ABSTRACT
The aim of this research was to analyze pregnancy incidence and associated factors in a cohort of 753 women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWHA) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1996 to 2016. Women aged 18-49 years who were not on menopause (surgical or natural) and did not have a tubal ligation were eligible for the study. Data were collected by medical professionals during initial and follow-up visits. Person-time pregnancy incidence rates were calculated throughout the follow-up period. Pregnancy incidence-associated factors were investigated by univariate and multiple analyzes, using an extension of the Cox survival model. Follow-up visits recorded 194 pregnancies, with an incidence rate of 4.01/100 person-years (95% CI: 3.47; 4.60). A higher pregnancy incidence was associated with CD4 nadir ≥ 350 cells/mm³, use of an antiretroviral regimen not containing Efavirenz, and prior teenage pregnancy. In turn, women with a viral load ≥ 50 copies/mL, age ≥ 35 years old, with two or more children and using a highly effective contraceptive method showed a lower incidence. Results showed a significant reduction in pregnancy incidence after 2006, a significant reduction in female sterilization from 1996 to 2016, and a high rate of cesarean sections. The association found between pregnancy incidence and the use of contraceptive methods and virological control markers suggests a good integration between HIV/AIDS and reproductive health services. The high rate of cesarean section delivery indicates the need to improve childbirth care.
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome , HIV Infections , Adolescent , Child , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Adult , Incidence , HIV Infections/drug therapy , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Brazil/epidemiology , Cesarean Section , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/drug therapy , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Abstract The aim of this research was to analyze pregnancy incidence and associated factors in a cohort of 753 women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWHA) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1996 to 2016. Women aged 18-49 years who were not on menopause (surgical or natural) and did not have a tubal ligation were eligible for the study. Data were collected by medical professionals during initial and follow-up visits. Person-time pregnancy incidence rates were calculated throughout the follow-up period. Pregnancy incidence-associated factors were investigated by univariate and multiple analyzes, using an extension of the Cox survival model. Follow-up visits recorded 194 pregnancies, with an incidence rate of 4.01/100 person-years (95% CI: 3.47; 4.60). A higher pregnancy incidence was associated with CD4 nadir ≥ 350 cells/mm³, use of an antiretroviral regimen not containing Efavirenz, and prior teenage pregnancy. In turn, women with a viral load ≥ 50 copies/mL, age ≥ 35 years old, with two or more children and using a highly effective contraceptive method showed a lower incidence. Results showed a significant reduction in pregnancy incidence after 2006, a significant reduction in female sterilization from 1996 to 2016, and a high rate of cesarean sections. The association found between pregnancy incidence and the use of contraceptive methods and virological control markers suggests a good integration between HIV/AIDS and reproductive health services. The high rate of cesarean section delivery indicates the need to improve childbirth care.
Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a incidência de gravidez e fatores associados em uma coorte de mulheres vivendo com HIV/aids (MVHA) no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Foi realizada uma coorte clínica com 753 MVHA entre 1996 e 2016. Mulheres com idade entre 18-49 anos que não estavam na menopausa natural ou cirúrgica e que não tinham laqueadura tubária foram elegíveis para o estudo. Os dados foram coletados durante as consultas iniciais e de acompanhamento por profissionais médicos. As taxas de incidência por pessoa-tempo foram calculadas durante todo o período de acompanhamento. Análises univariadas e múltiplas foram realizadas para investigar fatores associados à incidência de gravidez, utilizando uma extensão do modelo de sobrevida de Cox. Foram registradas 194 gestações durante as consultas de acompanhamento, com uma taxa de incidência de 4,01/100 pessoas-ano (IC95%: 3,47-4,60). Uma maior incidência de gravidez foi associada a nadir CD4 ≥ 350 células/mm³, terapia antirretroviral sem Efavirenz e gravidez anterior na adolescência, enquanto uma menor incidência foi observada em mulheres com carga viral ≥ 50 cópias/mL, idade ≥ 35 anos, com dois ou mais filhos e que usavam um método contraceptivo altamente eficaz. Houve uma redução significativa na incidência de gestações após 2006, uma redução significativa na esterilização feminina entre 1996 e 2016 e uma alta taxa de cesarianas. A associação entre a incidência de gestações e o uso de métodos contraceptivos e marcadores de controle virológico sugere uma boa integração entre HIV/aids e serviços de saúde reprodutiva. A alta taxa de cesarianas indica a necessidade de melhoria na assistência ao parto.
Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la incidencia del embarazo y los factores asociados en una cohorte de mujeres que viven con VIH/SIDA (MVHA) en Río de Janeiro, Brasil. Se realizó una cohorte clínica con 753 MVHA entre 1996 y 2016. Las mujeres de 18-49 años que no estaban en la menopausia natural o quirúrgica y que no tenían ligadura de trompas fueron elegibles para el estudio. Los datos se recopilaron durante las consultas iniciales y de seguimiento por parte de profesionales médicos. Las tasas de incidencia por persona-tiempo se calcularon durante todo el período de seguimiento. Se realizaron análisis univariados y múltiples para investigar los factores asociados con la incidencia del embarazo utilizando una extensión del modelo de supervivencia de Cox. Se registraron 194 embarazos durante las consultas de seguimiento, con una tasa de incidencia de 4,01/100 personas-año (IC95%: 3,47-4,60). Una mayor incidencia de embarazo se asoció con nadir CD4 ≥ 350 células/mm3, terapia antirretroviral sin Efavirenz y embarazo previo en la adolescencia, mientras que una menor incidencia se observó en mujeres con carga viral ≥ 50 copias/mL, edad ≥ 35 años, con dos o más hijos y que usaban un método anticonceptivo muy eficaz. Hubo una reducción significativa en la incidencia de embarazos después de 2006, una reducción significativa en la esterilización femenina entre 1996 y 2016 y una alta tasa de cesáreas. La asociación entre la incidencia de embarazos y el uso de métodos anticonceptivos y marcadores de control virológico sugiere una buena integración entre el VIH/SIDA y los servicios de salud reproductiva. La alta tasa de cesáreas indica la necesidad de mejorar la asistencia al parto.
