1
|
Pericas C, Avcii G, Baena-Díez JM, Domínguez À, Toledo D, Redondo A, Vilaplana-Carnerero C, Grau M. Risk of partial school closure for COVID-19 by socio-economic level in the period 2020-22. J Public Health (Oxf) 2023; 45:794-798. [PMID: 37291062 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective was to analyse the risk of partial school closure by economic level in Barcelona city. METHODS In this ecological study, the risk of partial school closure for the academic years 2020-21 and 2021-22 was estimated by dividing the total number of days that each child was in quarantine or isolation by the total number of days that each child was at risk to be in quarantine or isolation in the academic year. The association between partial school closure risk and mean income by district was estimated with the Spearman rho. RESULTS The lower the mean income, the higher the risk of partial closure (Spearman rho = 0.83; P-value = 0.003) during the academic year 2020-21. Specifically, the children from the district with the lowest income had a six times greater risk of partial school closure compared with those from the highest-income district. This risk did not show a significant socioeconomic gradient in the academic year 2021-22. CONCLUSIONS The risk of partial school closure presented an inverse socioeconomic gradient in the city of Barcelona according to average income by district in the academic year 2020-21. This distribution was not observed in the academic year 2021-22.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carles Pericas
- Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona E-08036, Spain
| | - Gülcan Avcii
- Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona E-08036, Spain
| | - José M Baena-Díez
- Primary Care Centre La Marina, Catalan Institute of Health, Barcelona E-08038, Spain
- IDIAP Jordi Gol, Catalan Institute of Health, Barcelona E-08007, Spain
| | - Àngela Domínguez
- Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona E-08036, Spain
- Biomedical Research Consortium in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid E-28029, Spain
| | - Diana Toledo
- Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona E-08036, Spain
- Biomedical Research Consortium in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid E-28029, Spain
| | - Ana Redondo
- Hospital Universitario Bellvitge, Catalan Institute of Health (ICS), Barcelona E-08907, Spain
| | - Carles Vilaplana-Carnerero
- Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona E-08036, Spain
- IDIAP Jordi Gol, Catalan Institute of Health, Barcelona E-08007, Spain
| | - María Grau
- Biomedical Research Consortium in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid E-28029, Spain
- Serra-Hunter Fellow, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona E-08036, Spain
- Cardiovascular Risk, Nutrition and Aging, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, E-08036, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Martín-Iguacel R, Pericas C, Bruguera A, Rosell G, Martínez E, Díaz Y, Alonso L, Nomah DK, Blanco JL, Domingo P, Álvarez-López P, Linares MS, Vilades Laborda C, Mera A, Calzado Isbert S, Johansen IS, Miró JM, Casabona J, Llibre JM. Mpox: Clinical Outcomes and Impact of Vaccination in People with and without HIV: A Population-Wide Study. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2701. [PMID: 38004713 PMCID: PMC10673392 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated differences in mpox clinical outcomes in people with HIV (PWH) and without HIV (PWoH) and the impact of vaccination in Catalonia, Spain. We used surveillance data and the PISCIS HIV cohort. We included all confirmed mpox cases (May-December 2022). Of 2122 mpox cases, the majority had mild disease, 56% were Spanish, and 24% were from Latin America. A total of 40% were PWH, with a median CD4+T-cell of 715 cells/μL; 83% had HIV-RNA < 50 copies/mL; and 1.8% CD4+T-cell < 200 cells/μL. PWH had no increased risk for complications, except those with CD4+T-cell < 200 cells/μL. PWH with CD4+T-cell < 200 cells/μL were more likely to be from Latin America, had more generalized exanthema, and required hospitalization more frequently (p = 0.001). Diagnosis of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was common, both at mpox diagnosis (17%) and two years before (43%). Dose-sparing smallpox intradermal vaccination was accompanied by a sharp decrease in mpox incidence in both populations (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, unless immunosuppressed, PWH were not at increased risk of severe disease or hospitalization. Mpox is a marker of high-risk sexual behavior and was associated with high HIV and STI rates, supporting the need for screening in all mpox cases. Ethnicity disparities demonstrate the need for interventions to ensure equitable healthcare access. Dose-sparing smallpox vaccination retained effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Martín-Iguacel
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies of HIV/AIDS and STI of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Health Department, Generalitat de Catalunya, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (A.B.); (Y.D.); (L.A.); (D.K.N.); (J.C.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
| | - Carles Pericas
- Epidemiology Service, Public Health Agency of Barcelona, 08023 Barcelona, Spain;
- Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Andreu Bruguera
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies of HIV/AIDS and STI of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Health Department, Generalitat de Catalunya, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (A.B.); (Y.D.); (L.A.); (D.K.N.); (J.C.)
