Situación epidemiológica de VIH a nivel global y nacional: Puesta al día / Epidemiological situation of HIV at global and national level: update

INTRODUCCIÓN: En las cuatro décadas de la epidemia por VIH, se han observado avances notables que han contribuido a una disminución progresiva en la incidencia de nuevas infecciones y en la mortalidad a nivel mundial. Sin embargo, no ha ocurrido lo mismo en Latinoamérica y en Chile. OBJETIVO: Esta revisión tiene como objetivo conocer la epidemiología actual a nivel global, latinoamericano y chileno. METODOLOGÍA: Se analizaron los informes epidemiológicos oficiales de infección por VIH emitidos por organismos nacionales e internacionales, más los estudios epidemiológicos nacionales. RESULTADOS: Se estima que 39 millones de personas viven con VIH en el mundo; no obstante, la mortalidad y la incidencia de nuevos casos han disminuido de forma notoria durante las últimas dos décadas, asociado a una expansión en al acceso a terapia antirretroviral en forma global. A diferencia del resto del mundo, América Latina presenta una tendencia de alza en las nuevas infecciones y Chile registra un aumento de 35% en nuevos casos durante los últimos 10 años, coincidiendo con un aumento en los flujos de migrantes que ha afectado a la región. Algunas estrategias preventivas como la profilaxis pre exposición se han implementa-do a un ritmo lento, tanto a nivel mundial, como latinoamericano. CONCLUSIONES: La epidemiología del VIH presenta características propias regionales y nacionales. En particular en Chile, diversos factores incluyendo déficit en políticas públicas de prevención y los recientes flujos migratorios han modelado nuestra actual epidemia. El desafío presente debe contemplar los esfuerzos multisectoriales para lograr los objetivos de ONUSIDA en esta década.

BACKGROUND: Over the course of the last four decades of global HIV epidemic, significant improvements have contributed to gradually reduce the frequency of new infections and global mortality rates. However, in Latin America particularly in Chile, new infections continue increasing. AIM: This review aims to comprehend the_epidemiology today on a worldwide, Latin American, and Chilean scale. METHODS: National epidemiology studies and official HIV reports from international and national organizations were reviewed. RESULTS: It is estimated that 39 million people live with HIV worldwide; however, mortality and the incidence of new cases have decreased markedly over the last two decades, associated with an expansion in access to antiretroviral therapy globally. In contrast to the rest of the world, Latin America shows an upward trend in new infections, with Chile registering a 35% increase in new cases over the last 10 years, coinciding with an increase in migratory flows that has occurred throughout the region. Some preventive strategies, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis, have been implemented at a slow pace, both globally and in Latin America. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiology of HIV has regional and national characteristics. Specifically in Chile, several factors, including deficits in public prevention policies and recent migratory flows, have shaped our current epidemic. The present challenge must contemplate multisectoral efforts to achieve the UNAIDS objectives during this decade.

Avances en el tratamiento de los niños y adolescentes con infección por HIV / Advances in the treatment of children and adolescents with HIV infection

El uso de antirretrovirales (ARV) en el embarazo, el parto y el recién nacido y la aplicación de tratamientos combinados en los niños se han asociado con una disminución del sida en pediatría y el aumento de la sobrevida. La introducción de los inhibidores de integrasa en una dosis diaria ha eliminado barreras para la adherencia, pero los medicamentos orales diarios continúan planteando problemas de privacidad y estigma. Las nuevas tecnologías de administración de los medicamentos y las nuevas drogas junto con la combinación de ARV y los anticuerpos ampliamente neutralizantes (bNAb), ofrecen un potencial de opciones futuras para el tratamiento pediátrico del HIV. Los bNAb son anticuerpos que pueden reconocer diferentes tipos de HIV, bloquear su entrada en las células sanas y ayudar a destruir las células ya infectadas, pueden administrarse por vía parenteral y constituyen un enfoque novedoso y seguro con potencial para el tratamiento y la prevención del HIV, incluida la transmisión vertical. En los lactantes que contraen HIV, los bNAb podrían ofrecer ventajas terapéuticas al reducir el reservorio del virus, mejorar la inmunidad adquirida y, en el futuro, proporcionar un camino hacia la cura funcional. Dentro de los ARV inyectables de acción prolongada, cabotegravir/ rilpivirina se ha incorporado en las guías internacionales de adultos y adolescentes tanto para el tratamiento como para la prevención. A medida que el tratamiento del HIV en adultos va evolucionando, es fundamental asegurar que los neonatos, lactantes, niños y adolescentes tengan acceso a las mejores opciones de tratamiento y prevención a lo largo de su vida (AU)

The use of antiretrovirals (ARVs) during pregnancy, delivery, and in the newborn and the use of combination therapy in children have been associated with a decrease in pediatric AIDS and increased survival. The introduction of once-daily integrase inhibitors has removed barriers to adherence, but daily oral medications continue to pose privacy and stigma issues. New drug delivery technologies and new drugs along with the combination of ARVs and broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) offer potential future options for pediatric HIV treatment. bNAbs are antibodies that can recognize different types of HIV, block their entry into healthy cells and help destroy already infected cells, can be delivered parenterally, and represent a novel and safe approach with potential for the treatment and prevention of HIV, including mother-to-child transmission. In infants who contract HIV, bNBAs could offer therapeutic advantages by reducing the viral reservoir, enhancing acquired immunity and, in the future, providing a pathway to a functional cure. Within the long-acting injectable ARVs, cabotegravir/rilpivirine has been incorporated into international guidelines for adults and adolescents for both treatment and prevention. As adult HIV treatment evolves, it is critical to ensure that newborns, infants, children and adolescents have access to the best treatment and prevention options throughout their lives (AU)

