Evolution of late presentation to care and advanced HIV in newly HIV diagnosed subjects in the Republic of Panama: 2012-2017.

Most of the information on clinical factors related to HIV infection is focused on key populations and young people. Therefore, there is little information on clinical factors related to HIV infection in older persons (>45 years old). In this study, data on CD4 lymphocyte counts were analyzed on adults who are linked to care and have their first CD4 cell count done from different regions of the Republic of Panama from 2012 to 2017. Samples were grouped according to late presentation status, region of origin in the country, year, gender, and age groups. Factors associated with late presentation to care and advanced HIV were assessed on each group by multivariable logistic regression. Late presentation to care was observed in 71.6% of the evaluated subjects, and advanced HIV in 54.5%. Late presentation was associated with males (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.1-1.6, p = 0.03), age greater than 45 years old (AOR = 2.3 CI= 1.8-2.9, p < 0.001), and being from regions where antiretroviral clinics are not well instituted (AOR = 2.1, CI = 1.6-2.7, p < 0.001). Despite an increase in subjects linked to care with a CD4 test performed over the years, late presentation remained constant. Therefore, prevention policies must be reformulated. Promotion of routine HIV testing, accessibility among all population groups, installation of antiretroviral clinics, and implementation of programs as rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy should be rolled out nationally.

A cross-sectional evaluation of HIV testing practices among women in the rural Dominican Republic.

BACKGROUND: The Dominican Republic (DR) ranks among nations with the highest burden of HIV in the Caribbean. Cultural and gender roles in rural areas of the DR may place women at increased HIV risk. However, little is known about sexual health and HIV testing behaviors among women in the rural DR. METHODS: We conducted a needs assessment among a systematic sample of adult women in a rural DR community in 2016. Demographic and behavioral attributes related to HIV testing, sexual health, and healthcare utilization were evaluated. Poisson regression analysis was used to identify demographics and behaviors associated with having had a previous HIV test. Significance was defined as a p-value < 0.05. RESULTS: Among 105 women evaluated, 77% knew someone with HIV and 73% of women reported that they would be very or extremely likely to take an HIV test if offered. Only 68% reported a previous HIV test, including 47% who were tested over 2 years prior. Barriers to HIV testing included low risk perception (23%), distance or requisite travel (13%), and discomfort being tested (11%). Women who had never been tested for HIV were more likely than those who had been tested to be older (p = 0.03), to have a lower level of education (p = 0.04), and to have never been tested for other sexually transmitted infections (STI; p <  0.01). In the Poisson multiple regression model, the only significant predictor of having had an HIV test was having had an STI test (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In the rural DR, numerous barriers contribute to low prevalence of HIV testing among women. Most women report willingness to have an HIV test and many engage in routine health care, indicating that this population may benefit from incorporating HIV testing and other sexual health promotion activities into routine medical care.

Evaluation of an HIV recent infection testing algorithm with serological assays among men who have sex with men in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence should be calculated in cross-sectional studies using recent infection testing algorithms (RITA) that consider clinical variables and serological test results such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and dried blood spot (DBS) analysis. METHODS: The correlation between serum samples and DBS was evaluated using two commercial ELISA kits: SediaTM BED HIV-1 Incidence EIA (BED-Sedia) and Maxim HIV-1 Limiting Antigen Avidity (LAg-Avidity). Eight different RITAs were developed; all of them included serological assays. A combination of the variables viral load, antiretroviral therapy (ART) and CD4 count was used to build the RITAs. The sensitivity, specificity, Youden index, predictive positive value, predictive negative value, false recent rate (FRR) and false long-term rate were evaluated. RESULTS: The correlations between serum samples and DBS were 0.990 and 0.867 for BED-Sedia and LAg-avidity, respectively. Using only serological assays, the Youden index was higher for LAg-avidity than BED-Sedia (82.1-83.0% versus 69.2-69.6%). The best RITA was ART-serology, which showed a Youden index of 91.2-93.9% and FRR of 1.8-2.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Using DBS samples to determine HIV incidence is a good tool for epidemiological surveillance. The RITA that included ART and serological tests (BED-Sedia or LAg-avidity) showed the highest sensitivity and specificity and a low FRR.

