O trânsito entre armários: encontros entre ativismo, HIV e arte no Brasil / Transit between closets: encounters between activism, HIV and art in Brazil

Esta tese é resultado de uma investigação com o objetivo geral de compreender os trânsitos entre arte, ativismo e saúde nas narrativas de vida de artistas vivendo com HIV que trazem a temática do HIV e da AIDS para seus trabalhos artísticos. Para o alcance desta finalidade, recorro a narrativas de vida, começando pela minha própria em busca de (des)encontros a partir do trânsito entre diferentes armários sociais, mergulhando em conceitos como a epistemologia do armário (Sedgwick, 2007) e artivismo (Chaia, 2007; Machado, 2019; Baldissera, 2019). Na busca por caminhos metodológicos, trago reflexões sobre pesquisa qualitativa, com a consciência de que me envolvo no que me é familiar (Velho, 1978) e encontro na etnossociologia as narrativas de vida proposta por Bertaux (2010) uma luz a guiar as entrevistas e a análise das informações, produzindo dados por meio de conversas narrativas. As entrevistas ocorreram durante a pandemia de COVID-19 de forma remota no final do ano de 2021 e início de 2022. Essa pesquisa chega a seguintes considerações: a arte, como um antirretroviral social, tem uma força na desconstrução dos vírus ideológicos (Daniel, 2018) e no renascimento de mortes sociais (Daniel, 2018) com produção de deslocamentos e transformações. No processo dos artistas vivendo que aqui chamo de artistas-autores participantes, a ancestralidade é uma fonte artística, em um continuum artístico. Por fim, o campo da saúde tem o desafio de incorporar ainda mais arte em seus processos de pesquisa e produção de conhecimento, de forma a explorar as infinitas possibilidades que o campo saúde e arte pode trazer para o lidar com doenças estigmatizadas.

This thesis results from an investigation with the general objective of understanding the transits between art, activism, and health in the life narratives of artists living with HIV who bring the theme of HIV and AIDS to their artistic works. To achieve this purpose, I resort to life narratives, starting with my own in search of (mis)encounters from the transit between different social closets, diving into concepts such as closet epistemology (Sedgwick, 2007) and artivism (Chaia, 2007; Machado, 2019; Baldissera, 2019). In the search for methodological paths, I bring reflections on qualitative research, with the awareness that I am involved in what is familiar to me (Velho, 1978). I find in ethnosociology the life narratives proposed by Bertaux (2010) a light to guide the interviews and the analysis of information, producing data through narrative conversations. The interviews occurred remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic at the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022. This research reaches the following considerations: art, as a social antiretroviral, has a force in deconstructing ideological viruses (Daniel, 2018) and in the revival of social deaths (Daniel, 2018) with the production of displacements and transformations. In the process of living artists that I call participating artist-authors here, ancestry is an artistic source in an artistic continuum. Finally, the field of health has the challenge of incorporating even more art into its research processes and production of knowledge to explore the infinite possibilities that the field health and art can bring to response stigmatized diseases.

Memórias, trajetórias e experiência no campo do cuidado às pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS: uma autoetnografia / Memories, trajectories and experience in the field of care for people living with HIV/AIDS: an autoethnography

Essa dissertação comparece entrelaçando produção de conhecimento no campo da atenção e pesquisa dirigida às crianças, adolescentes, jovens e gestantes vivendo com Hiv/aids, e minhas memórias e experiência no campo do cuidado. Para tanto assume a perspectiva metodológica autoetnográfica sustentada pela discussão da Antropologia das Emoções. Isso porque compreendemos que a mobilização das memórias, experiência e trajetória da autora não passa impune pela sensibilização necessária de si própria. E esse processo de sensibilizar invade o texto, que utiliza como dispositivo para mobilizar os leitores, sensibilizando-os, a produção autoral de crônicas, contos e poesias. Partindo desse dispositivo, pretendemos também embaçar possíveis personagens reais, e alcançar figuras que reúnem traços comuns a muitos e muitas que fazem parte das práticas de pesquisa e atenção no campo do Hiv/aids. Alertamos que a dimensão autoetnográfica se revela processo de narrativização da convivência com aqueles e aquelas que durante 20 anos foram atendidos e participantes de pesquisas mediadas pela autora. Organizamos o acervo de crônicas / contos /poesias abrindo cada um dos três núcleos que organizam a produção de conhecimento nessa trajetória: 1) Estigma e Suas Reatualizações; (2) Quando o Segredo Cola com a Doença: Segredo ­ Sigilo ­ Revelação; (3) O Caleidoscópio do Cuidado e a Entrada do Psicólogo no Hospital Geral. Concluímos que para quem ainda está na linha de cuidados de pessoas que vivem com Hiv/aids, essa dissertação é um convite afetivo de refletir sobre esses conceitos encarnados. E ter a oportunidade de pensar criticamente a construção de práticas que cuidam e que incluem, mas também, e principalmente, pensar para transformar as práticas que reproduzem, atualizam e perpetuam práticas violentas de des-cuidado, de opressão e exclusão, e como isso opera como um Sistema naturalizado que se repete como uma estrutura de medicalização da vida e redução da mesma a elementos de controle racional.

This dissertation has come forward intertwining the building up of knowledge from clinical trials with children, adolescents, youngsters, and pregnant women living with Hiv/aids and memories, experiences I have lived as caregiver. It embodies the methodological autoethnographic perspective upheld by the debate of Anthropology of Emotions because we understand that mustering the author's remembrances, assignments and trajectory does not waive the necessary awareness of oneself. And this process pervades the text that utilizes the authorial production of chronicles, short-stories, and poetry to reach out and touch the readers. With ingenuity, we envisage to shadow possible actual characters and engage archetypes with common features to many who are part of HIV/aids researches and attention. We remark that the autoethnographic dimension translates into a narrative about living with those who for 20 years are cared, and study participants mediated by the author. Chronicles, short-stories, poetries were gathered to reflect each one of the three hubs which deploy the production of knowledge in this trajectory: 1) Stigma and its novel updates; 2) When the secret sticks to the disease: Secret ­ Secrecy ­ Disclosure. 3) Kaleidoscope of care and the psychologist arrival at the general hospital. The conclusion we have reached for those who are still caring for persons who live with HIV/aids is that this dissertation is a gentle invitation to reflect about these concepts actually experienced. And embrace the opportunity to review critically the elaboration of caring and inclusive practices but mainly to think in transforming those which replicate, refresh, and perpetuate violent and uncaring conducts of oppression and exclusion and how a naturalized system functions, repeating itself as a medicalization and demeaning life structure to mere rational control.

