Surveillance of TB-HIV coinfection in Brazil: a space-time approach.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the epidemiological, spatial, and temporal pattern of TB-HIV coinfection in Brazil during the period from 2001 to 2020. METHODS: Ecological study using space-time analysis techniques. It included cases of TB-HIV coinfection registered in Brazil from 2001 to 2020. The temporal trend analysis was performed using segmented regression by Joinpoint regression. For spatial analysis, Moran indices were calculated and choropleth maps were produced using TerraView and QGIS software. RESULTS: A stable temporal trend was observed in the incidence rates of TB-HIV coinfection in Brazil during the analyzed period. In addition, high-risk areas for coinfection located in states in the North, Southeast, South, and Midwest regions were identified. CONCLUSION: There was stability in the incidence of TB-HIV coinfection in Brazil over the last 20 years and heterogeneous geographic distribution of risk areas for the condition.

Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Chikungunya Incidence in Brazil and the Impact of Social Vulnerability: A Population-Based and Ecological Study.

To assess the temporal and spatial dynamics of chikungunya incidence and its association with social vulnerability indicators in Brazil, an ecological and population-based study was conducted herein, with confirmed cases of chikungunya and based on clinical and clinical-epidemiological criteria from 2017 to 2023. Data were obtained from the Notifiable Diseases Information System and social vulnerability indicators were extracted from the official platform of the United Nations Development Program and the Social Vulnerability Atlas. Temporal, spatial, and global spatial regression models were employed. The temporal trend showed that in 2017, the incidence increased by 1.9%, and this trend decreased from 2020 to 2021 (-0.93%). The spatial distribution showed heterogeneity and positive spatial autocorrelation (I: 0.71; p < 0.001) in chikungunya cases in Brazil. Also, the high-risk areas for the disease were concentrated in the northeast and north regions. The social vulnerability indicators associated with the outcome were those related to income, education, and housing conditions. Our analyses demonstrate that chikungunya continues to be a serious health concern in Brazil, but specially in the northeast and north regions. Lastly, mapping risk areas can provide evidence for the development of public health strategies and disease control in endemic regions.

Clinical outcomes in newborns of pregnant women with COVID-19: integrative review.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze clinical outcomes in newborns of pregnant women with COVID-19. METHODS: integrative review conducted in PubMed, Web of Knowledge, SCOPUS, CINHAL; 2,111 studies were obtained, and 8 articles comprised the final sample. RESULTS: clinical outcomes in neonates of pregnant women positive for COVID-19 were classified according to the following categories: a) contamination by COVID-19, reported in 62.5% of the studies; b) hospital discharge due to improvement, mentioned in 37.5% of the articles; c) death, representing rare cases in 25% of the sample. The most prevalent gestational complication was prematurity, mentioned in 75% of the studies. This complication has been observed due to cases of premature rupture of membranes and placental abruption. CONCLUSIONS: despite the knowledge of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic behavior in neonates, it is important to continue the search for new clinical data, as this public has uncertain reactions to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders, burnout, and psychological suffering in Brazilian nursing workers: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) pose a pervasive concern among nursing professionals due to the high physical workload. Simultaneously, the complex relationship between MSDs and mental health outcomes in this population remains an area of significant interest and importance. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of MSDs and their relationships with burnout and psychological suffering within the nursing workforce. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 involving 291 nursing professionals in Brazil. Standardized questionnaires were employed to gather information on MSDs, mental health outcomes, and pertinent work-related factors. Robust statistical analyses were conducted to ascertain the prevalence of MSDs, establish associations between MSDs and mental health outcomes, and delineate the influence of work-related factors on these associations. Statistical analysis was performed using the R software. Results: The study revealed a significant prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) among nursing workers, focusing on regions that include the lower back, upper back, neck, and shoulders. Individuals with MSIs in the lower back showed a marked increase in emotional exhaustion (p = 0.02), as did those with MSIs in the upper back (p <0.01) and depersonalization (p = 0.07). On the other hand, nursing professionals who reported MSIs in the neck and shoulders had considerably higher scores in emotional exhaustion (p <0.01 and p = 0.01, respectively) and depersonalization (p = 0.05 and p = 0.05, respectively). However, no significant correlations emerged between MSIs and depression or work-related factors. Conclusions: This study highlights the urgency of implementing proactive measures to prevent and manage MSDs within the nursing profession. Moreover, it emphasizes the critical need to enhance working conditions and provide robust support mechanisms to safeguard the mental health of nursing professionals.Open AccessOpen Access.