ABSTRACT
Trans women are specifically vulnerable to interpersonal violence. Being perceived as the gender that a transgender person identifies with, defined in some contexts as passing, may influence violence ratings. The EVAS (Violence and Health Self-Evaluation) study was a cross-sectional study that enrolled 121 trans women between 2019 and 2020 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, aiming to investigate the association between self-reported passing and different types of interpersonal violence. We enrolled 121 participants who had a median age of 36.3 (interquartile range [IQR] 13.7). Most of them were Black/mixed (78.5%) and had at least a high school education (63%). Most participants considered themselves as trans women (71.9%). Their median monthly income was $252.50 (IQR $302.50). Only 40 (33.1%) trans women had a main partner. Trans women with high passing had a higher prevalence of family violence and lower prevalence of observed police violence, violence in open and closed public spaces. Participants that reported a high passing had higher prevalence of family violence (p = .016); moreover, they reported observing less frequently police violence in the neighborhood they lived in for the last 12 months (p = .012) as well as having lower rates of suffering violence. Trans women who reported high passing had 81% (56%-92%) lower chance of suffering violence in open public places more than once, while prior racism experience had a positive association with violence in an open public place (aOR = 3.93, 95% CI [.48, 15.40]). Passing seems to protect from violence in public spaces, whilst it increases family violence. Data also suggest that observing police violence and violence in close public spaces. There is an urgent need to better understand the complex relationships around violence and foster its prevention.
Subject(s)
Domestic Violence , Sexual Partners , Brazil , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , PrevalenceABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Gender reassignment surgery is a procedure some transgender women (TW) undergo for gender-affirming purposes. This often includes the construction of a neovagina using existing penile and scrotal tissue and/or a sigmoid colon graft. There are limited data regarding the composition and function of the neovaginal microbiome representing a major gap in knowledge in neovaginal health. RESULTS: Metaproteomics was performed on secretions collected from the neovaginas (n = 5) and rectums (n = 7) of TW surgically reassigned via penile inversion/scrotal graft with (n = 1) or without (n = 4) a sigmoid colon graft extension and compared with secretions from cis vaginas (n = 32). We identified 541 unique bacterial proteins from 38 taxa. The most abundant taxa in the neovaginas were Porphyromonas (30.2%), Peptostreptococcus (9.2%), Prevotella (9.0%), Mobiluncus (8.0%), and Jonquetella (7.2%), while cis vaginas were primarily Lactobacillus and Gardnerella. Rectal samples were mainly composed of Prevotella and Roseburia. Neovaginas (median Shannon's H index = 1.33) had higher alpha diversity compared to cis vaginas (Shannon's H = 0.35) (p = 7.2E-3, Mann-Whitney U test) and were more similar to the non-Lactobacillus dominant/polymicrobial cis vaginas based on beta diversity (perMANOVA, p = 0.001, r2 = 0.342). In comparison to cis vaginas, toll-like receptor response, amino acid, and short-chain fatty acid metabolic pathways were increased (p < 0.01), while keratinization and cornification proteins were decreased (p < 0.001) in the neovaginal proteome. CONCLUSIONS: Penile skin-lined neovaginas have diverse, polymicrobial communities that show similarities in composition to uncircumcised penises and host responses to cis vaginas with bacterial vaginosis (BV) including increased immune activation pathways and decreased epithelial barrier function. Developing a better understanding of microbiome-associated inflammation in the neovaginal environment will be important for improving our knowledge of neovaginal health. Video Abstract.
Subject(s)
Bacteria , Microbiota , Sex Reassignment Surgery , Vagina/microbiology , Adult , Bacteria/classification , Bacteria/isolation & purification , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Transgender PersonsABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to verify the prevalence of induced abortion and associated factors at the time of inclusion in a cohort of women living with HIV/AIDS in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1996 to 2016. Eligibility criteria for inclusion in the cohort were female sex at birth, age 18 years and older, and confirmed HIV infection. At the baseline visit, data on sexual, reproductive, and behavioral aspects and HIV infection were obtained through a face-to-face interview with the attending physician. Lifetime prevalence of induced abortion was calculated, and factors associated with induced abortion were verified by multiple logistic regression for all the women and for those with previous pregnancy. In the entire cohort of women, 30.4% reported a history of induced abortion, compared to 33.5% in women with previous pregnancy. Frequency of reported induced abortion showed a significant reduction during the period (41.7% in 1996-2000 versus 22.5% in 2011-2016, p < 0.001). Factors associated with induced abortion, both for the entire cohort and for the women with previous pregnancy, were age, schooling, ≥ 5 lifetime sexual partners, teenage pregnancy, lifetime use of any illicit drug, and inclusion in the cohort after the year 2005. Changes in the socioeconomic, sexual, reproductive, and HIV infection profile are possible explanations for the reduction in abortions during the period. Studies that use direct methods to measure abortion should be conducted in other populations to confirm the downward trend in induced abortion and its determinants in Brazil.
