Access to HIV/STI testing among male and female Venezuelan migrants in Peru: evidence from a nationwide survey.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are major global public health issues. Migrants represent a vulnerable group that faces multiple barriers to access to healthcare services, including HIV/STI testing. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with access to HIV/STI testing in male and female Venezuelan migrants in Peru. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving secondary data analysis of the 2022 Venezuelan Population Residing in Peru Survey. The study was conducted in the eight most populated cities inhabited by Venezuelan migrants and refugees. For each city, the sampling design was probabilistic, stratified, and independent. The outcome variable was whether participants had access to HIV or other STI testing during their stay in Peru. Statistical analysis was stratified by sex owing to potential effect modification. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated using generalized linear models Poisson family with log link function. Confidence intervals were calculated to 95%. RESULTS: A total of 3,723 male and 3,984 female migrants were included. Access to HIV/STI testing among male and female migrants was 19.85% and 25.16%, respectively. Among male migrants, being LGBTI, health insured, and married or cohabiting were associated with increased access to HIV/STI testing. Among females, those aged 18-44 years, those who were married or cohabiting and were health insured, and those residing for more than 1 year in Peru were significantly more likely to have access to HIV/STI testing. Moreover, physical/mental disability and unemployed status were associated with a lower probability of HIV/STI testing in females. CONCLUSIONS: Only two in ten Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Peru were screened for HIV/STI, with fewer males than females. Sex-specific sociodemographic, health-related, and migration-related variables were independently associated with access to HIV/STI testing.

Pre-extensively drug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in Latin America and the Caribbean: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The growing threat from pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (pre-XDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) poses a major public health concern in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Therefore, this study aimed to summarize the available evidence on the prevalence of pre-XDR-TB and XDR-TB among patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in LAC. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in the following databases on June 3, 2023: PubMed, Scopus, Ovid Medline, Web of Science, Scielo and LILACS. We estimated pooled proportions using a random effects model (Dersimonian and Laird). The 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using the binomial exact method (Clopper-Pearson Method). Subgroup (by time period and country) and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies were eligible for qualitative synthesis and 27 for meta-analysis (n = 15,565). The pooled prevalence of XDR-TB in the study participants was 5% (95% CI: 3%-6%), while that of pre-XDR-TB was 10% (95% CI 7%-14%). Cuba (6%, 95% CI 0%-17%) and Peru (6%, 95% CI 5%-7%) had the highest pooled prevalence of XDR-TB. Regarding pre-XDR-TB, Brazil (16%, 95% CI 11%-22%) and Peru (13%, 95% CI: 9%-16%) showed the highest prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: The pooled prevalence of pre-XDR-TB and XDR-TB in LAC was 10% and 5%, respectively. Governments should strengthen drug-resistance surveillance and TB programs.

Inequalities in COVID-19 vaccination coverage in Peru: An ecological study.

Objective: To assess the correlation between COVID-19 vaccination coverage and the Human Development Index (HDI) at the provincial level in Peru. Study design: Ecological study. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional ecological study based on secondary data analysis. Coverages of the first, second, and third doses of the vaccine against COVID-19 and the HDI were evaluated. The magnitude of the correlations was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients with their corresponding bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Scatter plots were also constructed. Results: A total of 196 provinces were included. There was a moderate correlation between the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and the HDI (r = 0.3807 [95% CI 0.2585-0.5030], p < 0.0001). The same direction was found for the second (r = 0.4064 [95% CI 0.2853-0.5276], p < 0.0001) and third dose (r = 0.4435 [95% CI 0.3201-0.5669], p < 0.0001). Conclusions: A positive correlation was found between COVID-19 vaccination coverage and the HDI, suggesting the presence of inequalities in access to vaccines. Individualised strategies are needed in lower HDI regions to tackle inequalities.

Inequalities in anemia among Peruvian children aged 6-59 months: A decomposition analysis.