Adolescentes gays, bissexuais e outros homens que fazem sexo com homens: interseccionalidade e continuum de cuidado de PrEP / Gay and bisexual adolescents and other men who have sex with men: intersectionality and the PrEP care continuum

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Analisar os impactos dos sistemas de opressão intersectados no continuum do cuidado de profilaxia pré-exposição sexual (CCPrEP) entre gays, bissexuais e outros homens que fazem sexo com homens (aGBHSH) e como estes são identificados e tratados por profissionais de saúde (PS), visando o cuidado à saúde sexual e prevenção do HIV. MÉTODOS: Estudo de investigação qualitativa integrado a uma pesquisa de coorte com aGBHSH e mulheres transexuais e travestis (aMTrT) em uso de PrEP. Foram analisados dados produzidos na cidade de São Paulo, integrando 16 entrevistas com aGBHSH e oito com PS. O referencial teórico metodológico se orientou pela categorização interativa de análise temática com enquadramento interseccional. RESULTADOS: Os conhecimentos sobre PrEP dos aGBHSH são afetados pelos efeitos negativos dos sistemas de opressão, sobretudo entre adolescentes negros que adquirem conhecimento de forma menos técnica quando comparados aos brancos. A maioria dos profissionais enxerga as opressões e as suas consequências, e confere protagonismo ao racismo, mas poucos articulam os diferentes marcadores sociais que potencializam barreiras para o sucesso do CCPrEP. CONCLUSÕES: As opressões sociais impactam o sucesso do CCPrEP de diferentes maneiras. Os PS são centrais para mitigação e não propagação dessas experiências negativas dentro do serviço de saúde e no acesso, uso e adesão à PrEP.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of intersecting systems of oppression on the continuum of PrEP care among adolescent gays, bisexuals, and other men who have sex with men (aGBMSM), and to examine how health professionals (HP) identify and address these challenges to provide sexual health care and HIV prevention. METHODS: This qualitative exploratory study was part of a cohort research project involving aGBMSM, travesties, and transgender women (aTrTW) using PrEP. Data analyzed consisted of 16 interviews with aGBMSM and eight with health professionals (HPs) in São Paulo study site. The methodological and theoretical framework for the interactive categorization of thematic analysis was based on an intersectional approach. RESULTS: The knowledge of aGBMSM about PrEP was influenced by the adverse effects of systems of oppression, particularly among Black adolescents, who acquired knowledge in a less technical manner compared to White adolescents. Most professionals recognized oppression and its impact on the PrEP care continuum (PrEPCC), especially noting the presence of racism. However, few articulated how different social markers compound barriers to the success of the PrEPCC. CONCLUSION: Social oppression affects the success of the PrEP care continuum (PrEPCC) in multiple ways. Health professionals (HPs) play a crucial role in mitigating and not perpetuating these negative experiences within health services, as well as in PrEP access, use, and adherence.

Família, escola e grupo de pares: agentes nos processos de socialização para a sexualidade de adolescentes / Family, school and peer group: agents in the socialization processes for adolescent sexuality

A partir das transformações sócio-culturais advindas notadamente de conquistas do movimento feminista, o comportamento sexual contemporâneo vem sendo (re)modelado, de modo que as possibilidades de experimentação sexual na juventude e na adolescência apresentam-se expandidas. Tais conquistas abarcam, contudo, alguns desafios para adolescentes, incluindo o aprendizado de regras sociais que regem as relações entre as gerações, assim como entre os gêneros, ao lado do manejo dos cuidados contraceptivos e preventivos contra IST/HIV, que se apresentam como questões relevantes nas áreas da Saúde Sexual e Saúde Reprodutiva. Nesta tese, busco compreender os papéis desempenhados por algumas instâncias socializadoras, dentre as quais a família, a escola e os grupos de pares, nos processos de aprendizado da sexualidade de adolescentes, buscando desvelar lógicas associadas a adoção de práticas de contracepção e de prevenção, relacionadas ao contexto de vida e às relações de gênero vivenciadas. Trata-se de pesquisa de natureza qualitativa, onde foram entrevistados 24 adolescentes, garotos e garotas, estudantes, com idades entre 15 a 19 anos. O tratamento e análise das narrativas apontou para a relevância da aceitação da sexualidade adolescente, ao lado da manutenção de uma relação de confiança entre adolescentes e cuidadores. Tais elementos figuram como propiciadores da construção da autonomia sexual de adolescentes, além de fortalecerem as possibilidades de construção de bons relacionamentos afetivos por adolescentes, favorecendo a adoção de práticas contraceptivas e preventivas de IST/HIV.

Based on the socio-cultural transformations resulting notably from the achievements of the feminist movement, contemporary sexual behavior has been (re)modeled, so that the possibilities for sexual experimentation in youth and adolescence have expanded. Such achievements, however, include some challenges for adolescents, including learning social rules that govern relationships between generations, as well as between genders, alongside the management of contraceptive and preventive care against STI/HIV, which present themselves as issues relevant in the areas of Sexual Health and Reproductive Health. In this thesis, I seek to understand the roles played by some socializing bodies, including the family, school and peer groups, in the processes of learning about adolescent sexuality, seeking to reveal logics associated with the adoption of contraception and prevention practices, related to the context of life and gender relations experienced. This is qualitative research, where 24 teenagers, boys and girls, students, aged between 15 and 19 were interviewed. The treatment and analysis of the narratives pointed to the relevance of accepting adolescent sexuality, alongside maintaining a relationship of trust between adolescents and caregivers. Such elements appear to facilitate the construction of adolescents' sexual autonomy, in addition to strengthening the possibilities for the construction of good emotional relationships by adolescents, favoring the adoption of contraceptive and STI/HIV preventive practices.

