RESUMO

Introduction: Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly safe and effective for HIV prevention, yet barriers to PrEP access and adherence persist among key populations. In Mexico, incentive-based pilot programs have been effective in improving PrEP adherence among male sex workers. Understanding the experiences of providers and program implementers is critical to integrating PrEP adherence programs as part of standard care in Mexico and similar settings. Methods: We conducted 17 in-depth informational interviews with care providers and staff responsible for administering PrEP to key populations (men who have sex with men, male sex workers, transgender women) in Mexico City. Interviews explored successes and challenges surrounding current PrEP implementation, as well as adaptations that could facilitate national scale-up of PrEP programs in Mexico. Informant transcripts were analyzed using a hybrid inductive-deductive thematic analysis approach utilizing CFIR constructs for the initial codebook while allowing for inductive findings. Results: Three key themes emerged from informant interviews as important for promoting PrEP programs in Mexico: 1) increasing individual PrEP access, 2) strengthening quality of care, and 3) improving organizational and structural support. Conclusions: PrEP in Mexico is currently only available in a few clinics with high patient populations, and siloed HIV services, stigma, and a lack of inter-organizational collaboration remain persistent barriers to PrEP uptake. Promoting government collaboration and increasing financial support for community-based organizations is needed to expand PrEP access. Tailored, destigmatizing information about PrEP services needs to be diffused among both staff and patients to strengthen care quality.

RESUMO

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major health issue, exacerbated by limited financial and infrastructural resources in developing countries. Methods: Prevalence of STIs was assessed in two urban centers of the Dominican Republic (DR) among populations at high risk for STIs: pregnant youth, men who have sex with men (MSM), trans women (TG), batey residents, female sex workers, and people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We conducted a cross-sectional survey and biological specimen collection to screen for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis (trichomoniasis), Treponema pallidum (syphilis), HIV, hepatitis B and C, and human papillomavirus (HPV) among at-risk populations between 2015 and 2018. Ureaplasma urealyticum testing was also conducted even though it is not considered a STI. A non-probability community sample was recruited. Descriptive statistics examined the prevalence of STIs by population. Results: A total of 1991 subjects participated in the study. The median age was 26 years (range: 18-65). Most participants were female (65.3%), heterosexual (76.7%), and were not partnered (55.7%). Most of the participants reported unprotected vaginal sex in the last 6 months (54%); among MSM and TG almost half of the participants reported unprotected anal sex in the last 6 months and 17.6% reported drug use in the last 6 months. Almost half of the participants (49%) tested positive for one or more STIs. The most prevalent STI was Chlamydia trachomatis (12.8%), and human papillomavirus (11.9%). Among transgender women, 65.3% tested positive for an STI, 64.8% of female sex workers tested positive for an STI, and 53.8% of pregnant adolescents tested positive for an STI. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of STIs among key and under resourced populations in the DR. Our findings highlight the need to conduct further research to optimize prevention and care strategies for structurally vulnerable and under resourced populations in the DR.