Instruments to assess adherence to medication in people living with HIV: a scoping review / Instrumentos para avaliar a adesão medicamentosa em pessoas vivendo com HIV: uma revisão de escopo

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To compile the instruments validated in Brazil for assessing adherence of people living with HIV to antiretroviral therapy. METHODS Scoping review using the Web of Science, Scopus, Medline (via PubMed), Embase, BDENF, CINAHL and Lilacs databases. In addition, the Preprints bioRxiv, Google Scholar and OpenGrey servers were checked. There was no language restriction for the search, and it considered articles published from the year 1996 onwards. RESULTS Three publications were included in the qualitative synthesis. Following were the instruments identified "Questionário para Avaliação da Adesão ao Tratamento Antirretroviral" (Questionnaire for Assessment of Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment) developed in Porto Alegre (RS) and published in 2007; the "Escala de autoeficácia para adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral em crianças e adolescentes com HIV/Aids" (Self-efficacy Scale for Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment in Children and Adolescents with HIV/Aids) developed in São Paulo (SP) and published in 2008; and the "WebAd-Q, um instrumento de autorrelato para monitorar a adesão à terapia antirretroviral em serviços de HIV/Aids no Brasil" (WebAd-Q, a self-report instrument to monitor adherence to antiretroviral therapy in HIV/Aids services in Brazil) developed in São Bernardo do Campo (SP) and published in 2018. The instruments were validated in Brazil, and presented statistically acceptable values for psychometric qualities. CONCLUSION The instruments to assess adherence of people living with HIV to antiretroviral therapy are validated strategies for the Brazilian context. However, their (re)use in different settings and contexts of the nation should be expanded. The use of these instruments by health professionals can improve the understanding of factors that act negatively and positively on antiretroviral therapy adherence, and the proposition of strategies intended to consolidate good adherence and intervene in the treatment of people with low therapeutic engagement.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Compilar os instrumentos validados no Brasil para avaliação da adesão de pessoas vivendo com HIV à terapia antirretroviral. MÉTODOS Revisão de escopo, utilizando as bases de dados Web of Science, Scopus, Medline (via PubMed), Embase, BDENF, CINAHL e Lilacs. Em complementação, os servidores Preprints bioRxiv, Google Scholar e OpenGrey foram verificados. Para a busca, não houve restrição de idioma e considerou artigos publicados a partir do ano de 1996. RESULTADOS Três publicações foram incluídas na síntese qualitativa. Os instrumentos identificados foram o "Questionário para Avaliação da Adesão ao Tratamento Antirretroviral", desenvolvido em Porto Alegre (RS) e publicado em 2007; a "Escala de autoeficácia para adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral em crianças e adolescentes com HIV/Aids", desenvolvida em São Paulo (SP) e publicada em 2008; e o "WebAd-Q, um instrumento de autorrelato para monitorar a adesão à terapia antirretroviral em serviços de HIV/Aids no Brasil", desenvolvido em São Bernardo do Campo (SP) e publicado em 2018. Os instrumentos foram validados no Brasil e apresentaram valores estatisticamente aceitáveis para as qualidades psicométricas. CONCLUSÃO Os instrumentos para avaliar a adesão de pessoas vivendo com HIV à terapia antirretroviral são estratégias validadas para o contexto do Brasil. Todavia há que se expandir a (re)utilização em diferentes cenários e contextos da nação. A utilização desses instrumentos por profissionais da saúde pode melhorar a compreensão dos fatores que atuam negativa e positivamente na adesão à terapia antirretroviral, e a proposição de estratégias com o objetivo de consolidar a boa adesão e intervir no tratamento das pessoas com baixo engajamento terapêutico.

HIV knowledge and its correlation with the Undetectable = Untransmittable slogan in Brazil

ABSTRACT Knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention is a necessary step for adopting preventive behaviors. We assessed HIV knowledge and its correlation with the perceived accuracy of the "Undetectable = Untransmittable" (U=U) slogan in an online sample with 401 adult Brazilians. Overall, 28% of participants showed high HIV knowledge level. The perceived accuracy of the U=U slogan significantly correlated with HIV knowledge. Younger participants, those reporting lower income or lower education, or who had never tested for HIV showed poorer HIV knowledge. Filling gaps of knowledge among specific populations is urgent in order to increase preventive behaviors and decrease HIV stigma.

Non-polarized cytokine profile of a long-term non-progressor HIV infected patient

ABSTRACT The HIV-1 initial viral infection may present diverse clinical and laboratory course and lead to rapid, intermediate, or long-term progression. Among the group of non-progressors, the elite controllers are those who control the infection most effectively, in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (ART). In this paper, the TH1, TH2 and TH17 cytokines profiles are described, as well as clinical and laboratory aspects of an HIV-infected patient with undetectable viral load without antiretroviral therapy. Production of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17 was detected; in contrast IL-4 was identified. Host-related factors could help explain such a level of infection control, namely the differentiated modulation of the cellular immune response and a non-polarized cytokine response of the TH1 and TH2 profiles.

Avaliação dos serviços ambulatoriais de assistência a pessoas vivendo com HIV no Sistema Único de Saúde: estudo comparativo 2007/2010 / Evaluación de los servicios ambulatorios de asistencia a personas viviendo con VIH en el Sistema Único de Salud: estudio comparativo 2007/2010 / Evaluation of outpatient services in the Brazilian Unified National Health System for persons living with HIV: a comparison of 2007 and 2010

O papel dos serviços de saúde é crucial para o alcance da meta 90-90-90 de controle da epidemia do HIV. O estudo avalia a organização dos serviços brasileiros nas ações de promoção, monitoramento e suporte à retenção no seguimento e apoio ao tratamento. Foram comparadas, por meio de variação percentual (VP), as respostas dos serviços a um questionário de avaliação da qualidade organizacional (Qualiaids) em 2007 e em 2010. Analisou-se os 419 serviços que responderam ao questionário em 2007 (83,1% dos respondentes) e 2010 (63,6%). Ações gerenciais relacionadas à retenção e apoio, embora incrementadas no período, permaneceram com baixa frequência, tais como: reuniões sistemáticas para discussão de casos; (32,7% em 2010; VP = 19,8%), registro de faltas em consulta médica (35,3%; VP = 36,8%). Ações assistenciais relacionadas à adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso permanecem majoritariamente exclusivas do médico. O aporte de recursos de provisão federal - medicamentos e exames específicos para HIV - manteve-se alto para a grande maioria dos serviços (~90%). Não se alcançará decréscimo significativo da transmissão do HIV enquanto a permanência no tratamento não for prioridade de todos os serviços de assistência.

