Inconsistent condom use with casual partners among men who have sex with men in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with inconsistent condom use with casual partners in a population of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Brazil. METHODS: In 2016, 4,176 MSM >18 years were enrolled in 12 capitals of Brazil using a Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) method. For the construction of the outcome, we evaluated questions about condom use in all anal intercourse (receptive and insertive) in the previous six months and the last sexual intercourse. Estimates were calculated using a weighted complex sample design. We performed a logistic regression analysis to determine the associations between sociodemographic and behavioral factors and inconsistent condom use in sexual relationships with casual male partners. RESULTS: More than half of our sample (50.8%) had not used condoms consistently with casual partners in the previous six months. Inconsistent condom use was significantly associated with: low education (weighted odds ratio - wOR: 1.55; 95% confidence interval - CI 0.99-2.40), lack of counseling on sexually transmitted infections STI (wOR: 1.51; 95%CI 1.05-2.17), non-use of condoms at sexual debut (wOR: 3.05; 95%CI 2.12-4.40) and moderate and high perceived risk for HIV (wOR: 1.51; 95%CI 1.07-2.14). Higher age was negatively associated with inconsistent condom use (wOR=0.97, 95%CI 0.89-0.99). CONCLUSION: Despite being an individual behavior, condom use is related to factors beyond the individual scope. HIV/Aids prevention policies should focus on younger MSM, providing qualified information about condom use, preferably before the beginning of their sexual life.

Inconsistent condom use with casual partners among men who have sex with men in Brazil: a cross-sectional study / Uso inconsistente do preservativo com parceiros casuais entre homens que fazem sexo com homens no Brasil: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with inconsistent condom use with casual partners in a population of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Brazil. Methods: In 2016, 4,176 MSM >18 years were enrolled in 12 capitals of Brazil using a Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS) method. For the construction of the outcome, we evaluated questions about condom use in all anal intercourse (receptive and insertive) in the previous six months and the last sexual intercourse. Estimates were calculated using a weighted complex sample design. We performed a logistic regression analysis to determine the associations between sociodemographic and behavioral factors and inconsistent condom use in sexual relationships with casual male partners. Results: More than half of our sample (50.8%) had not used condoms consistently with casual partners in the previous six months. Inconsistent condom use was significantly associated with: low education (weighted odds ratio — wOR: 1.55; 95% confidence interval — CI 0.99-2.40), lack of counseling on sexually transmitted infections STI (wOR: 1.51; 95%CI 1.05-2.17), non-use of condoms at sexual debut (wOR: 3.05; 95%CI 2.12-4.40) and moderate and high perceived risk for HIV (wOR: 1.51; 95%CI 1.07-2.14). Higher age was negatively associated with inconsistent condom use (wOR=0.97, 95%CI 0.89-0.99). Conclusion: Despite being an individual behavior, condom use is related to factors beyond the individual scope. HIV/Aids prevention policies should focus on younger MSM, providing qualified information about condom use, preferably before the beginning of their sexual life.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar os fatores associados ao uso inconsistente do preservativo com parceiros casuais em uma população de homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) no Brasil. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com método de amostragem Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS), desenvolvido em 12 capitais do Brasil, com 4.176 HSH. Para a construção do desfecho, foram avaliadas questões sobre o uso do preservativo em todas as relações anais (receptivas e insertivas) nos últimos seis meses e a última relação sexual. As estimativas foram calculadas usando um desenho amostral complexo ponderado. Realizamos uma análise de regressão logística para determinar as associações entre fatores sociodemográficos e comportamentais e o uso inconsistente do preservativo. Resultados: Mais da metade da nossa amostra (50,8%) não usou preservativo de forma consistente com parceiros casuais nos últimos seis meses. O uso inconsistente do preservativo foi significativamente associado a: falta de aconselhamento sobre infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (weighted odds ratio — wOR: 1,51; intervalo de confiança — IC95% 1,05-2,17), não uso de preservativo na primeira relação sexual (wOR: 3,05; IC95% 2,12-4,40) e autopercepção de risco para o HIV como moderado e alto (wOR: 1,51; IC95% 1,07-2,14). Maior idade foi negativamente associada ao uso inconsistente do preservativo (wOR=0,97, IC95% 0,89-0,99). Conclusão: Apesar de ser um comportamento individual, o uso do preservativo está relacionado a fatores além do âmbito privado. As políticas de prevenção ao HIV/AIDS devem focar nos HSH mais jovens, fornecendo informações qualificadas sobre o uso do preservativo, preferencialmente antes do início da vida sexual.

Factors associated with loss to follow up among HIV-exposed children: a historical cohort study from 2000 to 2017, in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: There are many inequalities in terms of prevention and treatment for pregnant women with HIV and exposed children in low and middle-income countries. The Brazilian protocol for prenatal care includes rapid diagnostic testing for HIV, compulsory notification, and monitoring by the epidemiological surveillance of children exposed to HIV until 18 months after delivery. The case is closed after HIV serology results are obtained. Lost to follow-up is defined as a child who was not located at the end of the case, and, therefore, did not have a laboratory diagnosis. Lost to follow-up is a current problem and has been documented in other countries. This study analyzed factors associated with loss to follow-up among HIV-exposed children, including sociodemographic, behavioral, and health variables of mothers of children lost to follow-up. METHODS: This historical cohort study included information on mothers of children exposed to HIV, born in Porto Alegre, from 2000 to 2017. The research outcome was the classification at the end of the child's follow-up (lost to follow-up or not). Factors associated with loss to follow-up were investigated using the Poisson regression model. Relative Risk calculations were performed. The significance level of 5% was adopted for variables in the adjusted model. RESULTS: Of 6,836 children exposed to HIV, 1,763 (25.8%) were classified as lost to follow-up. The factors associated were: maternal age of up to 22 years (aRR 1.25, 95% CI: 1.09-1.43), the mother's self-declared race/color being black or mixed (aRR 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.25), up to three years of schooling (aRR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.26-1.67), between four and seven years of schooling (aRR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02-1.28), intravenous drug use (aRR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.12-1.50), and HIV diagnosis during prenatal care or at delivery (aRR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.24-1.52). CONCLUSION: Variables related to individual vulnerability, such as race, age, schooling, and variables related to social and programmatic vulnerability, remain central to reducing loss to follow-up among HIV-exposed children.