O objetivo deste estudo é verificar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao aborto induzido no ingresso em uma coorte de mulheres vivendo com HIV/aids, no Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, no período 1996-2016. O critério de elegibilidade para o ingresso na coorte era ser do sexo feminino ao nascimento, ter mais de 18 anos de idade e ter infecção comprovada pelo HIV. Na visita inicial, dados sobre aspectos sexuais, reprodutivos, comportamentais e da infecção pelo HIV foram obtidos durante entrevista face a face com o médico assistente. Foi calculada a prevalência de aborto induzido na vida e verificados os fatores associados ao aborto induzido por meio de regressão logística múltipla, para o total de mulheres e entre aquelas com gestação prévia. Do total de mulheres, 30,4% referiram algum aborto induzido na vida, sendo este valor de 33,5% em mulheres com gestação prévia. A frequência de aborto induzido relatado apresentou queda significativa no período analisado (41,7% de 1996-2000 vs. 22,5% de 2011-2016, p < 0,001). Os fatores associados ao aborto induzido, tanto para o total de mulheres quanto para aquelas com gestação prévia, foram o aumento da idade, escolaridade mais elevada, número de parceiros sexuais na vida ≥ 5, gestação na adolescência, uso de qualquer droga ilícita na vida e período de ingresso na coorte após 2005. Mudanças no perfil socioeconômico, sexual, reprodutivo e da infecção pelo HIV são explicações possíveis para a redução da prática do aborto no período. Estudos que utilizem métodos de aferição direta do aborto devem ser conduzidos em outras populações, para confirmar a tendência de queda do aborto induzido no país e seus determinantes.
El objetivo de este estudio es verificar la prevalencia y los factores asociados al aborto inducido en el ingreso en una cohorte de mujeres, que viven con VIH/sida, en el municipio de Rio de Janeiro, durante el período 1996-2016. El criterio de elegibilidad para el ingreso en la cohorte era ser del sexo femenino al nacer, tener más de 18 años de edad y sufrir una infección comprobada por VIH. En la visita inicial, datos sobre aspectos sexuales, reproductivos, comportamentales y de infección por el VIH se obtuvieron durante la entrevista cara a cara con el médico asistente. Se calculó la prevalencia del aborto inducido en la vida y se verificaron los factores asociados al aborto inducido mediante regresión logística múltiple, para el total de mujeres y entre aquellas con gestación previa. Del total de mujeres, un 30,4% refería algún aborto inducido en la vida, siendo ese valor de un 33,5% en mujeres con gestación previa. La frecuencia de aborto inducido relatado presentó una caída significativa durante el período analizado (un 41,7% en el período 1996-2000 vs. 22,5% en el período 2011-2016, p < 0,001). Los factores asociados al aborto inducido, tanto para el total de mujeres, como para aquellas con gestación previa, fueron el aumento de la edad de la mujer, escolaridad más elevada, número de parejas sexuales en la vida ≥ 5, gestación en la adolescencia, consumo de cualquier droga ilícita en la vida y período de ingreso en la cohorte tras 2005. Cambios en el perfil socioeconómico, sexual, reproductivo y de infección por VIH son explicaciones posibles para la reducción de la realización de abortos durante el período. Se deben llevar a cabo estudios que utilicen métodos de medición directa del aborto en otras poblaciones para confirmar la tendencia de caída del aborto inducido en el país y sus determinantes.
Subject(s)
Abortion, Induced , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome , HIV Infections , Adolescent , Brazil/epidemiology , Female , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Pregnancy , PrevalenceABSTRACT
O objetivo deste estudo é verificar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao aborto induzido no ingresso em uma coorte de mulheres vivendo com HIV/aids, no Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, no período 1996-2016. O critério de elegibilidade para o ingresso na coorte era ser do sexo feminino ao nascimento, ter mais de 18 anos de idade e ter infecção comprovada pelo HIV. Na visita inicial, dados sobre aspectos sexuais, reprodutivos, comportamentais e da infecção pelo HIV foram obtidos durante entrevista face a face com o médico assistente. Foi calculada a prevalência de aborto induzido na vida e verificados os fatores associados ao aborto induzido por meio de regressão logística múltipla, para o total de mulheres e entre aquelas com gestação prévia. Do total de mulheres, 30,4% referiram algum aborto induzido na vida, sendo este valor de 33,5% em mulheres com gestação prévia. A frequência de aborto induzido relatado apresentou queda significativa no período analisado (41,7% de 1996-2000 vs. 22,5% de 2011-2016, p < 0,001). Os fatores associados ao aborto induzido, tanto para o total de mulheres quanto para aquelas com gestação prévia, foram o aumento da idade, escolaridade mais elevada, número de parceiros sexuais na vida ≥ 5, gestação na adolescência, uso de qualquer droga ilícita na vida e período de ingresso na coorte após 2005. Mudanças no perfil socioeconômico, sexual, reprodutivo e da infecção pelo HIV são explicações possíveis para a redução da prática do aborto no período. Estudos que utilizem métodos de aferição direta do aborto devem ser conduzidos em outras populações, para confirmar a tendência de queda do aborto induzido no país e seus determinantes.