Objective: To quantify the inequalities of anemia in Peruvian children aged 6-59 months and uncover its contributing factors. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study based on the secondary data analysis of the 2021 Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). Our sample included Peruvian children aged 6-59 months with complete data for the variables of interest. Anemia was defined as having a hemoglobin level of less than 11 g/dL, adjusted by altitude. Erreygers Concentration Index (ECI) and concentration curves were computed to estimate the socio-economic inequality in anemia among Peruvian children. Moreover, ECI was decomposed to figure out the contributing factors to the inequality of anemia and the residual variation. Results: Nationwide, the prevalence of anemia in Peruvian children was 29.47%. We found a pro-poor inequality regarding anemia at the national level (ECI = -0.1848). The determinants included in the model explained 81.85% of the overall socio-economic inequality in anemia. The largest contribution to inequality was from household- and community-related factors. Having a higher mother's education level (26.26%) and being from the highlands (24.91%) were the major significant contributors to the overall health inequality. Conclusion: Almost one-third of Peruvian children have anemia. A pro-poor inequality of anemia in Peruvian children was found. Public policies ought to address the major contributing factors of anemia inequality.

Factors associated with not receiving the primary series and booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine among Venezuelan migrants in Peru: A population-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Ensuring broad COVID-19 vaccination coverage among migrants is a global public health concern. Thus, our study aimed to assess the factors associated with not receiving the primary series and booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine among Venezuelan migrants in Peru. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study based on secondary data analysis of the 2022 Venezuelan Population Residing in Peru Survey. Our population included Venezuelan migrants and refugees over 18 years old living in Peru with complete information for the variables of interest. Two outcome variables were assessed: not receiving the primary series and not receiving the booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Crude and adjusted prevalences were calculated with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 7,727 Venezuelan adults were included in our study, of whom 6,511 completed the primary series. The overall COVID-19 vaccination coverage of the primary series was 84.17%, whilst the coverage of the booster dose was 28.06%. Being younger, uninsured, illegally-staying, and having a low educational level were associated with both outcomes. CONCLUSION: Several sociodemographic and migration-related variables were associated with both outcomes. Governmental policies prioritizing vaccination among Venezuelan migrants are needed to ensure broad coverage in this vulnerable group.

Inequalities in infant vaccination coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic: A population-based study in Peru.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the associated factors and assess the inequalities of full vaccination coverage (FVC) among Peruvian infants aged 12-23 months during the COVID-19 pandemic in a nationally representative sample. METHODS: We carried out a population-based cross-sectional study based on a secondary data analysis using the 2021 Peruvian Demographic Health Survey (DHS) in infants aged 12 to 23 months. The sampling design was probabilistic, multistage, stratified, and independent at both departmental and area of residence levels. FVC was defined according to the WHO definition. We performed generalized linear models (GLM) Poisson family log link function to estimate crude (aPR) and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR). Also, for inequality assessment, we calculated the concentration curve (CC), concentration index (CI), and Erreygers normalized concentration index (ECI). RESULTS: We included 4,189 infants in our analysis. Nationwide, the prevalence of FVC was 66.19% (95% CI: 64.33-68). Being younger, having a mother with no education or primary education, belonging to a large family, having no access to mass media, having had six or fewer ANC visits, and having a mother whose age was under 20 at first delivery were inversely associated with FVC. Meanwhile, living in the Highlands or on the rest of the coast, and living in rural areas were directly associated with FVC. We found a pro-rich inequality in FVC based on wealth-ranked households (CI: 0.0066; ECI: 0.0175). CONCLUSION: FVC has dropped among Peruvian infants aged between 12 and 23 months. There were several factors associated with FVC. It was more concentrated among the better-off infants, although in low magnitude.

