Positividade ao hiv e fatores associados em um centro de testagem e aconselhamento / Positividad al vih y factores asociados en un centro de consejería y pruebas / Hiv positivity and associated factors in a counseling and testing center

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os fatores sociodemográficos e comportamentais associados à positividade ao Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV) em usuários de um Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento (CTA). Método: Estudo transversal com 5.229 usuários que realizaram o teste rápido para HIV, registrados no Sistema de Informação do CTA. As análises bivariadas e multivariadas foram realizadas utilizando-se a regressão logística binária, com apresentação do OddsRatio, intervalo de confiança de 95% e p-valor <0,05. Resultados: A prevalência de infecção pelo HIV foi de 5,0% (259), com maior acometimento da população mais jovem (p=0,010). Observou-se maior positividade entre as pessoas vivendo com HIV/Aids (91,3%; p<0,001) e homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) (20%; p<0,001). Nas análises multivariadas verificou-se maior associação à infecção pelo HIV no modelo 2 que inclui, as variáveis sociodemográficas e comportamentais, como: o recorte populacional de HSH, o compartilhamento de seringas, a orientação sexual HSH, ter infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) nos últimos 12 meses, parceiro soropositivo para HIV e uso irregular ou não uso do preservativo nos últimos 12 meses com parceiro fixo. Conclusão: A vulnerabilidade ao HIV foi mais associada aos fatores relacionados ao compartilhamento de seringas e ao comportamento sexual, especialmente os HSH e as parcerias fixas.

resumen Objetivo: analizar los factores sociodemográficos y comportamentales asociados a la positividad al Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana (VIH) en usuarios de un Centro de Consejería y Pruebas. Método: estudio transversal con 5.229 usuarios que realizaron la prueba rápida para VIH, registrados en el Sistema de Información del Centro. Los análisis bivariados y multivariados fueron realizados utilizando la regresión logística binaria, con presentación del OddsRatio, intervalo de confianza de 95% y p-valor <0,05. Resultados: la prevalencia de infección por el VIH fue de 5,0% (259), con mayor acometimiento de la población más joven (p=0,010). Se observó mayor positividad entre las personas viviendo con VIH/sida (91,3%; p<0,001) y hombres que hacen sexo con hombres (HSH) (20%; p<0,001). En los análisis multivariados se verificó mayor asociacióna la infección por el VIH en el modelo 2 que incluye las variables sociodemográficas y comportamentales como: el recorte poblacional de HSH, el compartir jeringas, la orientación sexual HSH, tener enfermedades de transmisión sexual (ETS) en los últimos 12 meses, compañero seropositivo para VIHy uso irregular o la falta del uso de preservativo en los últimos 12 meses con compañero fijo. Conclusión: la vulnerabilidad al VIH fue más asociada a los factores relacionados al compartir jeringas y al comportamiento sexual, especialmente los HSH y los compañeros fijos.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the sociodemographic and behavioral factors associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positivity in users of a Counseling and Testing Center (CTC). Method: Across-sectional study with 5,229 users who performed the rapid HIV test, registered in the CTC's Information System. Bivariate and multivariate analyzes were performed using binary logistic regression, presenting OddsRatio, 95% confidence interval and p-value <0.05. Results: The prevalence of HIV infection was 5.0% (259), with greater involvement of the younger population (p=0.010). Greater positivity was observed among people living with HIV/AIDS(91.3%; p <0.001) and men who have sex with men (MSM) (20%; p<0.001). In multivariate analyzes, there was a greater association with HIV infection in model 2, which includes sociodemographic and behavioral variables, such as: the populational cut of MSM, needle sharing, MSM sexual orientation, having sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the last 12 months, HIV-positive partner and irregular or no condom use in the last 12 months with a steady partner. Results: Conclusion: Vulnerability to HIV was more associated with factors related to needle sharing and sexual behavior, especially MSM and steady partnerships.

