HIV Care Continuum from diagnosis in a Counseling and Testing Center / Cascada del cuidado del VIH a partir del diagnóstico en Centro de Pruebas y Consejo / Cascata do cuidado do HIV a partir do diagnóstico em Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the HIV care continuum from the diagnosis in an HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing Center (CTC), and the sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics related to gender. Method: Epidemiological study, conducted with data of individuals assisted at a Counseling and Testing Center, and followed in an outpatient clinic for HIV/AIDS. Pearson's Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to obtain odds ratios, considering alpha value <0.05. Results: The prevalence of HIV among 5,229 users was 5%. The highest chance of positive results was among men, aged 14 to 33 years old, who were not in a domestic partnership. In the analysis of TCD4+ lymphocytes and viral load (VL) of 238 cases, 56.1% had a late diagnosis. We have identified gaps in the care cascade, especially linkage to the care, retention in care, and viral load suppression. Conclusion: The results suggest a late diagnosis for both genders, as well as difficulty in reaching the viral suppression goal.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la cascada del cuidado del VIH a partir del diagnóstico en Centro de Pruebas y Consejo (CTA); y las características sociodemográficas, clínicas y laboratoriales relacionadas al sexo. Método: Estudio epidemiológico, realizado con datos de indivíduos atendidos en un Centro de Pruebas y Consejo y acompañados en ambulatorio de VIH/sida. Han sido utilizados el test chi cuadrado y regresión logística binaria, para obtención del odds ratio, considerando alfa < 0,05. Resultados: La prevalencia de VIH nos 5.229 usuarios ha sido de 5%, con mayor chance de resultado positivo entre hombres, franja etaria de 14 a 33 años, que no presentaban unión estable. En el análisis de linfocitos TCD4+ y carga viral (CV) de 238 casos, 56,1% realizaron diagnóstico tardío. Han sido identificadas lagunas en la cascada del cuidado, especialmente en la vinculación, retención en el cuidado y supresión de la carga viral. Conclusión: Los resultados sugieren diagnóstico tardío para ambos los sexos, además dificultad en alcanzar la meta de supresión viral.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a cascata do cuidado do HIV a partir do diagnóstico em Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento (CTA); e as características sociodemográficas, clínicas e laboratoriais relacionadas ao sexo. Método: Estudo epidemiológico, realizado com dados de indivíduos atendidos num Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento e acompanhados em ambulatório de HIV/aids. Foram utilizados o teste Qui-quadrado e regressão logística binária, para obtenção do odds ratio, considerando alfa < 0,05. Resultados: A prevalência de HIV nos 5.229 usuários foi de 5%, com maior chance de resultado positivo entre homens, faixa etária de 14 a 33 anos, que não apresentavam união estável. Na análise de linfócitos TCD4+ e carga viral (CV) de 238 casos, 56,1% realizaram diagnóstico tardio. Foram identificadas lacunas na cascata do cuidado, especialmente na vinculação, retenção no cuidado e supressão da carga viral. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem diagnóstico tardio para ambos os sexos, além de dificuldade em alcançar a meta de supressão viral.

Prevalence and factors associated with syphilis in a Reference Center

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The implementation of the rapid test (RT) for syphilis increases access of vulnerable populations to early diagnosis and treatment, impacting the outcomes of infection. We aimed to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with syphilis in a Center for Testing and Counseling (CTC). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study at a Reference Center for sexually transmitted disease (STD) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome in Londrina, Northern Paraná State, Southern Brazil. Data regarding the 5,509 individuals who underwent RT from June 2012 to December 2014 were collected from patient records and the CTC Information System and served as the basis to check associations of syphilis cases (346) and cases without syphilis (5,163). Nine patients’ records were not found. OpenEpi was used to perform a prevalence analysis and determine odds ratios to assess the associations between sociodemographic and behavioral variables (independent variables) and cases of syphilis (dependent variable). An alpha value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of syphilis was 6.3%; higher in males (7.5%) than in females (4.3%, p <0.001). Syphilis was associated with an age of 25-34 years, little education, and single marital status. The main associated behavioral factors were men who have sex with men, drug users, STD patients, and those presenting with an STD in the last year. The use of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and crack was significantly associated with syphilis. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies for prevention and control of syphilis should be intensified, especially in populations identified as most vulnerable.