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INTRODUCTION: Pleural effusion (PE) is a common manifestation of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF); however, its influence on the quality of life (QoL) is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To identify whether PE detected using thoracic ultrasound (TUS) is associated with poorer QoL in patients with ADHF and a reduced ejection fraction (≤40 %). METHODS: We conducted a prospective, longitudinal, descriptive, observational, single-center study at a university hospital in Mexico. We included participants with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction who were admitted for ADHF. We performed TUS and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) within the first 48 h of hospitalization. RESULTS: Forty patients with ADHF (30 males and 10 females; mean age, 51.24 ± 16.942 years) were included in this study. The participants were categorized into two groups: those with (n = 25, 62.5 %) or without (n = 15, 37.5 %) PE on TUS. We found a statistically significant association between the presence of PEs and a worse perception of QoL. The mean MLHFQ score in the group of patients with PEs was 40 points, compared to 12 points in the group without PEs (p < 0.001). Poorer QoL was associated with a higher quantity of pleural fluid, as evidenced by the greater number of intercostal spaces occupied by the PE (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ADHF and a reduced ejection fraction who present with PE have a worse perception of QoL than patients without PE.

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INTRODUCTION: Depression is prevalent among aging people living with HIV (PLWH) worldwide. We sought to identify depression risk factors among a group of middle-aged and older PLWH in Lima, Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed risk factors for depression among PLWH over age 40 receiving care in an HIV clinic in Lima, Peru. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was administered. We performed descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Mean age was 51.7 ± 7.7 years with 15.3% females. One-quarter of participants had depression with higher frequency in females. Risk factors that significantly increased the risk of depression included female sex (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 2.19 [95%CI 1.07-4.49]), currently smoking (aPR = 2.25 [95%CI 1.15-4.43]), and prior opportunistic infection (aPR = 2.24 [95%CI 1.05-4.76]). DISCUSSION: Our study demonstrates that PLWH who are female, current smokers, or had an opportunistic infection have higher risk of depression. Identifying PLWH at-risk for depression is key to early mental health interventions.

Factors affecting depression in older people with HIV in PeruIntroductionDepression is common in older people living with HIV (PLWH) worldwide. We identified depression risk factors among a group of middle-aged and older PLWH in Lima, Peru.Materials and MethodsWe assessed risk factors for depression among PLWH over age 40 receiving care in an HIV clinic in Lima, Peru. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was administered.ResultsMean age was 51.7 ± 7.7 years with 15.3% females. One-quarter of participants had depression with higher frequency in females. Risk factors that significantly increased the risk of depression included female sex (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] = 2.19 [95%CI 1.07-4.49]), currently smoking (aPR = 2.25 [95%CI 1.15-4.43]), and prior opportunistic infection (aPR = 2.24 [95%CI 1.05-4.76]).DiscussionOur study demonstrates that PLWH who are female, current smokers, or had an opportunistic infection have higher risk of depression. Identifying PLWH at-risk for depression is key to early treatment or interventions that can improve mental health in PLWH in Peru.

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Background: Persons living with HIV (PLWH) have a higher risk of persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) and anal cancer. We evaluated knowledge and awareness of HPV infection and risk factors for anal cancer among PLWH in Puerto Rico (PR). Methods: Data from a cross-sectional study (2020-2021) were analyzed (n=212). Inclusion criteria included PLWH, aged ≥ 26 years, and living in PR. Telephone interviews collected information on sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical characteristics. Two 13-item scales were used to assess knowledge of HPV and anal cancer risk factors; adequate knowledge for both scales were defined as scoring >70%. Logistic regression models using generalized linear models were used to determine the association between 1) HPV infection awareness, 2) HPV infection knowledge, and 3) Anal cancer risk factors knowledge. Results: The median age was 54 years (IQR: 46,58), 67.5% were male, 71.7% reported having an income <$20,000, and 54.3% had an education level of more than high school. HPV awareness was high (82.1%), but only 40.2% and 3.8% had adequate knowledge of HPV and anal cancer risk factors, respectively. In adjusted logistic regression models, men who have sex with men (OR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.07-1.47) and women (OR: 1.35, 95%CI: 1.15-1.59) aged ≥50 years had higher odds of HPV awareness than heterosexual men in that age group. Moreover, those with history of anal Pap test aged <50 years had more HPV awareness (OR 1.34, 95%CI: 1.08-1.66) than their counterparts. Adequate HPV knowledge was higher among participants with an education level of more than high-school (OR:1.28, 95%CI: 1.10-1.50) and with a history of HPV diagnosis (OR:1.33, 95%CI: 1.08-1.65) than their counterparts. In addition, people with good/very good/excellent health perception had higher odds of HPV knowledge (OR:1.23, 95%CI: 1.03-1.47) than those who reported poor/regular health perception. For anal cancer risk factors, PLWH for ≥15 years had increased odds of having adequate knowledge (OR:1.07, 95%CI: 1.02-1.14) than their counterparts. Conclusions: Despite high awareness of HPV, limited knowledge about HPV and anal cancer risk factors was observed among PLWH. Results from our study highlight the need for educational efforts within this population as an anal cancer prevention strategy.