Prevenção combinada do HIV: estamos diante de um novo paradigma? / Combined HIV prevention: are we facing a new paradigm? / Prevención combinada del VIH: ¿estamos ante un nuevo paradigma?

Objetivo: refletir sobre a estratégia da prevenção combinada do HIV como um novo paradigma de prevenção. Conteúdo: trata-se de uma análise reflexiva do documento norteador da resposta brasileira a epidemia do HIV: "Prevenção combinado do HIV: bases conceituais para profissionais, trabalhadores(as) e gestores(as) de saúde", proposta pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil, à luz do referencial de Thomas Kuhn em sua obra, "A estrutura das revoluções científicas". O "novo" paradigma, a prevenção combinada, não evidencia mudanças estruturais nas estratégias de prevenção, apenas realiza incorporações de novas tecnologias em sua política. Considerações finais: a prevenção combinada do HIV não se apresenta como um novo paradigma de prevenção na resposta brasileira à epidemia, mas como uma reorganização das estratégias de prevenção dos paradigmas já vigentes(AU)

Objective: to reflect on the combined HIV prevention strategy as a new prevention paradigm. Content: this is a reflective analysis of the guiding document of the Brazilian response to the HIV epidemic: "Combined HIV prevention: conceptual bases for professionals, workers and health managers", proposed by the Ministry of Health of Brazil, in the light of Thomas Kuhn's reference in his work, "The structure of scientific revolutions". The "new" paradigm, combined prevention, does not show structural changes in prevention strategies, it only incorporates new technologies into its policy. Final considerations: combined HIV prevention is not presented as a new prevention paradigm in the Brazilian response to the epidemic, but as a reorganization of prevention strategies from existing paradigms(AU)

Objetivo: reflexionar sobre la estrategia combinada de prevención del VIH como nuevo paradigma de prevención. Contenido: se trata de un análisis reflexivo del documento orientador de la respuesta brasileña a la epidemia del VIH: "Prevención combinada del VIH: bases conceptuales para profesionales, trabajadores y gestores de salud", propuesto por el Ministerio de Salud de Brasil, a la luz de Referencia de Thomas Kuhn en su obra, "La estructura de las revoluciones científicas". El "nuevo" paradigma, de la prevención combinada, no muestra cambios estructurales en las estrategias de prevención, solo incorpora nuevas tecnologías a su política. Consideraciones finales: la prevención combinada del VIH no se presenta como un nuevo paradigma de prevención en la respuesta brasileña a la epidemia, sino como una reorganización de las estrategias de prevención a partir de los paradigmas existentes(AU)

Conocimiento y conductas de riesgo de VIH/SIDA en adolescentes chilenos pertenecientes a colegios urbano y rural: ¿Es necesario enfocar la promoción y prevención de la enfermedad con pertinencia territorial? / Knowledge and HIV/AIDS risk behaviors of Chilean adolescents attending urban and rural schools. Is it necessary to focus the prevention strategies according to territorial relevance?

BACKGROUND: HIV infection has sustained increased in the Chilean young population. In order to focus on sexual education in adolescents, it is first necessary to establish the degree of knowledge and risk behaviors in this group. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the degree of knowledge and HIV/AIDS risk behaviors in adolescents from rural and urban schools. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 385 adolescents between 14 and 18 years old. Through an anonymous survey, sociodemographic data, knowledge about HIV/ AIDS, risk behaviors, and ways of accessing information were collected. RESULTS: A third of the adolescents surveyed (33.6%) reported having initiated sexual activity, primarily men. Rural students showed lower knowledge of HIV/AIDS. 32.2% of individuals who initiated sexual activity reported nonuse or rarely use of condoms, and only 4.4% of students have had an HIV detection/diagnostic test. Although the students had received information mainly from their teachers, they reported that if they needed help, they would go to health centers, youth programs, and, to a lesser extent, to teachers. They also preferred access to information in workshops, on the Internet, and social networks. CONCLUSIONS: We observed regular knowledge of HIV/AIDS among adolescents. Rural students showed less knowledge and several risk behaviors. These findings emphasize the need to establish sexual education strategies in adolescents, considering the territory and the use of new technologies.

Estado de vacunación en pacientes con riesgo de enfermedades invasoras por bacterias capsuladas en un hospital pediátrico de Buenos Aires / Vaccination status in patients at risk for invasive disease with encapsulated bacteria at a children's hospital in the City of Buenos Aires

Introducción. El Ministerio de Salud contempla vacunas específicas para personas con riesgo elevado de infecciones invasoras por bacterias capsuladas (BC). En la actualidad se desconoce el cumplimiento del programa. El objetivo fue evaluar el estado de vacunación para BC en ≤ 18 años con factores de riesgo. Población y métodos. Estudio observacional, analítico, mediante encuesta a padres de ≤ 18 años con VIH, asplenia y/o déficit de complemento que concurrieron al vacunatorio de un hospital pediátrico de octubre de 2020 a septiembre de 2021. Se recabaron datos sociodemográficos y clínicos. Se evaluó el estado de vacunación para BC: neumococo, meningococo y Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib), calendario regular y antigripal. Se administró la escala de reticencia a la vacunación (ERV): rango 10-50. Se analizó la asociación entre las variables estudiadas y la vacunación para BC mediante regresión logística (OR, IC95%). Se utilizó la base datos REDCap® y STATA vs14®. Resultados. Participaron 104 sujetos, media 9,9 años (DE 4,4). Asplenia: 91,3 %, VIH: 7,6 % y déficit de complemento: 0,9 %. Nivel socioeconómico: pobreza relativa: 38,4 %, seguido por clase media: 37,5 %. Estado de vacunación completa para meningococo: 45 %, neumococo: 42 %, Hib: 97 %. El 77,9 % tenía al día el calendario regular y el 61,5 %, el antigripal. Media ERV: 41,9 (DE 3,2). No se encontraron asociaciones significativas entre las variables y el estado de vacunación para BC. Conclusiones. Un elevado porcentaje no tenía vacunación completa para BC, tampoco el calendario regular y antigripal. La confianza en la vacunación de los cuidadores fue elevada.