El papel de los servicios de salud es crucial para el alcance de la meta 90-90-90 de control de la epidemia de VIH. El estudio evalúa la organización de los servicios brasileños en las acciones de promoción, monitoreo y apoyo al mantenimiento del seguimiento y tratamiento. Se compararon, mediante la variación porcentual (VP), las respuestas de los servicios a un cuestionario de evaluación de la calidad organizativa (Qualiaids) en 2007 y en 2010. Se analizaron los 419 servicios que respondieron al cuestionario en 2007 (83,1% de los participantes) y 2010 (63,6%). Las acciones de gerencia, relacionadas con el mantenimiento y apoyo, aunque se incrementaron durante el período, permanecieron con baja frecuencia, tales como: reuniones sistemáticas para discusión de casos; (32,7% en 2010; VP = 19,8%), registro de faltas en consulta médica (35,3%; VP = 36,8%). Las acciones asistenciales relacionadas con la adhesión al tratamiento farmacológico continúan siendo mayoritariamente exclusivas del médico. La aportación de recursos de provisión federal -medicamentos y exámenes específicos para VIH- se mantuvo alta para la gran mayoría de los servicios (~90%). No se alcanzará un decremento significativo en la transmisión del VIH, mientras la permanencia en el tratamiento no sea una prioridad de todos los servicios de asistencia.

Health services play a crucial role in reaching the 90-90-90 target of controlling the HIV epidemic. This study evaluates the organization of Brazilian health services in improving, monitoring, and retention in HIV care and adherence support. Percentage variation (PV) was used to compare the responses by services to an evaluation questionnaire on organizational quality (Qualiaids) in 2007 and 2010. The study analyzed the 419 services that completed the questionnaire in 2007 (83.1% of respondents) and 2010 (63.6%). Management actions of retention and support although increased in the period, but remained at low rates, for example: systematic meetings for case discussion (32.7% in 2010; PV = 19.8%) and recording of missed medical appointments (35.3%; PV = 36.8%). Patient care actions related to adherence to ART remained largely exclusive to the attending physician. The supply of funds and resources from the Federal Government (medicines and specific HIV tests) remained high for the vast majority of the services (~90%). It will not be possible to achieve a significant decrease in HIV transmission as long as retention in treatment is not a priority in all the health services.

Quality of life, socioeconomic and clinical factors, and physical exercise in persons living with HIV/AIDS / Qualidade de vida, fatores socioeconômicos e clínicos e prática de exercício físico em pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze whether socioeconomic and clinical aspects and the aspects of healthy life habits are associated with the quality of life of persons living with HIV/AIDS. METHODS This is a cross-sectional exploratory quantitative research, with 227 persons living with HIV/AIDS, treated at two hospitals of reference between April 2012 and June 2014. We used structured questionnaires to assess socioeconomic aspects (gender, age, education level, marital status, race, socioeconomic status, dependents on family income, employment relationship), clinical parameters (time of disease diagnosis, use and time of medication, CD4 T-cell count, and viral load), and practice of physical exercise. To assess quality of life, we used the Quality of Life questionnaire (HAT-QoL). For characterization of the socioeconomic and clinical data and domains of quality of life, we conducted a descriptive analysis (simple frequency, averages, and standard deviations). We applied linear regression, following a hierarchical model for each domain of quality of life. RESULTS The domains that presented lower averages for quality of life were financial concern, concern with confidentiality, general function, and satisfaction with life. We found associations with the variables of socioeconomic status and physical exercise, therapy, and physical exercise for the last two domains, consecutively. CONCLUSIONS The quality of life of persons living with HIV/AIDS shows losses, especially in the financial and confidentiality areas, followed by general function of the body and satisfaction with life, in which socioeconomic and clinical aspects and healthy living habits, such as the practice of physical exercise, are determining factors for this reality.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar se aspectos socioeconômicos, clínicos e de hábitos de vida saudável estão associados à qualidade de vida em pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids. MÉTODOS Pesquisa quantitativa exploratória de corte transversal, com 227 pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids, atendidos em dois hospitais de referência entre os períodos de abril 2012 a junho de 2014. Foram utilizados questionários estruturados para avaliar aspectos socioeconômicos (sexo, idade, escolaridade, estado civil, cor de pele, status socioeconômico, dependentes da renda familiar, vínculo empregatício), parâmetros clínicos (tempo de diagnóstico da doença, uso e tempo de medicação, contagem de células TCD4 e carga viral) e prática de exercício físico. Para avaliar qualidade de vida, utilizou-se o questionário Quality of Life (HAT-QoL). Para caracterização dos dados socioeconômicos, clínicos e domínios da qualidade de vida, conduzimos análise descritiva (frequência simples, médias e desvios-padrão). Aplicamos regressão linear, seguindo um modelo hierárquico para cada domínio da qualidade de vida. RESULTADOS Os domínios que apresentaram menores médias para a qualidade de vida foram preocupação financeira, preocupação com sigilo, função geral e satisfação com a vida. Foram encontradas associações com as variáveis status socioeconômico e exercício físico; terapia; e exercício físico para os dois últimos domínios, consecutivamente. CONCLUSÕES A qualidade de vida de pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids apresentam prejuízos, principalmente nas questões financeiras e de sigilo, seguidos da função geral do corpo e satisfações com a vida, em que os aspectos socioeconômicos, clínicos e hábitos de vida saudável, como a prática de exercício físico, são fatores determinantes para essa realidade.