Rural and urban disparities in anemia among Peruvian children aged 6-59 months: a multivariate decomposition and spatial analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Anemia is a global public health issue that affects mainly children aged less than 5 years. In Peru, despite the reduction in the prevalence of anemia between 2010 and 2018, anemia remains a major concern, especially in high-risk zones such as rural areas. Several sociodemographic factors have been associated with anemia in children; however, components contributing to the urban-rural gap have not been previously assessed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the determinants of the difference in anemia prevalence between urban and rural areas, and its spatial distribution in Peruvian children aged 6-59 months. METHODS: A secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2019 Peruvian Demographic Health Survey. The study population included 18 846 children aged 6-59 months. A multivariate decomposition analysis for non-linear response model was performed to identify the factors contributing to the gap in the prevalence of anemia across urban and rural areas. Global Moran´s I autocorrelation, Ordinary Kriging interpolation and Bernoulli-based purely spatial scan statistics were employed to assess the spatial pattern of anemia. RESULTS: Nationwide, the prevalence of anemia in Peru was 29.47% (95%CI 28.63-30.33). In rural areas, it was 38.25%, and in urban areas 26.39%. The decomposition analysis revealed that 88.61% of the difference in the prevalence of anemia between urban and rural areas was attributed to the difference in the respondents' characteristics. Wealth index, mother´s education, mother´s employment status, number of living children and mother´s age were key determinants contributing to the rural-urban gap. Spatial heterogeneity of anemia prevalence in childhood was observed at both inter- and intradepartmental level. The SaTScan spatial analysis identified six significant cluster areas with high prevalence of anemia in childhood. CONCLUSION: A considerable gap of anemia prevalence between urban and rural areas was found. Targeted interventions are necessary to reduce geographic disparities.

Factores sociodemográficos y nutricionales asociados a anemia en niños de 1 a 5 años en Perú

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar los factores sociodemográficos y nutricionales asociados a la anemia en niños de 1 a 5 años de Perú según la Encuesta Nacional Demográfica y de Salud Familiar (DHS, por sus siglas en inglés Demographic and Health Survey). Metodología: Para determinar los posibles factores sociodemográficos y nutricionales asociados a la anemia, se hizo un subanálisis de la DHS 2017, tomando en cuenta un intervalo de confianza del 95% y considerando los parámetros de complejidad de la encuesta. Se describieron las frecuencias relativas en el análisis univariado. Para el análisis bivariado se empleó el test de chi cuadrado para las variables categóricas y t-Student para las variables continuas. Para el modelo de regresión múltiple, se realizó una regresión de Poisson cruda y ajustada con el método de selección de variables tipo backward. Principales resultados: La prevalencia de anemia fue de 38.5%. Los factores independientemente asociados fueron quintil de riqueza bajo (RP(a): 1,23; IC95%: 1,0-1,4), ningún grado de instrucción o grado de instrucción primaria de la madre (RP(a): 1,25; IC95%: 1,0-1,5), edad de la madre menor de 19 años (RP(a): 1,34; IC95%: 1,1-1,7), lugar del parto no institucionalizado (RP(a): 1,24; IC95%: 1,1-1,5), no consumo de antiparasitarios (RP(a): 1,13; IC95%:1,0-1,3) y altitud mayor o igual a 4000 msnm (RP(a): 1,45; IC95%: 1,2-1,8). Conclusiones: La prevalencia de anemia en niños de 1 a 5 años en el 2017 fue moderada. Existen factores sociodemográficos y nutricionales asociados a dicha condición.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Determine the sociodemographic and nutritional factors associated with anemia in children aged 1 to 5 years in Peru according to the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). Methods: To determine the possible sociodemographic and nutritional factors associated with anemia, a sub-analysis of the DHS 2017 was carried out, taking into account a 95% confidence interval and considering the complexity of survey parameters. Relative frequencies were described in univariate analysis. For bivariate analysis, the chi-square test was used for categorical variables and Student t-test for continuous variables. For the multivariable analysis, a crude and an adjusted Poisson regression was done with backward method for variable selection. Main results: Independently associated factors were low wealth (aPR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.0-1.4), no degree or primary education level of the mother (aPR: 1.25; 95%CI: 1.0-1.5), mother's age under 19 years (aPR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.1-1.7), not delivering in a health facility (aPR: 1.24; 95%CI: 1.1-1.5), no consumption of antiparasitic drugs (aPR: 1.13; 95%CI: 1.0-1.3) and living at greater than or equal to 4000 meters above sea level (aPR: 1.45; 95%CI: 1.2-1.8). Conclusions: The prevalence of anemia in children aged 1 to 5 years in 2017 was moderate. There are sociodemographic and nutritional factors associated with this condition.

