The need for targeted behavioural HIV-related interventions for transgender women in India: A scoping review

Background & objectives: Transgender women (TGW) in India are at high risk of HIV infection. Despite behavioural interventions aimed at reducing HIV risk, no literature synthesis exists so far to evaluate their potential for reducing HIV incidence in India This review was aimed to identify and evaluate HIV-focussed behaviour change interventions for TGW in India. Methods: Literature from three databases were reviewed up to June 2, 2021, for studies describing behavioural interventions for HIV prevention among TGW in India. The inclusion criteria were studies that included TGW and reported intervention effects on HIV prevention-related behaviour. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results: Of the 146 articles screened, only three met the inclusion criteria. All three interventions were at the open pilot trial stage and included other high-risk groups (e.g. men who have sex with men). The interventions used behavioural counselling, increased sexually transmitted infection screening and sexual healthcare visits and leveraged community-based organizations to improve the outcomes. All these interventions showed modest improvements in health-seeking behaviour and access to services. However, none specifically targeted TGW. Interpretation & conclusions: The scoping review highlights the need for behavioural interventions for HIV prevention tailored to TGW in India. This study emphasizes the need for research to move to the next stage of intervention development and testing utilizing more rigorous evaluation methods, such as a randomized controlled trial.

Concept analysis of self-control in the sexual behaviors of men who have sex with men

Background@#Self-control is an integral concept in understanding the sexual behaviors of men who have sex with men (MSM). It has varying definitions and descriptions which may affect its practical and scientific use. @*Objective@#To examine self-control in the context of MSM's sexual behaviors. @*Methodology@#Walker and Avant's concept analysis method was used to clarify the attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents of self-control. @*Results@#The attributes of self-control were recognition of sexual impulses, rationalization of sexual perceptions, and regulation of sexual behaviors. The antecedents of self-control were personal drivers, situational experiences, social linkages, and environmental structures. Self-control promotes empowered decision-making toward sexual behaviors and HIV risk reduction. Variations exist in how self-control is conceptualized and measured. @*Conclusion@#Self-control does not automatically mean inhibiting sexual urges and avoiding sexual engagements. It involves a conscious effort to make independent decisions over one's sexual thoughts, emotions, and actions.

The role of women in promoting voluntary medical male circumcision uptake: Literature review

Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is a global strategy for reducing female-to-male sexual transmission of HIV. Women whose partners are circumcised benefit from a reduced risk of contracting other sexually transmitted diseases; making their role in VMMC critical. The objective of our study was to identify and synthesize existing evidence related to women's role in promoting VMMC from a regional perspective. The review and selection process were guided by the Problem; Intervention; Comparison and Outcome (PICO) model, which facilitated the exclusion of irrelevant studies. The search strategy search terms for the PICO components with synonyms, related terms and specialist terms were harvested from the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)© and Embase©. The inclusion criteria were published studies in English and relevant to women's role in VMMC for the prevention of HIV between 2007 and 2020. Four key categories emerged from the literature as follows: role of women, VMMC uptake, barriers and facilitators of VMMC. The majority of the studies concur on the importance of involving women in VMMC uptake as they have the power to negotiate with their male partners through communication and can persuade men to be circumcised, making it a joint decision. The benefits of VMMC in improving sexual pleasure and attractiveness of the penis seemed to positively convince women to influence and educate men to improve the uptake of VMMC. Women are motivated to convince men to undergo male circumcision (MC) because of the benefits associated with them such as reduction of HIV transmission and cervical cancer. There are, however, limited studies focusing on women's involvement in VMMC; hence, more research to explore this area is recommended.

Aceptabilidad a usar profilaxis pre-exposición para VIH en hombres gay y otros hombres que tienen sexo con hombres: indagación en LAMIS 2018 Chile / Acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among gay men and other men who have sex with men: analysis of LAMIS 2018-Chile