El objetivo de este estudio es verificar la prevalencia y los factores asociados al aborto inducido en el ingreso en una cohorte de mujeres, que viven con VIH/sida, en el municipio de Rio de Janeiro, durante el período 1996-2016. El criterio de elegibilidad para el ingreso en la cohorte era ser del sexo femenino al nacer, tener más de 18 años de edad y sufrir una infección comprobada por VIH. En la visita inicial, datos sobre aspectos sexuales, reproductivos, comportamentales y de infección por el VIH se obtuvieron durante la entrevista cara a cara con el médico asistente. Se calculó la prevalencia del aborto inducido en la vida y se verificaron los factores asociados al aborto inducido mediante regresión logística múltiple, para el total de mujeres y entre aquellas con gestación previa. Del total de mujeres, un 30,4% refería algún aborto inducido en la vida, siendo ese valor de un 33,5% en mujeres con gestación previa. La frecuencia de aborto inducido relatado presentó una caída significativa durante el período analizado (un 41,7% en el período 1996-2000 vs. 22,5% en el período 2011-2016, p < 0,001). Los factores asociados al aborto inducido, tanto para el total de mujeres, como para aquellas con gestación previa, fueron el aumento de la edad de la mujer, escolaridad más elevada, número de parejas sexuales en la vida ≥ 5, gestación en la adolescencia, consumo de cualquier droga ilícita en la vida y período de ingreso en la cohorte tras 2005. Cambios en el perfil socioeconómico, sexual, reproductivo y de infección por VIH son explicaciones posibles para la reducción de la realización de abortos durante el período. Se deben llevar a cabo estudios que utilicen métodos de medición directa del aborto en otras poblaciones para confirmar la tendencia de caída del aborto inducido en el país y sus determinantes.
The aim of this study was to verify the prevalence of induced abortion and associated factors at the time of inclusion in a cohort of women living with HIV/AIDS in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1996 to 2016. Eligibility criteria for inclusion in the cohort were female sex at birth, age 18 years and older, and confirmed HIV infection. At the baseline visit, data on sexual, reproductive, and behavioral aspects and HIV infection were obtained through a face-to-face interview with the attending physician. Lifetime prevalence of induced abortion was calculated, and factors associated with induced abortion were verified by multiple logistic regression for all the women and for those with previous pregnancy. In the entire cohort of women, 30.4% reported a history of induced abortion, compared to 33.5% in women with previous pregnancy. Frequency of reported induced abortion showed a significant reduction during the period (41.7% in 1996-2000 versus 22.5% in 2011-2016, p < 0.001). Factors associated with induced abortion, both for the entire cohort and for the women with previous pregnancy, were age, schooling, ≥ 5 lifetime sexual partners, teenage pregnancy, lifetime use of any illicit drug, and inclusion in the cohort after the year 2005. Changes in the socioeconomic, sexual, reproductive, and HIV infection profile are possible explanations for the reduction in abortions during the period. Studies that use direct methods to measure abortion should be conducted in other populations to confirm the downward trend in induced abortion and its determinants in Brazil.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Pregnancy , Infant, Newborn , Adolescent , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome , Abortion, Induced , Brazil/epidemiology , PrevalenceABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Introduction: Cervical cancer remains an important burden for HIV-infected women in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy. Recommendations for cervical screening in these women diverge and may include high-risk HPV (HRHPV) testing. We aimed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of a single HRHPV testing for cervical screening of HIV-infected women. Methods: 723 HIV-infected women from a Brazilian prospective cohort were included between 1996 and 2012. Inclusion criteria were: normal cervical cytology at baseline and having a HRHPV-test at baseline. We calculated incidence rates of any squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) and high grade SIL+ (HSIL+) and negative predictive values (NPV) within 12 and 36 months. Hazard Ratios were obtained using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: Incidence rate for both outcomes was low (9.9 cases per 100 PY [95% CI 8.8-11.0] for any SIL and 1.3 cases per 100 PY [95% IC 0.9-1.8] for HSIL+). Women with a HRHPV positive status at baseline had 1.7-fold (95% CI 1.3-2.2) and 3.2-fold (95% CI 1.5-7.1) increased risk of presenting any SIL and HSIL+, respectively, during follow-up. Negative-HRHPV test presented high NPV for both periods and outcomes (any SIL: 92.4% [95% CI 89.7-94.6] for 12 months and 80.9% [95% CI 77.2-84.3] for 36 months; and HSIL+: 99.8% [95% CI 98.9-100.0] for 12 months and 99.0 [95% CI 97.6-99.7] for 36 months). Conclusions: Incidence of any and high grade cytological abnormality was significantly higher among HIV-infected women with positive-HRHPV test. A single negative-HRHPV test helped reassure follow-up free of cytological abnormalities through three years of follow-up in HIV-infected women with negative cytology.