HIV Care Continuum and Preexposure Prophylaxis Program in Federal Bureau of Prisons, United States.

In 2019, the US Department of Health and Human Services launched the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the US initiative (EHE) with the goal of reducing new HIV infections by 90% by 2030. This initiative identifies 4 pillars (diagnose, treat, prevent, and respond) to address the HIV epidemic in the United States. To advance the EHE goals, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) has implemented interventions at all points of the HIV care continuum. The FBOP has addressed the EHE pillar of prevention through implementing preexposure prophylaxis, developing a strategy to decrease the risk of new HIV infection, and providing guidance to FBOP healthcare providers. This article describes the implementation of programs to improve the HIV care continuum and end the epidemic of HIV within the FBOP including a review of methodology to implement an HIV preexposure prophylaxis program.

Analysis of antiretroviral therapy interruption in people living with HIV during the 2010-2021 Period. / [Artículo traducido] Análisis de la interrupción de la terapia antirretroviral en personas que viven con VIH/sida durante el periodo 2010­2021.

OBJECTIVE: In the context of the advancement of antiretroviral therapy and, as the characteristics of people living with HIV progress toward an aging population, understanding the causes of treatment interruption becomes crucial. The aim of the study was to determine the change in reasons for antiretroviral treatment discontinuation for 12 years. Secondarily, compare annual antiretroviral regimen discontinuation rate and factors associated. METHODS: We conducted an analysis using data from people living with HIV who were receiving antiretroviral therapy and discontinued it for any reason. The study included people with HIV infection who visited an outpatient hospital pharmacy clinic from January 2010 to December 2021. Two periods were differentiated for the analysis: 2010-2015 and 2016-2021. The reasons for antiretroviral treatment discontinuation followed classification described by Swiss cohort. In the context of this study, it is pertinent to note that the term 'interruption' will be consistently used in this article to refer to the act of switching or stopping antiretroviral treatment. To examine factors associated with antiretroviral therapy discontinuation, we utilized Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional models. RESULTS: We included 789 people living with HIV, predominantly male (81,5%). The main reason for discontinuation was clinical decision (50.2%) followed by adverse effects (37.9%). Focusing on clinical decision, we observed a trend change that went from antiretroviral treatment simplification regimen (56.1%) in the first part of the period analyzed to the therapeutic optimization (53.6%) in the second half. Furthermore, factors that were statistically significantly associated with antiretroviral treatment discontinuation were people with HIV ≥50 years (HR 1.60; 95%CI 1.25-2.04), post-discontinuation single-tablet regimen (HR 1.49; 95%CI 1.06-2.11) and antiretroviral drug classes. CONCLUSIONS: Over the 12 years there has been a change in the main cause of antiretroviral treatment discontinuation, currently therapeutic optimization being the main reason. Integrase inhibitors-based regimens and singletablet regimen strategies were less likely to be discontinued than others antiretroviral drug classes, allowing for better clinical management due to the efficacy profile, especially in people living with HIV ≥50 years with comorbidities.

Antiretroviral adherence among people living with HIV during the postpartum period: a retrospective cohort study at a PMTCT reference center in Rio de Janeiro before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite success in achieving viral suppression during pregnancy in people living with HIV (PLWH), postpartum adherence remains a challenge. We aimed to describe rates of adherence at a Prevention of Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission (PMTCT) Center before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was conducted from a cohort of PLWH who received prenatal care and were virally suppressed near delivery. We tracked combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) pickups for 12 months and HIV viral load (VL) from 2 to 12 months after delivery. We defined flexible adherence as a monthly pickup of cART and strict adherence as also having VL < 200 copies/mL and at least one maternal HIV VL between two and twelve months postpartum. Pre-pandemic was defined as delivery from March 2017-February 2019 and pandemic as March 2020-February 2022. During the study, 1119 PLWH were followed, and 965 (86%) were suppressed near delivery. There were 511 pre-pandemic and 290 pandemic participants. Adherence rates were 66/511 (13%) and 38/290 (13%), respectively. During the pandemic, more participants conceived using cART and were undetectable at the start of prenatal care; nevertheless, postpartum adherence was no better than pre-pandemic underscoring the need to improve strategies for adherence specific to this subset of PLWH in the postpartum period.

Rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy in Turkey: a modeling study.