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Preventive Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Gemma Rosell
- Subdirecció General de Vigilància i Resposta a Alertes i Emergències de Salut Pública—ASPCAT, Teià, Cataluña, Spain;
| | - Erica Martínez
- Institute of Biomedical Research Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain;
- Subdirecció General de Vigilància i Resposta a Alertes i Emergències de Salut Pública—ASPCAT, Teià, Cataluña, Spain;
| | - Yesika Díaz
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies of HIV/AIDS and STI of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Health Department, Generalitat de Catalunya, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (A.B.); (Y.D.); (L.A.); (D.K.N.); (J.C.)
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucia Alonso
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies of HIV/AIDS and STI of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Health Department, Generalitat de Catalunya, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (A.B.); (Y.D.); (L.A.); (D.K.N.); (J.C.)
- Fight Infections Foundation, Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Kwakye Nomah
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies of HIV/AIDS and STI of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Health Department, Generalitat de Catalunya, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (A.B.); (Y.D.); (L.A.); (D.K.N.); (J.C.)
- Fundació Institut D’investigació en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias I Pujol (IGTP), 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Blanco
- Hospital Clínic-Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, University of Barcelona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain; (J.L.B.)
| | - Pere Domingo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitari de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08916 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Patricia Álvarez-López
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Universitari de la Vall d’Hebron, 08916 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Maria Saumoy Linares
- HIV and STD Unit, Infectious Disease Department, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08916 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Consuelo Vilades Laborda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Tarragona Juan XXIII, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Arantxa Mera
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Palamós, 17230 Girona, Spain;
| | - Sonia Calzado Isbert
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Parc Taulí University Hospital, Sabadell, 08916 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Isik Somuncu Johansen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
| | - José M. Miró
- Hospital Clínic-Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, University of Barcelona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain; (J.L.B.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Casabona
- Centre of Epidemiological Studies of HIV/AIDS and STI of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Health Department, Generalitat de Catalunya, 08916 Badalona, Spain; (A.B.); (Y.D.); (L.A.); (D.K.N.); (J.C.)
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Preventive Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Palamós, 17230 Girona, Spain;
| | - Josep M. Llibre
- Fight Infections Foundation, Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Palma D, Alarcón M, García de Olalla P, Guerras JM, Pericas C, García J, Barberá MJ, Ayerdi O, Vera García M, Román-Urrestarazu A, Belza MJ, Rius C. Hepatitis C antibody prevalence and active hepatitis C infection in HIV-negative gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain (March 2018-March 2021). IJID Reg 2023; 8:95-104. [PMID: 37554356 PMCID: PMC10404990 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been recognized as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), with an increased notification in HIV-negative MSM. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HCV antibody and active HCV infection in HIV-negative gay, bisexual, and other MSM (GBMSM), and their characteristics, in Barcelona and Madrid, from March 2018 to March 2021. METHODS Cross-sectional study conducted on 3548 HIV-undiagnosed GBMSM, across four HIV/STI testing centers. Respondents submitted an online, self-administered questionnaire after consultation, which collected information on sociodemographics, sexual health history, HCV knowledge, and substance consumption. Prevalence of HCV antibodies was determined by a reactive result in a rapid anti-HCV test or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while active HCV infection was determined by participants who were also positive on an HCV-RNA test. Crude and adjusted Poisson analyses with robust variance are presented for both prevalence and active infection. RESULTS In total, 97.6% of participants (n = 3463) were HIV-negative. Of those, 18 were found to have HCV antibodies (0.52%), of which nine (0.26%) were also HCV-RNA positive. Those with HCV antibodies were associated to have lived with an HCV (+) person (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR]: 7.84, [95% confidence interval: 2.50-24.53]), using injectable drugs for sex (APR: 6.92, [1.20-39.79]) and testing positive for an STI in the previous year (APR: 4.06, [1.09-15.12]). Presenting an active infection was strongly associated with a previous HCV diagnosis (APR: 100.82 [22.16-458.76]), sexualized injectable drug use (APR: 17.53 [2.70-113.76]), and sharing douching material (APR: 7.45, [2.12-25.95]). CONCLUSION Sexual practices with a higher risk of bleeding and sexualized drug use, particularly sexualized injectable drug use, were associated with higher rates of HCV diagnosis in GBMSM. Identifying these practices during consultation, contact tracing new cases and regularly testing those with a previous history of HCV, will facilitate HCV eradication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Palma
