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Resumo: Estudo transversal, de base hospitalar, nacional, com entrevista de 23.894 puérperas, em 2011-2012, com os objetivos de estimar a prevalência de consumo de álcool na gestação e identificar grupos mais vulneráveis. O uso de álcool na gestação foi identificado por meio da escala TWEAK, sendo classificadas como “diagnóstico presumível de uso inadequado de álcool” mulheres com pontuação ≥ 2. Calculou-se a prevalência nacional de uso de álcool e em subgrupos de acordo com características maternas, com respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%). Foram encontradas, de forma gráfica, coexistência de tabagismo, inadequação de consultas pré-natais e ingestão de bebidas alcoólicas na gestação. A prevalência de uso de álcool foi de 14% (IC95%: 13,3-14,7), com 10% (IC95%: 9,3-10,6) das mulheres apresentando diagnóstico presumível de uso inadequado de álcool na gestação. Maiores prevalências de uso de álcool e de diagnóstico presumível de uso inadequado foram observadas em mulheres pretas, com 12-19 anos de idade, com menor índice de escolaridade, de classe econômica mais baixa, sem companheiro, sem trabalho remunerado, com mais de três partos anteriores, que não queriam engravidar, com assistência pré-natal inadequada, com parto em serviços públicos e que referiram tabagismo na gestação. Estima-se que 1,2% das mulheres entrevistadas apresentavam concomitância dos três fatores de risco para desfechos perinatais negativos: fumo, álcool e assistência pré-natal inadequada. Os resultados demonstraram alta prevalência de uso de álcool na gestação e de diagnóstico presumível de uso inadequado, principalmente por mulheres em situação de vulnerabilidade social. São relevantes a elaboração de políticas públicas que contemplem ações de prevenção do uso de bebidas alcoólicas e a prestação de serviços de apoio para cessação do uso de álcool na gravidez.

Abstract We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies assessing HCV infection rates in haemodialysis patients in Brazil (Prospero CRD #42021275068). We included studies on patients under haemodialysis, comprising both convenience samples and exhaustive information from selected services. Patients underwent HCV serological testing with or without confirmation by HCV RNA PCR. Exclusion criteria were the following: absence of primary empirical information and studies without information on their respective settings, study year, accurate infection rates, or full specification of diagnostic tests. Studies with samples ≤ 30 and serial assessments with repeated information were also excluded. Reference databases included PubMed, LILACS, Scopus, and Web of Science for the period 1989–2019. A systematic review was carried out, followed by two independent meta-analyses: (i) studies with data on HCV prevalence and (ii) studies with a confirmatory PCR (i.e., active infection), respectively. A comprehensive set of different methods and procedures were used: forest plots and respective statistics, polynomial regression, meta-regression, subgroup influence, quality assessment, and trim-and-fill analysis. 29 studies and 11,290 individuals were assessed. The average time patients were in haemodialysis varied from 23.5 to 56.3 months. Prevalence of HCV infection was highly heterogeneous, with a pronounced decrease from 1992 to 2001, followed by a plateau and a slight decrease in recent years. The summary measure for HCV prevalence was 34% (95% CI 26–43%) for studies implemented before 2001. For studies implemented after 2001, the corresponding summary measure was 11% (95% CI 8–15%). Estimates for prevalence of active HCV infection were also highly heterogeneous. There was a marked decline from 1996 to 2001, followed by a plateau and a slight increase after 2010. The summary measure for active HCV infection was 19% (95% CI 15–25%) in studies carried out before 2001. For studies implemented after 2001, the corresponding summary measure was 9% (95% CI 6–13%). Heterogeneity was pervasive, but different analyses helped to identify its underlying sources. Besides the year each study was conducted, the findings differed markedly between geographic regions and were heavily influenced by the size of the studies and publication biases. Our systematic review and meta-analysis documented a substantial decline in HCV prevalence among Brazilian haemodialysis patients from 1992 to 2015. CKD should be targeted with specific interventions to prevent HCV infection, and if prevention fails, prompt diagnosis and treatment. Although the goal of HCV elimination by 2030 in Brazil remains elusive, it is necessary to adopt measures to achieve micro-elimination and to launch initiatives towards targeted interventions to curb the spread of HCV in people with CKD, among other high-risk groups. This is of particular concern in the context of a protracted COVID-19 pandemic and a major economic and political crisis.