INTRODUCCIÓN: Chile enfrenta una reemergencia de la epidemia del VIH concentrada en hombres gay y otros HSH. La profilaxis pre exposición (PrEP) es una intervención biomédica que ha resultado ser efectiva en la prevención del VIH en el grupo de HSH. OBJETIVO: Estimar niveles de aceptabilidad del uso de PrEP en hombres gay y otros HSH participantes en estudio LAMIS 2018 - Chile, identificando características y factores asociados a la aceptabilidad del uso de PrEP. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio basado en datos de LAMIS-2018 Chile, encuesta transversal por internet dirigida a hombres gay, bisexual, trans y otros HSH. La submuestra de este estudio consiste en 3.976 participantes que se auto-reportaron ser VIH negativos o desconocer su estado serológico, quienes respondieron preguntas sociodemográficas, de comportamiento, sobre su aceptabilidad a usar PrEP y otros aspectos relacionados. Se realizó análisis bivariados y regresión logística multivariable para identificar los factores asociados a la aceptabilidad a usar PrEP. RESULTADOS Y DISCUSIÓN: Se identificó que 55,7% de la muestra reportó una alta aceptabilidad a usar la PrEP. La regresión logística multivariable mostró que tener relaciones sexuales sin condón (ORa = 1,67, IC 95% 1,42-1,97) y haber intentado usar PrEP (ORa = 1,99, IC 95% 1,41-1, 62) se asociaron positivamente a la aceptabilidad a usar PrEP mientras que tener una relación con pareja estable, se asoció negativamente. Se identificó una aceptabilidad a usar la PrEP relativamente alta en los participantes. No obstante, se hace necesario considerar intervenciones relacionada a aumentar el conocimiento y promover la demanda de la PrEP. Además, el presente estudio muestra la necesidad de considerar la participación de las organizaciones de la sociedad civil en su implementación, fenómenos emergentes y la pertinencia territorial.

BACKGROUND: Chile is facing a re-emergence of the HIV epidemic, concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM). Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a biomedical intervention that effectively prevents HIV transmission among MSM. AIM: The study was designed to estimate acceptability of PrEP and identify factors associated with PrEP-related attitudes and behaviors among MSM using LAMIS 2018 - Chile study data. Methods: Data were taken from the LAMIS 2018 - Chile study, a cross-sectional study of gay, bisexual, transgender, and other MSM. Our subsample included 3976 participants with self-reported HIV-negative or unknown status who responded to sociodemographic questions and items related to PrEP. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify factors associated with acceptability of PrEP. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 55.7% of the sample reported high PrEP acceptability. Logistic regression indicated that engaging in sex without a condom (ORa = 1.67, IC 95% 1.42-1.97) and having previously used PrEP (ORa = 1.99, IC 95% 1.41-1.62) were associated with high acceptability to use PrEP, while having a stable partner was associated with low acceptability. The estimate of PrEP acceptability was relatively high among participants. However, interventions to increase awareness and promote demand for PrEP may be beneficial. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the need for non-governmental organizations to participate in such strategies and for measures that address regionally-relevant emerging phenomena.

Safe Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention among Adolescents with Deafness in Uganda: Awareness Prevalence and Implications for Policy and Programming

Background: Safe Male Circumcision (SMC)[1] has been widely recommended by WHO as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy. However, literature pertaining to SMC amongst adolescents with a disability, and the deaf community in particular, is almost non-existent. This study sought to establish SMC prevalence, knowledge, attitude and post circumcision behaviour among adolescents with deafness in Uganda.Methods: The study was cross-sectional, used a mixed-methods approach and recruited 447 participants. 363 questionnaires were administered to adolescents of age 15 - 24 years (192 males and 171 females) from three study sites. We assessed socio-demographic variables, circumcision status, post circumcision behaviour, attitude and knowledge levels towards SMC. Qualitative data was also collected from 84 participants (m=46, f=38) using focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using Stata software while qualitative was thematically analysed.Results: A total of 60.9% male adolescents with deafness self-reported to be circumcised. Both male and female participants reported SMC information to be highly inaccessible (84%). Only 27.8% study participants knew about the partial protective effect of SMC against HIV, 51.8% were uncertain, while 26% thought that SMC provided full protection. Both male and female respondents had a positive attitude towards SMC (68.3%) and females were more knowledgeable (50.3%) about the partial preventive effect of SMC against HIV transmission and timeframe for the resumption of sexual activity compared to males (30.2%). Linkages were noted between SMC, social networks and key sociodemographic characteristics like ethnicity, religion and education level.Conclusion: Despite a 60.9% prevalence and general positive attitude towards SMC, study findings showed limited service access and substantial knowledge gaps in SMC efficacy, also related to high-risk behaviour after circumcision. This can largely be explained by limited targeting by HIV prevention programmes among this (deaf) category of adolescents, related barriers associated with vulnerability arising from their disability (deafness) and developmental stage (adolescence). Key actors in HIV prevention efforts should demonstrate cognizance of heightened risk among vulnerable adolescent categories through more inclusive interventions to address prevailing knowledge and service gaps. [1] This study was conducted between 2015-2016 when the commonly used term was Safe Male Circumcision (SMC) and not Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) as its popularly being packaged now. This manuscript has stuck to the originally used SMC acronym.