HIV testing coverage among female sex workers, Brazil, 2016.

INTRODUCTION: Knowing the factors associated with periodic HIV testing among female sex workers (FSW) is essential to expand testing coverage and to broaden programs of treatment as prevention. METHODS: We used data from 4,328 FSWs recruited by the respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method in 12 Brazilian cities in 2016. Data analysis considered the complex sampling design. The prevalence of HIV testing in the last year and periodic HIV test were estimated. Factors associated with regular HIV testing were identified through logistic regression models. RESULTS: The testing coverage in the last year was 39.3%. Only 13.5% of FSW reported having performed a periodic HIV test in the last year. Among the factors associated with the higher probability of HIV testing in the last year were a better level of education, living with a partner, working indoors, consistent use of condoms, and regular use of public and private health services stood out. DISCUSSION: Periodic HIV testing allows early diagnosis and immediate treatment of cases, reducing the chances of spreading the infection to the population. However, factors such as stigma and discrimination hinder the use of regular health services. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to expand awareness campaigns, especially among FSWs with low educational level and greater vulnerability, in order to broaden the perception of risk and the importance of periodic testing, in addition to encouraging regular health care.

Factors associated with HIV testing among men who have sex with men in Guatemala City.

Although men who have sex with men (MSM) have the highest human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence in Guatemala, prevention efforts have been focused on other vulnerable populations. Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit 444 MSM in Guatemala City to explore factors related to HIV testing among MSM. About 56% of participants reported HIV testing in the past 12 months, which was associated with a public MSM status (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.08; 95% CI 1.02-4.26), participating in peer HIV prevention intervention (AOR 3.71; 95% CI 1.86-7.43), having at least one casual male partner (AOR 2.16; 95% CI 1.11-4.20), and practicing only insertive anal sex (AOR 3.35; 95% CI 1.59-7.09). Men with comprehensive HIV knowledge (AOR 2.63; 95% CI 1.38-5.02) were also more likely to have been tested. Further interventions in Guatemala targeting the most hidden MSM are needed.

HIV testing and HIV knowledge among men who have sex with men in Natal, Northeast Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for the highest prevalence of HIV in Brazil. HIV testing allows to implement preventive measures, reduces transmission, morbidity, and mortality. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate HIV testing during lifetime, factors associated with the decision to test, knowledge about HIV transmission, and use of condoms between MSM from the city of Natal, northeast Brazil. RESULTS: Out of 99 participants, 62.6% had been tested for HIV during lifetime, 46.2% in the last year. The most frequent reported reason to be tested for HIV infection was curiosity (35.5%). Correct knowledge about HIV was observed in only 9.2% of participants. In multivariate analysis, age (PR 0.95; 95%CI, 0.91-0.99; p=0.041) and previous syphilis test (PR 4.21; 95%CI, 1.52-11.70; p=0.006) were associated with HIV testing. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of HIV testing among MSM from Natal is rather low, especially in younger MSM, and knowledge about HIV transmission is inappropriate.

HIV testing and HIV knowledge among men who have sex with men in Natal, Northeast Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) account for the highest prevalence of HIV in Brazil. HIV testing allows to implement preventive measures, reduces transmission, morbidity, and mortality. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate HIV testing during lifetime, factors associated with the decision to test, knowledge about HIV transmission, and use of condoms between MSM from the city of Natal, northeast Brazil. Results: Out of 99 participants, 62.6% had been tested for HIV during lifetime, 46.2% in the last year. The most frequent reported reason to be tested for HIV infection was curiosity (35.5%). Correct knowledge about HIV was observed in only 9.2% of participants. In multivariate analysis, age (PR 0.95; 95%CI, 0.91-0.99; p = 0.041) and previous syphilis test (PR 4.21; 95%CI, 1.52-11.70; p = 0.006) were associated with HIV testing. Conclusions: The frequency of HIV testing among MSM from Natal is rather low, especially in younger MSM, and knowledge about HIV transmission is inappropriate.