Brazil has a historical gap regarding information on violence against women. Herein we aimed to evaluate the association of socioeconomic and demographic characteristics with physical violence against women in Brazil, as well as the possible escalation of violence to severe patterns of violence. We analysed data from the 3rd Brazilian Household Survey on Substance Use, in 2015. The main outcomes were reporting any physical violence and being stabbed/shot in the last 12-months. Logistic regressions were fitted to assess the association between socioeconomic and demographic variables with the outcomes. We estimated 3.8 million women reported any physical violence (5.52%): 3.79% reported threats to beat/ push/kick, 1.87% threats with knife/gun, 2.49% were beaten/pushed/kicked, 0.63% were spanked/ choked, and 0.21% were stabbed/shot. The higher the severity of violence, the higher the number of types of violence experienced. The likelihood of reporting any violence was higher among women 18–24 years, without a stable partner, who were at an informal job or unemployed, and who live in urban areas. The sociodemographic characteristics associated with reporting any violence reinforce the importance of addressing gender inequalities. Evidence of escalation violence reinforces the need to protect and care for women who report any type of violence.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the support of the Brazilian population to the alcohol-policies proposed by the World Health Organization to decrease alcohol harm (specifically: to decrease alcohol availability and advertising, and to increase pricing). In addition, we evaluated the factors associated with being against those policies. METHODS Data from 16,273 Brazilians, aged 12–65 years, interviewed in the 3rd Brazilian Household Survey on Substance Use (BHSU-3) were analyzed. The BHSU-3 is a nationwide, probability survey conducted in 2015. Individuals were asked if they would be against, neutral, or in favor of seven alcohol policies grouped as: 1) Strengthen restrictions on alcohol availability; 2) Enforce bans or restrictions on alcohol advertising, sponsorship, and promotion; and 3) Raise prices on alcohol through excise taxes and pricing. Generalized linear models were fitted to evaluate factors associated with being against each one of those policies and against all of policies. RESULTS Overall, 28% of the Brazilians supported all the above mentioned policies, whereas 16% were against them. The highest rate of approval refers to restricting advertising (53%), the lowest refers to increasing prices (40%). Factors associated with being against all policies were: being male (AOR = 1.1; 95%CI: 1.0–1.3), not having a religion (AOR = 1.4; 95%CI: 1.1–1.8), being catholic (AOR = 1.3; 95%CI: 1.1–1.5), and alcohol dependence (AOR = 1.6; 95%CI: 1.1–2.4). CONCLUSIONS The Brazilian government could count on the support of most of the population to restrict alcohol advertising. This information is essential to tackle the lobby of the alcohol industry and its clever marketing strategy.

Abstract Introduction Recent research has suggested an increase in the global prevalence of psychiatric symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess whether lifestyle behaviors can predict the presence of depression and anxiety in the Brazilian general population, using a model developed in Spain. Methods A web survey was conducted during April-May 2020, which included the Short Multidimensional Inventory Lifestyle Evaluation (SMILE) scale, assessing lifestyle behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Depression and anxiety were examined using the PHQ-2 and the GAD-7, respectively. Elastic net, random forest, and gradient tree boosting were used to develop predictive models. Each technique used a subset of the Spanish sample to train the models, which were then tested internally (vs. the remainder of the Spanish sample) and externally (vs. the full Brazilian sample), evaluating their effectiveness. Results The study sample included 22,562 individuals (19,069 from Brazil, and 3,493 from Spain). The models developed performed similarly and were equally effective in predicting depression and anxiety in both tests, with internal test AUC-ROC values of 0.85 (depression) and 0.86 (anxiety), and external test AUC-ROC values of 0.85 (depression) and 0.84 (anxiety). Meaning of life was the strongest predictor of depression, while sleep quality was the strongest predictor of anxiety during the COVID-19 epidemic. Conclusions Specific lifestyle behaviors during the early COVID-19 epidemic successfully predicted the presence of depression and anxiety in a large Brazilian sample using machine learning models developed on a Spanish sample. Targeted interventions focused on promoting healthier lifestyles are encouraged.

Objectives: Previous studies have estimated the 30-day prevalence of alcohol use to be approximately 21% among youth in Brazil, despite the legal drinking age of 18 years. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of underage drinking and its associated factors among adolescents in Brazil. Methods: The 3rd National Survey on Drug Use by the Brazilian Population (III Levantamento Nacional sobre o Uso de Drogas pela População Brasileira) is a nationwide, multi-stage, probability-sample household survey. Herein, youth between the ages of 12-17 years were included. Lifetime and 12-month alcohol use prevalence were estimated. Factors associated with 12-month alcohol use were evaluated through multivariate analysis considering survey weights and design. Results: Overall, 628 youth were interviewed. Estimated lifetime and 12-month alcohol use were 34.3% (standard error [SE] = 1.9) and 22.2% (SE = 1.7), respectively. Factors associated with 12-month drinking were: other/no religion vs. Christianity; living in rural vs. urban areas; self-reported diagnosis of depression vs. no self-reported depression; lifetime tobacco use vs. no history of tobacco use; and any illicit drug use vs. no history of illicit drug use. Conclusion: Considering that alcohol use is a major risk factor for early death among Brazilian youth, our findings highlight the importance of preventative measures to reduce underage drinking.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To examine the HIV care cascade among trans women and travestis in São Paulo – Brazil, the most populous city in South America. METHODS: Using data from a cross-sectional study carried out between November 2016 and May 2017 in the city of São Paulo (Divas Research). Respondent driven sampling (RDS) was used to recruit 386 transgender women and travestis who participated in a HIV risk survey and were tested for HIV. The cascade was defined as HIV prevalence, HIV diagnosed, Antiretroviral (ART) Prescription, and currently on ART. A multiple analysis model was conducted to identify the association between sociodemographics and the cascade gaps. RESULTS: Of the trans women living with HIV, 80.9% were already diagnosed, 76.6% of them had been prescribed, of which 90.3% were currently on treatment. Those who were registered in care had a higher rate of ART (aPR 2.06; 95%CI 1.09-3.88). Trans women between 31-40 years old (aPR 1.65; 95%CI 1.09-2.50) and those older than 40 (aPR 1.59; 95%CI 1.04-2.43) had higher prevalence of ART. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest an increase in the testing and treatment policy implementation among trans women in the city of São Paulo, although gaps have been found in the linkage to care. However, young trans women and those not registered in health care service may benefit from efforts to engage this part of the population in care to improve HIV treatment and care outcomes.