Ambulatório T da Atenção Primária à Saúde de Porto Alegre: política pública de inclusão e garantia de direito à saúde de pessoas trans / T Ambulatory of Primary Health Care of Porto Alegre: public policy of inclusion and guarantee of right to health of trans people / Ambulatorio T de Atención Primaria de Salud en Porto Alegre: política pública de inclusión y garantía del derecho a la salud de las personas trans

Resumo Devido ao estigma associado aos estereótipos negativos e à transfobia, os direitos humanos das pessoas trans são violados diariamente, fazendo com que sejam marginalizadas e excluídas dos serviços de saúde. O campo de estudo foi o Ambulatório Trans (Ambulatório T) da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) de Porto Alegre, que trabalha na lógica do reconhecimento das identidades trans, das demandas de saúde e da autonomia dos sujeitos. Neste artigo apresentamos os resultados parciais de um estudo que avalia a implantação do Ambulatório T. Fazem parte do estudo 269 pessoas trans na primeira etapa e 116 na segunda etapa. O Ambulatório T mostra que o acompanhamento de saúde, caracterizado pela não patologização das identidades trans, é fundamental para o Sistema Único de Saúde, no qual as barreiras de acesso podem ser minimizadas ou removidas para que seja possível cuidar da saúde de pessoas trans de forma integral na APS.

Abstract Due to the stigma associated with negative stereotypes and transphobia, the human rights of trans people are violated daily, causing them to be marginalized and excluded from health services. The field of study was the Trans Ambulatory (T Ambulatory) of Primary Health Care in Porto Alegre, which works in the logic of recognizing trans identities, health demands, and the autonomy of subjects. In this article, we will present the partial results of a study that evaluates the implementation of the T Ambulatory. The study includes 269 transgender people in the first stage and 116 in the second stage. The T Ambulatory shows that health monitoring, characterized by the non-pathologization of trans identities, is essential for the Unified Health System. The access barriers can be minimized or removed. And so that it is possible to take care of trans people's health integrally in primary health care.

Resumen Debido al estigma asociado a los estereotipos negativos y la transfobia, los derechos humanos de las personas trans son violados a diario, lo que las margina y excluye de los servicios de salud. El campo de estudio fue el Ambulatorio Trans (Ambulatorio T) de la Atención Primaria de Salud (APS) de Porto Alegre, que trabaja en la lógica del reconocimiento de las identidades trans, las demandas de salud y la autonomía de los sujetos. En este artículo presentaremos los resultados parciales de un estudio que evalúa la implementación del Ambulatorio T. El estudio incluye a 269 personas trans en la primera etapa y 116 en la segunda etapa. El Ambulatorio T muestra que la vigilancia de la salud, caracterizada por la no patologización de las identidades trans, es fundamental para el Sistema Único de Salud, en el que se pueden minimizar o eliminar las barreras de acceso, y para que sea posible cuidar la salud de las personas trans integralmente en Atención Primaria de Salud.

Factors Associated with HIV and Vulnerability Contexts for Women in Brazil.

The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with HIV and vulnerability contexts for women in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The participants were 1326 women recruited by complex sampling design, divided into two groups: 640 women with HIV (WLH) and 686 women who did not have HIV (WNLH). Gross and weighted statistical analyses were performed. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for 12 variables. The main results demonstrated that WLH had lower income (p < .001) and poorer education (p = .038), and few used condoms during their first sexual intercourse (p < .001). The occurrence of HIV was higher among the black population (p < .001). Sex in exchange for money (p < .001) and sexually transmitted infections (p < .001) were more frequent among WLH than among WNLH. The age of sexual debut and age difference from the partner at first sexual intercourse (FSI) were not associated with the outcome. The high percentage of non-use of condoms during the FSI shows how vulnerable individuals are right at the beginning of their sexual lives. More effective prevention strategies can be developed by nurses in view of the contexts of vulnerability surrounding women.

Survival and predictors of death in tuberculosis/HIV coinfection cases in Porto Alegre, Brazil: A historical cohort from 2009 to 2013.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is a curable disease, which remains the leading cause of death among infectious diseases worldwide, and it is the leading cause of death in people living with HIV. The purpose is to examine survival and predictors of death in Tuberculosis/HIV coinfection cases from 2009 to 2013. METHODS: We estimated the survival of 2,417 TB/HIV coinfection cases in Porto Alegre, from diagnosis up to 85 months of follow-up. We estimated hazard ratios and survival curves. RESULTS: The adjusted risk ratio (aRR) for death, by age, hospitalization, and Directly Observed Treatment was 4.58 for new cases (95% CI: 1.14-18.4), 4.51 for recurrence (95% CI: 1.11-18.4) and 4.53 for return after abandonment (95% CI: 1.12-18.4). The average survival time was 72.56 ± 1.57 months for those who underwent Directly Observed Treatment and 62.61 ± 0.77 for those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: Case classification, age, and hospitalization are predictors of death. The occurrence of Directly Observed Treatment was a protective factor that increased the probability of survival. Policies aimed at reducing the mortality of patients with TB/HIV coinfection are needed.