Introduction. The Ministry of Health has established specific vaccines for people at high risk for invasive infections with encapsulated bacteria (EB). There is currently no information about compliance with the vaccination schedule. Our objective was to assess EB vaccination status in subjects ≤ 18 years with risk factors. Population and methods. Observational, analytical study with a survey to parents of subjects aged ≤ 18 years with HIV, asplenia and/or complement deficiency attending a vaccination center at a children's hospital between October 2020 and September 2021. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Their vaccination status for the EB pneumococcus, meningococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), their regular vaccination and flu vaccination schedules were assessed. The vaccine hesitancy scale (VHS) was administered: range 10­50. The association between the study variables and EB vaccination was analyzed using logistic regression (OR, 95% CI). The REDCap® database and the STATA® v.14 software were used. Results. A total of 104 subjects participated; mean age: 9.9 years (SD: 4.4). Asplenia: 91.3%, HIV: 7.6%, and complement deficiency: 0.9%. Socioeconomic level: relative poverty: 38.4%, followed by middle class: 37.5%. Complete vaccination status: meningococcal vaccine 45%, pneumococcal vaccine: 42%, Hib: 97%. The regular vaccination and flu vaccination schedules were up-to-date in 77.9% and 61.5% of cases, respectively. Mean VHS score: 41.9 (SD: 3.2). No significant associations were observed between variables and EB vaccination status. Conclusions. A high percentage of subjects had not completed neither their EB vaccination nor their regular or their flu vaccination schedules. Caregivers' confidence in vaccines was high.

Clinical-epidemiological characterization of women who received post-exposure HIV prophylaxis in a public hospital in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul / Caracterização clínico-epidemiológica de mulheres que receberam a profilaxia pós-exposição ao HIV em um hospital público de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul

Introduction: Prevention strategies are key to combating the epidemic of infections such as HIV and syphilis. The epidemiological scenario of Porto Alegre/RS for these infections shows the need for greater efforts in the area of prevention, seeking to characterize both the population that uses these strategies and the services involved in the care of exposed people. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients who received post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to HIV treated in a public hospital in Porto Alegre/RS. Methods: This is a retrospective, research, descriptive study based on the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for PEP, updated in 2018 by the Ministry of Health. Prophylaxis request forms and medical records of patients treated were analyzed. Results: The population consisted of 87 women who received PEP from January to September 2019. There was a predominance of women aged between 20 and 29 years old (55.2%). The most frequent sexual exposure was consensual (69.0%) followed by sexual assault (31.0%). Porto Alegre was the place of residence of most patients (73.6%). The most frequently used therapeutic regimen was the combination of atazanavir, ritonavir, and tenofovir plus lamivudine. On the first visit, 8.0% of the patients showed reactive results for the treponemal syphilis test. Only 23.0% and 14.9% of patients returned for anti-HIV tests in the first and third months after exposure, respectively, and the results were non-reactive. Only 19 patients (21.8%) attended the consultations between 0 and 28 days after PEP. Conclusion: It was identified that a considerable percentage of women already had reactive serology for syphilis, most women did not return for follow-up within 28 and 90 days after the first consultation, more than half of the women were aged between 20 and 29 years old, and the most frequent sexual exposure was consensual. In this sense, efforts are needed, such as adequate counseling, adoption of interventions such as sending messages by cell phone, telephone calls, and preparation of educational materials, seeking to improve adherence to treatment and follow-up in the service, which is important given the scenario of epidemiology in Porto Alegre.Keywords: HIV. Sexually transmitted diseases. Post-exposure prophylaxis. Disease prevention

Introdução: Estratégias de prevenção são fundamentais para o combate à epidemia de infecções como o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) e sífilis. O cenário epidemiológico de Porto Alegre/RS para essas infecções mostra a necessidade de maiores esforços na área de prevenção, buscando caracterizar tanto a população que utiliza essas estratégias quanto os serviços envolvidos no atendimento das pessoas expostas. Objetivo: Caracterizar o perfil clínico-epidemiológico das pacientes que receberam a profilaxia pós-exposição (PEP) ao HIV atendidas em um hospital público de Porto Alegre/RS. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo, documental, descritivo e baseado no Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas para PEP, atualizado em 2021 pelo Ministério da Saúde. Foram analisados os formulários de solicitação da profilaxia e prontuários das pacientes atendidas. Resultados: A população foi composta de 87 mulheres que receberam a PEP no período de janeiro a setembro de 2019. Predominaram mulheres com idades entre 20 e 29 anos (55,2%). A exposição sexual mais frequente foi a consentida (69,0%), seguida pela violência sexual (31,0%). Porto Alegre foi o local de residência da maioria das pacientes (73,6%). O esquema terapêutico utilizado com maior frequência foi a combinação com atazanavir, ritonavir e tenofovir associado à lamivudina. No primeiro atendimento, 8,0% das pacientes demonstraram resultados reagentes para o teste treponêmico de sífilis. Retornaram para a realização dos testes anti-HIV no primeiro e terceiro mês após a exposição apenas 23,0 e 14,9% das pacientes, respectivamente, e os resultados foram não reagentes. Apenas 19 delas (21,8%) compareceram às consultas entre zero e 28 dias posteriores à PEP. Conclusão: Foi identificado que um percentual considerável de mulheres já apresentava sorologia reagente para sífilis, a maioria das mulheres não retornou para o seguimento no período de 28 e 90 dias após o primeiro atendimento, mais da metade delas tinha idade entre 20 e 29 anos e a exposição sexual mais frequente foi a consentida. Nesse sentido, são necessários esforços como aconselhamento adequado, adoção de intervenções como o envio de mensagens pelo celular, ligações telefônicas e elaboração de materiais educativos, buscando a melhoria da adesão ao tratamento e do acompanhamento no serviço, o que é importante diante do cenário epidemiológico de Porto Alegre.Palavras-chave: HIV. Infecções sexualmente transmissíveis. Profilaxia pós-exposição. Prevenção