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain
- Servei d'Epidemiología, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- International Health Department, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherland
| | - Miguel Alarcón
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain
- Servei d'Epidemiología, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology and Preventive Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
| | - Patricia García de Olalla
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain
- Servei d'Epidemiología, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (IRB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan-Miguel Guerras
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain
- Escuela Nacional de Sanidad, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carles Pericas
- Servei d'Epidemiología, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
| | - Jorge García
- Unidad de STI y HIV Drassanes, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Oscar Ayerdi
- Centro Sanitario Sandoval, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Vera García
- Centro Sanitario Sandoval, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrés Román-Urrestarazu
- International Health Department, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherland
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - María José Belza
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain
- Escuela Nacional de Sanidad, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Rius
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain
- Servei d'Epidemiología, Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (IRB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vilaplana-Carnerero C, Giner-Soriano M, Dominguez À, Morros R, Pericas C, Álamo-Junquera D, Toledo D, Gallego C, Redondo A, Grau M. Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular Disease, and COVID-19: A Narrative Review. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041206. [PMID: 37189823 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory and degenerative process that mainly occurs in large- and medium-sized arteries and is morphologically characterized by asymmetric focal thickenings of the innermost layer of the artery, the intima. This process is the basis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the most common cause of death worldwide. Some studies suggest a bidirectional link between atherosclerosis and the consequent CVD with COVID-19. The aims of this narrative review are (1) to provide an overview of the most recent studies that point out a bidirectional relation between COVID-19 and atherosclerosis and (2) to summarize the impact of cardiovascular drugs on COVID-19 outcomes. A growing body of evidence shows that COVID-19 prognosis in individuals with CVD is worse compared with those without. Moreover, various studies have reported the emergence of newly diagnosed patients with CVD after COVID-19. The most common treatments for CVD may influence COVID-19 outcomes. Thus, their implication in the infection process is briefly discussed in this review. A better understanding of the link among atherosclerosis, CVD, and COVID-19 could proactively identify risk factors and, as a result, develop strategies to improve the prognosis for these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carles Vilaplana-Carnerero
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Maria Giner-Soriano
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Àngela Dominguez
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Consortium in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Morros
- Fundació Institut Universitari per a la Recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), 08007 Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Consortium in Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Carles Pericas
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Epidemiology Service, Public Health Agency of Barcelona (ASPB), 08023 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolores Álamo-Junquera
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Quality, Process and Innovation Direction, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Health Services Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diana Toledo
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Consortium in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Gallego
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Methodology, Quality and Medical Care Assessment Department, Direcció d'Atenció Primària Metropolitana Sud, Catalan Institute of Health (ICS), 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Redondo
- Hospital Universitario Bellvitge, Catalan Institute of Health (ICS), 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Grau