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Adult , HIV Infections/complications , Mass Screening/methods , Risk Assessment/methods , Papillomavirus Infections/complications , Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions of the Cervix/diagnosis , Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions of the Cervix/virology , Reference Values , Time Factors , Proportional Hazards Models , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/diagnosis , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/virology , Multivariate Analysis , Predictive Value of Tests , Prospective Studies , Reproducibility of Results , Risk Factors , CD4 Lymphocyte Count , Viral Load , Early Diagnosis , Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions of the Cervix/pathologyABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Cervical cancer remains an important burden for HIV-infected women in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy. Recommendations for cervical screening in these women diverge and may include high-risk HPV (HRHPV) testing. We aimed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of a single HRHPV testing for cervical screening of HIV-infected women. METHODS: 723 HIV-infected women from a Brazilian prospective cohort were included between 1996 and 2012. Inclusion criteria were: normal cervical cytology at baseline and having a HRHPV-test at baseline. We calculated incidence rates of any squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) and high grade SIL+ (HSIL+) and negative predictive values (NPV) within 12 and 36 months. Hazard Ratios were obtained using Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS: Incidence rate for both outcomes was low (9.9 cases per 100 PY [95% CI 8.8-11.0] for any SIL and 1.3 cases per 100 PY [95% IC 0.9-1.8] for HSIL+). Women with a HRHPV positive status at baseline had 1.7-fold (95% CI 1.3-2.2) and 3.2-fold (95% CI 1.5-7.1) increased risk of presenting any SIL and HSIL+, respectively, during follow-up. Negative-HRHPV test presented high NPV for both periods and outcomes (any SIL: 92.4% [95% CI 89.7-94.6] for 12 months and 80.9% [95% CI 77.2-84.3] for 36 months; and HSIL+: 99.8% [95% CI 98.9-100.0] for 12 months and 99.0 [95% CI 97.6-99.7] for 36 months). CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of any and high grade cytological abnormality was significantly higher among HIV-infected women with positive-HRHPV test. A single negative-HRHPV test helped reassure follow-up free of cytological abnormalities through three years of follow-up in HIV-infected women with negative cytology.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections/complications , Mass Screening/methods , Papillomavirus Infections/complications , Risk Assessment/methods , Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions of the Cervix/diagnosis , Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions of the Cervix/virology , Adult , Brazil , CD4 Lymphocyte Count , Early Diagnosis , Female , Humans , Multivariate Analysis , Predictive Value of Tests , Proportional Hazards Models , Prospective Studies , Reference Values , Reproducibility of Results , Risk Factors , Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions of the Cervix/pathology , Time Factors , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/diagnosis , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/virology , Viral LoadABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Successful global treatment as prevention (TasP) requires identifying HIV-positive individuals at high risk for transmitting HIV, and having impact via potential infections averted. This study estimated the frequency and predictors of numbers of HIV transmissions and bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition among sexually active HIV-positive individuals in care from three representative global settings. METHODS: HIV-positive individuals (n=749), including heterosexual men, heterosexual women and men who have sex with men (MSM) in HIV care, were recruited from Chiang Mai (Thailand), Rio De Janeiro (Brazil) and Lusaka (Zambia). Participants were assessed on HIV and STI sexual transmission risk variables, psychosocial characteristics and bacterial STIs at enrolment and quarterly for 12 months (covering 15 months). Estimated numbers of HIV transmissions per person were calculated using reported numbers of partners and sex acts together with estimates of HIV transmissibility, accounting for ART treatment and condom use. RESULTS: An estimated 3.81 (standard error, (SE)=0.63) HIV transmissions occurred for every 100 participants over the 15 months, which decreased over time. The highest rate was 19.50 (SE=1.68) for every 100 MSM in Brazil. In a multivariable model, country×risk group interactions emerged: in Brazil, MSM had 2.85 (95% CI=1.45, 4.25, p<0.0001) more estimated transmissions than heterosexual men and 3.37 (95% CI=2.01, 4.74, p<0.0001) more than heterosexual women over the 15 months. For MSM and heterosexual women, the combined 12-month STI incidence rate for the sample was 22.4% (95% CI=18.1%, 27.3%; incidence deemed negligible in heterosexual men). In the multivariable model, MSM had 12.3 times greater odds (95% CI=4.44, 33.98) of acquiring an STI than women, but this was not significant in Brazil. Higher alcohol use on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (OR=1.04, 95% CI=1.01, 1.08) was also significantly associated with increased STI incidence. In bivariate models for both HIV transmissions and STI incidence, higher depressive symptoms were significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS: These data help to estimate the potential number of HIV infections transmitted and bacterial STIs acquired over time in patients established in care, a group typically considered at lower transmission risk, and found substantial numbers of estimated HIV transmissions. These findings provide an approach for evaluating the impact (in phase 2 studies) and potentially cost-effectiveness of global TasP efforts.
ABSTRACT
Successful biomedical prevention/treatment-as-prevention (TasP) requires identifying individuals at greatest risk for transmitting HIV, including those with antiretroviral therapy (ART) nonadherence and/or 'amplified HIV transmission risk,' defined as condomless sex with HIV-uninfected/unknown-status partners when infectious (i.e., with detectable viremia or STI diagnosis according to Swiss criteria for infectiousness). This study recruited sexually-active, HIV-infected patients in Brazil, Thailand, and Zambia to examine correlates of ART nonadherence and 'amplified HIV transmission risk'. Lower alcohol use (OR = .71, p < .01) and higher health-related quality of life (OR = 1.10, p < .01) were associated with greater odds of ART adherence over and above region. Of those with viral load data available (in Brazil and Thailand only), 40 % met Swiss criteria for infectiousness, and 29 % had 'amplified HIV transmission risk.' MSM had almost three-fold (OR = 2.89, p < .001) increased odds of 'amplified HIV transmission risk' (vs. heterosexual men) over and above region. TasP efforts should consider psychosocial and contextual needs, particularly among MSM with detectable viremia.