Detection and analysis of 26 cases of long-term non-progressors who infected HIV in Henan province / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the progression and drug resistance of long-term non-progressors during three follow-up in Henan province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In May 2009, 26 cases of long-term non-progressors were recruited who infected HIV more than 10 years with blood collection and supply routes, did not receive anti-retroviral therapy, CD4(+)T lymphocyte count ≥350/μl and did not show typical symptoms of AIDS from Weishi, Shangcai, and Linying of Henan Province. Continuous follow-up were conducted three times since 2009 every two years with cohort analysis, the epidemiological information of infection routes, infection time and blood were collected, and 78 parts of 10 ml EDTA anticoagulated whole blood were collected. The changes of CD4 (+) T lymphocytes, viral load, and virus gene variety were characterized from 2009 to 2014. In-house methods were used to explore primary drug resistance of long-term non-progressors. Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare CD4(+) T lymphocyte count and viral load changes during different follow-up times.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average age and infection time of 26 cases were (48.51 ± 6.75) years, (13.42 ± 4.26) years, respectively. Three follow-up times, CD4(+) T lymphocyte count P50 (P25-P75) was 573.5 (487.4-789.8), 499.8 (403.5-635.7), and 418.8 (297.6-537.8)/μl (H=63.99,P<0.001), respectively. And natural logarithm of viral load P50 (P25-P75) were 3.93 (3.43-4.55), 4.29 (3.78-4.75), 4.50 (4.01-4.81) (H=3.19,P=0.355), respectively. Subtype and phylogenetic analysis of HIV showed that prevalent cases were B subtype, accounting for 88.5% (23/26), and three cases showed restructuring changes. Two cases appeared highly resistant of 18 infected patients whose viral load >1 000 copies/ml.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The CD4(+)T lymphocyte had a declining trend, virus subtype recombinant changes in a few cases, and primary drug resistance was found of long-term non-progressors in Henan province.</p>

O autocuidado de idosos com HIV/aids: contribuições de Enfermagem / Self-care of elderly people with HIV/AIDS: nursing contributions

Pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa com o objetivo de discutir como idosos com HIV/aids realizam o autocuidado, quais as implicações para sua saúde e para o cuidado de enfermagem. Aprovada pelos Comitês de Ética em Pesquisa EEAN/HESFA e HUCFF/UFRJ, utilizou o método Grounded Theory (GT) ou Teoria Fundamentada em Dados (TFD) para guiar a coleta, análise e discussão dos dados de 25 idosos com HIV/aids, usuários do ambulatório de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias do HUCFF/UFRJ. Na entrevista e pesquisa documental foram utilizados dois instrumentos: o roteiro da entrevista, com seções semiestruturada e estruturada, e a planilha de registro de informações nos prontuários. Do total de idosos entrevistados, 60% eram homens, 48% entre 60 e 64 anos, 68% heterossexuais, 32% solteiros e 32% viúvos, 84% aposentados ou pensionistas, 48% frequentaram a escola de nove (09) a onze (11) anos,e 68% informaram renda entre um (01) e três (03) salários mínimos. O tempo de diagnóstico HIV/aids variou de dois (02) a 30 anos, a idade no momento do diagnóstico de 30 a 70 anos, com 100% fazendo uso da TARV por períodos entre um (01) e 25 anos. As doenças oportunistas mais frequentes foram pneumonia, tuberculose e herpes zoster e as comorbidades foram hipertensão arterial sistêmica, diabetes mellitus e dislipidemia. A partir dos dados submetidos aos processos analíticos da TFD, emergiram 47 códigos, agrupados em oito (08) subcategorias - (1) O Mim, (2) Diagnóstico, (3) Saúde Mental, (4) Saúde Física, (5) Espiritualidade, (6) Sexualidade, (7) O Outro, (8) Preconceito - e três (03) categorias - "Idoso com HIV/aids", "Interação Social" e a categoria central "Autocuidado", ilustradas pelo diagrama de Venn. Em conclusão, dentre as demandas de cuidado físico e psicossocial de enfermagem aos idosos com HIV/aids, emergiram necessidades de instrumentalização para a adoção e sustentação do autocuidado e de fomentar a autoestima para o enfrentamento do preconceito.

Qualitative approach research with the objective to discuss how older adults with HIV/aids practice self-care, its health and nursing care implications. Approved by the EEAN/HESFA and HUCFF/UFRJ Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), used Grounded Theory (GT) or Teoria Fundamentada em Dados (TFD) to guide data collection, analysis and discussion of 25 older adults with HIV/aids, outpatients at the Infectious and Parasitic Diseases at the HUCFF/UFRJ ambulatory. Two instruments were used on the interview and documental research: the interview guide with two sections, one semi-structured and one structured, and a spreadsheet for data entry of information on patient files. From the overall number of participants, 60% were men, 48% between 60-64 years old, 68% heterosexuals, 32% single and 32% widowers, 84% were retired or received pensions, 48% attended school between nine (09) and eleven (11) years, and 68% declared income between one (01) e three (03) minimum wages. HIV/aids time of known diagnosis varied from two (02) to 30 years; age at the time of diagnosis between 30-70 years old, with 100% in use of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for periods varying between one (01) and 25 years long. The most frequent opportunist diseases were pneumonia, tuberculosis and herpes zoster and the comorbidities were systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. From the data submitted to GT analytic processes, emerged 47 codes, groups into eight (08) subcategories - (1) The Me, (2) Diagnose, (3) Mental Health, (4) Physical Health, (5) Spirituality, (6) Sexuality, (7) The Other, (8) Prejudice- and three (03) categories- "Older with HIV/aids", "Social Interaction" and the central category "Self-care", illustrated by a Venn diagram. In conclusion, among the nursing physical and psychosocial care demands of older adults with HIV/aids, emerged needs for effective support towards(i) the adoption and sustainingof self-care practices and (ii) the building up of self-esteem for coping against prejudice.