Background: To effectively control the HIV epidemic and meet global targets, policymakers recommend the rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Our study aims to investigate the effect of rapid ART programs on individuals diagnosed with HIV, considering varying coverage and initiation days after diagnosis, and compare it to standard-of-care ART treatment in Turkey. Methods: We used a dynamic compartmental model to simulate the dynamics of HIV infection in Turkey. Rapid treatment, defined as initiation of ART within 7 days of diagnosis, was contrasted with standard-of-care treatment, which starts within 30 days of diagnosis. This study considered three coverage levels (10%, 50%, and 90%) and two rapid periods (7 and 14 days after diagnosis), comparing them to standard-of-care treatment in evaluating the number of HIV infections between 2020 and 2030. Results: Annual HIV incidence and prevalence for a 10-year period were obtained from model projections. In the absence of a rapid ART program, the model projected approximately 444,000 new HIV cases while the number of cases were reduced to 345,000 (22% reduction) with 90% of diagnosed cases included in the rapid ART program. Similarly, 10% and 50% rapid ART coverage has resulted in 3% and 13% reduction in HIV prevalence over a 10-year period. Conclusion: Rapid ART demonstrates the potential to mitigate the increasing HIV incidence in Turkey by reducing the number of infections. The benefit of the rapid ART program could be substantial when the coverage of the program reaches above a certain percentage of diagnosed population.

Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of the "PrEPare for Work" intervention to enhance PrEP uptake and optimize adherence for HIV prevention among male sex workers in the U.S.

BACKGROUND: Male sex workers (MSWs), specifically cisgender men who exchange sex for money, goods, drugs, or other items of value with other cisgender men, are at high risk for HIV infection. Compared to men not engaged in sex work, MSWs are more likely to engage in frequent condomless sex with paying and non-paying sexual partners. While MSWs are often included as a subgroup of gay and bisexual men, data show that a large proportion identify as heterosexual; additionally, most MSWs do not identify as "sex workers." This places MSWs in a unique position where they may not engage with traditional HIV prevention programs, and when they do, they may not feel comfortable, leading to poor retention. Thus, HIV prevention interventions that address MSWs' unique life circumstances and provide support in exploring their sexual health options are needed. METHODS: In this protocol paper, we describe the design and procedures for a National Institute of Health-funded, randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of "PrEPare for Work,"- a theory-based, manualized PrEP uptake and adherence intervention for MSW - using a 2-stage randomization design. Stage 1: MSWs are equally randomized to receive either the "PrEPare for Work Stage 1 intervention" (strength-based case management and facilitated PrEP linkage) or Standard of Care (SOC) to evaluate successful PrEP uptake (prescription filled) within two months post-randomization. Stage 2: Those who initiate PrEP are then equally re-randomized to receive either the "PrEPare for Work Stage 2 intervention" (1-on-1 skills training, problem-solving, and motivational interviewing adherence counseling and personalized, daily text message reminders) or SOC to assess adherence (Tenofovir concentrations in hair) over 12 months of follow up. Planned analyses will examine intervention efficacy, specific conceptual mediators, and hypothesized moderators. DISCUSSION: Based on our extensive preliminary research, multi-component, theory-informed interventions targeting this subpopulation of MSWs' unique life circumstances are urgently needed. In this study, we are evaluating whether "PrEPare for Work" can improve PrEP uptake and adherence among MSWs. If this intervention is efficacious, it would be readily disseminated to diverse community organizations that serve MSWs and possibly other community or clinic-based settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT05736614, registered February 8, 2023.

Assessing the effectiveness of HIV/STI risk communication displays among Melbourne Sexual Health Centre attendees: a cross-sectional, observational and vignette-based study.