Resumo: Estimativas de mulheres que fizeram aborto provocado em localidades cujas leis são restritivas ainda são escassas na literatura científica, e a não coincidência de estimativas oriundas dos métodos hoje em uso clama pela aplicação de métodos inovadores, como novos métodos indiretos. Tal necessidade é especialmente aguda nas áreas mais densamente povoadas, como as capitais brasileiras, dada a magnitude do fenômeno e os danos e riscos daí decorrentes. O artigo objetiva estimar o número de mulheres que fez aborto provocado no Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, em 2011, por meio de um modelo hierárquico bayesiano. Ele foi aplicado aos dados de um inquérito domiciliar que subsidiou a utilização do método network scale-up, no Município do Rio de Janeiro, um modelo hierárquico bayesiano utilizando as informações indiretas baseadas na rede de contatos dos participantes selecionados de forma aleatória da população. Das 1.758.145 mulheres de 15-49 anos residentes no Município do Rio de Janeiro (13.025; ICr95%: 10.635; 15.748) mulheres fizeram aborto provocado em 2011, resultando numa incidência acumulada média de 7,41 (ICr95%: 6,05; 8,96) para cada 1.000 mulheres de 15-49 anos. O estudo de autovalidação do modelo permitiu identificar padrões de subestimação em subpopulações estigmatizadas com baixa visibilidade social, como mulheres fizeram aborto provocado. O abortamento provocado é uma prática recorrente entre as mulheres no Município do Rio de Janeiro. Novos métodos de estimação indireta podem contribuir para a apreensão mais precisa do evento, considerando o contexto de ilegalidade, e contribuir para formulação de políticas de saúde.

Abstract: Despite substantial improvement in prognosis and quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Brazil, inequalities in access to treatment remain. We assessed the impact of these inequalities on survival in Rio de Janeiro over a 12-year period (2000/11). Data were merged from four databases that comprise the national AIDS monitoring system: SINAN-AIDS (Brazilian Information System for Notificable Diseases; AIDS cases), SISCEL (laboratory tests), SICLOM (electronic dispensing system), and SIM (Brazilian Mortality Information System), using probabilistic linkage. Cox regressions were fitted to assess the impact of HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) on AIDS-related mortality among men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), and heterosexuals diagnosed with AIDS, between 2000 and 2011, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Among 15,420 cases, 60.7% were heterosexuals, 36.1% MSM and 3.2% PWID. There were 2,807 (18.2%) deaths and the median survival time was 6.29. HAART and CD4+ > 200 at baseline were associated with important protective effects. Non-whites had a 33% higher risk of dying in consequence of AIDS than whites. PWID had a 56% higher risk and MSM a 11% lower risk of dying of AIDS than heterosexuals. Non-white individuals, those with less than eight years of formal education, and PWID, were more likely to die of AIDS and less likely to receive HAART. Important inequalities persist in access to treatment, resulting in disparate impacts on mortality among exposure categories. Despite these persistent disparities, mortality decreased significantly during the period for all categories under analysis, and the overall positive impact of HAART on survival has been dramatic.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate treatment adherence among perinatally-infected pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients followed in pediatric centers in Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional multicenter study. Medical records were reviewed and adherence scale, assessment of caregivers' quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF), anxiety, depression, and alcohol/substances use/abuse were assessed. Outcomes included self-reported 100% adherence in the last three days and HIV viral load (VL) < 50 copies/mL. Statistical analyses included contingency tables and respective statistics, and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: 260 subjects were enrolled: 78% children and 22% adolescents; 93% of caregivers for the children and 77% of adolescents reported 100% adherence; 57% of children and 49% of adolescents had VL < 50 copies/mL. In the univariate analyses, HIV diagnosis for screening due to maternal infection, lower caregiver scores for anxiety, and higher scores in physical and psychological domains of WHOQOL-BREF were associated with 100% adherence. Shorter intervals between pharmacy visits were associated with VL < 50 copies/mL (p ≤ 0.01). Multivariable regression demonstrated that caregivers who did not abuse alcohol/other drugs (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.27-0.89) and median interval between pharmacy visits < 33 days (OR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95-0.98) were independently associated with VL < 50 copies/mL; whereas lower caregiver scores for anxiety (OR = 2.57; 95% CI: 1.27-5.19) and children's HIV diagnosis for screening due to maternal infection (OR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.12-4.50) were found to be independently associated with 100% adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric HIV programs should perform routine assessment of caregivers' quality of life, and anxiety and depression symptoms. In this setting, pharmacy records are essential to help identify less-than-optimal adherence.