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Background: Syphilis is a serious global public health challenge. Despite prior progress in syphilis control, incidence has been increasing in recent years. Syphilis is a common coinfection among people living with HIV (PLHIV). In Panama, few data describe syphilis prevalence among PLHIV. We describe syphilis antibody and high-titer (⩾1:8) active syphilis prevalence and associated factors among individuals who attended an antiretroviral clinic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken during February-March 2022 and September-October 2022 for adults (⩾18 year) assigned male and female at birth, respectively. Participants provided peripheral blood samples and self-administered a questionnaire. Samples were screened using immunochromatography; antibody-positive samples were tested using rapid plasma regain to 1:512 dilutions. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with syphilis antibody and high-titer active syphilis. Results: In all, 378 participants gave blood samples; 377 individuals participated in the questionnaire (216 self-reported male sex [males], 158 female [females], and three intersex individuals). Median age was 36 years (interquartile range: 28-45 years). Overall, syphilis antibody prevalence was 32.3% (122/378) (males, 50.7% [108/2013]; females, 5.7% [9/158]; intersex individuals, 100.0% (3/3)], p < 0.01. High-titer active syphilis was found among 24.6% (n = 30) of samples with positive antibody test (males 27.8% [n = 30], females 0.0% [0/9], intersex individuals 0.0% [0/3]). Antibody positivity was associated in the multivariable model with males (50.7%, AOR = 24.6, 95%CI: 1.57-384.53). High-titer active syphilis was associated with younger participant age (18-30 years, 13.2%, OR = 4.82, 95%CI: 1.17-19.83); 31-40 years, 7.8%, OR = 4.24, 95%CI: 1.04-17.21 versus 3.2% >40 years), homosexual identity (16.0% OR = 34.2, 95%CI: 4.50-259.27 versus 0.6% among heterosexual identity); in the multivariable model, associated with sexual identity (bisexual 19.1%, AOR = 10.89, 95%CI: 1.00-119.06) compared to heterosexual identity (0.6%) and weakly associated with concurrency (⩾1 ongoing sexual relationships, 15.9%, AOR = 3.09, 95%CI: 0.94-10.14). Conclusion: This study found very high prevalence of syphilis antibodies and high-titer syphilis among PLHIV in Panama. Those most affected are males, younger in age, those who practice concurrent sexual relationships, and those who reported homosexual and bisexual identity. Targeted interventions should include repetitive testing and treatment, especially among individuals who may be at increased infection risk.

Prevalence of syphilis among people living with HIV who attend a large antiretroviral therapy clinic, Panama, 2022 Syphilis is a significant health challenge worldwide. On a global scale, yearly syphilis incidence is increasing, including in Panama. However, there are no current data to explain syphilis prevalence and who is most affected among people living with HIV in Panama. In order to understand syphilis in Panama and create targeted interventions among specific groups of people, it is important to describe how many people are infected, and who is most affected by this infection. Therefore, we conducted a study among 378 people living with HIV at a treatment clinic in Panama City, Panama. Blood samples and demographic data were collected. In all, syphilis antibodies were found in 32.3% of individuals (50.7% of those who self-report as males, 5.7% as females, and 100% of those who self-report as intersex. Of those with positive antibody tests, 24.6% of individuals also had active syphilis. Only individuals who identify as male had active syphilis. Our findings show high syphilis prevalence among people with HIV in Panama City, particularly among males, those who are younger, those who report sexual identity as homosexual or bisexual, and those with ongoing sexual relationships with more than one individual. Targeted interventions are needed among people living with HIV, especially among the groups most affected. These interventions could include testing more often for syphilis and providing timely treatment, especially among individuals who may be at increased risk of infection.