Subject(s)
Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Medication Adherence/psychology , Quality of Life , Sexual Behavior , Adult , Alcohol Drinking/epidemiology , Brazil , HIV Infections/transmission , Heterosexuality , Homosexuality, Male , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Medication Adherence/statistics & numerical data , Middle Aged , Risk , Risk Factors , Sexual Partners , Thailand , Viral Load , Young Adult , ZambiaABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study sought to investigate the age at natural menopause and its predictors in a cohort of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. STUDY DESIGN: HIV-infected women ≥30 years of age were included. Menopause was defined as having ≥1 year since the last menstrual period. Early age at natural menopause was defined as the onset of menopause at ≤45 years of age. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis was applied. RESULTS: A total of 667 women were included, and the median age at baseline was 34.9 years (interquartile range, 30.9-40.5 years). In all, 507 (76%) women were premenopausal, and 160 (24%) reached menopause during the observational period; of these, 36 of 160 (27%) had early menopause. The median age at natural menopause was 48 years (interquartile range, 45-50 years). Menarche at <11 years of age (hazard ratio [HR], 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-3.37), cigarette smoking during the observational period (HR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.08-2.33), chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (HR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.27-5.07), and CD4 count <50 cells/mm(3) (HR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.07-8.80) were significantly associated with an earlier age at natural menopause. The magnitudes of the effects of menarche at <11 years of age (HR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.23-5.94), cigarette smoking during the observational period (HR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.39-6.45), chronic HCV infection (HR, 6.26; 95% CI, 2.12-18.52), and CD4 count <50 cells/mm(3) (HR, 6.64; 95% CI, 1.91-23.20) were much higher and significantly associated with early natural menopause. CONCLUSION: Early natural menopause was frequent among the HIV-infected women. In addition to menarche and cigarette smoking, which are menopausal factors among women in general, HIV-related immunodeficiency and chronic HCV were additional predictors for an earlier age at natural menopause. Adequate management of HIV in women is critical, as early onset of menopause has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections/physiopathology , Menopause, Premature , Adult , Age Factors , Cohort Studies , Female , Humans , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
Combined antiretroviral therapy is now acknowledged for preventing new HIV infections, besides decreasing mortality and morbidity. However, in many Latin America countries the epidemic is still driven by unprotected sexual intercourse. This study aims to describe sexual practices related to HIV/STD and to evaluate factors associated to unprotected sex among men who have sex with women (MSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) under care at a reference center for HIV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A cross-sectional study, nested in a Brazilian clinical cohort, evaluated the sexual practices of 404 sexually active HIV-positive MSW and men who have MSM. Approximately 30 % of them reported unprotected sexual practices during the 6 months prior to the interview. Most frequent risky practices reported were unprotected vaginal sex among MSW and unprotected receptive anal sex among MSM. Factors increasing the chance of unprotected sexual practices among MSW were the partner's desire of becoming pregnant (OR 2.81; CI 95 %: 1.36-5.95). To have received comments about excessive consumption of alcohol (OR 2.43; CI 95 %: 1.01-5.83), illicit drug use (OR 4.41; CI 95 %: 1.75-11.60) and lived in marital situation (OR 2.10; CI 95 %: 1.09-4.08) were significantly associated with unsafe sexual practices among MSM. The results highlight that health care of men living with HIV, as well as the prevention strategies, must consider the particularities of sexual behavior practiced by people who differ in sexual orientation.
Subject(s)
HIV Seropositivity , Heterosexuality , Homosexuality, Male , Unsafe Sex , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/prevention & control , Adult , Brazil , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Humans , Logistic Models , Male , Sexual Behavior , Sexual Partners , Urban PopulationABSTRACT
Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains an important cause of new HIV infections worldwide, especially in low and middle-resource limited countries. Safety data from studies involving pregnant women and prenatal antiretroviral (ARV) exposure are still needed once these studies are often small and with a limited duration to assess adverse drug reactions (ADR). The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of ADR related to the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in pregnant women in two referral centers in Rio de Janeiro State. A prospective study was carried out from February 2005 to May 2006. Women were classified according to their ART status during pregnancy diagnosis: ARV-experienced (ARTexp) or ARV-naïve (ARTn). Two hundred fourteen HIV-infected pregnant women were included: 36 ARTexp and 178 ARTn. ARTexp women have not experienced ADR. Among ARTn, 20.2% presented ADR. Incidence rate of ADR was 70.8 per 1000 person-months and the most common ADRs observed were: gastrointestinal (belly or abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomit) in 16.3%, cutaneous (pruritus and rash) in 6.2%, anemia (2.2%) and hepatitis (1.7%). The frequency of obstetrical complications, pre-term delivery, low birth weight and birth abnormalities was low in this population. ADRs ranged from mild to moderate intensity, none of them being potentially fatal. Only in a few cases it was necessary to discontinue ART. In conclusion, the high effectiveness of ARV for HIV prevention of MTCT (PMTCT) overcomes the risk of ADR.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Anti-HIV Agents/adverse effects , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/epidemiology , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/prevention & control , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/drug therapy , Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use , Brazil/epidemiology , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/diagnosis , HIV Infections/drug therapy , HIV Infections/transmission , Incidence , Prospective Studies , Severity of Illness IndexABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To describe the access to the interventions for the prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) mother to child transmission and mother to child transmission rates in the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, from 1999 to 2009. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study. Prevention of HIV mother to child transmission interventions were accessed and mother to child transmission rates were calculated. RESULTS: The study population is young (median: 26 years; interquartile range: 22.0-31.0), with low monthly family income (40.4% up to one Brazilian minimum wage) and schooling (62.1% less than 8 years). Only 47.1% (n = 469) knew the HIV status of their partner; of these women, 39.9% had an HIV-seronegative partner. Among the 1259 newborns evaluated, access to the antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum prevention of HIV mother to child transmission components occurred in 59.2%, 74.2%, and 97.5% respectively; 91.0% of the newborns were not breastfed. Overall 52.7% of the newborns have benefited from all the recommended interventions. In subsequent pregnancies (n = 289), 67.8% of the newborns received the full package of interventions. The overall rate of HIV vertical transmission was 4.7% and the highest annual rate occurred in 2005 (7.4%), with no definite trend in the period. CONCLUSIONS: Access to the full package of interventions for the prevention of HIV vertical transmission was low, with no significant trend of improvement over the years. The vertical transmission rates observed were higher than those found in reference services in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro and in the richest regions of the country. .