The Caribbean and Central America represent a formidable challenge for researchers and policy makers in the HIV field, due to their pronounced heterogeneity in terms of social, economic, and cultural contexts and the different courses the HIV epidemic has followed in the region. Such contrasting contexts and epidemics can be exemplified by 2 countries that share the island of Hispaniola, the French Creole-speaking Haiti, and the Spanish-speaking Dominican Republic. Haiti has experienced the worst epidemics outside of sub-Saharan Africa. Following a protracted economic and social crisis, recently aggravated by a devastating earthquake, the local HIV epidemic could experience resurgence. The region, strategically located on the way between coca-producing countries and the profitable North American markets, has been a transshipment area for years. Notwithstanding, the impact of such routes on local drug scenes has been very heterogeneous and dynamic, depending on a combination of local mores, drug enforcement activities, and the broad social and political context. Injecting drug use remains rare in the region, but local drug scenes are dynamic under the influence of increasing mobility of people and goods to and from North and South America, growing tourism and commerce, and prostitution. The multiple impacts of the recent economic and social crisis, as well as the influence of drug-trafficking routes across the Caribbean and other Latin American countries require a sustained effort to track changes in the HIV risk environment to inform sound drug policies and initiatives to minimize drug-related harms in the region.

Objective: In an attempt to reduce high levels of traffic crashes, a new legislation was approved in Brazil in 2008. This study aimed to assess behavioral change among drivers who had drunk at alcohol outlets (AO) after implementation of the law. Method: A three-stage probability sampling survey was conducted in Porto Alegre, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Individuals seen leaving AOs after drinking were approached (n=3,018). Selected drivers (n=683) answered a structured interview, were breathalyzed, and had saliva specimens collected for drug screening. Results: Overall, 60.3% (SE 4.5) of drivers reported they did not change their behavior. Among those who reported behavioral changes, most reported drinking less as their main strategy toward safer driving behavior. Variables independently associated with behavior change included having drunk at a high outlet density area (odds ratio [OR] 1.7 [1.1-2.8]) and having a favorable opinion about the law (OR 4.3 [2.1-8.9]). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that awareness of the law has not been enough to promote behavioral change. As most drivers had a favorable opinion of the law and this variable was found to be the strongest predictor of behavior change, efforts to better integrate education and enforcement seem to be pivotal and might be well received by the population.

The trend towards decline and stabilization of the AIDS epidemic in Brazil should be analyzed carefully, since aggregate data can mask regional or local inequalities in such a large and diverse country. The current study reevaluates the epidemic’s spatial dissemination and the AIDS-related mortality pattern in Brazil. The study considered all AIDS cases diagnosed in individuals over 18 years of age and living in Brazil, as well as AIDS deaths recorded in 1998-2008. Three-year moving average rates were estimated, and a spatial analysis was conducted using a local empirical Bayesian method. The epidemic was only found to be expanding in the North and Northeast regions, while declining in the rest of the country, especially in the Southeast. According to the findings, the apparent stabilization of AIDS mortality tends to mask regional disparities. Social determinants of health and regional disparities should be taken into account in program development and policymaking.

Os achados provêm de um estudo transversal de 5.981 estudantes de escolas públicas de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Avaliou-se a influência do uso de drogas sobre as práticas sexuais. Dos rapazes com relacionamento casual que referiram ter utilizado drogas ilícitas, 55,7% disseram usar preservativos de forma consistente (em todas as relações sexuais), enquanto entre os que nunca fizeram uso de tais substâncias, esse percentual foi de 65,4%. Entre os rapazes com relacionamento fixo, que utilizaram droga ilícita, o uso consistente de preservativos foi referido por 42,7%, ao passo que, para os que nunca fizeram uso dessas substâncias, esse percentual foi de 64,1%. No subgrupo dos rapazes com parceria fixa que nunca utilizaram drogas ilícitas, o uso consistente do preservativo foi menos freqüente entre os que utilizaram cigarro e/ou álcool do que entre os que não referiram este uso (60,7% vs. 71,1%). As moças apresentaram menor proporção de uso consistente do preservativo do que os rapazes, independentemente do tipo de parceria, sem influência aparente dos padrões de consumo. Os achados sugerem a necessidade de integrar a prevenção do uso de drogas à de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis/gravidez indesejada.This article summarizes the findings of a survey including 5,981 students from public schools in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The analysis assessed the influence of drug use on sexual practices. Among the boys engaged in relationships with casual partners who stated having used illicit drugs, 55.7% reported consistent condom use, as compared to 65.4% among those not reporting such habits. Among boys engaged in relationships with stable partners who reported illicit drug use, consistent condom use was reported by 42.7%, versus 64.1% among those not reporting such habits. In the subgroup of boys engaged in stable relationships who did not report illicit drug use, consistent condom use was less frequent among those that used alcohol/cigarettes, compared to those who did not drink or smoke (60.7% vs. 71.1%). Girls were less likely than boys to use condoms consistently, regardless of the nature of their relationships, without a noticeable influence of drug use. Policies to prevent drug abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and unplanned pregnancy should be fully integrated.