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ABSTRACT Background: The 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Hematolymphoid Tumors recently defined immune deficiency/dysregulation (IDD)-associated-lymphoid-proliferations in HIV settings, where information is scarce, often gone under or misdiagnosed. Objectives: To describe the clinical picture, histopathology, and outcomes of IDD-associated-lymphoid-proliferations Epstein-Barr virus+ (EBV) in people living with HIV without organ transplantation, antiretroviral therapy (ART) treated. Methods: HIV+ patients diagnosed with IDD-associated-lymphoid-proliferations seen at an academic medical center in Mexico from 2016 to 2019 were included. Immunohistochemical studies, in situ hybridization, and polymerase chain reaction analysis for EBV and LMP1 gene deletions were performed and correlated with clinical data. Results: We included 27 patients, all men who have sex with men, median age 36 years (interquartile range [IQR] 22-54). The median baseline CD4+ T cells were 113/mL (IQR 89-243), the CD4+/CD8+ ratio was 0.15 (IQR: 0.09-0.22), and the HIV viral load was 184,280 copies/mL (IQR: 76,000-515,707). Twenty patients (74.07%) had IDD-associated-lymphoid-proliferations hyperplasia plasma cell type EBV+, 3 (11.1%) had hyperplasia mononucleosis-like type (IM-type), 1 patient (3.70%) had florid follicular hyperplasia, 3 (11.1%) IDD-associated-lymphoid-proliferations polymorphic type, and there were 22 cases (81.4%) of synchronic Kaposi Sarcoma. Two patients were diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma following a second positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan-guided biopsy. The median follow-up was 228 weeks (IQR 50-269); 6 patients died (22.2%) of causes unrelated to IDD-associated-lymphoid-proliferations related. Conclusion: IDD-associated-lymphoid-proliferations EBV+ occured in severely immunosuppressed HIV+ patients, a high percentage of whom had concomitant Kaposi sarcoma. The prognosis was good in patients treated only with ART.

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Background: The 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Hematolymphoid Tumors recently defined immune deficiency/dysregulation (IDD)-associated-lymphoid-proliferations in HIV settings, where information is scarce, often gone under or misdiagnosed. Objectives: To describe the clinical picture, histopathology, and outcomes of IDD-associated-lymphoidproliferations Epstein-Barr virus+ (EBV) in people living with HIV without organ transplantation, antiretroviral therapy (ART) treated. Materials and Methods: HIV+ patients diagnosed with IDD-associated-lymphoid-proliferations seen at an academic medical center in Mexico from 2016 to 2019 were included. Immunohistochemical studies, in situ hybridization, and polymerase chain reaction analysis for EBV and LMP1 gene deletions were performed and correlated with clinical data. Results: We included 27 patients, all men who have sex with men, median age 36 years (interquartile range [IQR] 22-54). The median baseline CD4+ T cells were 113/mL (IQR 89-243), the CD4+/CD8+ ratio was 0.15 (IQR: 0.09-0.22), and the HIV viral load was 184,280 copies/mL (IQR: 76,000-515,707). Twenty patients (74.07%) had IDD-associated-lymphoid-proliferations hyperplasia plasma cell type EBV+, 3 (11.1%) had hyperplasia mononucleosis-like type (IM-type), 1 patient (3.70%) had florid follicular hyperplasia, 3 (11.1%) IDD-associated-lymphoid-proliferations polymorphic type, and there were 22 cases (81.4%) of synchronic Kaposi Sarcoma. Two patients were diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma following a second positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan-guided biopsy. The median follow-up was 228 weeks (IQR 50-269); 6 patients died (22.2%) of causes unrelated to IDD-associated-lymphoid-proliferations related. Conclusion: IDD-associated-lymphoid-proliferations EBV+ occured in severely immunosuppressed HIV+ patients, a high percentage of whom had concomitant Kaposi sarcoma. The prognosis was good in patients treated only with ART.

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This study aims to estimate the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy among people living with HIV (PLWHA). A search for observational studies was conducted in five databases and preprinted literature. Summary estimates were pooled using a random effects model and meta-regression. Of 150 identified studies, 31 were eligible (18,550 PLWHA). The weighted prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy overall was 29.07% among PLWHA (95%CI = 24.33-34.32; I² = 98%,) and that of vaccine acceptance was 68.66% (95%CI = 62.25-74.43; I² = 98%). Higher hesitancy prevalence was identified in low/lower-middle income countries (35.05; 95% CI = 19.38-54.78). The heterogeneity was explained by the risk of bias, region, and year of data collection. The findings conclude that the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy rate remains high, especially in low-income countries. Evidence-informed interventions aimed at increasing COVID-19 vaccine acceptance at the national and individual levels ought to be designed to increase COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among PLWHA.