Investigación de abordaje cualitativa com el objetivo de discutir como ancianos con VIH/sida realizan el autocuidado, cuales las implicaciones para su salud y para el cuidado de enfermería. Aprobada por los Comités de Ética em Investigación EEAN/HESFA y HUCFF/UFRJ, utilizo el método Grounded Theory (GT) o Teoría Fundamentada em Datos (TFD) para conducir la recolección, análisis y discusión de los datos de 25 ancianos con VIH/sida, usuários del ambulatorio de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias del HUCFF/UFRJ. En la entrevista e investigación documental fueron utilizados dos instrumentos: el guión de la entrevista, con secciones semiestructurada y estructurada, y una hoja de trabajo para registro de informaciones em los historiales clínicos. En la totalidad de participantes entrevistados, 60% eran hombres, 48% entre 60 y 64 años, 68% heterosexuales, 32% solteros y 32% viudos, 84% eran jubilados o pensionistas, 48% con nueve (09) a once (11) años de escolaridad, y 68% informaron renta entre una (01) y tres (03) remuneraciones mínimas. El tiempo de diagnóstico VIH/sida varió de dos (02) a 30 años, la edad en el momento del diagnóstico de 30 a 70 años, con 100% haciendo uso de la Terapia Antirretroviral (TAR) por periodos entre uno (01) y 25 años. Las enfermedades oportunistas más frecuentes fueronpulmonía, tuberculosis y herpes zóster y las comorbilidades fueron hipertensión arterial sistémica, diabetes mellitus y dislipimia. A partir de los datos sometidos a los procesos analíticos de la TFD, emergieron 47 códigos, agrupados en ocho (08) subcategorias - (1) El Mí, (2) Diagnóstico, (3) Salud Mental, (4) Salud Física, (5) Espiritualidad, (6) Sexualidad, (7) El Otro, (8) Prejuicio ­ y tres (03) categorías ­ "Anciano con VIH/sida", "Interacción Social" y la categoría central "Autocuidado", ilustradas por el diagrama de Venn. En conclusión, de las demandas del cuidado físico y psicosocial de enfermería a los ancianos con VIH/sida, emergieron necesidades de instrumentalización para la adopción y sustentación del autocuidado y de fomentar la autoestima para el enfrentamiento del prejuicio.

Sobreconvivir como mujer con VIH/sida: una perspectiva bioética global / Over-coexisting as a woman with HIV/aids: a global bioethical perspective / Sobreconvivir como uma mulher com HIV / AIDS: uma perspectiva global da bioética

Este artículo presenta la construcción del concepto ®sobreconvivir con VIH/sida¼, desarrollado en el cruce entre la perspectiva de una bioética global y los relatos de diez y seis mujeres quindianas que encaran el reto de aprender a interactuar con el acontecimiento. Allí mismo, surgieron los trazos de un giro bioético de la epidemia, al vislumbrar modos posibles de afirmar la vida, creados por las mujeres. La hipótesis de esta investigación apunta a que la actividad reorganizativa que se desarrolla a partir del diagnóstico, en medio de interafectaciones dirigidas y contingentes, va delimitando, definiendo y desplegando una composición inédita humano–virus–tecnología, la cual expresa un saber bioético, en la medida en que se pone a prueba su capacidad de sobreconvivir. Sobreconvivir, como la posibilidad metaestable de un entramado autónomo, en el que la nueva composición se hace viable, sustentable y vale la pena ser vivida.

This manuscript develops the concept of “over-coexisting with HIV/aids” at the crossing of a global bioethics perspective with the stories of sixteen “quindiana women” who face the challenge of learning to interact with the disease. It is there that emerged a bioethics angle to the epidemic, formed by the women to envisage possible ways to affirm life. The research hypothesis suggest that the activity of reorganization developed after the diagnosis, amid direct and contingent inter-affectations, and defined and unfolded an inedited composition of human-beingvirus- technology, which expresses a bioethics knowledge to the extent that the over-coexisting capacity is tested. Over-coexisting, as a metastable possibility of an autonomous network, where the new composition is viable, sustainable and is worth living.

Este artigo apresenta a conceito da frase “sobre-convivido com HIV/AIDS”, desenvolvida com a perspectiva da bioética global e as histórias de dezesseis mulheres quem enfrentaram o desafio de aprender a interagir com a doença. E assim que realizo os caminhos para afirmar a vida, criados por as mulheres quem surgiu um rotação da epidemia bioeticista. A hipótese desta pesquisa sugere que a atividade da reorganização após o diagnóstico, a meio das inter-afetações diretas e contingentes, e definida por uma composição inédita de uma vírus tecnología humana, que expressa um conhecimento bioética em que a capacidade de sobre-coexistente é desafiado. Sobrecoexistentes, como uma possibilidade metaestável de uma rede autónoma, onde a nova composição é possível, sustentável e vale a pena viver.

A follow-up study of HIV long-term non-progress populations in Henan province / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the related testing indicators variation of HIV long-term non-progress populations.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The long-term non-progress populations in some areas of Henan were recruited, and the study was carried out according to different CD4(+)T lymphocytes counts for two groups. The dynamic characteristics of immune status and viral load between LTNP-1group (CD4(+)T lymphocytes ≥ 500/µl, 42 cases) and LTNP-2 group(350/µl ≤ CD4(+)T lymphocytes < 500/µl, 49 cases) from July 2010 to August 2013 were observed. The characteristics of HIV elite controllers during the follow-up were also described.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>LTNP were recruited, 56% (51 cases) were men, and 44% (40 cases) were women. The study population were aged from 38 to 65 years old. A total of 320 individuals were followed-up, 14 cases were lost, 2 deaths, and 16 cases had received antiretroviral therapy during four years. To analyze the annual changes of CD4(+)T lymphocytes and VL of the group from 2010 to 2013, LTNP-1 group CD4(+)T lymphocytes from 654.0(545.2-809.5) decreased to 494.0(341.0-574.7), and LTNP-2 group decreased from 493.0 (429.5-770.0) to 343.5(253.0-500.8), CD4(+)T lymphocytes decline of over times of two groups in longitudinal analysis (χ(2) = 50.32, P < 0.01; χ(2) = 31.03, P < 0.01). lg (VL) of LTNP-1 group were 3.52 (3.15-4.27), 3.71 (2.70-4.55), 3.86 (3.59-4.55), 3.96 (3.25-4.36), and lg (VL) of TNP-2 group were 4.35 (3.72-4.83), 4.35 (3.97-4.94), 4.71 (3.96-4.95), 5.04(4.78-5.26), respectively (P > 0.05). The same year inter-group comparison found CD4(+)T lymphocytes of LTNP-1 group were higher than LTNP-2 group (Z = 5.23, P < 0.01; Z = 3.06, P < 0.01; Z = 2.51, P < 0.05; Z = 2.47, P < 0.05). VL of LTNP-2 group increased from 4.35(3.97-4.94) to 5.04 (4.78-5.26) during 2011 to 2013, were higher than LTNP-1 group in the same year (Z = 2.28, P < 0.05; Z = 2.58, P < 0.05; Z = 2.76, P < 0.05). 65 cases HCV antibody were positive in 91 individuals, and the HCV antibody positive rate was 76% (32/42), 67% (33/49) between LTNP-1 group and LTNP-2 group. Six elite controllers maintained CD4(+)T lymphocytes ≥ 500/µl, VL<1 000 copies/ml during four years follow-up.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The long-term non-progress populations in Henan were overall healthy, and VL were relatively stable, there was a decreased trend of CD4 year by year, and HCV co-infection rate was high.</p>