Venue-Based HIV-Testing: An Effective Screening Strategy for High-Risk Populations in Lima, Peru.

Venue-based testing may improve screening efforts for HIV and syphilis, thereby reducing transmission. We offered onsite rapid dual HIV and syphilis testing at venues popular among MSM and/or transgender women in Lima, Peru. We used Poisson regression to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) for factors associated with each infection. Most (90.4%) of the 303 participants would test more frequently if testing was available at alternative venues. New cases of HIV (69) and syphilis infection (84) were identified. HIV was associated with recent sex work (aPR 1.11; 95% CI 1.02-1.22), sex with a partner of unknown serostatus (aPR 1.18; 95% CI 1.09-1.27), exclusively receptive anal sex role (aPR 1.16; 95% CI 1.03-1.30) or versatile sex role (aPR 1.17; 95% CI 1.06-1.30) compared to insertive. Syphilis was associated with reporting role versatility (aPR = 2.69; 95% CI 1.52-5.74). Sex work venues had higher syphilis prevalence 47% versus 28% in other venues, p value = 0.012. Venue-based testing may improve case finding.

HIV testing coverage among female sex workers, Brazil, 2016 / Cobertura de teste anti-HIV entre mulheres trabalhadoras do sexo, Brasil, 2016

ABSTRACT Introduction: Knowing the factors associated with periodic HIV testing among female sex workers (FSW) is essential to expand testing coverage and to broaden programs of treatment as prevention. Methods: We used data from 4,328 FSWs recruited by the respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method in 12 Brazilian cities in 2016. Data analysis considered the complex sampling design. The prevalence of HIV testing in the last year and periodic HIV test were estimated. Factors associated with regular HIV testing were identified through logistic regression models. Results: The testing coverage in the last year was 39.3%. Only 13.5% of FSW reported having performed a periodic HIV test in the last year. Among the factors associated with the higher probability of HIV testing in the last year were a better level of education, living with a partner, working indoors, consistent use of condoms, and regular use of public and private health services stood out. Discussion: Periodic HIV testing allows early diagnosis and immediate treatment of cases, reducing the chances of spreading the infection to the population. However, factors such as stigma and discrimination hinder the use of regular health services. Conclusion: It is necessary to expand awareness campaigns, especially among FSWs with low educational level and greater vulnerability, in order to broaden the perception of risk and the importance of periodic testing, in addition to encouraging regular health care.

RESUMO Introdução: Conhecer os fatores associados ao teste periódico de HIV no grupo de mulheres trabalhadoras do sexo (MTS) é fundamental para expandir a cobertura de testagem e ampliar os programas de tratamento como prevenção. Métodos: Foram utilizados dados de 4.328 MTS recrutadas pela metodologia respondent-driven sampling (RDS) em 12 cidades brasileiras em 2016. A análise de dados considerou o desenho complexo de amostragem. Foram estimadas as prevalências de realização do teste de HIV no último ano e do teste periódico. Através de modelos de regressão logística foram identificados fatores associados à testagem regular de HIV. Resultados: A cobertura de teste no último ano foi de 39,3%. Apenas 13,5% das MTS relataram ter realizado teste periódico de HIV no último ano. Entre os fatores associados à maior probabilidade de realização de teste de HIV no último ano, destacaram-se o melhor nível de instrução, o fato de morar com companheiro, trabalhar em lugares fechados, o uso consistente de preservativo, e o uso regular de serviço de saúde público e privado. Discussão: A realização periódica de teste de HIV possibilita o diagnóstico precoce e o tratamento imediato dos casos, reduzindo as chances de disseminação da infecção na população. Entretanto, fatores como estigma e discriminação dificultam o uso regular de serviços de saúde. Conclusão: É necessário expandir campanhas de conscientização, sobretudo entre as MTS de baixo nível de instrução e maior vulnerabilidade, a fim de ampliar a percepção de risco e da importância da testagem periódica, além de incentivar os cuidados regulares de saúde.

