Why individuals fail to collect HIV-test results: an exploratory study at a testing and counseling center in Mexico City.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the characteristics of clients at an HIV clinic in Mexico City who fail to collect their HIV test results and to explore the reasons for non-collection. METHODS: This was an exploratory, cross-sectional study that used 2016 program data from the HIV Testing and Counseling Center in Mexico City. Clients with a negative HIV-test result in 2016 were classified as collectors or non-collectors, and their sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics were compared by multivariate logistic regression. A telephone survey was conducted with individuals who failed to return for their results. RESULTS: In 2016, a total of 729 individuals obtained an HIV negative test result at the Center. Of these, 40% (n = 299) failed to collect results. In multivariate analysis, having a test requested by a physician, instead of by the individual, was the main variable associated with non-collection. The main reasons reported for not collecting were: unawareness of the collection process (23.6%, n = 21), already knowing the result (22.5%, n = 20), and scheduling difficulties (13.5%, n = 12). In all, 35% of clients were reached by telephone and 50% then returned to collect results. CONCLUSION: Modifications to the result-delivery system are needed to increase results collection. Improving communication with clients on the collection process and with physicians that request HIV testing could be viable strategies. Alternative ways of delivering results and using rapid HIV are other possible solutions, as long as risk reduction counseling and intervention are still effectively offered.

Lifetime of household appliances: empirical evidence of users behaviour.

The household appliance industry is one of the most important sectors from both the economic and environmental point of view. A greater understanding of the way in which consumers of these items behave would help to better plan the recycling needs as a function of previous purchase figures. This paper presents the findings of a field survey of Spanish consumer habits with respect to different common household appliances as regards replacement time and the reasons for replacing these appliances. The methodology used is based on survival analysis; specifically, a competing risks model. A Cox proportional hazards model is also used for the sake of comparison. Our results show that as the number of people and/or persons under 18 years in the household increases, the lifetimes of some types of appliance decrease significantly. Competing risk model shows that the probability of replacing the refrigerator due to malfunction and technological obsolescence increases with the increase of family members with a higher education. We also provide the cumulative incidence function for different appliances, which can be used to forecast future demands and electrical and electronic waste generation.

SEBS as an Effective Nucleating Agent for Polystyrene Foams.

Different percentages of an elastomeric phase of styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) were added to a polystyrene (PS) matrix to evaluate its nucleating effect in PS foams. It has been demonstrated that a minimum quantity of SEBS produces a high nucleation effect on the cellular materials that are produced. In particular, the results show that by adding 2% of SEBS, it is possible to reduce the cell size by 10 times while maintaining the density and open cell content of the foamed materials. The influence of this polymeric phase on the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the shear and extensional rheological properties has been studied to understand the foaming behavior. The results indicate a slight increase in the Tg and a decrease of the shear viscosity, extensional viscosity, and strain hardening coefficient as the percentage of SEBS increases. Consequently, an increase in the density and a deterioration of the cellular structure is detected for SEBS amounts higher than 3%.

Assessing relationships among life-cycle environmental impacts with dimension reduction techniques.

Nowadays, there is a trend in many countries towards more environmentally benign products and processes. Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a quantitative analysis tool developed and utilized for the evaluation of environmental impacts occurring throughout the entire life-cycle of a product, process or activity. LCA requires a large amount of data in its different phases and can also generate large amounts of results which may be hard to interpret. In order to uncover and visualize the structure of large multidimensional data sets, Multivariate Analysis techniques can help. Hence, in this paper, a methodology using Principal Component Analysis and Multi-Dimensional Scaling is proposed and illustrated by means of two case studies. The first case study evaluates the operation of several wastewater treatment plants. The second case study deals with the environmental evaluation of the cultivation, processing and consumption of mussels. In both case studies, the redundancy present in the data allowed a dimensionality reduction from seven and ten to two dimensions, with a small loss of information. Plotting the environmental impact data in these two dimensions can help visualize, interpret and communicate them.