Aging with HIV: a practical review

The worldwide elderly population is expected to grow by an additional 694 million people by 2025. By that time, there will be approximately two billion elderly people in the world, most of whom (80%) will be living in developing countries. Based on recent estimates, this population will number over 40 million in 2030 in Brazil and a consequent increase in governmental spending for this population can be expected. Since highly active antiretroviral therapy became available in the mid-1990s, the life expectancy of people living with HIV has increased significantly. Approximately 12 million life years were added to the world between 1996 and 2008 as a consequence of wider access to highly active antiretroviral therapy. In Brazil, the incidence of AIDS among the population aged >50 years doubled between 1996 and 2006. The development of antiretroviral therapy has allowed individuals diagnosed at a younger age to live longer, which partially explains the aging tendency associated with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It is estimated that by 2015, subjects aged >50 years will represent 50% of the people living with HIV undergoing clinical treatment. This scenario presents some challenges, including the fact that the diagnosis of HIV tends to be delayed in older patients compared to younger patients because the symptoms of HIV can be confused with those of other common diseases among the elderly and also because healthcare professionals do not consider this population to be at high risk for HIV infection. In regard to the individuals diagnosed with HIV, a further challenge is presented by the morbidity normally associated with aging. Finally, the elderly also exhibit higher susceptibility to the toxic effects and pharmacological interactions of medications. The present article reviews the literature regarding the profile of HIV infection among individuals aged >50 years focusing on practical features related to the clinical approach and long-term follow-up of this population.

Una década de terapia anti-retroviral: Perfil de pacientes con 10 años de triterapia de alta efectividad / A decade of antiretroviral therapy: a profile of patients with 10 years of highly effective triple therapy

Introduction: Highly effective antiretroviral triple therapy (TAR3) has led to a significant increase in survival of patients (pts) infected with human immunodeficiency virus. In 1999 it was started in the Chilean public health system, including Arriarán Foundation (FA) access to TAR, reaching full coverage since 2003. By October 31, 2009 124 pts had reached 10 years of uninterrupted TAR3 in FA. Objective: To describe and analyze the profile of pts, their therapeutic regimen (s) and clinical outcomes during 10 years of TAR3. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study. We reviewed the records of pts who had reached 10 years of uninterrupted TAR3 in FA. Demographic data, baseline and virological staging at start of TAR3, comorbidities and complications were recorded. Drug regimens used were analyzed, as well as toxicity, virological and immunological outcomes, frequency and reasons for change in therapy. Complications were classified as opportunistic and not opportunistic during this evolution and the latest known clinical and laboratory data were registered. A database program based on Excel was used. Results: 121/124 pts were available for analysis, 76.8% male, male-female ratio was 3.3:1. Baseline median age: 36 years (20-69); CD4 cells 176/ mm³ (8-1,224) with 65.3% < 200; median viral load (STL): 60,078 copies/ml (1,100- 7,900,000); 36.3% were in clinical AIDS stage. Patients received an average of 3.5 therapies regimens during the decade (range, 1 [14 pts, 11.5%] to 7 [3 pts, 2.4%]), with average duration of 42 months each and a median of 36 months. As initial TAR3 regimen 2 backbone nucleoside analogues (ITRN) was the most frequent, with a protease inhibitor (PI) in 51.2% and non-nucleoside RTIs (NNRTIs) in 38.8%. Adverse reactions were the main reason for change of therapy (24.7%), followed by virological failure (24.2%) and treatment simplification (16.6%). At the latest assessment, all with > 10 years of TAR3 median CD4 was 602 cells/mm³, 11 pts (9%) had CD4 < 200/mm³; 85.2% had undetectable VL (< 80 copies/mL); the remaining 14.8% had a median of 1,800 copies/mL. Only 2 pts (1.7%) were in AIDS clinical stage. Current regimens were 2 NRTI plus 1 NNRTI in 61 pts (50.4%), 2 or more NRTI plus 1 PI in 46 (38%). Seventy two pts (60.3%) had chronic comorbidities at latest follow up. Dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and renal failure were the most frequent conditions; 17 pts (14%) had clinical lipodystrophy secondary to TAR. Conclusion: Achieving a decade of TAR is already a reality and in the short term will be routine. This is rarely achieved with the initial therapeutic regimen. The major obstacles to prolonged maintenance of a single therapeutic regimen have been adverse effects and virological failure, although current drugs with better efficacy and safety profile may allow longer use for each regimen. Despite the difficulty of treating these pts, they can achieve long-term survival with good virologic control, immune recovery and absence of opportunistic complications associated with HIV infection. Nonetheless, the high frequency of non opportunistic chronic comorbidities and antiretroviral therapy side effects after prolonged or life-long use is becoming a major issue.