Knowledge on post-exposure prophylaxis, sexual behavior, and vulnerabilities to HIV and other STIs among young adults in Brazil

Introduction: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is the use of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) to reduce the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection after potential risk exposure. ARV-based interventions are recommended as part of combination HIV prevention, especially for key populations. Objective: The aim of this study was to measure knowledge about PEP among university students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on university students from the Health, Education, Exact, and Human Sciences Departments of the State University of Bahia, Brazil. Sociodemographic data, information on sexual behavior, and knowledge of PEP were collected through a standardized self-applied questionnaire. Results: We analyzed 1580 questionnaires, of which 66.7% (1024/1536) were from females, with a mean age of 23.9 (±6.5) years, and 35.4% (448/1264) reported irregular use of condoms and regular use was not associated with being students from the health area (p=0.44, OR 0.90, 95%CI 0.69­1.17). Regarding PEP, 28.5% (449/1578) had known about it and their knowledge was statistically associated with men who have sex with men (MSM) (p<0.01, OR 3.92, 95%CI 2.45­6.28). It was noted that 94.0% (1485/1579) did not know the time limit for starting PEP, 95.1% (1500/1578) did not know the duration of prophylaxis, and 91.1% (1437/1577) did not know where to get PEP. Finally, 0.4% (7/1578) referred to previous use and 96.6% (1488/1540) would not change their sexual behavior after knowing about PEP. Conclusion: PEP is a prevention strategy available for decades and is safe, effective, and cost-effective. However, it is underutilized and a lack of knowledge on PEP is one of the main obstacles to access. Among university students, there is a limited knowledge about PEP acting as a barrier in preventing new infections, which shows the need for interventions based on sexual-health education, stimulating the reduction of risk behaviors and disseminating information about combination prevention.

Introdução: A Profilaxia Pós-Exposição (PEP) é o uso de medicamentos antirretrovirais (ARVs) para reduzir o risco de infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) após uma potencial exposição. Intervenções baseadas em ARV são recomendadas como parte da prevenção combinada do HIV, especialmente para populações-chave. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi medir o conhecimento sobre PEP entre estudantes universitários. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado entre universitários dos Departamentos de Saúde, Educação, Ciências Exatas e Humanas da Universidade do Estado da Bahia, Brasil. Dados sociodemográficos, informações sobre comportamento sexual e conhecimento sobre PEP foram coletados por meio de um questionário autoaplicável padronizado. Resultados: Foram analisados 1.580 questionários, 66,7% (1024/1536) do sexo feminino, idade média de 23,9 (±6,5) anos, 35,4% (448/1264) relatam uso irregular de preservativo, e o uso regular não foi associado ao fato de ser estudante da área da saúde (p=0,44, OR 0,90, IC95% 0,69-1,17). Em relação à PEP, 28,5% (449/1578) já tinham ouvido falar, e seu conhecimento foi estatisticamente associado a homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) (p<0,01, OR 3,92, IC95% 2,45­6,28). Destaca-se que 94,0% (1485/1579) não sabiam o tempo limite para iniciar o PEP, 95,1% (1500/1578) não sabiam o tempo de duração da profilaxia e 91,1% (1437/1577) não sabiam onde conseguir o PEP. Por fim, 0,4% (7/1578) referiu uso anterior e 96,6% (1488/1540) não mudaria seu comportamento sexual após saber da PEP. Conclusão: A PEP é uma estratégia de prevenção disponível há décadas, segura, eficaz e de baixo custo, porém, é subutilizada e seu desconhecimento é um dos principais obstáculos ao acesso. Há um conhecimento limitado sobre PEP entre universitários, destacando-se como uma barreira na prevenção de novas infecções, o que evidencia a necessidade de intervenções baseadas na educação em saúde sexual, estimulando a redução de comportamentos de risco e disseminando informações sobre prevenção combinada.

Fatores associados à exposição ao HIV em usuários de álcool / Factors associated with HIV exposure in alcohol users

Introdução: A prevalência de HIV é maior em Porto Alegre comparada ao restante do país. O abuso de álcool afeta o juízo crítico, sendo associado a comportamentos de risco que podem levar à contaminação pelo HIV. Objetiva-se analisar fatores associados à exposição ao HIV em alcoolistas com práticas sexuais de risco comparando com aqueles que se previnem.Métodos: Estudo transversal com 126 homens alcoolistas (HIV negativo), divididos em 2 grupos: Exposto Sexual (n = 42) e Pouco Exposto Sexual (n = 84), considerando uso de preservativo e número de parceiros sexuais.Resultados: A maioria dos sujeitos do grupo Exposto Sexual era solteiro, sem ocupação laboral, com histórico de moradia de rua e de relação com profissional do sexo, apresentavam maior preocupação com infecção por HIV (p < 0,05).Conclusão: Sugere-se o desenvolvimento e monitoramento de intervenções preventivas específicas, considerando as características do abuso de álcool e seu papel na transmissão do HIV.

