Willingness of WHO staff to work in health emergencies in the African Region: opportunity for phased deployment of staff and ensure continuity of health services

A human resource base that ensures appropriate deployment of staff to emergencies, addressing different shock events in emergencies, without disrupting continuity of service is germane to a successful response. Consequently, the WHO Health Emergencies programme in the African Region, in collaboration with Africa Centre for Disease Control (ACDC) launched the African Volunteer Health Corps (AVoHC) and Strengthening and Utilization of Response Group for Emergencies (SURGE), an initiative aimed at ensuring a pool of timely responders. We explored the willingness of WHO staff to work in emergencies. A call for expression of interest to be part of the Elite Emergency Experts (Triple E) was published on 5th July 2022 via email and was open for 5 weeks. The responses were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and presented with graphic illustrations. A total of 1253 WHO staff, from all the six WHO regions, cutting across all cadre, applied to the call. The applicants had various trainings and experiences in emergency and have responded to mostly disease outbreaks. Two-third of the applicants were males. This paper did not explore reasons for the willingness to work in emergencies. However, contrary to fears expressed in literature that health workers would not want to work in emergencies with potential for infections, the applicants have worked mostly in infectious emergencies. Literature identified some themes on factors that could impact on willingness of health workers to work in emergencies. These include concerns for the safety of the responders and impact of partners, child and elderly care, as well as other family obligations, which emergency planners must consider in planning emergency response.

Vacinar ou arriscar? A mensagem da Organização Mundial de Saúde para promover a vacinação contra a covid-19 / Vaccinate or taking chances? The World Health Organization's message to promote vaccination against COVID-19

Resumo Centrando-se no impacto que a comunicação de risco emitida pelas organizações de saúde pública tem na mudança dos comportamentos da sociedade, esta investigação pretende analisar as mensagens-chave que a Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) definiu para promover o programa de vacinação contra a covid-19. Para cumprir este objetivo, enveredou-se por uma metodologia de estudo qualitativa, que privilegiou o uso da análise do conteúdo publicado nas páginas de Facebook e de Instagram da OMS, no período de 1 de abril a 31 de agosto de 2021. No total, foram analisadas 62 publicações. Os resultados mostraram que a OMS utilizou quatro eixo de comunicação para promover a importância da vacinação na sociedade: garantir a credibilidade e a transparência da informação transmitida; certificar a segurança e a eficácia da vacina; apelar ao sentido de responsabilidade coletiva; e associar a vacina à solução para pôr fim à pandemia. As conclusões do estudo mostram que, embora a equidade no acesso à vacina ainda seja uma realidade em construção, os quase 70% da população mundial vacinada sugerem que as mensagens enviadas pela OMS no contexto de comunicação de risco podem ter contribuído para a construção de uma imagem positiva do programa de vacinação.

Abstract Focusing on the impact that risk communication issued by public health organizations brings to changing societal behaviors, this research aimed to analyze the key messages that the World Health Organization (WHO) has defined to promote the COVID-19 vaccination program. In order to achieve this goal, a qualitative study methodology was used to analyze the content published on the WHO's Facebook and Instagram pages from April 1 to August 31, 2021. In total, 62 publications were analyzed. The results showed that the WHO used four key communication messages to promote the importance of vaccination in society: ensuring the credibility and transparency of the information transmitted; certifying the safety and efficacy of the vaccine; appealing to a sense of collective responsibility; and associating the vaccine with the solution to end the pandemic were the chosen communication axes. The conclusions of this study show that, although fair access to the vaccine is still a reality in the making, the fact that almost 70% of the world's population has been vaccinated suggests that the messages sent by the WHO in the context of risk communication may have contributed to building a positive image of the vaccination program.

Aplicaciones de un instrumento para evaluar factores de riesgo comportamentales asociados a enfermedades no transmisibles en población trabajadora

Introducción: La Organización Mundial de la Salud diseñó un instrumento para la vigilancia de los factores de riesgo asociados con las enfermedades crónicas, este abarca tres pasos que incluyen los datos personales y comportamentales, antropométricos y bioquímicos. Objetivo: Describir las aplicaciones del Instrumento STEPS (paso 1) para la identificación de factores de riesgo comportamentales asociados a enfermedades no transmisibles en adultos trabajadores, según país y año de publicación. Metodología: Revisión narrativa de estudios originales que utilizaron el STEPS, publicados entre 2015 y 2019 en español, inglés y portugués en las bases de datos PubMed, SciELO y el motor de búsqueda Google Scholar. Resultados: Se revisaron 20 documentos de los cuales 6 fueron de Asia y África, y el año de mayor publicación fue 2017. El consumo nocivo del alcohol, tabaquismo, inactividad física y alimentación no saludable son los riesgos más estudiados. Conclusiones: La utilización del instrumento STEPS en publicaciones es más frecuente en países de África y Asia. Se requiere que su implementación sea sistemática y difundida en otros países, con la finalidad de diseñar e implementar estrategias de salud pública para la prevención, mitigación y tratamiento oportuno de las enfermedades no transmisibles.

