[The AIDS epidemic in Brazil and differences according to geographic region and health services supply]

Temporal trend and spatial distribution of cases of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, 2007-2017: an ecological study

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the temporal trend and spatial distribution of mother-to-child HIV transmission in Santa Catarina between 2007 and 2017.

METHODS

This was a mixed ecological study with data from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System. Linear regression was performed for time series analysis and the mean rates in the period and mean annual percentage changes in the rates of HIV-infected pregnant women were calculated, children exposed to HIV during pregnancy, and seroconversion of children exposed to HIV/AIDS during pregnancy, in addition to data geoprocessing.

RESULTS

There were 5,554 records of HIV-infected pregnant women, with a rate of 5.6 pregnant women per 1,000 live births. The mean seroconversion rate was 13.5/100,000 live births (95%CI 6.8;20.1) and it showed a falling trend (APC = -99.4%; 95%CI -99.9;-93.1). The seroconversion rate was more expressive in small towns.

CONCLUSION

The rate of HIV-infected pregnant women was stable in the period, whereas the number of children infected with HIV through mother-to-child transmission decreased.

Analysis of the trend of mortality from HIV/AIDS according to sociodemographic characteristics in Brazil, 2000 to 2018

This investigation analyzed the trend of HIV/AIDS mortality by sociodemographic characteristics in the Brazilian states from 2000 to 2018. This is an ecological study of time-series of standardized rates of mortality from AIDS overall, by gender, age group, marital status, and ethnicity/skin color, employing the Prais-Winsten generalized linear model. The results showed that the states with the highest rates were Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Santa Catarina. The trend was increasing in the North and Northeast. Men had higher rates than women and the general population. The most advanced age groups showed a growing trend. The analysis by marital status showed higher and growing rates among the unmarried. Blacks had higher rates, except for Paraná, with a mainly increasing trend. Mortality due to HIV/AIDS had different trends by sociodemographic characteristics, with a need for preventive and care actions for men, adults, older adults, unmarried, and black people due to the change in the mortality profile.

[Evolution of HIV infection in indigenous peoples in Central Brazil]

Distribution of the AIDS epidemic in Brazil is associated with a wide range of factors that determine different population groups' greater or lesser vulnerability. The study's objective was to analyze clinical and laboratory characteristics of HIV/AIDS in individuals 13 years or older and the evolution to death in the indigenous population assisted by the Special Indigenous Health District of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. A descriptive and retrospective study was performed on the clinical conditions and evolution of the disease from 2001 to 2014, based on three secondary databases. The study assessed time in progression to AIDS, time in progression to death, viral load, CD4+ T-lymphocyte count, and survival time. A total of 103 cases of HIV infection were identified, of which 48.5% progressed to AIDS, 60% in less than a year since diagnosis. Forty deaths were recorded, 77.5% of which due to HIV infection. Of those who died, only 30% had survived for more than a year. The study suggests that diagnosis of HIV infection occurred in advanced stages of the disease (i.e., late), and points to deficient diagnostic coverage. Rapid progression to death and short survival time are indicative of insufficient access to specialized health services, as well as disconnection and deficient collaboration between the Indigenous Health District, municipalities, and the state.

Spatial and spatio-temporal distribution of women living with HIV mortality in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from 2007 to 2017

OBJETIVE:

To present some factors related to the mortality rates of WLHIV in the city of Porto Alegre-RS.

METHODS:

This is a spatial and spatio-temporal analysis of ecological data about all women monitored by the health care services for the vertical transmission (VT) of HIV, between 2007 and 2017, residing in the city that died during the period. The units of analysis were the 17 sanitary districts of the city. The dependent variable was the mortality rate. The independent territorial variables were the indicators of vulnerability to poverty, women householder proportion, lack of infrastructure, HDI, and GINI index. Still, the individual data collected were: age, race/color, level of education, and period since the HIV diagnosis. The analyses used SPSS 20.0, and QGIS 218.15.

RESULTS:

Regions with higher vulnerability to poverty and precarious local infrastructure registered higher WLHIV mortality rates, especially black/”pardo” women in fertile age with low education. The regions with most women householders presented a risk of mortality seven times higher. The population with vulnerability to poverty presented the same result.

CONCLUSIONS:

Regions with critical indicators of vulnerability presented higher mortality rates of WLHIV, which demonstrates social inequalities’ impact for these women.

