Traumatic brain injury, race, ethnicity and cognition in newly diagnosed persons with multiple sclerosis.

We sought to determine whether a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI) could explain the lower symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) scores observed among newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis (MS) and control participants identifying as Black or Hispanic versus white in the MS Sunshine Study (n = 1172). 330 (29.2 %) participants reported a history of ≥1 TBI. Accounting for TBI did not explain the significant independent associations between having MS, being Black or Hispanic and lower SDMT. The pervasive effects of systemic racism in the United States remain the best explanation for the lower SDMT scores observed in Black and Hispanic participants.

Mental health among adolescents exposed to social inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean: a scoping review.

Background and objective: Adolescents from Latin America and the Caribbean grow up in a context of social inequality, which diminishes their well-being and leads to impaired emotional-cognitive development. To understand the problem, it is important to synthesize the available research about it. This study aims to explore the knowledge about adolescents' mental health in Latin America and the Caribbean exposed to social inequality. Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted encompassing a search in five databases (Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and LILACS) in June 2022. Articles of various typologies were included without time limit. After two rounds of screening, relevant data were manually extracted and synthesized into self-constructed themes using thematic analysis. Results: Out of 8,825 retrieved records, 42 papers were included in the final review, with a predominance of quantitative approaches. The synthesis revealed two main analytical themes: (a) defining social inequality, wherein intersecting inequalities produce discrimination and determine conditions for social vulnerability; (b) social inequality and mental health, which highlights the association between socio-structural difficulties and emotional problems, amplifying vulnerability to mental ill health and poor mental health care. Conclusion: The scientific evidence reveals that social inequality is related to impaired well-being and mental ill health on the one hand and a lack of access to mental health care on the other hand.

Systematic Review of Scales for Measuring Infectious Disease-Related Stigma.

Infectious disease outbreaks are associated with substantial stigma, which can have negative effects on affected persons and communities and on outbreak control. Thus, measuring stigma in a standardized and validated manner early in an outbreak is critical to disease control. We reviewed existing scales used to assess stigma during outbreaks. Our findings show that many different scales have been developed, but few have been used more than once, have been adequately validated, or have been tested in different disease and geographic contexts. We found that scales were usually developed too slowly to be informative early during an outbreak and were published a median of 2 years after the first case of an outbreak. A rigorously developed, transferable stigma scale is needed to assess and direct responses to stigma during infectious disease outbreaks.

Discrimination and dental students: What is the reality in Brazilian institutions?

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate whether there is discrimination in the dental educational environment, assess the main reasons for the discriminatory events, and if there is an association between discriminatory episodes and sociodemographic characteristics of undergraduate dental students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted with a self-administered questionnaire to students enrolled in three Brazilian dental schools. Questions included sociodemographic characteristics and the occurrence of discriminatory episodes in the dental academic environment. Descriptive analysis was performed in RStudio 1.3 (R Core Team, RStudio, Inc., Boston, USA) software and the associations were tested using Pearson's chi-square test, considering 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 732 dental students were included, with a response rate of 70.2%. The vast majority of students were female (66.9%), with white/yellow skin colour (67.9%), and with a mean age of 22.6 (SD 4.1) years. Sixth-eight percent of students reported having experienced some discrimination in the academic environment and most reported feeling uncomfortable with the episode. The main reasons to have been discriminated against raised by students were specific behaviour/habit, have specific moral, ethical, and aesthetic values, gender, and socioeconomic status or social class. The occurrence of discriminatory episodes was associated with female gender (p = .05), non-heterosexual sexual orientation (p < .001), studying in public institutions (p < .001), receiving an institutional scholarship (p = .018), and being in the final undergraduate cycle (p < .001). CONCLUSION: The occurrence of discriminatory episodes was common in Brazilian dental higher education. Discriminatory situations generate traumas and psychological marks, causing a loss of diversity within the academic environment that leads to loss of productivity, creativity, and innovation. Thus, strong institutional policies against discrimination are crucial to create a healthy dental academic environment.

Associations between psychological stress, discrimination, and oral health-related quality of life: the buffering effects of social support networks / Associações entre estresse psicológico, discriminação e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal: os efeitos amortecedores das redes de apoio social / Asociaciones entre estrés psicológico, discriminación y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud bucal: los efectos atenuantes de las redes de apoyo social