HIV-Related Healthcare Needs and Access Barriers for Brazilian Transgender and Gender Diverse People.

The aim of this study is to investigate HIV-related healthcare needs and access barriers for Brazilian transgender and gender diverse people. Data were collected from gender identity clinics and the questionnaire was also made available on the Internet. Out of the 543 participants-62.1% (n = 337) transgender women, 28.7 (n = 156) transgender men and 9.2% (n = 50) gender diverse people, 63.7% had been tested at least once in their lives. The prevalence of self-reported HIV-positive status among transgender women was 16.5%, of which 92.0% reported having a physician with whom they regularly consulted about HIV, whereas none of the transgender men or gender diverse people reported HIV-positive status. In addition, 8.2% of transgender men and 12.5% of gender diverse people did not know their serological status. Finally, 71.0% of the participants were unfamiliar with post-exposure prophylaxis. The study discusses the need for adequate behavior-oriented HIV health policies and training of healthcare professionals regarding the needs of Brazilian transgender and gender diverse people.

[Characteristics of people who voluntarily repeat the HIV test, 2012-2015]. / Características de personas que retornan voluntariamente a repetirse la prueba de VIH, 2012-2015.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the characteristics of people with risky sexual behavior who participated in campaigns directed to take the first HIV test and voluntarily returned to retake the test afterwards. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In Cali Colombia, between 2012 and 2015, 82 people over the age of 18 participated voluntarily in this campaign. A structured questionnaire was applied to assess sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and behaviors related to HIV. Descriptive and comparative analyses of related samples were performed. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 26.9±8.6 years. 100% were homosexual men, mostly with low educational attainment and income. Nearly half of the sample reported risky use of alcohol and psychoactive substances. Most of them had little knowledge about HIV transmission and a low rate of condom use with a stable partner. The comparison between the moment when the first HIV test was taken and the repetition did not show significant changes regarding knowledge and behaviors, only a lower report of substance use (p=0.0209) and an increase in the practice of tattoos/piercings (p=0.0455). The reactive result of the second test was 4.9% (95%CI: 0.1%-9.6%). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the voluntary return to retake the HIV test in this group of people who share risk practices for HIV infection does not show changes in knowledge or behavior.

OBJETIVO: Comparar características de personas con prácticas sexuales de riesgo que acudieron a campañas voluntarias de toma de una primera prueba de Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana (VIH) y el retorno voluntario a repetirse la prueba en meses posteriores. MÉTODO: Entre 2012 y 2015 en Cali, participaron voluntariamente 82 personas mayores de 18 años. Se implementó un cuestionario estructurado para evaluar características sociodemográficas, conocimientos y comportamientos relacionados con VIH. Se hicieron análisis descriptivos y de comparación de muestras relacionadas. RESULTADOS: Edad promedio de participantes 26,9±8,6 años. El 100% eran hombres con orientación sexual homosexual. La mayoría con baja escolaridad e ingresos. Cerca de la mitad reportó consumo riesgoso de alcohol y sustancias psicoactivas. La mayoría tenía bajo conocimiento sobre la transmisión del VIH y bajo uso de condón con pareja estable. La comparación entre el momento de la primera prueba de VIH y la repetición posterior no evidenció cambios significativos en conocimientos y comportamientos, únicamente se observó menor reporte del consumo de sustancias (p=0,0209) y aumento de realización de tatuajes/piercing (p=0,0455). Resultado reactivo en la repetición de la prueba fue 4,9% (I.C95% 0,1%-9,6%). CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados sugieren que el retorno voluntario a repetirse la prueba del VIH en este grupo de personas que comparten prácticas de riesgo para la infección por VIH no evidencia cambios en los conocimientos o comportamientos.

Individual- and contextual-level factors associated with client-initiated HIV testing.

