Vulnerability of the young university population to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections

Introduction: Brazilian universities receive annually thousands of young people who experience situations of vulnerability to the human immunodeficiency virus, sexually transmitted infections, and viral hepatitis. Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyze the secondary data obtained from the attendance record of the rapid testing campaign for these health problems at a federal university in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 2019. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with secondary data of students (n=1,113) obtained from the standard attendance form by the Ministry of Health during the campaigns Fique Sabendo (Be Aware) in the period between November 25 and 29, 2019. Analyses were performed with the support of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences program, with the calculation of absolute and relative frequencies. Pearson's chi-square test (5%) was used for comparison. Results: The results revealed a young, heterosexual, white profile. More than half reported having consumed alcohol and drugs in their lives. Other findings were the non-use of condoms with steady partners (18.1%) and occasional partners (21.3%), oral sex (86.8%), and unprotected sex in the last intercourse (45.6%). Most declared never being tested for human immunodeficiency virus (74.5%), syphilis (67.4%), hepatitis B (76.1%), or hepatitis C (77.0%). Conclusion: The university population is vulnerable to human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections due to the number of sexual partners and discontinued use of condoms with occasional partners. Such vulnerability is increased by the use of alcohol and other drugs

Mpox transmitted through sexual intercourse: three case reports

Introduction: In 2022, many countries, such as Brazil, experienced outbreaks of mpox (formerly called monkeypox) in sexually active people with multiple sexual partners. Objective: Report cases of patients diagnosed with Mpox. Methods: Report three cases of patients diagnosed with Mpox treated at the STD Sector at Universidade Federal Fluminense. Results: We report three cases of young adult patients who spontaneously sought our STD service with wounds in the anogenital area, mouth and other parts of the body. These cases include a 28-year-old man (HIV positive) who had lesions on his penis and body, a 34-year-old man with perianal ulcers and adenopathy, and a 40-year-old man with painful ulcers on his penis. Conclusion: The article provides information on the symptoms, transmission, and prevention of mpox, highlighting the need for early detection, diagnosis, and prompt treatment to contain and prevent the spread of the disease. The cases presented in this study show all the characteristics of a sexually transmitted disease

Introdução: Em 2022, muitos países, como o Brasil, experimentaram surtos de mpox (anteriormente chamada de monkeypox) em pessoas sexualmente ativas com múltiplos parceiros sexuais. Objetivo: Relatar casos de pacientes diagnosticados com mpox. Métodos: Relatar três casos de pacientes com diagnóstico de mpox atendidos no Setor de Doenças Sexualmente Transmissíveis (DST) da Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF). Resultados: Relatam-se três casos de pacientes adultos jovens que procuraram espontaneamente o Setor de DST da UFF com feridas na região anogenital, boca e outras partes do corpo. Esses casos incluem um homem de 28 anos (HIV positivo) que apresentava lesões no pênis e no corpo, um homem de 34 anos com úlceras perianais e adenopatia e um homem de 40 anos com úlceras dolorosas no pênis. Conclusão: O artigo fornece informações sobre os sintomas, transmissão e prevenção da mpox, destacando a necessidade de detecção precoce, diagnóstico e tratamento imediato para conter e prevenir a propagação da doença. Os casos apresentados apresentam todas as características de uma doença sexualmente transmissível.

Serological ineptitude in blood banks: is there an association with sexually transmitted infections? / Inaptidão sorológica em bancos de sangue: existe associação com infecções sexualmente transmissíveis?

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a serious public health problem, and some of these infections are also transmitted through blood transfusions. Objective: To identify publications in scientific journals in Brazil and in the world showing if there is an important association between serological inadequacy due to sexually transmitted infections traced in blood and blood products used for medical use. Methods: Systematic review of articles published from 2018 to 2023, using the LILACS, SciELO and PubMed databases, with a concomitant approach to the issues of serological disability and STI. Original studies or review articles in Portuguese, English and Spanish with Brazilian and international data were included. Editorial publications, letter to the editor, letter from the editor or comments on the subject were excluded. Results: The search found 571 articles, of which 106 (18.40%) met the inclusion criteria, that is, Serological disability and STI. In studies with international data, the prevalence of donors with hepatitis C ranged from 0.12 to 4.8%; with hepatitis B, from 1.3 to 8.2%; with HIV, from 0.0021 to 2.5%; with syphilis, from 1.73 to 2.4%; with HTLV, 0.66%; and with Chagas disease, from 0.017 to 2.76%. Among articles with Brazilian data, the prevalence of donors with seroreactive tests for hepatitis C ranged from 0.18 to 1.76%; with hepatitis B, from 0.05 to 7.9%; with HIV, from 0.03 to 0.82%; with syphilis, from 0.37 to 3.51%; with HTLV, from 0.02 to 0.3%, and with Chagas disease, from 0.8 to 0.5%. Conclusion: STIs are rarely discussed in the scientific literature in studies on serological inadequacy. In addition, a minority of articles were with Brazilian data. However, results show that STIs, despite being little discussed in the scientific literature in studies on the subject of serological inadequacy, have statistically significant percentages of seropositivity for STIs. Moreover, hepatitis C and B have a relevant seroprevalence, reaching 8.2% and 4.8%, respectively, in the international scenario. In Brazil, hepatitis B continues to occupy a prominent place with a seroprevalence of up to 7.9%. However, syphilis now holds a very important role, with a maximum percentage of 3.51%. More studies are needed for further reflection: although STIs are little addressed in studies about serological inadequacy in human blood banks, would they contribute to the maintenance and non-reduction of the general frequency of infections transmitted by blood transfusion