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: In different contexts, international migrants are vulnerable to health disparities that increase the risk of HIV/AIDS exposure and continue to bear a significant burden of new virus infections in developed and developing countries. In this study, we sought to examine sexual practices and factors linked to HIV exposure among a sample of Angolan men who have sex with men (MSM) immigrants. METHODS: The study was conducted in two Portuguese-speaking countries, Brazil and Portugal, and involved 250 Angolan MSM immigrants between September 2020 and February 2021, using sampling methods to constitute the sample and the HIV Incidence Risk Index (HIRI) to define virus exposure risk. Odds ratio (OR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) were used to calculate the chances of higher HIRI index in the sample. RESULTS: Our results showed that 76.8% of participants presented a high HIRI index, influenced by the practice of chemsex (aOR: 4.26), having a known/repeated partner (aOR: 4.59), and engaging in passive sex without a condom in the last 30 days (aOR: 1.29) or 6 months (aOR: 1.98). CONCLUSIONS: It is crucial to focus on this vulnerable population and implement sexual health policies that integrate combined HIV prevention measures aimed at immigrant MSM.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Os jovens e adolescentes são um grupo desproporcionalmente acometido pelo HIV. Ser adolescente gay, bissexual, travesti ou transgênero, é enfrentar desafios ainda maiores em termos de risco e vulnerabilidade ao HIV e outras infecções sexualmente transmissíveis, fato pelo qual estes grupos representam uma população-chave para a implementação de intervenções estruturais, comportamentais e biomédicas. A PrEP é uma estratégia que tem se mostrado segura e eficaz na prevenção da infecção pelo HIV, entre esta e outras populações-chave. Entretanto, ainda se sabe muito pouco sobre o real impacto de seu uso no cotidiano dos jovens e adolescentes. O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar os fatores sociodemográficos e de práticas sexuais basais relacionados com à prevalência de sífilis na entrada e os marcadores ou preditores de adesão à PrEP por autorrelato entre adolescentes Gays, Bissexuais e outros Homens que fazem Sexo com Homens (HSH), Mulheres Transgênero e Travestis (MTTr) de 15-19 anos com riso de infecção pelo HIV. O projeto PrEP1519 é um estudo de coorte demonstrativo multicêntrico brasileiro, aprovado pelo comitê de ética em pesquisa da OMS, pela CONEP e COEP das Universidades participantes (UFMG, UFBA e USP). A inclusão foi voluntária após processo de consentimento livre e esclarecido e assinatura dos Termos de Consentimento ou Assentimento (TCLE, TALE). Os participantes foram alocados em dois grupos: com ou sem uso de PrEP, conforme avaliação de vulnerabilidade e preferência. As análises foram realizadas com as diversas dimensões de vulnerabilidade de infecção ao HIV, e modelos de regressão logística foram construídos para estimar as razões de chance da associação entre as variáveis preditoras e os níveis de adesão nas visitas M1, M6 e M12, assim como sua associação com um teste treponêmico positivo para sífilis na entrada do estudo. Foram analisados 935 participantes. A idade mediana foi 19 anos (IIQ: 18-19), 69% (645) se auto identificaram como negros (pardos/pretos), 91,1% (852) como homens cisgênero e 8,8% (82) como mulheres trans ou travestis. Aproximadamente 26% (251) dos participantes apresentaram ao longo dos 12 meses de seguimento uma adesão insuficiente, inferior a 90% por autorrelato. Na análise multivariada final, uma maior chance de adesão insuficiente foi associada com estar desempregado (OR = 1,34; IC95%: 1,00-1,81), ter relações sexuais em troca de dinheiro ou favores (OR =1,75; IC95%: 1,10-2,79) e ter uma autopercepção de risco de infecção pelo HIV <5 (OR = 1,51; IC95%: 1,06-2,16). Por outro lado, a prevalência de sífilis na linha de base foi de 21,3%. No modelo final de regressão logística, as seguintes variáveis estiveram associadas com chances maiores de sífilis: autorrelato de episódio de IST nos últimos 12 meses (OR = 5,92; IC95%: 3,74-9,37), ser profissional do sexo (OR = 3,39; IC95%: 1,32-8,78) e ter menos de 11 anos de escolaridade (OR = 1,76; IC95%: 1,13-2,74). Nossos dados reiteram conhecidos fatores de vulnerabilidade e apontam a necessidade de fortalecer os programas de PrEP na saúde pública com adequada discussão sobre classe social, raça, gênero, sexualidade e prevenção combinada, assim como, ampliar e facilitar o acesso a todas as ferramentas de prevenção combinada, incluída a PrEP, para esta faixa etária.