HIV infection prevalence and associated risk factors in people who inject drugs in Medellin / Prevalencia de infección por VIH y factores de riesgo asociados, en personas que se inyectan drogas en la ciudad de Medellín

Introduction: the availability of high purity and low-cost drugs has increased the use of intravenous substances, which makes it a public health problem due to its association with HIV infection. Objective: to identify the factors associated with HIV infection in people who inject drugs. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out between December 2017 and January 2018 in Medellin, Colombia. We use the sampling conducted by the respondent (RDS). Results: They have recruited 224 subjects, 86.2% were men, 82.0% were single and 67.0% belonged to the subsidized or linked health system. The prevalence of HIV infection was 3.6%. This study found that 38.8% of consumers have shared needles and syringes with up to three people, representing a risk of infection of 5.07 times, compared to those who do not share (RPc = 5.07 95% CI: 1.19-21.55), and if this practice is carried out with a close friend, the probability increases to almost double (10.69) (RPc = 10.69 IC 95%: 2.26-50.61) (p <0.05). Conclusion: Given the low prevalence of HIV, it is vital to develop and implement public policies whose objective is to create prevention programs that ultimately lead to the reduction of infection in this population.

Introducción: La disponibilidad de drogas con una alta pureza y un bajo costo, ha aumentado el consumo de sustancias por vía intravenosa; llevándolo a ser considerado como un problema de salud pública, por su asociación con la presencia de infección por VIH. Se estima que existen aproximadamente 16 millones de consumidores de drogas intravenosas en el mundo y en Colombia, 15.000. Objetivo: identificar los factores asociados con la infección por VIH en personas que se inyectan drogas. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal, realizado (diciembre 2017/ enero 2018) Medellín - Colombia, se utilizó la metodología Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS). Resultados: Fueron reclutados 224 participantes, un 86,2% fueron hombres, el 82,0% eran solteros, el (67,0%) pertenecía al régimen de salud subsidiado o vinculado. Con relación a la prevalencia de infección por VIH esta fue del 3,6%. Este estudio encontró que el 38,8% de los consumidores había compartido agujas y jeringas con hasta tres personas, lo cual representa una probabilidad de 5,07 veces de contraer la infección comparado con aquellos que no comparten (RPc=5,07 CI95% 1,19-21,55), si esta práctica se hace con un amigo cercano dicha probabilidad aumenta a casi el doble 10,69 (RPc= 10,69 CI95% 2,26-50,61), (p<0,05). Conclusión: Ante la baja prevalencia de VIH, es necesario, el desarrollo e implementación de políticas públicas que tengan como objetivo la creación de programas de prevención que finalmente, lleven a la reducción de la infección en esta población.

Burden of blood transmitted infections in substance users admitted for inpatient treatment in Singapore and the associated factors

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>There is paucity of local data on the prevalence of blood transmitted infections (BTIs), such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, among illicit drug users. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of BTIs among substance dependent inpatients and identify the factors associated with BTIs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical notes of 170 inpatients with a diagnosis of substance dependence who were admitted at the National Addictions Management Service, Singapore, between 1 June 2009 and 31 May 2010.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Majority of the 170 inpatients were male (88.2%) and Chinese (58.2%). The mean age of the patients was 43.1 years, and the main drug of abuse was opioids (86.5%). BTIs were found in 70 (41.2%) inpatients; the prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV infections was 3.7%, 39.6% and 0%, respectively. Lifetime intravenous drug use, but not needle-sharing, was more common among inpatients who were positive for BTIs (p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that lifetime intravenous drug use (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.7- 10.8, p < 0.01) was the only significant predictor of BTIs.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A large proportion (41.2%) of the substance users seeking help was positive for at least one BTI. Lifetime intravenous drug users were found to be more than four times more likely to have a BTI. Early detection and prevention is essential to improve prognosis.</p>

Impact of antiretroviral therapy on drug-using and high risk sexual behaviors among HIV-positive methadone maintenance treatment clients: a qualitative study / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand that whether initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) would impact on the change and its reasons regarding the HIV-related high risk behaviors among HIV-positive clients who attending the methadone maintenance treatment (MMT).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In-depth interviews were conducted among 34 MMT clients in Yunnan province who were under ART. The related contents would include information on general demographic charicteristics, HIV infection,MMT, number of sexual partners before and after ART, sexual behavior and frequency of condom use, drug use, needle sharing, changes in risk behaviors before and after the ART, reasons for high-risk behavior, of the clients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average age of the interviewees was 38.5 years, and most of them were male (70.6%). The clients under this study all admitted that the frequencies of unsafe sex and needle sharing did not increase after the ART initiation, with the main reasons as increasing HIV related awareness, the use of methadone, high accessibility of free condoms and access to clean needles etc. However, 12 of 34 reported being relapsed and 3 reported inconsistent condom use. The interaction of ART and dosage of methadone were connected to the episodes of relapsing and the ART optimism would result in inconsistent condom use.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>No evidence supported that the ART initiation would increase the risk behaviors among the HIV-infected MMT clients. However, attention needs to be paid to the new challenges caused by high expectation of ART.</p>

