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Background Primary Health Care (PHC) is essential for effective, efficient, and more equitable health systems for all people, including those living with HIV/AIDS. This study evaluated the impact of the exposure to one of the largest community-based PHC programs in the world, the Brazilian Family Health Strategy (FHS), on AIDS incidence and mortality. Methods and findings A retrospective cohort study carried out in Brazil from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2015. We conducted an impact evaluation using a cohort of 3,435,068 [greater than or equal to]13 years low-income individuals who were members of the 100 Million Brazilians Cohort, linked to AIDS diagnoses and deaths registries. We evaluated the impact of FHS on AIDS incidence and mortality and compared outcomes between residents of municipalities with low or no FHS coverage (unexposed) with those in municipalities with 100% FHS coverage (exposed). We used multivariable Poisson regressions adjusted for all relevant municipal and individual-level demographic, socioeconomic, and contextual variables, and weighted with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). We also estimated the FHS impact by sex and age and performed a wide range of sensitivity and triangulation analyses; 100% FHS coverage was associated with lower AIDS incidence (rate ratio [RR]: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.68 to 0.84) and mortality (RR: 0.68, 95%CI: 0.56 to 0.82). FHS impact was similar between men and women, but was larger in people aged [greater than or equal to]35 years old both for incidence (RR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.53 to 0.72) and mortality (RR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.72). The absence of important confounding variables (e.g., sexual behavior) is a key limitation of this study. Conclusions AIDS should be an avoidable outcome for most people living with HIV today and our study shows that FHS coverage could significantly reduce AIDS incidence and mortality among low-income populations in Brazil. Universal access to comprehensive healthcare through community-based PHC programs should be promoted to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of ending AIDS by 2030., Author(s): Priscila F. P. S. Pinto 1,2, James Macinko 3, Andréa F. Silva 1,2, Iracema Lua 1,2, Gabriela Jesus 1,2, Laio Magno 4, Carlos A. S. Teles Santos 2, Maria [...]

Background: As new and improved antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection (Ag-RDT) continue to be developed, assessing their diagnostic performance is necessary to increase test options with accurate and rapid diagnostic capacity especially in resource-constrained settings. This study aimed to assess the performance of two Ag-RDTs in a population-based study. Methods: We conducted a diagnostic accuracy study in neighborhoods with high socioeconomic vulnerability in Salvador-Brazil, including individuals aged ≥12 years old who attended primary health services, between July and December 2022, with COVID-19 symptoms or who had been in contact with a confirmed case. Two Ag-RDTs were compared in parallel using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as reference standard, the PanbioTM COVID-19 Ag test (Abbott®) and Immuno-Rapid COVID-19 Ag (WAMA Diagnostic®). Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated. Results: For the Abbott test the sensitivity was 52.7% (95% CI: 44.3% - 61.0%), specificity 100% (95% CI: 98.7% - 100%), PPV 100% (95% CI: 95.4% - 100%) and NPV 80.4% (95% CI: 75.9% - 84.4%). For the WAMA test, the sensitivity was 53.4% (95% CI: 45.0% - 61.6%), specificity 100% (95% CI: 98.7% - 100%), PPV 100% (95% CI: 95.4% - 100%) and NPV 80.7% (95% CI: 76.2% - 84.6%). Sensitivity for the group with Cycle Threshold (CT) <24 was 82.3% (95%CI: 72.1–90.0, n = 83) for PanbioTM COVID-19 Ag test and 87.3% (95%CI: 77.9–93.8, n = 83) for Immuno-Rapid COVID-19 Ag test. Conclusion: Sensitivity for both Ag-RDT was lower than reported by manufacturers. In the stratified analysis, sensitivity was higher among those with lower CT values <24. Specificity was high for both rapid antigen tests. Both Ag-RDT showed to be useful for rapid diagnostic of potential cases of COVID-19. Negative results must be assessed carefully according to clinical and epidemiological information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective prevention tool, but there are still few studies about PrEP uptake among adolescents. We aimed to analyze the PrEP uptake process and factors associated with daily oral PrEP initiation among adolescent men who have sex with men (aMSM) and transgender women (aTGW) in Brazil. Baseline data from the first demonstration PrEP cohort study among aMSM and aTGW 15–19 years old (yo) ongoing in three large Brazilian cities (PrEP1519). After completing informed consent procedures, participants were enrolled in the cohort from February/2019 to February/2021. A socio-behavioral questionnaire was applied. Factors associated with PrEP initiation were assessed using a logistic regression model with adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Among recruited participants, 174 (19,2%) were aged 15–17 yo and 734 (80,8%) 18–19 yo. The rate of PrEP initiation was 78.2% and 77.4% for 15–17 yo and 18–19 yo, respectively. Factors associated with PrEP initiation were: black or mixed race (aPR 2.31; 95%CI: 1.10–4.84) among the younger adolescents 15–17 yo; experienced violence and/or discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity (aPR 1.21; 95%CI: 1.01–1.46); transactional sex (aPR 1.32; 95%CI: 1.04–1.68); and having had between 2 to 5 sexual partners in the previous three months (aPR 1.39; 95%CI: 1.15–1.68) among those 18–19 yo. Unprotected receptive anal intercourse in the previous six months was associated with PrEP initiation in both age groups (aPR 1.98; 95%CI: 1.02–3.85 