[Satisfaction with the organization of care among elderly users of the services assessed by the PMAQ]. / Satisfação com a organização do cuidado em idosos usuários dos serviços avaliados pelo PMAQ.

The scope of this study was to identify the levels of satisfaction of the elderly regarding the organization of services in primary health care services. It involved a cross-sectional survey of 18,671 users of the Unified Health System. Information on satisfaction with care was collected, categorized as satisfied (very good, good and average perception) and dissatisfied (poor and very poor). The aspects researched included: characteristics of the organization of care and the secondary data from the 1st cycle of the Brazilian Program for Improving Access and Quality in Primary Health Care (PMAQ-AB). Logistic regression was used to obtain the odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI95%), adjusted for sociodemographic factors. The prevalence of satisfaction was 87%. The aspects associated with satisfaction (p<0.05), after analysis of factors that could distort the results, were access to the health unit, home visit and availability of medication - related to the organization of services; and, performing an active search, solving the problem in the unit, as well as the physical examination and consultation time - related to the organization of care. The analyses describe multiple aspects of the organization of care and services associated with the satisfaction of the elderly with basic health care services.

[HIV/AIDS diagnosis in heterosexual men: still a surprise after more than 30 years of the epidemic]. / O diagnóstico do HIV/aids em homens heterossexuais: a surpresa permanece mesmo após mais de 30 anos de epidemia.

Men are the main group affected by HIV infection in Brazil, with an upward trend in the last 10 years. According to official data, heterosexual men represent 49% of cases, followed by homosexuals with 38% and bisexuals with 9.1%. Heterosexual men have been subsumed in the category "overall population" and have failed to receive specific attention in preventive policies or activities. The article proposes to analyze the circumstances and strategies by which heterosexual men learn of their HIV diagnosis. The study thus seeks to understand the paths and social actors involved in their HIV/AIDS diagnosis. The data are from a qualitative study interviewing 36 men living with HIV/AIDS that did not self-identify as homosexuals and/or bisexuals. The men were contacted in three specialized AIDS services in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The results indicate that men consider themselves immune to HIV, and that the diagnosis is an unexpected event. Women (affective-sexual partners and/or former partners) are fundamental components in the men's diagnosis, since they reveal the presence of HIV through either prenatal care or their own illness. An important share of these men discover that they are HIV-positive through some illness such as tuberculosis or after several visits to health services. Spontaneous search for HIV testing only occurs through situations and signs associated with possible infection. Heterosexual men have few opportunities for HIV diagnosis, and beyond gender issues, they are subject to programmatic vulnerability.

Os homens são o principal grupo afetado pela infecção do HIV no Brasil, com tendência de crescimento nos últimos dez anos. Nos dados oficiais, os homens heterossexuais representam 49% dos casos, os homossexuais 38% e os bissexuais 9,1%. Os homens heterossexuais ficaram subsumidos na categoria de "população geral", não recebendo destaque em políticas ou ações de prevenção. O presente artigo se propõe a analisar as circunstâncias e estratégias por meio das quais os homens heterossexuais descobrem o diagnóstico do HIV. Busca-se, assim, compreender os caminhos percorridos, bem como os atores sociais envolvidos no diagnóstico de HIV/aids. Os dados analisados resultam de uma pesquisa qualitativa na qual foram entrevistados 36 homens vivendo com HIV/aids que não se identificam como homossexuais e/ou bissexuais. Esses homens foram contatados em três serviços especializados em aids de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os resultados indicam que eles se consideram imunes ao HIV, sendo o diagnóstico um evento inesperado. As mulheres (parceiras afetivo-sexuais e/ou ex-parceiras) são peças fundamentais para o diagnóstico masculino, pois revelam, seja pelo pré-natal, seja pelo adoecimento, a presença do HIV. Uma parcela importante dos homens se descobre soropositivo por ocasião de alguma doença, como a tuberculose, ou após várias idas e vindas dos serviços de saúde. A busca pela testagem de forma espontânea só acontece mediante a identificação de situações e sinais associados a uma possível contaminação. Os homens heterossexuais possuem poucas oportunidades de diagnóstico do HIV e, para além do gênero, são sujeitos à vulnerabilidade programática.

Los hombres son el principal grupo afectado por la infección del VIH en Brasil, con una tendencia de crecimiento en los últimos 10 años. En los datos oficiales, los hombres heterosexuales representan un 49% de los casos, los homosexuales un 38% y los bisexuales un 9,1%. Los hombres heterosexuales quedaron encajados en la categoría de "población general", no siendo relevantes en políticas o acciones de prevención. Este artículo se propone analizar las circunstancias y estrategias a través de las cuales los hombres heterosexuales descubren el diagnóstico del VIH. Se busca, de esta forma, comprender los caminos recorridos, así como los actores sociales implicados en el diagnóstico del VIH/SIDA. Los datos analizados son resultado de una investigación cualitativa en la que se entrevistaron a 36 hombres, viviendo con VIH/SIDA, que no se identifican como homosexuales y/o bisexuales. Se contactó con estos hombres a través de tres servicios especializados en sida de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Los resultados indican que los hombres se consideran inmunes al VIH, siendo el diagnóstico un evento inesperado. Las mujeres (parejas afectivo-sexuales y/o ex-parejas) son piezas fundamentales para el diagnóstico masculino, puesto que revelan, sea a través del cuidado prenatal, sea a través de la enfermedad, la presencia del VIH. Una parte importante de los hombres se descubre seropositiva, debido a alguna enfermedad, como la tuberculosis, o tras varias idas y venidas a los servicios de salud. La búsqueda de un test espontáneo solamente se produce mediante la identificación de situaciones y señales asociadas a una posible infección. Los hombres heterosexuales poseen pocas oportunidades de diagnóstico del VIH y, más allá del género, están sujetos a vulnerabilidad programática.

