Use of Craigslist.org to Hook Up: Age Differences in Sex Requests, HIV Disclosure and Negotiated Safety among Men-Seeking-Men

Data from 984 “men-seeking-men” Craigslist.org postings in five cities were analyzed to assess differences in sexual requests, HIV status disclosure, and negotiated safety between young (18-24 years) and older (25 years and older) men who have sex with men (MSM). Young MSM were less likely than older MSM to post their HIV status or the preferred status of a partner (p=0.04), disclose and/or request a partner who was disease and drug free (p=.01), and request use of a condom in their posting (p=0.01). Interventions aimed at changing the culture and content of postings on Craigslist.org by encouraging HIV status disclosure and condom use preference are warranted, particularly for young MSM

HIV-Positive Inmates Released from Nevada’s Prisons in 2001: Results from Matching Health Division and Corrections’ Databases

It is estimated that about one quarter of all HIV-infected individuals in the United States are released from a correctional facility each year. To better understand the needs of inmates with HIV exiting the prison system, a partnership with the Nevada State Health Division (NSHD), the Nevada Department of Corrections (DOC), and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Public Health was formed to examine this population using information contained in existing databases. An analysis of DOC data matched with the data from the HIV/AIDS Reporting System (HARS) maintained by the NSHD identified 2,802 HIV-negative inmates (2,451 males and 350 females) and 44 HIV-positive inmates (33 males and 11 females) who exited prison in 2001. Results showed that HIV-positive inmates released in Nevada were more likely than HIV negative inmates to be African American, have a prior felony, and be re-incarcerated in a three-year follow-up period. For male and female participants living with AIDS, almost one-third had never received antiretroviral therapy. The cyclical pattern of re-incarceration among HIV-positive inmates in Nevada provides an opportunity to reach this population with medical care, infectious disease prevention, and social services. Future analyses with more complete data hold even more promise for understanding the needs of incarcerated individuals living with HIV in Nevada and directing public health interventions

Acceso a servicios de salud en mujeres transgénero de la ciudad de Cali, Colombia

Introduction: Transgender population faces challenges in terms of guaranteeing the rights to health and an effective access to health services in every country. Objective: To describe and analyze the access to preventive, healing, specific care, and associated out-of-pocket health services for transgender women in Cali, Colombia. Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study with probability sampling. An adaptation of the Survey on Access to Health Services for Colombian Homes was applied to a total of 109 people who identified themselves as transgender, and all of them were over 18. A univariate analysis of all variables evaluated was carried out. Results: Although 71.6% of transgender women surveyed were covered by the health system, this percentage does not guarantee timely access to services. There is an institutional weakness regarding to the Health Promoting Entities (EPS) to promote preventive services; the access to consultation with a specialist and medicines had unfavorable results in opportunity and quality; also, the needs related to their gender identity or processes of corporal transformation are not treated. Discussion: As reported in other studies, for the population in general, the findings are coherent with the Colombian health system structure which is designed to invest resources in treating diseases but not preventing them. Conclusions: Differential care protocols are required given the risks for transgender people due to the lack of medical and psychosocial care. In this way, the full right to health, and the respect for the free development of personality are guaranteed, which were constitutionally established in the country. [Domínguez CM, Ramírez SV, Arrivillaga-Quintero M. Access to Health Services for Transgender Women in the City of Cali, Colombia. MedUNAB 2017-2018; 20(3): 296-309].  Introducción: La población transgénero enfrenta retos en cuanto a la garantía del derecho a la salud y el acceso efectivo a los servicios de salud en todos los países. Objetivo: Describir y analizar el acceso a los servicios de salud preventivos, curativos, de atención específica, y asociados al gasto de bolsillo, en mujeres transgénero de Cali, Colombia. Metodología: Estudio observacional de tipo transversal con muestreo probabilístico. Se aplicó una adaptación de la Encuesta de Acceso a Servicios de Salud para Hogares Colombianos a un total de 109 personas que se auto identificaron como transgénero, mayores de 18 años. Se efectuó un análisis univariado de la totalidad de las variables evaluadas. Resultados: Si bien el 71.6% de las mujeres transgénero encuestadas se encontraban cubiertas por el sistema de salud, esto no garantiza el acceso oportuno a los servicios. Existe debilidad institucional por parte de las Entidades Promotoras de Salud (EPS) para promover servicios preventivos; el acceso a consulta con especialista y a medicamentos tuvo resultados desfavorables en oportunidad y calidad; no se atienden necesidades relacionadas con su identidad de género ni procesos de transformación corporal. Discusión: Tal como se ha reportado en otros estudios para población general, los hallazgos son coherentes con la estructura del sistema de salud colombiano que está diseñado para invertir los recursos en la atención de la enfermedad y no en la prevención. Conclusiones: Se requieren protocolos de atención diferencial dados los riesgos para personas transgénero por falta de atención médica y psicosocial. De esta manera, se garantiza el pleno derecho a la salud y el respeto por el libre desarrollo de la personalidad, establecido constitucionalmente en el país. [Domínguez CM, Ramírez SV, Arrivillaga-Quintero M. Acceso a servicios de salud en mujeres transgénero de la ciudad de Cali, Colombia. MedUNAB 2017-2018; 20(3): 296-309].&nbsp

Information practices of disaster preparedness professionals in multidisciplinary groups

OBJECTIVE: This article summarizes the results of a descriptive qualitative study addressing the question, what are the information practices of the various professionals involved in disaster preparedness? We present key results, but focus on issues of choice and adaptation of models and theories for the study. METHODS: Primary and secondary literature on theory and models of information behavior were consulted. Taylor's Information Use Environments (IUE) model, Institutional Theory, and Dervin's Sense-Making metatheory were used in the design of an open-ended interview schedule. Twelve individual face-to-face interviews were conducted with disaster professionals drawn from the Pennsylvania Preparedness Leadership Institute (PPLI) scholars. Taylor's Information Use Environments (IUE) model served as a preliminary coding framework for the transcribed interviews. RESULTS: Disaster professionals varied in their use of libraries, peer-reviewed literature, and information management techniques, but many practices were similar across professions, including heavy Internet and email use, satisficing, and preference for sources that are socially and physically accessible. CONCLUSIONS: The IUE model provided an excellent foundation for the coding scheme, but required modification to place the workplace in the larger social context of the current information society. It is not possible to confidently attribute all work-related information practices to professional culture. Differences in information practice observed may arise from professional training and organizational environment, while many similarities observed seem to arise from everyday information practices common to non-work settings

Mental Health and Proximal Stressors in Transgender Men and Women

This paper explores the subjective perception of some personal and interpersonal aspects of the lives of transgender people and the relationship they have with their mental health. One hundred and twenty transgender people (60 men and 60 women) participated in semi-structured interviews. Following quantitative methodology, analysis highlighted that social loneliness is the main predictor of lower levels of mental health (anxiety and depression) for both genders and recognized romantic loneliness as the strongest factor among transgender men. In both cases, higher levels of loneliness were associated with lower levels of mental health. The results have guided us to improve institutional and social responses and have provided an opportunity to promote the mental health of transgender people