Introduction: The HIV prevalence is higher in Porto Alegre compared to other capitals in Brazil. Alcohol abuse affects critical judgment, being associated with risky behaviors that can lead to HIV infection. Aim:To analyze factors associated with exposure to HIV in alcohol users, comparing those with risky sexual practices and those who use prevention methods.Methods: Cross-sectional study with 126 male alcohol users (HIV negative), divided into 2 groups: Sexually Exposed (n = 42) and Less Sexually Exposed (n = 84), considering condom use and number of sexual partners.Results: Most subjects in the Sexually Exposed group were single, without a job, with a history of homelessness and a relationship with a sexual worker, and were more concerned about HIV infection (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The development and monitoring of specific preventive interventions is suggested, considering the characteristics of alcohol abuse and its role in HIV transmission.

Tajectories of the self-efficacy of HIV testing among MSM based on latent class growth model / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To analyze the trajectories of HIV testing self-efficacy among men who have sex with men (MSM) based on latent class growth model. Methods: From August 2019 to May 2021, 404 MSM were recruited in Shandong Province and subjected to a 1-year follow-up study with individual intervention (pushing intervention pictures and videos in WeChat and follow-up questionnaires) and community intervention (forwarding to friends and sharing and discussing HIV testing-related information in WeChat groups). The level of HIV testing self-efficacy among MSM was measured. The long-term trend of HIV testing self-efficacy was analyzed using the latent class growth model (LCGM), and the influencing factors of the trend were analyzed. Results: A total of 404 MSM were (28.25±8.95) years old, with the oldest being 58 and the youngest being 18. The scores of HIV testing self-efficacy M(Q1, Q3) at baseline and 4 follow-ups were 18.00 (17.00, 21.00), 19.00 (18.00, 22.00), 19.00 (18.00, 22.00), 19.00 (18.00, 22.00) and 19.00 (18.00, 22.00). The results of the freely estimated two-category LCGM model showed that the trend of HIV testing self-efficacy among MSM could be divided into two classes, "intervention response group" [255(63.1%)] and "intervention non-response group" [149(36.9%)]. The former had a higher level of HIV testing self-efficacy which tended to increase at first and then decrease over time, while the latter had a lower and more stable level. The results of the multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that the OR values of MSM in business or service and jobless or unemployed were 0.261 (95%CI: 0.108-0.633) and 0.186 (95%CI: 0.057-0.610), respectively, using the students as the reference group. Conclusion: There is a group heterogeneity in the trend of HIV testing self-efficacy in the intervention conditions among MSM, and occupation may be an influencing factor.

Association between response to repeated negative HIV testing and risk sexual behaviors in men who have sex with men in Chengdu / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To investigate the association between the response to repeated negative HIV testing and the risk sexual behaviors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chengdu. Methods: A total of 610 MSM were recruited by convenience sampling method through Chengdu Tongle Health Consultation Service Centre from March to May 2022. Data were collected from the MSM through questionnaire survey, including the demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors in the past 6 months, the response to rerpeated negative HIV testing. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were conducted to analyze the association between the response to repeated negative HIV testing and risk sexual behavior. Results: A total of 579 (94.9%) participants participated in the questionnaire survey and 354 (61.1%) subjects were included in the study.For the negative HIV testing, some MSM believed that they had taken effective protection measures (17.03±2.20), some believed that they were lucky (7.50±1.87) and some believed that they were at low risk (8.87±3.62). Multivariate logistic regression model showed that protected sexual behavior was negatively associated with group sex (aOR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.67-0.95), lucky was positively associated with casual sex (aOR=1.20, 95%CI: 1.06-1.35), inconsistent condom use (aOR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.06-1.37), group sex (aOR=1.26, 95%CI: 1.00-1.60), and multiple sexual partners (aOR=1.24, 95%CI: 1.09-1.42) and low risk perception was positively associated with multiple sexual partners only (aOR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.01-1.15). Conclusions: There were high levels of recognition of protected sexual behavior and lucky dimensions in response to repeated negative HIV testing and well risk perception in MSM in Chengdu. In HIV testing and counseling services, intervention and risk warning should be strengthened in MSM who believed that they are lucky to improve their awareness of safe sex and reduce the negative effects of fluke mind.

Progress in research on HIV cluster detection and response / 中华流行病学杂志

HIV cluster detection and response (CDR) is a critical strategy to end the HIV epidemic by offering information to identify prevention and care services gaps. The risk metrics for HIV clusters can be classified into three groups: growth-based metrics, characteristic-based metrics, and phylogeny-based metrics. When identifying HIV risk clusters, the public health response can reach people in the affected networks, including people with undiagnosed HIV, people with diagnosed HIV who might not be accessing HIV care or other services, and people without HIV who would benefit from prevention services. To provide references for HIV precise prevention in China, we summarized the risk metrics and the intervention measures for CDR.