Introduction: The World Health Organization designed an instrument for the surveillance of risk factors associated with chronic diseases, it has three steps that include personal and behavioral, anthropometric, and biochemical data. Objective: To describe the applications of the STEPS Instrument (step 1) to identify behavioral risk factors associated with noncommunicable diseases in working adults, according to country and year of publication. Methodology: Narrative review of original studies that used STEPS, published between 2015 and 2019 in Spanish, English and Portuguese in the databases PubMed, SciELO, and the search engine Google Scholar. Results: A total of 20 studies were reviewed, of which 6 were from Asia and Africa, and the year of most significant publication was 2017. The most studied risks are harmful alcohol consumption, smoking, physical inactivity, and unhealthy eating. Conclusions: the use of the STEPS instrument in publications is more frequent in countries of Africa and Asia. Its implementation must be systematic and disseminated in other countries to design and implement public health strategies for the prevention, mitigation, and timely treatment of noncommunicable diseases.

Uso inconsistente del preservativo masculino en hombres VIH negativos que tienen sexo con hombres / Inconsistent use of male condoms among HIV-negative men who have sex with other men / Uso inconsistente do preservativo masculino entre homens HIV negativos que fazem sexo com homens

Objetivo: analizar los factores asociados con el uso inconsistente del preservativo masculino en hombres VIH negativos que tienen sexo con hombres. Método: estudio transversal, analítico, nacional realizado de forma online en todas las regiones de Brasil, en 2020, a través de redes sociales y sitios de citas. El uso inconsistente del preservativo se definió como el uso ocasional o no usarlo nunca. Se realizaron análisis estadísticos descriptivos, pruebas de asociación y regresión logística binaria. Resultados: 1222 (85%) de los 1438 participantes informaron uso inconsistente del preservativo. Las variables "homosexuales" (ORA: 2,03; IC 95%: 1,14-3,59; p = 0,016), "tener pareja estable" (ORA: 2,19; IC 95%: 1,55-3,09; p<0,001), "sexo oral" (ORA: 2,41; IC 95%: 1,31-4,43; p = 0,005), "anal insertivo" (ORA: 1,98; IC 95%: 1,10-3,58; p = 0,023) y "diagnóstico de ITS" (ORA: 1,59; IC 95%: 1,13-2,24; p = 0,007) se asociaron de forma independiente con el uso inconsistente del preservativo masculino. Las variables "recibió consejo de un amigo sobre la prueba del VIH" (ORA: 0,71; IC 95%: 0,52-0,96; p = 0,028) y "trabajador sexual" (ORA: 0,26; IC 95%: 0,11-0,60; p = 0,002) fueron factores protectores. Conclusión: las variables estudiadas indicaron que hay una fuerte relación entre las parejas estables y el aumento de la confianza y la baja adherencia al uso del preservativo, lo que coincide con otros estudios.

Objective: to analyze the factors associated with inconsistent use of male condoms among HIV-negative men who have sex with other men. Method: a cross-sectional, analytical and nationwide study conducted online in all the Brazilian regions in 2020, via networks and in dating websites. Inconsistent condom use was defined as occasional use or as never using it. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, as well as association and binary logistic regression tests. Results: inconsistent condom use was reported by 1,222 (85%) of all 1,438 participants. The "homosexuals" (ORAdj: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.14-3.59; p=0.016), "having a fixed partner" (ORAdj: 2.19; 95% CI: 1.55-3.09; p<0.001), "oral sex" (ORAdj: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.31-4.43; p=0.005), "insertive anal" (ORAdj: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.10-3.58; p=0.023) and "STI diagnosis" (ORAdj: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.13-2.24; p=0.007) variables were independently associated with inconsistent use of male condoms. The "receiving advice on HIV test from a friend" (ORAdj: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.52-0.96; p=0.028) and "sex worker" (ORAdj: 0.26; 95% CI: 0.11-0.60; p=0.002) variables were protective factors. Conclusion: the variables under study pointed to a strong relationship between steady partners and increased trust and low adherence to condom use, corroborating other studies.

Objetivo: analisar os fatores associados ao uso inconsistente do preservativo masculino entre homens HIV negativos que fazem sexo com homens. Método: estudo transversal, analítico, de abrangência nacional realizado on-line em todas as regiões do Brasil, em 2020, por meio de redes sociais e em sites de relacionamento. O uso inconsistente do preservativo foi definido como uso ocasional ou nunca ter usado. Foram realizadas análises estatísticas descritivas, testes de associação e regressão logística binária. Resultados: o uso inconsistente do preservativo foi relatado por 1222 (85%) dos 1438 participantes. As variáveis "homossexuais" (ORA: 2,03; IC 95%: 1,14- 3,59; p = 0,016), "ter parceiro fixo" (ORA: 2,19; IC 95%: 1,55-3,09; p<0,001), "sexo oral" (ORA: 2,41; IC 95%: 1,31-4,43; p = 0,005), "anal insertivo" (ORA: 1,98; IC 95%: 1,10-3,58; p = 0,023) e "diagnóstico de IST" (ORA: 1,59; IC 95%: 1,13-2,24; p = 0,007) foram independentemente associadas ao uso inconsistente do preservativo masculino. As variáveis "recebeu aconselhamento de amigo sobre teste de HIV" (ORA: 0,71; IC 95%: 0,52-0,96; p = 0,028) e "profissional do sexo" (ORA: 0,26; IC 95%: 0,11-0,60; p = 0,002) foram fatores de proteção. Conclusão: as variáveis estudadas apontaram uma forte relação das parcerias fixas com o aumento da confiança e uma baixa adesão ao uso do preservativo, o que corrobora com outros estudos.