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OBJECTIVES: An increasing number of women living with HIV are transitioning through midlife and menopause. Women living with HIV may experience earlier menopause and a higher symptom burden than women without HIV, but more evidence is needed. Data collection on menopause in women living with HIV is scarce and often not standardized. We sought to assess how menopause data are collected in cohorts and studies of women living with HIV. METHODS: This was a literature review conducted within the PubMed database. We included original studies and cohorts assessing menopause and/or menopausal symptoms in women living with HIV. Study characteristics and menopause data collection, including the definition of menopause, symptom assessment tools, and measurement of biomedical parameters, were noted and summarized systematically in data tables. RESULTS: We included 40 articles describing 37 separate studies published between 2000 and 2023; 27 of these were conducted in high-income countries, the majority in the USA (n = 16). Ten studies were from low- and middle-income countries; four of these were conducted in Brazil. In 20 studies, menopause was defined according to the World Health Organization's definition of over 12 months of amenorrhea. Twelve studies used the Menopause Rating Scale to characterize menopausal symptoms, five studies used other specified symptom assessment tools, and 12 studies used a study-specific tool. CONCLUSIONS: Menopause data collection in women living with HIV is heterogeneous. We propose that standardized tools should be used to enable comparisons between studies and countries, thereby improving the quality of research and clinical treatment. Further research into the validity of menopausal symptom scoring tools is warranted.

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Purpose: We assessed whether anticipated stigma (i.e., fear of public mistreatment due to gender identity) impacts communication between transgender women (TGW) living with HIV and health care providers. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of baseline data from Trans Amigas, a study conducted in Brazil, 2018. The study population consisted of TGW living with HIV, older than 18 years, residing in the São Paulo metropolitan area. We used multivariable logistic regression (α = 0.05), mediation, and bootstrapping for the analysis. Results: One hundred and thirteen participants completed the study. Fear of public mistreatment had an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 7.42 (p = 0.003) for difficulty reporting new symptoms to providers. Concerning fear of public mistreatment, we found that unemployment had an aOR of 3.62 (p = 0.036); sex work, an aOR of 2.95 (p = 0.041); and issues related to name change in documents, an aOR of 2.71 (p = 0.033). For the indirect effect on difficulty reporting new symptoms, mediated by fear of public mistreatment, unemployment had an aOR of 1.52 (confidence interval [CI] = 0.88-2.24); sex work, an aOR of 1.48 (CI = 0.81-2.52); and name change issues, an aOR of 1.47 (CI = 0.96-2.43). Conclusions: Anticipated stigma was associated with communication difficulties between TGW living with HIV and providers. Our data suggest that structural factors associated with anticipated stigma could indirectly impact on difficulty reporting new symptoms. These findings indicate the importance of considering social contexts that intersect with individual experiences when analyzing communication barriers between providers and patients, and the need to strengthen social policies for TGW in Brazil. Clinical Trial Registration number: R34MH112177.

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BACKGROUND: Anal cancer (AC) disproportionally affects people living with HIV (PLWH). Although there are no consensus-based AC screening guidelines, experts recommend anal pap as a primary screening tool in settings where high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) is available. We aimed to assess barriers and facilitators to anal cancer screening in a sample of Hispanic PLWH in Puerto Rico. METHODS: To assess their knowledge and attitudes, we conducted a cross-sectional survey from 2020-2021 among PLWH in Puerto Rico (n = 212). Data was collected through a telephone interview that assessed information on sociodemographics, knowledge, and attitudes about AC, and the history of AC screening. The chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with screening uptake. RESULTS: Anal Pap and HRA awareness were 60.4% and 30.7%, respectively. Anal Pap and HRA uptake was 51.5% and 19.3%, respectively. The most common barriers for anal Pap and HRA were lack of knowledge about the test and lack of physician recommendation. MSM were more likely to have heard of anal Pap (OR: 2.15, 95% CI:1.30-3.54) than MSW. MSM (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.79-5.19) and women (OR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.72-5.20) were also more likely to have undergone anal Pap. Similarly, individuals with a history of genital warts were more likely to have heard of anal Pap and HRA and have undergone anal Pap and HRA. Awareness of where to go for concerns about anal health was positively associated with having received anal Pap and HRA. CONCLUSIONS: With emerging evidence on the effectiveness of screening and treatment for anal cancer, several organizations are steering toward generating consensus-based anal cancer screening recommendations. Our study provides foundational data on barriers and facilitators to anal cancer screening in Puerto Rico that will be critical to informing screening implementation in this US territory.