Status and associated factors of pre-exposure prophylaxis use among men who have sex with men in 24 cities in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To understand the cognition and medication use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China and its associated factors. Method: From August 25 to September 5, 2021, 2 447 MSM were recruited in 24 cities to complete the online questionnaire through a male social interaction platform, Blued 7.5 software. The survey contents included demographic information of the respondents, PrEP awareness and usage, and risk behaviors. Descriptive analysis and multi-level logistic regression were performed for data analysis. SPSS 24.0 and SAS 9.4 software were used for statistical analysis. Results: Among the 2 447 respondents of MSM, 1 712 (69.96%) had heard of PrEP, 437 (17.86%) ever used PrEP, 274 (11.20%) were on PrEP, and 163 (6.66%) had discontinued PrEP; among the 437 cases (whoever used PrEP), more than 61.88% (388/627) adopted emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate regimen, and most of them adopted on-demand regimen. The average PrEP dosage reported in the past year is 1.12 tabletsper person per week. PrEP purchase was primarily via an online channel, and the most concerned factor was the PrEP effectiveness on HIV prevention. The most common reasons for discontinuing PrEP, reported by 163 cases, were the lack of HIV risk perception, the use of a condom to prevent HIV, and the economic burden of PrEP use. The logistic regression analysis showed that PrEP use among MSM in 24 cities was statistically associated with age, monthly income, ever having unprotected anal sex in the past year, used sexual drugs and sexually transmitted disease (STD) diagnosis in the past year. Compared with MSM aged 18-24, the proportion of MSM was relatively lower among those aged 25-44, who discontinued the PrEP (aOR=0.54,95%CI:0.34-0.87) or never used PrEP (aOR=0.62,95%CI:0.44-0.87). The proportion of unprotected anal sex among MSM currently on PrEP use was higher than those who have stopped PrEP and never used PrEP (all P<0.05). Those MSM group, with monthly income higher than 5 000 Yuan, used sexual drugs and STD diagnosis in the past year were more likely to have a higher rate for PrEP usage (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Currently, pre-exposure prophylaxis in the MSM group is primarily obtained via the online channel and adopted in an on-demand mode. Although the PrEP users have reached a certain proportion, it is still necessary to strengthen health education on the PrEP effects and side effects of MSM and to improve the awareness and use rate, especially for young MSM group, which can be combined with the advantages of the internet targeting its needs and use barriers.

Estimate the population size of transgender women based on the capture-recapture method in Tianjin / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To investigate the population size of transgender women (TGW) in Tianjin and analyze the characteristics of their sexual behaviors to provide a basis for AIDS prevention and control. Methods: To estimate the population size of TGW in Tianjin using the capture-recapture method. At the same time, an anonymous questionnaire was collected to conduct a multi-factor logistic analysis of the TGW population's sexual behavior. Results: A total of 213 TGW were investigated. Tianjin's estimated TGW population size was 599 (95%CI: 407-792). Multivariate logistic analysis of the use of condoms consistently showed that compared with TGW without regular sex partners, those with regular sex partners had a lower proportion of consistent condom use (aOR=0.44, 95%CI: 0.23-0.82) and had received HIV tests in the last year were more likely to adhere to condom use than those who had not been tested (aOR=2.73, 95%CI: 1.06-6.99). Conclusion: It is necessary to strengthen HIV mobilization testing among the TGW population and their regular sexual partners to improve condom use.

Avaliação de fatores preditores de sífilis e adesão a PrEP oral diária entre gays, bissexuais e outros homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH), mulheres transgênero e travestis (MTTr) com risco substancial de infecção pelo HIV em estudo multicêntrico demonstrativo da efetividade da profilaxia pré-exposição (PrEP). Estudo PrEP1519 Brasil / Assessment of predictors of syphilis and adherence to daily oral PrEP among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women and transvestites (MTTr) at substantial risk of HIV infection in a multicenter study demonstrating the effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP1519 Brazil Study

Os jovens e adolescentes são um grupo desproporcionalmente acometido pelo HIV. Ser adolescente gay, bissexual, travesti ou transgênero, é enfrentar desafios ainda maiores em termos de risco e vulnerabilidade ao HIV e outras infecções sexualmente transmissíveis, fato pelo qual estes grupos representam uma população-chave para a implementação de intervenções estruturais, comportamentais e biomédicas. A PrEP é uma estratégia que tem se mostrado segura e eficaz na prevenção da infecção pelo HIV, entre esta e outras populações-chave. Entretanto, ainda se sabe muito pouco sobre o real impacto de seu uso no cotidiano dos jovens e adolescentes. O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar os fatores sociodemográficos e de práticas sexuais basais relacionados com à prevalência de sífilis na entrada e os marcadores ou preditores de adesão à PrEP por autorrelato entre adolescentes Gays, Bissexuais e outros Homens que fazem Sexo com Homens (HSH), Mulheres Transgênero e Travestis (MTTr) de 15-19 anos com riso de infecção pelo HIV. O projeto PrEP1519 é um estudo de coorte demonstrativo multicêntrico brasileiro, aprovado pelo comitê de ética em pesquisa da OMS, pela CONEP e COEP das Universidades participantes (UFMG, UFBA e USP). A inclusão foi voluntária após processo de consentimento livre e esclarecido e assinatura dos Termos de Consentimento ou Assentimento (TCLE, TALE). Os participantes foram alocados em dois grupos: com ou sem uso de PrEP, conforme avaliação de vulnerabilidade e preferência. As análises foram realizadas com as diversas dimensões de vulnerabilidade de infecção ao HIV, e modelos de regressão logística foram construídos para estimar as razões de chance da associação entre as variáveis preditoras e os níveis de adesão nas visitas M1, M6 e M12, assim como sua associação com um teste treponêmico positivo para sífilis na entrada do estudo. Foram analisados 935 participantes. A idade mediana foi 19 anos (IIQ: 18-19), 69% (645) se auto identificaram como negros (pardos/pretos), 91,1% (852) como homens cisgênero e 8,8% (82) como mulheres trans ou travestis. Aproximadamente 26% (251) dos participantes apresentaram ao longo dos 12 meses de seguimento uma adesão insuficiente, inferior a 90% por autorrelato. Na análise multivariada final, uma maior chance de adesão insuficiente foi associada com estar desempregado (OR = 1,34; IC95%: 1,00-1,81), ter relações sexuais em troca de dinheiro ou favores (OR =1,75; IC95%: 1,10-2,79) e ter uma autopercepção de risco de infecção pelo HIV <5 (OR = 1,51; IC95%: 1,06-2,16). Por outro lado, a prevalência de sífilis na linha de base foi de 21,3%. No modelo final de regressão logística, as seguintes variáveis estiveram associadas com chances maiores de sífilis: autorrelato de episódio de IST nos últimos 12 meses (OR = 5,92; IC95%: 3,74-9,37), ser profissional do sexo (OR = 3,39; IC95%: 1,32-8,78) e ter menos de 11 anos de escolaridade (OR = 1,76; IC95%: 1,13-2,74). Nossos dados reiteram conhecidos fatores de vulnerabilidade e apontam a necessidade de fortalecer os programas de PrEP na saúde pública com adequada discussão sobre classe social, raça, gênero, sexualidade e prevenção combinada, assim como, ampliar e facilitar o acesso a todas as ferramentas de prevenção combinada, incluída a PrEP, para esta faixa etária.