Introdução: As infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) são um grave problema de saúde pública e algumas dessas infecções, também, transmitidas por intermédio de transfusões de sangue. Objetivo: Identificar publicações em periódicos científicos no Brasil e no mundo sobre se existe importante associação entre inaptidão sorológica por infecções sexualmente transmissíveis rastreadas em sangue e hemoderivados usados para uso médico. Métodos:Revisão sistemática de artigos publicados no período de 2018 a 2023, usando as bases de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e United States National Library of Medicine (PubMed) com abordagem concomitante para os assuntos de inaptidão sorológica e IST. Incluíram-se estudos originais ou artigos de revisão nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol com dados brasileiros e internacionais. Foram excluídas publicações do tipo editorial, carta ao editor, carta do editor ou comentários sobre o tema. Resultados:A busca localizou 571 artigos dos quais 106 (18,40%) se encaixavam nos critérios de inclusão, ou seja, inaptidão sorológica e IST. Em estudos com dados internacionais, a prevalência de doadores com hepatite C variou de 0,12 a 4,8%; com hepatite B de 1,3 a 8,2%; com HIV de 0,0021 a 2,5%; com sífilis de 1,73 a 2,4%; com HTLV 0,66%; e com doença de Chagas de 0,017 a 2,76 %. Já entre os artigos com dados brasileiros, a prevalência de doadores com exames soro-reatores para hepatite C variou de 0,18 a 1,76%; com hepatite B de 0,05 a 7,9%; com HIV de 0,03 a 0,82%; com sífilis de 0,37 a 3,51%; com HTLV 0,02 a 0,3%, e com doença de Chagas de 0,8 a 0,5%. Conclusão: As IST são pouco abordadas na literatura científica em estudos com o tema inaptidão sorológica. Além disso, uma minoria de artigos era com dados brasileiros. Entretanto, resultados demonstram que, apesar de pouco abordadas na literatura científica em estudos com o tema inaptidão sorológica, as IST possuem percentuais de soropositividade estatisticamente significativos. Além disso, as hepatites C e B possuem soroprevalência relevante, podendo chegar a 8,2 e 4,8%, respectivamente, no cenário internacional. Já no cenário nacional, brasileiro, a hepatite B continua ocupando um lugar de destaque, com soroprevalência de até 7,9%. Todavia, a sífilis passa a ocupar um papel de altíssima relevância, com percentual máximo de 3,51%. São necessários mais estudos para mais reflexão: apesar de as IST serem pouco abordadas em estudos acerca da inaptidão sorológica em bancos de sangue humano, seriam elas contribuintes para a manutenção e a não redução da frequência geral de infecções transmitidas por transfusão sanguínea?

Conhecimento, atitude e prática de universitários intercambistas africanos acerca das Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis / Conocimiento, actitud y práctica de estudiantes africanos de intercambio sobre las infecciones de transmisión sexual / Knowledge, attitude and practice of African university exchange students about Sexually Transmitted Infections

RESUMO Objetivo avaliar o conhecimento, a atitude e a prática de universitários intercambistas provenientes do continente africano acerca das Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis. Método estudo transversal, realizado de dezembro de 2019 a março de 2020, em universidade pública internacional brasileira localizada no Ceará. A amostra foi constituída por 150 estudantes africanos de diferentes cursos de graduação. Utilizou-se do inquérito de Conhecimento, Atitude e Prática. Resultados os universitários apresentaram conhecimento satisfatório acerca da forma de transmissão das Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, porém, com deficiências a respeito das hepatites virais. Identificou-se associação entre sexo e atitude acerca do uso de preservativo em relação sexual com parceria fixa (p=0,042). No que se refere às práticas, houve associação entre sexo e uso do preservativo na primeira relação sexual (p=0,001), ter mais que um parceiro (p=0,001) e mais que dez parceiros em toda a vida (0,007). No que se relaciona às práticas sexuais nos últimos 12 meses, observou-se associação estatística entre ter relações sexuais com mais de um parceiro sexual e sexo do participante (p=0,001). Conclusão e implicações para a prática enfatiza-se a importância de a universidade pesquisada realizar atividades de educação em saúde que abordem Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, bem como de extensão universitária, que envolvam alunos imigrantes africanos.

RESUMEN Objetivo evaluar el conocimiento, la actitud y la práctica de estudiantes de intercambio del continente africano sobre las Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual. Método estudio transversal, realizado de diciembre de 2019 a marzo de 2020, en una universidad pública internacional brasileña ubicada en Ceará. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 150 estudiantes africanos de diferentes cursos de pregrado. Se utilizó la encuesta de Conocimiento, Actitud y Práctica. Resultados los universitarios mostraron conocimientos satisfactorios sobre la transmisión de Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual, sin embargo, con deficiencias sobre las hepatitis virales. Se identificó asociación entre el sexo y la actitud sobre el uso del preservativo en las relaciones sexuales con pareja estable (p=0,042). En cuanto a las prácticas, hubo asociación entre sexo y uso de preservativo en la primera relación sexual (p=0,001), tener más de una pareja (p=0,001) y tener más de diez parejas en la vida (0,007). En cuanto a las prácticas sexuales en los últimos 12 meses, hubo asociación estadística entre tener sexo con más de una pareja sexual y el género del participante (p=0,001). Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica se destaca la importancia de que la universidad investigada realice actividades de educación en salud que aborden las Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual, así como actividades de extensión universitaria, involucrando estudiantes inmigrantes africanos.