O diagnóstico do HIV/aids em homens heterossexuais: a surpresa permanece mesmo após mais de 30 anos de epidemia / HIV/AIDS diagnosis in heterosexual men: still a surprise after more than 30 years of the epidemic / El diagnóstico del VIH/SIDA en hombres heterosexuales: se mantiene la sorpresa incluso tras más de 30 años de epidemia

Resumo: Os homens são o principal grupo afetado pela infecção do HIV no Brasil, com tendência de crescimento nos últimos dez anos. Nos dados oficiais, os homens heterossexuais representam 49% dos casos, os homossexuais 38% e os bissexuais 9,1%. Os homens heterossexuais ficaram subsumidos na categoria de "população geral", não recebendo destaque em políticas ou ações de prevenção. O presente artigo se propõe a analisar as circunstâncias e estratégias por meio das quais os homens heterossexuais descobrem o diagnóstico do HIV. Busca-se, assim, compreender os caminhos percorridos, bem como os atores sociais envolvidos no diagnóstico de HIV/aids. Os dados analisados resultam de uma pesquisa qualitativa na qual foram entrevistados 36 homens vivendo com HIV/aids que não se identificam como homossexuais e/ou bissexuais. Esses homens foram contatados em três serviços especializados em aids de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os resultados indicam que eles se consideram imunes ao HIV, sendo o diagnóstico um evento inesperado. As mulheres (parceiras afetivo-sexuais e/ou ex-parceiras) são peças fundamentais para o diagnóstico masculino, pois revelam, seja pelo pré-natal, seja pelo adoecimento, a presença do HIV. Uma parcela importante dos homens se descobre soropositivo por ocasião de alguma doença, como a tuberculose, ou após várias idas e vindas dos serviços de saúde. A busca pela testagem de forma espontânea só acontece mediante a identificação de situações e sinais associados a uma possível contaminação. Os homens heterossexuais possuem poucas oportunidades de diagnóstico do HIV e, para além do gênero, são sujeitos à vulnerabilidade programática.

Abstract: Men are the main group affected by HIV infection in Brazil, with an upward trend in the last 10 years. According to official data, heterosexual men represent 49% of cases, followed by homosexuals with 38% and bisexuals with 9.1%. Heterosexual men have been subsumed in the category "overall population" and have failed to receive specific attention in preventive policies or activities. The article proposes to analyze the circumstances and strategies by which heterosexual men learn of their HIV diagnosis. The study thus seeks to understand the paths and social actors involved in their HIV/AIDS diagnosis. The data are from a qualitative study interviewing 36 men living with HIV/AIDS that did not self-identify as homosexuals and/or bisexuals. The men were contacted in three specialized AIDS services in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The results indicate that men consider themselves immune to HIV, and that the diagnosis is an unexpected event. Women (affective-sexual partners and/or former partners) are fundamental components in the men's diagnosis, since they reveal the presence of HIV through either prenatal care or their own illness. An important share of these men discover that they are HIV-positive through some illness such as tuberculosis or after several visits to health services. Spontaneous search for HIV testing only occurs through situations and signs associated with possible infection. Heterosexual men have few opportunities for HIV diagnosis, and beyond gender issues, they are subject to programmatic vulnerability.

Resumen: Los hombres son el principal grupo afectado por la infección del VIH en Brasil, con una tendencia de crecimiento en los últimos 10 años. En los datos oficiales, los hombres heterosexuales representan un 49% de los casos, los homosexuales un 38% y los bisexuales un 9,1%. Los hombres heterosexuales quedaron encajados en la categoría de "población general", no siendo relevantes en políticas o acciones de prevención. Este artículo se propone analizar las circunstancias y estrategias a través de las cuales los hombres heterosexuales descubren el diagnóstico del VIH. Se busca, de esta forma, comprender los caminos recorridos, así como los actores sociales implicados en el diagnóstico del VIH/SIDA. Los datos analizados son resultado de una investigación cualitativa en la que se entrevistaron a 36 hombres, viviendo con VIH/SIDA, que no se identifican como homosexuales y/o bisexuales. Se contactó con estos hombres a través de tres servicios especializados en sida de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Los resultados indican que los hombres se consideran inmunes al VIH, siendo el diagnóstico un evento inesperado. Las mujeres (parejas afectivo-sexuales y/o ex-parejas) son piezas fundamentales para el diagnóstico masculino, puesto que revelan, sea a través del cuidado prenatal, sea a través de la enfermedad, la presencia del VIH. Una parte importante de los hombres se descubre seropositiva, debido a alguna enfermedad, como la tuberculosis, o tras varias idas y venidas a los servicios de salud. La búsqueda de un test espontáneo solamente se produce mediante la identificación de situaciones y señales asociadas a una posible infección. Los hombres heterosexuales poseen pocas oportunidades de diagnóstico del VIH y, más allá del género, están sujetos a vulnerabilidad programática.

Factors associated with directly observed treatment in tuberculosis/HIV coinfection cases in Porto Alegre, 2009-2013: A retrospective cohort.