A study on the risk and its determinants of HIV transmission by syringe sharing among HIV-positive drug users / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand the risks and associated factors of HIV transmission by sharing syringes among HIV-positive drug users.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The survey was conducted among HIV-positive injecting drug users (IDUs-HIV+) who received HIV counseling, testing and treatment in Changsha city Infectious Disease Hospital and Hengyang city No.3 People's Hospital from July 2012 to May 2013 to understand their socio-demographic characteristics, HIV prevalence and syringe sharing. A total of 503 IDUs-HIV+ were involved in and provided the contact list of 2 460 drug users who had the syringe sharing experience over one month with IDUs-HIV+. 420 IDUs-HIV+ among 503 were defined as infection sources due to sharing syringe with at least one drug user. Among them, 234 HIV-negative persons were in control group, and 186 HIV-positive were in cased group. A total of 1 220 drug users were followed up among 2 460 and defined as vulnerable population. The HIV transmission rate was calculated based on the HIV prevalence among vulnerable population. Based on the result of HIV transmission to vulnerable population from 420 infection sources, case-control study and the multivariate logistic regression analysis were adopted to explore the associated factors of HIV transmission among IDUs-HIV+.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>As the sources of HIV transmission, 420 IDUs-HIV+ had an average duration of (4.5 ± 1.2) years for drug use. As a susceptible population, 1 220 drug users sharing syringes with the 420 IDUs-HIV+ had an average duration of (1.1 ± 0.5) years for drug use. There were 238 HIV-positive persons among 1 220 vulnerable drug users, with a transmission rate of 0.57. In the case-control study, the proportion of male subjects was 87.1% (162/186) in the case group, which was higher than that in the control group (77.8%, 182/234). The proportion of subjects who received support after knowing their HIV infection status was 51.1% (95/186) in the case group, which was lower than that in the control group (79.5%, 186/234). The proportion of subjects sharing syringes every time of using drugs was 47.8% (89/186) in the case group, which was higher than that in the control group (36.8%, 86/234). The proportion of subjects having AIDS awareness was 21.0% (39/186) in the case group, which was lower than that in the control group (64.5%, 151/234); the proportion of subjects having close contact with HIV-positive persons for more than 106 days was 60.2% (112/186) in the case group, which was higher than that in the control group (31.6%, 74/234). The proportion of subjects maintaining the original drug use method after being infected with HIV was 50.5% (94/186) in the case group, which was higher than that in the control group (16.7%, 39/234) (all P values < 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to analyse high correlate factors of HIV transmission by sources of transmission, and the AIDS awareness, duration of contact between sources of transmission and vulnerable population, access to support following confirmed HIV infection were protective factors, OR (95% CI) values were 0.155 (0.104-0.262), 0.170 (0.106-0.253), and 0.306 (0.189-0.450), respectively; while the frequency of syringe sharing and continuous drug use after being infected with HIV were risk factors, and the OR (95% CI) values were 3.06 (1.77-5.29), and 3.54 (2.16-5.80), respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HIV transmission by IDUs-HIV+ might be contained by raising AIDS awareness, providing comprehensive psychological support, conducting needle exchange and methadone maintenance treatment and reducing syringe sharing.</p>