- Biomedical Research Consortium in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Serra Húnter Fellow, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rey-Reñones C, Martinez-Torres S, Martín-Luján FM, Pericas C, Redondo A, Vilaplana-Carnerero C, Dominguez A, Grau M. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and COVID-19: A Narrative Review. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092089. [PMID: 36140191 PMCID: PMC9495673 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder. The incidence and prevalence of patients with T2DM are increasing worldwide, even reaching epidemic values in most high- and middle-income countries. T2DM could be a risk factor of developing complications in other diseases. Indeed, some studies suggest a bidirectional interaction between T2DM and COVID-19. A growing body of evidence shows that COVID-19 prognosis in individuals with T2DM is worse compared with those without. Moreover, various studies have reported the emergence of newly diagnosed patients with T2DM after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The most common treatments for T2DM may influence SARS-CoV-2 and their implication in infection is briefly discussed in this review. A better understanding of the link between TD2M and COVID-19 could proactively identify risk factors and, as a result, develop strategies to improve the prognosis for these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Rey-Reñones
- Research Support Unit-Camp de Tarragona, Catalan Institute of Health (ICS), 43005 Tarragona, Spain
- IDIAP Jordi Gol, Catalan Institute of Health (ICS), USR Camp de Tarragona, 43202 Reus, Spain
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
| | - Sara Martinez-Torres
- IDIAP Jordi Gol, Catalan Institute of Health (ICS), USR Camp de Tarragona, 43202 Reus, Spain
| | - Francisco M. Martín-Luján
- Research Support Unit-Camp de Tarragona, Catalan Institute of Health (ICS), 43005 Tarragona, Spain
- IDIAP Jordi Gol, Catalan Institute of Health (ICS), USR Camp de Tarragona, 43202 Reus, Spain
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43201 Reus, Spain
| | - Carles Pericas
- Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Redondo
- Hospital Universitario Bellvitge, Catalan Institute of Health (ICS), 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Vilaplana-Carnerero
- Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- IDIAP Jordi Gol, Catalan Institute of Health (ICS), 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angela Dominguez
- Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Consortium in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Grau
- Biomedical Research Consortium in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Serra Húnter Fellow, Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gabster A, Erausquin JT, Michielsen K, Mayaud P, Pascale JM, Pericas C, Marks M, Katz J, Talavero GC, de Argote M, Murillo A, Tucker JD. How did COVID-19 measures impact sexual behaviour and access to HIV/STI services in Panama? Results from a national cross-sectional online survey. Sex Transm Infect 2022; 98:332-340. [PMID: 34400575 PMCID: PMC8370840 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2021-054985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe reported changes in sexual behaviours, including virtual sex (sexting and cybersex), and access to HIV/STI testing and care during COVID-19 measures in Panama. METHODS We conducted an online cross-sectional survey from 8 August to 12 September 2020 among adults (≥18 years) residing in Panama. Participants were recruited through social media. Questions included demographics, access to HIV/STI testing and HIV care, and sexual behaviours 3 months before COVID-19 social distancing measures and during social distancing measures (COVID-19 measures). Logistic regression was used to identify associations between variables and behavioural changes. RESULTS We recruited 960 participants; 526 (54.8%) identified as cis-women, 366 (38.1%) cis-men and 68 (7.1%) non-binary or another gender. The median age was 28 years (IQR: 23-37 years), and 531 of 957 (55.5%) were of mixed ethnicity (mixed Indigenous/European/Afro-descendant ancestry). Before COVID-19 measures, virtual sex was reported by 38.5% (181 of 470) of cis-women, 58.4% (184 of 315) cis-men and 45.0% (27 of 60) non-binary participants. During COVID-19 measures, virtual sex increased among 17.2% of cis-women, 24.7% cis-men and 8.9% non-binary participants. During COVID-19 measures, 230 of 800 (28.8%) participants reported decreased casual sex compared with pre-COVID-19 measures. Compared with pre-COVID-19 measures, decreased casual sex was reported more frequently during COVID-19 measures by cis-men compared with cis-women (39.2% vs 22.9%, urban/rural adjusted OR (AOR)=2.17, 95% CI 1.57 to 3.01), and by Afro-descendant compared with participants of mixed ethnicity (40.0% vs 29.8%, AOR=1.78, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.94). Compared with no change in virtual sex (16.8%), increased virtual sex (38.5%, AOR=1.78, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.88) and decreased virtual sex (86.7%, AOR=16.53, 95% CI 7.74 to 35.27) were associated with decreased casual sex encounters. During COVID-19 measures, HIV/STI testing could not be obtained by 58.0% (58 of 100) of the participants who needed a test, and interrupted HIV care was reported by 53.3% (8 of 15) of participants living with HIV. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 measures in Panama were associated with a decrease in casual sex among cis-men and Afro-descendant people, while access to HIV/STI testing and care was seriously disrupted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Gabster
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Genómica y Proteómica, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama, Panama
| | - Jennifer Toller Erausquin