Application of HIV prevention information transmission model in prevention of high-risk sexual behavior among men who have sex with men / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#To explore the effect of HIV prevention information transmission model in the prevention of high-risk sexual behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM).@*METHODS@#To establish the HIV "expert-key informant-MSM" preventive information transmission model and to intervene the MSM high-risk sexual behavior. Before and 3 months after the intervention, MSM was measured by general information questionnaire, AIDS knowledge and sexual behavior questionnaire, MSM Health Belief Scale for HIV Prevention, and Safe Sexual Self-efficacy Scale.@*RESULTS@#AIDS knowledge and sexual behavior scores in MSM after the intervention were significantly higher than those before the intervention (=-13.047, <0.001); the scores of health belief before and after the intervention were significantly higher (=-3.272, =0.001); condom use in MSM after the intervention was more common than that before the intervention (<0.05), except for commercial sex.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The application of HIV prevention information transmission model can effectively improve AIDS-related knowledge, HIV prevention health beliefs, condom use rate of MSM population, and in turn promote the transformation of their high-risk sexual behavior.

Simplifying the ShangRing technique for circumcision in boys and men: use of the no-flip technique with randomization to removal at 7 days versus spontaneous detachment / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

To assess safety of the no-flip ShangRing male circumcision technique and to determine clinical course and safety of spontaneous detachment (i.e., allowing the device to fall off), we conducted a case series of no-flip ShangRing circumcision combined with a randomized controlled trial of removal 7 days postcircumcision versus spontaneous detachment at two health facilities in Kenya. The primary outcome was the safety of the no-flip technique based on moderate and severe adverse events (AEs) during the procedure and through 42-day follow-up. A main secondary outcome was clinical course and safety of spontaneous detachment. Two hundred and thirty males 10 years and older underwent no-flip circumcision; 114 randomized to 7-day removal and 116 to spontaneous detachment. All circumcisions were successfully completed. Overall 5.3% (6/114) of participants in the 7-day group and 1.7% (2/116) in the spontaneous group had an AE; with no differences when compared to the 3% AE rate in historical data from African studies using the original flip technique (P = 0.07 and P = 0.79, respectively). Overall 72.4% (84/116) of participants in the spontaneous group wore the ShangRing until it detached. Among the remaining (27.6%; 32/116), the ring was removed, primarily at the participants' request, due to pain or discomfort. There was no difference in AE rates (P = 0.169), visit day declared healed (P = 0.324), or satisfaction (P = 0.371) between randomization groups. The median time to detachment was 14.0 (IQR: 7-21, range: 5-35) days. The no-flip technique and spontaneous detachment are safe, effective, and acceptable to boys and men 10 years and older. Phimosis and penile adhesions do not limit successful ShangRing circumcision with the no-flip technique.

Simplifying the ShangRing technique for circumcision in boys and men: Use of the no-flip technique with randomization to removal at 7 days versus spontaneous detachment / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

To assess safety of the no-flip ShangRing male circumcision technique and to determine clinical course and safety of spontaneous detachment (i.e., allowing the device to fall off), we conducted a case series of no-flip ShangRing circumcision combined with a randomized controlled trial of removal 7 days postcircumcision versus spontaneous detachment at two health facilities in Kenya. The primary outcome was the safety of the no-flip technique based on moderate and severe adverse events (AEs) during the procedure and through 42-day follow-up. A main secondary outcome was clinical course and safety of spontaneous detachment. Two hundred and thirty males 10 years and older underwent no-flip circumcision; 114 randomized to 7-day removal and 116 to spontaneous detachment. All circumcisions were successfully completed. Overall 5.3% (6/114) of participants in the 7-day group and 1.7% (2/116) in the spontaneous group had an AE; with no differences when compared to the 3% AE rate in historical data from African studies using the original flip technique (P = 0.07 and P = 0.79, respectively). Overall 72.4% (84/116) of participants in the spontaneous group wore the ShangRing until it detached. Among the remaining (27.6%; 32/116), the ring was removed, primarily at the participants' request, due to pain or discomfort. There was no difference in AE rates (P = 0.169), visit day declared healed (P = 0.324), or satisfaction (P = 0.371) between randomization groups. The median time to detachment was 14.0 (IQR: 7-21, range: 5-35) days. The no-flip technique and spontaneous detachment are safe, effective, and acceptable to boys and men 10 years and older. Phimosis and penile adhesions do not limit successful ShangRing circumcision with the no-flip technique.