BACKGROUND: TB/HIV coinfection is a serious public health issue in Brazil, and patients with coinfection have difficulty adhering to treatments. Directly observed treatment (DOT) has been recommended by the World Health Organization, considering the vulnerability of those affected. The purpose is to investigate the occurrence of DOT and associated factors compared to conventional treatment in Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out with all patients with coinfection from 2009 to 2013 in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil, the state capital with the highest rate of coinfection in Brazil. The data came from national health information systems. The dependent variable was the performance of DOT. Bivariate and multivariable models were used to determine factors associated with DOT. The percentage of cure and death was verified in a period of two years, comparing patients who received and did not receive DOT. RESULTS: 2,400 cases of coinfection were reported, with 1,574 males and 826 females and a mean age of 38 years ± 9.91 years. The occurrence of DOT was 16.9%. In the multivariable analysis, factors independently associated to DOT were the year (with greater chances of being received in 2012 and 2013), place of origin, non-white race (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.08-1.54), cases of relapse (OR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.03-1.73), readmission after abandonment (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.20-1.83), transfer (OR = 2.04; 95% CI = 1.40-2.98), acid-fast bacilli (AFB) test with positive result in first sample (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.24-2.42), alcohol abuse (OR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.16-1.67), and mental disorders (OR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1.38-2.44.) Of the 532 cases of death, occurring in two years, 10.2% were in patients who underwent DOT and 89.8% in patients who did not undergo DOT (p<0.001). O percentual de óbitos em pessoas que receberam DOT foi de 13% e o percentual de óbitos para pessoas que receberam tratamento convencional foi de 24%. CONCLUSIONS: There was an increase in the percentage of DOT over the years in the scenario studied, and the predictors for DOT were related to social vulnerability. In relation to death within two years, a lower proportion was found in patients who underwent DOT, suggesting a protective effect of the strategy.

Epidemiological profile of tuberculosis cases with HIV coinfection in Porto Alegre city, Brazil / Perfil epidemiológico de los casos de tuberculosis con coinfección VIH en Porto Alegre / Perfil epidemiológico dos casos de tuberculose com coinfecção HIV em Porto Alegre, Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe and compare the epidemiological profile of cases of tuberculosis and HIV coinfection of the District Administration Health Units of Porto Alegre, Brazil, from 2009 to 2013. Method: Retrospective cohort with data from national health information systems. Sociodemographic, clinical and follow-up variables were investigated through association tests. Results: 2,419 cases of tuberculosis and HIV coinfection were reported, with a mean age of 38 ± 9.91 years, predominantly white and with up to 7 years of study. The comparison between the District Administration Health Units was significant in terms of race/color (p<0.001), gender (p<0.001), schooling (p<0.004), age (p<0.003), place of origin (p<0.001), (p<0.001), alcoholism (p<0.001), indication and performance of Directly Observed Therapy (p<0.001), closure (p<0.001). Conclusion: Socioeconomic and treatment variables influence the occurrence of coinfection in different areas of Porto Alegre, reinforcing that the sum of different factors explains the indicators of the disease.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Describir y comparar el perfil epidemiológico de los casos de coinfección por Tuberculosis y VIH, por la Gerencia Distrital de Porto Alegre, en el período de 2009 a 2013. Método: Cohorte, retrospectiva, con datos de sistemas nacionales de información en salud. Se investigaron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y de seguimiento, por medio de pruebas de asociación. Resultados: Se notificaron 2.419 casos de coinfección Tuberculosis y VIH, con una media de edad de 38 ± 9,91 años, predominantemente blancos y con hasta 7 años de estudio. La comparación entre las Gerencias Distritales fue significativa como raza/color (p <0,001), sexo (p <0,001), escolaridad (p <0,004), edad (p <0,003), lugar de origen (p <0,001), situación de origen (p <0,001), alcoholismo (p <0,001), indicación y realización de tratamiento directamente observado (p <0,001), situación de cierre (p <0,001). Conclusión: Las variables socioeconómicas y de realización del tratamiento influencian la ocurrencia de la coinfección en diferentes áreas de Porto Alegre, reforzando que la suma de diferentes factores explica los indicadores de la enfermedad.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever e comparar o perfil epidemiológico dos casos de coinfecção por Tuberculose e HIV, pela Gerência Distrital de Porto Alegre, no período de 2009 a 2013. Método: Coorte retrospectivo, com dados de sistemas nacionais de informação em saúde. Foram investigadas variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e de acompanhamento, por meio de testes de associação. Resultados: Foram notificados 2.419 casos de coinfecção Tuberculose e HIV, com média de idade de 38 ±9,91 anos, predominantemente brancos e com até 7 anos de estudo. A comparação entre as Gerências Distritais foi significativa quanto raça/cor (p<0,001), sexo (p<0,001), escolaridade (p<0,004), idade (p<0,003), local de origem (p<0,001), situação de entrada (p<0,001), alcoolismo (p<0,001), indicação e realização de Tratamento Diretamente Observado (p<0,001), situação de encerramento (p<0,001). Conclusão: Variáveis socioeconômicas e de realização do tratamento influenciam a ocorrência da coinfecção em diferentes áreas de Porto Alegre, reforçando que a soma de diferentes fatores explica os indicadores da doença.

Epidemiological profile of tuberculosis cases with HIV coinfection in Porto Alegre city, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare the epidemiological profile of cases of tuberculosis and HIV coinfection of the District Administration Health Units of Porto Alegre, Brazil, from 2009 to 2013. METHOD: Retrospective cohort with data from national health information systems. Sociodemographic, clinical and follow-up variables were investigated through association tests. RESULTS: 2,419 cases of tuberculosis and HIV coinfection were reported, with a mean age of 38 ± 9.91 years, predominantly white and with up to 7 years of study. The comparison between the District Administration Health Units was significant in terms of race/color (p<0.001), gender (p<0.001), schooling (p<0.004), age (p<0.003), place of origin (p<0.001), (p<0.001), alcoholism (p<0.001), indication and performance of Directly Observed Therapy (p<0.001), closure (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Socioeconomic and treatment variables influence the occurrence of coinfection in different areas of Porto Alegre, reinforcing that the sum of different factors explains the indicators of the disease.