Recent infected and newly reported HIV cases in Jiangsu province, 2011-2013 / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To understand the status of recent infected and newly reported HIV cases in Jiangsu province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Information including general demographic, mode of transmission and sample source of newly reported HIV infected cases was collected. Corresponding serum or plasma samples were collected and tested with BED-CEIA. Proportions of recent HIV infections among different populations were calculated, and associated factors of recent HIV infection calculated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among cases infected through different channels as homosexual, heterosexual and needles sharing, the proportions of recent infections were 29.19% , 17.40% and 21.75% , respectively. Statistically significant difference was seen between different populations(P < 0.05). Compared with female cases, male cases were more likely to be recent infected (OR = 1.569, 95%CI: 1.168-2.107). Compared with cases older than 35 years of age, the ones that younger than that age were more likely to be recently infected (OR = 1.556, 95% CI:1.289-1.879). Compared with cases who remained single, those married cases were more likely to be long-term infections(OR = 0.789, 95%CI:0.649-0.960). Compared with patients identified by hospitals, the recent HIV infections were more likely to be found through voluntary counseling programs and testing (OR = 2.278, 95%CI: 1.853-2.801), project-based surveillance programs (OR = 2.409, 95%CI:1.860- 3.120), and unpaid blood donation sites (OR = 2.911, 95%CI:2.118-4.001)(P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Proportion of MSM ranked 1st in the newly reported HIV cases in Jiangsu province. Related HIV case-finding programs should be strengthened to reduce the secondary transmission.</p>

Prevalência de anti-HCV em uma população privada de liberdade / Prevalence of anti-HCV in an inmate population

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência do vírus da hepatite (HCV) através de um teste rápido em um grupo carcerário do interior do Rio Grande do Sul. MÉTODOS: Por meio de um estudo descritivo do tipo inquérito, foram avaliados 195 apenados por amostragem aleatória. RESULTADOS: Um total de 9,7% dos apenados era reagente. Nesta análise, a variável que se mostrou preditora para infecção pelo HCV foi o uso de drogas injetáveis. CONCLUSÃO: A alta prevalência da sorologia reagente para o HCV observada entre os internos causa particular preocupação, uma vez que é bem maior em relação à população em geral. Portanto, é necessária a realização de campanhas de abordagens específicas para mais informações sobre doenças infecciosas em ambientes prisionais, além de um adequado tratamento para evitar a disseminação viral.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis C using a rapid hepatitis C virus (HCV) test in an inmate population from the countryside of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. METHODS: Through a descriptive study, 195 inmates were evaluated by random sampling. RESULTS: A total of 9.7% of the inmates were positive. In this analysis, the variable injectable drug use was predictive of HCV infection. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of positive serology for HCV observed among the inmates is of particular concern, as it is much higher than in the general population. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct specific approach campaigns to gather more information on infectious diseases in prison settings, as well as to provide appropriate treatment to prevent viral dissemination.

Aportes a la epidemiología del HIV en Argentina. Prevalencia e incidencia en grupos vulnerables / Contributions to HIV epidemiology in Argentina. Prevalence and incidence in vulnerable groups

Estudios epidemiológicos realizados en Argentina muestran que la epidemia del HIV es de tipo concentrada, con baja prevalencia en población general, pero con grupos de la población altamente afectados debido a diversos factores de vulnerabilidad. Dentro de los grupos más afectados por la epidemia de HIV/sida se encuentran las trans (transexuales, travestis y transgúnero), los "hombres que tienen sexo con hombres", los "usuarios de drogas" y las/los "trabajadoras/es sexulaes". Si bien el desconocimiento del número de individuos pertenecientes a estos grupos hace que no podamos conocer el impacto real que los mismos tienen en la epidemia nacional, las altas prevalencias e incidencias de HIV descriptas han puesto en escena la urgencia de un enfoque integral en estos grupos para poder intervenir eficientemente en la lucha contra la epidemia.

In the beginning of the epidemy, HIV-Aids required new professional knowledges and skills and signalled the shortcomings of the positivist medical model; the development and institutionalization of antirretroviral treatments brouhgt a new challenge, the problem of treatment adherence. We introduce the point of view of an anthropologist. In first place we analyze the clinical perspective and its intellectualist hermeneutics which focalizes on sick persons as individual locus of will, reason and self-control and tends to result in the construction of patients tipologies. In second place we present the variability and difficulties associated to trajectories of living with HIV and point out the importance of considering patients'experiences and their conditions fo everyday life in the dynamics of care.