Factores asociados a la fecundidad adicional no deseada: análisis de una encuesta nacional en Perú / Factors associated with unwanted additional fertility: secondary analysis of a national survey in Peru

Resumen Objetivos: Determinar la asociación entre los factores sociodemográficos y reproductivos con la fecundidad adicional no deseada (FAND) en el Perú. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico transversal, a partir de la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar (ENDES) 2018 en el Perú. La FAND es una variable que se creó a partir de la diferencia numérica entre la fecundidad obtenida y la fecundidad deseada. La variable FAND, se creó a partir de la diferencia numérica entre la fecundidad obtenida y la fecundidad deseada y se agrupó en dos categorías donde la diferencia numérica positiva correspondió a la presencia de FAND. Se realizó una regresión de Poisson, tanto cruda como ajustada. Resultados: Se analizaron los datos de 6944 mujeres entre 40 y 49 años, con una edad promedio de 44,3 años. Se halló una prevalencia de FAND de 72,5% (IC95%: 70,4%-74,4%). En el modelo ajustado, se observó que pertenecer al quintil superior de riqueza (RPa 0,80; IC95%: 0,69-0,93) disminuía la probabilidad de FAND con respecto al quintil intermedio. Por otro lado, provenir del ámbito rural (RPa 1,07; IC95%: 1,01-1,14), aumenta la probabilidad de FAND con respecto al provenir del ámbito urbano. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de FAND en mujeres peruanas de 40 a 49 años que participaron de la ENDES 2018 es alta. Provenir del área rural aumenta la probabilidad de FAND; y pertenecer al quintil superior de riqueza, la disminuye.

Abstract Objectives: To determine the association between sociodemographic and reproductive factors with unwanted additional fertility (UAF) in Peru. Materials and methods: We carried out an observational, cross-sectional analytical study based on the 2018 Demographic and Family Health Survey (DHS) in Peru. The UAF variable was defined as the numerical difference between the general fertility rate and the total fertility rate. This variable was divided into 2 categories, UAF was considered when the numerical difference was positive. The Poisson regression was used, both crude and adjusted. Results: We analyzed data from 6,944 women with an average age of 44.3 years (range, 40 to 49). The prevalence of UAF was found to be 72.5% (95% CI: 70.4%-74.4%). In the adjusted model, patients in the top wealth quintile (aPR 0.80; 95% CI: 0.69-0.93) were found to have a lower probability of having unwanted pregnancies when compared to those in the middle quintile. On the other hand, patients from rural areas (aPR 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01-1.14) had a higher probability of having unwanted pregnancies when compared to those from urban áreas. Conclusions: The prevalence of UAF in Peruvian women between 40 and 49 years old who participated in the 2018 DHS is high. Patients from rural areas have a higher probability of having unwanted pregnancies, and those in the top wealth quintile have a lower probability.

Lateral amyotrophic sclerosis-like onset after combined antiretroviral treatment initiation.

Motor neuron disease (MND) have an incidence of 2 in 100 000 persons, resulting in the death of 1 in every 500 people affected. The most common disease in MND spectrum is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We describe the case of an ALS-like syndrome in a HIV patient. This case report presents a 38 years old male from Peru with HIV who after 2 months of combined antiretroviral treatment (cART) initiation was admitted to the hospital for spastic paraplegia. On his first admission, rapid plasma reagent (RPR) was positive and he was treated for neurosyphilis and discharged. Nevertheless, one month after, he was admitted for the second time because paraplegia persisted. Laboratory tests, electromyography and imaging were performed, and ALS was diagnosed. Normally, HIV treated patient with ALS tend to have a better prognosis, however this was not the case. In this case report, we discuss possible association between ALS and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in HIV patients.