Spatial analysis of AIDS in the state of Maranhão: an ecological study 2011-2018

OBJECTIVE

Analyze the spatio-temporal distribution of AIDS cases in Maranhão.

METHODS

Ecological study of AIDS cases in the Notifiable Diseases Information System, 2011-2018. Gross and adjusted incidences were calculated using the Baysean method; then, the Moran Global and Local Indices to observe the existence of spatial autocorrelation of the cases and for the delimitation of high and low risk clusters.

RESULTS

6,349 cases were reported, which were distributed heterogeneously. There was an advance of cases to new areas and persistence in old areas, such as in the capital São Luís and its surroundings. The dissemination did not occur at random, with positive spatial autocorrelation, with evidence of the formation of clusters in the municipalities of São Luís, São José de Ribamar and Paço do Lumiar.

CONCLUSION

High-risk areas have been identified and should be considered a priority for investment in health, management, and organization of health services.

Desigualdade econômica e risco de infecção e morte por COVID-19 no Brasil

RESUMO: Objetivo: Avaliar, por meio de análise espaçotemporal, se a desigualdade econômica das Unidades Federativas (UF) do Brasil pode estar associada com o risco de infecção e morte por COVID-19. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo ecológico, baseado em dados secundários das taxas de incidência e mortalidade para COVID-19. Os dados foram analisados em nível estadual, tendo como principal variável independente o coeficiente de Gini. Foram utilizados os registros de 12 dias, espaçados em uma semana cada, entre 21 de abril e 7 de julho de 2020. A variação semanal das taxas foi calculada pela regressão de Prais-Winsten, com o objetivo de medir a evolução da pandemia em cada UF. O teste de correlação de Spearman foi empregado para avaliar a correlação entre as taxas e suas evoluções semanais e as variáveis independentes. Por fim, realizou-se diagnóstico de dependência espacial dos dados e usou-se o modelo de defasagem da regressão espacial, quando aplicável. Resultados: As taxas de incidência e mortalidade por COVID-19 foram crescentes em todas as UF brasileiras, tendo sido mais acentuada entre aquelas com maior desigualdade econômica. A associação entre coeficiente de Gini e incidência e mortalidade por COVID-19 manteve-se mesmo quando levados em consideração aspectos demográficos e espaciais. Conclusão: A desigualdade econômica pode exercer papel importante no impacto da COVID-19 em território brasileiro, por meio de efeitos absolutos e contextuais. Políticas estruturais para a redução da desigualdade são fundamentais para o enfrentamento dessa e de futuras crises sanitárias no Brasil.

Cascade of care for people living with HIV infection in Southern Brazil: results from a public health network

The cascade of care for people living with HIV infection (PLHIV) describes steps in diagnosis, linkage and retention in care, as well as the provision and success of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). The aim of this study was to evaluate the rates regarding the retention in care, on cART, and suppressed viral load for PLHIV attended at a Brazilian public health network. Data on PLHIV from 116 cities of Paraná, Southern Brazil, attended from 2012 to 2015, were retrospectively collected through the Laboratory Tests Control System (SISCEL). The number of PLHIV related to care increased about 22.5% from 2012 to 2015 (4,106 to 5,030 individuals). The proportion of PLHIV retained in care showed a trend toward stabilization around 81.7-86.9%. Every year, the use of cART increased up to 90.3% for PLHIV retained in care. Viral load suppression was achieved by 72.8% of patients on cART and 57.1% by those linked to care. Retention in care and HIV viral suppression were more likely to occur in older PLHIV than younger ones; similarly, patients living in medium-sized cities were more susceptible to these factors than in large- or small-sized cities. In conclusion, the study showed a high level of retention in care and HIV suppression on cART, as well as emphasized that current efforts for treating already-infected PLHIV remain a challenge for our health public institutions and may contribute to highlight steps for improvement of the HIV cascade of care in our population.