Consenso SOCHOG/SOCHUMB: utilizar en Chile la curva estándar OMS ultrasonográfica de crecimiento fetal / SOCHOG/SOCHUMB consensus: OMS fetal ultrasound curve is the standard curve for ultrasound growth assessment to use in Chile

La Sociedad Chilena de Obstetricia y Ginecología (SOCHOG) y la Sociedad Chilena de Ultrasonido en Medicina y Biología (SOCHUMB) convocaron a un comité de expertos en el tema de ultrasonido y crecimiento fetal con el fin de proponer utilizar la curva fetal que mejor se adapte a la población chilena. Luego de la discusión, al no contar con curvas chilenas de crecimiento fetal, se concluye proponer que la curva estándar de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) sería la indicada dada la calidad de su metodología y por ser multicéntrica.

The Chilean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SOCHOG) and the Chilean Society of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (SOCHUMB) have convened a committee of experts on the subject of ultrasound and fetal growth in order to propose using the fetal curve that best adapts to the Chilean population. After the discussion, since there are no Chilean fetal growth curves, it is concluded that the World Health Organization (WHO) standard curve would be the one to use given the quality of its methodology and the fact that it is multicentric.

Monitoring the Outcome of Leprosy Using Leprosy Neuropathy Scale: A Preliminary Study

The disability and progress of leprosy patients is monitored by the WHO disability grading system which has limited sensitivity in leprous neuropathy. This study aims to report the spectrum of leprosy patients at a tertiary care neurology service and compare WHO grading, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Leprosy Neuropathy Scale (LNS) in monitoring the treatment outcome. The patients with leprosy diagnosed as per WHO criteria were subjected to medical history and clinical examination. Their disability was graded as per WHO grading scale, modified Rankin scale (mRS) and LNS. These parameters were repeated and compared after six months of multiple drug therapy (MDT). Thirty-eight patients with leprosy, aged 40 (`5-80) years, 33 of whom were males have been evaluated. The duration of symptoms was 24 (91-120) months. Mononeuropathy was present in 14, mononeuropathy multiplex in 24, trophic ulcer in two, claw hand in 11, wrist drop in two, foot drop in four, facial palsy in one, Charcot’s joint in one and lepra reaction in seven patients. Their disability as per WHO grade 1 and 2 was in 19 patients each. After 6 months of MDT, WHO grade improved in two patients, mRS revealed improvement in seven and LNS in nine patients. LNS- a clinical scale, seems more effective and easier to use for monitoring the progress/ outcome of neuropathy in leprosy patients and may complement the WHO grading scale

A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF PREVALENCE AND MAJOR INDICATIONS OF CESAREAN SECTION IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN INDIA

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a caesarean section is a surgical procedure that can save the life of a woman and her baby when undertaken for medical reasons. Thus, the procedure should only be used in complicated pregnancies.However, C-sections have gradually become common in developing countries, and it is already quite common in the developed countries for a long time. A number of obstetric complications such as dystocia, foetal distress, breech births, post-term pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, and pregnancy-induced hypertension are recognized as reasonable motives behind caesarean section deliveries. Approximately 18.5 million caesarean births have been recorded each year globally, accounting for 19.1% of total births, which is beyond the cut-off recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). In India, the rate of caesarean section delivery is dramatically increased from 3% in 1992–93 to 17% in 2015–16. In terms of regional variations, south Indian states have recorded substantially higher levels of caesarean deliveries in comparison to north India.Despite several studies that have investigated the factors contributing to caesarean section delivery, systematic evidence is still lacking towards understanding the determining factors and formulating effective policies to address the increasing rate of caesarean section deliveries in India. With this backdrop, this study attempts to observe the major indications and prevalence of caesarean section among pregnant women in a tertiary care hospital in India.

Prescription audit in post-operative patients of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru

Background: Prescribing drugs are an important skill which needs to be continuously assessed and refined accordingly. Many drugs especially antimicrobials and fixed dose combinations that maybe irrational are being prescribed. Hence, this study was undertaken to analyze the rational prescribing guidelines in post-operative patients which will help doctors to update their knowledge and improve their attitude toward selecting cost effective treatment. Aim and Objectives: The aims of this study were as follows: (i) To evaluate prevailing prescription trends and (ii) to evaluate rationality of prescriptions in post-operative cases of surgery, orthopedics, obstetrics, and gynecology (OBG), and Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) departments. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in post-operative wards of departments of surgery, orthopedics, ORL, and OBG of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru. The study duration was 15 months from December 2018 to March 2020 with a sample size of 2000. Results: In the present study, female preponderance (54.4%) was seen. Majority of the drugs (77.3%) were prescribed under brand name. The most common group of drugs prescribed was non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (135%) and the antibiotic was Cephalosporins (77.5%). As per the World Health Organization (WHO) core prescribing indicators, 6.25 were the average drugs per prescription. Conclusion: According to the WHO core prescribing indicators, polypharmacy was observed and prescribing by generic name was also less. However, there was no irrational use of antibiotics in post-operative cases in our study which reduces the chances of development of antibiotic resistance. Practice of prescribing drugs from the essential drugs list (EDL) was less. The study suggests incorporating educative initiative, development of drug policy, and an EDL-based hospital formulary to ensure rational use of medicines.