ABSTRACT Objective to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of university exchange students from the African continent about Sexually Transmitted Infections. Method a cross-sectional study, conducted from December 2019 to March 2020, in a public international Brazilian university located in Ceará. The sample consisted of 150 African students from different undergraduate courses. It was used the survey of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice. Results the students showed satisfactory knowledge about the form of transmission of Sexually Transmitted Infections, however, with deficiencies regarding viral hepatitis. An association between sex and attitude about condom use in sexual intercourse with a fixed partner was identified (p=0.042). Regarding the practices, there was an association between sex and condom use in the first sexual relation (p=0.001), having more than one partner (p=0.001) and more than ten partners in the whole life (0.007). Regarding sexual practices in the last 12 months, there was a statistical association between having sex with more than one sexual partner and the participant's sex (p=0.001). Conclusion and implications for practice the importance of the university researched carrying out health education activities that address Sexually Transmitted Infections, as well as university extension activities that involve African immigrant students, is emphasized.

Knowledge about sexually transmitted infections among young men presenting to the Brazilian Army, 2016: A STROBE-compliant national survey-based cross-sectional observational study.

ABSTRACT: Global burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remains high and has a profound impact on health and lives of children, adolescents and adults worldwide. For over a decade, the Brazilian Department of Chronic Condition Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections and the Ministry of Defense have been conducting the Conscripts Survey aiming to assess the STI prevalence and obtain data on knowledge regarding STIs and risk factors among youth.A cross-sectional study was conducted among conscripts across Brazil aged 17 to 22 years from August to December 2016. It included a self-reported questionnaire containing 74 questions, 25 questions related to awareness and knowledge of STIs and their associated symptoms, routes of transmission, complications and risk factors.A total of 37,282 young men across Brazil were considered for the analysis. The majority resided in the Northeast and Southeast regions (38.9% and 30.0%, respectively), followed by the South (13.9%), North (9.7%), and Central-west (7.5%) regions. Of the conscripts, 97.2% have the knowledge they may be at risk if they do not use condoms during sex. Conscripts with a higher level of education have almost 2 times greater chance of having knowledge of having sex without a condom (OR 3.23 CI95% 2.82-3.70 P = .000) and sharing needles and syringes (OR 2.84 CI95% 2.62-3.07 P = .000) represents a risk. Those with higher education also have an almost 50% greater chance of having knowledge regarding STI transmission from mother to child (OR 1.54 CI95% 1.44-1.64 P = .000), and knowledge of no transmission by mosquito bite (OR 1.61 CI95%1.51-1.72 P = .000), by kissing (OR 1.45 CI95% 1.36-1.55 P = .000) or by using public toilets (OR 1.51 CI95% 1.41-1.61 P = .000). Television (71.8%) and internet (69.4%) are the preferred forms to obtain STIs information regardless of the level of education.Conscripts with higher level of education have greater knowledge regarding transmission of STIs. However, there are gaps regarding their knowledge about HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and the fact that other STIs can increase the chances of acquiring HIV.

Percepção de mulheres quanto à sua vulnerabilidade às Infecções Sexualmente Transmissiveis / Percepción de las mujeres de su vulnerabilidad a las Infecciones Sexualmente Transmisibles / Women's perception of their vulnerability to Sexually Transmitted Infections

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a percepção de mulheres quanto à sua vulnerabilidade às infecções sexualmente transmissíveis. Método Trata-se de um estudo exploratório e descritivo com abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvido entre os meses de agosto de 2018 a outubro de 2019, em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde. Participaram do estudo oito mulheres, na faixa etária de-21 a 44 anos com histórico prévio de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis. Os dados coletados com entrevistas semiestruturadas foram submetidos à análise temática proposta por Bardin. Resultados Há baixa percepção e desconsideração das mulheres sobre sua condição de vulnerabilidade a essas infecções. Elas acreditam que a possibilidade de adquiri-las está relacionada a comportamentos considerados desviantes, sendo provável na vida de quem não vivencia um relacionamento estável. Conclusão e Implicações para a prática O principal desafio é superar situações vivenciadas pelas mulheres que potencializam as suas vulnerabilidades geradas por equívocos e erros de concepções. Precisa-se planejar ações de prevenção que não se limitam ao repasse de informações, mas a troca de saberes, crenças e valores vinculados à forma pelo qual a mulher vive sua sexualidade.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar la percepción de las mujeres de su vulnerabilidad a las infecciones de transmisión sexual. Método Trata-se de um estudo exploratório e descritivo com abordagem qualitativa, desenvolvido entre os meses de agosto de 2018 a outubro de 2019, em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde. Participaram do estudo oito mulheres, na faixa etária de-21 a 44 anos e histórico prévio de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis. Os dados coletados com entrevistas semiestruturadas foram submetidos à análise temática proposta por Bardin. Método Se trata de un estudio exploratorio y descriptivo con enfoque cualitativo, desarrollado entre los meses de agosto de 2018 y octubre de 2019, en una Unidad Básica de Salud. Ocho mujeres en el grupo de edad de 21 a 44 años participaron en el estudio con historia previa de infecciones de transmisión sexual. Los datos recopilados con entrevistas semiestructuradas se sometieron a un análisis temático propuesto por Bardin. Resultados Hay una baja percepción y desprecio por parte de las mujeres de su vulnerabilidad a estas infecciones. Creen que la posibilidad de adquirirlas está relacionada con comportamientos considerados desviados, siendo probable en la vida de aquellos que no experimentan una relación estable. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica El principal desafío es superar las situaciones experimentadas por las mujeres que aumentan sus vulnerabilidades generadas por errores y conceptos erróneos. Es necesario planificar acciones preventivas que no se limiten a la transmisión de información, sino al intercambio de conocimientos, creencias y valores vinculados a la forma en que las mujeres experimentan su sexualidad.

