ABSTRACT
This study investigated the influence of coping strategies on quality of life of mothers living with HIV over 24 months postpartum. Fifty-six Brazilian mothers living with HIV answered quality of life and coping scales at pregnancy, 3rd, 12th, and 24th month postpartum. Mixed model longitudinal regressions were conducted. Quality of life improved in physical, level of independence, and environmental domains over time. While problem-focused coping was positively associated with all changes in quality of life, emotionally focused strategies showed inverse association with physical and environmental quality of life. Health care should help mothers living with HIV to actively cope with HIV together with political and community efforts to address their social vulnerability.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Quality of Life , Adaptation, Psychological , Brazil , Female , Humans , Mothers , Postpartum Period , PregnancyABSTRACT
The Brazilian state of Mato Grosso is the largest producer and exporter of beef in the country, but few studies of relevance have been conducted to evaluate the microbiological safety of its products. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes (LM) in export-approved beef from Mato Grosso and to characterize the isolates in terms of molecular properties and antimicrobial resistance. From a total of 50 samples analyzed, Listeria sp. was isolated in 18 (36% prevalence). Listeria monocytogenes was confirmed in 6 (12% prevalence). Among the serotype groups assessed by multiplex PCR, serotype 4 (4b, 4d or 4e) was the most prevalent. Although antibiotic resistance was not an issue, two strains isolated from different plants showed high resistance to sodium hypochlorite. Overall, this scenario causes concern because it puts at risk not only the Brazilian customer, but also the population of countries that import beef from Mato Grosso.
ABSTRACT
This article discusses the perceptions of professionals and users about counselling practices at a counselling and testing centre in Porto Alegre/RS based on interviews with 27 service users and 14 members of the staff. The following categories emerged from thematic analysis: professionals' perceptions on counselling, users' perceptions on counselling and changes in counselling due to the introduction of rapid test procedures. The results show that, although initially there were some imprecision and apparent contradictions in its use, rapid testing was considered an invitation to rethink practices, bringing service closer to users' needs.
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/diagnosis , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/psychology , Attitude of Health Personnel , Counseling/methods , HIV Infections/diagnosis , HIV Infections/psychology , Adult , Behavioral Medicine/methods , Brazil , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Needs Assessment , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: High rates of HIV infection among women of reproductive age have dramatic consequences for personal and public health. Prophylaxis during sexual intercourse in the form of condoms has been the most effective way to prevent both STI and HIV transmission among people living with HIV. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effectiveness of behavioral interventions in promoting condom use among women living with HIV. SEARCH STRATEGY: We conducted a comprehensive literature search in several scientific databases, clinical trials databases, conference proceedings, and conference websites to identify studies produced between 1980 and May 2010 that met our selection criteria. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies were included in the analysis if they conducted a randomized controlled trial that examined the effects of behavioral interventions on condom use among HIV-positive women; considered at least one HIV-related behavioral outcome (e.g., reported protected anal, vaginal, or oral sex) or biological outcome (e.g., acquisition of STIs); and one follow-up assessment three months or more after the intervention. Studies were assessed irregardless of langauge or publication status. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used random effects models to summarize odds ratios (ORs) that compared intervention and control groups with respect to a dichotomous outcome (consistent versus inconsistent condom use). We used funnel plots to examine publication bias and a χ(2) statistic to test for heterogeneity. The methodological and evidence quality was evaluated through risk of bias criteria and the GRADE system, respectively. MAIN RESULTS: Five primary studies that collectively researched a total of 725 women living with HIV were analysed. When compared to standard care or minimal HIV support intervention, meta-analysis showed that behavioral interventions had no effect on increasing condom use among HIV-positive women. This finding was consistent at various follow-up meetings (3, 6, and 12-months) as well as over the entire 12-month follow-up period (OR= 0.82; 95% CI 0.65-1.04; p=0.11). Only one study presented adequate data to analyze the relationship between behavioral interventions and STI incidence. Studies included in this analysis demonstrated low risk of bias based on the risk of bias criteria. However, sample size was considered inadequate across all studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Meta-analysis shows that behavioral interventions have little effect on increasing condom use among HIV-positive women. However, these findings should be used with caution since results were based on a few small trials that were targeted specifically towards HIV-positive women. To decrease sexual transmission of HIV among this population, we recommend interventions that combine condom promotion, family planning provision and counselling, and efforts to reduce viral loads among HIV-positive women and their partners (e.g., HAART treatment provision). New research is needed to address the needs of HIV-positive women, including an assessment of the impact of interventions that combine safer sexual behavior and harm reduction approaches.
Subject(s)
Condoms/statistics & numerical data , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Risk Reduction Behavior , Adult , Female , HIV Infections/transmission , HIV Seropositivity/psychology , Humans , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & control , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/transmission , Standard of CareABSTRACT
O ensino à distância (EAD) vem-se mostrando como uma alternativa interessante de aprendizagem. Novas tecnologias permitem o ensino via internet com alto grau de interatividade entre professores e alunos e bom aproveitamento dos cursos. Considerando a necessidade de ampliação do estudo em Bioética, a modalidade EAD pode se transformar em uma ferramenta útil para atingir um número expressivo de profissionais da saúde. Esse artigo, desta forma, tem como objetivo apresentar um curso à distância de fundamentos de Bioética. Dirigido a estudantes, profissionais e pesquisadores das áreas da saúde, trata-se de um curso de acesso grauito, de execução relativamente rápida, destinado à sensibilização ao estudo da Bioética. Pretende-se que a realização deste curso introdutório seja pré-requisito para outros cursos em saúde. A principal vantagem será prover maior autonomia e auto-genciamento aos alunos. O EAD tem como característica o enfoque nas habilidades de leitura e escrita, gerando um impacto importante na formação de recursos humanos e nas pesquisas nas áreas da saúde.
Subject(s)
Humans , Adult , Bioethics/education , Education, DistanceABSTRACT
O presente artigo discute o posicionamento ético do profissional de saúde quanto à revelação do diagnóstico a parceiros sexuais de pacientes em tratamento para doenças sexualmente transmissíveis(DST) O estudo tem caráter descritivo. Uma situação-problrma, envolvendo uma possível quebra de confidencialidade, foi apresentada a três usuários em atendimento em um serviço público de Saúde Genital em Porto Alegre e a dois estudiosos de Bioética. Em seguida, foram feitas questões sobre a situação-problema apresentada, que foram gravadas e transcritas. Realizou-se análise de conteúdo dos depoimentos, os quais ofereceram subsídios para discussão bioética. As colocações dos participantes foram muito enriquecedoras e, em alguns momentos divergentes, demonstrando como a Bioética pode ser ferramenta no auxílio de profissionais que trabalham com DST. Propõe-se o aconselhamento individual como forma do habilitar o paciente, quando necessário, a revelar o diagnóstico.