Stress and discrimination negatively affect quality of life, but social support may buffer their effects. This study aims: (1) to examine the associations between psychological stress, discrimination, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL); and (2) to assess whether social support, stress and discrimination interact to modify their associations with OHRQoL. We used cross-sectional household-based data from a study including 396 individuals aged 14 years and over from families registered for government social benefits in a city in Southern Brazil. OHRQoL was measured with the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) scale; psychological stress was assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS); social support was assessed based on the number of close relatives or friends of the participant, and discrimination was assessed with a short version of the Everyday Discrimination Scale. Interactions were estimated using the relative excess of risk due to interaction (RERI). Adjusted effects were calculated with logistic regression. The prevalence of oral impacts among people with higher and lower PSS scores was 81.6% and 65.5%, respectively (p < 0.01). Social support was found to have no interactions with stress levels and discrimination. The association between social discrimination and OHRQoL (OIDP score > 0) was OR = 2.03 (95%CI: 1.23; 3.34) among people with a low level of stress, but was OR = 12.6 (95%CI: 1.31; 120.9) among those with higher levels (p = 0.09, for interaction). Individuals who reported experiencing higher levels of psychological stress and discrimination had worse OHRQoL; a synergistic effect with social support was not clear.

O estresse e a discriminação afetam negativamente a qualidade de vida, mas o apoio social pode amortecer seus efeitos. Os objetivos deste estudo são: (1) examinar as associações entre estresse psicológico, discriminação e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde bucal (QVRSB); e (2) avaliar se apoio social, estresse e discriminação interagem para modificar suas associações com QVRSB. Os dados são de uma pesquisa transversal de base domiciliar de um estudo que incluiu 396 indivíduos com 14 anos ou mais de famílias registradas para benefícios federais em uma cidade no sul do Brasil. A QVRSB foi mensurada pelo Impactos Orais no Desempenho Diário (OIDP), enquanto o estresse psicológico foi avaliado pela Escala de Estresse Percebido (PSS). Além disso, o apoio social foi avaliado pelo número de parentes ou amigos próximos e a discriminação por meio da Escala de Discriminação Diária (EDS). As interações foram estimadas por meio do excesso relativo de risco devido à interação (RERI). Os efeitos ajustados foram calculados por meio de regressão logística. A prevalência de impactos bucais entre as pessoas com maior e menor escores de PSS foi de 81,6% e 65,5%, respectivamente (p < 0,01). O apoio social mostra interações inclusivas com níveis de estresse e discriminação. A associação entre discriminação social e QVRSB (escore OIDP > 0) foi OR = 2,03 (IC95%: 1,23; 3,34) dentre pessoas com baixo nível de estresse, mas foi de OR = 12,6 (IC95%: 1,31; 120,9) dentre aqueles com níveis mais altos (p = 0,09, para interação). Indivíduos que relataram níveis mais elevados de estresse psicológico e discriminação apresentaram pior QVRSB; o efeito sinérgico com o apoio social não foi evidente.

El estrés y la discriminación afectan negativamente a la calidad de vida, pero el apoyo social puede mitigar sus efectos. Los objetivos de este estudio son: (1) examinar las asociaciones entre el estrés psicológico, la discriminación y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud bucal (CVRSB); y (2) evaluar si el apoyo social, el estrés y la discriminación interactúan para modificar sus asociaciones con la CVRSB. Los datos provienen de una encuesta transversal de hogares cuyo estudio incluyó a 396 individuos de 14 años o más de familias registradas en beneficios del gobierno en una ciudad del Sur de Brasil. La CVRSB se midió mediante el Impactos Orales en el Rendimiento Diario (OIDP), mientras que el estrés psicológico se evaluó mediante la Escala de Estrés Percibido (PSS). El apoyo social se basó en el número de familiares o amigos cercanos, y la discriminación en la Escala de Discriminación Cotidiana (EDS). Las interacciones se estimaron mediante el excesivo de riesgo relativo debido a la interacción (RERI). Los efectos ajustados se calcularon mediante regresión logística. La prevalencia de impactos orales entre las personas con puntajes de PSS más altas y más bajas fue del 81,6% y del 65,5%, respectivamente (p < 0,01). El apoyo social presenta interacciones inclusivas con niveles de estrés y discriminación. La asociación entre discriminación social y OHRQoL (puntuación OIDP > 0) fue OR = 2,03 (IC95%: 1,23; 3,34) entre personas con un nivel bajo de estrés, pero fue OR = 12,6 (IC95%: 1,31; 120,9) entre aquellos con niveles más altos (p = 0,09, para interacción). Las personas que informaron tener niveles más elevados de estrés psicológico y discriminación tuvieron una peor CVRSB; el efecto sinérgico con el apoyo social no estaba claro.

Influence of HIV/AIDS knowledge on HIV testing behavior among young students (14-27 years) with a history of sexual activity: chain mediation analysis of social discrimination, self-efficacy, and sexual behavior characteristics.

