Knowledge of PEP and PrEP among people living with HIV/aids in Brazil

Effectiveness of onsite and online education in enhancing knowledge and use of human immunodeficiency virus pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis

BACKGROUND

Enhancing awareness and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is vital to curb human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) spread. High-risk behaviors prevalent among sexually transmitted infection clinic outpatients underscore the need for increased PrEP/PEP education in this group.

AIM

To investigate the effects of both onsite and online health education on the knowledge of, and willingness to use, PrEP and PEP among individuals receiving PEP services.

METHODS

Participants were drawn from a cohort study on PEP service intervention at an STD/AIDS outpatient clinic in designated HIV/AIDS hospitals in Beijing, conducted from January 1 to June 30, 2022. Health education was provided both onsite and online during follow-up. Surveys assessing knowledge of, and willingness to use, PrEP/PEP were administered at baseline and again at 24 wk post-intervention.

RESULTS

A total of 112 participants were enrolled in the study; 105 completed the follow-up at week 24. The percentage of participants with adequate knowledge of, and willingness to use, PrEP significantly increased from 65.2% and 69.6% at baseline to 83.8% and 82.9% at the end of the intervention (both P < 0.05). Similarly, those with adequate knowledge of, and willingness to use, PEP increased from 74.1% and 77.7% at baseline to 92.4% and 89.5% at week 24 (P < 0.05). Being between 31 years and 40 years of age, having a postgraduate degree or higher, and reporting a monthly expenditure of RMB 5000 or more were found to be significantly associated with knowledge of PrEP and PEP (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings show that both onsite and online health education significantly improved the knowledge of, and increased willingness to use, PrEP and PEP in individuals utilizing PEP services.

Increase in human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis prevalence and incidence among men who have sex with men, vietnam 2015 - 2020

INTRODUCTION

We assessed trends in HIV and syphilis prevalence, HIV incidence, related risk factors, and preventive behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Vietnam from 2015 to 2020.

METHODS

Data originated from the HIV Sentinel Surveillance Plus system, which sampled MSM at venues and hotspots in seven of Vietnam's 63 provinces in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2020 (N = 1100-1445 per year; ∼150-300 per province per year).

RESULTS

HIV prevalence estimates increased from 6.6% (95% CI 4.5-9.6) in 2015 to 13.8% (95% CI 10.5-18.2, p = .001 for trend) in 2020 overall, and separately in An Giang, Can Tho, Hai Phong, and Khanh Hoa provinces but not in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Kien Giang. Syphilis prevalence increased from 2.7% (95% CI 1.4-5.1) in 2015 to 12.6% (95% CI 8.7-18.0) in 2020 overall (p < .001 for trend), and separately in An Giang, Can Tho, and Hai Phong provinces but not in Ho Chi Minh City or Kien Giang. We calculated time-at-risk from first anal sex to first HIV-positive or last HIV-negative test to estimate HIV incidence. Estimated HIV incidence suggested increasing rates of seroconversion from 1.36 per 100 person-years experienced by participants in 2015 to 2.61 per 100 person-years among participants in 2020 (hazard ratio per year 1.13, 95% CI 1.08-1.18, p < .001). There was a statistically significant increase in HIV testing, STI testing, and receipt of free condoms over the period (p < .05 for trend), and a statistically significant decrease in amphetamine use (p = .043 for trend).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite prevention efforts and improvements in some risk indicators, consecutive cross-sectional sampling results provide evidence of increasing incidence of HIV and syphilis among MSM in Vietnam, especially outside the major cities. Aggressive HIV prevention and treatment services can be expanded while conducting deeper investigations into the causes of these increases.

Board game on sexually transmitted infections for imprisoned women

INTRODUCTION

The board games is an educational technology that represents an appealing, active and playful pedagogical strategy and may be capable of motivating imprisoned women to learn about Sexually Transmitted Infections.