"A prevenção não sobe a Augusta": homossexualidade, HIV, "risco" e produção de fronteiras na região central da cidade de São Paulo / "Prevention does not target the upper Rua Augusta": homosexuality, HIV, "risk", and production of borders in the central region of the city of São Paulo / "La prevención no sube de la Augusta": homosexualidad, VIH, "riesgo" y producción de fronteras en la región central de la ciudad de Sao Paulo

Resumo: Este artigo parte de pesquisa que articula etnografia, inquérito comportamental e estudo de prevalência do HIV entre gays, outros HSH, travestis e mulheres transexuais em dois distritos administrativos na região central da cidade de São Paulo. Focaliza a produção articulada da vulnerabilidade para o HIV, de ações de prevenção, das atribuições de "risco" e de espaços da cidade - seus territórios e fronteiras -, considerando que tal produção é perpassada por relações de poder que se constituem mutuamente. Tais fronteiras, que delimitam diferentes lugares, frequências e tipos de estabelecimentos, mas também podem dificultar ou impedir a oferta de ações de prevenção, são vistas como sendo ao mesmo tempo simbólicas e materiais. Interessa-nos pensar: 1) como os distritos estudados se diferenciam entre si e internamente em termos de perfil socioeconômico, identidades, práticas sexuais e protetivas de seus frequentadores; 2) como a identidade sociossexual é atribuída diferentemente aos dois distritos estudados; 3) como a atribuição da ideia de "risco" para a infecção pelo HIV é acionada de diferentes modos em relação aos dois distritos; 4) como a distribuição socioespacial das pessoas, dos estabelecimentos, das identidades e do "risco" produz fronteiras no espaço da cidade, intersectando variadas relações sociais de poder ou marcadores sociais da diferença.

Abstract: This article is part of a research that articulates ethnography, behavioral investigation and HIV prevalence study among gay men, other MSM, travestis and transsexual women in two administrative districts in the central region of the city of São Paulo. It focus on the articulated production of HIV vulnerability, prevention actions, "risk" assignments and city spaces - their territories and borders - considering that such production is permeated by mutually constitutive power relations. Such boundaries, which delimit different places, frequencies and types of establishments, but also hamper prevention actions from being offered, are seen as both symbolic and material. Analysis is centered on: 1) how the studied districts differ among themselves and internally in terms of socioeconomic profile, identities, sexual and protective practices of its people; 2) how the socio-sexual identity is attributed differently in the two studied districts; 3) how the idea of "risk" for HIV infection is attributed in different ways in relation to the two districts; 4) how the socio-spatial distribution of people, establishments, identities and "risk" produces boundaries in the city space, intersecting various social relations of power or social markers of difference.

Resumen: Este artículo parte de un estudio que articula etnografía, investigación comportamental y estudio de prevalencia de VIH entre gays, otros HSH, travestis y mujeres transexuales en dos distritos administrativos en la región central de la Ciudad de São Paulo. Se focaliza la producción articulada de la vulnerabilidad para el VIH, de acciones de prevención, de las atribuciones de "riesgo" y de espacios de la ciudad - sus territorios y fronteras -, considerando que tal producción es atravesada por relaciones de poder que se constituyen mutuamente. Tales fronteras, que delimitan diferentes lugares, frecuencias y tipos de establecimientos, pero también pueden dificultar o impedir la oferta de acciones de prevención, son vistas como siendo al mismo tiempo simbólicas y materiales. Nos interesa pensar: 1) como los distritos estudiados se diferencian entre si e internamente por perfil socioeconómico, identidades, prácticas sexuales y protección de sus frecuentadores; 2) como la identidad sociosexual es atribuida diferentemente a los dos distritos estudiados; 3) como la atribución de la idea de "riesgo" para la infección por VIH es accionada de diferentes modos en relación a los dos distritos; 4) como la distribución socioespacial de las personas, de los establecimientos, de las identidades y del "riesgo" producen fronteras en el espacio de la ciudad, intersectando variadas relaciones sociales de poder o marcadores sociales de la diferencia.

Awareness and Acceptance of HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis among Medical Personnel and Men Who Have Sex with Men in Korea

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the awareness of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among high-risk individuals, including men who have sex with men (MSM) and medical personnel (MP) in Korea through a cross-sectional survey, identify possible obstacles hindering their access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). METHODS: In 2016, the first questionnaire survey was sent to randomly selected MSM and MP. To compare the changes in attitudes and knowledge of MSM, a second questionnaire survey was conducted in August 2017. RESULTS: More than half of MSM (61.3% in 2016, 88.6% in 2017) were aware of PrEP. However, MP who offered PrEP had less knowledge regarding PrEP (23.4%). The background knowledge and experience with PrEP among MSM and MP in this survey was low (3.4% in 2016 and 5.7% in 2017, 1.9% in MP). The major obstacles that MSM reported were lack of insurance coverage (29% in 2016 and 32% in 2017), concern regarding adverse effects of PrEP (19% and 21%), and risk of exposing HIV-positive status to other people (15% and 18%). Among MP, lack of knowledge regarding the efficacy of PrEP was the most common obstacle (30%), followed by lack of insurance coverage (22%), and concern regarding adverse effects (20%). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that PrEP is required among MSM in Korea; however, most MP were not aware of PrEP. Lack of insurance coverage and knowledge regarding PrEP were major hindrances in the access to PrEP; therefore, further studies on how to make PrEP information more accessible are needed to help prevent HIV infection.