This study used a self-administered questionnaire to investigate the relationship between HIV/AIDS knowledge, social discrimination, HIV self-efficacy, sexual behavioral characteristics and HIV testing behavior among young students with a history of sexual activity in Chongqing. Propensity score matching was used to construct a control group with similar demographic characteristics to the HIV testing group, only without HIV testing behaviors. Structural equation modeling was used to conduct chain-mediated effect analysis. The HIV testing rate among young students with a history of sexual behavior was 17.16%. Young students with HIV testing behavior had higher levels of HIV/AIDS knowledge, lower social discrimination, better self-efficacy, and no difference in sexual behavior characteristic scores between the two groups (P = 0.062). The mediated effect values of social discrimination and self-efficacy were 0.022 and 0.063, respectively, while their chain mediated effect value was 0.007. There was no mediated effect of sexual behavior characteristics. The level of young students' HIV/AIDS knowledge does not directly influence their HIV testing behavior but plays a complete chain mediating effect on HIV testing behavior through social discrimination and self-efficacy. HIV testing behavior should be promoted through the perspectives of enhancing HIV/AIDS knowledge level, reducing social discrimination, and improving self-efficacy.

Discriminación percibida por pacientes en seguimiento por COVID-19. Tajamar Regalado, Ecuador

Fundamento la COVID-19 tuvo repercusión en el estado biopsicosocial de la población. Entre las actitudes y comportamientos, la discriminación se manifestó como una de las respuestas a diferentes niveles de interrelación personal y social. Objetivo describir la discriminación percibida por pacientes en seguimiento por COVID-19. Métodos estudio descriptivo y transversal, realizado en el periodo septiembre de 2021 a febrero de 2022, con todos los pacientes con seguimiento por COVID-19 (N=89) residentes en el barrio de Tajamar Regalado (Tulcán, Ecuador). Mediante la encuesta se obtuvo información sobre las variables: tipo de institución donde recibió seguimiento médico, percepción de discriminación, apoyo social y apoyo comunitario. Resultados el 60,67 % de los pacientes refirió que casi siempre lamentaba haberse contagiado de COVID-19; el 59,55 %, que siempre sintió ser discriminado por haber padecido la enfermedad; el 40,45 %, que casi siempre consideró importante utilizar medidas de protección para evitar más contagios en su comunidad; el 48,31 % planteó que casi siempre recibió consejería por el personal de salud; y el 59,55 % consideró que su salud mental se vio afectada. Casi la mitad de los pacientes expresó haber recibido un apoyo social muy malo, y el 51,68 % un apoyo social malo parte de las autoridades en particular. Conclusiones durante la pandemia de COVID-19 existió un rechazo social a los pacientes contagiados, el cual provocó afectaciones en la salud mental de estos. Se evidenció una falta de apoyo por parte de la comunidad y las autoridades; y una escasa consejería por el personal de salud.

Foundation COVID-19 had an impact on the population' biopsychosocial state. Among attitudes and behaviors, discrimination manifested itself as one of the responses to different levels of personal and social interrelation. Objective to describe the discrimination perceived by patients being monitored for COVID-19. Methods descriptive and cross-sectional study, carried out from September 2021 to February 2022, in all patients monitored for COVID-19 (N=89) who live in Tajamar Regalado neighborhood (Tulcán, Ecuador). Through the survey, information was obtained on the variables: type of institution where they received medical follow-up, perception of discrimination, social support and community support. Results 60.67% of patients reported that they almost always regretted having been infected with COVID-19; 59.55%, who always felt they were discriminated against for having suffered from the disease; 40.45%, who almost always considered it important to use protective measures to avoid further infections in their community; 48.31% stated that they almost always received counseling from health personnel; and 59.55% considered that their mental health was affected. Almost half of the patients expressed having received very bad social support, and 51.68% received bad social support from the authorities in particular. Conclusions during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was social rejection of infected patients, which caused effects on their mental health. A lack of support from the community and authorities was evident; and little counseling by health personnel.

Research on racial/ethnic inequities in oral health over the past 80 years: The role of racism.

AIM: This study aims to (1) describe trends in explanations provided for racial/ethnic inequities in dental caries and periodontitis, and (2) explore the patterns of relatedness among explanations for these inequities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Highly cited publications based on studies indexed in the Scopus database were retrieved and assessed for eligibility. Explanations for racial/ethnic inequities were classified into eight different, but interrelated domains. We assessed trends and examined the relations among explanations using multiple correspondence analysis. RESULTS: A total of 200 articles among the most cited publications were selected. The proportion of studies invoking racism as an explanation for racial inequities in oral health increased from 0% to 14.3%, from 1937 to 2020. The proportions of individual socio-economic factors increased from 52.0% to 82.9%, and dental care from 28.0% to 62.9%. The remaining explanations were stable: psychological/behavioural processes (62.5%), biological factors (49.5%), contextual/area-level effects (24.0%) and immigrant paradox (4.0%). Multiple correspondence analysis revealed a smaller axial distance between racism and the following categories: studies from Brazil, recent publications and Blacks/Hispanics/mixed-race groups. Publications about immigrants were axially closer to the high-income countries category. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings call on dental researchers to consider racism as a cause for existing racial/ethnic inequities in oral health.

