, en seis ciudades con un alto flujo de migración: Barranquilla, Bogotá, Cartagena, Cúcuta, Santa Marta y Riohacha. Resultados: El uso de servicios de salud por enfermedades infecciosas en migrantes venezolanos aumentó de 2018 (n=1,519) a 2019 (n=3,988). Los hombres fueron los que más usaron los servicios de salud por estas enfermedades. Aun así, la situación irregular migratoria, deficiencias en la atención primaria y acceso limitado a protección y detección temprana de enfermedades transmisibles, constituyen las principales barreras para migrantes y refugiados respecto a la atención en salud. Conclusiones: La migración expone a las personas al riesgo de contraer enfermedades infecciosas, así como a desigualdades y exclusión social en el acceso a servicios de salud para el control y tratamiento de estas enfermedades. Por ello, en contextos de migración se debe fortalecer la equidad en los servicios de salud con el fin de asegurar el acceso de las personas a la atención primaria, insumos, pruebas diagnósticas y tratamiento de enfermedades infecciosas.

Abstract Introduction: Colombia is the main receiving country of the Venezuelan migrant population. This has involved identifying the health needs of this population, such as the care and treatment of infectious diseases. Objective: To analyze the use of health services related to HIV/AIDS, malaria and viral hepatitis in Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Colombia during 2018 and 2019. Methodology: Mixed research study. Twelve focus groups were held with Venezuelan women and men and an analysis was made of the use of health services for HIV/AIDS, malaria, and viral hepatitis diagnoses during 2018 and 2019 in six cities with a high migration flow: Barranquilla, Bogotá, Cartagena, Cúcuta, Santa Marta, and Riohacha. Results: The use of health services for infectious diseases among Venezuelan migrants increased from 2018 (n=1.519) to 2019 (n=3.988). Men were the greatest users of health services for these diseases. Even so, irregular migration status, deficiencies in primary care, and limited access to protection and early detection of communicable diseases are the main barriers to health care for migrants and refugees. Conclusions: Migration exposes people to the risk of infectious diseases, as well as to inequalities and social exclusion in access to health services for the control and treatment of these diseases. Therefore, in migration contexts, equity in health services should be strengthened by ensuring people's access to primary care, inputs, diagnostic tests and treatment of infectious diseases.

[Social inequalities related to antimicrobial resistance in N. gonorrhoeae in ColombiaDesigualdades sociais relacionadas à resistência antimicrobiana de N. gonorrhoeae na Colômbia]. / Desigualdades sociales relacionadas con la resistencia a antimicrobianos de N. gonorrhoeae en Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: Measure social inequalities in antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Colombia. METHODS: Ecological study using a multi-panel of data, disaggregated at the subnational level, and using isolations of N. gonorrhoeae as a proxy for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) between 2009 and 2018. A sociodemographic characterization, an analysis of the antimicrobial sensitivity of isolations of N. gonorrhoeae, and a measurement of inequalities in AMR in N. gonorrhoeae were conducted using the slope index of inequality, the relative inequality index, and the concentration index. RESULTS: The findings indicate antimicrobial resistance to penicillin (50.7%) and tetracycline (67.3%) in isolations of N. gonorrhoeae, and the existence of absolute and relative inequalities during the study period. Access barriers to health services, not having received information on the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, basic unmet needs, and illiteracy explained the inequalities in AMR in N. gonorrhoeae. CONCLUSIONS: Six recommendations emerged with a view to largely containing AMR in N. gonorrhoeae: i) increase awareness of safe sexual and reproductive health; ii) rethink how to deliver key messages with an equity approach; iii) improve information, prescription, and drug chain systems; iv) form coalitions to improve response and share objectives with the private sector; v) improve the availability and disaggregation of data; and vi) support research on inequalities in AMR.