INTRODUCTION: Increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) over the past decade underscore the need for early testing and treatment. Communicating HIV/STI risk effectively can promote individuals' intention to test, which is critical for the prevention and control of HIV/STIs. We aimed to determine which visual displays of risk would be the most likely to increase testing or use of prevention strategies. METHODS: A vignette-based cross-sectional survey was conducted with 662 clients (a median age of 30 years (IQR: 25-36), 418 male, 203 female, 41 other genders) at a sexual health clinic in Melbourne, Australia, between February and June 2023. Participants viewed five distinct hypothetical formats, presented in a randomised order, designed to display the same level of high risk for HIV/STIs: icon array, colour-coded risk metre, colour-coded risk bar, detailed text report and guideline recommendation. They reported their perceived risk, concern and intent to test for each risk display. Associations between the format of the risk display and the intention to test for HIV/STI were analysed using logistic regression. RESULTS: About 378 (57%) of participants expressed that the risk metre was the easiest to understand. The risk metre (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.44, 95% CI=1.49 to 4.01) and risk bar (AOR=2.08, CI=1.33 to 3.27) showed the greatest likelihood of testing compared with the detailed text format. The icon array was less impactful (AOR=0.73, CI=0.57 to 0.94). The risk metre also elicited the most concern but was the most preferred and understood. High-risk perception and concern levels were strongly associated with their intention to have an HIV/STI test. CONCLUSIONS: Displaying risk differently affects an individual's perceived risk of an HIV/STI and influences their intention to test.

[Updates in HIV infection therapeutics]. / Actualités thérapeutiques dans l'infection par le VIH.

UPDATES IN HIV INFECTION THERAPEUTICS. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is still a world public health challenge, with constant therapeutic innovations involved. Very efficient treatments, with a high impact on HIV morbimortality, are now used in routine. Therefore, the new challenges focus on transmission prevention, side effects reduction and quality-of-life improvement. Therapeutic news in the management of patients living with HIV is varied: new molecules, changes in treatment modalities, prevention….

ACTUALITÉS THÉRAPEUTIQUES DANS L'INFECTION PAR LE VIH. L'infection par le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine (VIH) reste en France et dans le monde un problème de santé publique et fait l'objet d'innovations thérapeutiques constantes. Après la réussite des traitements qui ont fait la preuve de leur efficacité en matière de morbi-mortalité liée au VIH, les nouveaux défis sont aujourd'hui tournés vers la prévention de la transmission, la réduction des effets indésirables et l'amélioration de la qualité de vie des patients. Les actualités thérapeutiques dans la prise en charge des patients vivant avec le VIH sont variées : nouvelles molécules, évolution des modalités de traitement, prévention….

Come back when you're infected: pharmacy access to sterile syringes in an Arizona Secret Shopper Study, 2023.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacies are critical healthcare partners in community efforts to eliminate bloodborne illnesses. Pharmacy sale of sterile syringes is central to this effort. METHODS: A mixed methods "secret shopper" syringe purchase study was conducted in the fall of 2022 with 38 community pharmacies in Maricopa and Pima Counties, Arizona. Pharmacies were geomapped to within 2 miles of areas identified as having a potentially high volume of illicit drug commerce. Daytime venue sampling was used whereby separate investigators with lived/living drug use experience attempted to purchase syringes without a prescription. Investigator response when prompted for purchase rationale was "to protect myself from HIV and hepatitis C." A 24-item instrument measured sales outcome, pharmacy staff interaction (hostile/neutral/friendly), and the buyer's subjective experience. RESULTS: Only 24.6% (n = 28) of 114 purchase attempts across the 38 pharmacies resulted in syringe sale. Less than one quarter (21.1%) of pharmacies always sold, while 44.7% never sold. Independent and food store pharmacies tended not to sell syringes. There emerged distinct pharmacy staff interactions characterized by body language, customer query, normalization or othering response, response to purchase request and closure. Pharmacy discretion and pharmacy policy not to sell syringes without a prescription limited sterile syringe access. Investigators reported frequent and adverse emotional impact due to pharmacy staff negative and stigmatizing interactions. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacies miss opportunities to advance efforts to eliminate bloodborne infections by stringent no-sale policy and discretion about syringe sale. State regulatory policy facilitating pharmacy syringe sales, limiting pharmacist discretion for syringe sales, and targeting pharmacy-staff level education may help advance the achievement of public health goals to eliminate bloodborne infections in Arizona.

