Knowledge and perceptions on the existence of Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Centers and associated factors among Brazilian LGBT+ individuals / Conhecimento e percepções sobre a existência dos Centros de Testagem e Aconselhamento (CTA) e fatores associados em pessoas LGBT+ brasileiras

Abstract In Brazil, the advent of voluntary and counseling testing (VCT) has provided many benefits in the fight against AIDS. A sectional open web survey was conducted to investigate the Brazilian LGBT+ individuals' knowledge and perceptions of the existence of VCT centers and their associations with risk behavior and other variables of interest. The study instrument included questions on sociodemographic and behavioral variables, knowledge on VCT, access to and use of it, beliefs about HIV infection, test results, and risk perception. The Risk Behavior Score for HIV infection (RBS) was also used. A total of 1,630 volunteers participated in the survey, of whom 56.8% were men. Of these, 96.1% declared themselves as (MSM). Almost 50% of the participants had never heard about the existence of VCT, which was a higher knowledge score among MSM. A low frequency of participants had a clear perception of the risks to which they are exposed, whereas those with higher RBS were aware of the existence of VCT. As VCT is critical for the implementation of policies to combat and prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, our results can contribute to a better understanding of the influence of VCT on the frequency of testing, serological surveillance, and routine counseling for key populations.

Resumo No Brasil, o advento dos centros de testagem e aconselhamento (CTA) trouxe muitos benefícios na luta contra a Aids. Um estudo transversal do tipo web survey foi realizado para investigar o conhecimento e as percepções dos indivíduos LGBT+ brasileiros sobre a existência dos CTAs e suas associações com comportamentos de risco e outras variáveis de interesse. O questionário incluiu questões sociodemográficas e comportamentais, conhecimento sobre o CTA, acesso e uso, crenças sobre a infecção pelo HIV, resultados de testes e percepção de risco. O escore de comportamento de risco (RBS) também foi utilizado. Participaram 1.630 voluntários (56,8% homens). Destes, 96,1% se autodeclararam homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH). Quase 50% dos participantes não conhecem os CTAs, sendo este conhecimento maior entre os HSHs. Uma baixa frequência de participantes tem percepção clara dos riscos a que estão expostos, e os HSHs com maior pontuação no RBS estão cientes da existência dos CTAs, que são fundamentais na implementação de políticas de combate e prevenção ao HIV e outras doenças sexualmente transmissíveis. Nossos resultados contribuem para a melhor compreensão da sua influência na frequência de testagem, na vigilância do status sorológico e no aconselhamento em populações-chave.

A relação entre a dieta e a fisiopatologia da diverticulite: revisão integrativa / The relation between the diet and the diverticulitis pathophysiology: an integrative review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Diverticulitis is an acute inflammatory process that affects individuals with diverticular disease. Given the sharp increase in the diagnostic rate of such a pathological process, there was also an increased interest in elucidating the possible causes related to the development of this clinical condition. Among the main factors investigated, diet excels, the object of study of this integrative literature review. METHODS: After searching the virtual health library and PubMed databases, five prospective cohort studies were selected that best answered the guiding question: "Is there a relationship between diet and the incidence of diverticulitis?". RESULTS: It was observed that the high intake of red meat and the low intake of dietary fiber were the most strongly associated dietary factors with the incidence of this inflammatory process. CONCLUSION: Therefore, it is evident that choosing healthy eating habits can considerably reduce the incidence of diverticulitis and, consequently, potentially more serious complications directly related to it.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A diverticulite é um processo inflamatório agudo que afeta indivíduos com doença diverticular. Diante do acentuado aumento da taxa diagnóstica desse processo patológico, também houve o aumento do interesse em elucidar as possíveis causas relacionadas ao desenvolvimento dessa condição clínica. Entre os principais fatores investigados, destaca-se a dieta; objeto de estudo desta revisão integrativa da literatura. MÉTODOS: Após pesquisa nas bases de dados da biblioteca virtual em saúde e PubMed, foram selecionados cinco estudos de coorte prospectivos que melhor responderam à questão norteadora "Há relação entre dieta e incidência de diverticulite?". RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se que o alto consumo de carnes vermelhas e o baixo consumo de fibra alimentar são os fatores dietéticos mais fortemente associados à incidência desse processo inflamatório. Fica evidente, portanto, que a escolha de hábitos alimentares saudáveis pode reduzir consideravelmente a incidência de diverticulite e, consequentemente, de possíveis complicações mais graves diretamente relacionadas a ela.