Retinal perfusion density can predict cardiovascular disease risk in patients with retinal vein occlusion

Purpose: To correlate microvascular changes and assess the relationship between microvascular changes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Methods: Patients over 40 years of age with unilateral RVO were included in this prospective study. Those known to have cardiovascular disease were excluded. A detailed medical history was taken and physical exam was done to measure the height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and systolic blood pressure (SBP). A comprehensive eye check?up was followed by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Microvascular indices such as vessel density (VD) and perfusion density (PD) were noted. A statistical model was developed for prediction of CVD risk and was integrated with the World Health Organization (WHO)’s risk prediction charts. Results: This study included 42 patients with RVO and 22 controls with an age range of 42–82 years. There were 40 males (62.5%) and 24 females (37.5%). Along with age, SBP, and gender, perfusion density was found to have significant impact on CVD risk (P = 0.030). Reduction in PD was associated with increase in CVD risk. PD had a greater influence on CVD in <50 years age than in >70 years group. Using linear regression, a model with accuracy of 72.1% was developed for CVD risk prediction and was converted into color coded charts similar to WHO risk prediction charts. Conclusion: These findings suggest a significant correlation between microvascular parameters and CVD risk in RVO patients. Based on these parameters, an easy?to?use and color?coded risk prediction chart was developed

USE OF GLYCATED HEMOGLOBIN (HBA1C) TESTING IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF DIABETES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Early detection of diabetes is of great clinical importance in order to prevent or delay its micro- and macrovascular complications. That is why, the largest diabetes associations continue their search for the most accurate, sensitive and speci?c, reliable and reproducible diagnostic assay.ADA, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes have recommended to consider the use of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) testing in the diagnosis of diabetes

Challenges and impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on men that have sex with men in accessing healthcare services in Nigeria

Background: Men with sex with men (MSM) may face obstacles in accessing culturally competent and quality healthcare services since current medical practice does not often promote discussing sexual habits. The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has further affected this group. This study assessed the impacts of COVID-19 and the general challenges of MSM in Benue State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This study was a quantitative cross-sectional survey conducted across three geopolitical zones of Benue State using a multistage cluster sampling method to collect data from MSM. The data collected were analyzed using IBM-Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS) version 25.0 for Windows IBM Corp., Armonk, New York. Result: More than half (59.2%) of respondents said they were not denied healthcare services, and 78.4% were not afraid to seek them. Most (88%) were comfortable seeking medical help, and 61.6% did not experience stigmatization from healthcare providers. Many (68.0%) were not exposed to violence after sharing their status with healthcare providers. About half (50.4%) said COVID-19 did not affect their general quality of life. Over half (51.2%) said there was a decline in access to resources like food and money during the pandemic, 49.6% experienced difficulties accessing HIV testing, and 52.0% could not access PrEP. More than half (53.6%) reported challenges getting viral load or other laboratory tests, but 57.5% had no trouble getting HIV medication prescriptions. Conclusion: The Federal Government, and the Ministry of Health, Nigeria, should support intervention programs, peer educators, and outreach workers providing services to MSM

Monitoring progress on antimicrobial resistance response in the WHO African Region: insights from the TrACSS 2021. Results for the Human Health Sector