BACKGROUND: Knowing the reasons for seeking HIV testing is central for HIV prevention. Despite the availability of free HIV counseling and testing in Brazil, coverage remains lacking. METHODS: Survey of 4,760 respondents from urban areas was analyzed. Individual-level variables included sociodemographic characteristics; sexual and reproductive health; HIV/AIDS treatment knowledge and beliefs; being personally acquainted with a person with HIV/AIDS; and holding discriminatory ideas about people living with HIV. Contextual-level variables included the Human Development Index (HDI) of the municipality; prevalence of HIV/AIDS; and availability of local HIV counseling and testing (CT) services. The dependent variable was client-initiated testing. Multilevel Poisson regression models with random intercepts were used to assess associated factors. RESULTS: Common individual-level variables among men and women included being personally acquainted with a person with HIV/AIDS and age; whereas discordant variables included those related to sexual and reproductive health and experiencing sexual violence. Among contextual-level factors, availability of CT services was variable associated with client-initiated testing among women only. The contextual-level variable "HDI of the municipality" was associated with client-initiated testing among women. CONCLUSION: Thus, marked gender differences in HIV testing were found, with a lack of HIV testing among married women and heterosexual men, groups that do not spontaneously seek testing.

Individual- and contextual-level factors associated with client-initiated HIV testing / Fatores individuais e contextuais associados à realização do teste anti-HIV por busca espontânea

ABSTRACT: Background: Knowing the reasons for seeking HIV testing is central for HIV prevention. Despite the availability of free HIV counseling and testing in Brazil, coverage remains lacking. Methods: Survey of 4,760 respondents from urban areas was analyzed. Individual-level variables included sociodemographic characteristics; sexual and reproductive health; HIV/AIDS treatment knowledge and beliefs; being personally acquainted with a person with HIV/AIDS; and holding discriminatory ideas about people living with HIV. Contextual-level variables included the Human Development Index (HDI) of the municipality; prevalence of HIV/AIDS; and availability of local HIV counseling and testing (CT) services. The dependent variable was client-initiated testing. Multilevel Poisson regression models with random intercepts were used to assess associated factors. Results: Common individual-level variables among men and women included being personally acquainted with a person with HIV/AIDS and age; whereas discordant variables included those related to sexual and reproductive health and experiencing sexual violence. Among contextual-level factors, availability of CT services was variable associated with client-initiated testing among women only. The contextual-level variable "HDI of the municipality" was associated with client-initiated testing among women. Conclusion: Thus, marked gender differences in HIV testing were found, with a lack of HIV testing among married women and heterosexual men, groups that do not spontaneously seek testing.

RESUMO: Introdução: O motivo da busca pelo teste anti-HIV é questão central para a prevenção do HIV. Apesar da realização do teste e aconselhamento ser gratuito no Brasil há lacunas na cobertura do teste. Esse estudo analisou a associação entre os fatores individuais e contextuais e a realização do teste anti-HIV na população brasileira. Métodos: Inquérito populacional, com 4.760 residentes em áreas urbanas. As variáveis do nível individual foram sociodemográficas; saúde sexual e reprodutiva; conhecimento sobre HIV/AIDS; conhecer pessoas com HIV/AIDS; ideias discriminatórias sobre pessoas vivendo com HIV. As variáveis contextuais: índice de desenvolvimento humano (IDH) do município de moradia; prevalência municipal de HIV/AIDS e presença de Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento no município de moradia (CTA). A variável dependente foi realização do teste por busca espontânea. Na análise dos fatores associados utilizou-se modelo multinível de Poisson com intercepto aleatório. Resultados: Foram observadas variáveis individuais comuns e discordantes associadas ao teste entre homens e mulheres. As variáveis individuais comuns foram o conhecimento de alguém com HIV/AIDS e idade; as discordantes incluíram as relativas à saúde sexual e reprodutiva e violência sexual. Entre os fatores do nível contextual, a presença de CTA e o IDH alto foram associados positivamente com a busca espontânea do teste somente entre as mulheres. Conclusão: A busca espontânea pelo teste anti-HIV é marcada pelas diferenças de gênero, com lacunas de testagem entre mulheres casadas e homens heterossexuais.

