Sandra Brunini

Programa educativo sobre sexualidade e DST: relato de experiência com grupo de adolescentes

The object of this study was to give an account of the experiment with a teenage group by using sexual education experiences of their own. Ten workshops were made with low-income teenagers of Municipio de Aparecida de Goiânia /GO, which happened because of the socialization and reflections about the contents of this study. The work was based on Paulo Freire’s Participative Methodology and made better by the attention of the coordinators to every single group, considering their special needs and possibilities. We conclude that for the success of this work, the coordinator must listen to the group with a very sensitive prospect, especially when dealing with a teenage group. It is necessary to stimulate the participation, so that more can be learnt and the citizen work can be able to change its social reality. Descriptors: Adolescent health; Health promotion; Risk groups; Sexually Transmitted Diseases.The object of this study was to give an account of the experiment with a teenage group by using sexual education experiences of their own. Ten workshops were made with low-income teenagers of Município de Aparecida de Goiânia /GO, which happened because of the socialization and reflections about the contents of this study. The work was based on Paulo Freires Participative Methodology and made better by the attention of the coordinators to every single group, considering their special needs and possibilities. We conclude that for the success of this work, the coordinator must listen to the group with a very sensitive prospect, especially when dealing with a teenage group. It is necessary to stimulate the participation, so that more can be learnt and the citizen work can be able to change its social reality.

Epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection in truck drivers in Brazil, South America

Objective: To investigate the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and viral genotypes in long distance truck drivers in Brazil. Methods: We interviewed 641 long distance truck drivers to gather data on sociodemographics and risk factors and collected blood samples to test for HBV markers (HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc) by ELISA. HBsAg-positive samples were submitted to HBV DNA detection and genotyped. Results: We found a global HBV prevalence of 18.9% (95% CI 15.9 to 22.2). Thirty truck drivers (4.7%) had only anti-HBs, suggesting that they had a previous HBV vaccination. More than 20 years in the profession, more than 15 days away from home and a history of sexual transmitted infections were independently and positivity associated with HBV markers. HBV DNA was detected in nine samples in which genotypes A (n = 5), D (n = 2) and F (n = 2) were found. Conclusions: These findings confirm that truck drivers are at high risk for hepatitis B infection and highlight the importance of having a public health policy that addresses this population and is based on the characteristics of HBV acquisition and dissemination.

High frequency of mayaro virus IgM among febrile patients, central Brazil

Mayaro virus (MAYV), an Aedes mosquito–borne alphavirus, is endemic to Brazil and other South America countries. We investigated dengue- and chikungunya-negative febrile patients visiting rural areas near Goiânia, Goiás, and found a high proportion (55%) of MAYV IgM. Our findings suggest the presence of highly endemic foci of MAYV in central Brazil.

Avaliação da autoestima em pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids no município de Ribeirão Preto-SP

Esse estudo de corte transversal teve como objetivo avaliar a autoestima de pessoas com HIV/aids e relaciona-la com fatores sociodemograficos e clinicos. Participaram 331 pessoas com HIV/aids, que faziam acompanhamento em dois servicos de referencia de um municipio do interior paulista, entre 2007 e 2010. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas individuais, utilizando-se Escala de autoestima de Rosenberg. Dos entrevistados, 167 (50,5%) eram do sexo masculino, faixa etaria predominante entre 30 e 39 anos (42,0%). Com referencia as variaveis relacionadas a sexualidade, 82,2% declararam-se heterossexuais e 84,6% referiram ter se infectado por via sexual. Quanto a avaliacao da autoestima, a media obtida foi de 25,25. Os impactos negativos quer fisico, social ou emocional da infeccao pelo HIV, revelaram a necessidade dos servicos de saude estarem preparados para oferecer assistencia integral as pessoas com HIV/aids, valorizando os fatores psicossociais.This cross-sectional study aimed evaluate self-esteem individuals with HIV/AIDS and relate it to sociodemographic and clinical factors. 331 people with HIV/AIDS, who were assisted at two referral centers in a city of the interior of Sao Paulo state between 2007 and 2010, participated of the study. Data were collected through individual interviews, using self-esteem scale of Rosenberg. 167 (50.5%) of the respondents were male, mostly between 30 and 39 years old (42.0%). Considering the variables related to sexuality, 82.2% reported being heterosexual and 84.6% referred to have been infected by sexual intercourse. Regarding the evaluation of self-esteem, the avarage score was 25.25. The negative impacts whether physical, social or emotional of HIV infection revealed the need for health services prepared to offer comprehensive care for people with HIV/AIDS, valuing the psychosocial factors. DESCRIPTORS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Self-esteem. Self image.

Epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection in first-time blood donors in the southwestern region of Goiás, central Brazil

Introduction Little is known about the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in populations from inner cities, especially in Central Brazil. Thus the objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HBV infection, and to analyze the factors associated with HBV infection, in a population of first-time blood donors in the southwestern region of Goiás, Central Brazil. Methods A total of 984 individuals were interviewed and gave blood samples to detect serological markers of HBV (HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HBc) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. Results An overall prevalence of 6.9% was found for HBV, with constituent prevalence rates of 3.6% and 11.6%, in subjects classified as fit and unfit to donate blood according the epidemiological screening, respectively. Only three individuals were positive for anti-HBs alone, suggesting previous vaccination against HBV. The variables of prior blood transfusion (OR = 2.3), tattoo/piercing (OR = 2.1), illicit drug use (OR = 2.3), sex with a partner with hepatitis (OR = 14.7), and history of sexually transmitted diseases (OR = 2.9) were independently associated with HBV-positivity. These data suggested a low endemicity of hepatitis B in the studied population. Conclusion The findings of low hepatitis B immunization coverage and the association of hepatitis B with risky behavior highlight that there is a need to intensify hepatitis B prevention programs in the southwest region of Goiás.

Exposure to hepatitis C virus in homeless men in Central Brazil: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundHomeless men are highly vulnerable to acquisition of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) compared to the general population. In Brazil, a country of continental dimensions, the extent of HCV infection in this population remains unknown. The objective of this study is to investigate the epidemiological profile of exposure to HCV in homeless men in Central Brazil.MethodsA Cross-sectional study was conducted in 481 men aged over 18 years attending therapeutic communities specialized in the recovery and reintegration of homeless people. Participants were tested for anti-HCV markers using rapid tests. Poisson regression analysis was used to verify the risk factors associated with exposure to HCV.ResultsThe prevalence of HCV exposure was 2.5% (95.0% CI: 1.4 to 4.3%) and was associated with age, absence of family life, injection drug use, number of sexual partners, and history of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Participants reported multiple risk behaviors, such as alcohol (78.9%), cocaine (37.1%) and/or crack use (53.1%), and inconsistent condom use (82.6%). Injection drug use was reported by 8.7% of participants.ConclusionsThe prevalence of HCV infection among homeless men was relatively high. Several risk behaviors were commonly reported, which shows the high vulnerability of this population. These findings emphasize the need for the development of specific strategies to reduce the risk of HCV among homeless men.

Educative program about sexuality and Sexually Transmitted Diseases: experience report with a group of adolescents

The object of this study was to give an account of the experiment with a teenage group by using sexual education experiences of their own. Ten workshops were made with low-income teenagers of Municipio de Aparecida de Goiânia /GO, which happened because of the socialization and reflections about the contents of this study. The work was based on Paulo Freire’s Participative Methodology and made better by the attention of the coordinators to every single group, considering their special needs and possibilities. We conclude that for the success of this work, the coordinator must listen to the group with a very sensitive prospect, especially when dealing with a teenage group. It is necessary to stimulate the participation, so that more can be learnt and the citizen work can be able to change its social reality. Descriptors: Adolescent health; Health promotion; Risk groups; Sexually Transmitted Diseases.The object of this study was to give an account of the experiment with a teenage group by using sexual education experiences of their own. Ten workshops were made with low-income teenagers of Município de Aparecida de Goiânia /GO, which happened because of the socialization and reflections about the contents of this study. The work was based on Paulo Freires Participative Methodology and made better by the attention of the coordinators to every single group, considering their special needs and possibilities. We conclude that for the success of this work, the coordinator must listen to the group with a very sensitive prospect, especially when dealing with a teenage group. It is necessary to stimulate the participation, so that more can be learnt and the citizen work can be able to change its social reality.