Young people and adolescents are a group disproportionately affected by HIV. Being a gay, bisexual, travesti, or transgender teenager means facing even greater challenges in terms of risk and vulnerability to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, a fact for which these groups represent a key population for the implementation of structural, behavioral, and biomedical interventions. PrEP is a strategy that has proven to be safe and effective in preventing HIV infection among this population and other key populations. However, very little is known about the real impact of its use on the daily life of young people and adolescents. The aim of present study was to evaluate sociodemographic factors and baseline sexual practices related to the prevalence of syphilis at entry and to predictors of adherence to PrEP by self-report among adolescents which self-identified as Gay, Bisexual, and other Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), Travesti and Transgender Women (TGW) aged 15-19 years at risk of HIV Infection. The PrEP 15­19 project is a Brazilian multicenter demonstrative study approved by the WHO Ethics Review Committee, and by the Brazilian Research Ethics Commission and by the local Research Ethics Committees of the participating universities (UFMG, UFBA and USP). Inclusion was voluntary after the informed consent form was singed. Participants were allocated into two groups: with or without PrEP use, according to vulnerability assessment and preference. The analyses were carried out with different dimensions of vulnerability to HIV infection, and logistic regression models were constructed to estimate the odds ratios of the association between the predictive variables and the levels of adherence at visits M1, M6, and M12, as well as its association with a positive treponemal test for syphilis at study entry. In total, 935 participants were analyzed. The median age was 19 years (IQR: 18­19); 69% (645) self-identified as black; 91.1% (852) as cisgender men; and 8.8% (82) as travesti or trans women. Approximately 26% (251) of the participants showed, over the 12 months of follow-up, insufficient adherence, or less than 90% by self-report. In the final multivariate analysis, a greater chance of poor adherence was associated with being unemployed (OR = 1.34; 95%CI: 1.00­1.8), having transactional sex (OR = 1.75; 95%CI: 1.10­2.79), and having a self-perceived risk of HIV infection <5 (OR = 1.51; 95%CI: 1.06-2.16). On the other hand, the baseline prevalence of syphilis was 21.3%. In the final logistic regression model, the following variables were associated with higher odds of syphilis: self-report of an STI episode in the last 12 months (OR = 5.92; 95%CI: 3.74­9.37), being a sex worker (OR = 3.39; 95%CI: 1.32­8.78), and less than 11 years of schooling (OR = 1.76; 95%CI: 1.13-2.74). This data reiterates known vulnerability factors and point to the need to strengthen PrEP programs in public health with adequate discussion on social class, race, gender, sexuality, and combination prevention, as well as expanding and facilitating access to all combination prevention tools, including PrEP, for this age group.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Background: HIV disproportionately affects people who inject drugs, transgender people, sex workers, men who have sex with men, and incarcerated people. Recognized as key populations (KP), these groups face increased impact of HIV infection and reduced access to health assistance. In 1990, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention organized technical guidance on HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT-HIV), with subsequent trials comparing intervention methodologies, no longer recommending this strategy. However, KP needs have not been explicitly considered. Methods: We assessed VCT-HIV effectiveness for sexual risk-reduction among KP (PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020088816). We searched Pubmed, EMBASE, Global Health, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed, controlled trials from February, 2020, to April, 2022. We screened the references list and contacted the main authors, extracted data through Covidence, applied the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool, and performed the meta-analysis using Review Manager. Findings: We identified 17 eligible trials, including 10,916 participants and evaluated HIV risk behaviors. When compared to baseline, VCT-HIV reduced unsafe sex frequency (Z=5.40; p<0.00001, I²=0%). Interpretation: While our meta-analysis identified VCT-HIV as protective for sexual risk behaviors for among KP, the results are limited to MSM and PWID, demonstrating the paucity of data on the other KP. Also, it highlights the importance of applying a clear VCT-HIV guideline as well as properly training the counselors. Funding: Research funded by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPQ/MS-DIAHV N° 24/2019), and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior.