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BACKGROUND: Untreated HIV infection can lead to profound immunosuppression and increase susceptibility of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) to aspergillosis. OBJECTIVES: Reporting the burden and natural history of aspergillosis documented in PLHA admitted in five medical centres in Brazil. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical, epidemiological and laboratory data were collected in all sequential cases of proven or probable aspergillosis documented in PLHA hospitalised in five medical centres between 2012 and 2020. RESULTS: We enrolled 25 patients ageing between 23 and 58 years (mean = 39) including 11 patients with invasive aspergillosis (IA) and 14 with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). The prevalence rate of aspergillosis was 0.1% of 19.616 PLHA. Overall, 72.7% of patients with IA exhibited CD4 < 100 cells/mL and 42.8% of patients with CPA exhibited CD4 count >200 cells/mL. Most patients had a history of tuberculosis, especially those with CPA (85.7%). IA was documented after a mean of 16.5 days of hospitalisation, mainly in critically ill patients exposed to corticosteroids and broad-spectrum antibiotics. In the CPA group, a positive culture (71.4%) and radiological alterations were the most frequent findings supporting their diagnosis. Episodes of IA were mostly documented by tissue biopsies. Crude mortality rates were 72.7% and 42.8% in patients with IA and CPA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite being considered an unusual complication in PLHA (0.1%), IA should be considered in patients with profound immunosuppression and pneumonia refractory to conventional therapy. CPA should be investigated in PLHA with chronic deterioration of pulmonary function and previous diagnosis of tuberculosis.

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Background: Persons living with HIV (PLWH) are at high risk of developing anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). We aimed to develop a prediction model for anal HSIL based on individual characteristics of PLWH. Methods: Cross-sectional study of PLWH aged ≥21 years who attended the Anal Neoplasia Clinic of the University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center from 2016 to 2022. The primary outcome was biopsy-confirmed anal HSIL. For each sex, relations between potential predictors and HSIL were examined using univariate (ULRM) and multivariable (MLRM) logistic regression models. Risk modelling was performed with MLRM and validated with bootstrapping techniques. The area under the ROC Curves (AUC) was estimated with 95% CI. Findings: HSIL was detected among 45.11% of patients, 68.48% were males, and 59.42% were ≥45 aged. Multivariable analysis showed that, in women, the only significant predictor for HSIL was having a previous abnormal anal cytology (p = 0.01). In men, significant predictors for HSIL were having a previous abnormal anal cytology (p < 0.001) and a history of infection with any gonorrhoea (p = 0.002). Other suggestive predictors for HSIL among women were obesity and smoking. No association between smoking and HSIL among men was observed (p < 0.05). The AUC estimated among women (0.732, 95% CI: 0.651-0.811) was higher than in men (0.689, 95% CI: 0.629-0.748). Interpretation: Our results support that the inclusion of individual characteristics into the prediction model will adequately predict the presence of HSIL in PLWH. Funding: This work was supported by the NCI (Grants #U54CA096297, #R25CA240120), the NIGMS (Grant #U54GM133807), and the NIMHD (Grant #U54MD007587).

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BACKGROUND: Older People Living with HIV (OPWH) combine both aging and HIV-infection features, resulting in ageism, stigma, social isolation, and low quality of life. This context brings up new challenges for healthcare professionals, who now must aid patients with a significant comorbidity burden and polypharmacy treatments. OPWH opinion on their health management is hardly ever considered as a variable to study, though it would help to understand their needs on dissimilar settings. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional, comparative study including patients living with HIV aged ≥50 years old from multiple centers worldwide and gave them a survey addressing their perception on overall health issues, psychological problems, social activities, geriatric conditions, and opinions on healthcare. Data was analyzed through Chisquared tests sorting by geographical regions, age groups, or both. RESULTS: We organized 680 participants data by location (Center and South America [CSA], Western Europe [WE], Africa, Eastern Europe and Israel [EEI]) and by age groups (50- 55, 56-65, 66-75, >75). In EEI, HIV serostatus socializing and reaching undetectable viral load were the main problems. CSA participants are the least satisfied regarding their healthcare, and a great part of them are not retired. Africans show the best health perception, have financial problems, and fancy their HIV doctors. WE is the most developed region studied and their participants report the best scores. Moreover, older age groups tend to live alone, have a lower perception of psychological problems, and reduced social life. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' opinions outline region- and age-specific unmet needs. In EEI, socializing HIV and reaching undetectable viral load were the main concerns. CSA low satisfaction outcomes might reflect high expectations or profound inequities in the region. African participants results mirror a system where general health is hard to achieve, but HIV clinics are much more appealing to them. WE is the most satisfied region about their healthcare. In this context, age-specific information, education and counseling programs (i.e. Patient Reported Outcomes, Patient Centered Care, multidisciplinary teams) are needed to promote physical and mental health among older adults living with HIV/AIDS. This is crucial for improving health-related quality of life and patient's satisfaction.