Nos últimos anos observa-se uma ênfase numa suposta associação entre a epidemia de AIDS e a "população negra" no Brasil. Após proceder uma análise do banco de dados sobre a ocorrência de HIV/AIDS no Brasil, o presente estudo examina o contexto sóciopolítico envolvido na definição de políticas públicas de recorte racial no campo da saúde. Argumentamos que questões ligadas à qualidade dos dados, à estruturação do sistema de informação e ao uso e interpretação das informações são elementos essenciais na compreensão do processo em curso. Especificamente, procuramos mostrar que os dados epidemiológicos disponíveis não são suficientes para sustentar a interpretação de que existe uma associação específica entre "população negra" e AIDS no país. Salientamos que a ênfase nessa suposta associação faz parte de uma dinâmica relacionada à construção do campo da "saúde da população negra" em anos recentes, que se vincula a processos mais amplos de inter-relação entre ativismo político e relação com o Estado, que transcendem a área da saúde.Over the last few years we have observed a growing emphasis on a supposed relationship between the AIDS epidemic and the "black population" in Brazil. After undertaking an analysis of the national data base of HIV/AIDS in Brazil, this study examines the sociopolitical context in which public policy with a focus on "race" has been defined. We argue that questions related to the quality of the data, the structuring of the information system itself and the use and interpretation of this information are all essential elements for understanding the process underway. Specifically we aim to show that the available epidemiological data are not sufficient to warrant the interpretation that there is in fact a relationship between the "black population" and AIDS in the country. We stress that the emphasis on this supposed association is part of a more general process of construction of the field of the "health of the black population" in recent years and that this is related to interrelationships between political activism and the State which go far beyond the field of health.

OBJETIVO: Os gastos com a aquisição de anti-retrovirais no Brasil têm suscitado debates sobre a sustentabilidade da política de acesso universal a medicamentos para Aids, a despeito de seus evidentes benefícios. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar, no período de 1998 a 2005, a evolução dos gastos do Ministério da Saúde do Brasil com a aquisição de anti-retrovirais e seus determinantes, assim como a sustentabilidade desta política a médio prazo (2006-2008). MÉTODOS: O estudo da evolução dos gastos com anti-retrovirais compreendeu a análise de seus preços, do dispêndio ano a ano, do número de pacientes que utilizam a medicação, do gasto médio por paciente e das estratégias para a redução de preços adotadas no período. No tocante à análise de sustentabilidade da política de acesso a anti-retrovirais foram estimadas as despesas com a aquisição de medicamentos no período de 2006 e 2008 e a participação desses gastos no Produto Interno Bruto e nas despesas federais com saúde. Os dados foram coletados do Ministério da Saúde, do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística e do Ministério do Planejamento. RESULTADOS: As despesas com anti-retrovirais aumentaram 66% em 2005, interrompendo a tendência de redução observada no período 2000-2004. Os principais fatores associados a esse aumento foram o enfraquecimento da indústria nacional de genéricos e os resultados insatisfatórios dos processos de negociação com empresas farmacêuticas. CONCLUSÕES: A política de acesso universal no Brasil não é sustentável com as atuais taxas de crescimento do Produto Interno Bruto, sem que o País comprometa investimentos em outras áreas.OBJECTIVE: The expense of acquiring antiretroviral drugs in Brazil has given rise to debate about the sustainability of the policy of universal access to Aids medications, despite the evident benefits. The objective of this study was to analyze the evolution of the Ministry of Health's spending on acquiring antiretroviral drugs from 1998 to 2005, the determining factors and the medium-term sustainability of this policy (2006-2008). METHODS: The study on the evolution of spending on antiretrovirals included analysis of their prices, the year-by-year expenditure, the number of patients utilizing the medication, the mean expenditure per patient and the strategies for reducing the prices maintained during this period. To analyze the sustainability of the policy for access to antiretrovirals, the cost of acquiring the drugs over the period from 2006 to 2008 was estimated, along with the proportion of gross domestic product and federal health expenditure represented by this spending. The data were collected from the Ministry of Health, the Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics (IBGE) and the Ministry of Planning. RESULTS: The expenditure on antiretrovirals increased by 66% in 2005, breaking the declining trend observed over the period from 2000 to 2004. The main factors associated with this increase were the weakening of the national generics industry and the unsatisfactory results from the process of negotiating with pharmaceutical companies. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian policy for universal access is unsustainable at the present growth rates of the gross domestic product, unless the country compromises its investments in other fields.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic among injection drug users (IDUs) in Brazil has been unique in terms of temporal and geographical contrasts. This analysis explores these contrasts through the use of multilevel modeling. Standardized AIDS incidence rates among IDUs for Brazilian municipalities (1986-2000) were used as the dependent variable, with a set of social indicators as independent variables (covariates). In some States of the North/Northeast, the epidemic among IDUs has been incipient. The São Paulo epidemic extended to reach a network of municipalities, most of which located far from the capital. More recently, on a smaller scale, a similar extension has been observed in the southernmost States of the country. Both "number of physicians per inhabitant" and "standard distance to the State capital" were found to be associated with AIDS incidence. AIDS cases among IDUs appeared to cluster in wealthier, more developed municipalities. The relative weight of such extensive dissemination in key, heavily populated States prevails in the Brazilian IDU epidemic, defining a central-western-southeastern strip of wealthier middle-sized municipalities and more recently a southern strip of municipalities deeply affected by the epidemic in this population.