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major 21st Century global health challenge. The WHO African Region Member States committed to develop and implement multisectoral national action plans (NAPs) that address AMR, in line with the Global Action Plan (GAP). Objective: The aim of this paper is to present the progress of AMR response in the WHO African Region based on the annual Tracking AMR Country Self-Assessment Survey (TrACSS), with a focus on human health indicators. Methods: This was a secondary data analysis of responses from forty-one countries that participated in the 2021 TrACSS. Results: Of the 41 countries that responded to the 2021 TrACSS, 35(85%) have developed NAPs. 15 (37%) of countries have functional AMR multisector working groups. 55% (21/41) of countries are collating data nationally on AMR surveillance. Forty nine percent of countries conducted small-scale AMR awareness campaigns and 53% (21/41) covered AMR in some pre- and in-service training for huBackground: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major 21st Century global health challenge. The WHO African Region Member States committed to develop and implement multisectoral national action plans (NAPs) that address AMR, in line with the Global Action Plan (GAP). Objective: The aim of this paper is to present the progress of AMR response in the WHO African Region based on the annual Tracking AMR Country Self-Assessment Survey (TrACSS), with a focus on human health indicators. Methods: This was a secondary data analysis of responses from forty-one countries that participated in the 2021 TrACSS. Results: Of the 41 countries that responded to the 2021 TrACSS, 35(85%) have developed NAPs. 15 (37%) of countries have functional AMR multisector working groups. 55% (21/41) of countries are collating data nationally on AMR surveillance. Forty nine percent of countries conducted small-scale AMR awareness campaigns and 53% (21/41) covered AMR in some pre- and in-service training for Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major 21st Century global health challenge. The WHO African Region Member States committed to develop and implement multisectoral national action plans (NAPs) that address AMR, in line with the Global Action Plan (GAP). Objective: The aim of this paper is to present the progress of AMR response in the WHO African Region based on the annual Tracking AMR Country Self-Assessment Survey (TrACSS), with a focus on human health indicators. Methods: This was a secondary data analysis of responses from forty-one countries that participated in the 2021 TrACSS. Results: Of the 41 countries that responded to the 2021 TrACSS, 35(85%) have developed NAPs. 15 (37%) of countries have functional AMR multisector working groups. 55% (21/41) of countries are collating data nationally on AMR surveillance. Forty nine percent of countries conducted small-scale AMR awareness campaigns and 53% (21/41) covered AMR in some pre- and in-service training for human health workers. While 83% of countries reported having laws and regulations on the prescription and sale of antimicrobials, only 32% (13/41) have national systems for monitoring antimicrobial use. Twenty-three (58%, 23/41) reported having Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) programs at select health facilities. Conclusion: Countries have developed and are implementing AMR NAPs. Gaps still exist across key indicators monitored through TrACSS. Effective AMR response requires established functional multisectoral governance mechanism sin the One Health approach; political commitment, sustainable funding, and clear monitoring and reporting is critical. human health workers. While 83% of countries reported having laws and regulations on the prescription and sale of antimicrobials, only 32% (13/41) have national systems for monitoring antimicrobial use. Twenty-three (58%, 23/41) reported having Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) programs at select health facilities. Conclusion: Countries have developed and are implementing AMR NAPs. Gaps still exist across key indicators monitored through TrACSS. Effective AMR response requires established functional multisectoral governance mechanisms in the One Health approach; political commitment, sustainable funding, and clear monitoring and reporting is critical. man health workers. While 83% of countries reported having laws and regulations on the prescription and sale of antimicrobials, only 32% (13/41) have national systems for monitoring antimicrobial use. Twenty-three (58%, 23/41) reported having Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) programs at select health facilities. Conclusion: Countries have developed and are implementing AMR NAPs. Gaps still exist across key indicators monitored through TrACSS. Effective AMR response requires established functional multisectoral governance mechanisms in the One Health approach; political commitment, sustainable funding, and clear monitoring and reporting is critical.

Online capacity building for the health workforce: the case of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response for the African region

Background: The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) has developed a comprehensive capacity development programme to support the successful implementation of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response 3 rd edition Technical Guidelines (IDSR). As part of the learning program, a series of asynchronous online courses are offered on Open WHO in English, French and Portuguese. This paper describes the use of five IDSR online courses and reports on feedback received from learners on Course 1 in the English series. Methods: An online learner survey was developed, and a descriptive analysis was conducted. This paper also reports on use related empirical metadata from the Open WHO platform. Results: Overall, learners (97%-n/N) of Course 1 IDSR English series indicated a positive perception toward their online learning experience because of the quality of course content, its organization, ease of use and relevance to their workplace needs. In addition, 88% (n/N) of learners reported that they had used their acquired knowledge at least sometimes and 54.4% (n/N) had shared their learning with others. Lastly, the quiz analyses showed an average of right answers of 78.97% for quiz 1 and 69.94% for quiz 2. Conclusion: Online learning is an essential component of a blended capacity development programme and provides cost effective, equitable and impactful learning. Learners who have a learning goal and find their needs met in courses tend to show more satisfaction and motivation to share their learning.

Analysis of psychosocial optimization IMB model on the influencing factors of persistent condom use among men who have sex with men / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo investigate the condom use of men who have sex with men （MSM） in Shanghai， the information motivation behavioral skills model （IMB） theory was used to introduce psychosocial factors and study the relevant factors of consistent condom use （CCU） in this population. MethodsA cross-sectional study of 547 MSM in four districts of Shanghai was conducted by snowball sampling. The structural equation model based on psychosocial optimization was constructed and validated using the data collected by structured questionnaires. ResultsAmong the 547 respondents， the proportion of CCU in the past six months was 45.5%. Comparing the fitness of the initial model with that of the adjusted model， we found that the fitness of the adjusted model was good. ConclusionThe proportion of CCU among MSM in Shanghai is relatively low； In addition， information and motivation do not directly affect the CCU of this population； Only behavioral skills have a direct effect on CCU. Finally， social psychological measures should be emphasized for this population， and comprehensive and multi-level strategies should be formulated to control the spread of HIV in this population.