Effect of a powerpoint lecture vs video presentation on the knowledge and attitude on HIV among grade 9 public school students

Objective@#This study aimed to compare the effect of a Powerpoint lecture versus video presentation on the knowledge and attitude on HIV among grades 9 students in a public school in Manila. @*Methods@#GRADE 9 public school students were randomly assigned into one of two groups, video presentation or PowerPoint presentation. Pre- and post-tests were administered to assess the efficacy of an intervention. Student t-test was used to compare knowledge on HIV/AIDS before and after the intervention, as well as compare the results between the 2 groups. Chi-square was used to compare scores on attitude before and after the intervention, with the level of significance at p=0.05. @*Results@#Two hundred fourteen students participated in the study, and majority (57%) are females. The mean age of participants is 14.2 years. The difference in scores before and after the intervention was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001) with an approximate increase by 16% and 24% after a video and Powerpoint presentation respectively. The difference between post-intervention scores is statistically significant (p <0.001; 95% confidence interval) in favor of the PowerPoint presentation. @*Conclusion@#A PowerPoint lecture is more effective than a video presentation in increasing knowledge and developing positive attitude towards HIV/AIDS.

Barriers to control syphilis and HIV vertical transmission in the health care system in the city of Sao Paulo / Entraves no controle da transmissão vertical da sífilis e do HIV no sistema de atenção à saúde do município de São Paulo

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify possible barriers to control vertical transmission of syphilis and HIV through the analysis of the orientation process of pregnant women from prenatal care to the obstetric center at an university hospital in Sao Paulo (Reference) and their return (with their exposed babies) for follow-up after hospital discharge (counter-reference). METHODS: It is a retrospective cross-sectional study including interviews with healthcare personnel. Pregnant women with syphilis and/or HIV-infection admitted for labor or miscarriage were identified from August 2006 to August 2007. Routine care for mothers and babies were analyzed. RESULTS: 56 pregnant women were identified: 43 were HIV-infected, 11 had syphilis and two were coinfected (syphilis/HIV); 22 health care professionals were interviewed. Prenatal care was identified in 91.1% of these women: 7/11 (63.6%) with syphilis; 44/45 (97.8%) HIV-infected or coinfected. The reference for delivery was satisfactory for 57.7% of the syphilis-infected women and 97.7% of the HIV-infected ones. The counter-reference was satisfactory for all babies and mothers at hospital discharge, besides the non-adherence to this recommendation. Interviews with health care professionals showed there are better routines for assisting and following-up pregnant women, puerperal women and HIV-infected or exposed babies than for those infected with syphilis. The epidemiological report and surveillance system are also better for HIV-infected patients. CONCLUSION: The difficulties in the reference and counter-reference system of these women and their babies are evident barriers to control the vertical transmission of these infectious diseases. .

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar possíveis entraves ao controle da transmissão vertical da sífilis e HIV através da análise do processo de encaminhamento das gestantes desde os serviços de atendimento pré-natal até o Centro Obstétrico de um hospital universitário, no município de São Paulo (referência), e seu retorno, com seus bebês expostos, após alta hospitalar, para acompanhamento (contrarreferência). MÉTODO: Estudo de corte transversal, retrospectivo, acrescido de entrevistas com profissionais de saúde. Gestantes com sífilis e/ou infecção pelo HIV foram identificadas na admissão para o parto de agosto de 2006 a agosto de 2007. A rotina e o fluxo dos encaminhamentos de mães e recém-nascidos foram analisados. RESULTADOS: Foram identificadas 56 gestantes infectadas: 43 com infecção pelo HIV, 11 com sífilis e duas coinfectadas (sífilis/HIV); 22 profissionais de saúde foram entrevistados. Acompanhamento pré-natal foi feito por 91,1% das mulheres: 7/11 (63,6%) com sífilis; 44/45 (97,8%) infectadas pelo HIV ou coinfectadas. A referência para o parto foi adequada para 57,1% das gestantes com sífilis e 97,7% daquelas infectadas pelo HIV. A contrarreferência foi adequada para todas as gestantes, apesar da não aderência a essa recomendação. Entrevistas com os profissionais de saúde revelaram que as rotinas e o fluxo de encaminhamento das gestantes, puérperas e recém-nascidos estão mais bem estabelecidos para HIV do que para sífilis. A vigilância epidemiológica e notificação também foram mais eficazes para o HIV. CONCLUSÃO: As dificuldades no sistema de referência e contrarreferência dessas mulheres e seus bebês são evidentes entraves ao controle da t...