Experiência e (des)identificação no enfrentamento de desigualdades e preconceitos na percepção dos agentes comunitários de saúde / Experience and (de)identification when facing inequalities and prejudices, according to community health agents' view / Experiencia y (des)identificación para hacer frente a las desigualdades y prejuicios en la percepción de agentes comunitarios de salud

Este artigo discute tematizações sobre o preconceito no discurso de trabalhadores da saúde que cursaram o Projeto Caminhos do Cuidado, identificando efeitos que colaboraram para a superação dessas relações quanto a usuários de álcool e outras drogas. Utilizamos metodologia qualitativa, com análise de conteúdo. A análise se baseou em dados provenientes de 78 rodas de conversa e 39 registros etnográficos, ocorridas nas 27 Unidades Federativas do Brasil. Os dados descrevem movimentos reflexivos dos trabalhadores que possibilitaram o enquadramento de relações identitárias para além de crivos morais e da essencialização dos sujeitos. Nossos resultados apontam a importância da experiência para a desconstrução de estereótipos e preconceitos, por produzir processos de desidentificação necessários para a superação de preconceitos. Destaca-se a importância do agente comunitário de saúde como o profissional estratégico para o trabalho com a temática do preconceito nos territórios.

This article discusses thematizations about prejudice in health workers’ discourses, who attended the project "Caminhos do Cuidado" (The Ways of Care), identifying effects that contributed to overcoming these relationships in relation to users of alcohol and other drugs. We applied qualitative methodology with content analysis. The analysis was based on data from 78 conversation meetings and 39 ethnographic records, which occurred in all 27 States of Brazil. The data describe the workers’ reflexive movements that allowed the framing of identity relations beyond moral screens and the essentialization of the subjects. Our results point to the importance of experience for the deconstruction of stereotypes and prejudices, as it produces the de-identification processes necessary to overcome prejudices. We highlighted the importance of the community health agent, as the strategic professional to work with the theme of prejudice in the approached places.

Este artículo analiza las tematizaciones sobre los prejuicios en el discurso de los trabajadores de salud que asistieron al proyecto "Caminhos do Cuidado", identificando los efectos que contribuyeron a superar estas relaciones con los usuarios de alcohol y otras drogas. Utilizamos metodología cualitativa con análisis de contenido. El análisis se basó en datos de 78 círculos de conversación y 39 registros etnográficos, que ocurrieron en todas las regiones de Brasil. Los datos describen los movimientos reflexivos de los trabajadores que permitieron enmarcar las relaciones de identidad más allá de las pantallas morales y la esencialización de los sujetos. Nuestros resultados apuntan a la importancia de la experiencia para la deconstrucción de estereotipos y prejuicios, ya que produce los procesos de desidentificación necesarios para superar los prejuicios. Destacamos la importancia del agente comunitario de salud, como el profesional estratégico para trabajar con el tema del prejuicio en los territorios.

Factors associated with hospitalization and death among TB/HIV co-infected persons in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

In locations with a high rate of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV infection, there are a number of strategies to prevent negative outcomes such as opportunistic infections, hospitalizations and death, and this article investigates risk factors for the occurrence of hospitalization and death in cases of TB/HIV co-infection in the south of Brazil. The data are taken from a population-based retrospective cohort study on cases of TB/HIV co-infection from 2009 to 2013 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Sociodemographic, epidemiological and clinical variables were analyzed. Relative risk (RR) estimates for hospitalization and death were determined by regression models. There were 2,419 co-infection cases, of which 1,527 (63.1%) corresponded to hospitalizations, and 662 (27.4%) to death. The occurrence of hospitalization was associated with ≤ 7 years of schooling (RR = 3.47, 95%CI: 1.97-6.29), 8-11 years of schooling (RR = 2.56, 95%CI: 1.44-4.69), place of origin-district health authorities Northwest/Humaitá/Navegantes/Ilhas (RR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.44-2.82), type of entry into the surveillance system as in cases of reentry after withdrawal (RR = 1,35, 95%CI: 1.07-1.70), closure in surveillance as in withdrawal of treatment (RR = 1.47, 95%CI: 1.18-1.83) and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (RR = 3.94, 95%CI: 1.97-8.81). The occurrence of death was associated with age (RR = 1.07, 95%CI: 1,01-1,14), ≤ 7 years of schooling (RR = 3.94, 95%CI: 2.26-7.09), 8-11 years of schooling (RR = 2.84, 95%CI: 1.61-5.16), place of origin-district health authorities Baltazar (RR = 2.05, 95%CI: 1.48-2.86), type of entry in the surveillance system as cases of re-entry after withdrawal (RR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.22-1.91), relapse (RR = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.03-1.73). The occurrence of hospitalizations and deaths is high among co-infected patients. Our estimation approach is important in order to identify, from the surveillance data, the risk factors for hospitalization and death in co-infected patients, so that they may receive more attention from the Brazilian national healthcare system.