Prevalência, fatores de risco e genótipos da hepatite C entre usuários de drogas / Prevalencia, factores de riesgo y genotipos de la hepatitis C entre usuarios de drogas / Prevalence, risk factors and genotypes of hepatitis C virus infection among drug users, Central-Western Brazil

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a utilização da Escala de Depressão Pós-natal de Edimburgo como instrumento de triagem no sistema público de saúde. MÉTODOS: A Escala foi administrada entre o 40° e 90° dia do pós-parto, a 245 mulheres que tiveram parto em uma maternidade privada no município de Belo Horizonte (MG), entre 2005 e 2006. As participantes foram submetidas a uma entrevista psiquiátrica estruturada (Mini-Plus 5.0) utilizada como padrão-ouro para diagnóstico de depressão. Foram calculadas sensibilidade e especificidade da escala e utilizou-se a curva ROC para achar o melhor ponto de corte. Foi utilizado o teste t de Student para comparação das variáveis numéricas e o qui-quadrado para as variáveis categóricas. A confiabilidade foi aferida pelo coeficiente de consistência interna alfa de Cronbach. RESULTADOS: Foram diagnosticadas 66 mulheres com o quadro depressivo pós-parto (26,9 por cento da amostra). Não houve diferença entre mulheres com e sem depressão pós-parto em relação à idade, escolaridade, número de partos anteriores e estado civil. Utilizando-se o ponto de corte de 10, a sensibilidade da escala foi 86,4, a especificidade 91,1 e o valor preditivo positivo 0,78. CONCLUSÕES: As propriedades psicométricas da Escala a carcterizam como um bom instrumento de triagem da depressão pós-parto e seu uso disseminado no Sistema Único de Saúde poderia repercutir positivamente com aumento significativo na taxa de reconhecimento, diagnóstico, e tratamento da depressão pós parto.

Incidence and risk factors on HIV infection among injection drug users in Dehong prefecture area of Yunnan province / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the incidence and risk factors on HIV infection among injection drug users (IDU) in Dehong prefecture area of Yunnan province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>An epidemiological cohort of HIV-negative IDU had been developed and followed since October, 2004. HIV new infections and related behaviors had been investigated every six months.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>By the end of 2008, 760 HIV-negative IDU had been recruited and followed for a total of 1153.6 person-years. 47 new HIV infections were identified, with an overall incidence of 4.07/100 person-years during the follow-up period. The HIV incidence was 4.45/100 person-years during 2004 - 2006, 4.50/100 person-years in 2007 and 2.54/100 person-years in 2008. Both the behavior of drug injection and the HIV incidence among the cohort had substantially decreased during the follow-up period. Multiple regression analysis using Cox proportional hazard model indicated that people with Jing-po ethnicity (Hazard ratio, HR = 2.56, 95%CI: 1.06 - 6.19) and other minorities except for Dai (HR = 3.26, 95%CI: 0.89 - 11.96) were at higher risk for HIV infection than the people with Han ethnicity. People injecting drugs with (HR = 2.27, 95%CI: 0.98 - 5.25) or without (HR = 5.27, 95%CI: 2.25 - 12.34) needle sharing were at higher risk for HIV infection than those reporting having no drug injection behavior during the follow-up period.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Both the behavior of drug injection and the HIV incidence among former IDU in Dehong prefecture area of Yunnan province had been decreasing during the four years. However, needle sharing remained the most important risk factor for HIV new infection among IDUs. IDUs with different ethnicities seemed to have different risks towards HIV infection.</p>

Gender differences in KAP related to HIV/AIDS among freshmen in Afghan universities.

This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the level of knowledge, perception/ attitude, and practices related to HIV among 1,054 freshmen students in four Afghan universities differences between genders. A probability, two stage sampling method was used. Data were collected by a self administered structured questionnaire. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Most of respondents were male (72.1%), their average age was 20.1 +/- 2 years, and most were unmarried (93.4%). The majority (90.8%) were aware of HIV but only 28.3% had a good level of knowledge. Around one-third (35.6%) had a positive level of attitude toward HIV. Approximately 30% had at least one risk practice; therefore, they were counted as high-risk behavior group members. Females were statistically more knowledgeable than males, and high-risk behaviors were significantly more prevalent among males; p = 0.01 and p = 0.001, respectively. However, general awareness, and attitude were not statistically different between genders. A considerable proportion of students (14.6%), as compared to peer-countries, were sexually active. A very high level of sharing injecting needles (4.5%) and shaving sets (20.8%) were also reported among informants.