Knowledge and preferences concerning acute HIV testing programs among both Peruvian men who have sex with men and transgender women.

Immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) for acute HIV infection (AHI) may decrease HIV transmission in high-risk populations. This study evaluated knowledge of AHI and AHI testing program preferences in Lima, Peru through four semi-structured focus groups with high-risk men who have sex with men (MSM) ( n = 20) and transgender women (TW) ( n = 16). Using content analysis, emergent themes included knowledge of AHI symptoms, AHI transmission potential, and the HIV testing window period, and preferences concerning point of care results. Participants demonstrated low familiarity with the term AHI, but many correctly identified AHI symptoms. However, these symptoms may not motivate testing because they overlap with common viral illnesses and AIDS. Some were aware that infectiousness is highest during AHI, and believe this knowledge would facilitate HIV testing. The shortened window period with AHI testing would encourage testing following high-risk sex. Delayed result notification would not decrease AHI testing demand among MSM, although it might for some TW.

Risk behaviours for HIV infection among travelling Mexican migrants: The Mexico-US border as a contextual risk factor.

The Mexico-US border region is a transit point in the trajectory of Mexican migrants travelling to and from the USA and a final destination for domestic migrants from other regions in Mexico. This region also represents a high-risk environment that may increase risk for HIV among migrants and the communities they connect. We conducted a cross-sectional, population-based survey, in Tijuana, Mexico, and compared Mexican migrants with a recent stay on the Mexico-US border region (Border, n = 553) with migrants arriving at the border from Mexican sending communities (Northbound, n = 1077). After controlling for demographics and migration history, border migrants were more likely to perceive their risk for HIV infection as high in this region and regard this area as a liberal place for sexual behaviours compared to Northbound migrants reporting on their perceptions of the sending communities (p < .05). Male border migrants were more likely to engage in sex, and have unprotected sex, with female sex workers during their recent stay on the border compared to other contexts (rate ratio = 3.0 and 6.6, respectively, p < .05). Binational and intensified interventions targeting Mexican migrants should be deployed in the Mexican border region to address migration related HIV transmission in Mexico and the USA.

HIV self-testing in Peru: questionable availability, high acceptability but potential low linkage to care among men who have sex with men and transgender women.

HIV status awareness is key to prevention, linkage-to-care and treatment. Our study evaluated the accessibility and potential willingness of HIV self-testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women in Peru. We surveyed four pharmacy chains in Peru to ascertain the commercial availability of the oral HIV self-test. The pharmacies surveyed confirmed that HIV self-test kits were available; however, those available were not intended for individual use, but for clinician use. We interviewed 147 MSM and 45 transgender women; nearly all (82%) reported willingness to perform the oral HIV self-test. However, only 55% of participants would definitely seek a confirmatory test in a clinic after an HIV-positive test result. Further, price may be a barrier, as HIV self-test kits were available for 18 USD, and MSM and transgender women were only willing to pay an average of 5 USD. HIV self-testing may facilitate increased access to HIV testing among some MSM/transgender women in Peru. However, price may prevent use, and poor uptake of confirmatory testing may limit linkage to HIV treatment and care.

HIV Prevalence among Pregnant Women in Brazil: A National Survey.

Background This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of HIV among pregnant women in Brazil and to describe HIV testing coverage and the uptake of antenatal care (ANC). Methods Between October 2010 and January 2012, a probability sample survey of parturient women aged 15-49 years who visited public hospital delivery services in Brazil was conducted. Data were collected from prenatal reports and hospital records. Dried blood spot (DNS) samples were collected and tested for HIV. We describe the age-specific prevalence of HIV infection and ANC uptake with respect to sociodemographic factors. Results Of the 36,713 included women, 35,444 (96.6%) were tested for HIV during delivery admission. The overall HIV prevalence was of 0.38% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31-0.48), and it was highest in: the 30 to 39 year-old age group (0.60% [0.40-0.88]), in the Southern region of Brazil (0.79% [0.59-1.04]), among women who had not completed primary (0.63% [0.30-1.31]) or secondary (0.67% [0.49-0.97]) school education, and among women who self-reported as Asian (0.94% [0.28-3.10]). The HIV testing coverage during prenatal care was of 86.6% for one test and of 38.2% for two tests. Overall, 98.5% of women attended at least 1 ANC visit, 90.4% attended at least 4 visits, 71% attended at least 6 visits, and 51.7% received ANC during the 1st trimester. HIV testing coverage and ANC uptake indicators increased with increasing age and education level of education, and were highest in the Southern region. Conclusions Brazil presents an HIV prevalence of less than 1% and almost universal coverage of ANC. However, gaps in HIV testing and ANC during the first trimester challenge the prevention of the vertical transmission of HIV. More efforts are needed to address regional and social disparities.