Gas Dissolution Foaming as a Novel Approach for the Production of Lightweight Biocomposites of PHB/Natural Fibre Fabrics.

The aim of this study is to propose and explore a novel approach for the production of cellular lightweight natural fibre, nonwoven, fabric-reinforced biocomposites by means of gas dissolution foaming from composite precursors of polyhydroxybutyrate-based matrix and flax fabric reinforcement. The main challenge is the development of a regular cellular structure in the polymeric matrix to reach a weight reduction while keeping a good fibre-matrix stress transfer and adhesion. The viability of the process is evaluated through the analysis of the cellular structure and morphology of the composites. The effect of matrix modification, nonwoven treatment, expansion temperature, and expansion pressure on the density and cellular structure of the cellular composites is evaluated. It was found that the nonwoven fabric plays a key role in the formation of a uniform cellular morphology, although limiting the maximum expansion ratio of the composites. Cellular composites with a significant reduction of weight (relative densities in the range 0.4⁻0.5) were successfully obtained.

Why individuals fail to collect HIV-test results: an exploratory study at a testing and counseling center in Mexico City / Por qué las personas no retiran los resultados de las pruebas del VIH: estudio exploratorio en un centro de pruebas y asesoramiento en Ciudad de México / Por que os pacientes não voltam para buscar os resultados do teste do HIV: estudo exploratório em um centro de testagem e aconselhamento na cidade do México

ABSTRACT Objective To identify the characteristics of clients at an HIV clinic in Mexico City who fail to collect their HIV test results and to explore the reasons for non-collection. Methods This was an exploratory, cross-sectional study that used 2016 program data from the HIV Testing and Counseling Center in Mexico City. Clients with a negative HIV-test result in 2016 were classified as collectors or non-collectors, and their sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics were compared by multivariate logistic regression. A telephone survey was conducted with individuals who failed to return for their results. Results In 2016, a total of 729 individuals obtained an HIV negative test result at the Center. Of these, 40% (n = 299) failed to collect results. In multivariate analysis, having a test requested by a physician, instead of by the individual, was the main variable associated with non-collection. The main reasons reported for not collecting were: unawareness of the collection process (23.6%, n = 21), already knowing the result (22.5%, n = 20), and scheduling difficulties (13.5%, n = 12). In all, 35% of clients were reached by telephone and 50% then returned to collect results. Conclusion Modifications to the result-delivery system are needed to increase results collection. Improving communication with clients on the collection process and with physicians that request HIV testing could be viable strategies. Alternative ways of delivering results and using rapid HIV are other possible solutions, as long as risk reduction counseling and intervention are still effectively offered.

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar las características de las personan que acuden a un consultorio de atención de la infección por el VIH en Ciudad de México y no regresan a retirar los resultados de las pruebas de detección del VIH, y explorar las razones de este comportamiento. Métodos Este fue un estudio exploratorio y transversal que usó datos del programa correspondientes al 2016 de un centro de pruebas de detección del VIH y asesoramiento conexo en Ciudad de México. Se clasificó a las personas con resultado negativo en la prueba de detección del VIH en dos grupos, las que "retiraron los resultados" y las que "no retiraron los resultados"; sus características sociodemográficas y conductuales fueron comparadas mediante regresión logística multifactorial. Se realizó una encuesta telefónica a las personas que no regresaron a buscar sus resultados. Resultados En el 2016, 729 personas tuvieron un resultado negativo en la prueba de detección del VIH en el centro. De ellas, 40% (n = 299) no acudieron a retirar los resultados. En el análisis multifactorial, la variable principal asociada con el hecho de no acudir a buscar los resultados fue que la prueba hubiera sido solicitada por un médico, en vez de que la persona hubiera acudido por sí misma a realizársela. Las principales razones informadas para no presentarse a buscar los resultados fueron: desconocimiento de que debían ir a buscarlos (23,6%, n = 21), conocimiento previo del resultado (22,5%, n = 20) y problemas de horarios (13,5%, n = 12). En total, se logró contactar por teléfono a 35% de las personas y 50% luego acudieron a retirar los resultados. Conclusiones Es necesario modificar el sistema de entrega de resultados para aumentar el número de personas que acuden a retirarlos. Algunas estrategias viables podrían ser mejorar la comunicación sobre el mecanismo de entrega de resultados con los pacientes y los médicos que solicitan las pruebas de detección del VIH. Otras soluciones posibles podrían ser mecanismos alternativos para informar los resultados o realización de pruebas rápidas de detección del VIH, siempre que se siga ofreciendo asesoramiento sobre la reducción de riesgos e intervenciones eficaces.