Association of HIV and HCV Infection With Carotid Artery Plaque Echomorphology in the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are associated with increased risk of carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque and stroke. We examined associations of HIV- and HCV-related factors with echomorphologic features of carotid artery plaque. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included participants from the MACS (Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study)/WIHS (Women's Interagency HIV Study) Combined Cohort Study who underwent high-resolution B-mode carotid artery ultrasound. Plaques were characterized from 6 areas of the right carotid artery. Poisson regression controlling for demographic and cardiometabolic risk factors determined adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% CIs for associations of HIV- and HCV-related factors with echomorphologic features. RESULTS: Of 2655 participants (65% women, median age 44 [interquartile range, 37-50] years), 1845 (70%) were living with HIV, 600 (23%) were living with HCV, and 425 (16%) had carotid plaque. There were 191 plaques identified in 129 (11%) women with HIV, 51 plaques in 32 (7%) women without HIV, 248 plaques in 171 (28%) men with HIV, and 139 plaques in 93 (29%) men without HIV. Adjusted analyses showed that people with HIV and current CD4+ count <200 cells/µL had a significantly higher prevalence of predominantly echolucent plaque (aPR, 1.86 [95% CI, 1.08-3.21]) than those without HIV. HCV infection alone (aPR, 1.86 [95% CI, 1.08-3.19]) and HIV-HCV coinfection (aPR, 1.75 [95% CI, 1.10-2.78]) were each associated with higher prevalence of predominantly echogenic plaque. HIV-HCV coinfection was also associated with higher prevalence of smooth surface plaque (aPR, 2.75 [95% CI, 1.03-7.32]) compared with people without HIV and HCV. CONCLUSIONS: HIV with poor immunologic control, as well as HCV infection, either alone or in the presence of HIV, were associated with different echomorphologic phenotypes of carotid artery plaque.

Missed opportunities for HIV diagnosis among incarcerated people in the Federal District, Brasilia, Brazil

Objective. Evaluate the pattern of contact with the healthcare system, including prison health facilities, and HIV testing. Method. This was a quantitative case-control study of HIV infected and uninfected incarcerated people serving time in 2019 in the Federal District, matched by age. Results. There was no difference in the pattern of contact with the healthcare system or the pattern of testing between HIV-infected and uninfected incarcerated people. Most of the infected patients were diagnosed in the prison environment and had early infections, demonstrating the effectiveness of screening in this scenario. Conclusion: The pattern of contact with the healthcare system among the individuals in this study probably reflects that of young men in general, i.e., less contact with primary care outpatient services and trauma as the main reason for contact in emergency departments. 

Objetivo. Evaluar el patrón de contacto con el sistema sanitario, incluidos los centros sanitarios penitenciarios, y las pruebas del VIH. Método. Estudio cuantitativo de casos y controles de personas infectadas y no infectadas por el VIH que cumplían condena en 2019 en el Distrito Federal, emparejadas por edad. Resultados. No hubo diferencias en el patrón de contacto con el sistema de salud ni en el patrón de realización de pruebas entre personas encarceladas infectadas y no infectadas por VIH. La mayoría de los pacientes infectados fueron diagnosticados en el medio penitenciario y presentaron infecciones precoces, lo que demuestra la eficacia del cribado en este escenario. Conclusiones. El patrón de contacto con el sistema sanitario entre los individuos de este estudio probablemente refleja el de los hombres jóvenes en general, es decir, menor contacto con los servicios ambulatorios de atención primaria y traumatismos como principal motivo de contacto en los servicios de urgencias. 

Objetivo. O estudo avaliou o padrão de contato com o sistema de saúde e de testagem para HIV, incluindo as unidades de saúde prisionais.  Métodos. Trata-se de estudo quantitativo de caso-controle em detentos que cumpriam pena em 2019 no Distrito Federal, pareados por idade. Resultados. Não houve diferença no padrão de contato com o sistema de saúde e padrão de oferta de testagem entre detentos infectados ou não com HIV. A maior parte dos infectados teve o diagnóstico realizado no ambiente prisional e de maneira precoce, evidenciando efetividade do rastreamento nesse cenário. Conclusão. O padrão de contato com o sistema de saúde dos indivíduos neste estudo reflete provavelmente o de homens jovens como um todo: pouco contato com serviços ambulatoriais de atenção primária e trauma como principal motivo de contato, em prontos-socorros.  

Analysis of antiretroviral therapy interruption in people living with HIV during the 2010-2021 period.