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Roraima state is the northernmost state in Brazil and the primary border-crossing point between Brazil and Venezuela. The uncontrolled surge of malaria in Venezuela, coupled with mass migration of Venezuelans to neighbouring countries and the upward trend in informal mining in the state, pose a serious threat to the broader region, especially to migrant, indigenous and mining populations, jeopardizing malaria elimination efforts. This study describes changes in the epidemiological profile of malaria in Roraima state related to time, place and populations at risk from 2016 to 2020. METHODS: De-identified malaria surveillance data were obtained from the Malaria Epidemiological Surveillance System from 2016 to 2020. Pearson's chi-square tested differences between imported and autochthonous cases. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for imported versus autochthonous cases by demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Odds of being an imported case were higher for Plasmodium falciparum cases (AOR = 2.08). However, as the number of cases from Venezuela decreased in 2020 following closure of the border, the proportion of P. falciparum cases increased markedly, from 6.24% in 2019 to 18.50% in 2020. Over the 5-year period, the odds of being an imported case among miners were about nine times higher than the general population (AOR = 8.99). The proportion of total malaria cases that were among indigenous people increased from 33.09% in 2016 to 54.83% in 2020. Indigenous children had a higher burden of malaria with over 40% of cases in children 0 to 9 years old, compared to 8% in non-indigenous children 0 to 9 years old. In some municipalities, place of infection differed from place of notification, with a large proportion of cases in these municipalities reporting in Boa Vista. CONCLUSIONS: Malaria remains a serious threat in Roraima state, especially among high-risk populations, such as miners, migrants, and indigenous people. As malaria cases have increased among indigenous people and miners, and the proportion of P. falciparum cases has increased, elimination efforts require understanding of these risk factors to tailor interventions appropriately. Furthermore, cross-border surveillance systems need to be urgently strengthened at formal and unofficial border points, especially since the border with Venezuela reopened in July 2021.

Assuntos

RESUMO

HIV-related stigma and discrimination lead to poorer mental health, lower levels of services usage, and less adherence to antiretroviral medications. Due to the overlap of different kinds of stigmas, HIV-positive key populations are the most susceptible to negative health outcomes. The Stigma Index is an instrument that measure worldwide trends in HIV-related stigma from the perspective of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The present community-based study aims to estimate the prevalence of HIV-related discrimination in the past 12 months in HIV-related care, comparing general and key populations in Brazil. A total of 30 PLWHA were trained to recruit participants among their peer networks; 1768 PLWHA participated in the study and were asked if, in the past 12 months when seeking HIV-specific healthcare, they had experienced discrimination from health facility staff because of their HIV status. Overall, 269 (15.21%) participants experienced this kind of discrimination. The odds of experiencing discrimination in HIV-specific healthcare settings in the general versus key populations was OR 1.77 95% CI [1.30 -2.42]. It is noteworthy that in Brazil, after four decades of a human rights-based approach to the epidemic, we found high levels of discrimination in the HIV-specific healthcare context affecting the key populations more severely.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Engagement in the HIV care continuum among people living with HIV is essential to prevent ongoing transmission. Although there is evidence for the need for comprehensive approaches (e.g., peer navigation) to improve the HIV care continuum, there is limited knowledge of how the peer navigation model might work to improve the HIV care continuum in low resource settings among Latinx key populations (e.g., persons who inject drugs, female sex workers, men who have sex with men, and transgender women). Therefore, this article aims to qualitatively assess members of key populations' acceptability of Conexiones Saludables (Healthy Connections), a community-based peer navigation intervention implemented in Tijuana, Mexico. This analysis draws upon the postintervention survey data from 34 participants and data from qualitative interviews with 10 participants. Participants found the intervention to be acceptable and discussed the ways in which peer navigators were influential in educating participants about HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART), linking participants to existing HIV care and ancillary services in Tijuana, and in providing emotional and instrumental support to facilitate engagement in HIV treatment and ART adherence. The intervention emphasized the use of peer navigators who had a deep understanding of the sociostructural barriers (e.g., substance use, homelessness) that HIV-positive key populations face in Tijuana. Findings from this study may inform programs with highly vulnerable populations in similar settings.