Atenção à Saúde dos Usuários com Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica, no Rio Grande Do Sul e Nas Demais Unidades Federativas do Brasil, Na Atenção Básica / Care For Users With Systemic Arterial Hypertension, In The Rio Grande do Sul And In Other Federal Units Of Brazil, In The Primary Health Care

Objetivo: comparar a atenção à saúde dos usuários com hipertensão arterial sistêmica ofertada no Rio Grande do Sul com aquela ofertada nas demais unidades federativas do país. Método: Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico, observacional e analítico, de cunho ecológico, com dados oriundos do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica (PMAQ-AB), ano 2012. A amostra nacional foi composta por 65.391 usuários, dos quais 36,5% possuía hipertensão arterial sistêmica. Comparações foram realizadas quanto à atenção a saúde dos 23.797 hipertensos residentes no Rio Grande do Sul (RS) e nas demais UFs. Resultados: A prevalência de HAS no RS foi de 35,9% (n = 1.156). Observou-se diferença estatística entre RS e demais UFs quanto à ocorrência de consulta nos últimos 6 meses (p<0,001), realização de exames (p<0,001), agendamento de consulta (p<0,001), e local de retirada de medicamentos (p<0,001). Conclusões: Apesar do RS ser apontado como uma das UFs com maior prevalência de HAS, as comparações apontam melhores resultados nas demais UFs quanto à atenção à saúde do hipertenso na atenção básica. Os resultados permitem discutir melhorias de acesso e qualidade da atenção básica. Sugere-se que o PMAQ-AB inclua questões relativas à adesão ao tratamento e questões sobre o tratamento não medicamentoso para a avaliação da qualidade da atenção à saúde do hipertenso.(AU)

Objective: To compare the health care provided for users who suffer from systemic arterial hypertension in Rio Grande do Sul and other states of Brazil. Method: This is an epidemiological, observational and analytic ecological study with data from the National Program for Access and Quality Improvement in Primary Care (PMAQAB) - 2012. The sample consisted of 65,391 users, 36.5% of whom suffered from systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and answered questions regarding health care for hypertensive patients in primary care facilities. The service provided in Rio Grande do Sul was compared to that of other states. Results: The prevalence of SAH in the national sample was 36.5% (n = 23,797), whereas in Rio Grande do Sul it was 35.9% (n = 1,156). Statistical differences were found related to consultations in the last six months (p <0.001), medical examinations (p <0.001), appointments schedule (p <0.001) and medication deliverance sites (p <0.001). Conclusions: Although Rio Grande do Sul is regarded as one of the states with the highest prevalence rates of SAH, comparison shows other states have better results as far as care for hypertensive patients in primary health care is concerned. Results can support the debate about improving the quality of primary care, for which PMAQ was intended. It is suggested that PMAQ includes both adherence to treatment and non-drug treatments as factors to evaluate the quality of the care provided for hipertensive patients.(AU)

Disponibilidade do teste rápido para sífilis e anti-HIV nas Unidades de Atenção Básica do Brasil, no ano de 2012 / Availability of rapid tests for syphilis and HIV at Primary Health Care Units of Brasil in 2012

Objetivo: verificar e comparar a disponibilidade dos testes rápidos, nas cinco regiões do Brasil. Método: trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico ecológico, que analisou dados secundários provenientes do Programa Nacional de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade da Atenção Básica, coletados no ano de 2012. Resultados: em 96,6% e 86% dos estabelecimentos, respectivamente, o teste para sífilis e anti-HIV não estavam disponíveis. Teste para sífilis sempre disponível foi encontrado com maior frequência na região centro-oeste (6,1%; p<0,01) e teste anti-HIV na região sudeste (30,5%; p<0,01). Conclusões: foram evidenciadas desigualdades regionais na disponibilidade dos testes rápidos na atenção básica no Brasil. Considerando os elevados índices de sífilis e Aids no país, acredita-se que a disponibilidade dos testes rápidos constitui-se como uma relevante estratégia de enfrentamento. Portanto, frente às recentes recomendações das políticas públicas que incentivam a testagem na atenção básica, tornam-se necessárias ações de saúde para garantir que os testes rápidos estejam sempre disponíveis. (AU)

Objective: To check and compare the availability of rapid tests for syphilis and HIV in the five regions of Brazil. Method: This is an ecological epidemiological study, which analyzed secondary data from the National Program for Access and Quality Improvement in Primary Care (PMAQ-AB) - 2012. Results: Syphilis and HIV tests were not available in respectively 96.6% and 86% of the facilities. Syphilis tests were found more frequently in the Central-West Region (6.1%, p <0.01) and HIV tests in the Southeast Region (30.5%; p <0.01). Conclusions: Regional inequalities were evidenced in the availability of rapid tests in primary health care in Brazil. Given the high levels of syphilis and AIDS in Brazil, the availability of rapid tests constitutes a relevant coping strategy. Therefore, in the face of recent public policy recommendations that encourage testing in primary care, health actions are needed to ensure that rapid tests are always available. (AU)

Factors associated with post-diagnosis pregnancies in women living with HIV in the south of Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the factors associated with the occurrence of pregnancies after the diagnosis of infection by HIV. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with women of a reproductive age living with HIV/AIDS cared for in the public services of the city of Porto Alegre, in southern Brazil. The data was analyzed from a comparison between two groups: women with and women without pregnancies after the diagnosis of HIV. Poisson regression models were used to estimate the reasons of prevalence (RP). RESULTS: The occurrence of pregnancies after the diagnosis of HIV is associated with a lower level of education (RP adjusted = 1.31; IC95%: 1.03-1.66), non-use of condoms in the first sexual intercourse (RP = 1.32; IC95%: 1.02-1.70), being 20 years old or less when diagnosed with HIV (RP = 3.48; IC95%: 2.02-6.01), and experience of violence related to the diagnosis of HIV (RP = 1.28; IC95%: 1.06-1.56). CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of pregnancies after the diagnosis of infection by HIV does not indicate the exercise of the reproductive rights of the women living with HIV/AIDS because these pregnancies occurred in contexts of great vulnerability.