Serophobia related to HIV and AIDS: what is debated in digital social networks in Brazil? / Sorofobia relacionada ao HIV e à Aids: o que se debate nas redes sociais digitais no Brasil?

The aim of this article is to analyze the serophobic content explicit in the publications published in Digital Social Networks in the context of HIV and AIDS in Brazil. This is a qualitative study of the descriptive exploratory type, based on documents. The data obtained were evaluated using the methodology of documentary analysis through Thematic Content Analysis with the aid of NVivo®12 Plus (Windows). A total of 187 codes were generated, subsequently grouped according to the semantics of the words, originating five thematic categories: #LivingWithHIV, #WeNeedtoTalkAboutIt, #WhatISSEROPHOBIA, #SerophobiaIsACrime, and #NoSerophobia. The results showed the main manifestations of HIV and AIDS-related serophobia on social networks. The shared content discussed the difficulties of living with a disease that has social dimensions; the relevance of talking and disseminating content about HIV and AIDS; the elements that make up the stigmatization process and, consequently, structure serophobia in society; the social and civil rights of people living with HIV; measures to combat serophobia in health institutions; and the implications of serophobia in the field of public health.

O objetivo do artigo é analisar o conteúdo sorofóbico explicitado nas publicações veiculadas nas redes sociais digitais no contexto do HIV e da Aids no Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo do tipo exploratório descritivo, de base documental. Os dados obtidos foram avaliados utilizando a metodologia de análise documental por meio da análise de conteúdo temático com auxílio do software NVivo®12 Plus (Windows). Foram gerados 187 códigos, posteriormente agrupados conforme a semântica das palavras, originando cinco categorias temáticas: #VivendoComHIV, #PrecisamosFalarSobreIsso, #OQueÉSOROFOBIA, #SorofobiaéCrime e #SorofobiaNÃO. Os resultados evidenciaram as principais manifestações acerca da sorofobia relacionada ao HIV e à Aids nas redes sociais. O conteúdo compartilhado debateu as dificuldades de viver com uma doença que apresenta dimensões sociais; a relevância de falar e difundir conteúdo sobre o HIV e a Aids; os elementos que compõem o processo de estigmatização e, consequentemente, estruturam a sorofobia na sociedade; os direitos sociais e civis das pessoas vivendo com HIV; as medidas de combate à sorofobia nas instituições de saúde; e as implicações da sorofobia no âmbito da saúde pública.

Chemsex among men who have sex with men during the Mpox health crisis in Brazil: A nationwide web survey.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the factors associated with the practice of chemsex among MSM in Brazil, especially during the Mpox health crisis, and to design effective prevention and intervention strategies specifically for this population. DESIGN: A cross-sectional and analytical study using an electronic survey, conducted from September to December 2022, during the peak of the Mpox outbreak in Brazil. SAMPLE: A total of 1452 MSM aged 18 and older. MEASUREMENTS: Data were collected via the REDCap platform through a survey with 46 questions. These addressed demographic data, sexual affiliations, practices, experiences with Mpox, healthcare service usage, and stigma or fear related to Mpox. RESULTS: The prevalence of chemsex was 19.42% (n = 282). Multivariate Poisson modeling indicated a high incidence of chemsex among those diagnosed with Mpox and those involved in high-risk behaviors. The practice of chemsex was six times higher among those diagnosed with Mpox (95% CI: 4.73-9.10). MSM who engage in bugchasing had a prevalence twice that of the main outcome (95% CI: 1.31-3.16). CONCLUSION: There is a significant need for targeted interventions for MSM in Brazil, especially given the Mpox outbreak. This study highlights the strong relationships between chemsex, experiences with Mpox, and various sexual behaviors, underscoring the importance of effective public health initiatives.