INTRODUCTION: In the context of the advancement of antiretroviral therapy and as the characteristics of people living with HIV progress toward an ageing population, understanding the causes of treatment interruption becomes crucial. The aim of the study was to determine the change in reasons for antiretroviral treatment discontinuation for 12 years. Secondarily, compare annual antiretroviral regimen discontinuation rate and factors associated. METHODS: We conducted an analysis using data from people living with HIV who were receiving antiretroviral therapy and discontinued it for any reason. The study included people with HIV infection who visited an outpatient hospital pharmacy clinic from January 2010 to December 2021. Two periods were differentiated for the analysis: 2010-2015 and 2016-2021. The reasons for antiretroviral treatment discontinuation followed classification described by Swiss cohort. In the context of this study, it is pertinent to note that the term "discontinuation" is employed synonymously with "interruption". The term "discontinuation" will be consistently used in this article to refer to the act of switching or stopping antiretroviral treatment. To examine factors associated with antiretroviral therapy discontinuation, we utilised Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional models. RESULTS: We included 789 people living with HIV, predominantly male (81.5%). The main reason for discontinuation was clinical decision (50.2%) followed by adverse effects (37.9%). Focusing on clinical decision, we observed a trend change that went from antiretroviral treatment simplification regimen (56.1%) in the first part of the period analysed to the therapeutic optimisation (53.6%) in the second half. Furthermore, factors that were statistically significantly associated with antiretroviral treatment discontinuation were people with HIV≥50 years (HR 1.60; 95%CI 1.25-2.04), post-discontinuation single-tablet regimen (HR 1.49; 95%CI 1.06-2.11) and antiretroviral drug classes. CONCLUSION: Over the 12 years, there has been a change in the main cause of antiretroviral treatment discontinuation, currently therapeutic optimisation being the main reason. Integrase inhibitors-based regimens and single-tablet regimen strategies were less likely to be discontinued than others antiretroviral drug classes, allowing for better clinical management due to the efficacy profile, especially in people living with HIV≥50 years with comorbidities.

Prevalence of acquired and transmitted HIV drug resistance in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is no systematic review on the prevalence of HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) in Iran. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of HIVDR among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Iran. We assessed HIVDR prevalence in antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve PLHIV (i.e., those without a history of ART) and PLHIV receiving ART. METHOD: We systematically searched Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Iranian databases (Iranian Medical Research Information System, Magiran, and Scientific Information Database), the references of studies, and Google Scholar until March 2023. A random-effects model was used to calculate a point estimate and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the prevalence of HIVDR in PLHIV. RESULTS: Among 461 potential publications, 22 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of acquired HIVDR in PLHIV receiving ART was 34% (95% CI: 19, 50) for nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), 27% (95% CI: 15, 41) for non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), and 9% (95% CI: 3, 18) for protease inhibitors (PIs). The pooled prevalence of acquired HIVDR in treatment failure PLHIV was 50% (95% CI: 31, 69) for NRTIs, 49% (95% CI: 29, 69) for NNRTIs, 11% (95% CI: 2, 24) for PIs, and 1% (95% CI: 0, 4) for integrase inhibitors (INIs). The pooled prevalence of transmitted HIVDR in ART-naïve people was 3% (95% CI; 1, 6) for NRTIs, 5% (95% CI: 2, 9) for NNRTIs, and 0 for PIs and INIs. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HIVDR was relatively high in both ART-naïve PLHIV and those receiving ART. Without universal pretreatment HIVDR testing and more frequent routine HIV viral load testing among PLHIV who are on ART, the HIVDR prevalence might increase in PLHIV in Iran.

HIV Prevalence and HIV Screening History Among a Veterans Association Cohort of People with Opioid and Alcohol Use Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Veterans face high risk for HIV and substance use, and thus could be disproportionately impacted by the HIV and substance use disorder (SUD) "syndemic." HIV prevalence among veterans with SUD is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To project HIV prevalence and lifetime HIV screening history among US veterans with alcohol use disorder (AUD), opioid use disorder (OUD), or both. DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using national Veterans Health Administration (VHA) data. PARTICIPANTS: We selected three cohorts of veterans with SUD: (1) AUD, (2) OUD, and (3) AUD/OUD. Included veterans had ICD codes for AUD/OUD from 2016 to 2022 recorded in VHA electronic medical records, sourced from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW). MAIN MEASURES: We estimated HIV prevalence by dividing the number of veterans who met two out of three criteria (codes for HIV diagnosis, antiretroviral therapy, or HIV screening/monitoring) by the total number of veterans in each cohort. We also estimated lifetime HIV screening history (as documented in VHA data) by cohort. We reported HIV prevalence and screening history by cohort and across demographic/clinical subgroups. KEY RESULTS: Our sample included 669,595 veterans with AUD, 63,787 with OUD, and 57,015 with AUD/OUD. HIV prevalence was highest in the AUD/OUD cohort (3.9%), followed by the OUD (2.1%) and AUD (1.1%) cohorts. Veterans of Black race and Hispanic/Latinx ethnicity, with HCV diagnoses, and aged 50-64 had the highest HIV prevalence in all cohorts. Overall, 12.8%, 29.1%, and 33.1% of the AUD/OUD, OUD, and AUD cohorts did not have history of HIV screening, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: HIV prevalence was high in all SUD cohorts, and was highest among veterans with AUD/OUD, with disparities by race/ethnicity and age. A substantial portion of veterans had not received HIV screening in the VHA. Findings highlight room for improvement in HIV prevention and screening services for veterans with SUD.