Lepra: sospecha diagnóstica en área no endémica. Serie de casos y revisión de la literatura / Leprosy: a suspected diagnosis in a non-endemic area. Case series and literature review

RESUMEN La lepra es una enfermedad crónica granulomatosa causada por el bacilo Mycobacterium Leprae que afecta piel y células de Schwann. En zonas no endémicas el diagnóstico de lepra suele ser dificultoso debido a la baja sospecha clínica. Durante el periodo de 2012 al 2019, se diagnosticaron y trataron tres casos de lepra en el servicio de infectología del Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo. El tiempo de enfermedad promedio fue 4 años. Los pacientes iniciaron con pápulas pruriginosas en regiones corporales específicas, progresando a nódulos generalizados. Se constató parestesia e hipoestesia táctil, térmica, dolorosa y vibratoria; las cuales progresaron a anestesia. El diagnóstico se realizó mediante baciloscopía en secreción linfática y biopsia de nódulos cutáneos. Se describen las características clínicas de cada uno de los pacientes. Se remarca la importancia de la sospecha diagnóstica de esta entidad desatendida en áreas no endémicas.

ABSTRACT Leprosy (Hansen's disease) is a chronic granulomatous condition caused by Mycobacterium leprae, a microorganism that affects the skin and Schwann's cells. Making a diagnosis of this condition is difficult in non-endemic areas because of low clinical suspicion. During the 2012-2019 time period, three cases of Hansen's disease were diagnosed and treated in the ID service of Dos de Mayo Hospital. The average time history of the disease was 4 years. Patients started their condition with the appearance of pruriginous papular lesions affecting specific body regions, progressing to generalized nodular lesions. Paresthesia and tactile, thermal, pain, and vibratory hypoesthesia were found. These manifestations later progressed to anesthesia. Diagnosis was made through bacilloscopy in lymphatic fluid and skin node biopsy. Clinical features for each patient are also described. We emphasize the importance of clinical suspicion for diagnosing this unattended disease in non-endemic areas.

Factors associated with unwanted additional fertility: secondary analysis of a national survey in Peru. / Factores asociados a la fecundidad adicional no deseada: análisis de una encuesta nacional en Perú.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between sociodemographic and reproductive factors with unwanted additional fertility (UAF) in Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out an observational, cross-sectional analytical study based on the 2018 Demographic and Family Health Survey (DHS) in Peru. The UAF variable was defined as the numerical difference between the general fertility rate and the total fertility rate. This variable was divided into 2 categories, UAF was considered when the numerical difference was positive. The Poisson regression was used, both crude and adjusted. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 6,944 women with an average age of 44.3 years (range, 40 to 49). The prevalence of UAF was found to be 72.5% (95% CI: 70.4%-74.4%). In the adjusted model, patients in the top wealth quintile (aPR 0.80; 95% CI: 0.69-0.93) were found to have a lower probability of having unwanted pregnancies when compared to those in the middle quintile. On the other hand, patients from rural areas (aPR 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01-1.14) had a higher probability of having unwanted pregnancies when compared to those from urban áreas. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of UAF in Peruvian women between 40 and 49 years old who participated in the 2018 DHS is high. Patients from rural areas have a higher probability of having unwanted pregnancies, and those in the top wealth quintile have a lower probability.

OBJETIVOS: Determinar la asociación entre los factores sociodemográficos y reproductivos con la fecundidad adicional no deseada (FAND) en el Perú. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico transversal, a partir de la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar (ENDES) 2018 en el Perú. La FAND es una variable que se creó a partir de la diferencia numérica entre la fecundidad obtenida y la fecundidad deseada. La variable FAND, se creó a partir de la diferencia numérica entre la fecundidad obtenida y la fecundidad deseada y se agrupó en dos categorías donde la diferencia numérica positiva correspondió a la presencia de FAND. Se realizó una regresión de Poisson, tanto cruda como ajustada. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron los datos de 6944 mujeres entre 40 y 49 años, con una edad promedio de 44,3 años. Se halló una prevalencia de FAND de 72,5% (IC95%: 70,4%-74,4%). En el modelo ajustado, se observó que pertenecer al quintil superior de riqueza (RPa 0,80; IC95%: 0,69-0,93) disminuía la probabilidad de FAND con respecto al quintil intermedio. Por otro lado, provenir del ámbito rural (RPa 1,07; IC95%: 1,01-1,14), aumenta la probabilidad de FAND con respecto al provenir del ámbito urbano. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de FAND en mujeres peruanas de 40 a 49 años que participaron de la ENDES 2018 es alta. Provenir del área rural aumenta la probabilidad de FAND; y pertenecer al quintil superior de riqueza, la disminuye.