Alterações celulares em exame colpocitológico de reeducandas do complexo prisional da região metropolitana de Goiânia

Introducao: a colpocitologia oncotica tem se mostrado um metodo de triagem eficaz na prevencao de câncer de colo uterino e de suas lesoes precursoras. Objetivo: identificar as alteracoes celulares presentes nos resultados da colpocitologia oncotica realizada em reeducandas. Metodos: estudo de corte transversal e analitico, realizado com reeducandas do Complexo Prisional da Regiao Metropolitana de Goiânia, Goias. Resultados: participaram da entrevista 148 mulheres, e 104 realizaram o exame colpocitologico. A populacao constituiu-se por mulheres que possuiam no maximo 30 anos de idade (57,6%), eram naturais de Goias (66,3%), solteiras (45,2%), com baixa escolaridade e baixa renda. Quanto a adequabilidade da amostra, 94,2% foram consideradas satisfatorias. O exame colpocitologico identificou 10,2% de alteracoes celulares classificadas em: ASC-US (4,1%), ASG-US (2,0%), LSIL (1,0%) e HSIL (3,1%). Conclusao: os resultados deste estudo mostram a necessidade de adocao de politicas de saude voltadas para este grupo.

HIV infection, high-risk behaviors and substance use in homeless men sheltered in therapeutic communities in Central Brazil

Homeless men present high vulnerability to HIV infection, mainly due to sexual risk behaviors and substance use. The objective was to estimate the prevalence of HIV infection, risk behaviors and substance use in homeless men. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 481 homeless men recruited in four therapeutic communities in the Goiás State, Central Brazil. All were interviewed about sociodemographic characteristics, substance use, and risk behaviors. Furthermore, all were tested for HIV. Poisson regression was used to verify factors associated with HIV infection. HIV prevalence was 1.24% (95.0% CI: 0.57 to 2.69%). Previous HIV testing (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR]: 10.0; 95.0% CI: 1.86–55.8) and years of education (APR: 0.76; 95.0% CI: 0.60–0.97) were factors associated with HIV infection. Participants had high rates of hazardous alcohol use and illicit drug use. The prevalence of HIV infection among homeless men was higher than that found in the Brazilian male population and we identified a high rate of risk behaviors for HIV among the homeless men investigated. Thus, it is necessary to expand HIV prevention measures in Brazil, such as health education, condom availability, regular HIV testing and increased testing coverage in this population, and treatment for alcohol and/or illicit drug dependence/abuse.

Reproductive desire among women living with HIV/AIDS in Central Brazil: Prevalence and associated factors

Background The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and examine the factors associated with reproductive desire among women living with HIV/AIDS (WLWHA) in Central Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 274 WLWHA, aged 18 to 49 years, was conducted with the support of treatment services and non-governmental organizations that assist people living with HIV/AIDS. Data regarding sociodemographic characteristics, substance use, sexual behavior, and reproductive variables were collected through interviews. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to analyze the factors associated with reproductive desire. Results The prevalence of reproductive desire was 25.9% (95.0% confidence interval [CI]: 21.1–31.4%). This outcome was associated with age < 30 years (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR]: 2.93; p < 0.001), black skin color or race (APR: 2.28; p = 0.017), partners reproductive desire (APR: 7.55; p < 0.001), absence of children (APR: 2.13; p = 0.003), history of abortion (APR: 1.65; p = 0.045) and undetectable viral load at the time of data collection (APR: 1.92; p = 0.043). Conclusion The prevalence of reproductive desire among WLWHA was relatively high. It is necessary to include fertility issues as part of assistance and counseling for women in referral services to support them with their feelings, goals, and needs regarding reproductive choices.