Brazil provides free antiretroviral (ARV) therapy to some 150,000 individuals living with HIV/ AIDS). ARV regimens require optimal adherence to achieve undetectable viral loads and to avoid viral resistance. Physicians play a key role to foster ARV adherence, but until now little is known about the communication between physicians/ people living with HIV/AIDS in this setting. In-depth interviews were conducted with 40 physicians treating people living with HIV/AIDS at six public reference centers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Interview topics included: experiences in the treatment of people living with HIV/AIDS, relationship and dialogue with patients, barriers/facilitators to adherence, and effectiveness of available services. Barriers to ARV adherence were mainly related to the low quality of patient-provider relationship. Other barriers were related to "chaotic" patients' lifestyles, and inadequate knowledge and/or negative beliefs about HIV/AIDS and ARV effectiveness. It is necessary to improve networking between services, establish agile referral systems, and improve health professionals' integration. These structural changes could contribute to improved adherence, resulting in improved quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS.O Brasil fornece gratuitamente terapia anti-retroviral (ARV) para cerca de 150 mil pessoas vivendo com HIV/ AIDS. A terapia ARV requer aderência ótima, visando alcançar carga viral indetectável e evitar resistência viral. Os médicos desempenham papel central quanto à aderência à ARV, mas há escassa informação sobre a comunicação entre médicos/pessoas vivendo com HIV/ AIDS. Entrevistas em profundidade foram realizadas com 40 médicos assistentes de seis hospitais de referência do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Tópicos da entrevista incluíram: experiências relativas ao tratamento de pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS, relacionamento/diálogo com pacientes, barreiras/facilitadores para aderência aos serviços disponíveis e eficácia destes. As barreiras para aderência à ARV se referiam, principalmente, ao relacionamento médico-paciente. Outras barreiras estavam relacionadas a estilos de vida "caóticos" de alguns pacientes, conhecimento inadequado/crenças negativas sobre HIV/AIDS e a eficácia da ARV. É necessário melhorar as redes de serviços de saúde, com encaminhamento mais ágil e maior integração entre diferentes profissionais de saúde. Essas mudanças estruturais podem melhorar a aderência e a qualidade de vida das pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS.

A review was carried out of papers published between 1996 and 2006, documenting the introduction of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) in Brazil. Papers indexed in the MEDLINE and SciELO databases were retrieved using different combinations of keywords related to the management and care of AIDS in the post-HAART era: opportunistic diseases and co-infections, adherence to therapy, survival in the pre- and post-HAART eras, adverse events and side-effects, emergence and possible transmission of resistant viral strains, metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, and issues related to access to care and equity. The review documents the dramatic changes in HIV/AIDS disease progression in the post-HAART era, including an increase in survival and quality of life and a pronounced decrease in the episodes of opportunistic diseases. Notwithstanding such major achievements, new challenges have emerged, including slow evolving co-infections (such as hepatitis C, metabolic and cardiovascular disorders), the emergence of viral resistance, with consequences at the individual level (virological failure) and the community level (primary/secondary resistance at the population level), and impacts on the cost of new therapeutic regimens.Procedeu-se a uma revisão abrangente de artigos publicados entre 1996-2006, período posterior à introdução da terapia anti-retroviral de alta potência (HAART) no Brasil. Foram revisados artigos disponíveis nas bases de dados MEDLINE e SciELO, a partir de combinações de palavras-chave que contemplam os principais temas na área do tratamento e manejo da AIDS na era pós-HAART: doenças oportunistas e co-infecções, aderência à terapia, sobrevida pré e pós-HAART, eventos adversos e efeitos colaterais, emergência e eventual transmissão de cepas virais resistentes e complicações cardiovasculares e metabólicas, além de questões relativas ao acesso e à eqüidade. Em suma, observa-se uma transformação profunda no campo da AIDS no período pós-HAART, com aumento dramático da sobrevida e da qualidade de vida, e redução expressiva dos episódios de doenças oportunistas. Por outro lado, novas questões se colocam, como a relevância das co-infecções de evolução lenta, como a hepatite C, os distúrbios metabólicos e cardiovasculares, e o desafio posto pela emergência de cepas resistentes, com repercussões individuais (falha virológica) e coletivas (resistência primária e secundária em nível da comunidade) e, conseqüente, aumento de custos da terapia.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has led to a substantial increase in the survival of people living with AIDS, despite heterogeneities among individuals from different socioeconomic strata. The present paper analyzes AIDS deaths in Brazil during a period in which HAART became a key treatment regimen, exploring the hypothesis that "race or color" defines one dimension of socioeconomic inequality in Brazil. AIDS mortality, stratified by gender and "race or color", was calculated using data from the National Mortality System. The rates were highest among individuals classified as "black" and lower among those classified as "mixed-race", with a continuous increase among the later from 1999 to 2004 for men and women. Among individuals classified as "white", mortality rates remained stable among men, but not women. Median age at death among "mixed-race" individuals was lower for both men and women. Differential trends according to gender and "race or color" were highlighted by the present study, indicating the pressing need to further explore the underlying factors that might explain different mortality rates in a context of universal access.A terapia anti-retroviral de alta potência (HAART) tem determinando substancial aumento da sobrevida de pessoas vivendo com AIDS, ainda que de forma heterogênea entre populações de diferentes condições sociais e econômicas. Este estudo analisa a mortalidade por AIDS no Brasil, num período em que a HAART se consolida como estratégia terapêutica, explorando a hipótese da variável "raça/cor" constituir uma das vertentes das desigualdades sociais e econômicas no Brasil. Foram calculadas taxas de mortalidade por AIDS, por sexo e "raça/cor", utilizando-se dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade. As maiores taxas de mortalidade foram observadas nos indivíduos de "raça/cor" preta e as menores naqueles de "raça/cor" parda, ainda que com crescimento persistente no período observado (1999-2004), em ambos os sexos. Entre os indivíduos de "raça/cor" branca, observou-se estabilidade na taxa de mortalidade apenas entre os homens. A idade mediana dos óbitos na "raça/cor" parda foi invariavelmente mais baixa, para ambos os sexos. Tendências diferenciadas por sexo e "raça/cor" foram observadas, exigindo estudos adicionais que explorem os fatores que determinam diferenciais nas taxas de mortalidade num contexto de acesso universal.