and aPR 1.45; 95%CI: 1.19–1.76 among 15–17 yo and 18–19 yo, respectively). The biggest challenge to promoting PrEP use for aMSM and aTGW was in the first steps of the PrEP uptake process. Once they were linked to the PrEP clinic, initiation rates were high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Transgender women (TGW) are one of the most vulnerable groups, including higher prevalence of HIV and mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression than in the general population. Major Depression Disorder (MDD) is one of the most important mental health conditions due to an increasing trend in prevalence in the general population. This study aims at describing the prevalence of symptoms of MDD (SMDD) and associated factors among TGW in capitals of three States in Northeast Brazil. Methods: TGW n = (864) were selected from the cities of Salvador (n = 166), Recife (n = 350), and Fortaleza (n = 348) using Respondent Driven Sampling methodology. Symptoms of MDD were defined according to the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scale. Multinomial logistic regression was used to compare those with mild/moderate or moderately severe/severe symptoms of depression with those with no depression, respectively, using complex sample design. Weighted Odds Ratio with 95% confidence interval were estimated. Results: 51.1% of the sample was classified as mild/moderate and 18.9% as moderately severe/severe SMDD. Mild/moderate SMDD was associated with a history of sexual violence (OR = 2.06, 95%CI: 1.15–3.68), history of physical violence (OR = 2.09, 95%CI: 1.20–3.67),) and poor self-rated quality of life (OR = 2.14, 95%CI: 1.31–3.49).). Moderately severe/severe SMDD was associated with history of sexual violence (OR = 3.02, 95%CI: 1.17–7.77), history of physical violence (OR = 4.34, 95% CI:1.88–6.96), poor self-rated quality of life (OR = 3.32, 95%CI:1.804–6.12), lack of current social support (OR = 2.53, 95%IC: 1.31–4.88) and lack of family support in childhood (OR = 2.17, 95%IC 1.16–4.05)). Conclusions: Our findings strengthens the evidence of a higher prevalence of SMDD among TGW as compared to the general population. Public health policies and actions that target social determinants of risk and protection for MDD among TGW must be urgently implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the great progress made over the last decades, stronger structural interventions are needed to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC). Brazil is one of the largest and data-richest LMIC, with rapidly changing socioeconomic characteristics and an important HIV/AIDS burden. Over the last two decades Brazil has also implemented the world's largest Conditional Cash Transfer programs, the Bolsa Familia Program (BFP), and one of the most consolidated Primary Health Care (PHC) interventions, the Family Health Strategy (FHS). Objective: We will evaluate the effects of socioeconomic determinants, BFP exposure and FHS coverage on HIV/AIDS incidence, treatment adherence, hospitalizations, case fatality, and mortality using unprecedently large aggregate and individual-level longitudinal data. Moreover, we will integrate the retrospective datasets and estimated parameters with comprehensive forecasting models to project HIV/AIDS incidence, prevalence and mortality scenarios up to 2030 according to future socioeconomic conditions and alternative policy implementations. Methods and analysis: We will combine individual-level data from all national HIV/AIDS registries with large-scale databases, including the "100 Million Brazilian Cohort", over a 19-year period (2000–2018). Several approaches will be used for the retrospective quasi-experimental impact evaluations, such as Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD), Random Administrative Delays (RAD) and Propensity Score Matching (PSM), combined with multivariable Poisson regressions for cohort analyses. Moreover, we will explore in depth lagged and long-term effects of changes in living conditions and in exposures to BFP and FHS. We will also investigate the effects of the interventions in a wide range of subpopulations. Finally, we will integrate such retrospective analyses with microsimulation, compartmental and agent-based models to forecast future HIV/AIDS scenarios. Conclusion: The unprecedented datasets, analyzed through state-of-the-art quasi-experimental methods and innovative mathematical models will provide essential evidences to the understanding and control of HIV/AIDS epidemic in LMICs such as Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescents face socio-structural, personal and programmatic barriers to HIV prevention services, highlighting the importance of understanding knowledge and acceptability as essential aspects to promote their broader access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We analyzed the acceptability of PrEP among adolescent men who have sex with men (MSM), travestis and transgender women (TGW). Methods: A qualitative investigation was conducted as part of the formative research of the PrEP15-19 study, an ongoing demonstration study that analyzes the effectiveness of daily PrEP among adolescent MSM, travestis and TGW aged 15–19 in three Brazilian cities. A total of 37 semi-structured interviews and 6 focus groups were conducted. Building from thematic analysis focusing on participants' sexual encounters, perceptions about PrEP efficacy, and vulnerability contexts, we analyzed prospective acceptability of PrEP. Findings: Knowledge about PrEP was incipient and characterized by adolescents' frequent doubts about its prescription and efficacy. The 'ideal' use of PrEP appeared together with consistent condom use, especially in casual sex. PrEP use was also mentioned as depending on increased learning about prevention management over time. Main barriers to PrEP use included the incorporation of a daily medication into