Mulheres que fazem sexo com mulheres na juventude e a prevenção de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis: um estudo de representações sociais / Women who have sex with women in youth: the prevention of sexually transmitted infections: a study of social representations

Este estudo teve o objetivo de analisar as representações sociais de mulheres que fazem sexo com mulheres (MSM) sobre as infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) e as práticas de prevenção, e tem como um dos objetivos específicos, discutir as relações estabelecidas entre as representações sociais de MSM sobre as IST e as práticas de prevenção. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, qualitativo, com abordagem qualitativa, ancorado na abordagem estrutural da Teoria das Representações Sociais. Participaram 100 jovens mulheres homossexuais, moradoras do município do Rio de Janeiro, na faixa etária entre 18 e 29 anos. Foram aplicados dois instrumentos de coleta de dados, um questionário para caracterização sociodemográfica, das práticas sexuais e de prevenção de IST; e um formulário para captação das evocações livres, com os termos indutores DST e Prevenção de DST. Os dados sociodemográficos foram organizados no software Excel. A análise das evocações foi feita através do software EVOC com a construção do quadro de quatro casas. Para o termo indutor DST, os possíveis núcleos centrais foram os cognemas sexo, doenças, prevenção e sífilis. A palavra sexo teve a maior frequência e foi a mais prontamente evocada no núcleo central, demonstrando a relevância da palavra para o grupo investigado, no entanto, as palavras relacionadas a ela se concentraram na zona de contraste e segunda periferia. Na análise de similitude, esse elemento estabeleceu conexões com todos os elementos da árvore, e teve o maior número de ligações (cinco). O termo indutor Prevenção de DST teve somente o cognema preservativos no provável núcleo central e sete nas periferias, onde mencionaram cuidado, relacionamento-afetivo, tratamento, entre outros relacionados ao autocuidado, sugerindo um imaginário alinhado com a temática. Já na análise de similitude pode-se notar que o termo preservativos é central e apresenta sete ligações com os demais termos presentes no quadro, tendo maior índice as ligações com os termos cuidado, exames, relacionamento-afetivo e informação. Conclui-se que, apesar de as jovens demonstrarem conhecimento acerca da temática, informaram o desuso do preservativo nas relações sexuais com parcerias fixas e casuais, corroborando com outras investigações. Ademais, apesar de reconhecerem a maioria das IST, o termo HPV que é uma infecção recorrente nesse grupo, foi mais tardiamente evocado pelas participantes. Desse modo, é notória a importância da disseminação de informação acerca da prevenção das IST nesse grupo, como também para os profissionais de saúde, que, em geral, possuem um comportamento heteronormativo nos atendimentos às mulheres lésbicas, subestimando o potencial de contaminação que pode existir nas relações homossexuais entre mulheres.

This study aimed to analyze the social representations of women who have sex with women (WSW) about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and prevention practices, and has as one of the specific objectives, to discuss the relationships established between the social representations of WSW about STIs and prevention practices. This is a descriptive, qualitative study with a qualitative approach, anchored in the structural approach of the Theory of Social Representations. 100 young people participated, all homossexual women, living in the city of Rio de Janeiro, aged between 18 and 29 years. Two data collection instruments were applied, a questionnaire for sociodemographic characterization, sexual practices and STI prevention; and a form to capture the free evocations, with the terms STD inducers and STD Prevention. The sociodemographic data were organized in Excel software. The analysis of the evocations was made through the EVOC software with the construction of the frame of four houses. For the term STD inducer, the possible central nuclei were the cognames sex, diseases, prevention and syphilis. The word sex had the highest frequency and was the most readily evoked in the nucleus central, demonstrating the relevance of the word for the investigated group, however, the words related to it focused on the contrast zone and second periphery. In similitude analysis, this element established connections with all the elements of the tree, and had the highest number of calls (five). The inducing term STD Prevention had only the cognama condoms in the probable central nucleus and seven in the peripheries, where they mentioned care, affective relationship, treatment, among others related to self-care, suggesting an imaginary aligned with the theme. As for the analysis of similarity, it can be noted that the term condoms is central and has seven links with the other terms presente in the table, with a higher index of links with the terms care, examinations, relationship-affective and information. It is concluded that, although the young women demonstrate knowledge. On the subject, they reported the disuse of condoms in sexual relations with partners fixed and casual, corroborating with other investigations. Moreover, although they recognize the most STIs, the term HPV which is a recurrent infection in this group, were more belatedly evoked by the participants. Thus, the importance of dissemination of information about the prevention of STIs in this group, as well as for the health professionals, who, in general, have a heteronormative behavior in the care for lesbian women, underestimating the potential for contamination that can exist in homosexual relations between women.

A captura ideológica dos mecanismos de participação social da OMS na negociação do acordo internacional sobre pandemias / The ideological capture of WHO's social participation mechanisms in the negotiation of the international pandemic agreement

Resumo Este artigo aborda a participação social nas negociações do acordo internacional sobre pandemias, conduzidas no âmbito da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) por um Órgão Intergovernamental de Negociação (OIN). Apresenta resultados de pesquisa realizada por meio de revisão de literatura, pesquisa documental que abarcou mais de cem documentos do OIN, e pesquisa empírica que realizou a análise qualitativa dos conteúdos de 383 vídeos enviados pelo público durante a segunda fase de audiências públicas do OIN. A pesquisa confirma a hipótese de que houve captura ideológica das audiências públicas, entendida como a atuação concertada de indivíduos e organizações que, aproveitando-se de modalidades de participação abertas ao público, por meio de uma atuação massiva em prol de argumentos sem base científica ou inverificáveis, busca distorcer a finalidade das audiências públicas, transformando a consulta sobre o que deveria estar contido no acordo sobre pandemias em um espaço de difusão de sua agenda política. Apresenta, ainda, indícios de atuação concertada da extrema-direita contra o acordo. As conclusões defendem a necessidade de mudanças nesse mecanismo de participação, em prol de uma regulação da saúde global que leve em conta a opinião e os interesses dos seus principais destinatários.