Abstract Objective To analyze the perception of women regarding their vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections. Method This is an exploratory and descriptive study with a qualitative approach, developed between August 2018 and October 2019, in a Primary Healthcare Unit. Eight women, aged between 21 and 44 years participated in the study with previous history of sexually transmitted infections. The data collected with semi-structured interviews were submitted to thematic analysis proposed by Bardin. Results There is low perception and disregard by women about their condition of vulnerability to these infections. They believe that the possibility of acquiring them is related to behaviors considered deviant, being likely in the life of those who do not experience a stable relationship. Conclusion and Implications for the practice The main challenge is to overcome situations experienced by women that enhance their vulnerabilities generated by mistakes and misconceptions. It is necessary to plan preventive actions that are not limited to the transmission of information, but the exchange of knowledge, beliefs and values ​​linked to the way in which women experience their sexuality.

O dito e o não dito no ensino das infecções sexualmente transmissíveis / Lo que se dice y lo que no se dice en la enseñanza de infecciones de transmisión sexual / The said and the unsaid in the teaching of sexually transmitted infections

Resumo Objetivo Analisar o dito e o não dito no ensino das Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis em um Curso de Graduação em Enfermagem do Sul do Brasil. Métodos Pesquisa qualitativa, de cunho histórico-social, com uso de fontes orais e documentais. As fontes orais foram 13 docentes do curso e as documentais foram Catálogos Oficiais produzidos pela instituição, Projeto Político Pedagógico disponíveis online e planos de ensino de disciplinas. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre dezembro de 2018 e abril de 2019. A análise dos dados foi fundamentada na proposta operativa de Minayo e discutida através do referencial teórico da Vulnerabilidade. Resultados Emergiram três categorias de análise (Des)preparo do docente e dos profissionais de saúde para lidar com o tema; (Des)preparo dos estudantes acerca da própria vulnerabilidade às Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis; Enfoque do currículo do curso de enfermagem com as populações vulneráveis. O ensino da sexualidade, infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e populações vulneráveis foi evidenciado como tópico que envolve muitas dificuldades ainda associadas a tabus e estigmas. Existe uma preocupação com relação ao preparo do docente, como também com os futuros profissionais de saúde e sua atuação nos campos de prática. Os estudantes de enfermagem não percebem a própria vulnerabilidade e suas dificuldades diante da aproximação de grupos vulneráveis durante o processo formativo. Conclusão Aspectos relativos à sexualidade, infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e às populações vulneráveis estão presentes no ensino e na prática profissional em enfermagem. Esses tópicos respondem a necessidade da sociedade e a importância em intervir e refletir sobre os mesmos.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar lo que se dice y lo que no se dice en la enseñanza de infecciones de transmisión sexual en una carrera de grado de enfermería en la región Sur de Brasil. Métodos Estudio cualitativo, de carácter histórico-social, con uso de fuentes orales y documentales. Las fuentes orales fueron 13 docentes de la carrera y las documentales fueron catálogos oficiales producidos por la institución, Proyecto Político Pedagógico, disponibles de forma digital y programas de estudio de las disciplinas. La recopilación de datos se realizó entre diciembre de 2018 y abril de 2019. El análisis de los datos se basó en la propuesta operativa de Minayo y se discutió mediante el marco referencial teórico de la vulnerabilidad. Resultados Surgieron tres categorías de análisis: (Falta de)preparación del docente y de los profesionales de la salud para lidiar con el tema, (Falta de)preparación de los estudiantes acerca de la propia vulnerabilidad hacia las infecciones de transmisión sexual y Enfoque del diseño curricular de la carrera de enfermería respecto a las poblaciones vulnerables. La enseñanza de la sexualidad, de infecciones de transmisión sexual y de poblaciones vulnerables fue identificado como un tema que incluye muchas dificultades aún relacionadas con tabús y estigmas. Existe una preocupación con relación a la preparación del docente, como también con los futuros profesionales de la salud y su actuación en los campos de práctica. Los estudiantes de enfermería no perciben la propia vulnerabilidad ni sus dificultades ante la aproximación de grupos vulnerables durante el proceso de formación. Conclusión Aspectos relacionados con la sexualidad, las infecciones de transmisión sexual y las poblaciones vulnerables están presentes en la enseñanza y en la práctica profesional de enfermería. Estos temas responden a las necesidades de la sociedad y a la importancia de intervenir y reflexionar sobre ellos.

Abstract Objective To analyze the said and the unsaid in the teaching of Sexually Transmitted Infections in an Undergraduate Nursing Course in the South Region of Brazil. Methods Social-historical research with a qualitative approach, using oral and documentary sources. The oral sources were 13 professors of the course and the documentary sources were Official Catalogs produced by the institution, the Political Pedagogical Project available online and the teaching plans of the disciplines. Data was collected from December 2018 to April 2019. Data analysis was based on Minayo's operational proposal and discussed through the theoretical framework of Vulnerability. Results Three categories of analysis emerged: Professors' and health professionals' preparation, or lack thereof, for dealing with the subject; Students' preparation, or lack thereof, for their own vulnerability to Sexually Transmitted Infections; Focus on vulnerable populations in the curriculum of the nursing course. The teaching of sexual education, sexually transmitted infections and vulnerable populations was highlighted as a topic that involves many difficulties and is still associated with taboos and stigma. There is a concern regarding the preparation of the professor, as well as the future health professionals and their professional practice in the area. Nursing students do not perceive their own vulnerability and difficulties towards the approach of vulnerable groups during the training process. Conclusion Aspects related to sexuality, sexually transmitted infections and vulnerable populations are present in teaching and professional nursing practice. These topics are a response to the needs of society and to the importance of intervening and reflecting on these issues.