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar as características dos pacientes de um serviço ambulatorial especializado em HIV na cidade do México que não voltam para buscar os resultados do teste do HIV e examinar os motivos para não voltarem para buscar os resultados. Métodos Estudo exploratório transversal realizado com dados de 2016 obtidos em um centro de testagem e aconselhamento de HIV na cidade do México. Os pacientes com resultados negativos no teste de HIV em 2016 foram divididos entre dois grupos: os que voltaram para buscar os resultados e os que não voltaram para buscar os resultados. As características sociodemográficas e de comportamento destes pacientes foram comparadas em um modelo de regressão logística multivariada. Uma pesquisa por telefone foi realizada com os que não voltaram para buscar os resultados do teste. Resultados Ao todo, em 2016, 729 pacientes tiveram resultados negativos no teste de HIV no serviço ambulatorial. Destes, 40% (n = 299) não voltaram para buscar os resultados. Na análise multivariada, ter o teste solicitado por um médico, em vez de pelo próprio indivíduo, foi a principal variável associada a não voltar para buscar os resultados. Os principais motivos informados para não voltar para buscar os resultados foram: desconhecimento do procedimento para buscar os resultados (23,6%, n = 21), saber previamente o resultado (22,5%, n = 20) e dificuldade para marcar um horário (13,5%, n = 12). Ao todo, 35% dos pacientes foram localizados por telefone e 50% voltaram para buscar os resultados. Conclusões É preciso modificar o sistema de informe dos resultados para aumentar o número de pacientes que voltam para buscá-los. Melhorar a comunicação com os pacientes sobre o processo de informe dos resultados e com os médicos que solicitam o teste de HIV poderia ser uma estratégia viável. Maneiras alternativas de informar os resultados e o uso do teste rápido de HIV são outras soluções possíveis, contanto que se continue a oferecer aconselhamento para redução dos riscos e intervenção.

Why individuals fail to collect HIV-test results: an exploratory study at a testing and counseling center in Mexico City