External validation of the Dat'AIDS score: A risk score for predicting 5-year overall mortality in people living with HIV aged 60 years or older.

OBJECTIVE: To perform an external validation of the Dat'AIDS score for predicting 5-year overall mortality among people with HIV (PWH) aged 60 years or older. METHODS: This was a multi-centre prospective cohort study at all sites participating in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). We calculated the Dat'AIDS score in PWH aged 60 years or older at their first visit between 1 January 2015 and 1 January 2020. People living with HIV-2 and those whose Dat'AIDS score could not be calculated were excluded. Patients were followed until 1 January 2020. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Vital status was collected throughout the study period. We obtained population and score descriptive statistics and assessed the score's discrimination and calibration. RESULTS: We included 2205 participants (82% male) of median [interquartile range (IQR)] age 62.0 (60.3-67.0) years, mostly with viraemia <50 copies/mL (92.7%). Median follow-up time was 15.9 years and median (IQR) CD4 cell count at enrolment was 586 (420-782) cells/µL. In all, 152 deaths were recorded during a total follow-up period of 7147 patient-years. The median (IQR) observed Dat'AIDS score was 3 (0-8). Discriminative capacities were good as the C-statistic was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.69-0.77) and consistent across all subgroups. Comparison of observed and expected survival probabilities showed good calibration. CONCLUSIONS: External validation of the Dat'AIDS score in patients aged 60 years or older showed that it could be a useful tool not only for research purposes, but also to identify older patients at a higher mortality risk and to tailor the most appropriate interventions.

Construção e validação de instrumento para avaliação socioestrutural e comportamental associado à infecção pelo HIV em jovensa / Construcción y validación de un instrumento de evaluación sociológica y comportamental asociado con la infección por VIH en jóvenes / Construction and validity of an instrument for sociological and behavioral assessment associated with HIV infection in young peoplea

RESUMO Objetivo construir e validar conteúdo de instrumento para avaliação socioestrutural e comportamental associado à infecção pelo HIV em jovens. Método estudo metodológico, desenvolvido em duas etapas: elaboração do instrumento; e validação de conteúdo. Os itens que compuseram o instrumento foram selecionados através de revisão literária, tendo como referencial os domínios multiníveis do Modelo Social Ecológico Modificado, categorizados em componentes socioestruturais e comportamentais. O conteúdo foi avaliado por especialistas em duas rodadas conduzidas pela técnica Delphi, admitindo-se um índice de concordância de, no mínimo, 80%. Resultados a primeira versão do instrumento continha 52 itens, distribuídos em três domínios. Na primeira rodada, 19 itens (36,5%) obtiveram Índice de Validade de Conteúdo inferior a 0,80, dois itens foram excluídos e os demais foram reformulados. Na segunda rodada, 2 itens foram excluídos e 3 foram incorporados como subitem, totalizando 45 itens. O Índice de Validade de Conteúdo do Instrumento foi de 95%. Conclusão e implicações para a prática as recomendações dos especialistas contribuíram para a qualificação do instrumento Avaliação Socioestrutural e Comportamental-HIV, possibilitando a reorganização do conteúdo. O instrumento é válido para a identificação de fatores socioestruturais e comportamentais associados à infecção pelo HIV em jovens, com potencial para constituir planejamento de cuidados preventivos.