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Pregnancy , Anti-HIV Agents/administration & dosage , HIV Infections/transmission , Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/prevention & control , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/drug therapy , Brazil , Cohort Studies , HIV Infections/drug therapy , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Retrospective Studies , Socioeconomic Factors , Urban PopulationABSTRACT
With the introduction of combined active antiretroviral therapy and the improved survival of HIV-infected patients, degenerative diseases and drug toxicity have emerged as long-term concerns. We studied the prevalence of decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and associated risk factors in a cohort of HIV-infected patients from a middle-income country. Our cross-sectional study included all adult patients who attended an urban outpatient clinic in 2008. GFR was estimated using the CKD-EPI equation. The prevalence ratio (PR) of decreased GFR (defined as <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) was estimated using generalizing linear models assuming a Poisson distribution. We analyzed data from 1,970 patients, of which 82.9% had been exposed to ART. A total of 249 patients (12.6%) had a GFR between 60 and 89 mL/min/1.73 m(2), 3.1% had a GFR between 30 and 59, 0.3% had a GFR between 15 and 29, and 0.4% had a GFR <15. Decreased GFR was found in only 74 patients (3.8%). In the multivariate regression model, the factors that were independently associated with a GFR below 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) were as follows: age ≥ 50 years (PR = 3.4; 95% CI: 1.7-6.8), diabetes (PR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.2-3.4), hypertension (PR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.3-3.2), current CD4+ cell count <350 cells/mm3 (PR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.3-3.3), past exposure to tenofovir (PR = 4.7; 95% CI: 2.3-9.4) and past exposure to indinavir (PR =1.7; 95% CI: 1.0-2.8). As in high-income countries, CKD was the predominant form of kidney involvement among HIV-infected individuals in our setting. The risk factors associated with decreased glomerular filtration were broad and included virus-related factors as well as degenerative and nephrotoxic factors. Despite the potential for nephrotoxicity associated with some antiretroviral drugs, in the short-term, advanced chronic renal disease remains very rare.
Subject(s)
Anti-HIV Agents/adverse effects , Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active/adverse effects , Glomerular Filtration Rate/physiology , HIV Infections/drug therapy , Kidney Diseases/diagnosis , Adult , Anti-HIV Agents/pharmacology , Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Glomerular Filtration Rate/drug effects , HIV Infections/physiopathology , Humans , Kidney/drug effects , Kidney/physiopathology , Kidney Diseases/chemically induced , Kidney Diseases/physiopathology , Male , Mass Screening , Middle Aged , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Many countries are facing concentrated HIV epidemics among vulnerable populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM). Unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) is the main HIV transmission route among them and its understanding in the different cultures and how it relates to HIV transmission, re-infection and development of HIV antiretroviral resistance has important public health implications. Data on UAI among Brazilian MSM are scarce. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of UAI among HIV-infected MSM who had sex with seronegative or male partners with an unknown serostatus. METHOD: A cross-sectional study nested in a cohort was conducted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The one hundred and fifty five MSM included in the study answered an ACASI interview and provided biological samples. Generalized linear models were used to identify variables associated with UAI. RESULTS: Overall, UAI with an HIV-negative or unknown serostatus male partner was reported by 40.6% (63/155) of MSM. Lifetime sexual abuse or domestic violence was reported by 35.9%, being more frequent among MSM who reported UAI compared to those who did not (P = 0.001). Use of stimulants before sex was reported by 20% of the MSM, being slightly higher among those who reported UAI (27.0% vs. 15.2%; P = 0.072). Commercial sex was frequent among all MSM (48.4%). After multivariate modeling, the report of sexual abuse or domestic violence (OR = 2.70; 95% CI: 1.08-7.01), commercial sex (OR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.04- 5.10), the number of male sexual partners (p = 0.039) and exclusively receptive anal intercourse (OR = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.06-0.75) remained associated with UAI. CD4 levels, HIV viral load and antiretroviral therapy were not associated with UAI. CONCLUSION: The UAI prevalence found with negative or unknown HIV status partners points out that other interventions are needed as additional prevention tools to vulnerable MSM. The main factors associated with UAI were a lifetime history of violence, commercial sex and the number of male sexual partners. This clustering of different behavioral, health and social problems in this population reinforce the need of a comprehensive approach on treating and preventing HIV among MSM.