Grau de conhecimento, atitudes e práticas de puérperas sobre a infecção por HIV e sua prevenção / Level of knowledge, attitudes and practices of puerperal women on HIV infection and its prevention

Objetivo: Avaliar o grau de conhecimento, atitudes e práticas de puérperas sobre a infecção por HIV e sua prevenção. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 278 puérperas internadas no sistema de alojamento conjunto. Foram realizadas entrevistas com a utilização de um questionário para avaliar o conhecimento, a atitude e a prática sobre a infecção pelo HIV e sua prevenção. Resultados: A idade das puérperas variou de 13 a 43 anos, prevalecendo faixa entre 20 e 34 anos. Predominou escolaridade entre 8 e 11 anos de estudos e união estável. Apenas 54 (19,4%) puérperas apresentaram conhecimento adequado, 6 (2,2%) atitude e 4 (1,4%) práticas adequadas. Conclusão: O conhecimento foi inadequado devido ao baixo percentual de puérperas que souberam citar pelo menos três formas de transmissão e três formas de prevenção do vírus; a atitude inadequada foi marcada pelo elevado percentual de puérperas que percebem como "improvável" infectar-se com o HIV e "pouco provável" o mesmo ocorrer com seu parceiro. A prática inadequada foi influenciada pelo baixo percentual de realização do teste anti-HIV nos períodos preconizados e pelo não uso do preservativo durante a gravidez. .

Objective: Evaluating the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices of puerperal women on HIV infection and its prevention. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 278 puerperal women hospitalized in the rooming-in system. Interviews were carried out with the use of a questionnaire to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices on HIV infection and its prevention. Results: The age of puerperal women ranged from 13 to 43 years, with prevalence of the range between 20 and 34 years. The level of education between eight and 11 years of studies was predominant, as well as the stable union. Only 54 (19.4%) puerperal women showed adequate knowledge, six showed adequate attitude (2.2%) and four showed appropriate practices (1.4%). Conclusion: The knowledge was inadequate due to the low percentage of puerperal women able to mention at least three ways of transmission and three forms of preventing the virus; inadequate attitude was marked by the high percentage of puerperal women who perceive becoming infected with HIV as 'unlikely', and 'little likely' that the same occurs with their partners. The inadequate practice was influenced by the low percentage of HIV testing in the recommended periods and the lack of condom use during pregnancy. .

Assessing the Influence of Exposure to Violent Living Condition, Knowledge, and Personal Motivation on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Prevention Behavior among Historically Black College Students.

Aim: This study assesses the effects of prevention education, prevention personal motivation, prevention knowledge, and past exposure to violent living conditions on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection prevention behavioral skills among historically black college and University (HBCU) students. Study Design: Quasi-experimental One-shot Case Study Design. Place and duration of study: Fayetteville State University; November 2012 to May 2013. Methodology: Survey data of indicators of the four Information-Motivation-Behavioral skills (IMB) model’s latent constructs prevention information or knowledge, prevention motivation, and prevention behavioral skills, and past exposure to violent living conditions (PEVLC)prevention was collected from students attending an HBCU. Exploratory principal component factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha test were performed to identify the factorial structure of the PEVLC questionnaire and reliability of the violent exposure subscales, respectively. Structural equation modeling analysis was performed to estimate the overall model fit indices and the magnitude of effects of prevention motivation, PEVLC prevention and prevention information or knowledge on the prevention behavior of the students. Results: The analysis found that personal motivation to prevent HIV infection and knowledge of HIV prevention had a positive moderate and significant effect on HIV prevention behavior. Witnessing violence with weapons prevention had a large, but insignificant effect on HIV prevention behavior. Exposure to physical violence prevention and weapon victim prevention had no effect on HIV prevention behavior. HIV prevention knowledge, witnessing violence prevention, and violence victimization prevention had no meaningful effect on prevention behavior of HBCU students. Conclusion: Collectively, these findings suggest that to be effective, the focus of HIV prevention programs in HBCUs may be on promoting personal motivation and HIV education, and identifying and treating students who have been exposed to past weapon and sexual violent living conditions for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Contact with HIV prevention programmes & willingness for new interventions among truckers in India.

