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BACKGROUND Increase of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as increased use of new information and communication technologies (ICTs) among young people in Catalonia triggers the idea of designing a mobile phone application to promote partner notification (PN). OBJECTIVE Assess the impact of a web based tool adapted to mobile phones for partner notification of STI among youngsters 16 to 24 years old and evaluate its role in increasing the “patient referral” partner notification. METHODS This is a multicentre randomised controlled trial with a proportional stratification of the sample by centre and random allocation of participants to the three groups of the study: game intervention (GIG), direct web intervention (DWIG) and control (CG). It was conducted by midwives, gynaecologists and physicians in the sexual and reproductive areas of the primary health care centres. The study population was: 1- All youngsters 16 to 24 years old diagnosed with one of the three curable STIs, (syphilis, gonococcus and chlamydia). 2- All partners of those diagnosed with the previous STIs, independently of their state of infection. Primary outcome was the ratio of partners notified per index case. Secondary outcomes included media used to notify and progress through the web app. RESULTS There were 366 index cases. Most of them were girls (91.9%), heterosexual (91.6%) with Pre-University studies (40%) and chlamydia infection as main diagnosis (92.3%) and a median age of 20 (interquartile range, IQR 18-23). The ratio of partners notified per index case was higher among GIG (1.7) and DWIG (1.6), than CG (1.2) group although no significant differences were found between the three groups. CONCLUSIONS The “Notijoves” web app may have a positive impact in the partner notification practice among youngsters. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov.Identifier:NCT03986567; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03986567

ObjectivesPatients with cancer are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 surveillance of workers in oncological centres is crucial to assess infection burden and prevent transmission. We estimate the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among healthcare workers (HCWs) of a comprehensive cancer centre in Catalonia, Spain, and analyse its association with sociodemographic characteristics, exposure factors and behaviours.DesignCross-sectional study (21 May 2020–26 June 2020).SettingA comprehensive cancer centre (Institut Català d’Oncologia) in Catalonia, Spain.ParticipantsAll HCWs (N=1969) were invited to complete an online self-administered epidemiological survey and provide a blood sample for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies detection.Primary outcome measurePrevalence (%) and 95% CIs of seropositivity together with adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% CI were estimated.ResultsA total of 1266 HCWs filled the survey (participation rate: 64.0%) and 1238 underwent serological testing (97.8%). The median age was 43.7 years (p25–p75: 34.8–51.0 years), 76.0% were female, 52.0% were nursing or medical staff and 79.0% worked on-site during the pandemic period. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 8.9% (95% CI 7.44% to 10.63%), with no differences by age and sex. No significant differences in terms of seroprevalence were observed between onsite workers and teleworkers. Seropositivity was associated with living with a person with COVID-19 (aPR 3.86, 95% CI 2.49 to 5.98). Among on-site workers, seropositive participants were twofold more likely to be nursing or medical staff. Nursing and medical staff working in a COVID-19 area showed a higher seroprevalence than other staff (aPR 2.45, 95% CI 1.08 to 5.52).ConclusionsAt the end of the first wave of the pandemic in Spain, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among Institut Català d’Oncologia HCW was lower than the reported in other Spanish hospitals. The main risk factors were sharing household with infected people and contact with COVID-19 patients and colleagues. Strengthening preventive measures and health education among HCW is fundamental.

Background An increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as an increase in the use of new information and communication technologies among young people in Catalonia is the inspiration behind the idea of designing a smartphone app to promote partner notification of STIs. Objective The main objective of this study is to design a Web-based tool adapted to smartphones for partner notification of STIs among youth who are 16 to 24 years old. Additionally, the objective is to evaluate the Web-based tool's role in increasing the patient referral partner notification. Methods This is a multicenter randomized controlled trial with a proportional stratification of the sample by center and random allocation of participants to the 3 arms of the study (simple Web-based intervention, game Web-based intervention, and control). This study is being conducted by midwives, gynecologists, and physicians in the sexual and reproductive areas of the primary health care centers. Results The primary outcome measure is the number and proportion of partner notifications. Additional outcome measures are the yield of early diagnosis and treatment of those exposed and infected, acceptability, barriers, and preferences for partner notification. Expected results include an increase in the yield of partner notification, early diagnosis and treatment among youth using Web-based interventions compared with those receiving the traditional advice to notify, and a description of sexual networks among those participating in the study. Conclusions The Notijoves is expected to have a sustainable positive impact in the partner notification practice among youth and contribute to increasing the awareness of STI prevention. International registered report identifier (irrid) DERR1-10.2196/12896.