Horneros consider their neighbors as precious foes regardless of territory size and human disturbance.

Research on neighbor-stranger discrimination theory has revealed the significance of social context and biological traits affecting the mechanisms that drive social discrimination, such as the dear enemy or nasty neighbor effects (strangers or neighbors more threatening, respectively). Nevertheless, the effects of territory size and human activity on neighbor-stranger experiments have yet to be explored. By examining behavioral responses to spontaneous duets of neighbors and playbacks of strangers' duets, we tested whether rufous horneros (Furnarius rufus) in smaller territories show heightened aggression, responding more strongly to strangers and less to neighbors than those in larger territories. This could be expected because birds in larger territories might struggle to differentiate competitors due to limited interactions, hindering familiarity with neighbors. Meanwhile, birds in smaller territories are likely to treat neighbors as dear enemies due to the need to minimize territorial costs caused by presumed frequent intrusions or to protect limited resources. Contrary to predictions, rufous horneros responded more strongly to strangers than neighbors, regardless of owner territory sizes. This suggests that the presumed higher intruder frequency in smaller territories does not necessarily lead to adjusted dear enemy relationships. Yet, small territory holders exhibited heightened vocal responses to duets of unfamiliar intruders, indicating a stronger 'dear enemy' effect compared to birds with larger territories. We also tested whether dear enemy relationships would be heightened during weekends. This is linked to the difficulty urban birds might face in distinguishing neighbors from strangers during high human activity days (i.e., on weekdays), due to factors like noise masking intruder acoustic cues and heightened vigilance. Territorial owners exhibited consistent dear enemy behavior towards neighbors, regardless of our proxy for human activity. This underscores their ability in identifying competitor identities within urban settings.

Loss of oxytocin receptors in hilar mossy cells impairs social discrimination.

Hippocampal oxytocin receptor (OXTR) signaling is crucial for discrimination of social stimuli to guide social recognition, but circuit mechanisms and cell types involved remain incompletely understood. Here, we report a role for OXTR-expressing hilar mossy cells (MCs) of the dentate gyrus in social stimulus discrimination by regulating granule cell (GC) activity. Using a Cre-loxP recombination approach, we found that ablation of Oxtr from MCs impairs discrimination of social, but not object, stimuli in adult male mice. Ablation of MC Oxtr increases spontaneous firing rate of GCs, synaptic excitation to inhibition ratio of MC-to-GC circuit, and GC firing when temporally associated with the lateral perforant path inputs. Using mouse hippocampal slices, we found that bath application of OXTR agonist [Thr4,Gly7]-oxytocin causes membrane depolarization and increases MC firing activity. Optogenetic activation of MC-to-GC circuit ameliorates social discrimination deficit in MC OXTR deficient mice. Together, our results uncover a previously unknown role of MC OXTR signaling for discrimination of social stimuli and delineate a MC-to-GC circuit responsible for social information processing.

[Factors associated with the perception of discrimination: ageism and quality of life of the geriatric population from a bioethical approach] / Factores asociados a la percepción de discriminación: edadismo y calidad de vida de la población geriátrica desde un enfoque bioético.

Introduction: There are a set of conditions that directly affect the quality of life of older adults, causing marginalization and discrimination of this age group. Objective: Determining the factors that affect the perception of discrimination and quality of life of older adults in the province of El Oro, Ecuador. Methods: Observational, descriptive, qualitative-phenomenological, cross-sectional, cross-sectional study in older adults aged 65 years, between September 2019 and November 2020. The sample consisted of 399 older adults. The questionnaire "Biopsychosocial assessment of older adults from a bioethical approach" was used. The following variables were measured: discrimination and self-perception of quality of life. Multiple correspondence analysis was used to examine the association between discrimination, quality of life and the variables under study. Results: 61.7% of the respondents considered that discrimination exists, with ageism predominating. The variable most related to the perception of discrimination of the MAs was the treatment in health care, and the family environment. The quality of life in a significant percentage was unsatisfactory due to: their family environment, poor social integration and dissatisfaction with their health. Conclusions: The quality of life of older adults was unsatisfactory in almost half of the respondents, influenced by the relationship with the family, social integration, and health status. The older adults reported that there is discrimination and ageism in the treatment perceived in the health services and the family environment, in violation of the principles of bioethics.