Exploring men's health in medium and high complexity care in Brazil: A deductive thematic analysis of social determinants.

Background: Men's health is influenced by a complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural determinants. Understanding how these aspects affect the health of adult cisgender men in medium and high-complexity healthcare settings is essential for improving healthcare services and promoting better health outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the health status of adult cisgender men in medium and high-complexity healthcare settings based on social determinants and conditioners. Methods: This study employed a qualitative design involving 45 adult cisgender men receiving care in medium/high complexity services in Bahia, Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from July 2019 to February 2020, and data were interpreted based on Dahlgren and Whitehead's Model of Social Determinants of Health using deductive thematic analysis. Results: Proximal determinants included biological aspects, preventive behaviors, lifestyle/social life, and aging processes. Intermediate factors included work conditions, access/utilization of healthcare services/medications, and psychosocial factors. Macro determinants involved income distribution, power dynamics, resource allocation, health inequalities/iniquities, morbidity, culture, political decisions, environmental factors, and structural elements. Conclusion: The health status of men in medium/high complexity care was profoundly influenced by structural social determinants. These determinants impacted healthcare attention, service organization, cultural influences, the reproduction of hegemonic masculinity patterns, lifestyle, social support, and socioeconomic conditions necessary to realize the right to health. Nursing practices should conduct comprehensive assessments that extend beyond physical health indicators.

Contamination of equipment and surfaces in the operating room anesthesia workspace: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Contamination of the breathing circuit and medication preparation surface of an anesthesia machine can increase the risk of cross-infection. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the contamination of the anesthetic medication preparation surface, respiratory circuits, and devices used in general anesthesia with assisted mechanical ventilation. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted at the surgical center of a philanthropic hospital, of medium complexity located in the municipality of Três Lagoas, in the eastern region of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. METHODS: Eighty-two microbiological samples were collected from the breathing circuits. After repeating the samples in different culture media, 328 analyses were performed. RESULTS: A higher occurrence of E. coli, Enterobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae (P < 0.001) were observed. Variations were observed depending on the culture medium and sample collection site. CONCLUSION: The study findings underscore the inadequate disinfection of the inspiratory and expiratory branches, highlighting the importance of stringent cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Surveillance of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Brazil: An Ecological Study.

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the notification of new VL cases in Brazil in 2020. It is an ecological and time-series study (2015-2020) with spatial analysis techniques, whose units of analysis were the 5570 Brazilian municipalities. The study population consisted of all new cases of VL recorded between 2015 and 2020. The P-score was calculated to estimate the percentage variation in new VL cases. Global and local univariate Moran's Indices and retrospective space-time scan statistics were used in spatial and space-time analyses, respectively. It was expected that there would be 3627 new cases of VL in Brazil in 2020, but 1932 cases were reported (-46.73%). All Brazilian regions presented a negative percentage variation in the registration of new VL cases, with the Southeast (-54.70%), North (-49.97%), and Northeast (-44.22%) standing out. There was spatial dependence of the disease nationwide in both periods, before and during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a significant reduction in the incidence of new VL cases in Brazil during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings reinforce the need for better preparedness of the health system, especially in situations of new epidemics.

Migrant Men Living in Brazil during the Pandemic: A Qualitative Study.

This study aims to analyze the repercussions of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the health of male immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Brazil. A qualitative study involving 307 adult men living in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted. Data were collected between August 2021 and March 2022 and interpreted based on the Transcultural Nursing Theory. Cultural care repercussions were identified in various dimensions: technological: changes in daily life and disruptions in routine; religious, philosophical, social, and cultural values: changes stemming from disrupted social bonds, religious practices, and sociocultural isolation; political: experiences of political partisanship, conflicts, government mismanagement, a lack of immigration policies, human rights violations, and xenophobia; educational/economic: challenges arising from economic impoverishment, economic insecurity, unemployment, language difficulties, and challenges in academic and literacy development during the pandemic. The persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil had significant repercussions for the health of migrant men, resulting in a transcultural phenomenon that requires sensitive nursing care. Implications for nursing: the uniqueness of cultural care in nursing and health, as most of the repercussions found were mostly negative, contributed to the increase in social and health vulnerabilities.