HIV prevalence and risk factors in a Brazilian penitentiary

A infecção pelo HIV em presidiários alcança uma das maiores prevalências entre subgrupos populacionais específicos, com taxas de até 17 por cento, já tendo sido descritas no Brasil e no mundo. Esta pesquisa objetivou estimar a prevalência do marcador do HIV e fatores de risco para essa infecção na população masculina carcerária da Penitenciária de Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil, no período de maio a agosto de 2003. Do total de 1.030 presidiários, foram sorteados 333 participantes por amostragem aleatória simples, os quais foram submetidos à aplicação de um questionário padronizado e coleta de sangue. Para diagnóstico sorológico do HIV foi utilizado o ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) e reação de imunofluorescência indireta. A prevalência global do HIV nos presidiários foi de 5,7 por cento (IC95 por cento: 3,2-8,2). Todas as variáveis que mostraram associação com presença do anti-HIV, por meio de análise univariada, foram submetidas a modelo multivariado de regressão logística não condicional. As variáveis que se mostraram preditoras de forma independente da infecção pelo HIV foram: tempo total da pena a ser cumprida inferior a cinco anos e compartilhamento de agulhas e seringas.

HIV infection among prison inmates shows one of the highest prevalence rates for specific population subgroups, reaching as high as 17 percent in Brazil and elsewhere in the world. The present study aimed to estimate HIV antibody prevalence and risk factors for infection in male inmates at the Ribeirão Preto Penitentiary, São Paulo State, Brazil, from May to August 2003. Using simple random sampling, 333 participants were selected, answered a standardized questionnaire, and had blood samples collected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence were used for HIV serological diagnosis. Overall HIV prevalence among inmates was 5.7 percent (95 percentCI: 3.2-8.2). All variables associated with HIV antibodies in the univariate analysis were submitted to unconditional multivariate logistic regression. Independent predictors of HIV infection were: total prison sentence less than five years and sharing needles and syringes.

Estudo de comportamento associado à infecção pelo HIV e HCV em detentas de um presídio de São Paulo, Brasil / Behavior associated with HIV and HCV infection in female prison inmates in São Paulo, Brazil

Observa-se aumento do número de casos de AIDS e hepatite C entre mulheres, incluindo aquelas confinadas no sistema prisional. Este trabalho propôs estudar aspectos relacionados ao comportamento sexual e associados ao risco de transmissão do HIV e da hepatite C em detentas numa penitenciária de São Paulo, Brasil. É um estudo transversal realizado em 2000, aplicando questionários de comportamento e obtendo diagnósticos sorológicos para HIV e HCV. A medida de associação escolhida foi OR para análises bi e multivariada (regressão logística). Participaram do estudo 290 detentas. A prevalência observada para HIV e HCV foi de 13,9 por cento e 16,2 por cento, respectivamente. Associações estatisticamente significantes (p < 0,05) para HIV positivo foram observadas para as variáveis: parceiros com AIDS OR = 6,9 (2,7-35,2); usuários de drogas ingetáveis (UDI) OR = 3,3 (1,6-14,7); parceiro fixo OR=3,7 (1,5-8,3) e para HCV positivo com UDI OR = 13,7 (4,4-42,7); parceiro UDI OR = 4,9 (1,9-12,2); prisão anterior OR = 2,8 (1,2-6,5) ajustadas por: parceiros com AIDS, UDI, parceiro UDI, uso de drogas e prisão anterior. Concluiu-se que o risco parenteral foi associado com infecções pelo HIV e HCV, e o sexual, pelo HIV. Recomendam-se programas de prevenção adequados e continuados no ambiente carcerário.

An increase has been observed in AIDS and hepatitis C cases in women, including female prison inmates. This study focused on inmates' behavioral factors associated with risk of HIV and HCV transmission in a women's detention facility in São Paulo, Brazil. Behavioral questionnaires were applied and HIV and HCV serology were performed. The selected measure of association was odds ratio for both the bi and multivariate logistic regression analyses. 290 inmates participated in the study. HIV and HCV prevalence rates were 13.9 percent and 16.2 percent, respectively. Statistically significant associations were observed (p < 0.05) between HIV and the following variables: partner with AIDS OR = 6.9 (2.7-35.2); injection drug users (IDU) OR = 3.3 (1.6-14.7); regular partner OR = 3.7 (1.5-8.3), and between HCV and: IDU OR = 13.7 (4.4-42.7); IDU partner OR = 4.9 (1.9-12.2); previous arrest OR = 2.8 (1.2-6.5) adjusted for: partner with AIDS, IDU, IDU partner, drug user, and previous arrest. In conclusion, parenteral risk was associated with HIV and HCV infection and sexual risk with HIV. Appropriate and continuous preventive programs are recommended in the prison.