Condições de risco à saúde: pessoas em situação de rua / Health risk conditions: people on the streets / Condiciones de riesgo de salud: personas en la situación de la calle

Objetivo: analisar condições clínicas e comportamentos de risco à saúde de pessoas em situação de rua. Método: estudo transversal, realizado em duas instituições de referência para pessoas em situação de rua na região nordeste do Brasil. Aplicouse um roteiro de entrevista referente a variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e comportamentos vulneráveis ao adoecer para 100 participantes. Utilizou-se o teste Qui Quadrado e ANOVA. Resultados: o tipo de parceiro sexual influência na presença de sintomas de infecção sexualmente transmissível, a presença de sintomatologia relacionada à infecção sexualmente transmissível do parceiro influência na sintomatologia do próprio indivíduo, o etilismo influência na prática de sexo com usuário de drogas, a prática de sexo em troca de dinheiro apresenta correlação com a violência física, o sexo oral influência na presença de sintoma de infecção sexualmente transmissível. Conclusão: pessoas em situação de rua apresentam condições e comportamentos que potencializam o adoecimento.

Objective: to examine the clinical conditions and health risk behavior of homeless people. Method: this cross-sectional study was conducted at two referral centers for homeless people in northeast Brazil. Information on sociodemographic and clinical variables, and vulnerable behaviors when falling ill was elicited from 100 participants by scripted interviews. Chi-Square and Anova tests were used. Results: type of sexual partner influenced the presence of symptoms of sexually-transmitted infection; the presence of symptoms related to the partner's sexually-transmitted infections influenced the participant's symptomatology; alcoholism influenced the practice of sex with drug users; sex in exchange for money correlated with physical violence; and oral sex influenced the presence of a sexually-transmitted infection symptom. Conclusion: people on the street display conditions and behaviors that potentiate illness.

Objetivo: examinar las condiciones clínicas y el comportamiento de riesgo para la salud de las personas sin hogar. Método: este estudio transversal se realizó en dos centros de referencia para personas sin hogar en el noreste de Brasil. La información sobre las variables sociodemográficas y clínicas, y los comportamientos vulnerables cuando se enferma se obtuvo de 100 participantes mediante entrevistas con guión. Se utilizaron pruebas de Chi-Cuadrado y Anova. Resultados: el tipo de pareja sexual influyó en la presencia de síntomas de infección de transmisión sexual; la presencia de síntomas relacionados con las infecciones de transmisión sexual de la pareja influyó en la sintomatología del participante; el alcoholismo influyó en la práctica del sexo con consumidores de drogas; sexo a cambio de dinero correlacionado con violencia física; y el sexo oral influyó en la presencia de un síntoma de infección de transmisión sexual. Conclusión: las personas en la calle exhiben condiciones y comportamientos que potencian la enfermedad.

A Mixed Methods Analysis of the Venue-Related Social and Structural Context of Drug Use During Sex Among Male Clients of Female Sex Workers in Tijuana, Mexico.

Drug use during sex increases risks for HIV acquisition. Male clients of female sex workers (FSW) represent both a key population at risk for HIV as well as a transmission bridge population. In Tijuana, Mexico, drug use is prevalent and there is a need to understand male clients' drug use during sex with FSW. Characteristics of sex work venues may confer higher risks for drug use, risky sex, and HIV/STI. It is essential to understand the venue-related social and structural factors associated with drug use during sex in order to inform HIV prevention interventions with male clients in this region. We used a Mixed-Methods Sequential Explanatory Design to conduct an enriched examination of drug use during sex among male clients of FSW in Tijuana. Findings from logistic regression analysis showed that drug use during sex was significantly correlated with police harassment (AOR = 4.06, p < .001) and methamphetamine use (AOR = 33.77, p < .001). In-depth interview data provided rich meaning behind and context around the quantitative associations. Social and structural interventions to reduce police harassment, methamphetamine use, and promote condom availability are needed to reduce risks for HIV among male clients of FSW in Tijuana.

Trabajadores sexuales masculinos: entre el sexo seguro y el riesgo. Etnografía en una sauna gay de Barcelona, España / Male sex workers: between safe sex and risk. Ethnography in a gay sauna in Barcelona, Spain

Resumen Esta etnografía se realizó en Barcelona, ciudad que ofrece diferentes recursos de ocio homosexual, como las saunas gay. El objetivo fue analizar desde los estudios sobre género y masculinidades, cómo se articula la sexualidad, la percepción sobre la infección por VIH y otras infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS), y las medidas preventivas en trabajadores sexuales masculinos (TSM) usuarios de saunas gay. Se realizaron 10 entrevistas en profundidad y observación entre 2012 y 2016. Las prácticas de sexo seguro son más frecuentes con clientes, mientras que las de riesgo se realizan más con parejas no comerciales. La orientación sexual juega un rol relevante, los homosexuales asumen más prácticas de riesgo en el trabajo sexual que los heterosexuales. Consumo de drogas o la escasez de redes de apoyo se relacionaron con mayor vulnerabilidad social y conductas de riesgo. Contraer el VIH aún genera miedo, mientras que tener otras ITS se percibe como parte de la vida sexual de un hombre. El TSM afianza una masculinidad con múltiples parejas sexuales, breadwinner y por otra parte, cuestiona un modelo heteronormativo. Las intervenciones para la prevención del VIH e ITS en este colectivo, deberían considerar los determinantes sociales como las precarias alternativas laborales y el ofrecer mayor soporte social.