Assuntos

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: To achieve the elimination of hepatitis B and C, there is an urgent need to develop alternative strategies to increase the access of diagnosis, particularly among key populations such as people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), individuals with coagulopathies and chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. AIM: To evaluate the use of dried blood spot (DBS) in the detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers. METHODS: A total of 430 individuals comprised of people living with HIV, coagulopathies and CKD provided paired serum and DBS samples. HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HCV were tested in those samples using a commercial electrochemiluminescence. Demographic and selected behavioral variables were evaluated to assess possible association with HBV and HCV positivity. RESULTS: Using DBS, HBsAg prevalence varied from 3.9% to 22.1%, anti-HBc rates varied from 25.5% to 45.6% and anti-HCV positivity ranged from 15.9% to 41.2% in key populations. Specificities of HBV and HCV tests using DBS varied from 88.9% to 100%. The HBsAg assay demonstrated the best performance in CKD and coagulopathy individuals and the anti-HCV test had a sensitivity and specificity of 100% in people living with HIV. Accuracy of HBV and HCV detection in DBS varied from 90.2% to 100%. In the CKD group, HBsAg positivity was associated with infrequent use of condoms, and anti-HBc positivity was associated with sharing nail cutters/razors/toothbrushes. Anti-HCV reactivity was positively associated with a history of transplantation and length of time using hemodialysis in both specimens. In people living with HIV, only the male gender was associated with anti-HBc positivity in serum and DBS. CONCLUSION: DBS with electrochemiluminescence are useful tools for the diagnosis and prevalence studies of hepatitis B and C among key populations and may increase the opportunity to foster prevention and treatment.

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: Prior work found <4% of key populations living with HIV (KPLWH) in Tijuana, Mexico, were on antiretroviral therapy (ART). The goal of this pilot study was to examine community stakeholders' perceived need and acceptability of a peer-navigator program to improve ART coverage. METHODS: We held a community forum and measured perspectives of key stakeholders in local organizations that serve KPLWH using online surveys, and in-depth interviews (with select key informants). RESULTS: Univariate descriptive statistics and emergent thematic analysis illustrated that there was general consensus that the program could improve ART coverage for KPLWH by helping to overcome geographic, transportation, and sociostructural barriers to HIV care. Police harassment, mobility, and non-HIV comorbidities were identified as challenges the program would need to navigate. CONCLUSIONS: Community stakeholders expressed perceived need and acceptability of a program to improve HIV care outcomes among KPLWH in Tijuana. The program should address the challenges identified by community stakeholders.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Experiences of gender-based violence (GBV) are associated with increased vulnerability to HIV and difficulty accessing HIV services; at the same time, people living with HIV are at an increased risk of GBV. Key populations most affected by HIV - gay and other men who have sex with men, female sex workers and transgender women - also experience a disproportionate burden of GBV. In Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, a local civil society organisation has led efforts to improve and integrate GBV and HIV services while making them welcoming to key population members and people living with HIV. According to interviews with service providers and service users and an analysis of service statistics, the intervention improved service quality and coordination, increased disclosures of violence and increased GBV response service uptake among the general population, key population members and people living with HIV. Findings also suggest that the intervention increased the uptake of HIV services, including HIV testing and post-exposure prophylaxis, and improved mental health among those receiving GBV response services. This case study of integrated GBV and HIV services describes a new model for simultaneously, synergistically and inclusively addressing two major epidemics negatively affecting health and well-being in affected communities today.

Assuntos

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Approximately 30% of people living with HIV worldwide are estimated to be unaware of their infection. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a strategy recommended by the World Health Organization to increase access to and uptake of testing among key populations who are at high risk for HIV infection. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the development and feasibility of a free, anonymous, internet-based HIVST strategy designed for men who have sex with men in Curitiba, Brazil (electronic testing [e-testing]). METHODS: The project was developed under the scope of the "A Hora é Agora" (The Time is Now) program. Individuals aiming to request an HIVST package (two tests each) answered an anonymous 5-minute questionnaire regarding inclusion criteria and sexual risk behavior. Eligible individuals could receive one package every 6 months for free. Website analytics, response to online questionnaires, package distribution, and return of test results were monitored via a platform-integrated system. RESULTS: Between February 2015 and January 2016, the website documented 17,786 unique visitors and 3218 completed online questionnaires. Most individuals self-reported being white (77.0%), young (median age: 25 years, interquartile range: 22-31 years), educated (87.3% completed secondary education or more), and previously tested for HIV (62.5%). Overall, 2526 HIVST packages were delivered; of those, 542 (21.4%) reported a result online or by mail (23 reactive and 11 invalid). During the study period, 37 individuals who reported using e-testing visited the prespecified health facility for confirmatory testing (30 positive, 7 negative). CONCLUSIONS: E-testing proved highly feasible and acceptable in this study, thus supporting scale-up to additional centers for men who have sex with men in Brazil.

