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.

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.

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

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.

HIV genotypes and molecular transmission networks among MSM with newly reported HIV infections in Dehong Prefecture， Yunnan Province from 2010 to 2019 / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the HIV genotypic subtypes and molecular transmission clusters among men who have sex with men （MSM） with newly reported HIV infections in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture （Dehong Prefecture）， Yunnan Province， China， between 2010 and 2019. The study aimed to identify potential high-risk transmitters and provide reference data for screening， management， and intervention of infection sources. MethodsPlasma samples from newly reported HIV-positive MSM individuals in Dehong Prefecture between 2010 and 2019 were collected. The viral pol gene fragments were amplified， sequenced， and genotyped. Genetic distances （GD） between pairwise sequences were analyzed and calculated. MEGA 7.0 and Gephi were used for phylogenetic and molecular transmission network analysis. ResultsA total of 159 newly reported HIV infections among MSM were included in the study， with successful genotyping of 100 cases. Nine HIV-1 subtypes were identified， with the most prevalent being CRF01_AE subtype （52%）， followed by CRF07_BC subtype （31%）， CRF55_01B subtype （10%）， and others （7%）. Cluster analysis revealed a total network access rate of 67%， forming three transmission clusters. CRF01_AE subtype formed two transmission clusters with 38 and 3 infected individuals， while CRF07_BC subtypes formed one transmission cluster with 26 infected individuals. The transmission network within the CRF01_AE clusters exhibited a more complex relationship. Significant differences in educational level were observed between the two main transmission clusters. ConclusionThe predominant HIV subtypes among newly reported MSM cases in Dehong Prefecture between 2010 and 2019 were CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC. Significant cultural differences are observed between the main transmission clusters. Continued monitoring of genotypic subtypes and targeted interventions within transmission clusters are warranted.

Evaluation of prescribing patterns for pediatric community-acquired pneumonia in the outpatient department of a tertiary-care medical center in the Philippines

OBJECTIVES@#This study evaluated the antibiotic prescribing patterns in pediatric patients in the Out Patient Department (OPD) of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) where it may encourage drug monitoring and improvement in the utilization of antibiotics in the department.@*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#A descriptive, cross-sectional study involving patient encounters selected using convenience sampling was conducted at the outpatient department of PCMC. All previously healthy pediatric patients aged 3 months to 18 years diagnosed with pediatric community- acquired pneumonia (PCAP) with no known acute and chronic comorbidities were included. The observed values of the antibiotic prescribing indicators were compared with the optimal values recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Index of Rational Drug Prescribing (IRDP) was calculated.@*RESULTS@#A total of 600 patients diagnosed with PCAP were included in the study seen at the PCMC OPD from January 2020 to July 2022. Ninety-six percent of the patient encounters had at least one antibiotic prescribed (SD + 0.20). The average number of medicines prescribed per patient encounter was 2.05 (SD + 0.85). Of these, 100% were prescribed by generic name and were prescribed from the essential drug list. The most commonly prescribed medications were antibiotics (43.17%) with coamoxiclav (42.93%), amoxicillin (37.76%), and cefuroxime (7.59%) being the top three commonly prescribed antibiotics.@*CONCLUSION@#With respect to the IRDP, PCMC scores well with 3.16 where the most rational score is 4. However, this study highlights the high occurrence of prescribing antibiotics in the institution.

Research progress in HIV non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in China / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: In recent years, the HIV prevention intervention strategy has had a positive effect on reducing the HIV infection prevalence in China. HIV non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) has become an effective measure to prevent HIV for men who have sex with men (MSM) exposed to possible risks. From the perspective of the "knowledge, attitude, and practice" theory, domestic and overseas scholars used outpatient data and questionnaires to investigate the awareness, attitude, usage, medication, follow-up, and drug prescription of HIV nPEP among MSM in China. This article reviewed the above-mentioned and found that the overall awareness rate of HIV nPEP among MSM in China is high with a positive attitude, but the actual utilization rate is very low. On a regional level, their follow-up after the medication is not ideal despite good medication. Drug prescription varies between different regions domestically. The prescription rate of tenofovir + emtricitabine + raltegravir is the highest, followed by the prescription rate of tenofovir + emtricitabine + dolutegravir, and tenofovir + lamivudine + dolutegravir. In the future, researchers should expand the number of study objects and the scope of the research sites in China, analyze the "knowledge, attitude, and practice" of HIV nPEP, medication follow-up, and medication prescription among MSM, and increase the research on HIV nPEP service areas to provide the reference for further formulating and refining the comprehensive HIV prevention intervention strategy among MSM in China.

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.

Quality of life among HIV-infected college students among men who have sex with men / 预防医学

Objective@#To investigate the quality of life and its influencing factors among HIV-infected college students among men who have sex with men (MSM), so as to provide the evidence for improving the quality of life among HIV-infected MSM college students.@*Methods@#HIV-infected MSM college students were sampled from those with follow-up management by Shaanxi, Chongqing and Guangdong Centers for Disease Control and Prevention using a convenience sampling method, and participants' demographics, AIDS-related knowledge, attitude and practice were collected using questionnaire surveys. The scores for physical, psychological, social and environmental domains, and the overall quality of life were measured using the Chinese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief (WHOQOL-BREF), and their influencing factors were identified using a multivariable linear regression model.

Comparison and enlightenment of anti-infective medicines between WHO model list of essential medicines for children，essential medicine list of WHO and national essential medicine list / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To provide suggestions and reference for enriching the selection of anti-infective medicines for children in China and promoting the establishment of the Essential Medicine List for Children in China. METHODS Descriptive analysis method was used to statistically compare the differences and similarities of anti-infective medicines included in the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines for Children （EMLc）， World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines （EML） and National Essential Medicine List （NEML） in terms of drug category， variety， dosage form， specification， symbol mark， etc. RESULTS All anti-infective medicines of EMLc were covered by EML （85.3%）. NEML lacked the information of anti-infective medicines relatively， and contained few new categories； for example， the third-generation and above cephalosporins in EMLc were not included， and the drug dosage forms were also relatively limited （mainly tablets， capsules and injections）， but the specifications were relatively rich. CONCLUSIONS With reference to EMLc， the guidance on the use of essential medicines for children in China should be added from the aspects of age， body weight， combined medication， etc.， and the dosage forms suitable for children such as oral liquid preparations and scored tablets should be added to NEML； when updating the NEML the newer drugs suitable for children such as cefixime and dacatavir should be included. Finally， with reference to the continuity of EML and EMLc， the Essential Medicine List for Children in China should be established based on NEML to meet the drug needs of children and promote the safe use of drugs in children.