Abstract This ethnography was conducted in Barcelona, a city that provides different gay leisure resources, such as gay saunas. We aimed to analyze from studies on gender and masculinities, how sexuality, perception of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and preventive measures are articulated in gay sauna male sex workers (MSW). Ten in-depth interviews and observation were conducted between 2012 and 2016. Safe sex practices are more frequent with clients, while risk practices are carried out more with non-commercial partners. Sexual orientation plays an important role. Homosexuals assume riskier practices in sex work than heterosexuals. Drug use or lack of support networks were associated with higher social vulnerability and risk behaviors. Contracting HIV still creates fear, while having other STIs is perceived as part of a man's sexual life. The MSW affirms masculinity with concurrent sexual partners, breadwinner, and on the other hand, questions a heteronormative model. Interventions for the prevention of HIV and STIs in this group should consider social determinants such as inferior work alternatives and the provision of more significant social support.

[Socio-demographic characteristics, indicators of risk and health care in relation to sexual transmission infections in migrant population of Granada]. / Características sociodemográficas, indicadores de riesgo y atención sanitaria en relación a infecciones de transmisión sexual en población inmigrante de Granada.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper was to describe the sociodemographic profile, the characteristics of clinical care received, the risk indicators and the prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) in an immigrant population attending a specialized center in Granada, as well as to analyse the association between the presence or absence of STI with the sociodemographic variables and risk indicators. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational and analytical study was conducted at the at the Center for Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Sexual Orientation in Granada, by reviewing the clinical records of 374 immigrants extracted from a sample of 1.455 records of subjects with a suspected of STI, corresponding to the period 2000-2014. Univariate analyses was conducted, bivariate analyses was conducted by using Mann-Whitney U and chi-square test, in addition to multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean age of individuals was 28,28 years (Dt=7,54). 69,3% were women and 30,7% were men, mainly from the Southern Common Market (39%) and the European Union (35.6%). 36.1% were professionals or former sex professionals, 34,5% had higher education and 79,9% were single. 70% of the cases had a positive diagnosis of STI, Human Papilloma Virus was the most prevalent infection. The number of partners in the last year (OR = 1,39; IC 95% = 1,12 - 1,74; p = 0,002) was significantly associated with the presence of STI. CONCLUSIONS: The sample, mainly women, sex workers or former sex workers, young people, from South America and Europe, has a high prevalence of infections and an increased risk as the number of partners increases in the last year.

OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el perfil sociodemográfico, las características de la atención clínica recibida, los indicadores de riesgo y la prevalencia de Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual (ITS) en la población inmigrant que acude a un centro especializado en ITS de la provincia de Granada, así como analizar la asociación entre la presencia o no de ITS con variables sociodemográficas e indicadores de riesgo. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional, transversal y analítico, elaborado en el Centro de Orientación y Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual de Granada. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de 374 inmigrantes, extraídas de una muestra de 1.455 historias de sujetos con sospecha de padecer una ITS, correspondientes al periodo 2000-2014. Se realizó análisis univariante, bivariante mediante U de Mann-Whitney y test de chi cuadrado, además de regresión logística múltiple. RESULTADOS: La edad media de los sujetos fue de 28,28 años (Dt=7,54). El 69,3% eran mujeres y el 30,7% hombres, procedentes del Mercado Común del Sur (39%) y Unión Europea (35,6%), fundamentalmente. Un 36,1% eran profesionales o ex profesionales del sexo, un 34,5% tenía estudios superiores y un 79,9% eran solteros. Un 70% de los casos tuvo un diagnóstico positivo de ITS, siendo la más prevalente el Virus del Papiloma Humano. El número de parejas en el último año (OR=1,39; IC 95%=1,12-1,74; p=0,002) se asoció significativamente a la presencia de ITS. CONCLUSIONES: En la muestra, que es principalmente de mujeres, profesionales o ex profesionales del sexo, jóvenes, procedentes de Sudamérica y Europa, hay una prevalencia alta de ITS y un mayor riesgo a medida que aumenta el número de parejas en el último año.

Male sex workers: between safe sex and risk. Ethnography in a gay sauna in Barcelona, Spain. / Trabajadores sexuales masculinos: entre el sexo seguro y el riesgo. Etnografía en una sauna gay de Barcelona, España.

This ethnography was conducted in Barcelona, a city that provides different gay leisure resources, such as gay saunas. We aimed to analyze from studies on gender and masculinities, how sexuality, perception of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and preventive measures are articulated in gay sauna male sex workers (MSW). Ten in-depth interviews and observation were conducted between 2012 and 2016. Safe sex practices are more frequent with clients, while risk practices are carried out more with non-commercial partners. Sexual orientation plays an important role. Homosexuals assume riskier practices in sex work than heterosexuals. Drug use or lack of support networks were associated with higher social vulnerability and risk behaviors. Contracting HIV still creates fear, while having other STIs is perceived as part of a man's sexual life. The MSW affirms masculinity with concurrent sexual partners, breadwinner, and on the other hand, questions a heteronormative model. Interventions for the prevention of HIV and STIs in this group should consider social determinants such as inferior work alternatives and the provision of more significant social support.