Abstract This article addresses social participation in the negotiations of the international agreement on pandemics, conducted within the World Health Organization (WHO) by an Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB). It presents the results of research conducted with a literature review, document research that covered over 100 documents of the INB, and empirical research that carried out a qualitative analysis of the contents of 383 videos sent by the general public during the second phase of public hearings of the INB. The research confirms the hypothesis that there has been an ideological capture of the public hearings, understood as the concerted action of individuals and organizations that, by taking advantage of participation modalities open to the general public, with a massive action in favor of unscientific or unverifiable arguments, have sought to distort the purpose of social participation, turning the public consultation on what should be included in the agreement on pandemics into a space for the dissemination of their political agenda. It also presents evidence of concerted action by far-right groups against the agreement. The conclusions point to the need for changes in this participation mechanism, in favor of a regulation of global health that considers the opinion and interests of its main recipients.

Violência por parceiro íntimo entre homens que se relacionam com homens / Intimate partner violence among men who relate with men / Violencia de pareja íntima entre hombres que tienen relaciones con hombres

A violência por parceiro íntimo (VPI) consiste em atos que ameacem causar ou efetivamente causem danos em um parceiro dentro de uma relação afetivo-sexual, independente da configuração ou tempo do relacionamento ou de haver coabitação ou não entre as partes. Nas relações homossexuais, a VPI é invisibilizada de diversas maneiras, mesmo sendo reconhecida como uma grave violação de direitos humanos. O estudo objetivou compreender os significados da VPI para um grupo de homens que se relacionam com homens (HRH). Participaram da pesquisa oito HRH, selecionados através da técnica "bola de neve", utilizada devido à sensibilidade do tema, considerando os estigmas de ser HRH. Os dados foram obtidos através de entrevista semiestruturada e foram analisados pela Análise Temática. Como resultados, foram construídas seis categorias: 1º) O armário; 2º) Homofobia 3º) Racismo, poder e vulnerabilidade a VPI; 4º) Sexualidade; 5º) Infidelidade; 6º) HIV, que discutem a interseccionalidade de diversas formas de opressão na produção de VPI entre HRH. Conclui-se que a VPI vivenciada por esse grupo é influenciada por diversos fatores que envolvem a interseccionalidade de vários marcadores sociais, como os estereótipos de masculinidade em relação a hipersexualização e infidelidade, a homofobia como fator direto do estresse minoritário, o racismo que hierarquiza os corpos e invisibiliza o afeto de homens negros, e o estigma de HIV no imaginário social.(AU)

Intimate partner violence (IPV) consists of acts that threaten to harm or actually harm to a partner within an affective-sexual relationship, regardless of the configuration or duration of the relationship or whether or not there is cohabitation between the parties. In homosexual relationships, IPV is made invisible in several ways, even though it is recognized as a serious violation of human rights. The study aimed to understand the meanings of IPV for a group of men in same sex relationships (MSSR). Eight MSSR participated in the research, selected by snowball sampling, used due to the topic's sensitivity, considering the stigmas involved in being MSSR. Data were constructed via semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Thematic Analysis. As a result, six categories were constructed: 1) The closet persons; 2) Homophobia; 3) Racism, power, and vulnerability to IPV; 4) Sexuality; 5) Infidelity; 6) HIV, which discuss the intersectionality of various forms of oppression in the production of IPV among MSSR. Thus, the IPV experienced by this group is influenced by several factors that involve the intersectionality between different social markers, such as stereotypes of masculinity in relation to hypersexualization and infidelity, homophobia as a direct factor of minority stress, the racism that hierarchizes bodies and makes the affection of Black men and the stigma of HIV invisible in the social imaginary.(AU)

La violencia de pareja (VP) consiste en actos que amenazan con causar o de hecho causan daño a una pareja dentro de una relación afectivo-sexual, independientemente de la configuración o duración de la relación o de si existe o no cohabitación entre las partes. En las relaciones homosexuales, la VP se invisibiliza de varias formas, a pesar de que se reconoce como una grave violación de los derechos humanos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comprender los significados de VP para un grupo de hombres que se relacionan con hombres (HRH). Ocho HRH participaron de la investigación, seleccionados mediante la técnica de "bola de nieve", utilizada debido a la sensibilidad del tema, considerando los estigmas de ser HRH. Los datos se construyeron mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas y se sometieron a análisis temático. Como resultado se construyeron seis categorías: 1.ª) El armario; 2.º) Homofobia; 3.º) Racismo, poder y vulnerabilidad a la VP; 4.º) Sexualidad; 5.º) Infidelidad; 6.ª) HIV; que discuten la interseccionalidad de diferentes formas de opresión en la producción de VP entre HRH. Se concluye que la VP vivida por este grupo está influida por varios factores que involucran la interseccionalidad entre distintos marcadores sociales, como los estereotipos de masculinidad en relación con la hipersexualización y la infidelidad, la homofobia como factor directo de estrés minoritario, el racismo que jerarquiza cuerpos e invisibiliza en el imaginario social el afecto de los hombres negros y el estigma del HIV en el imaginario social.(AU)