RESUMEN Objetivo construir y validar el contenido de un instrumento de evaluación socioestructural y conductual asociada a la infección por VIH en jóvenes. Método estudio metodológico, desarrollado en dos etapas: elaboración del instrumento; y validación de contenido. Los ítems que conformaron el instrumento fueron seleccionados a través de una revisión literaria, tomando como referencia los dominios multinivel del Modelo Ecológico Social Modificado, categorizados en componentes socioestructurales y conductuales. El contenido fue evaluado por expertos en dos rondas realizadas mediante la técnica Delphi, suponiendo una tasa de acuerdo de al menos el 80%. Resultados la primera versión del instrumento contuvo 52 ítems, distribuidos en tres dominios. En la primera ronda, 19 ítems (36,5%) tuvieron un Índice de Validez de Contenido inferior a 0,80, dos ítems fueron excluidos y el resto fueron reformulados. En la segunda ronda, se excluyeron 2 ítems y se incorporaron 3 como subítems, totalizando 45 ítems. El Índice de Validez de Contenido del Instrumento fue del 95%. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica las recomendaciones de los expertos contribuyeron para la calificación del instrumento Evaluación Socioestructural y del Comportamiento-VIH, permitiendo la reorganización del contenido. El instrumento es válido para identificar factores socioestructurales y conductuales asociados a la infección por VIH en jóvenes, con potencial para constituir una planificación de atención preventiva.

ABSTRACT Objective to construct and validate the content of an instrument for sociostructural and behavioral assessment associated with HIV infection in young people. Method a methodological study developed in two steps: instrument elaboration; and content validity. The items that made up the instrument were selected through a literary review using the Modified Social Ecological Model multilevel domains as a reference, categorized into sociostructural and behavioral components. Content was assessed by experts in two rounds conducted using the Delphi technique, assuming an agreement rate of at least 80%. Results the first version of the instrument contained 52 items, distributed across three domains. In the first round, 19 items (36.5%) had a Content Validity Index lower than 0.80, two items were excluded and the rest were reformulated. In the second round, 2 items were excluded and 3 were incorporated as subitems, totaling 45 items. The Instrument Content Validity Index was 95%. Conclusion and implications for practice experts' recommendations contributed qualifying the Sociostructural and Behavioral Assessment-HIV instrument, enabling content reorganization. The instrument is valid for identifying socio-structural and behavioral factors associated with HIV infection in young people, with the potential to constitute preventive care planning.

Estratégias educativas em saúde para pessoas vivendo com HIV: revisão de escopo / Estrategias educativas en salud para personas que viven con el VIH: revisión de alcance / Health educational strategies for people living with HIV: scoping review

Resumo Objetivo Mapear a produção científica sobre as estratégias educativas e os conteúdos abordados na educação de pessoas vivendo com HIV. Métodos Esta é uma revisão de escopo em que a seleção dos artigos foi realizada em abril de 2021 e atualizada em outubro de 2022 em dez fontes de dados; a revisão seguiu os pressupostos estabelecidos pelo Joanna Briggs Institute e o checklist dos Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Os resultados foram analisados descritivamente e sintetizados em um quadro. Resultados Foram selecionados 17 estudos com publicação predominante em 2017; Estados Unidos da América e Brasil foram os países com a maior quantidade de produções. A maioria dos estudos buscou avaliar o impacto e a eficácia das estratégias e desenvolver ou validar instrumentos de educação em saúde e atividades de prevenção. Em relação ao conteúdo abordado pelas estratégias, foram formadas cinco categorias: orientação inicial sobre HIV/AIDS, cuidados gerais, vida saudável, saúde sexual e suporte emocional. As estratégias educativas que se destacaram em relação à maior adesão dos pacientes ao tratamento estão relacionadas com o desenvolvimento de sistemas, programas e multimídia. As cartilhas promoveram empoderamento e autonomia de pessoas vivendo com HIV. Conclusão Foram mapeadas as principais estratégias educativas, com destaque para cartilhas, material impresso, recursos multimídia, sistemas, formulários e oficinas/workshops, abordando orientação inicial sobre HIV/AIDS, tratamento farmacológico, cuidados gerais, vida saudável, saúde sexual e suportes social e emocional.