Background & objectives: Systematic data on existing coverage and willingness for HIV prevention strategies among truckers are not readily available in India. The present study aimed to further the understanding on contact of truckers with existing HIV prevention services and to assess willingness for new HIV prevention strategies. Methods: A total of 1,800 truck drivers and helpers aged 16-65 yr passing through Hyderabad were approached to assess contact made with HIV prevention programmes, history of previous HIV testing and their acceptance for circumcision, oral HIV testing, new medications to control HIV (PrEP) and telephonic counselling. Dried blood samples were collected on filter paper and tested for HIV. Multiple logistic regression was performed for analysis of association between contact with HIV prevention programme and socio-demographic, sexual risk behaviour variables and work characteristics. Results: A total of 1,602 (89%) truckers gave interview and provided blood sample. Forty five truckers tested positive for HIV resulting in HIV prevalence of 2.8 per cent (95% CI 2.0-3.6%). Only 126 truckers (7.9%; 95% CI 6.5-9.2%) reported ever being contacted by staff providing HIV prevention interventions. Previous HIV testing was reported by19 per cent (95% CI 17.3-21.2%). Those reporting contact with HIV prevention programmes ever were more likely to have undergone HIV testing (odds ratio 3.6, 95% CI 2.4-5.4). The acceptance for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was 87 per cent, oral HIV testing 98 per cent, and telephonic counselling 82 per cent, but was only 9 per cent for circumcision.Truckers who reported having sex with a man and those who halted regularly at dhabas were significantly more willing to undergo circumcision for HIV prevention (odds ratios 2.7, 95% CI 1.4-5.4 and 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.2, respectively). Interpretation & conclusions: Our findings showed that truckers had low contact with HIV prevention programmes, suggesting a need for urgent measures to reach this population more effectively. The willingness for new HIV interventions was high except for circumcision. These findings could be used for further planning of HIV prevention programmes for truckers in India

Factores de riesgo para la adquisición de VIH en mujeres hispanas de 50 años y más / Risk factors for HIV acquisition hmong Hispanic women 50 years and older living in South Florida

Las mujeres Hispanas de 50 años y más (MHC) son una minoría en Estados Unidos, presentan un elevado riesgo de adquirir VIH y son el grupo menos estudiado en lo que respecta a salud, características sociales y de comportamiento sexual. Objetivo: Investigar los factores que incrementan el riesgo de VIH en las MHC con el propósito de desarrollar o adaptar una intervención apropiada para la edad y la cultura de este grupo de mujeres. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal con una muestra de 50 MHC, sexualmente activas y que residían en Miami, Florida, Estados Unidos. Se utilizó un cuestionario estructurado administrado por entrevistadores entrenados y bilingües (inglés/español). Las participantes fueron reclutadas en diferentes lugares en el sur de Florida. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó estadística descriptiva, tanto medidas de tendencia central como medidas de dispersión. Resultados: La edad promedio de las MHC fue de 55,7 +/- 6 años (rango 5 - 76 años). Todas las MHC estaban en la menopausia. Prevención del VIH: Las MHC reportaron niveles medios de conocimientos sobre VIH y comunicación con la pareja. En la muestra se reportó la presencia de síntomas depresivos, violencia en la pareja, actitudes negativas hacia las personas viviendo con VIH y baja percepción de riesgo de adquirir VIH. Las MHC mencionaron necesidades de aprendizaje en tópicos relacionados con prevención de VIH y cambios de la edad. Conclusión: Las MHC están a riesgo de adquirir VIH y tienen necesidades especiales en términos de educación sobre prevención de VIH.

Introduction: Hispanic women aged 50 and over (OHW) are a minority in the U.S. at high risk of acquiring HIV and the least studied group of population in relation to health, social characteristics and sexual behavior. Objective: To investigate the factors that increase HIV risk among OHW with the purpose of developing or adapting an intervention appropriate for their “age and culture”. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study with a sample of 50 OHW, sexually active and who residing in Miami, Florida, U.S. A structured questionnaire was administered by trained bilingual interviewers (English/Spanish). Participants were recruited from different locations in South Florida. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including central tendency and dispersion measures. Results: OHW’s mean age was 55.7 +/- 6 years old (range 50-76 years old). All the OHW were in the menopause. HIV Prevention: OHW reported average levels of HIV knowledge and partner communication. In the sample OHW reported depression symptoms, intimate partner violence, negative attitudes towards people living with HIV and low perceived risk of acquiring HIV. OHW mentioned learning needs in topics related to HIV prevention and age changes. Conclusion: OHW are at risk of acquiring HIV and they have special needs in terms of HIV prevention.