Clinical characteristics and virus identification of 4 cases of monkeypox confirmed in Zhejiang province / 中华临床感染病杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of monkeypox patients.Methods:The clinical data and laboratory findings of 4 patients with monkeypox patients diagnosed at Yiwu Central Hospital in July 2023 were analyzed. Herpes fluid and skin tissue samples were collected, the viruses were isolation and cultured in African green monkey kidney cells (Vero) and identified with whole gene sequencing.Results:All four patients were male, aged 24-35 years. All patients had male-to-male behavior within 21 days before onset of the disease. Among them, one patient has AIDS and one patient has syphilis. Four patients presented with perineal skin lesions with itching, and 3 patients were found to have enlarged lymph nodes upon admission. Laboratory testing: lymphocyte abnormality (4.57×10 9/L) in 1 case; increased procalcitonin (0.25 ng/mL) in 1 case; elevated IL-10 levels ( 7.11 ng/L and 9.42 ng/L) in 2 cases; increased IL-6 (66 ng/L) and IL-4 (3.24 ng/L) in 1 case, respectively. One case had abnormal myocardial zymogram with a elevated lactate dehydrogenase level of 313 U/L. The monkeypox virus was isolated from lesion tissue and herpes fluid, and the whole gene sequencing identified it as the B. 1.3 subtype of the IIb evolutionary branch, exhibiting typical pathological effects on Vero cells. Conclusion:The clinical manifestations of the 4 monkeypox patients confirmed in Zhejiang province are mild, patients had a definitive history of male-to-male sexual behavior and the virus strains belong to the B. 1.3 lineage of the IIb evolutionary branch.

Changes in HIV prevalence and intervention service utilization among MSM under sentinel monitoring in Taizhou of Zhejiang Province / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo analyze the changes in HIV， syphilis and hepatitis C prevalence among men who have sex with men （MSM） in Taizhou City， Zhejiang Province from 2017 to 2022， and the utilization of HIV intervention services and its influencing factors. MethodsMSM participants were recruited from HIV sentinel surveillance in Taizhou through snowball sampling method. Participants’ socio-demographic characteristics， sexual behavior characteristics， knowledge of HIV and utilization of HIV intervention services were collected and statistically described by questionnaire survey. Blood samples from MSM sentinel population were also collected for HIV， syphilis， and HCV antibody testing. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors for utilizing HIV intervention services among MSM. ResultsA total of 2 499 MSM were included in the analysis from 2017 to 2022， with HIV prevalence of 5.8%， syphilis prevalence of 4.0%， and HCV prevalence of 0.6%. The infection rate， proportion of homosexual anal sex and heterosexual sex showed a decreasing trend， while the proportion of condom use during homosexual anal sex， condom publicity and distribution， AIDS consultation and testing， acceptance of peer education， and online temporary homosexual sex showed an increasing trend. All these differences were statistically significant. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that COVID-19 epidemic （aOR=1.66， 95%CI：1.04‒2.64） and HIV knowledge awareness （aOR=2.57， 95%CI：1.22‒5.40） were positively correlated with increased acceptance of condom publicity and distribution， and utilization of AIDS counseling and testing. Those who sought male sexual partners through offline route （aOR=3.44， 95%CI： 1.16‒10.21）， and had a history of sexually transmitted diseases within one year （aOR=5.47， 95%CI： 1.04‒28.76） were positively correlated with community-based methadone maintenance therapy， clean needle provision and exchange services， while COVID-19 epidemic （aOR=0.35， 95%CI： 0.14‒0.88） was negatively correlated with the utilization of these services. COVID-19 epidemic （aOR=2.11， 95%CI： 1.54‒2.89）， HIV knowledge awareness （aOR=2.09， 95%CI： 1.08‒4.02）， offline search for male sexual partners （aOR=1.47， 95%CI： 1.03‒2.11）， and awareness of HIV infection of sexual partners （aOR=2.09， 95%CI： 1.62‒2.69） were positively correlated with the increased use of peer education service， while married or cohabited （aOR=0.73， 95%CI： 0.55‒0.98） and VCT （aOR=0.61， 95%CI： 0.46‒0.82） were negatively correlated with utilization of peer education service. ConclusionHIV infection rate of sentinel MSM population in Taizhou decreases， while the utilization of HIV intervention services increases in general. Targeted measures should be developed according to the changes in sexual behavior and HIV intervention services among MSM populations in Taizhou to improve the HIV intervention services for the MSM population.