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Estudo com objetivo de descrever as condições de vulnerabilidades de pessoas idosas ao Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana (HIV). Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo e que utilizou como método a história oral temática, realizado no Serviço de Atendimento Especializado, com seis idosos com 65 anos ou mais. A coleta de dados se deu por uma entrevista em profundidade com questões sobre vulnerabilidades individuais, sociais e programáticas e os dados foram explorados por meio da análise de conteúdo temática. Entre as condições encontradas estão a ausência de preservativo nas relações sexuais; baixo grau de conhecimento e de procura por consultas e exames de rotina; presença do preconceito e discriminação; ruptura no convívio familiar; descoberta tardia do HIV e baixa capacitação da equipe de saúde. Enfrentar essas condições de vulnerabilidade pressupõe um debate sobre as políticas e normativas do cuidado às pessoas com HIV e a reconfiguração do modelo de cuidado focado na prevenção. (AU)

The aim of this study was to describe the conditions of vulnerability to HIV among older people. Using the thematic oral history method, we conducted a qualitative study in the SAE with six people aged 65 and over. The data were collected using in-depth interviews covering issues related to individual, social and programmatic vulnerabilities. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Vulnerability conditions included not using a condom, low level of knowledge of appointments and tests and health-seeking behavior; prejudice and discrimination; family break-ups; late diagnosis of HIV; and limited capacity of health teams. To tackle these vulnerability conditions, it is necessary to promote a debate about policies and regulations geared towards the care of people with HIV and reshape the prevention-based care model. (AU)

Estudio con el objetivo de describir las condiciones de vulnerabilidades de personas ancianas al VIH. Un estudio cualitativo, usando como método la historia oral temática, realizado en el SAE, con seis ancianos de 65 años o más, y la colecta de datos fue realizada mediante una entrevista en profundidad con preguntas sobre vulnerabilidades individuales, sociales y programáticas. Se realizó el análisis de contenido temático. Entre las condiciones encontradas están la ausencia de preservativo en las relaciones sexuales, bajo grado de conocimiento y de búsqueda de consultas y exámenes de rutina, presencia de prejuicios y discriminación, ruptura en la convivencia familiar, descubrimiento tardío del VIH y la baja capacitación del equipo de salud. El enfrentamiento de esas condiciones de vulnerabilidad presupone un debate con relación a las políticas y normativas del cuidado con las personas con VIH y la reconfiguración del modelo de cuidado enfocado en la prevención. (AU)

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Objetiva-se identificar as práticas contraceptivas e quais motivos influenciam na decisão reprodutiva de mulheres vivendo com HIV. Revisão integrativa da literatura com estudos primários publicados na íntegra, sem restrição de tempo e idioma, de dezembro de 2022 a março de 2023 nas bases de dados Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, via National Library of Medicine, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, Science Direct Journals e Web of Science. Foram incluídos 32 estudos com base nos tipos de contraceptivos usados por mulheres com HIV e seu poder e desejo na decisão sobre ter filhos: "métodos contraceptivos modernos", englobando principalmente contraceptivos hormonais orais e injetáveis, além de preservativos (78,2%); "métodos contraceptivos naturais", incluindo em sua maioria o método rítmico e coito interrompido (21,8%); e "poder e desejo reprodutivo", referindo nestes influência da família, da comunidade, religião e cultura, do parceiro, e de profissionais da saúde. O nível de evidência da maioria dos estudos foi IV. Assim, o uso de contraceptivos por MVHIV mais comuns são os métodos modernos do tipo hormonais orais e injetáveis e métodos comportamentais. Quanto as influências sobre o poder e desejo reprodutivo, estes podem refletir as desigualdades de gênero, controle e submissão feminina que podem ocasionar comportamentos sexuais de risco.

The objective is to identify contraceptive practices and which reasons influence the reproductive decision of women living with HIV. Integrative literature review with primary studies published in full, without time and language restriction, from December 2022 to March 2023 in the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online databases, via National Library of Medicine, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, Science Direct Journals and Web of Science. We included 32 studies based on the types of contraceptives used by women with HIV and their power and desire in deciding to have children: "modern contraceptive methods", mainly encompassing oral and injectable hormonal contraceptives, plus condoms (78.2%); "natural contraceptive methods", including mostly rhythmic method and interrupted coitus (21.8%); and "reproductive power and desire", referring in these influences of family, community, religion and culture, partner, and health professionals. The level of evidence from most studies was IV. Thus, the most common use of MVHIV contraceptives are modern oral and injectable hormone- like methods and behavioral methods. As for the influences on reproductive power and desire, these may reflect the inequalities of gender, control, and female submission that can cause risky sexual behavior.