Young people and adolescents are a group disproportionately affected by HIV. Being a gay, bisexual, travesti, or transgender teenager means facing even greater challenges in terms of risk and vulnerability to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, a fact for which these groups represent a key population for the implementation of structural, behavioral, and biomedical interventions. PrEP is a strategy that has proven to be safe and effective in preventing HIV infection among this population and other key populations. However, very little is known about the real impact of its use on the daily life of young people and adolescents. The aim of present study was to evaluate sociodemographic factors and baseline sexual practices related to the prevalence of syphilis at entry and to predictors of adherence to PrEP by self-report among adolescents which self-identified as Gay, Bisexual, and other Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), Travesti and Transgender Women (TGW) aged 15-19 years at risk of HIV Infection. The PrEP 15­19 project is a Brazilian multicenter demonstrative study approved by the WHO Ethics Review Committee, and by the Brazilian Research Ethics Commission and by the local Research Ethics Committees of the participating universities (UFMG, UFBA and USP). Inclusion was voluntary after the informed consent form was singed. Participants were allocated into two groups: with or without PrEP use, according to vulnerability assessment and preference. The analyses were carried out with different dimensions of vulnerability to HIV infection, and logistic regression models were constructed to estimate the odds ratios of the association between the predictive variables and the levels of adherence at visits M1, M6, and M12, as well as its association with a positive treponemal test for syphilis at study entry. In total, 935 participants were analyzed. The median age was 19 years (IQR: 18­19); 69% (645) self-identified as black; 91.1% (852) as cisgender men; and 8.8% (82) as travesti or trans women. Approximately 26% (251) of the participants showed, over the 12 months of follow-up, insufficient adherence, or less than 90% by self-report. In the final multivariate analysis, a greater chance of poor adherence was associated with being unemployed (OR = 1.34; 95%CI: 1.00­1.8), having transactional sex (OR = 1.75; 95%CI: 1.10­2.79), and having a self-perceived risk of HIV infection <5 (OR = 1.51; 95%CI: 1.06-2.16). On the other hand, the baseline prevalence of syphilis was 21.3%. In the final logistic regression model, the following variables were associated with higher odds of syphilis: self-report of an STI episode in the last 12 months (OR = 5.92; 95%CI: 3.74­9.37), being a sex worker (OR = 3.39; 95%CI: 1.32­8.78), and less than 11 years of schooling (OR = 1.76; 95%CI: 1.13-2.74). This data reiterates known vulnerability factors and point to the need to strengthen PrEP programs in public health with adequate discussion on social class, race, gender, sexuality, and combination prevention, as well as expanding and facilitating access to all combination prevention tools, including PrEP, for this age group.

Acceso al diagnóstico rápido de VIH/sífilis en contextos de encierro: relato de experiencia en una unidad penal de la provincia de Buenos Aires en el año 2021 / Access to rapid diagnosis of HIV/syphilis in confinement contexts: an experience report in a penal unit in the province of Buenos Aires in the year 2021

En Argentina se estima que 140 mil personas viven con VIH y de ellas el 17% no conocen su diagnóstico (Ministerio de Salud, 2021). La Dirección de Sida y Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual (DSyETS) del Ministerio de Salud de la Nación realizó un estudio que mostró una prevalencia global de VIH de 2,68% en unidades del servicio penitenciario federal (DSyETS; 2017). Por ello nuestro objetivo fue favorecer el acceso al testeo y a la prevención de estas enfermedades en personas privadas de su libertad en una unidad penal de la provincia de Buenos Aires en el marco de la pandemia. Relato de experiencia: en diciembre del 2021 se ofreció el testeo voluntario, gratuito y confidencial para VIH y sífilis y accedieron 38 personas. Participaron de la actividad docentes, estudiantes del Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad Nacional del Sur y referentes del programa de VIH-ITS y HV de la Región Sanitaria I del ministerio de salud de la provincia de Buenos Aires. Conclusiones: Esta experiencia mostró la importancia de construcción de redes para la articulación de prácticas que favorezcan el acceso a un diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento oportuno para VIH y sífilis a las personas viviendo en contexto de encierro (AU)

In Argentina, it is estimated that 140 thousand people live with HIV and 17% of them do not know their diagnosis (Ministry of Health, 2021). The Directorate of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (DSyETS) of the Ministry of Health of the Nation carried out a study that showed a global prevalence of HIV of 2.68% in units of the federal prison service (DSyETS; 2017). For this reason, our objective was to promote access to testing and the prevention of these diseases in people deprived of their liberty in a penal unit in the province of Buenos Aires in the context of the pandemic. Experience report: in December 2021, voluntary, free and confidential testing for HIV and syphilis was offered and 38 people agreed. Teachers, students from the Department of Health Sciences of the National University of the South and referents of the HIV-STI and HV program of the Sanitary Region I of the Ministry of Health of the province of Buenos Aires participated in the activity. Conclusions: This experience showed the importance of building networks for the articulation of practices that favor access to early diagnosis and timely treatment for HIV and syphilis for people living in a confinement context (AU)