METHODS

A methodological study to develop and evaluate a board game, following these stages: 1. Integrative literature review to identify educational technologies on Sexually Transmitted Infections used by imprisoned women; 2. Development of the board game; and 3. Content validation performed by 23 evaluators and semantic evaluation carried out with 10 imprisoned women who were enrolled in a school located within a female prison unit in the city of Recife, state of Pernambuco, Brazil.

RESULTS

The board game consisted of the following: 01 board; 01 instructions manual; 05 pawns; 52 cards; and 01 dice. A global Content Validity Index of 0.966 was reached in the content validation process performed by health and education professionals. In the validation of the board game content regarding appearance, performed by designers/developers, most of the items obtained a Content Validity Coefficient below 0.85, which resulted in the need for adjustments and a new validation round with these professionals, in which Content Validity Coefficient = 0.917 was obtained. In the semantic evaluation, all the women stated that they improved their knowledge, increased their motivation to attend the class and would like to play the board game again.

CONCLUSIONS

The "Previna" board game has been validated and can be considered an important pedagogical tool in the construction of knowledge in relation to the prevention, treatment and control of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the female prison context. The quality of this educational technology is directly related to its development based on an appropriate theoretical and methodological framework, in addition to satisfactory feedback from the target audience.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Analysis of HIV drug prophylaxis services cascade in healthcare workers: a cross-sectional study in China

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drug prophylaxis, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), has not yet been generally recognized and accepted by the whole society in China, and the utilization coverage among high-risk populations is low. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are important to the promotion and implementation of HIV drug prophylaxis strategy. This study analyzed the HIV drug prophylaxis services cascade (knowledge, attitude, and service) in HCWs, and explored the correlations between PEP and PrEP.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1066 HCWs in 20 designated hospitals for HIV antiretroviral therapy in 20 cities in China. We collected information on participants' essential characteristics, HIV drug prophylaxis services cascade (knowledge, attitude, and service) and so on. The Chi-square test was used to analyse whether the differences and correlations between categorical variables were statistically significant, and Pearson contingency coefficient was used to analyse the strength of correlations. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyse associated factors.

RESULTS

Among three stages of HIV drug prophylaxis services cascade, a high percentage of 1066 participants had knowledge of HIV drug prophylaxis (PEP: 78.2%, PrEP: 80.0%). Of them, almost all had supportive attitudes towards HIV drug prophylaxis (PEP: 99.6%, PrEP: 98.6%). Only about half of them would provide HIV drug prophylaxis services (PEP: 53.5%, PrEP: 48.5%). There were positive correlations between knowledge of PEP and PrEP (r = 0.292), between attitudes toward PEP and PrEP (r = 0.325), and between provision of PEP services and PrEP services (r = 0.555) in HCWs.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a positive correlation between PEP and PrEP in HCWs. At the stage of providing HIV drug prophylaxis services, training, advocacy and education for HCWs, should be targeted and also combine PEP and PrEP to maximize the effects, so as to improve the enthusiasm of HCWs to provide HIV drug prophylaxis services.

Amplified HIV Transmission Risk Among People Living With HIV in Southeast Brazil

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the factors associated with amplified HIV transmission risk among people living with HIV from a city in southeast Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 397 people living with HIV recruited in infectious diseases clinics. Data on risk of HIV transmission, sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, professional counseling, serological HIV status, HIV-related clinical data, and beliefs about risk of HIV transmission were collected through interviews and medical records. Hierarchical ordered multinomial regression analyses were performed. Amplified HIV risk transmission was associated with lower age, alcohol consumption before having sex, illicit drug use before sexual intercourse, and not receiving professional counseling about HIV transmission. The belief that HIV can be transmitted to a partner not living with HIV was associated with lower likelihood of amplified risk for HIV transmission. Our findings suggest the importance of minimizing substance use before having sex, professional counseling, and beliefs about HIV transmission on amplified HIV risk transmission.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis among Brazilian men who have sex with men: a comparative study between migrants and non-migrants

Introduction

Investigating the use and adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in MSM is a global health priority in the fight against HIV. Strategies must be capable of increasing usage and reaching not only the population living in the country but also those who immigrate, who face additional vulnerabilities. Based on this, in this observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study, our aim is to analyze the use of PrEP among Brazilian men who have sex with men, whether they are migrants or not. We aim to highlight preventive opportunities and strategies for the global health scenario.