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections , Homosexuality, Male , Sex Work , Sexual Behavior , Sexual Partners , Unsafe Sex , Violence , Adult , Brazil/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Domestic Violence/statistics & numerical data , Epidemics , HIV , HIV Infections/epidemiology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Odds Ratio , Prevalence , Sex Offenses/statistics & numerical data , Sex Work/statistics & numerical data , Unsafe Sex/statistics & numerical data , Violence/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of first-line combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. METHODS: ART-naïve women initiating cART between January 2000/June 2010 at the Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas Cohort were studied. Women were defined as postmenopausal after 12 consecutive months of amenorrhea. CD4 cell counts and HIV-1 RNA viral load (VL) measurements were compared between pre- and postmenopausal at 6, 12 and 24 months after cART initiation. Women who modified/discontinued a drug class or died due to an AIDS defining illness were classified as ART-failures. Variables were compared using Wilcoxon test, χ2 or Fisher's exact test. The odds of cART effectiveness (VL<400 copies/mL and/or no need to change cART) were compared using logistic regression. Linear model was used to access relationship between CD4 change and menopause. RESULTS: Among 383 women, 328 (85%) were premenopausal and 55 (15%) postmenopausal. Median pre cART CD4 counts were 231 and 208 cells/mm(3) (p = 0.14) in pre- and postmenopausal women, respectively. No difference in the median pre cART VL was found (both 4.8 copies/mL). Median CD4 changes were similar at 6 and 12 months. At 24 months after cART initiation, CD4 changes among postmenopausal women were significantly lower among premenopausal women (p = 0.01). When the analysis was restricted to women with VL<400 copies/mL, no statistical difference was observed. Overall, 63.7% achieved cART effectiveness at 24 months without differences between groups at 6, 12 and 24 months. CONCLUSION: Menopause status at the time of first-line cART initiation does not impact CD4 cell changes at 24 months among women with a virologic response. No relationship between menopause status and virologic response was observed.
Subject(s)
Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active , CD4 Lymphocyte Count/trends , CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology , CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/virology , HIV Infections/immunology , HIV Infections/virology , Menopause , Adult , Brazil , CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects , Female , Follow-Up Studies , HIV Infections/drug therapy , HIV-1/drug effects , HIV-1/genetics , Humans , Middle Aged , Prognosis , Prospective Studies , RNA, Viral/blood , RNA, Viral/genetics , Viral LoadABSTRACT
Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains an important cause of new HIV infections worldwide, especially in low and middle-resource limited countries. Safety data from studies involving pregnant women and prenatal antiretroviral (ARV) exposure are still needed once these studies are often small and with a limited duration to assess adverse drug reactions (ADR). The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of ADR related to the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in pregnant women in two referral centers in Rio de Janeiro State. A prospective study was carried out from February 2005 to May 2006. Women were classified according to their ART status during pregnancy diagnosis: ARV-experienced (ARTexp) or ARV-naïve (ARTn). Two hundred fourteen HIV-infected pregnant women were included: 36 ARTexp and 178 ARTn. ARTexp women have not experienced ADR. Among ARTn, 20.2% presented ADR. Incidence rate of ADR was 70.8 per 1000 person-months and the most common ADRs observed were: gastrointestinal (belly or abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomit) in 16.3%, cutaneous (pruritus and rash) in 6.2%, anemia (2.2%) and hepatitis (1.7%). The frequency of obstetrical complications, pre-term delivery, low birth weight and birth abnormalities was low in this population. ADRs ranged from mild to moderate intensity, none of them being potentially fatal. Only in a few cases it was necessary to discontinue ART. In conclusion, the high effectiveness of ARV for HIV prevention of MTCT (PMTCT) overcomes the risk of ADR.
Subject(s)
Anti-HIV Agents/adverse effects , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/epidemiology , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/prevention & control , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/drug therapy , Adult , Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use , Brazil/epidemiology , Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/diagnosis , Female , HIV Infections/drug therapy , HIV Infections/transmission , Humans , Incidence , Pregnancy , Prospective Studies , Severity of Illness IndexABSTRACT
CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women have higher incidence, prevalence, persistence and recurrence of pre-invasive cervical lesions (CIN II or III). The aim here was to investigate the risk of recurrence of CIN II/III among HIV-infected women (HIV+) and uninfected women in a cohort treated by means of large-loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ). DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study conducted at Instituto Fernandes Figueira/Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (IFF/Fiocruz). METHODS: 60 HIV+ and 209 HIV-negative patients were included in a cohort for follow-up after undergoing LLETZ to treat CIN II/III. A histopathological diagnosis of CIN II/III during the follow-up was taken to constitute recurrence. The following possible confounding variables were assessed: age at treatment and at end of follow-up; histological grade of intraepithelial disease treated; surgical margin involvement; adequacy of colposcopy during the follow-up; CD4+ lymphocyte count; HIV viral load; and type of antiretroviral therapy. RESULTS: Among the 60 HIV+ women, six showed recurrent disease during the follow-up. However, among the 209 HIV-negative women, seven showed a new precursor lesion. The relative risk of disease recurrence in the HIV+ women was 4.21 (95% CI = 1.42 to 12.43). The Kaplan-Meyer curve showed that the risk of recurrence was significantly higher among HIV+ women (log-rank test: P = 0.0111). CONCLUSION: The HIV+ women in our cohort presented a risk of CIN II/III recurrence at least 42% higher than among the HIV-negative women. These patients should form part of a rigorous screening and follow-up protocol for identification and appropriate treatment of cervical cancer precursor lesions.