OBJETIVO: Medir as desigualdades sociais na resistência antimicrobiana de Neisseria gonorrhoeae na Colômbia. MÉTODOS: Estudo ecológico que utilizou um painel múltiplo de dados desagregados ao nível subnacional de isolados de N. gonorrhoeae como substituto para a resistência antimicrobiana (RAM) entre 2009 e 2018. Realizamos uma caracterização sociodemográfica, uma análise da sensibilidade antimicrobiana dos isolados de N. gonorrhoeae e uma medição das desigualdades na RAM para N. gonorrhoeae utilizando o índice absoluto de desigualdade, o índice relativo de desigualdade e o índice de concentração. RESULTADOS: Os resultados indicam a existência de resistência antimicrobiana nos isolados de N. gonorrhoeae à penicilina (50,7%) e à tetraciclina (67,3%), bem como desigualdades absolutas e relativas durante o período analisado. Os obstáculos no acesso aos serviços de saúde, a falta de informações sobre a prevenção de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis, a existência de necessidades básicas não satisfeitas e o analfabetismo explicam as desigualdades na RAM de N. gonorrhoeae. CONCLUSÕES: Podem ser feitas seis recomendações para conter em grande medida a RAM de N. gonorrhoeae: i) aumentar a conscientização sobre a saúde sexual e reprodutiva segura, ii) repensar a forma de transmitir as mensagens principais, com foco na equidade, iii) melhorar os sistemas de informação, prescrição e a cadeia de medicamentos, iv) criar coalisões para melhorar a capacidade de resposta e compartilhar objetivos com o setor privado, v) melhorar a disponibilidade e a desagregação de dados e vi) apoiar a pesquisa sobre as desigualdades na RAM.

Desigualdades sociales relacionadas con la resistencia a antimicrobianos de N. gonorrhoeae en Colombia

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Medir desigualdades sociales en la resistencia antimicrobiana de la Neisseria gonorrhoeae en Colombia. Métodos. Estudio ecológico utilizando un multipanel de datos desagregado a nivel subnacional de los aislamientos en la N. gonorrhoeae como proxy de resistencia antimicrobiana (RAM) entre 2009 y 2018. Se llevó a cabo una caracterización sociodemográfica, un análisis de la sensibilidad antimicrobiana de aislamientos de N. gonorrhoeae, y una medición de desigualdades en la RAM para la N. gonorrhoeae mediante el índice de desigualdad de la pendiente, el índice de desigualdad relativo y el índice de concentración. Resultados. Los hallazgos indican resistencia antimicrobiana de aislamientos de N. gonorrhoeae a penicilina (50,7%) y tetraciclina (67,3%); y la existencia de desigualdades absolutas y relativas durante el período analizado. Las barreras de acceso a servicios de salud, no haber recibido información de prevención de las infecciones de transmisión sexual, necesidades básicas insatisfechas y analfabetismo explicaron las desigualdades en la RAM de la N. gonorrhoeae. Conclusiones. Seis recomendaciones emergen para contener en gran medida la RAM en la N. gonorrhoeae: i) aumentar conciencia sobre la salud sexual y reproductiva segura; ii) repensar cómo entregar mensajes claves con enfoque de equidad; iii) mejorar los sistemas de información, prescripción y cadena de medicamentos; iv) crear coaliciones para mejorar la respuesta y compartir objetivos con el sector privado; v) mejorar la disponibilidad y desagregación de los datos; y vi) apoyar investigaciones en desigualdades en RAM.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. Measure social inequalities in antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Colombia. Methods. Ecological study using a multi-panel of data, disaggregated at the subnational level, and using isolations of N. gonorrhoeae as a proxy for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) between 2009 and 2018. A sociodemographic characterization, an analysis of the antimicrobial sensitivity of isolations of N. gonorrhoeae, and a measurement of inequalities in AMR in N. gonorrhoeae were conducted using the slope index of inequality, the relative inequality index, and the concentration index. Results. The findings indicate antimicrobial resistance to penicillin (50.7%) and tetracycline (67.3%) in isolations of N. gonorrhoeae, and the existence of absolute and relative inequalities during the study period. Access barriers to health services, not having received information on the prevention of sexually transmitted infections, basic unmet needs, and illiteracy explained the inequalities in AMR in N. gonorrhoeae. Conclusions. Six recommendations emerged with a view to largely containing AMR in N. gonorrhoeae: i) increase awareness of safe sexual and reproductive health; ii) rethink how to deliver key messages with an equity approach; iii) improve information, prescription, and drug chain systems; iv) form coalitions to improve response and share objectives with the private sector; v) improve the availability and disaggregation of data; and vi) support research on inequalities in AMR.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Medir as desigualdades sociais na resistência antimicrobiana de Neisseria gonorrhoeae na Colômbia. Métodos. Estudo ecológico que utilizou um painel múltiplo de dados desagregados ao nível subnacional de isolados de N. gonorrhoeae como substituto para a resistência antimicrobiana (RAM) entre 2009 e 2018. Realizamos uma caracterização sociodemográfica, uma análise da sensibilidade antimicrobiana dos isolados de N. gonorrhoeae e uma medição das desigualdades na RAM para N. gonorrhoeae utilizando o índice absoluto de desigualdade, o índice relativo de desigualdade e o índice de concentração. Resultados. Os resultados indicam a existência de resistência antimicrobiana nos isolados de N. gonorrhoeae à penicilina (50,7%) e à tetraciclina (67,3%), bem como desigualdades absolutas e relativas durante o período analisado. Os obstáculos no acesso aos serviços de saúde, a falta de informações sobre a prevenção de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis, a existência de necessidades básicas não satisfeitas e o analfabetismo explicam as desigualdades na RAM de N. gonorrhoeae. Conclusões. Podem ser feitas seis recomendações para conter em grande medida a RAM de N. gonorrhoeae: i) aumentar a conscientização sobre a saúde sexual e reprodutiva segura, ii) repensar a forma de transmitir as mensagens principais, com foco na equidade, iii) melhorar os sistemas de informação, prescrição e a cadeia de medicamentos, iv) criar coalisões para melhorar a capacidade de resposta e compartilhar objetivos com o setor privado, v) melhorar a disponibilidade e a desagregação de dados e vi) apoiar a pesquisa sobre as desigualdades na RAM.