The Brazilian AIDS epidemic is undergoing important changes in its third decade. The present article reviews some central findings: the proportional reduction in cases related to injection drug use; the stability, in recent years, of new cases in the male homosexual/bisexual population; and the relative and absolute increment in heterosexual transmission, even though the estimates of incident rates still point to the first two categories mentioned as those most affected by the epidemic. Still should be detached the persistent increase in incidence rates among women and its stability in the younger age groups, probably the result of behavior changes (such as the consistent use among youth of condoms in sexual relations with casual partners and a reduction in cases related to injection drug use). It is well-know that HIV prevalence in the general population has stabilized at less than 1%, which characterizes Brazil as one of the countries with a concentrated epidemic. The article also emphasizes the growth of AIDS morbidity-mortality in the less favored socioeconomic strata and in women, and the stability of the mortality rate among men.A epidemia de AIDS no Brasil vem experimentando na sua terceira década importantes mudanças. O presente artigo revê alguns achados centrais: a redução proporcional dos casos devido ao uso de drogas injetáveis, a estabilidade, em anos recentes, quanto aos casos novos referentes à categoria de exposição homo/bissexual masculina e o incremento, relativo e absoluto, da transmissão heterossexual, ainda que estimativas das taxas de incidência sigam apontando as duas primeiras categorias como aquelas mais afetadas pela epidemia. Destaca-se, ainda, o persistente aumento das taxas de incidência entre as mulheres e sua estabilidade nas faixas etárias mais jovens, provavelmente, em decorrência de mudanças comportamentais (como o uso consistente de preservativos nas relações sexuais com parceiros eventuais entre os mais jovens e a redução dos casos devido ao uso de drogas injetáveis). É notória a estabilidade da prevalência do HIV abaixo de 1% na população geral, o que define o Brasil como um dos países com uma epidemia concentrada. O artigo destaca ainda o crescimento da morbi-mortalidade por AIDS nas populações sócio-economicamente menos favorecidas e entre as mulheres, e a estabilidade da mortalidade por AIDS entre os homens.

The present study aims to evaluate the current operation of Brazilian syringe exchange programs (SEP). After consulting national and regional networks of people working in projects/ programs aiming to reduce drug-related harm, we identified 134 potential participant programs. Unfortunately, only 45 SEPs answered a survey, even after repeated attempts. The survey addressed: coverage, funding, procurement of basic supplies, managerial capacity, and the local political environment. Findings were triangulated with in-depth interviews with key informants. The main findings included: satisfactory adherence to the initiatives and adequate documentation, but deficiencies in terms of coverage and monitoring, and uneven procurement of resources. Program personnel work mostly on a provisional basis, despite the efforts of local coordinators. Most programs are funded by the National STDs/AIDS Program. A comprehensive agenda aiming to improve current operations should include: concerted efforts to improve local and regional databanks, incentives/sanctions toward full accountability of initiatives carried by the programs, and a genuine culture of monitoring and evaluation.

The context of first drug injection and its association with ongoing injecting practices and HCV (hepatitis C virus) infection were investigated. Injection drug users (IDUs) (N = 606) were recruited in "drug scenes" (public places, bars) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, interviewed, and tested for HCV. Sharing of needles/syringes was more prevalent at the first injection (51.3%) than at the baseline interview (36.8%). Those who shared syringes/needles at first injection were more likely to be currently engaged in direct/indirect sharing practices. Among young injectors (< 30 years), those reporting sharing of needles/ syringes at the first injection were about four times more likely to have been infected by HCV. Hepatitis C virus prevalence among active IDUs (n = 272) was 11%. Prison history and longer duration of drug injection were identified as independent predictors of HCV infection. To effectively curb HCV transmission among IDUs and minimize harms associated with risk behaviors, preventive strategies should target individuals initiating drug injection beginning with their very first injection and discourage the transition from non-injecting use to the self-injection of illicit drugs.