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To identify the characteristics of clients at an HIV clinic in Mexico City who fail to collect their HIV test results and to explore the reasons for non-collection. Methods. This was an exploratory, cross-sectional study that used 2016 program data from the HIV Testing and Counseling Center in Mexico City. Clients with a negative HIV-test result in 2016 were classified as collectors or non-collectors, and their sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics were compared by multivariate logistic regression. A telephone survey was conducted with individuals who failed to return for their results. Results. In 2016, a total of 729 individuals obtained an HIV negative test result at the Center. Of these, 40% (n = 299) failed to collect results. In multivariate analysis, having a test requested by a physician, instead of by the individual, was the main variable associated with non-collection. The main reasons reported for not collecting were: unawareness of the collection process (23.6%, n = 21), already knowing the result (22.5%, n = 20), and scheduling difficulties (13.5%, n = 12). In all, 35% of clients were reached by telephone and 50% then returned to collect results. Conclusion. Modifications to the result-delivery system are needed to increase results collection. Improving communication with clients on the collection process and with physicians that request HIV testing could be viable strategies. Alternative ways of delivering results and using rapid HIV are other possible solutions, as long as risk reduction counseling and intervention are still effectively offered.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Determinar las características de las personan que acuden a un consultorio de atención de la infección por el VIH en Ciudad de México y no regresan a retirar los resultados de las pruebas de detección del VIH, y explorar las razones de este comportamiento. Métodos. Este fue un estudio exploratorio y transversal que usó datos del programa correspondientes al 2016 de un centro de pruebas de detección del VIH y asesoramiento conexo en Ciudad de México. Se clasificó a las personas con resultado negativo en la prueba de detección del VIH en dos grupos, las que “retiraron los resultados” y las que “no retiraron los resultados”; sus características sociodemográficas y conductuales fueron comparadas mediante regresión logística multifactorial. Se realizó una encuesta telefónica a las personas que no regresaron a buscar sus resultados. Resultados. En el 2016, 729 personas tuvieron un resultado negativo en la prueba de detección del VIH en el centro. De ellas, 40% (n = 299) no acudieron a retirar los resultados. En el análisis multifactorial, la variable principal asociada con el hecho de no acudir a buscar los resultados fue que la prueba hubiera sido solicitada por un médico, en vez de que la persona hubiera acudido por sí misma a realizársela. Las principales razones informadas para no presentarse a buscar los resultados fueron: desconocimiento de que debían ir a buscarlos (23,6%, n = 21), conocimiento previo del resultado (22,5%, n = 20) y problemas de horarios (13,5%, n = 12). En total, se logró contactar por teléfono a 35% de las personas y 50% luego acudieron a retirar los resultados. Conclusiones. Es necesario modificar el sistema de entrega de resultados para aumentar el número de personas que acuden a retirarlos. Algunas estrategias viables podrían ser mejorar la comunicación sobre el mecanismo de entrega de resultados con los pacientes y los médicos que solicitan las pruebas de detección del VIH. Otras soluciones posibles podrían ser mecanismos alternativos para informar los resultados o realización de pruebas rápidas de detección del VIH, siempre que se siga ofreciendo asesoramiento sobre la reducción de riesgos e intervenciones eficaces.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Identificar as características dos pacientes de um serviço ambulatorial especializado em HIV na cidade do México que não voltam para buscar os resultados do teste do HIV e examinar os motivos para não voltarem para buscar os resultados. Métodos. Estudo exploratório transversal realizado com dados de 2016 obtidos em um centro de testagem e aconselhamento de HIV na cidade do México. Os pacientes com resultados negativos no teste de HIV em 2016 foram divididos entre dois grupos: os que voltaram para buscar os resultados e os que não voltaram para buscar os resultados. As características sociodemográficas e de comportamento destes pacientes foram comparadas em um modelo de regressão logística multivariada. Uma pesquisa por telefone foi realizada com os que não voltaram para buscar os resultados do teste. Resultados. Ao todo, em 2016, 729 pacientes tiveram resultados negativos no teste de HIV no serviço ambulatorial. Destes, 40% (n = 299) não voltaram para buscar os resultados. Na análise multivariada, ter o teste solicitado por um médico, em vez de pelo próprio indivíduo, foi a principal variável associada a não voltar para buscar os resultados. Os principais motivos informados para não voltar para buscar os resultados foram: desconhecimento do procedimento para buscar os resultados (23,6%, n =21), saber previamente o resultado (22,5%, n = 20) e dificuldade para marcar um horário (13,5%, n = 12). Ao todo, 35% dos pacientes foram localizados por telefone e 50% voltaram para buscar os resultados. Conclusões. É preciso modificar o sistema de informe dos resultados para aumentar o número de pacientes que voltam para buscá-los. Melhorar a comunicação com os pacientes sobre o processo de informe dos resultados e com os médicos que solicitam o teste de HIV poderia ser uma estratégia viável. Maneiras alternativas de informar os resultados e o uso do teste rápido de HIV são outras soluções possíveis, contanto que se continue a oferecer aconselhamento para redução dos riscos e intervenção.