Safety and efficacy of silicone tape for indwelling urinary catheter fixation in intensive care patients-A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients are more vulnerable to medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSI), whose prevention is a constant challenge and one of the main quality indicators of nursing care. MARSI associated with indwelling urinary catheter (IUC) fixation is a relevant adverse event, mainly because of the constant involuntary traction and high skin vulnerability of the fixation site. Silicone adhesive tape has appreciable qualities for fragile skin among the range of adhesives, leading to the inference that it reduces the risk of MARSI. AIM: To compare silicone adhesive tape for IUC fixation with acrylate tape regarding its safety and efficacy. STUDY DESIGN: This was a randomized controlled trial blinded to the patients and evaluator. Data were collected from an intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary university hospital in Brazil. Patients with IUC and no MARSI at the fixation site were considered eligible. The omega (Ω) fixation technique was used for IUC fixation. A total of 132 participants were enrolled and divided into two research groups: 66 patients in the intervention group (silicone tape) and 66 in the control group (acrylate tape). Outcomes were the incidence of MARSI, patient outcome in the ICU and hospital and partial, total and overall spontaneous detachment of the tapes. RESULTS: The overall incidence of MARSI was 28%, with 21% in the silicone group and 35% in the acrylate group, with no statistically significant difference (p = .121), including the severity of the lesions (p = .902). However, partial (p = .003) and overall (p < .001) detachment of the tapes were more frequent in the silicone group. CONCLUSIONS: Silicone tape is no safer than acrylate tape for IUC fixation and is less adhesively effective. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: There is no evidence to support the extensive use of silicone tape in this context.

Sorofobia relacionada ao HIV e à Aids: o que se debate nas redes sociais digitais no Brasil? / Serophobia related to HIV and AIDS: what is debated in digital social networks in Brazil?

Resumo O objetivo do artigo é analisar o conteúdo sorofóbico explicitado nas publicações veiculadas nas redes sociais digitais no contexto do HIV e da Aids no Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo do tipo exploratório descritivo, de base documental. Os dados obtidos foram avaliados utilizando a metodologia de análise documental por meio da análise de conteúdo temático com auxílio do software NVivo®12 Plus (Windows). Foram gerados 187 códigos, posteriormente agrupados conforme a semântica das palavras, originando cinco categorias temáticas: #VivendoComHIV, #PrecisamosFalarSobreIsso, #OQueÉSOROFOBIA, #SorofobiaéCrime e #SorofobiaNÃO. Os resultados evidenciaram as principais manifestações acerca da sorofobia relacionada ao HIV e à Aids nas redes sociais. O conteúdo compartilhado debateu as dificuldades de viver com uma doença que apresenta dimensões sociais; a relevância de falar e difundir conteúdo sobre o HIV e a Aids; os elementos que compõem o processo de estigmatização e, consequentemente, estruturam a sorofobia na sociedade; os direitos sociais e civis das pessoas vivendo com HIV; as medidas de combate à sorofobia nas instituições de saúde; e as implicações da sorofobia no âmbito da saúde pública.

Abstract The aim of this article is to analyze the serophobic content explicit in the publications published in Digital Social Networks in the context of HIV and AIDS in Brazil. This is a qualitative study of the descriptive exploratory type, based on documents. The data obtained were evaluated using the methodology of documentary analysis through Thematic Content Analysis with the aid of NVivo®12 Plus (Windows). A total of 187 codes were generated, subsequently grouped according to the semantics of the words, originating five thematic categories: #LivingWithHIV, #WeNeedtoTalkAboutIt, #WhatISSEROPHOBIA, #SerophobiaIsACrime, and #NoSerophobia. The results showed the main manifestations of HIV and AIDS-related serophobia on social networks. The shared content discussed the difficulties of living with a disease that has social dimensions; the relevance of talking and disseminating content about HIV and AIDS; the elements that make up the stigmatization process and, consequently, structure serophobia in society; the social and civil rights of people living with HIV; measures to combat serophobia in health institutions; and the implications of serophobia in the field of public health.