Attitudes towards male circumcision among attendees at a sexually transmitted Infection Clinic in Kingston, Jamaica / Actitudes hacia la circuncisión masculina entre los asistentes a la Clínica de Infecciones transmitidas sexualmente en Kingston, Jamaica

OBJECTIVE: To describe the attitudes of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) clinic attendees towards male circumcision. DESIGN AND METHODS: A convenience sample of attendees at the main STI clinic in Kingston was interviewed using a structured questionnaire in June 2008. RESULTS: One-hundred men and 98 women were interviewed. Over 90% of the men were not circumcised. Although 60% of men and 67% of women reported that they had heard of circumcision, the research nurse assessed that 28% of men and 40% of women actually understood what circumcision was. When asked about the benefits of circumcision, 32% of men and 41.8% of women said that circumcision makes it easier to clean the penis while 13% of men and 20.4% of women said that circumcision lessens the likelihood of STI. Twenty-two per cent of men and 13.3% of women said that the foreskin offers protection while 18% of men and 10.2% of women said that the penis looks more attractive when uncircumcised. When informed that research showed that circumcision reduced the risk of HIV, 35% of men said that they were willing to be circumcised and 67.3% of women said that they would encourage their spouse to be circumcised (p < 0.001) while 54% of men and 72.4% of women said that they would circumcise their sons (p = 0.057). CONCLUSION: Knowledge of circumcision and its benefits were limited among STI clinic attendees. Significantly more women than men were in favour of circumcision when informed that it reduced the risk of HIV infection.

OBJETIVO: Describir las actitudes de los asistentes a la clínica de infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) hacia la circuncisión masculina. DISEÑO Y MÉTODOS: Una muestra de conveniencia de asistentes a la clínica principal de ITS en Kingston fue encuestada mediante un cuestionario estructurado en junio de 2008. RESULTADOS: Se entrevistaron 100 hombres y 98 mujeres. Más del 90% de los hombres no estaban circuncidados. Aunque el 60% de los hombres y el 67% de las mujeres informaron que habían oído hablar de la circuncisión, la enfermera de la investigación evaluó que el 28% de los hombres y el 40% de las mujeres realmente entendían que era la circuncisión. Cuando se les preguntó acerca de los beneficios de la circuncisión, el 32% de los hombres y el 41.8% de las mujeres dijeron que la circuncisión facilita la limpieza del pene, mientras que el 13% de los hombres y el 20.4% de las mujeres dijeron que la circuncisión disminuye la probabilidad de ITS. El veintidós por ciento de los hombres y el 13.3% de las mujeres dijo que elprepucio ofreceprotección, mientras que el 18% de los hombres y el 10.2% de las mujeres dijeron que el pene parece más atractivo cuando está incircunciso. Cuando se les informó que las investigaciones mostraban que la circuncisión reducía el riesgo de VIH, el 35% de los hombres dijeron que querían ser circuncidados y el 67.3% de las mujeres dijeron que estimularían a sus esposos a quefueran circuncidados (p < 0.001), mientras que el 54% de los hombres y el 72.4% de las mujeres dijeron que harían circuncidar a sus hijos (p = 0.057). CONCLUSIÓN: El conocimiento de la circuncisión y sus beneficios eran limitados entre los asistentes a la clínica de ITS. Un número significativamente mayor de mujeres en comparación con los hombres, estuvieron a favor de la circuncisión cuando se dio la información de que reducía el riesgo de infección de VIH.

Risk-based assessment does not distinguish between recent and chronic HIV-1 infection in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This study investigated the risk factors associated with recent and chronic HIV infections among individual attending a voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) site in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In a cross-sectional study, recent HIV infections were detected by the sensitive/less-sensitive test, using Serologic Testing Algorithm for Recent HIV Seroconversion (STARHS) strategy, and compared to chronic HIV infection and HIV negative individuals. Seroincidence was estimated and risk factors associated with recent and chronic infections were assessed using multinomial logistic regression. Among the 7,379 individuals tested between June 2006 and April 2007, the overall prevalence and incidence of HIV infection were 7.5 percent; and 1.39/100 PY, respectively. In multivariate analysis, having a HIV positive steady partner was a risk factor for recent and for chronic HIV infection for MSM, heterosexual male and women. No differences in risk factors for recent and chronic infections were found between MSM and heterosexual males. Among women, chronic infected individuals were more likely than HIV negatives to be older. Recently HIV infected women were more likely than HIV negatives to be less educated; and more likely than HIV negatives and chronically infected to report having more partners. Routinely used risk-based assessment in testing centers in Brazil lack sensitivity to distinguish between recent and chronic infections, particularly among MSM and heterosexual males. Steady relationships and serosorting may be playing a key role in maintaining the HIV epidemics in Brazil.