30 years later: Social Representations about AIDS and sexual practices of rural towns residents

In the 30 years of the AIDS pandemic in Brazil, it is recognized the HIV virus internalization of the phenomenon as a challenge to care and current health policies. In this sense, it aimed to verify sex practices and social representations that rural towns residents have about the disease. Attended by 789 people, men and women, between 18 and 90 years old, residents in 41 towns with fewer than 11,000 inhabitants in the state of Paraiba / Brazil. Data were collected by a questionnaire and the free association of words test. The results showed low concern about disease, perception of invulnerability to HIV infection and not using condoms during sexual intercourse, and confidence in the major reason related partner. Also showed endure derogatory and stereotypical representations, revealing that still persist in rural areas, beliefs and representations concerning the beginning of the epidemic. From these findings, it is possible to point out deficiencies in the care provided by the health services in these localities, which may result in increased vulnerability of this population to diseases, so there is the need to intensify information campaigns and intervention. The results reveal the existence of three different types of modes of learning health literacy skills in informal context: : i) learning that takes place in action, in achieving daily tasks; ii) learning processes that result from problem solving; iii) learning that occurs in an unplanned manner, resulting from accidental circumstances and, in some cases, devoid of intentionality. Nos 30 anos da pandemia da Aids no Brasil, reconhece-se o fenômeno da interiorização do vírus HIV como um desafio ao cuidado e às politicas de saúde atuais. Neste sentido, objetivou-se conhecer práticas sexuais e as representações sociais que residentes de cidades rurais têm acerca da doença. Participaram 789 pessoas, homens e mulheres, entre 18 e 90 anos de idade, residentes em 41 cidades com menos de 11.000 habitantes no estado da Paraíba/Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por um meio de um questionário e o teste de associação livre de palavras. Os resultados mostraram baixa preocupação com doença, percepção de invulnerabilidade à contaminação pelo HIV e o não uso do preservativo nas relações sexuais, sendo a confiança no parceiro o principal motivo relacionado. Também mostraram perdurar representações de natureza pejorativa e estereotipada, revelando que ainda perduram, no meio rural, crenças e representações referentes ao início da epidemia. A partir de tais achados, é possível apontar deficiências em termos de cuidados oferecidos pelos serviços de saúde nestas localidades, o que pode resultar em maiores vulnerabilidades dessa população ao adoecimento, havendo assim a necessidade da intensificação de campanhas de informação e intervenção.

Inequalities in HAART uptake and differential survival according to exposure category in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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.

Social welfare related to AIDS in Brazil: factors associated with social assistance and social security, 2004 - 2016

OBJECTIVE

To describe the occurrence of social welfare benefits related to AIDS in Brazil and to compare the characteristics of the beneficiaries of social assistance and social security in 2004 - 2016.

METHODS

This was an observational, analytical study based on secondary data obtained from the Ministry of Social Security of Brazil. Sociodemographic and epidemiologic characteristics of the beneficiaries of AIDS-related social assistance and social security were analyzed.

RESULTS

From 2004 - 2016, a total of 99 369 benefits were granted, the majority of which were sick pay (64%), followed by social assistance benefits (26.5%) and disability retirement (8.1%). At the time that benefits were initiated, 51% of the individuals were unemployed. Those living in urban areas, females, the young, the elderly, and residents of the North and Northeast received more social assistance benefits. Duration of social assistance benefits (average 4 589 days) was greater than that of social security benefits (302 days). Survival among women (578 months) was greater than among men (311 months).

CONCLUSIONS

In Brazil, the profile of social welfare beneficiaries living with AIDS reveals their social vulnerability. Controlling AIDS should be a priority on public agendas, aiming to minimize the disease's social and economic impact, especially on public health, social security, and social assistance.

How many AIDS epidemics can occur in São Paulo city?

OBJECTIVE

An ecological study describring the spatial characteristics of AIDS in São Paulo city between 2001 and 2010 according to the place of residence of reported cases in adults.

METHODS

The AIDS reported cases (28,146), grouped by sex, were geocodified (25,969) and linked with a census tract database (18,953). Case and population at risk data supplied spatial cluster identification and relative risk estimate by the scan method, using the discrete Poisson model. Incidence rate and proportional distribution allowed comparing people living in the high-risk clusters areas to other locations by age, race/ethnicity, schooling and transmission category.

RESULTS

The AIDS incidence rate decreased in both sexes except among young men and older people. The identification of spatial high-risk clusters showed that the decrease of AIDS did not occur in the same way in the city. Clusters located in the central area presented the highest AIDS incidence rates (245.7/100,000 men), especially among black women (RR = 7.9), men who have sex with men (66.2%) and injection drug users (10.7%) participation. In peripheral clusters, identified only in the female population, the epidemic can be related to the poverty of these women (22.5% low education level). Residents in the north and central-south areas of the city are generally black, with little schooling, and predominantly heterosexually infected.

CONCLUSIONS

The study of spatial clusters using a census tract helps to determine epidemiological patterns inside the city and in specific populations. Spatial stratification and key population epidemiological patterns were identified in four regions in São Paulo city.