Resumen Objetivo Mapear la producción científica sobre las estrategias educativas y los contenidos abordados en la educación de personas que viven con el VIH. Métodos Esta es una revisión de alcance, cuya selección de artículos se realizó en abril de 2021 y se actualizó en octubre de 2022 en diez fuentes de datos. La revisión siguió las premisas establecidas por el Joanna Briggs Institute y la checklist de los Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Los resultados fueron analizados descriptivamente y sintetizados en un cuadro. Resultados Se seleccionaron 17 estudios con publicación predominante en 2017. Estados Unidos de América y Brasil fueron los países con mayor cantidad de producciones. La mayoría de los estudios buscó evaluar el impacto y la eficacia de las estrategias y elaborar o validar instrumentos de educación para la salud y actividades de prevención. Con relación al contenido abordado por las estrategias, se formaron cinco categorías: instrucciones iniciales sobre VIH/SIDA, cuidados generales, vida saludable, salud sexual y apoyo emocional. Las estrategias educativas que se destacaron con relación a una mayor adhesión de los pacientes al tratamiento están relacionadas con el desarrollo de sistemas, programas y multimedia. Las cartillas promovieron empoderamiento y autonomía de personas que viven con el VIH. Conclusión Se mapearon las principales estrategias educativas, con énfasis en cartillas, material impreso, recursos multimedia, sistemas, formularios y talleres/workshops, que abordaron instrucciones iniciales sobre VIH/SIDA, tratamiento farmacológico, cuidados generales, vida saludable, salud sexual y apoyo social y emocional. Open Science Framework (OSF): https://osf.io/754uk/?view_only=6491865a3d12424d81af2c4099c112c3

Abstract Objective To map the scientific production on educational strategies and the content covered in the education of people living with HIV. Methods This is a scoping review in which the selection of articles was carried out in April 2021 and updated in October 2022 in ten data sources; the review followed the assumptions established by the Joanna Briggs Institute and the checklist of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. The results were descriptively analyzed and summarized in a chart. Results A total of 17 studies were selected, predominantly published in 2017; The USA and Brazil were the countries with the largest number of productions. Most studies sought to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of strategies and develop or validate health education instruments and prevention activities. Concerning the content covered by the strategies, five categories were formed: initial guidance on HIV/AIDS, general care, healthy living, sexual health, and emotional support. The educational strategies that stood out concerning greater patient adherence to treatment are related to the development of systems, programs, and multimedia. The booklets promoted empowerment and autonomy for people living with HIV. Conclusion The main educational strategies were mapped, with emphasis on booklets, printed material, multimedia resources, systems, forms, and workshops, covering initial guidance on HIV/AIDS, pharmacological treatment, general care, healthy living, sexual health, and social and emotional support. Open Science Framework (OSF): https://osf.io/754uk/?view_only=6491865a3d12424d81af2c4099c112c3

HIV diagnoses among people born in Ukraine reported by EU/EEA countries in 2022: impact on regional HIV trends and implications for healthcare planning.

Following Russia's invasion in 2022, over 4.1 million Ukrainians sought refuge in the EU/EEA. We assessed how this impacted HIV case reporting by EU/EEA countries. Ukrainian refugees constituted 10.2% (n = 2,338) of all 2022 HIV diagnoses, a 10-fold increase from 2021. Of these, 9.3% (n = 217) were new diagnoses, 58.5% (n = 1,368) were previously identified; 32.2% had unknown status. Displacement of Ukrainians has partly contributed to increasing HIV diagnoses in EU/EEA countries in 2022, highlighting the importance of prevention, testing and care.

In HIV-Infected Immunological Non-Responders, Hepatitis C Virus Eradication Contributes to Incomplete Normalization of Systemic Inflammation Indexes, but Does Not Lead to Rapid CD4+ T-Cell Count Recovery.

In HIV-positive individuals taking antiretroviral therapy, coinfection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) increases systemic inflammation, which interferes with the CD4+ T-cells regeneration. This study evaluated the effect of HCV eradication on systemic inflammation and CD4+ T-cell regeneration in patients who gave poor response to antiretroviral therapy, the so-called "immunological non-responders" (INRs). HIV-infected patients who received a course of direct-acting antivirals for treating hepatitis C were examined. The control groups included HIV/HCV-coinfected INRs and relatively healthy volunteers. It was established for the first time that HCV eradication is not accompanied by a complete suppression of systemic inflammation, but improves the T-cell pool composition: in INRs, the blood CD4+/CD8+ T-lymphocyte ratio increases and approaches those of healthy individuals. Apparently, in INRs treated for hepatitis C, the immune system recovery takes time and may be incomplete.