La introducción de la triterapia anti-retroviral de alta efectividad (TAR3) ha llevado a un significativo aumento en la sobrevida de los pacientes infectados por virus de inmunodeficiencia humana. En 1999 se inició en el sistema público de salud chileno, incluida la Fundación Arriarán (FA) el acceso progresivo a TAR3, que alcanzó cobertura completa desde 2003. En FA al 31 de octubre de 2009 se compatibilizaban 124 pacientes (pts) que habían alcanzado 10 años de TAR3 ininterrumpida. Objetivo: Describir y analizar el perfil de los pts, sus terapias y la evolución clínica durante el período de 10 años de TAR3. Material y Método: estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se revisaron las fichas de los pts que alcanzaron 10 años de TAR3 en FA. Se registraron datos demográficos, clínicos y clasificación por etapas, co-morbilidades y complicaciones al inicio de tratamiento. Se analizaron los esquemas terapéuticos recibidos, toxicidades y desenlaces virológicos e inmunológicos, así como la frecuencia y razones de cambio de terapias, las complicaciones oportunistas y no oportunistas durante esta evolución y el último estado clínico y de laboratorio conocido. Se empleó una base de datos en base al programa Excel. Resultados: se lograron analizar 121/124 pts, 76,8% hombres, relación hombre:mujer 3,3:1. Mediana basal: edad, 36 años (20-69); recuento de linfocitos CD4 de 176 céls/mm³ (8-1.224), con 65,3% < de 200 céls/mm³; carga viral (CV): 60.078 copias/ml (1.100 -7.900.000); 44/121 (36,3%) en etapa SIDA clínica inicial. Los pacientes recibieron un promedio de 3,5 esquemas de terapias durante el decenio (rango, 1 [14 pts, 11,5 %] a 7 [3 pts, 2,4 %]), con duración promedio de 42 meses en cada uno y una mediana de 36. TAR3 inicial con dos análogos nucleosídicos (ITRN) fue lo más frecuente, con un inhibidor de la proteasa (IP) en 51,2% o con ITR no nucleosídico (ITRnN) en 38,8%. Las reacciones adversas fueron el principal motivo de cambio de esquemas (24,7%), seguido de fracaso virológico (24,2%) y simplificación terapéutica (16,6%). En su última evaluación y con > 10 años de TAR3 la mediana de linfocitos CD4 era de 602 céls/mm³; había 11 pts (9 %) con CD4 < 200/ mm³; 85,2% estaba con CV indetectable (< 80 copias/ mL), 14 (14,8%) con detectabilidad viral, y éstos con una mediana de 1.800 copias/mL. Sólo 2 pts (1,7%) estaban en etapa clínica de SIDA. El esquema de TAR3 actual más frecuente era de dos ITRN más un ITRnN, en 61 pts (50,4%) y luego dos ITRN más un IP en 46 (38%). En 72 pts (60,3%) se pesquisaron co-morbilidades crónicas: dislipidemias, hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus y/o insuficiencia renal; 17 pts (14%) presentaban lipodistrofia clínica secundaria a TAR3 Conclusión: Alcanzar una década de TAR3 ya está siendo una realidad y a corto plazo será rutinario. Esto rara vez se logra con la primera terapia, aunque esquemas contemporáneos más efectivos y seguros pueden hacerlo posible a futuro. Los principales obstáculos para lograr mantención prolongada de un solo esquema terapéutico son los efectos adversos y el fracaso virológico. A pesar de las dificultades terapéuticas estos pts pueden alcanzar sobrevida a largo plazo con buen control virológico, recuperación inmune y control de las complicaciones oportunistas asociadas a la infección por VIH. Destaca la alta frecuente de co-morbilidades crónicas no oportunistas y secuelas de la terapia anti-retroviral.

Presentation and outcome amongst older Singaporeans living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS): does age alone drive excess mortality?

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>There is little detailed information on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) amongst older adults in Singapore.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>A retrospective study of 121 consecutive referrals of patients presenting for HIV care was conducted. Demographic, clinical and laboratory variables were collected. A prognostic model derived from the North American Veterans' Affairs Cohort Study (VACS) was used to estimate prognosis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The median age at presentation was 43 (range, 18 to 76). Thirty-eight patients (31%) were aged 50 or older and 106 patients (88%) were male. Older patients were more likely to be of Chinese ethnicity (P = 0.035), married (P = 0.0001), unemployed or retired (P = 0.0001), and to have acquired their infection heterosexually (P = 0.0002). The majority of patients in both groups were symptomatic at presentation. Eighty-one (67%) had CD4 counts less than 200 at baseline with no observable differences in HIV ribonucleic acid (RNA) or clinical stage based on age. Non-Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) morbidity was observed more frequently amongst older patients. The estimated prognosis of patients differed significantly based on age. Using the VACS Index and comparing younger patients with those aged 50 and above, mean 5 year mortality estimates were 25% and 50% respectively (P <0.001). A trend towards earlier antiretroviral therapy was noted amongst older patients (P = 0.067) driven mainly by fewer financial difficulties reported as barriers to treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Older patients form a high proportion of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases and present with more non-AIDS morbidity. This confers a poor prognosis despite comparable findings with younger patients in terms of clinical stage, AIDS-defining illness, CD4 count and HIV viral load.</p>

Perfil dos pacientes, em geral e HIV positivos, atendidos em uma unidade de práticas integrativas e complementares da rede municipal de São Paulo / Profile of patients, in general and HIV positives, treated at an integrative and complementary health practices public unit, São Paulo City

Introdução: As práticas integrativas e complementares em saúde (PIC), entre as quais se inclui a acupuntura, vêm ganhando espaço nas últimas décadas no serviço público no Brasil. Em 2006 foi aprovada a lei que regulamenta a Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PNPIC), proporcionando maior impulso para essas práticas no SUS. Alinhada com essa política, a Unidade de Medicinas Tradicionais (UMT), no município de São Paulo, vem oferecendo desde 2005 atendimento com as PIC de maneira ampla e contínua. Entre os pacientes atendidos na UMT, há uma parcela de pacientes HIV positivos, cujo perfil é desconhecido. Objetivo: Descrever o perfil dos pacientes atendidos na Unidade de Medicinas Tradicionais e, em particular, dos pacientes HIV positivos, caracterizando: origem do encaminhamento, queixas, expectativas em relação ao tratamento e aspectos que mais influenciam negativamente a qualidade de vida desses pacientes. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal descritivo, analisando-se todos os prontuários dos pacientes atendidos na UMT entre 2006 e 2009. Os pacientes HIV positivos foram identificados e contatados para entrevista, para que informações detalhadas fossem obtidas. Foram usados um questionário de qualidade de vida específico para pacientes HIV positivos (HIV/AIDS-Targeted Quality of Life Instrument HAT-QoL) e um questionário desenvolvido pelo pesquisador. Resultados Foram incluídos 1960 pacientes, dos quais 81 por cento eram mulheres; 68,3 por cento acima dos 50 anos; e 74,1 por cento com demanda espontânea. As queixas principais foram dor (66 por cento ) e queixas mentais (26 por cento ), com duração mediana de 24 meses. Foram identificados 57 pacientes soropositivos, dos quais 71,9 por cento eram do sexo masculino. As queixas principais também foram dor (22 por cento ) e queixas mentais (21,3 por cento ), sendo 72,1 por cento com demanda espontânea. Entre as expectativas, estavam: alívio das queixas, melhora da qualidade de vida, bem-estar e melhora da imunidade. Na avaliação das dimensões de qualidade de vida, as mais afetadas foram função sexual e preocupação em revelar a doença.