Methods

We utilized a sample of Brazilians living in the country and Brazilian immigrants residing in Portugal, one of the main destinations for Brazilians in recent years. To estimate the prevalence ratio (PR) of PrEP use, we employed the Poisson regression model with robust variance estimation using a covariance matrix.

Results

A total of 1,117 Brazilian MSM PrEP users participated in this study, with 788 residing in Brazil and 328 in Portugal. Multivariate analysis was conducted in three stages: overall, and for subgroups of residents in Brazil and immigrants in Portugal. We identified four convergent factors that increased the prevalence of PrEP use in Brazilians regardless of migration status: having two or more casual sexual partners per month, engaging in challenging sexual practices as the receptive partner, disclosing serological status on apps, and being single. Among native Brazilians, four unique factors stood out: being in a polyamorous relationship, having sexual relations with unknown casual partners, and having higher levels of education.

Discussion

This study highlights the need to implement strategies to strengthen PrEP adherence in Brazil and create international programs that facilitate its usage among populations migrating between these two countries.

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and incidence of sexually transmitted infections in Brazil, 2018 to 2022: An ecological study of PrEP administration, syphilis, and socioeconomic indicators

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is one of the pillars of a combination prevention strategy for reducing the risk of new infections caused by HIV. The daily use of antiretroviral drugs by individuals who are not infected with HIV is required to prevent infection. Although its efficacy has been well established in the literature, in recent years, the decreased supply of antiretroviral drugs has been associated with an increase in the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and changes in the social determinants of health. An ecological study was conducted covering a five-year period (2018-2022), starting from the year of initiation of PrEP administration in Brazilian state capitals.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Descriptive analysis was performed, and the spatial distribution of study data was taken into account. Correlation analysis was used to assess the association between PrEP administration, the incidence and detection rate of STI, and socioeconomic data. The southern region showed the highest incidence rates of STI, but the northern and northeastern regions demonstrated the worst socioeconomic indicators, especially those related to illiteracy and basic sanitation. PrEP administration was significantly correlated with illiteracy (ρ = -0.658), per capita income (ρ = 0.622), public garbage collection (ρ = 0.612), syphilis (ρ = 0.628) and viral hepatitis (ρ = 0.419) incidences. Further, all STI were significantly associated with illiteracy and per capita income.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings highlight the need to continue exploring PrEP use and rising syphilis rates. In terms of policy, PrEP administration appears to be inversely associated with regions of greater social vulnerability. Further efforts should focus on the social determinants and health needs of this population to improve access to PrEP and reduce social disparities.

Trends in HIV post-exposure prophylaxis following sexual exposure in Brazil (2011-2019)

We examined trends in the prevalence of post-exposure prophylaxis following sexual exposure (PEPSE) per million population (2011-2019) and the proportion of repeated PEPSE within 365 days of the first PEPSE dispensing (2011-2018) in Brazil. We also compared the prevalence of repeated PEPSE according to patient and health services characteristics in 2018. The prevalence of PEPSE increased 55.5% from 2011 to 2019. Repeated PEPSE increased 11.8%, reaching 8.4% among people with their first dispensing in 2018. The prevalence of repeated PEPSE was higher in cis men or trans women (versus cisgender women); homosexuals (versus heterosexuals); and people aged 25-29 years (versus other age groups). We also observed greater prevalence of repeated PEPSE in HIV services in populous cities or services with elevated caseloads. Our findings highlight the need for strategies to reduce repeated PEPSE and promote other HIV-prevention technologies, particularly among young adults, cisgender men, transgender women, and homosexuals.