Introducción: En la vejez se presentan un conjunto de condiciones que afectan directamente la calidad de vida del adulto mayor, ocasionando marginación y discriminación de este grupo etario. Objetivo: Determinar los factores que inciden en la percepción de discriminación y calidad de vida de los adultos mayores de la provincia El Oro, Ecuador. Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, cualitativo-fenomenológico, de corte transversal, en adultos mayores de 65 años, entre septiembre del 2019 y noviembre del 2020. La muestra fue 399 adultos mayores. Se utilizó el cuestionario: "Valoración biopsicosocial del adulto mayor desde un enfoque bioético". Se midieron las variables: discriminación y autopercepción de calidad de vida. Se utilizó el análisis de correspondencia múltiple, para examinar la asociación entre discriminación, calidad de vida, y las variables en estudio. Resultados: El 61,7% de los encuestados consideró que existe discriminación, predominando el edadismo. La variable más relacionada a la percepción de discriminación de los AM fue el trato en la atención sanitaria, y el entorno familiar. La calidad de vida en un porcentaje significativo fue insatisfactoria debido a: su entorno familiar, la poca integración social y la insatisfacción con su salud. Conclusiones: La calidad de vida de los adultos mayores fue poco satisfactoria en casi la mitad de los encuestados, influenciada por la relación con la familia, la integración social, y el estado de salud. Los adultos mayores refirieron que existe discriminación, y edadismo en el trato percibido en los servicios de salud, y el entorno familiar, incumpliéndose con los principios de la bioética.

Effectiveness of an intervention to reduce stigma towards people with a mental disorder diagnosis in university students of healthcare careers.

Students in healthcare careers present stigma towards people with psychiatric diagnoses, so the development of interventions to reduce it is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention to reduce stigma towards people diagnosed with mental disorders in healthcare students in Chile. A randomized clinical trial with a before and after measurement was carried out. The intervention was part of a compulsory course and combined educational and contact strategies. A total of 244 fourth-semester students of medicine, nursing, dentistry, obstetrics, psychology, and social work participated. The intervention was effective in reducing stigmatizing attitudes and the desire for social distance. For almost all variables, the magnitude of the stigma reduction depended on the initial level of stigma, not on the profession. The intervention had positive effects on all careers. In conclusion, incorporating a stigma reduction intervention into mandatory professional training, with the active participation of the teacher in charge and experts by experience, can be a valuable tool to promote humanized and non-stigmatizing treatment.

A Systematic Review of Qualitative Research Literature and a Thematic Synthesis of Older LGBTQ People's Experiences of Quality of Life, Minority Joy, Resilience, Minority Stress, Discrimination, and Stigmatization in Japan and Sweden.

There is a lack of research on older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) adults. This systematic review aimed to synthesize Japanese and Swedish qualitative research on LGBTQ adults aged 60 years or older following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Japanese and Swedish articles, published in English, were searched across ASSIA, CINAHL, Medline, PsychINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Sociological Abstracts databases. Additional searches were conducted to include studies in Japanese or Swedish. There were no papers from Japan, whereas five from Sweden were reviewed. One article was excluded due to the wrong phenomenon. Four articles were included, involving 48 participants aged 60-94 years. We summarized the findings using a deductive thematic synthesis. Two major themes emerged: (a) quality of life, minority joy, and resilience (positive aspects), and (b) discrimination, stigmatization, and minority stress (negative aspects). The participants wished to be acknowledged for their own assets and unique life histories, and to be treated as everyone else. They emphasized the importance of knowledge of LGBTQ issues among nursing staff, so that older LGBTQ people are treated in a competent and affirmative way. The study revealed several important topics for understanding older LGBTQ adults' life circumstances and the severe lack of qualitative studies in Japan and Sweden.

"It's just as remarkable as being left-handed, isn't it?": exploring normativity through Australian physiotherapists' perspectives of working with LGBTQIA+ patients.

INTRODUCTION: Individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and other related identities (LGBTQIA+) experience challenges with healthcare, including physiotherapy. To understand potential contributions to poor experiences, this study explored physiotherapists' experiences and perspectives about working with members of LGBTQIA+ communities. METHODS: This study employed a qualitative research design, suitable for exploring the experiences and perspectives of individuals within the physiotherapy context. The sample consisted of physiotherapists working in Australia who participated in a larger survey study. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was conducted using a relativistic and queer theoretical framework with a reflexive thematic approach. RESULTS: Eighteen physiotherapists with diverse sexual orientations participated in the interviews. While all participants identified as women or men, not all used binary gender pronouns. Five key themes were developed: 1) "anti-discrimination" regarding choice of language and providing safe environments; 2) "current and historical discrimination" against LGBTQIA+ individuals; 3) "taking an equality approach" when working with LGBTQIA+ patients; 4) "knowledge of LGBTQIA+ health" in a broad sense and specifically with transgender and gender-diverse people; and 5) "managing own reactions" with respect to individual biases and discomfort. CONCLUSION: Underpinning all themes was the overarching concept of cis/hetero/endonormativity. Assuming normativity when working with LGBTQIA+ patients, is likely to have negative effects on patients' mental health, the therapeutic relationship and quality of care. In order to improve diversity, safety, inclusion and equity of care for LGBTQIA+ individuals, it is vital that normativity within physiotherapy is challenged.