BACKGROUND An increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as an increase in the use of new information and communication technologies among young people in Catalonia is the inspiration behind the idea of designing a smartphone app to promote partner notification of STIs. OBJECTIVE The main objective of this study is to design a Web-based tool adapted to smartphones for partner notification of STIs among youth who are 16 to 24 years old. Additionally, the objective is to evaluate the Web-based tool’s role in increasing the patient referral partner notification. METHODS This is a multicenter randomized controlled trial with a proportional stratification of the sample by center and random allocation of participants to the 3 arms of the study (simple Web-based intervention, game Web-based intervention, and control). This study is being conducted by midwives, gynecologists, and physicians in the sexual and reproductive areas of the primary health care centers. RESULTS The primary outcome measure is the number and proportion of partner notifications. Additional outcome measures are the yield of early diagnosis and treatment of those exposed and infected, acceptability, barriers, and preferences for partner notification. Expected results include an increase in the yield of partner notification, early diagnosis and treatment among youth using Web-based interventions compared with those receiving the traditional advice to notify, and a description of sexual networks among those participating in the study. CONCLUSIONS The Notijoves is expected to have a sustainable positive impact in the partner notification practice among youth and contribute to increasing the awareness of STI prevention. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR DERR1-10.2196/12896

Objectives To identify the HIV incidence and its associated factors (AFs) of the ITACA, a community-based cohort of HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) established in Barcelona, Spain from 2008 to 2011. Methods Participants were men aged 18 years or older, having a negative HIV test result at baseline and agreeing to participate. Bio-behavioural data were collected by peers in each visit. HIV incidence rates using person-time measures and 95% CIs were calculated. Cox logistic regression models were used to identify AFs to seroconversion. Results Over the period, 3544 participants with at least one follow-up visit or those who had a first visit no longer than a year prior to the date of data censoring were included in the analysis contributing 3567.09 person-year (p-y) and 85 MSM seroconverted for an overall HIV incidence of 2.4 per 100 p-y (95% CI 1.9 to 2.9) ranging from 1.21/100 (2009) to 3.1/100 p-y (2011). Independent AF included: foreign origin, having more than five HIV tests at baseline, reporting in the preceding 6 months the following: condomless anal sex with the last steady partner of unknown serostatus, more than 10 casual partners, condomless anal sex with casual partner, self-reported gonorrhoea and entered in the cohort in 2010 or 2011. Conclusions The ITACA cohort revealed a high and increasing HIV incidence among MSM, especially important among foreign-born men. The findings underscore the need to implement multilevel interventions for MSM taking into account different types of partners, cultural origins and the exposure to other sexually transmitted infections.

Alternative strategies are required to enhance the diagnosis of silent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in hard-to-reach key populations at risk. Among them, HCV prevalence and bio-behavioural data is scarce for HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) and men and trans-women sex workers. We sought to describe and assess the potential benefits of a community-based one-step HCV screening and confirmatory strategy for these populations in Barcelona. The screening strategy based on a real-time RT-PCR assay for HCV-RNA detection in dried-blood spots (DBS) was validated and implemented in addition to an antibody point-of-care test in a community centre. HCV prevalence was assessed, and bio-behavioural data was collected. The molecular assay was precise, reproducible, sensitive and specific. Four HIV-negative MSM reported being currently infected (0.75% HCV self-reported prevalence). Implementation of DBS testing was easy, and acceptability was >95%, but no silent HCV case was diagnosed (N = 580). High-risk sexual practices and drug use for sex were reported frequently. HIV prevalence was 4.7% in MSM and 10% in sex workers. Self-reported prevalence of other STIs ranged from 11.3% to 36.2%. In conclusion, HCV-RNA testing in DBS showed a good performance, but the assessed one-step strategy does not seem beneficial in this setting. Although no silent HCV infections were detected, the observed high-risk behaviours and prevalence of other STIs suggest that HCV spread should be periodically monitored among these populations in Barcelona by means of behavioural surveillance, rapid antibody testing and molecular confirmation in DBS. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

ResumenObjetivoDescribir la capacidad y organización de los laboratorios de Cataluña (España) para el diagnóstico de infecciones de transmisión sexual. Para ello, entre noviembre de 2005 y marzo de 2006 se realizó un estudio transversal incluyendo 140 laboratorios.Resultados98 realizan alguna prueba diagnóstica, 45 reciben más de 50 muestras vaginales al mes, 42 diagnostican Chlamydia trachomatis, pero solo 6 mediante amplificación de ácidos nucleicos. Ninguno diagnostica el linfogranuloma venéreo. 80 detectan la Neisseria gonorrhoeae (n 1/4 80), 76 de ellos mediante cultivo y 63 analizan su sensibilidad antimicrobiana. En total 23, 22, 22 y 14 laboratorios reciben más de 500 peticiones al mes, respectivamente de hepatitis B, hepatitis C, VIH y sífilis. 84 disponen de pruebas no treponémicas parala sífilis y 51 disponen de pruebas treponémicas.ConclusionesLa actividad de los laboratorios cubre prácticamente todo el espectro patológico, pero es necesario introducir nuevas técnicas y mejorar la eficiencia de los circuitos de muestras.AbstractObjectiveWith the aim of describing both the capacity and organization of the laboratories in Catalonia to diagnose sexually transmitted infections, a cross-sectional study was performed between November 2005 and March 2006, which included 140 laboratories.ResultsNinety-eight laboratories performed some STI tests, 45 received more than 50 vaginal swabs per month, 42 diagnosed Chlamydia trachomatis, but only six used polymerase chain reaction techniques. None diagnosed venereal lymphogranuloma. Eighty were able to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae, 76 by means of culture and 63 analyzed its antibiotic resistance. A total of 23, 22, 22 and 14 laboratories received more than 500 blood samples for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis, respectively. Non-treponemic and treponemic tests were available in 84 and 52 laboratories, respectively.ConclusionsIn Catalonia, most STIs can be diagnosed but new technologies need to be introduced. Moreover, the efficiency of biological sample circuits should be improved.