Evolution of HIV/AIDS response in Brazil: Policy innovations and challenges in the fourth decade of the epidemic

Brazil was the first low- and middle-income country to provide universal treatment access to people living with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), becoming a widely acclaimed model for best practice to managing this epidemic. However, we know little about important challenges to the key pillars of Brazil's response. This article discusses how the evolution of the country's health system institutions and international advancements in AIDS treatment and prevention affected the national response. Decentralization of health system resources and policy making brought fresh challenges to the centralized governance of the national AIDS program and to civil society, weakening their coordination and advocacy capacity. Regardless, AIDS treatment and prevention strategies in Brazil remain aligned with the current international protocols, but unfortunately have been restricted in some geographic areas and/or populations.

Spatial dynamics of AIDS incidence in the elderly in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1997-2011

The dynamics of the spread of the AIDS epidemic ranges according to the characteristics of each geographical region in different population groups. The aim of this study was to evaluate spatial and temporal trends of the AIDS epidemic among the elderly in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A retrospective study using spatial analysis techniques was conducted among AIDS cases (≥ 60 years) diagnosed from 1997-2011. The Poisson regression model was used to assess the relationship between year of diagnosis and incidence of AIDS, adjusted by sex. The AIDS epidemic began in the south coast of the state and gradually reached neighboring cities. The highest rates were found in regions around Rio de Janeiro and Niterói cities. The highest smoothed rates of the period were observed in Niterói in 2002-2006: 11.87/100,000 (men) and 8,5/100,000 (women). AIDS incidence rates among the elderly have stabilized in recent decades. To prevent HIV from spreading further among the general population, greater attention should be given to the older population.

HIV testing and clinical status upon admission to a specialized health care unit in Pará, Brazil

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical and laboratory characteristics of HIV-infected individuals upon admission to a reference health care center.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted between 1999 and 2010 on 527 individuals with confirmed serological diagnosis of HIV infection who were enrolled in an outpatient health care service in Santarém, PA, Northern Brazil. Data were collected from medical records and included the reason for HIV testing, clinical status, and count of peripheral CD4+ T lymphocytes upon enrollment. The data were divided into three groups, according to the patient’s year of admission – P1 (1999-2002), P2 (2003-2006), and P3 (2007-2010) – for comparative analysis of the variables of interest.

RESULTS

In the study group, 62.0% of the patients were assigned to the P3 group. The reason for undergoing HIV testing differed between genders. In the male population, most tests were conducted because of the presence of symptoms suggesting infection. Among women, tests were the result of knowledge of the partner’s seropositive status in groups P1 and P2. Higher proportion of women undergoing testing because of symptoms of HIV/AIDS infection abolished the difference between genders in the most recent period. A higher percentage of patients enrolling at a more advanced stage of the disease was observed in P3.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the increased awareness of the number of HIV/AIDS cases, these patients have identified their serological status late and were admitted to health care units with active disease. The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Pará presents specificities in its progression that indicate the complex characteristics of the epidemic in the Northern region of Brazil and across the country.

The HIV-Brazil cohort study: design, methods and participant characteristics

Background

The HIV-Brazil Cohort Study was established to analyze the effectiveness of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and the impact of this treatment on morbidity, quality of life (QOL) and mortality. The study design, patients’ profiles and characteristics of cART initiation between 2003 and 2010 were described.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Since 2003, the HIV-Brazil Cohort has been following HIV-infected adults receiving cART at 26 public health care facilities, using routine clinical care data and self-reported QOL questionnaires. When not otherwise available, data are obtained from national information systems. The main outcomes of interest are diseases related or unrelated to HIV; suppression of viral replication; adverse events; virological, clinical and immunological failures; changes in the cART; and mortality. For the 5,061 patients who started cART between 2003 and 2010, the median follow-up time was 4.1 years (IQR 2.2–5.9 years) with an 83.4% retention rate. Patient profiles were characterized by a predominance of men (male/female ratio 1.7∶1), with a mean age of 36.9 years (SD 9.9 years); 55.2% had been infected with HIV via heterosexual contact. The majority of patients (53.4%) initiated cART with a CD4⁺ T-cell count ≤200 cells/mm³. The medications most often used in the various treatment regimens were efavirenz (59.7%) and lopinavir/ritonavir (18.2%). The proportion of individuals achieving viral suppression within the first 12 months of cART use was 77.4% (95% CI 76.1–78.6). Nearly half (45.4%) of the patients presented HIV-related clinical manifestations after starting cART, and the AIDS mortality rate was 13.9 per 1,000 person-years.