HIV Prevalence among Pregnant Women in Brazil: A National Survey / Prevalência de HIV em grávidas brasileiras: pesquisa nacional

Abstract Background This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of HIV among pregnant women in Brazil and to describe HIV testing coverage and the uptake of antenatal care (ANC). Methods Between October 2010 and January 2012, a probability sample survey of parturient women aged 15-49 years who visited public hospital delivery services in Brazil was conducted. Data were collected from prenatal reports and hospital records. Dried blood spot (DNS) samples were collected and tested for HIV.We describe the agespecific prevalence of HIV infection and ANC uptake with respect to sociodemographic factors. Results Of the 36,713 included women, 35,444 (96.6%) were tested for HIV during delivery admission. The overall HIV prevalence was of 0.38% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31-0.48), and it was highest in: the 30 to 39 year-old age group (0.60% [0.40- 0.88]), in the Southern region of Brazil (0.79% [0.59-1.04]), among women who had not completed primary (0.63% [0.30-1.31]) or secondary (0.67% [0.49-0.97]) school education, and among women who self-reported as Asian (0.94% [0.28-3.10]). The HIV testing coverage during prenatal care was of 86.6% for one test and of 38.2% for two tests. Overall, 98.5% of women attended at least 1 ANC visit, 90.4% attended at least 4 visits, 71% attended at least 6 visits, and 51.7% received ANC during the 1st trimester. HIV testing coverage and ANC uptake indicators increased with increasing age and education level of education, and were highest in the Southern region. Conclusions Brazil presents an HIV prevalence of less than 1% and almost universal coverage of ANC. However, gaps in HIV testing and ANC during the first trimester challenge the prevention of the vertical transmission of HIV. More efforts are needed to address regional and social disparities.

Introdução Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de determinar a soroprevalência do HIV entre as mulheres grávidas no Brasil e descrever a cobertura de exames de HIV e a integração dos cuidados pré-natais (CPN). Métodos Entre outubro de 2010 e janeiro de 2012, foi realizada uma pesquisa de probabilidade por amostragem direcionada a mulheres grávidas com idade entre 15 e 49 anos, que utilizaram serviços de parto em hospitais públicos do Brasil. Os dados foram coletados a partir de relatórios pré-natais e registros hospitalares. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas e submetidas a exames de HIV. Descrevemos a prevalência da infecção pelo HIV específica de acordo com a idade e a absorção dos CPN em relação a fatores demográficos. Resultados Das 36.713 mulheres incluídas, 35.444 (96,6%) foram submetidas a exames de HIV durante a admissão para o trabalho de parto. A prevalência global de HIV foi de 0,38% (intervalo de confiança [IC] de 95%: 0,31-0,48), e foi maior no grupo com a faixa etária entre 30 e 39 anos de idade (0,60% [0,40-0,88]), da região Sul (0,79% [0,59-1,04]), entre as mulheres com o ensino fundamental incompleto (0,63% [0,30-1,31]) ou ensino médio incompleto (0,67% [0,49-0,97]), e entre as mulheres que se identificam como asiáticas (0,94% [0,28-3,10]). A cobertura do exame de HIV durante os CPN foi de 86,6% para um exame e de 38,2% para dois exames. No geral, 98,5% das mulheres foram atendidas em pelo menos 1 consulta de CPN, 90,4% compareceram a pelo menos 4 consultas, 71% compareceram a pelo menos 6 visitas, e 51,7% receberam CPN durante o 1o trimestre. A cobertura de exames de HIV e os indicadores de captação de CPN aumentaram de forma proporcional ao aumento da idade e do nível de educação, e foram maiores na região Sudeste. Conclusões O Brasil apresenta uma prevalência de menos de 1% e cobertura praticamente universal de CPN. No entanto, as lacunas nos exames de HIV e CPN durante o primeiro trimestre representam um desafio à prevenção contra a transmissão vertical do HIV. São necessários mais esforços a fim de reduzir as disparidades regionais e sociais.