Contamination of equipment and surfaces in the operating room anesthesia workspace: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Contamination of the breathing circuit and medication preparation surface of an anesthesia machine can increase the risk of cross-infection. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the contamination of the anesthetic medication preparation surface, respiratory circuits, and devices used in general anesthesia with assisted mechanical ventilation. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted at the surgical center of a philanthropic hospital, of medium complexity located in the municipality of Três Lagoas, in the eastern region of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. METHODS: Eighty-two microbiological samples were collected from the breathing circuits. After repeating the samples in different culture media, 328 analyses were performed. RESULTS: A higher occurrence of E. coli, Enterobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae (P < 0.001) were observed. Variations were observed depending on the culture medium and sample collection site. CONCLUSION: The study findings underscore the inadequate disinfection of the inspiratory and expiratory branches, highlighting the importance of stringent cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces.

Intention to use PrEP among men who have sex with men and engage in chemsex: an international descriptive study.

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a valuable tool in the response to the HIV epidemic, recommended for groups with a higher risk of HIV infection, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly in the context of high-risk sexual behavior such as chemsex. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with the intention to use PrEP among MSM who engage in chemsex in Brazil and Portugal. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of a secondary dataset from a larger study conducted between January 2020 and May 2021 throughout Brazil and Portugal involving 1852 MSM who engage in chemsex. An initial descriptive analysis was performed to calculate the absolute and relative frequencies of independent variables related to the intention to use PrEP among MSM. A multivariate regression model was developed to identify factors independently associated with the intention to use PrEP. Results: Although a high level of PrEP knowledge (85.75%) was observed among MSM who engage in chemsex, the prevalence of intention to use PrEP was only 59.07%. Five variables were associated with a higher prevalence of intention to use PrEP [engaging in double penetration - adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 1.56, 95% CI: 1.44-1.69; being assigned female sex at birth - aPR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.12-1.61; cruising - aPR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.06-1.38; not using condoms - aPR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.05-1.36; and being an immigrant - aPR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.07-1.25], while having knowledge of postexposure prophylaxis (aPR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.84-0.98), having a casual sexual partner (aPR: 0.86 and 0.85; 95% CI: 0.74-0.99 and 0.74-0.98), and engaging in group sex (aPR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.73-0.90) were associated with a lower intention to use PrEP. Conclusion: The intention to use PrEP among MSM who engage in chemsex was high, and several factors were associated with this intention. Understanding the factors associated with the intention to use PrEP among MSM practicing chemsex is crucial for developing targeted interventions to increase PrEP uptake in this population. The results of this study suggest that tailored approaches are necessary to promote PrEP use in this population.

Sexual Practices and Predisposition to PrEP Use Among Men Ages 50 Years and Older Who Have Sex With Men: A Cross-Sectional Study.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the sexual practices of men ages 50 years or older who have sex with men (MSM) and factors influencing their predisposition to use preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Brazil and Portugal with 718 MSM. Of these, 278 (38.7%) were categorized as being at high risk for HIV based on the HIV Incidence Risk Index (HIRI), and 418 (58.2%) expressed a predisposition to use PrEP. Overall, sociodemographic factors and specific sexual practices increased the likelihood of being classified as high risk for HIV, particularly sexual position and sexual activity. However, factors that influenced the predisposition to use PrEP included age group, receptive anal sex, knowledge of postexposure prophylaxis, high HIRI score, and a history of syphilis. These findings underscore the urgent need for health services to provide comprehensive and adequate attention to the realities of this population, considering its complexities and specificities.