[Monkeypox and men who have sex with men: we need to treat it with a destigmatizing perspective.] / Viruela del mono y hombres que tienen sexo con hombres: la necesidad de tratarla con una perspectiva desestigmatizante.

Monkeypox is a zoonosis, which is transmitted by direct and close contact, and has recently produced a large epidemic outbreak in non-endemic areas, classified as a Public Health Emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization. The global doubting and delayed response, and the stigmatizing approach to men who have sex with men promoted by public opinion, some scientists, socio-political agents, and the media, could be some of the reasons why the epidemic has not yet been contained. The stigma around the disease produces severe injuries to its victims and obstructs actions aimed at controlling the disease, as occurred with HIV in the past. To limit stigma and contain the outbreak, scientists should lead the diffusion of scientifically validated information, educate the population about prevention, symptoms, how to react in case of suspicion and the importance of not contributing to others' stigmatization. Interventions must also be conducted on victims of stigma to counter act its consequences and encourage their self-efficacy. Public health interventions should be carried out in collaboration with political and social actors to integrate evidence into regulations and procedures and facilitate public health interventions. Experts should also work together with the media to facilitate proper health communication and warn about bad practices. Similarly, the relationship between organizations and health professionals and stigmatized individuals must be improved to optimize their access and retention in health systems. The objective of this study was to review the stigmatizing response of some political agents, the media and social opinion to the Monkeypox epidemic, to highlight the consequences of stigma on the patients and the control of the disease. And to establish a series of recommendations to treat this situation effectively through a non-stigmatizing approach.

La viruela del mono es una zoonosis, que se transmite por contacto estrecho, y que ha producido recientemente un gran brote epidémico en zonas no endémicas, calificado como Emergencia de Salud Pública de importancia internacional por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). La respuesta tibia y tardía a nivel global, y el enfoque estigmatizante sobre los hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (los principales afectados) promovido por la opinión pública, algunos científicos, agentes sociopolíticos y medios de comunicación, podrían ser algunos de los motivos por los que aún no se ha contenido la epidemia. El estigma asociado a la enfermedad produce daños severos en sus víctimas y dificulta las acciones dirigidas al control de la enfermedad, como ya ocurrió con el VIH. Para limitar el estigma y contener el brote, los científicos deben dirigir la difusión de información científicamente validada, educar a la población sobre prevención, sobre sintomatología, sobre cómo actuar en caso de sospecha y sobre la importancia de no estigmatizar. También se debe actuar sobre las víctimas del estigma para eliminar sus consecuencias y fomentar su autoeficacia. Las intervenciones de salud deben realizarse con los actores políticos y sociales para integrar la evidencia en la normativa y procedimientos, así como para facilitar la acción de la Salud Pública. Asimismo, los expertos deben colaborar con los medios de comunicación para facilitar una comunicación en salud adecuada y amonestar las malas prácticas. De igual forma, se debe mejorar la relación entre organizaciones y profesionales sanitarios e individuos estigmatizados para optimizar su acceso y retención en los sistemas sanitarios. El objetivo del presente estudio fue hacer una revisión sobre la respuesta estigmatizante de algunos agentes políticos, de medios de comunicación y de la opinión social ante la epidemia de viruela del mono, exponer las graves consecuencias del estigma sobre los afectados y el control de la enfermedad y establecer una serie de recomendaciones para tratar este fenómeno de forma eficaz mediante un enfoque no estigmatizante.

Healthcare providers in Nigerian hospitals and HIV-related stigma: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Elimination of barriers to identification of new HIV infections, treatment adherence and retention in care of people living with HIV/AIDS is vital to the attainment of WHO's ambitious vision 2030 of 90:90:90 for HIV/AIDS. However, HIV-related stigma, especially among health workers, has been widely documented as a serious threat to this project. This study explored the factors associated with the stigmatization of people living with HIV among healthcare workers in Nigerian hospitals. METHOD: Electronic literature search was conducted on eight databases using keywords and MeSH guidelines. Using the PRISMA protocol, studies published from 2003 to 2022 were retrieved and analyzed. RESULT: Of the 1481 articles identified, 9 met the inclusion criteria. All the included studies were conducted across 10 of the 36 states in Nigeria, with every geo-political zone in Nigeria represented by at least two studies. The overarching themes identified were attitude and beliefs (n = 7), knowledge of HIV/AIDS (n = 3), quality of care (n = 4), education and in-service training (n = 4), and health facility policies and procedures (n = 3). Factors associated with HIV-related stigma among healthcare workers varied by gender, healthcare settings, specialties of health workers, and the presence of institutional stigma reinforcements. Healthcare workers without recent in-service training on HIV/AIDS and those who work in hospitals without anti-HIV/AIDS stigma policies exhibited more HIV-related stigmatizing attitudes. CONCLUSION: Continuous in-service training of healthcare workers and the development of comprehensive stigma reduction interventions that will be reinforced with anti-HIV stigma policies in clinical settings may facilitate the attainment of national HIV prevention goals.