participants' routine and its impact on their social lives, especially related to stigma. Concerns over short- and long-term side effects were also reported as barriers to PrEP use. TGW and travestis contrasted using PrEP with the precarity of their life conditions, and some expressed a critical vision about PrEP by associating it with pharmaceuticalization and trans necropolitics. Conclusions: Participants' low knowledge and acceptability of PrEP are circumscribed by a rigid perception of condom as the ideal prevention method and the context of their sexual relations. Prospective acceptability highlights that the successful uptake of PrEP depends on overcoming barriers of access to health services and confronting transphobia and homophobia as part of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Bahia and Brazil The novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its corresponding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) first appeared in China in December 2019 as a cluster of atypical severe pneumonia cases [[1]]. Graph: Fig 1 Clinical signs and symptoms, associated comorbidities, and socioeconomic profile of people living with HTLV-1 in Brazil.HTLV-1, human T-cell leukemia virus type-1. What are the socioeconomic and clinical profiles of the HTLV-1 patients being monitored via t... Almost all patients (98%) lived in the city of Salvador (Bahia, Brazil), and 46% were diagnosed with HAM/TSP. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Discrimination related to gender identity may directly influence vulnerability to HIV through increased exposure to unprotected receptive anal intercourse (URAI). Little is known about the relationship between gender-based discrimination (GBD) and URAI with stable partners among transgender women. Methods: This mixed-methods research began with a cross-sectional survey conducted between 2014 and 2016 with transgender women in Salvador, the capital city in one of the poorest regions in Brazil. Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit the study population. GBD was defined through Latent Class Analysis. Additionally, 19 semi-structured interviews with participants were transcribed and analyzed through thematic content analysis. Results: URAI with stable partners was commonly reported (37.3%). GDB was positively associated with URAI among stable partners (OR = 6.47; IC 95%: 1.67–25.02). The analysis of the interviews illustrated how GBD impacted transgender women in diverse ways. Experiences with GBD perpetrated by the family often initiated a trajectory of economic vulnerability that led many to engage in survival sex work. The constant experience with GBD contributed to participants feeling an immense sense of trust with their stable partners, ultimately diminished their desire to use condoms. Further, the high frequency of GBD contributed to poor mental health overall, though some participants said engagement in transgender advocacy efforts provided a vital source of resilience and support. Conclusion: Our mixed-method study capitalizes upon the strengths of diverse data sets to produce a holistic understanding of GBD and URAI with stable partners. Furthermore, by confirming the association between greater GBD and URAI, we have demonstrated how GBD can impact condom negotiation in diverse relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salvador is the city with the highest number of HTLV-1 infected individuals in Brazil, yet the main route of HTLV-1 transmission is unknown. Objective: To investigate the association of syphilis infection as a proxy for sexual transmission of HTLV-1 infection in the general population of this city. Methods: A cross sectional population-based study was conducted with 3,451 serum samples obtained by a representative simple random sampling. Data on gender, age, income, and years of education were collected by questionnaire and the presence of HTLV, HIV and Treponema pallidum infection was determined by serology. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent effect of the potential explanatory variables to HTLV-1 infection and Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% CI were calculated. Results: The majority of studied individuals were female (56.4%), had less than 7 years of education (55.3%) and earned two or less minimum wages (52.0%). The overall prevalence of HTLV-1 was 1.48% (51/3,451; 95% CI: 1.10%– 1.94%), which increased with age. Only three persons younger than 17 (3/958; 0.31%; CI 95% 0.06–0.91) years were infected by HTLV-1. Among the 45 syphilis positives, 12 (26.7%) were HTLV positive, while among 21 HIV positives, only one (4.8%) was HTLV positive. HTLV-1 infection was found to be associated with syphilis infection (ORADJUSTED 36.77; 95% CI 14.96–90.41). Conclusion: The data presented herein indicate that horizontal transmission between adults is the main route of HTLV-1 infection in the general population of Salvador and that this is likely to occur through sexual contact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess risk factors associated with low levels of HIV testing among MSM recruited through respondent driven sampling (RDS) in Brazil. Of 3,617 participants, 48.4% had never tested previously for HIV. A logistic model indicated that younger age, lower socioeconomic class, education, poor HIV/AIDS knowledge, no history of cruising, and having been tested during the study were characteristics independently associated with low levels of previous HIV testing. The HIV testing rate among MSM in Brazil is still low in spite of the availability of a large number services providing universal and free access to HIV/AIDS diagnosis and treatment. To respond to low utilization, the authors propose a higher priority for testing for key populations such as MSM, expanded education, expanding testing sites and a welcoming and nonjudgmental environment in health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]