Proposta de ações em saúde para a terceira idade: um relato de experiência a partir da atuação do sanitarista / Proposal of health activities for elderly: a report based on the experience of a collective health professional

Objetivo: Apresentar a construção de um projeto de intervenção para a terceira idade, com ações cujas ênfases foram a promoção de uma vida mais saudável, e o reconhecimento do idoso como um cidadão ativo no processo do cuidado com a saúde e do envelhecimento. Métodos: Realizou-se o mapeamento de unidades de saúde que realizam grupos de idosos em Porto Alegre. Algumas destas unidades foram visitadas. Como técnica de coleta de informações utilizou-se a observação participante e a condução de entrevistas. Paralelamente a isso, foram realizadas leituras sobre envelhecimento saudável e técnicas de condução de grupos de convivência para idosos. Resultados: Planejou-se uma lista de atividades que foram desenvolvidas num grupo de idosos. Foram contatados voluntários para a condução de atividades, as quais necessitavam de habilidades artísticas especificas. As demais técnicas e atividades foram desenvolvidas pelas autoras e equipe de saúde. Todas as atividades foram discutidas com a equipe de saúde e com os participantes antes de serem implementadas. As atividades foram avaliadas, posteriormente, pelos profissionais e pelos idosos participantes. Considerações finais: Nesta experiência, os espaços de grupos deixaram de ser um encontro para resolver problemas relacionados ao adoecimento, consolidando-se como um espaço de produção de saúde e de formação de vínculo profissional/usuário e entre os participantes. Recomenda-se a realização de atividades como as apresentadas nessa proposta, tendo em vista a necessidade de transformação dos espaços tradicionais de saúde e a necessidade de espaços de produção de saúde fora dos serviços tradicionais. (AU)

Objective: To present a project designed for elderly consisting of activities that emphasized the promotion of a healthier life and the recognition of them as active players in the process of health care. Methods: After the health care facilities that held groups of elderly people in Porto Alegre had been mapped, some of them were visited. Interviews were carried out and participatory observation was performed to collect data. Simultaneously, healthy aging and interaction techniques for elderly groups were researched. Results: A list of activities was planned and performed in a group of elderly people. Volunteers were invited to perform activities that required specific artistic skills, whereas the authors and the health care team performed those that didn't. All activities were not only discussed with health care teams and participants before taking place, but also evaluated after that. Final considerations: In this experience, group meetings moved on from being mere occasions to solve problems related to illness to become opportunities to promote health and bonds between professionals and users, as well as among the users themselves. Activities such as those presented in this article are highly recommended in order to improve the conventional health care services as well as to create situations to promote health outside conventional facilities.(AU)

Socioeconomic and regional inequalities of pap smear coverage. / Desigualdades socioeconômicas e regionais na cobertura de exames citopatológicos do colo do útero.

Objectives To identify socioeconomic and regional inequalities of pap smear coverage in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Methods An ecological study based on data of the 2011-2012 national health information system to estimate the annual coverage of pap smears for the overall female population of the state and for women without private health insurance. We estimated annual pap smear coverage according to the Municipal Social Vulnerability Index and health macro-regions and regions of the state. Results The percentage of women without private health insurance ranged from 38.1% to 94.2% in the health regions. Pap smear coverage was 17.3% for the overall female population and 23.8% for women without private health insurance. Pap smear coverage was higher in more socially vulnerable municipalities and regions with a higher percentage of women with private health insurance. Conclusions The prevalence of private health insurance should be considered in studies that address the coverage of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).

The Scale of Self-Efficacy Expectations of Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment: A Tool for Identifying Risk for Non-Adherence to Treatment for HIV.

BACKGROUND: Identification of risk for non-adherence to treatment is a challenge for personalized care for people living with HIV. Standardized questionnaires of patients' expectations of their capability to overcome obstacles for treatment adherence may be used as a pre-screening for risk identification. A scale of self-efficacy expectations of adherence to antiretroviral treatment (SEA-ART scale) was previously developed. This study assesses the scale validity in predicting non-adherence to ART in adults living with HIV. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A prospective cohort study applied a 21-item SEA-ART scale to 275 adults in ART treatment at an outpatient public service for HIV in Southern Brazil. ART medications taken were assessed at one-month follow-up; ART adherence was devised as an intake of 95% and more of the prescribed medication. A SEA-ART score was calculated by adding up the scores of all items. Multivariable logistic regression and the Area Under the Receiver-Operating-Characteristic Curve (AUROC) were applied to examine the ability of the SEA-ART score to predict non-adherence at follow-up. The SEA-ART score varied from 21 to 105; mean 93.9; median 103.0. Non-adherence was 30.3% (n = 81/267). The odds of non-adherence was 8% lower for each unit increase of the SEA-ART score; after adjustment for age, sex, formal education and time in treatment (OR = 0.92; 95%CI 0.90-0.95; LRT for linear trend, p = 0.002). The AUROC was 0.80 (95%CI 0.73-0.87; p<0.001). The SEA-ART optimal cut-off value was 101, providing a sensitivity of 76.5%, a specificity of 73.1%, a positive predictive value of 55.4% and a negative predictive value of 87.7%. There was no evidence of difference in sensitivity, and specificity among groups organized by age, gender, formal education and time in treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The SEA-ART scale appears to have a good capacity to discriminate between adherents and non-adherents at one-month follow-up. Further studies should confirm these results in other populations.