Perfil nutricional e bioquímico dos pacientes HIV positivos em atendimento no ambulatório de infectologia do Hospital Universitário Antonio Pedro em Niterói - RJ / Biochemical and nutritional profile of HIV-positive patients in the outpatient clinic of infectious diseases at the University Hospital Antonio Pedro in Niterói - RJ

Desde 1980, ano da identificação do primeiro caso de aids no Brasil, mais de meio milhão de novos casos foram notificados no país. A região Sudeste foi a mais atingida com mais de 300 mil casos. No estado do Rio de Janeiro foram identificados 81.606 casos da doença, 48.061 dos quais na capital apenas...Este estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa do HUAP. Num período de 13 meses, foram estudados 235 pacientes, sendo a maioria do sexo masculino(55,3%). A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 43,1 anos, com o predomínio de raça não branca (50,6%). Em relação ao estado nutricional 5,5% da população estudada apresentava baixo peso , 54,4% apresentavam classificação normal, 26% sobrepeso e 11,1% obesidade. Os exames de glicemia de jejum estavam alteradas em 13,7% dos indivíduos, o colesterol total em 40,8%, o LDL em 33,5% e o HDL em 47,9% deles. Este estudo mostra elevado sobrepeso e obesidade na população com HIV/aids, identificando a necessidade em se conhecer o perfil nutricional desses pacientes e tomando as medidas necessárias para o seu controle precoce.

Knowledge and attitudes of Korean dentists towards human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome

PURPOSE: Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a major global threat, and although the prevalence is comparatively still very low, the number of HIV-positive Koreans is increasing. However, there are no official guidelines as to how to treat people living with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) or how to screen for potentially infectious people. This study assessed the level of knowledge and attitudes of dentists in Korea toward PLWHA, and their attitudes to screening patients for HIV infections. METHODS: A cross-sectional prospective survey targeting dentists working in Korea was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: A satisfactory level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS and a relatively positive attitude toward PLWHA was found. Most of the respondents preferred rapid HIV testing using oral fluid as a specimen. The general attitude of dentists toward HIV/AIDS is sufficiently positive to enable provision of the best treatment to the patients in need. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the dentists require HIV testing in dental clinics. In spite of their needs, there are several obstacles. It is hoped that financial considerations and official legal requirements related to HIV testing strategies will be considered.

Knowledge and attitudes of Korean dentists towards human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome

PURPOSE: Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a major global threat, and although the prevalence is comparatively still very low, the number of HIV-positive Koreans is increasing. However, there are no official guidelines as to how to treat people living with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) or how to screen for potentially infectious people. This study assessed the level of knowledge and attitudes of dentists in Korea toward PLWHA, and their attitudes to screening patients for HIV infections. METHODS: A cross-sectional prospective survey targeting dentists working in Korea was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: A satisfactory level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS and a relatively positive attitude toward PLWHA was found. Most of the respondents preferred rapid HIV testing using oral fluid as a specimen. The general attitude of dentists toward HIV/AIDS is sufficiently positive to enable provision of the best treatment to the patients in need. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the dentists require HIV testing in dental clinics. In spite of their needs, there are several obstacles. It is hoped that financial considerations and official legal requirements related to HIV testing strategies will be considered.

Perceptions of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Background: HIV/AIDS being a behavioral disease, appropriate knowledge is important for those who are infected. Objectives: To elicit and compare knowledge and attitude about HIV/AIDS among newly diagnosed and previously diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients attending or admitted in Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, (CSTM), Kolkata. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken among previously diagnosed HIV/AIDS Patients admitted in indoor wards and newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients attending Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre (ICTC) of the School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata. Data were gathered by interviewing patients using a predesigned, pretested, semi-structured questionnaire. Results: More in-patients had heard about AIDS than ICTC patients. Television was the most popular source of information in both groups, followed by health personnel and friends. Correct knowledge about transmission, symptoms, prevention of AIDS, and lifestyles desirable for affected patients was significantly higher among in-patients who had already been counseled, than the newly diagnosed ICTC patients yet to receive. Within each group of patients, the knowledge score was significantly higher among females, Christians, urban residents, patients educated beyond middle school, and non- migrants. In-patients had a significantly higher attitudinal score toward HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: Repeated counseling is required to keep up high level of knowledge and positive attitude pertaining to HIV/AIDS to reduce risk behavior, prevent disease transmission, and improve quality of life.

Neonatal factors associated with HIV long term non-progressors in a cohort of vertically infected children in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ("Peixe" Project)

There are only scarce data on HIV progression in vertically infected children in developing countries. The aim of this study is to describe factors from neonatal period associated with long term non-progression (LTNP), in a Brazilian cohort. A cohort study, with data systematically collected from the "Peixe" Cohort (cohort study of children conducted at the main HIV Pediatric Center in Rio de Janeiro, from 1996 to 2005). The study included children who were vertically infected and started follow up at 5 years of age or younger. LTNP, defined as not reaching category C or severe immunosuppression before 5 years of age. Neonatal and demographic factors were studied. Variables with p-value<0.15 were included in a logistic regression model. 213 patients were included, of whom 42 percent (89/213) were classified as LTNP. Variables independently associated with LTNP were: baseline (at study entry) CD4+ cells (per percent) (OR= 1.06, 95 percentCI=1.01-1.12); age of initiating follow-up, per month (OR= 1.03, 95 percentCI=1.01-1.06); ZDV use duriing newborn period (OR= 3.31, 95 percentCI=0.86-12.71); use of antiretroviral (ART) before classification C or severe immunosuppression (OR= 5.89, 95 percentCI=2.03-17.10). Adjusting for age at the beginning of follow-up, antiretroviral that was unsuccessfully used to prevent maternal-to-child transmission (ZDV use in neonatal period) was associated with better prognosis. ARTs initiation before category C or severe immunosuppression was also associated with LTNP.