Viruela del mono y hombres que tienen sexo con hombres: la necesidad de tratarla con una perspectiva desestigmatizante / Monkeypox and men who have sex with men: we need to treat it with a destigmatizing perspective

La viruela del mono es una zoonosis, que se transmite por contacto estrecho, y que ha producido recientemente un gran broteepidémico en zonas no endémicas, calificado como Emergencia de Salud Pública de importancia internacional por la OrganizaciónMundial de la Salud (OMS). La respuesta tibia y tardía a nivel global, y el enfoque estigmatizante sobre los hombres que tienen sexocon hombres (los principales afectados) promovido por la opinión pública, algunos científicos, agentes sociopolíticos y medios decomunicación, podrían ser algunos de los motivos por los que aún no se ha contenido la epidemia. El estigma asociado a la enfer-medad produce daños severos en sus víctimas y dificulta las acciones dirigidas al control de la enfermedad, como ya ocurrió conel VIH. Para limitar el estigma y contener el brote, los científicos deben dirigir la difusión de información científicamente validada,educar a la población sobre prevención, sobre sintomatología, sobre cómo actuar en caso de sospecha y sobre la importancia de noestigmatizar. También se debe actuar sobre las víctimas del estigma para eliminar sus consecuencias y fomentar su autoeficacia. Lasintervenciones de salud deben realizarse con los actores políticos y sociales para integrar la evidencia en la normativa y procedimientos, así como para facilitar la acción de la Salud Pública. Asimismo, los expertos deben colaborar con los medios de comunicaciónpara facilitar una comunicación en salud adecuada y amonestar las malas prácticas. De igual forma, se debe mejorar la relaciónentre organizaciones y profesionales sanitarios e individuos estigmatizados para optimizar su acceso y retención en los sistemassanitarios. El objetivo del presente estudio fue hacer una revisión sobre la respuesta estigmatizante de algunos agentes políticos, demedios de comunicación y de la opinión social ante la epidemia de viruela del mono, exponer las graves consecuencias del estigma...AU)

Monkeypox is a zoonosis, which is transmitted by direct and close contact, and has recently produced a large epidemic outbreak innonendemic areas, classified as a Public Health Emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization. The globaldoubting and delayed response, and the stigmatizing approach to men who have sex with men promoted by public opinion, somescientists, sociopolitical agents, and the media, could be some of the reasons why the epidemic has not yet been contained. Thestigma around the disease produces severe injuries to its victims and obstructs actions aimed at controlling the disease, as occurredwith HIV in the past. To limit stigma and contain the outbreak, scientists should lead the diffusion of scientifically validated information, educate the population about prevention, symptoms, how to react in case of suspicion and the importance of not contributingto others’ stigmatization. Interventions must also be conducted on victims of stigma to counter act its consequences and encouragetheir selfefficacy. Public health interventions should be carried out in collaboration with political and social actors to integrateevidence into regulations and procedures and facilitate public health interventions. Experts should also work together with the mediato facilitate proper health communication and warn about bad practices. Similarly, the relationship between organizations and healthprofessionals and stigmatized individuals must be improved to optimize their access and retention in health systems. The objective ofthis study was to review the stigmatizing response of some political agents, the media and social opinion to the Monkeypox epidemic,to highlight the consequences of stigma on the patients and the control of the disease. And to establish a series of recommendationsto treat this situation effectively through a non-stigmatizing approach.(AU)

Investigating the Associations of Sexual Minority Stressors and Incident Hypertension in a Community Sample of Sexual Minority Adults.