Su objetivo es identificar las prácticas anticonceptivas y las razones por las que las mujeres que viven con el VIH tienen una decisión reproductiva. Una revisión integral de la literatura con estudios primarios publicados en su totalidad, sin restricciones de tiempo e idioma, de diciembre de 2022 a marzo de 2023 en las bases de datos del Sistema de Análisis y Recuperación de Literatura Médica Online, a través de la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, Science Direct Journals y Web of Science. Se incluyeron 32 estudios basados en los tipos de anticonceptivos utilizados por las mujeres con VIH y su poder y deseo en la decisión de tener hijos: "métodos anticonceptivos modernos", que abarcan principalmente anticonceptivos hormonales orales e inyectables, así como preservativos (78,2%); "métodos anticonceptivos naturales", principalmente el método rítmico y omnipresente (21,8%); y "anticonceptivos naturales"; poder y deseo", refiriéndose a estas influencias de la familia, la comunidad, la religión y la cultura, el compañero y los profesionales de la salud. El nivel de evidencia para la mayoría de los estudios fue IV. Por lo tanto, el uso de anticonceptivos MVHIV que son más comunes son métodos y métodos de comportamiento orales e inyectables modernos. En cuanto a las influencias sobre el poder y el deseo reproductivos, éstas pueden reflejar las desigualdades de género, control y sumisión que pueden generar conductas sexuales riesgosas.

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Much is known about the natural history of syphilis; however, less is known about the immune response against it, and even less is known about people living with HIV (PLWH). Due to the lack of an animal model to study host-pathogen interactions, it remains unclear how the host eliminates the bacteria. Here, we attempt to elucidate the immune response against infection by summarizing all the reported data in a systematic review. We found that only seven papers included PLWH, and they did not accurately describe the immune response against Treponema pallidum since only lymphopenia was reported upon coinfection. On the other hand, at least sixteen papers described the host-pathogen interaction in individual cell populations. Using this information, we established the kinetics of the immune response against syphilis and hypothesized how CD4+ T cells, such as Th17 and T rex cells, worsen the progression of the disease in PLWH through their hallmark cytokines, IL-10 and IL-17, and how these two cytokines may play important roles as biomarkers.

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This study explored the influence family relationships have on HIV-related factors among Hispanic or Latino/a/x Mexican sexual minority cisgender males in San Antonio, TX, US. A total of 15 young adults (7 people living with HIV; PLWH) ages 21-30 completed a semi-structured interview. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. The following themes emerged: (1) family support; (2) mother-son relationships; (3) father-son relationships; (4) sibling support; (5) family marginalization of sexual minorities; and (6) internalized homophobia. People who reported being HIV negative were more likely to have a prominent mother-son relationship, strong sense of family, supportive siblings, and family acceptance as a sexual minority. PLWH were more likely to report a weak sense of family, being raised in a maternal-led household, and less likely to have a relationship with their father and siblings. Marginalization among participants regardless of HIV status included exposure to religious rhetoric stigmatizing sexual minorities and fathers' reinforcing Mexican traditional gender norms. In addition to encountering homophobia, PLWH were further marginalized by family members due to their HIV status. The findings suggest a need for greater attention to examining the impact of familial support of Hispanic or Latino/a/x Mexican sexual minority cisgender males as young adults with or at risk of HIV.

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Abstract: The aim of this study is to determine the problems faced by individuals living with cancer (ILCs) in accessing health services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. This qualitative study's sample consisted of 18 volunteer interviewees from 10 cancer-related patient associations in Turkey. Research data were collected by semi-structured interview method. Data collection and analysis were carried out simultaneously. In the sessions where all researchers participated together, the data were coded with a common view, and main and sub-themes were determined. In the analysis of the data the inductive thematic analysis method was applied. Information was gathered under two main themes: compliance with the measures taken and access to health services. Lack of information about nutrition, physical activity, psychological problems, caused by the lockdown and social distance measures taken within the scope of the pandemic should be accepted as problems within the scope of the right of individuals to access health, and additional programs should be prepared to minimize these. Cancer types should be considered in delaying diagnosis, treatment, and controls related to cancer, so that patients are not harmed at least or at all. It is important to ensure that patients do not hesitate to attend diagnosis, treatment, and controls with the anxiety of being infected with COVID-19, both in transportation to health facilities and in terms of preventing transmission in health facilities.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio es determinar los problemas a los que se enfrentan las personas que viven con cáncer (ILC) para acceder a los servicios sanitarios durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Turquía. La muestra consistió en 18 entrevistados voluntarios de 10 asociaciones de pacientes relacionados con el cáncer en Turquía. Los datos de la investigación se recogieron mediante el método de la entrevista semiestructurada. La recogida y el análisis de los datos se llevaron a cabo simultáneamente. En las sesiones los datos se codificaron con una visión común y se determinaron los temas principales y los subtemas. En el análisis de los datos se aplicó el método de análisis temático inductivo. La información se recogió bajo dos temas principales: el cumplimiento de las medidas adoptadas y el acceso a los servicios sanitarios. La falta de información sobre nutrición, actividad física, problemas psicológicos, causados por el encierro y las medidas de distanciamiento social tomadas en el ámbito de la pandemia, deben ser aceptados como problemas dentro del ámbito del derecho de las personas a acceder a la salud, y se deben preparar programas adicionales para minimizarlos. Los tipos de cáncer deben tenerse en cuenta a la hora de retrasar el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y los controles relacionados, para que los pacientes no se vean perjudicados en lo más mínimo. Es importante asegurar que los pacientes no duden en acudir al diagnóstico, tratamiento y controles con la ansiedad de ser infectados con COVID-19, tanto en el transporte a los centros de salud como en la prevención de la transmisión en estos centros.

Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo é determinar os problemas enfrentados pelas pessoas que vivem com câncer (PLWC) no acesso aos serviços de saúde durante a pandemia da COVID-19 na Turquia. A amostra consistiu de 18 respondentes voluntários de 10 associações de pacientes relacionados ao câncer na Turquia. Os dados da pesquisa foram coletados usando o método de entrevista semi-estruturada. A coleta e análise de dados foram realizadas simultaneamente. Nas sessões, os dados foram codificados com uma visão comum e os principais temas e subtemas foram determinados. O método de análise temática indutiva foi aplicado na análise de dados. As informações foram coletadas sob dois temas principais: conformidade com as medidas tomadas e acesso aos serviços de saúde. A falta de informação sobre nutrição, atividade física, problemas psicológicos causados pelo confinamento e medidas de distanciamento social tomadas no contexto da pandemia deve ser aceita como problemas dentro do escopo do direito de acesso à saúde das pessoas, e programas adicionais devem ser preparados para minimizá-los. Os tipos de câncer devem ser levados em consideração ao atrasar o diagnóstico, tratamento e check-ups relacionados, para que os pacientes não fiquem em desvantagem mínima. É importante assegurar que os pacientes não hesitem em ir para diagnóstico, tratamento e check-ups com a ansiedade de serem infectados pela COVID-19, tanto no transporte para instalações de saúde quanto na prevenção da transmissão nessas instalações.

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BACKGROUND: Prior research has established some risk factors for an increased risk of severe disease and mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the impact of HIV infection on SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and severity is a significant gap in the literature. In the same way, not many studies across the globe have analyzed the degree of vaccination willingness among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and considerations regarding prioritizing this population during vaccination plans, particularly in developing countries. METHODS: A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. Self-completed electronic surveys directed to PLWHA were performed via Twitter in February 2021, using accounts of HIV activists. RESULTS: 460 (87.1%) participants were willing to be vaccinated with any COVID-19 vaccine. The reasons for that were listed as 1) the belief that vaccination prevents both the COVID-19 infection (81.3%) as well as being a spreader (52.2%); 2) having a high occupational risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 (22%); and 3) the belief that they would be at high risk of death because of COVID-19 (21.3%). Only 56 (10.6%) participants expressed hesitancy toward vaccination, and 12 (2.2%) stated they did not want to get vaccinated. CONCLUSIONS: Our results may support the prioritization of people living with HIV during the implementation of vaccination plans in developing countries. New strategies should be adopted to overcome the hesitancy and unwillingness toward the COVID-19 vaccination, especially in populations with risk factors for severe disease.

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Persons living with HIV are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 and understanding the factors influencing their decision to take the COVID-19 vaccine are crucial. Using the Health Belief Model (HBM), our study examined the role of psychological factors in predicting vaccine intention in patients with HIV. The underlying concept of the HBM is that behaviour is determined by personal beliefs about a disease, and access to strategies to decrease its occurrence. A cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted between August and September 2021 at an HIV clinic in Trinidad. Data on the HBM constructs, namely patient's beliefs about the perceived severity and susceptibility to COVID-19, their perceived benefits of taking the vaccine, and external cues to action, i.e., factors that may motivate them to take the vaccine, were collected. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine associations and whether the HBM components were predictors of vaccination intention. In this study, 59.9% of patients indicated their intentions to take the vaccine. Females (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.30-0.81) were less inclined to take the COVID-19 vaccine compared to males, while Indo-Trinidadian patients with HIV (OR 4.40, 95% CI 1.26-15.3) were more inclined to take the vaccine compared to Afro-Trinidadians. Health beliefs such as having confidence in the vaccine (p = 0.001) and believing in its perceived benefits (p = 0.001) were significant predictors of vaccination intention. Patients who were confident about the vaccine were six times more likely to take the vaccine (OR 6.45, 95% CI 2.13-19.5) than persons who were not confident in it. Having adequate information about the vaccine or the knowledge of others who received the vaccine (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.03-2.11) were significant cues to action influencing their decision. Guided by the HBM, understanding patient's health beliefs is important in the design of tailored interventions to improve vaccine outcomes. The HBM may also be useful in the design of approaches to increase the uptake of critical HIV prevention, and treatment services.