Fundamento y objetivos Se ha documentado un incremento de casos de sifilis infecciosa desde mediados de 1990, sobre todo en varones homosexuales, en distintas ciudades europeas y norteamericanas. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir las caracteristicas de los nuevos casos de sifilis infecciosa diagnosticados en la Unidad de Infecciones de Transmision Sexual de Barcelona en 2002 y 2003. Pacientes y metodo Analisis descriptivo de los diagnosticos de sifilis infecciosa y analisis multivariante de los factores asociados a la coinfeccion por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). Resultados Se diagnostico 102 casos de sifilis infecciosa, de los que 98 eran varones (88 de ellos homosexuales). En el 34% de los casos los individuos estaban coinfectados por el VIH. Los factores predictores de coinfeccion fueron la edad superior a 30 anos (p = 0,003) y tener pareja infectada por el VIH (p = 0,044). Clinicamente no hubo diferencias entre los casos segun la coinfeccion VIH. Conclusiones En Barcelona tambien se ha detectado un incremento reciente de casos de sifilis infecciosa, especialmente en determinados grupos nucleares de varones homosexuales con elevadas tasas de coinfeccion por el VIH.

Fundamento y objetivo La informacion sobre infecciones de transmision sexual (ITS) en Barcelona es escasa. Recientemente han aumentado los comportamientos sexuales de riesgo y algunas ITS. Metodo Estudio descriptivo de las ITS diagnosticadas en la Unidad de ITS de Barcelona entre 2001 y 2002. Resultados Algunas ITS eran mas frecuentes en varones homosexuales. La coinfeccion por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en pacientes con sifilis infecciosa estaba presente en 10 de 18 varones homosexuales y 1 de 10 heterosexuales (p = 0,04). Conclusiones Algunas ITS estan resurgiendo en Barcelona y seran necesarias nuevas intervenciones preventivas dirigidas especialmente a varones homosexuales.

With the aim of describing both the capacity and organization of the laboratories in Catalonia to diagnose sexually transmitted infections, a cross-sectional study was performed between November 2005 and March 2006, which included 140 laboratories.Ninety-eight laboratories performed some STI tests, 45 received more than 50 vaginal swabs per month, 42 diagnosed Chlamydia trachomatis, but only six used polymerase chain reaction techniques. None diagnosed venereal lymphogranuloma. Eighty were able to detect Neisseria gonorrhoeae, 76 by means of culture and 63 analyzed its antibiotic resistance. A total of 23, 22, 22 and 14 laboratories received more than 500 blood samples for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis, respectively. Non-treponemic and treponemic tests were available in 84 and 52 laboratories, respectively.In Catalonia, most STIs can be diagnosed but new technologies need to be introduced. Moreover, the efficiency of biological sample circuits should be improved.

An increase in syphilis infections since the mid 1990s has been documented, especially in homosexual men, in different European and North American cities. We intended to describe the characteristics of newly diagnosed cases of syphilis at the Sexually Transmitted Infections Unit of Barcelona in 2002 and 2003.Descriptive analysis of cases with infectious syphilis and multivariate analysis of factors associated with HIV coinfection.102 cases were diagnosed with infectious syphilis, 98 males (88 homosexual men). HIV coinfection was present in 34% of cases. Predictive factors of HIV coinfection were age30 years (p = 0.003) and having a HIV positive partner (p = 0.044). Clinically, there were no differences between cases coinfected or not with HIV.There has been a recent increase of syphilis in Barcelona, especially among some core groups of homosexual men with high rates of HIV coinfection.

Information about sexually transmitted infections (STI) in Barcelona is scarce. Sexual risk behaviors and some STI have recently increased.Descriptive study of STI diagnosed at the STI Unit of Barcelona between 2001 and 2002.Some STI were more frequent among homosexual men. HIV coinfection in patients with syphilis was seen in 10/18 homosexual men and 1/10 heterosexuals (p = 0.04).There is a resurgence of some STI in Barcelona. New preventive interventions are needed, especially addressed to homosexual men.