'Proyecto Orgullo', an HIV prevention, empowerment and community mobilisation intervention for gay men and transgender women in Callao/Lima, Peru.

We used qualitative, quantitative, and observational methods to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of Proyecto Orgullo (PO), a pilot community mobilisation intervention to decrease sexual risk, promote health-seeking behaviours, and facilitate personal and community empowerment among gay men (GM) and transgender women (TW) in Peru. PO was adapted from Mpowerment and Hermanos de Luna y Sol, two US interventions. PO included six interrelated core elements: (1) Self-reflection Small Group sessions; (2) Supporting peers in HIV prevention; (3) Mobilisation Activities addressing HIV, GM/TW issues, and community empowerment; (4) A Core Group (staff + GM/TW volunteers) designing/implementing those activities; (5) A Project Space; (6) Publicity. PO included specific components for TW, but promoted that GM/TW, who historically have not worked well together, collaborate for a common goal. We found that PO was embraced by GM/TW. PO positively influenced GM/TW's HIV prevention beliefs, self-efficacy, and behaviours; provided social support and created community; facilitated individual and community empowerment; achieved that GM/TW collaborate; and established a functional Community Centre for socialising/conducting mobilisation activities. Community mobilisation strategies, lacking from HIV prevention efforts in Peru but considered key to HIV prevention, can help improve health-seeking behaviours and consolidate social norms supporting preventive behaviours among GM/TW.

Dual-Routine HCV/HIV Testing: Seroprevalence and Linkage to Care in Four Community Health Centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

OBJECTIVE: Despite common risk factors, screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV at the same time as part of routine medical care (dual-routine HCV/HIV testing) is not commonly implemented in the United States. This study examined improvements in feasibility of implementation, screening increase, and linkage to care when a dual-routine HCV/HIV testing model was integrated into routine primary care. METHODS: National Nursing Centers Consortium implemented a dual-routine HCV/HIV testing model at four community health centers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 1, 2013. Routine HCV and opt-out HIV testing replaced the routine HCV and opt-in HIV testing model through medical assistant-led, laboratory-based testing and electronic medical record modification to prompt, track, report, and facilitate reimbursement for tests performed on uninsured individuals. This study examined testing, seropositivity, and linkage-to-care comparison data for the nine months before (December 1, 2012-August 31, 2013) and after (September 1, 2013-May 31, 2014) implementation of the dual-routine HCV/HIV testing model. RESULTS: A total of 1,526 HCV and 1,731 HIV tests were performed before, and 1,888 HCV and 3,890 HIV tests were performed after dual-routine testing implementation, resulting in a 23.7% increase in HCV tests and a 124.7% increase in HIV tests. A total of 70 currently HCV-infected and four new HIV-seropositive patients vs. 101 HCV-infected and 13 new HIV-seropositive patients were identified during these two periods, representing increases of 44.3% for HCV antibody-positive and RNA-positive tests and 225.0% for HIV-positive tests. Linkage to care increased from 27 currently infected HCV--positive and one HIV-positive patient pre-dual-routine testing to 39 HCV--positive and nine HIV-positive patients post-dual-routine testing. CONCLUSION: The dual-routine HCV/HIV testing model shows that integrating dual-routine testing in a primary care setting is possible and leads to increased HCV and HIV screening, enhanced seropositivity diagnosis, and improved linkage to care.