BACKGROUND: Sexual minority adults are at higher risk of hypertension than their heterosexual counterparts. Sexual minority stressors (i.e., unique stressors attributed to sexual minority identity) are associated with a variety of poor mental and physical health outcomes. Previous research has not tested associations between sexual minority stressors and incident hypertension among sexual minority adults. PURPOSE: To examine the associations between sexual minority stressors and incident hypertension among sexual minority adults assigned female sex at birth. METHODS: Using data from a longitudinal study, we examined associations between three sexual minority stressors and self-reported hypertension. We ran multiple logistic regression models to estimate the associations between sexual minority stressors and hypertension. We conducted exploratory analyses to determine whether these associations differed by race/ethnicity and sexual identity (e.g., lesbian/gay vs. bisexual). RESULTS: The sample included 380 adults, mean age 38.4 (± 12.81) years. Approximately 54.5% were people of color and 93.9% were female-identified. Mean follow-up was 7.0 (± 0.6) years; during which 12.4% were diagnosed with hypertension. We found that a 1-standard deviation increase in internalized homophobia was associated with higher odds of developing hypertension (AOR 1.48, 95% Cl: 1.06-2.07). Stigma consciousness (AOR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.56-1.26) and experiences of discrimination (AOR 1.07, 95% CI: 0.72-1.52) were not associated with hypertension. The associations of sexual minority stressors with hypertension did not differ by race/ethnicity or sexual identity. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to examine the associations between sexual minority stressors and incident hypertension in sexual minority adults. Implications for future studies are highlighted.

High blood pressure (HBP) is a major public health concern in the USA. Sexual minority adults (such as gay/lesbian or bisexual) are at greater risk of HBP than heterosexual adults. However, the reasons for this difference have not been studied. Sexual minority stressors are unique stressors specific to sexual minority individuals. Multiple studies have shown that sexual minority stressors, such as internalized homophobia (defined as someone's internalization of negative societal values towards sexual minority individuals), stigma consciousness (defined as the extent that someone expects to be stereotyped), and experiences of discrimination due to sexual identity, are associated with poor health outcomes. Yet, the relationship between these stressors and HBP has not been studied in this population. In our study, we examined the associations between sexual minority stressors and newly diagnosed HBP among sexual minority adults. Those who reported more internalized homophobia had a higher likelihood of developing HBP within 7 years. There were no significant associations between other sexual minority stressors and HBP. We also found no differences in the associations of sexual minority stressors and HBP by race/ethnicity or sexual identity. Findings highlight the importance of educating healthcare professionals about risk factors for hypertension in sexual minority adults.

Health Challenges in Everyday Life of Nigerians in Guangzhou City, China.

The presence of Africans in Chinese cities has made their healthcare-related issues an expanding area of interest. However, previous studies have not thoroughly explored how Africans live through health problems. This article explores the taken for granted aspect using the analytical frameworks of migration as a social determinant of health and phenomenological sociology. Based on interviews with 37 Nigerians in Guangzhou city, it describes how health and illnesses are lived and the ways that language barrier, cost of health care, immigration status and racism and discrimination intertwine with quotidian occurrences to shape the experiences of health challenges. Migrant networks and community structure provided critical assistance, but the context of labour circumstances and undocumentedness can overstretch these critical sources of support. The article exposes how the broader context of being and living in China determine how Africans experience health challenges in Chinese cities.

An Epidemiological Study of the Quality of Life of Children With Beta-Thalassemia Major (ß-TM) and Its Correlates in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Background and objectives In contrast to their peers who are healthy, children with thalassemia disease are likely to have a lower quality of life (QoL). Knowledge of attributes affecting the QoL of thalassemic children may help identify key areas of intervention to improve it. Thus, the current study was envisioned to find out the quality of life (QoL) of children with beta-thalassemia major (ß-TM) and its various correlates. Methods Between May 2016 and April 2017, an institution-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the thalassemia unit of Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital (CNMC&H), Kolkata, West Bengal, India. During the study period, 328 ß-TM children and their carers were interviewed using a structured schedule. Results In the final multivariable logistic regression model, thalassemic children who were residing in an urban area (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 2.1 (1.1-4.0)), had mothers with a higher educational level (middle and above) (AOR (95%CI): 2.1 (1.1-4.0)), had working parents (AOR (95%CI): 2.7 (1.2-6.3)), had no family history of thalassemia (AOR (95%CI): 3.5 (1.6-8.0)), received less number of blood transfusion in the previous year (<12) (AOR (95%CI): 2.1(1.1-4.2)), had higher pre-transfusional hemoglobin (Hb) level (AOR (95%CI): 1.7(1.1-2.6)), had no transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) (AOR (95%CI): 2.8 (1.5-5.2)), had higher body mass index (BMI) Z score (AOR (95%CI): 1.6 (1.1-2.2)), and had higher Carer Quality of Life (CarerQoL) score (>5) (AOR (95%CI): 3.2 (1.6-6.2)) were more likely to have favorable QoL (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) score > 54.3). Interpretation and conclusions The QoL of the study participants was significantly correlated with their carers' CarerQoL, mother's educational level, parent's working status, place of residence, family history of the disease, blood transfusion frequency, pre-transfusional Hb level, and nutritional and comorbidity status.