Migrant women and sexual and gender-based violence at the Colombia-Venezuela border: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) affects women and girls in multiple ways. During migration and within humanitarian settings, migrant women and girls are exposed to different forms of SGBV and to higher vulnerabilities compared with those men encounter. Survivors of this kind of violence face challenges in accessing healthcare for reasons that not only include legal status, language barriers, discrimination, misinformation on the availability of healthcare services, but also the growing spread of conservative views regarding sexual and reproductive health which pose a considerable threat to human rights. This study was guided by the question of how humanitarian emergency preparedness and response initiatives within four cities at the Colombo-Venezuelan border are addressing SGBV. The goal of this research was threefold: first, to explain the level of implementation of the second goal of the MISP, which is to prevent and respond to the consequences of sexual violence; second, to assess the availability of services for migrants who have experienced some type of sexual violence; and third, to understand the perceptions of migrants regarding sexual and gender-based violence. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This study assessed the degree of implementation of the Minimal Initial Service Package (MISP) using a set of tools developed by the Inter-Agency Working Group on Reproductive Health in Crises. This study combined the use of different qualitative methods: i) a literature review; ii) 23 interviews with key informants on sexual and reproductive health; iii) an assessment of 21 health institutions which provide services to migrants; and iv) 24 focus groups with migrants between the ages of 14 to 49 years old (241 participants, of which 121 were women and 120 were men). This research was conducted in four cities at the Colombo-Venezuelan border where there was the highest concentration of migrants. Ethical approval was granted by Profamilia´s Advisory Committee on Research Ethics. Although preventing and managing the consequences of sexual violence is the second objective of the MISP, this study found several barriers for the guarantee of comprehensive healthcare for survivors: Venezuelan migrants do not usually consider that healthcare is a need for them after they have survived sexual violence; SGBV during migration is a common occurrence according to key informants; in three out of four cities there were existing organizations working on SGBV, but not all of them could offer comprehensive healthcare services in response to sexual violence. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we observed that migrants tend to be more exposed to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence due to the normalization of such forms of violence in the Colombian and Venezuelan cultures. Findings suggest that Venezuelan migrants are facing complex SGBV issues during the humanitarian emergency at the Colombia-Venezuela border. Recommendations include local health systems response teams, governments and host communities working together to address early access to prevention, healthcare, and protection services for the survivors of SGBV; eliminating barriers in access to essential and comprehensive equity-oriented healthcare services; developing the skills and capacities of healthcare services professionals around the proper management of SGBV; and countering misinformation, lowering the stigma associated with migrants in host communities, and broadening migrant´s perceptions of SGBV, gender roles, and xenophobia.

Vasectomías en Colombia: ¿cómo adaptar los servicios de salud a las necesidades de los hombres? / Vasectomy in Colombia: how to adapt healthcare services to the needs of men? / Vasectomias na Colômbia: ¿como customizar os serviços da saúde nas necessidades dos homens?