The context of first drug injection and its association with ongoing injecting practices and HCV (hepatitis C virus) infection were investigated. Injection drug users (IDUs) (N = 606) were recruited in "drug scenes" (public places, bars) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, interviewed, and tested for HCV. Sharing of needles/syringes was more prevalent at the first injection (51.3%) than at the baseline interview (36.8%). Those who shared syringes/needles at first injection were more likely to be currently engaged in direct/indirect sharing practices. Among young injectors (< 30 years), those reporting sharing of needles/ syringes at the first injection were about four times more likely to have been infected by HCV. Hepatitis C virus prevalence among active IDUs (n = 272) was 11%. Prison history and longer duration of drug injection were identified as independent predictors of HCV infection. To effectively curb HCV transmission among IDUs and minimize harms associated with risk behaviors, preventive strategies should target individuals initiating drug injection beginning with their very first injection and discourage the transition from non-injecting use to the self-injection of illicit drugs.

Crack cocaine use is associated with risky sexual behaviors and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. We investigated sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics and infection rates in female crack cocaine users from impoverished communities of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. A sample of 125 female crack cocaine users was recruited. Overall, the interviewees had low educational level and high rate of unemployment (close to 90%). One-third (37%) reported having traded sex for money or drugs, and 58% reported that they had not used condoms during intercourse in the last 30 days. The prevalence of infections was low: HIV-1.6%; HCV-2.4%; HBV- 0.8%; HTLV I/II-4.0%; and syphilis-4.0%. The combination of dire poverty and high prevalence of risk behaviors turn such populations a preferential target of initiatives aiming to reduce drug-related harm and promote social development. Low infection rates should not be viewed with complacency, but as a window of opportunity to implement prevention initiatives and reduce social marginalization.

This study assessed 1,144 Brazilian injecting drug users (IDUs) recruited on the street through outreach syringe exchange programs by two multi-center cross-sectional studies: 287 IDUs were recruited during the AjUDE-Brasil I Project and 857 during the AjUDE-Brasil II Project. IDU characteristics related to drug use and sexual behavior, and legal and health conditions for the two studies were compared, using decision tree and logistic regression for each individual study, with HIV infection as the outcome. Fifty-two percent of IDUs were HIV-infected in AjUDE I versus 36.5% in AjUDE II. In both studies, HIV infection was independently associated with: mean background HIV prevalence for each site (OR = 2.17; 10.66), HCV seropositive status (OR = 19.79; 15.48), and men who reported ever having sex with other men (OR = 2.10; 2.09). Incarceration (OR = 1.41) and 8 or more years of injecting drug (OR = 2.13) were also associated with HIV in AjUDE II. The high HIV infection rates and high prevalence of both parenteral and sexual risk behaviors in the context of syringe-exchange programs are of great concern and demand thorough surveillance and renewed prevention strategies.

The present study aims to evaluate the current operation of Brazilian syringe exchange programs (SEP). After consulting national and regional networks of people working in projects/ programs aiming to reduce drug-related harm, we identified 134 potential participant programs. Unfortunately, only 45 SEPs answered a survey, even after repeated attempts. The survey addressed: coverage, funding, procurement of basic supplies, managerial capacity, and the local political environment. Findings were triangulated with in-depth interviews with key informants. The main findings included: satisfactory adherence to the initiatives and adequate documentation, but deficiencies in terms of coverage and monitoring, and uneven procurement of resources. Program personnel work mostly on a provisional basis, despite the efforts of local coordinators. Most programs are funded by the National STDs/AIDS Program. A comprehensive agenda aiming to improve current operations should include: concerted efforts to improve local and regional databanks, incentives/sanctions toward full accountability of initiatives carried by the programs, and a genuine culture of monitoring and evaluation.

Nos últimos anos observa-se uma ênfase numa suposta associação entre a epidemia de AIDS e a "população negra" no Brasil. Após proceder uma análise do banco de dados sobre a ocorrência de HIV/AIDS no Brasil, o presente estudo examina o contexto sóciopolítico envolvido na definição de políticas públicas de recorte racial no campo da saúde. Argumentamos que questões ligadas à qualidade dos dados, à estruturação do sistema de informação e ao uso e interpretação das informações são elementos essenciais na compreensão do processo em curso. Especificamente, procuramos mostrar que os dados epidemiológicos disponíveis não são suficientes para sustentar a interpretação de que existe uma associação específica entre "população negra" e AIDS no país. Salientamos que a ênfase nessa suposta associação faz parte de uma dinâmica relacionada à construção do campo da "saúde da população negra" em anos recentes, que se vincula a processos mais amplos de inter-relação entre ativismo político e relação com o Estado, que transcendem a área da saúde.