"The first shot": the context of first injection of illicit drugs, ongoing injecting practices, and hepatitis C infection in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

O trabalho investiga o contexto da primeira injecão de drogas e sua associacão com práticas atuais de injecão e infeccão pelo HCV (vírus da hepatite C). Usuários de drogas injetáveis (UDI) (N = 606) foram recrutados em cenas de uso (ruas, bares) do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, entrevistados e testados (anti-HCV). A freqüência de compartilhamento de agulhas e seringas foi superior na primeira injecão (51,3 por cento), se comparada à atualmente referida (36,8 por cento). Usuários que iniciaram o uso injetável compartilhando agulhas/seringas relataram uma freqüência significativamente maior de compartilhamento direto/indireto de agulhas/seringas nos últimos seis meses. A infeccão pelo HCV foi quatro vezes mais prevalente entre UDI jovens (< 30 anos) que compartilharam agulhas e seringas na primeira injecão. A prevalência de anti-HCV foi 11 por cento entre UDI ativos (n = 272) e se mostrou independentemente associada à história de prisão e à duracão do uso de drogas injetáveis. A prevencão da disseminacão do HCV nesta populacão requer a adocão de medidas de reducão de riscos e danos associados à injecão de drogas já desde a primeira injecão ou, antes, um desestímulo à transicão do uso não injetável para injetável.

Alterações nos locais de aplicação de insulina e nas seringas reutilizadas pelos pacientes diabéticos / Changes in the insulin application sites and in the syringes reutilized by diabetic patients

Pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados LILACS, MEDLINE, SciELO e PubMed, de 1978 a 2005, cujo objetivo foi identificar pesquisas relacionadas a complicações nos locais de aplicação de insulina e alterações microbiológicas das seringas descartáveis reutilizadas pelos pacientes diabéticos. Utilizou-se a expressão booleana “and” para filtrar e refinar os trabalhos descritivos, experimentais e revisões bibliográficas. Os estudos foram selecionados segundo alterações nos locais de aplicação de insulina e nas seringas descartáveis reutilizadas. As pesquisas encontradas foram organizadas num quadro segundo o país de origem e o tipo de estudo. Nos Estados Unidos houve 46,3 por cento das pesquisas, na Inglaterra 19,5 por cento e no Brasil 17 por cento

Epidemiology of pediatric HIV infection in six provinces of China / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the epidemiology of pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in six provinces of China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cross-sectional study was conducted in six provinces with the highest HIV prevalence. Surveys on demographics and HIV-related questions (transmission modes, time of diagnosis, clinical stage, laboratory test) were distributed to clinicians in these provinces. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed on the completed surveys.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Survey results of 650 children [405 males and 245 females; average age: (7.9 +/- 3.2) years] were eligible for analysis. The interval between possible transmission and diagnosis was (7.1 +/- 3.2) years. The location distribution was as follows: 570 cases (87.7%) in Henan Province, 23 cases (3.5%) in Guangxi Province, 21 cases (3.2%) in Yunnan Province, 19 cases (2.9%) in Hubei Province, 10 cases (1.5%) in Anhui Province, and 7 cases (1.1%) in Shanxi Province. Transmission routes included mother-to-child transmission (75.1%), blood transfusion/ plasma donation (15.7 %), and injecting drug use (IDU, 0.5%). Former plasma donation (FPD) was the main transmission route in some provinces (Henan, Shanxi, Hubei, and Anhui), while IDU was the main transmission route in other provinces (Guangxi and Yunnan). The average age in the FPD provinces was significantly higher than that in IDU provinces [(8.1 +/- 3.2) vs. (5.4 +/- 2.2) years, P <0.001]. Among 178 patients in all six provinces who required treatment (on the basis of CD4 count or WHO staging), 133 (74.7%) did not receive treatment and 45 (25.3%) received antiretroviral therapy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Mother-to-child transmission is the main transmission mode in pediatric patients. Efforts should be made to strengthen the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric HIV/AIDS patients.</p>