HIV and Substance Use in Latin America: A Scoping Review

This scoping review aims to explore the interplay between substance use (SU) and HIV in Latin America (LA). Database searches yielded 3481 references; 196 were included. HIV prevalence among people who used substances (PWUS) ranged from 2.8–15.2%. SU definitions were variable throughout studies, and thus data were not easily comparable. In 2019, only 2% of new HIV infections were attributed to injection drug use (IDU) in LA. Factors associated with HIV among PWUS included being female, IDU and homelessness, and PWUS were likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, start antiretroviral treatment late, have poor adherence, have treatment failure, be lost to follow-up, have comorbidities, and experience higher mortality rates and lower quality of life, as has been reported in PLWH with SU in other regions. Five intervention studies were identified, and only one was effective at reducing HIV incidence in PWUS. Interventions in other regions have varying success depending on context-specific characteristics, highlighting the need to conduct more research in the LA region. Though progress has been made in establishing SU as a major concern in people living with HIV (PLWH), much more is yet to be done to reduce the burden of HIV and SU in LA.

Awareness and Use of Post-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Prevention Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: The use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is effective in reducing HIV risk, but it is underused by men who have sex with men (MSM) due to certain psychological and sociostructural factors. This article assessed the awareness and use of PEP among MSM in an effort to increase the visibility and uptake of PEP among at-risk populations.

Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search of the PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar electronic databases. Studies were screened for inclusion, and relevant data were abstracted, assessed for bias, and synthesized. Pooled effect estimates were calculated using random effects meta-analysis, meta-regression and subgroup analysis, and a qualitative review and risk of bias assessment were performed (PROSPERO, CRD42019123815).

Results: Twenty eligible studies involving 12,579 MSM were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimate of the proportions of MSM who were aware of PEP was modest at 59.9% (95% CI: 50.5~68.7) and that of MSM who previously used PEP was very low at 4.9% (95% CI: 2.4~9.8). PEP awareness showed no clear change over time, while PEP use significantly changed over time. Multiple factors affected awareness, including educational attainment, race/ethnicity, levels of HIV stigma, access to condoms, and so on. Many factors could potentially impede or facilitate the use of PEP, such as income, lack of PEP information, and partnership.

Conclusion: We observed that PEP is an underused HIV prevention strategy among MSM and that once MSM become aware of PEP, the majority are willing to use it if they are supported appropriately in terms of a range of individual, social, and structural barriers.

Systematic Review Registration: http://www.cdr.york.ac.uk/prospero, PROSPERO [CRD42019123815].

Knowledge and risk practices related to HIV infection in the general population, young men, and MSM in three Brazilian cities in 2019

The study aimed to describe knowledge and risk practices related to HIV infection in three Brazilian cities in the general population, men 15 to 24 years of age living without a partner, and men that reported sex with other men (MSM) at least once in life. This was a cross-sectional household-based study with three-stage cluster sampling (census tracts, households, individuals) stratified by sex, age group (15-24; 25-34; 35-44; 45-59), and conjugal status in the individual selection. We estimated the proportions and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) of indicators of knowledge, HIV testing, sexual behavior, and self-rated risk. We analyzed 5,764 individuals in Campo Grande, 3,745 in Curitiba, and 3,900 in Florianópolis. Low levels of knowledge were found for preventive methods, especially PrEP. Unprotected sex practices were frequent in the three municipalities. Lifetime HIV test rates were 57.2% (95%CI: 55.1-59.2) in Curitiba, 64.3% (95%CI: 62.7-66.0) in Campo Grande, and 65.9% (95%CI: 64.0-67.7) in Florianópolis. Among men 15-24 years of age, the proportions of stimulant drug use and unprotected sexual practices were higher than in the other age groups. Lifetime HIV test rates exceeded 80% in MSM. More than 30% of MSM were receptive partners in anal sex without condoms, and fewer than 5% assessed their risk as high. More effective communication strategies are needed on prevention of HIV infection, including increased knowledge that could motivate safer sexual practices.