Impact of an educational intervention on standard precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on the knowledge of nursing professionals regarding standard precautions. METHODS: This is an almost experimental study conducted with 100 nursing professionals. Data collection was performed using a sociodemographic characterization instrument and the Standard Precautions Knowledge Questionnaire. The educational intervention was based on five moments, where the approach to questions with less than 70% accuracy was intensified. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the scores of healthcare professionals before (16.20 ± 1.51) and after (16.90 ± 1.31) the educational intervention (W=3.336; p < 0.05). Regarding knowledge about hand hygiene after glove use, an increase in knowledge from 83% to 93% was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: A positive effect on the professionals' knowledge was recorded, demonstrating advances regarding the strengthening of already acquired knowledge and the understanding of new knowledge.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis among Brazilian men who have sex with men: a comparative study between migrants and non-migrants.

Introduction: Investigating the use and adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in MSM is a global health priority in the fight against HIV. Strategies must be capable of increasing usage and reaching not only the population living in the country but also those who immigrate, who face additional vulnerabilities. Based on this, in this observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study, our aim is to analyze the use of PrEP among Brazilian men who have sex with men, whether they are migrants or not. We aim to highlight preventive opportunities and strategies for the global health scenario. Methods: We utilized a sample of Brazilians living in the country and Brazilian immigrants residing in Portugal, one of the main destinations for Brazilians in recent years. To estimate the prevalence ratio (PR) of PrEP use, we employed the Poisson regression model with robust variance estimation using a covariance matrix. Results: A total of 1,117 Brazilian MSM PrEP users participated in this study, with 788 residing in Brazil and 328 in Portugal. Multivariate analysis was conducted in three stages: overall, and for subgroups of residents in Brazil and immigrants in Portugal. We identified four convergent factors that increased the prevalence of PrEP use in Brazilians regardless of migration status: having two or more casual sexual partners per month, engaging in challenging sexual practices as the receptive partner, disclosing serological status on apps, and being single. Among native Brazilians, four unique factors stood out: being in a polyamorous relationship, having sexual relations with unknown casual partners, and having higher levels of education. Discussion: This study highlights the need to implement strategies to strengthen PrEP adherence in Brazil and create international programs that facilitate its usage among populations migrating between these two countries.

HIV testing among immigrant men who have sex with men in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of non-testing for HIV among immigrant men who have sex with men (MSM) residing in Brazil and identify associated factors. DESIGN: An analytical web-survey study was conducted across all Brazilian states from January 2020 to May 2021. SAMPLE: The study included 804 MSM immigrants from Portuguese-speaking countries. MEASUREMENTS: Odds ratio (OR) and adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) were utilized to determine the strength of the association between non-HIV testing and associated factors. RESULTS: Among the participants, 63.7% had never undergone HIV testing. Multivariate analysis revealed several factors associated with a higher likelihood of not being tested for HIV: having a steady/monogamus partner (AOR: 1.5; 95%CI: 1.1-2.3) or both casual and steady partners (AOR: 1.8; 95%CI: 1.2-3.4), not engaging in bareback sex (AOR: 1.91; 95%CI: 3-3.5), being an immigrant in the country for less than 12 months (AOR: 3.7; 95%CI: 2.5-9.7), and having a preference for insertive (AOR: 1.5; 95%CI: 1.1-2.5) or receptive (AOR: 2.9; 95%CI: 1.4-5.7) roles. However, practicing chemsex was found to be a protective factor for testing (AOR: 4). CONCLUSION: To enhance HIV prevention strategies, it is crucial to implement specific measures that ensure accessibility, confidentiality, and a reduction in stigma associated with HIV testing.

Misinformation about COVID-19 among middle-aged and older migrants residing in Brazil and Portugal.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 misinformation among migrants aged 50 or older residing in Brazil and Portugal. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted among migrants from Portuguese-speaking countries living in Brazil and Portugal, who were 50 years of age or older. The prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated using the Poisson regression model. RESULTS: Out of the 304 participants included in the study, 188 (61.8%) agreed with at least one piece of misinformation. Factors such as having a religious affiliation (aPR: 1.24), higher educational attainment (aPR: 1.17), knowing someone who died from COVID-19 (aPR: 1.78), and having no intention to get vaccinated (aPR: 1.36) were associated with a higher likelihood of agreeing with COVID-19 misinformation. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that access to misinformation was influenced by social, economic, and religious factors among elderly migrants with low digital literacy, thus contributing to the dissemination of false content within this population.