Resumen Objetivo: Caracterizar sociodemográficamente a los hombres que se practican vasectomías en Colombia, para generar evidencia que oriente la adaptación de los servicios de salud, con un enfoque de equidad de género, a las necesidades de los hombres. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo a partir de la "Encuesta Nacional de Demografía y Salud" de 2015, y del registro de los usuarios que accedieron al servicio de vasectomía en la Asociación Probienestar de la Familia Colombiana (Profamilia) durante los años 2015 y 2016. Las variables utilizadas fueron: edad, nivel de escolaridad, lugar de residencia, pertenencia étnica, estrato de residencia, estado civil, número de hijos nacidos vivos y variables relacionadas con roles de género. Resultados: El porcentaje de hombres que acceden a la vasectomía ha aumentado, aunque no con la intensidad esperada. En términos generales, el perfil del hombre que decide realizarse la vasectomía en Colombia es un joven entre 30 y 40 años, de los estratos 2 y 3, residente en zonas urbanas, al menos con un nivel educativo de básica secundaria, casado y con hijos, y contribuyente al sistema de salud. Se observó la persistencia de barreras de tipo social y cultural que afectan el uso de este método anticonceptivo. Conclusiones: Este estudio permitió una aproximación al perfil del hombre colombiano que se realiza la vasectomía. Recomendaciones: Ampliar la vasectomía como opción disponible y de fácil acceso para los hombres; eliminar estereotipos de género, y promover que hombres y mujeres compartan responsabilidades anticonceptivas; implementar modelos de atención en salud sexual y reproductiva más inclusivos y centrados también en las necesidades de los hombres.

Abstract Objective: To demographically characterize men who undergo vasectomies in Colombia, in order to generate evidence to guide the adaptation of health services with a focus on gender equity to the needs of men. Methodology: Descriptive study based on the Colombian Demography and Health survey (2015) and the registry of users who accessed the vasectomy service in Profamilia during 2015 and 2016. The variables used were age, level of education, place of residence, ethnicity, residence stratum, marital status, number of children born alive and variables related to gender roles. Results: The percentage of men who have access to vasectomy has increased, although not with the expected intensity. In general terms, the profile of the man who decides to have a vasectomy in Colombia is between 30 and 40 years old in strata 2 and 3, resident in urban areas, at least with a secondary education level, married and with children, and also a contributor to the health system. The persistence of social and cultural barriers that affect the widespread and sustained use of this contraceptive method were observed. Conclusions: This study allowed identify the profile of the Colombian man who undergoes vasectomy. Recommendations: To extend vasectomy as an option of easily available and accessible method for men; to eliminate gender stereotypes and promote shared contraceptive responsibilities for men and women; as well as the implementation of models of sexual and reproductive health care, which become more inclusive and also focused on the needs of men.

Resumo Objetivo: Caracterizar sociodemograficamente aos homens que se submetem a vasectomias na Colômbia, para gerar evidências que orientem a adaptação dos serviços de saúde com foco na equidade de gênero às necessidades dos homens. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo da Pesquisa Nacional sobre demografía e saúde (ends, 2015) e registro de usuários que acessaram o serviço de vasectomia em Profamilia durante os anos de 2015 y2016. As variáveis utilizadas foram idade, nível de escolaridade, local de residência, etnia, estrato de residência, estado civil, número de filhos nascidos vivos e variáveis relacionadas aos papéis de gênero. Resultados: A porcentagem de homens que têm acesso à vasectomia aumentou, embora não com a intensidade esperada. Em geral, o perfil do homem que decide realizar uma vasectomia na Colômbia é jovem entre 30 e 40 anos de estratos 2 e 3, que vivem em áreas urbanas, pelo menos um nível educacional médio, casados e com filhos e contribuintes ao sistema de saúde. A persistência das barreiras sociais e culturais que afetam o uso desse método contraceptivo foi observada. Conclusões: Este estudo permitiu identificar o perfil do homem colombiano submetido a uma vasectomia. Recomendações: Expandir a vasectomia como uma opção disponível e de fácil acesso para homens; eliminar estereótipos de gênero e promover que homens e mulheres compartilhem responsabilidades contraceptivas; implementar modelos de atenção em saúde sexual e reprodutiva mais inclusivos e também focados nas necessidades dos homens.