Conhecimento e práticas de risco à infecção pelo HIV na população geral, homens jovens e HSH em três municípios brasileiros em 2019

O objetivo do estudo foi descrever o conhecimento e práticas de risco à infecção pelo HIV na amostra total de cada município, entre homens de 15 a 24 anos que vivem sem companheiro(a), e homens que fizeram sexo com homems (HSH) pelo menos uma vez na vida em três cidades brasileiras. Foi realizado estudo de corte transversal de base domiciliar com amostragem por conglomerados em três estágios (setores censitários, domicílios, indivíduos), com estratificação por sexo, faixa etária (15-24; 25-34; 35-44; 45-59) e vive com companheiro(a) na seleção do indivíduo. Estimaram-se proporções e intervalos de 95% de confiança (IC95%) de indicadores de conhecimento, testagem do HIV, comportamento sexual e autoavaliação do risco. Foram analisados 5.764 indivíduos em Campo Grande, 3.745 em Curitiba e 3.900 em Florianópolis. Baixo nível de conhecimento foi encontrado para os métodos de prevenção, sobretudo para profilaxia pré-exposição (PrEP). Práticas de sexo desprotegido foram frequentes nos três municípios. As proporções de teste de HIV na vida foram 57,2% (IC95%: 55,1-59,2) em Curitiba, 64,3% (IC95%: 62,7-66,0) em Campo Grande, e 65,9% (IC95%: 64,0-67,7) em Florianópolis. Entre homens de 15-24 anos, proporções de uso de drogas estimulantes e práticas sexuais desprotegidas foram mais altas que nos demais grupos etários. Entre os HSH, as proporções de teste de HIV na vida foram superiores a 80%. Mais de 30% foram parceiros receptivos no sexo anal sem uso de preservativo, e menos de 5% avaliam seu risco como alto. É preciso adotar estratégias de comunicação mais eficazes sobre a prevenção da infecção do HIV, incluindo a ampliação de conhecimentos que poderiam motivar práticas sexuais mais seguras.

HIV incidence estimates by sex and age group in the population aged 15 years or over, Brazil, 1986-2018

INTRODUCTION

HIV incidence estimates are essential to monitor the progress of prevention and control interventions.

METHODS

Data collected by Brazilian surveillance systems were used to derive HIV incidence estimates by age group (15-24; 25+) and sex from 1986 to 2018. This study used a back-calculation method based on the first CD4 count among treatment-naïve cases. Incidence estimates for the population aged 15 years or over were compared to Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) estimates from 2000 to 2018.

RESULTS

Among young men (15-24 years), HIV incidence increased from 6,400 (95% CI: 4,900-8,400), in 2000, to 12,800 (95% CI: 10,800-15,900), in 2015, reaching incidence rates higher than 70/100,000 inhabitants and an annual growth rate of 3.7%. Among young women, HIV incidence decreased from 5,000 (95% CI: 4,200-6,100) to 3,200 (95% CI: 3,000-3,700). Men aged ≥25 years and both female groups showed significant annual decreases in incidence rates from 2000 to 2018. In 2018, the estimated number of new infections was 48,500 (95% CI: 45300-57500), 34,800 (95% CI: 32800-41500) men, 13,600 (95% CI: 12,500-16,000) women. Improvements in the time from infection to diagnosis and in the proportion of cases receiving antiretroviral therapy immediately after diagnosis were found for all groups. Comparison with GBD estimates shows similar rates for men with overlapping confidence intervals. Among women, differences are higher mainly in more recent years.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that efforts to control the HIV epidemic are having an impact. However, there is an urgent need to address the vulnerability of young men.