Conclusions/Significance

Results from cART use in the daily practice of health services remain relatively unknown in low- and middle-income countries, and studies with the characteristics of the HIV-Brazil Cohort contribute to minimizing these shortcomings, given its scope and patient profile, which is similar to that of the AIDS epidemic in the country.

[Trends in the epidemic of Aids cases in Southern Brazil from 1986 to 2008]

OBJECTIVE

To describe trends in the incidence of Aids cases according to age and gender from 1986 to 2008.

METHODS

Analyses of Aids trends according to age group and to gender was carried out Londrina, Southern Brazil. The timeframe was divided into two periods (1986-1995 and 1996-2008). Of the polynomial models, it was the first-degree polynomial model which best explained the Aids epidemic within the two periods. The incidence rate of Aids among men who have sex with other men (MSM), injecting drug users (IDU), heterosexual men and women was calculated.

RESULTS

During the first period, from 1986 to 1995, there was an increase in the incidence of Aids in almost all age groups and the epidemic spread across both sexes (p < 0.001), although this was more marked in men aged 14-39. The second period (1996-2008) did not show a positive or negative statistical increase, indicating that the epidemic had stabilized. A significant fall in the rate for the male 14 to 29 age group was found, with increases of 0.88 and 0.87 for the first and second period respectively. Cases in women aged 50 and over showed a marked increase (p = 0.019). The IDU and MSM groups predominated as the categories with the most exposure, with MSM taking over from IDU in the last three years of the study. From 2000 onwards, incidences in females aged 15 to 49 overtook that of heterosexual men.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed a decrease in incidence in the younger age groups and stabilization in the other age groups. There is a need for different approaches in order to reach groups with several characteristics due to the increase in the proportion of women and MSM within the exposure categories.

The impacts of AIDS movements on the policy responses to HIV/AIDS in Brazil and South Africa: a comparative analysis

Brazil and South Africa were among the first countries profoundly impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic and had similar rates of HIV infection in the early 1990s. Today, Brazil has less than 1% adult HIV prevalence, implemented treatment and prevention programmes early in the epidemic, and now has exemplary HIV/AIDS programmes. South Africa, by contrast, has HIV prevalence of 18% and was, until recently, infamous for its delayed and inappropriate response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This article explores how differing relationships between AIDS movements and governments have impacted the evolving policy responses to the AIDS epidemic in both countries, including through AIDS programme finance, leadership and industrial policy related to production of generic medicines.

Is food insecurity associated with HIV risk? Cross-sectional evidence from sexually active women in Brazil

BACKGROUND

Understanding how food insecurity among women gives rise to differential patterning in HIV risks is critical for policy and programming in resource-limited settings. This is particularly the case in Brazil, which has undergone successive changes in the gender and socio-geographic composition of its complex epidemic over the past three decades. We used data from a national survey of Brazilian women to estimate the relationship between food insecurity and HIV risk.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We used data on 12,684 sexually active women from a national survey conducted in Brazil in 2006-2007. Self-reported outcomes were (a) consistent condom use, defined as using a condom at each occasion of sexual intercourse in the previous 12 mo; (b) recent condom use, less stringently defined as using a condom with the most recent sexual partner; and (c) itchy vaginal discharge in the previous 30 d, possibly indicating presence of a sexually transmitted infection. The primary explanatory variable of interest was food insecurity, measured using the culturally adapted and validated Escala Brasiliera de Segurança Alimentar. In multivariable logistic regression models, severe food insecurity with hunger was associated with a reduced odds of consistent condom use in the past 12 mo (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.48-0.92) and condom use at last sexual intercourse (AOR = 0.75; 95% CI, 0.57-0.98). Self-reported itchy vaginal discharge was associated with all categories of food insecurity (with AORs ranging from 1.46 to 1.94). In absolute terms, the effect sizes were large in magnitude across all outcomes. Underweight and/or lack of control in sexual relations did not appear to mediate the observed associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe food insecurity with hunger was associated with reduced odds of condom use and increased odds of itchy vaginal discharge, which is potentially indicative of sexually transmitted infection, among sexually active women in Brazil. Interventions targeting food insecurity may have beneficial implications for HIV prevention in resource-limited settings.