- School of Health and Human Sciences, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kristien Michielsen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Universiteit Gent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Philippe Mayaud
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London, UK
| | - Juan Miguel Pascale
- Genómica y Proteómica, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama, Panama
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Panama, Panama, Panama
| | - Carles Pericas
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Universiteit Gent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Michael Marks
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jennifer Katz
- Genómica y Proteómica, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama, Panama
| | | | - Marilu de Argote
- Genómica y Proteómica, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama, Panama
| | - Anet Murillo
- Genómica y Proteómica, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Panama, Panama
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Perehudoff K, Kibira D, Wuyts E, Pericas C, Omwoha J, van den Ham HA, Mantel-Teeuwisse AK, Michielsen K. A comparative human rights analysis of laws and policies for adolescent contraception in Uganda and Kenya. Reprod Health 2022; 19:37. [PMID: 35130932 PMCID: PMC8822716 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01303-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Improving access to adolescent contraception information and services is essential to reduce unplanned adolescent pregnancies and maternal mortality in Uganda and Kenya, and attain the SDGs on health and gender equality. This research studies to what degree national laws and policies for adolescent contraception in Uganda and Kenya are consistent with WHO standards and human rights law. Methods This is a comparative content analysis of law and policy documents in force between 2010 and 2018 governing adolescent (age 10–19 years) contraception. Between and within country differences were analysed using WHO’s guidelines “Ensuring human rights in the provision of contraceptive information and services”. Results Of the 93 laws and policies screened, 26 documents were included (13 policies in Uganda, 13 policies in Kenya). Ugandan policies include a median of 1 WHO recommendation for adolescent contraception per policy (range 0–4) that most frequently concerns contraception accessibility. Ugandan policies have 6/9 WHO recommendations (14/24 sub-recommendations) and miss entirely WHO’s recommendations for adolescent contraception availability, quality, and accountability. On the other hand, most Kenyan policies consistently address multiple WHO recommendations (median 2 recommendations/policy, range 0–6), most frequently for contraception availability and accessibility for adolescents. Kenyan policies cover 8/9 WHO recommendations (16/24 sub-recommendations) except for accountability. Conclusions The current policy landscapes for adolescent contraception in Uganda and Kenya include important references to human rights and evidence-based practice (in WHO’s recommendations); however, there is still room for improvement. Aligning national laws and policies with WHO’s recommendations on contraceptive information and services for adolescents may support interventions to improve health outcomes, provided these frameworks are effectively implemented. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12978-021-01303-8. The unmet need for contraception among adolescents is high in Uganda and Kenya, and has many negative consequences, including unwanted pregnancy, exposure to unsafe abortion, and maternal morbidity and mortality. National laws and policies play an important role in determining adolescents’ access to contraception. For example, national laws and policies can shape the government programs that provide (or withhold) contraception, and the social norms influencing adolescents’ access to contraception. Therefore, this research compares national laws and policies that determine access to contraception services and information for adolescents in Uganda and Kenya with WHO’s recommendations for access to contraception. This is an analysis of the content of Ugandan and Kenyan laws and policies in force between 2010 and 2018. The content of these documents was analyzed using WHO’s nine recommendations for how contraception information and services should be provided: non-discrimination, availability, accessibility, acceptability, quality, informed decision-making, confidentiality, participation, accountability. Ninety-three documents were screened and 26 documents were included in the analysis: 13 policies from Uganda and 13 policies from Kenya. On average, Ugandan policies include one WHO recommendation for adolescent contraception per policy and Kenyan policies include two WHO recommendations. This recommendation most frequently mentioned in all policies is the accessibility of contraception (for example, for adolescents living remotely, integrated in adolescent HIV or pre-/post-natal care, etc.). Together, all Ugandan policies mentioned 6/9 WHO recommendations whereas all Kenyan policies cover 8/9 WHO recommendations. In conclusion, Ugandan and Kenyan policies are consistent with many of WHO’s recommendations for access to contraception, however, there is still room for improvement.
Collapse
|
8
|
Castellanos Usigli A, Braeken D, Kismödi E, Nasserzadeh S, Pericas C, Dee H. SY-13 Sexual Pleasure: From a Comprehensive Definition to Practical Implementation. J Sex Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.04.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|