Assuntos

RESUMO

In Tijuana, Mexico, HIV is concentrated in sub-epidemics of key populations: persons who inject drugs (PWID), sex workers (SW), and men who have sex with men (MSM). To date, data on engagement in the HIV care continuum among these key populations, particularly in resource-constrained settings, are sparse. We pooled available epidemiological data from six studies (N = 3368) to examine HIV testing and treatment uptake in these key populations; finding an overall HIV prevalence of 5.7 %. Of the 191 identified HIV-positive persons, only 11.5 % knew their HIV-positive status and 3.7 % were on ART. Observed differences between these HIV-positive key populations suggest PWID (vs. non-PWID) were least likely to have previously tested or initiate HIV care. MSM (vs. non-MSM) were more likely to have previously tested but not more likely to know their HIV-positive status. Of persons aware of their HIV-positive status, SW (vs. non-SW) were more likely to initiate HIV care. Findings suggest engagement of key populations in HIV treatment is far below estimates observed for similarly resource-constrained generalized epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa. These data provide one of the first empirical-snapshots highlighting the extent of HIV treatment disparities in key populations.

Assuntos

RESUMO

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: There is a dearth of research examining the linkages between violence and HIV risk behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM), including those who identify as transgender women (TW), particularly in Central America where violence is widespread. In this paper, we use population-based survey results to independently examine the correlations between physical, emotional and sexual violence and HIV risk behavior among MSM populations in five countries in Central America. DESIGN: As part of USAID's Combination Prevention for HIV program in Central America, PASMO conducted population based surveys using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in nine cities in Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. Initial seeds were recruited using the following criteria: individuals who represented subgroups of MSM by self-identification (homosexual vs. heterosexual or bisexual vs. transgender), social economic strata, and by sex work practices. This study examines the association between violence and 1) HIV risk behaviors relevant to the study populations; 2) protective behaviors; and 3) reported STIs. Individualized RDS estimator weights for each outcome variable were calculated using RDSAT software, and logistic regression analysis was used to determine associations between different forms of violence and the outcome variables. RESULTS: MSM who experienced physical violence were more likely to be engaged in transactional sex (OR: 1.76 [1.42-2.18]), have multiple partners in the past 30 days (OR: 1.37 [1.09-1.71]), and have engaged in sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs (OR: 1.51 [1.24-1.83]). Both physical violence and psychological/verbal violence were also associated with reporting STI symptoms or diagnosis within the past 12 months (OR: 1.72 [1.34-2.21] and 1.80 [1.45-2.23]). The effects of violence on the outcomes were observed after controlling for other risk factors. Transgender women were 3.9 times more likely to report engaging in transactional sex. Respondents who were heterosexual, bisexual, or transgender were also more likely to both report multiple partnerships (OR: 1.44 [1.07-1.96], 1.99 [1.67-2.38], 1.79 [1.37-2.33], respectively) and more likely to report engaging in sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs (OR: 1.52 [1.15-2.01], 1.38 [1.17-1.63], 1.47 [1.16-1.87], respectively), as compared to those identifying as homosexual. CONCLUSION: Violence experienced by MSM and TW is widespread in Central America. The experience of violence is shown in this study to be independently associated with risk behaviors for HIV infections. Further research and studies are needed to identify the effects violence has on HIV risk behavior among this under-researched population to improve targeted HIV prevention interventions.

Assuntos