Esta etnografía se realizó en Barcelona, ciudad que ofrece diferentes recursos de ocio homosexual, como las saunas gay. El objetivo fue analizar desde los estudios sobre género y masculinidades, cómo se articula la sexualidad, la percepción sobre la infección por VIH y otras infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS), y las medidas preventivas en trabajadores sexuales masculinos (TSM) usuarios de saunas gay. Se realizaron 10 entrevistas en profundidad y observación entre 2012 y 2016. Las prácticas de sexo seguro son más frecuentes con clientes, mientras que las de riesgo se realizan más con parejas no comerciales. La orientación sexual juega un rol relevante, los homosexuales asumen más prácticas de riesgo en el trabajo sexual que los heterosexuales. Consumo de drogas o la escasez de redes de apoyo se relacionaron con mayor vulnerabilidad social y conductas de riesgo. Contraer el VIH aún genera miedo, mientras que tener otras ITS se percibe como parte de la vida sexual de un hombre. El TSM afianza una masculinidad con múltiples parejas sexuales, breadwinner y por otra parte, cuestiona un modelo heteronormativo. Las intervenciones para la prevención del VIH e ITS en este colectivo, deberían considerar los determinantes sociales como las precarias alternativas laborales y el ofrecer mayor soporte social.

HIV-1 heterosexual transmission and association with sexually transmitted infections in the era of treatment as prevention.

OBJECTIVES: HIV-1 heterosexual transmission among individuals on antiretroviral treatment (ART) with undetectable viremia is extremely rare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of sexual HIV-1 transmission and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in HIV-1 serodifferent couples while the index partner is on ART. METHODS: HIV transmission was evaluated in 200 HIV-1 heterosexual serodifferent couples in a stable relationship (≥3 months). All HIV-positive individuals had been on ART for ≥3 months and had been followed up for a median preceding time of 4.5 years (range 0.3-16 years) at the HIV couples clinic at Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Following written informed consent, participants responded to demographic/behavioral questionnaires. Quantitative PCR for HIV RNA, T-cell subsets, and STI testing (syphilis, herpes, human papillomavirus, gonorrhea, and bacterial vaginosis) were performed. Self-collected vaginal swabs were obtained for quantitative HIV genital viral load testing. RESULTS: Among 200 couples, 70% of index partners were female. Five seroconversions were observed; the HIV infection incidence was 2.5% (95% confidence interval 0.8% to 5.7%). Mean plasma viral load results were higher in HIV transmitters compared to non-transmitters (p=0.02). The presence of STIs was significantly greater in couples who seroconverted (60.0% vs. 13.3%; odds ratio 9.75, 95% confidence interval 1.55-61.2; p=0.023). The duration of undetectable HIV viremia and presence of STIs were associated with HIV transmission. CONCLUSIONS: Undetectable viremia was the main factor associated with non-transmissibility of HIV in this setting.

Modeling Public Health Campaigns for Sexually Transmitted Infections via Optimal and Feedback Control.

Control of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) poses important challenges to public health authorities. Obstacles for STIs' control include low priority in public health programs and disease transmission mechanisms. This work uses a compartmental pair model to explore different public health strategies on the evolution of STIs. Optimal control and feedback control are used to model realistic strategies for reducing the prevalence of these infections. Feedback control is proposed to model the reaction of public health authorities relative to an alert level. Optimal control is used to model the optimization of available resources for implementing strategies. Numerical simulations are performed using trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and human papillomavirus (HPV) as study cases. HPV is non-curable, and it is analyzed only under transmission control such as condom promotion campaigns. Trichomoniasis, gonorrhea and chlamydia are curable STIs that are modeled here additionally under treatment control. Increased cost-effectiveness ratio is employed as a criterion to measure control strategies performance. The features and drawbacks of control strategies under the pair formation process are discussed.

Penile implants and other high risk practices in French Guiana's correctional facility: A cause for concern.

BACKGROUND: Prisoners in French Guiana, a French territory located in South America, have a HIV and hepatitis B prevalence of 4%. Body modifications such as penile implants, tattoos, and body piercings are common among detainees, increasing the risk of blood-borne virus transmission. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional randomised survey in which the primary objective was to estimate the prevalence of high risk 'bloody practices' (penile implants, tattoos, body piercings) in French Guiana's only correctional facility. The secondary objective was to describe the risk factors for penile implants, the procedures and motivations for insertion, the reported complications, their risk factors and adverse impact on condom use. RESULTS: Of the 221 male inmates interviewed, 19% had tattoos or body piercings while incarcerated, and 68% had penile implants, of which, 85% had been inserted inside the correctional facility. Addictive behaviors such as cannabis use and alcohol addiction (positive AUDIT-C score), early age at first sexual intercourse, and the number of incarcerations correlated positively with having inserted one or more penile implants while incarcerated. In contrast, having reported previous psychiatric hospitalizations and having a high knowledge score for HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were negatively correlated with the insertion of penile implants while incarcerated. Penile implants were inserted in poor hygienic conditions, usually using the sharp lid of a canned food container, with 18% of early complications, mostly haemorrhage and edema. Condom use was negatively impacted for 52% of men with penile implants. CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the need for prevention interventions which should aim at increasing knowledge levels and at implementing comprehensive risk-reduction measures.

American trypanosomiasis and Chagas disease: Sexual transmission.

OBJECTIVE: To contribute to the discussion on the research findings indicating the sexual transmission of American trypanosomiasis and Chagas disease in humans. METHODS: A review of the literature was performed to investigate the routes of transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites and to evaluate the distribution of Chagas disease, which is now found across five continents. RESULTS: The epidemiological profile of American trypanosomiasis, which is still considered a neglected disease of the poor people of Latin America, has changed over time. A family-based study demonstrated that the blood protozoan T. cruzi can be transmitted sexually from infected males and females to naïve mates. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence that Chagas disease can be transmitted sexually, coupled with the migration of individuals with Chagas disease to previously non-endemic countries and increased travel to endemic countries, has implications for public health. Improved screening of blood supplies and prenatal care are required to prevent congenital spread.