Spatiotemporal distribution of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome incidence in Brazil between 2012 and 2016

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remains a major public health issue in Brazil. This ecological study aimed to evaluate the spatiotemporal distribution of notified new AIDS cases in Brazil between 2012 and 2016. METHODS: A Bayesian spatiotemporal model based on the Poisson distribution was used to obtain smoothed incidence estimates of AIDS in each of the 133 Brazilian intermediate regions. RESULTS: Spatial distribution of new AIDS cases is highly heterogeneous. Regions with higher gross domestic product per capita tend to have higher incidence rates of AIDS. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies to prevent and control AIDS should consider regional differences.

Physical activity in periods of social distancing due to COVID-19: a cross-sectional survey / Atividade física em períodos de distanciamento social devidos à COVID-19: um estudo transversal

Abstract Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are associated with poor physical and mental health. The article aims to assess the changes in the habits of the Brazilian participants engaged in physical activities in relation to their practices, due the measures of social distancing during the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020. The secondary objective was to describe their levels of anxiety and depression. The questionnaire used in this online survey included demographic information, questions about self-perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 in the life routines and the 14-item Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale. A total of 1,613 adults completed the questionnaire between May 11 and 15, 2020. Of those, 79.4% reported that the measures to contain the epidemic had any impact on their physical activities, and many had to interrupt or decrease the frequency of their practices. Participants who felt a higher impact of quarantine on their physical activities tend to have higher prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms. Individuals who practiced physical activities reported that social distance had a high influence on their practices. Furthermore, changes in these habits are associated with high levels of poor mental health.

Resumo Inatividade física e sedentarismo são associados com baixa saúde física e mental. O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar as mudanças nos hábitos dos participantes brasileiros praticantes de atividades físicas em relação às suas práticas, devido às medidas de distanciamento social durante a epidemia COVID-19 em 2020. O objetivo secundário foi descrever seus níveis de ansiedade e depressão. O questionário utilizado nesta pesquisa on-line incluiu informações demográficas, questões sobre a autopercepção do impacto do COVID-19 nas rotinas da vida e a Escala de Depressão de Ansiedade Hospitalar de 14 itens. Um total de 1.613 adultos completou o questionário entre 11 e 15 de maio de 2020. Destes, 79,4% relataram que as medidas para conter a epidemia tiveram algum impacto em suas atividades físicas e muitos tiveram que interromper ou diminuir a frequência de suas práticas. Os participantes que sentiram um maior impacto da quarentena em suas atividades físicas tendem a ter maior prevalência de sintomas de ansiedade e depressão. Os indivíduos que praticavam atividades físicas relataram que o distanciamento social teve alta influência em suas práticas. Além disso, as mudanças destes hábitos são associadas com altos níveis de precária saúde mental.

Blood donation deferral policies among men who have sex with men in Brazil

ABSTRACT Reevaluation of the deferral from voluntary blood donation by men who have sex with men (MSM) is being discussed in several countries, motivated by the need to ensure a blood supply free from transfusion-transmissible infections (e.g., HIV, syphilis). Policies being considered include: permanent exclusion for any male-male sexual encounter, temporary deferral (3 months, 12 months, 5 years) from the last encounter, or specifying behaviors that differentiate MSM at high risk from those at low risk. Current Brazilian regulations defer MSM from blood donation for 12-months after the last male-male sexual encounter. Broad epidemiological evidence indicates that many MSM are at increased risk for HIV in the present era, and few data exist to distinguish which men are likely to be in the immunological window for detection of these infections. A multicenter study developed in Brazil demonstrated that the history of male-male sex was the most strongly associated with being an HIV-positive blood donor. Meanwhile, the blanket deferral of MSM from blood donation has generated considerable controversy. Rejection of the deferral policies stems in part from perspectives defending human rights, promoting equality and citizenship, and alleging bias and discrimination. The objective of this report is to discuss the current situation of blood donation among MSM in Brazil. We highlight the lack of evidence for a true risk profile for male-male sex in the context of blood donation upon which to base sound policy. We recommend research to establish effective and acceptable criteria for blood donation by MSM and other blood donors.