Browsing by Author "Vazquez, Mariana"

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    Clinical-epidemiological features of HIV-infected patients diagnosed at age of 50 years or older
    (2012) Patterson, Patricia; Cahn, Susana; Sued, Omar; Fink, Valeria; Figueroa, Maria Ines; Cesar, Carina; Rojo, Marina; Ben, Graciela; Vazquez, Mariana; Cahn, Pedro
    HIV/AIDS prevention and care efforts are directed to individuals of reproductive age (15–49 yrs). With the extension of sexual life of older people, they became a growing population at risk of HIV infection, usually not included in prevention strategies. In order to evaluate clinical profile of HIV/AIDS pts diagnosed at 50 yrs or older assisted in an HIV outpatient center in Buenos Aires, we retrospectively assessed clinical records of pts initiating care between Jan 1986 and Dec 2011. Age, CD4 cells and viral load (pVL) at HIV diagnosis and most recent value, opportunistic infections (OIs), co-morbidities and antiretroviral therapy (ARV) were recorded. Of 10,998 pts assisted in the 26-yr period, 495 (4.5%) were≥50 yrs old at HIV diagnosis; median annual diagnoses: 18.5 (IQR 3.3–30.3) without significant changes in the last 20 yrs. Demographics: median age 54.7 yrs (IQR 51.8–59.2, rank 50–80), 76.6% male. Risk behavior: HTX 61.4%, MSM 34.1%, others 4.4%. 55.4% of HIV diagnoses occurred during hospitalization or simultaneously with acute OIs. One third (n=176) had AIDS at diagnosis, 24% had history of STDs. HCV co-infection 5.7%, past HBV infection 28.1% and chronic HBV infection 5.1%. Median CD4 cells at HIV diagnosis: 223.5 (13.7%) (IQR 98.8–420.3), initial pVL 60,000 cp/mL (IQR 9,995.5–208,391). 69.3% of pts started ARV therapy during follow-up (FU), and the median time between diagnosis and treatment initiation was 3.4 mo (IQR 0.7–14); 56.9% of them started a non-nucleoside-based regimen (ZDV/3TC/EFV), 28.3% a PI-based regimen (ZDV/3TC/IDV) and 14.6% a nucleoside-based regimen (ZDV/ddI pre-HAART era). After a year (±6 mo), 63.8% pts achieved undetectable pVL and gained 136 CD4 cells from BSL (IQR 83–204). After 40.6 mo of FU (IQR 6.7-89.8), 66.3% are alive, 7.1% died (68.6% of HIV-related diseases) and 26.7% are lost to FU. Co-morbidities were present in 125 (25.3%), mainly hypertension, increased lipids, CVD and DBT. Among treated pts, 70.6% achieved pVL<50 cp/mL, with a median increase of CD4 cells up to 410 (22%) (IQR 281.5–563.9) from BSL. 51% (176) changed ARV therapy due to toxicity/AE: 54.5%, ARV failure: 29.5% and simplification: 14.8%. Stable HIV epidemic in older people reinforce the need of specific prevention approaches, while growing age of HIV individuals in care highlights to consider risks associated to older age. Late presentation to care needs to be specifically addressed. Response to treatment is remarkable high in this population.
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    El impacto del estigma y la discriminación en la calidad de vida de personas transgénero viviendo con VIH.
    (2013) Aristegui, Ines ; Vazquez, Mariana
    The improvement of quality of life has become a fundamental objective of social policies and an essential element in the treatment of chronic diseases. Transgender people have the highest level of social vulnerability and the highest HIV prevalence. A qualitative study was conducted in order to explore perceptions and experiences of stigma and discrimination and their impact on quality of life among a group trans women living with HIV. Ten individuals from different regions of the country participated in a discussion group. Results show that trans people are systematically excluded from their families and the educational, labor, legal and health systems. These people’s welfare and wellbeing is below expectations due to stigma and its consequences. However, the subjective well-being seems to be positively influenced by social support and participation in peer groups. Implications of these results for policy makers are presented in the discussion.
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    Sistematización de una experiencia exitosa de uso de las TIC aplicadas a la prevención del VIH/SIDA
    (2010) Wang, Lucia; Valeriano, Cecilia; Caceres, Betiana; Villalba, Lucas; Vazquez, Mariana; Rojo, Marina
    Se presenta la sistematización de una experiencia innovadora de promoción de la salud sexual y reproductiva (SSR) y prevención del VIH/SIDA, dirigida a población joven de bajos recursos, a través del uso de las tecnologías de información y comunicación (TIC). Se aplicó un enfoque metodológico integral. Se utilizaron herramientas cualitativas y cuantitativas para indagar la ejecución del proyecto y el proceso de producción de los contenidos de salud, desde la perspectiva de los actores involucrados en el proceso. Por otro lado, se identificaron los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas vinculadas a la SSR y al VIH/Sida de las/los jóvenes potenciales usuarios de las plataformas, a fin de evaluar la apropiación de contenidos y la aceptación de los productos. This paper presents the systematization of an innovative experience of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) promotion and HIV/AIDS prevention directed at a young, resource-poor population through the use of information and communication technologies (ICT). An integral methodological focus is applied, and qualitative and quantitative tools are utilized to evaluate the execution of the project and the process of health content production from the perspective of the individuals involved with the process. Furthermore, the knowledge, attitudes, and the practices linked to SRH and to HIV/AIDS among the potential youth users of these platforms are identified to evaluate the suitability of the content and the acceptance of the products.