Poor quality male latex condoms found in Dominican Republic: Quality assurance evaluation and public health impact.

Male condoms are important to prevent transmission of HIV (and other STIs) and unwanted pregnancies. Research was conducted to evaluate the quality of male condoms available in the Dominican Republic market based on preliminary concerns of suspect product. Based on international testing standards (ISO 4074 and ASTM D 3492-08), condoms were sampled across ten prominent brands within the market and evaluated for airburst pressure / volume, freedom from holes, visual defects, package seal integrity, packaging and marking, lubricant quantity, and dimensions. Five of the brands were found to have extensive quality problems, where holes were found in 5.7% to 17.5% of the condoms (depending on the brand). Between 5.1% and 30.5% of these condoms failed to meet the requirements for airburst properties, and violations in regulatory labeling where observed. Three additional brands were compliant for the other tests, but were found to have the same challenges with labeling violations as the previous five brands. Two brands were found to be fully compliant with all aspects of the evaluation. The level of defects observed in these samples would greatly increase the risk of HIV transmission (and other STIs) and unwanted pregnancies. When projected on the annual market of male condoms sold in the Dominican Republic (~26 million), potentially over 1 million condoms could be estimated to adversely impact the health risk of the end-user. These results prompted action by the Dominican Republic regulatory authorities to investigate and remove poor quality product from the market. This research study emphasizes the need for continued vigilance towards increased regulatory and market surveillance efforts to better protect public health interests.

Sífilis anorrectal: una entidad subdiagnosticada. Casuística de un hospital público de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires / Anorectal syphilis: an underdiagnosticated entity. Casuistry of a public hospital in the autonomous city of Buenos Aires

Introducción: Las infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) afectan anualmente a millones de personas. La sífilis aumenta tanto a nivel mundial como nacional. El sexo anorreceptivo es factor predisponente y hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH) son vulnerables. Las lesiones anales en estadio primario provocan intensa proctalgia y en estadio secundario pueden simular condilomas virales, que si resuelven espontáneamente quedan sin diagnóstico etiológico. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, ambispectivo, transversal. Revisión de registros de pacientes atendidos en coloproctología del Hospital Fernández (01/01/2015 - 01/03/2019). Se incluyeron pacientes con serología confirmatoria. Variables analizadas: sexo, edad, diagnóstico de derivación, HIV, otras ITS, sexo anal/oro-anal, estadio, clínica y casos/año.Resultados: Setenta y siete casos (61 hombres, 12 mujeres, 4 mujeres trans). Edad mediana: 30 años (rango: 18 - 72), 48% <30 años, 83% no utilizó preservativo (100% de los HIV+). Diecisiete casos (22%) detectados durante pesquisa de Chlamydia. Cincuenta y ocho pacientes (75%) presentaron ITS asociada. Coexistieron sífilis, HIV y linfogranuloma venéreo (LGV) en 8 HSH. Manifestaciones observadas: proctalgia (77%), proctorragia (55%), secreción (53%) y úlcera anal (51%). 50% de mujeres llegaron con diagnóstico erróneo. Casos/año: 6 en 2015, 13 en 2016, 21 en 2017, 31 en 2018 y 6 en primer bimestre de 2019.Conclusiones: Se detectó aumento progresivo de casos de sífilis anorrectal (mayormente en HSH), que aun siendo HIV+ no usa preservativo. Actualmente debe sospecharse asociación de sífilis con LGV en HSH HIV+. La similitud clínica con patologías no venéreas y la remisión espontánea de lesiones obliga a testearla para evitar su progresión y cortar la cadena de contactos.

Introduction: STIs affect millions of people annually. Syphilis increases both globally and nationally. Anoreceptive sex is a predisposing factor and men who have sex with men (MSM) are vulnerable. The anal lesions in primary stage cause in-tense proctalgia and in secondary stage they can simulate viral condylomas, that if they resolve spontaneously might remain without etiological diagnosis.Methods: Descriptive, ambispective, cross-sectional study. Review of records of patients seen in coloproctology at the Fernández Hospital (01/01/2015 - 03/01/2019). Patients with confirmatory serology were included. Variables ana-lyzed: sex, age, derivation diagnosis, HIV, other STDs, anal sex / oro-anal, stage, clinic and cases/year.Results: Seventy-seven cases (61 men, 12 women, 4 trans-women). Mean age of 30 years (range: 18 - 72), 48% <30 years. 83% did not use condoms (100% of HIV +). Sev-enteen cases (22%) detected during Chlamydia search. Fif-ty-eight patients (75%) had associated STIs. Syphilis, HIV and LGV coexisted in 8 MSM. Manifestations observed: proctalgia (77%), proctorrhagia (55%), discharge (53%), anal ulcer (51%). 50% of women arrived with inacurate diagnosis. Cases/year: 6 in 2015, 13 in 2016, 21 in 2017, 31 in 2018 and 6 in the first two months of 2019.Conclusions: There was a progressive increase in cases of anorectal syphilis (mostly MSM), that even when they are HIV +, does not use a condom. Currently, association of syphilis with LGV in MSM HIV + should be suspected. The clinical similarity with non-venereal pathologies and the spontaneous remission of lesions obliges to test it to avoid its progression and to break the chain of transmission