Journal of Infection Prevention and Health
A Revista Prevenção de Infecção e Saúde (REPIS) ISSN: 2446-7901, é um periódico científico internacional, e de acesso aberto, revisado por pares, editado pela editora da Universidade Federal do Piauí e vinculado a Human Exposome and Diseases Network (HEID). A REPIS é o veículo de divulgação da HEID, uma rede sem fins lucrativos e global de pesquisadores comprometidos com o estudo, a prevenção e o controle das doenças infecciosas reconhecendo a complexidade do expossoma humano e a ameaça à saúde planetária. O periódico não possui quaisquer fins lucrativos e oferece acesso livre para os leitores, sendo o custo de processamento de artigos (APC) que é custeado pela HEID e Universidade Federal do Piauí. A revista é altamente visível e indexada nas bases: DOAJ; Scholar Google; Index Copernicus International and Research Bible. A REPIS oferece publicação rápida, com decisões iniciais em cerca de 07 dias após a submissão e decisões pós-revisão por pares em cerca de 40 dias. Objetivo: Publicar pesquisas no campo das doenças infecciosas, com foco naquelas relacionadas a prevenção e controle de infecção relacionada a assistência à saúde. Missão: Fomentar a expansão do conhecimento técnico-científico sobre doenças infecciosas, contribuindo significativamente para a saúde pública. Estamos comprometidos em publicar pesquisas rigorosas e práticas em epidemiologia e clínica das principais doenças infecciosas Escopo: Esperamos receber e publicar manuscritos que abordem os seguintes temas / áreas: Epidemiologia das doenças infecciosas Aspectos epidemiológicos de doenças infecciosas Infecções relacionadas a assistência à saúde - IRAS Microbiologia aplicada a prevenção e controle de infecções Saúde e segurança do paciente e do trabalhador e suas implicações Impacto e repercussões das principais doenças infecciosas à saúde global e planetária. HIV/AIDS e outras infecções sexualmente transmissíveis Diagnóstico, tratamento, gestão e prevenção de doenças infecciosas Infecções bacterianas e virais emergentes Vacinas e processos associados Terapias anti-infecciosa Enfermagem em controle de infecção Enfermagem em segurança do paciente com foco em doenças infecciosas Práticas avançadas de enfermagem visando a prevenção e o controle de infecção Doenças infecciosas emergentes e reemergentes Indicadores (2024): Scholar Google 2023: Índice h5:10 Mediana h5:18 Qualis Capes Brasil - B1 Estatísticas 2023 Taxa de aceitação: 36% Taxa de rejeição: 64% Médias de dias entre submissão e decisão final: 48 dias.
Profile of children with community-acquired pneumonia and home antimicrobial pharmacotherapy
Introduction: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a significant cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide, and microbial resistance has been a considerable threat to global public health. Thus, the promotion of the rational use of antimicrobials is fundamental, since infections caused by resistant community bacteria are more complicated in terms of treatment and are associated with greater morbidity. In this context, the goal of the study was to evaluate the sociodemographic and clinical profile of children with pneumonia, as well as the hospitalizations and prescribed pharmacotherapy. Design: Descriptive and retrospective study conducted in a philanthropic hospital specializing in pediatrics. Data were collected from patients aged from 0 to 13 years who were hospitalized due to PAC from January 2014 to December 2017. Results: It was observed that 52.2% were from the municipality of Diamantina and 62.6% had already used antimicrobials before hospitalization. It has been shown that there was a decrease in the number of hospitalizations over the studied years, with a seasonal characteristic in the autumn-winter period. Implications: It is concluded that there is a need to review the strategies regarding the management and use of antimicrobials, contributing at the onset and during treatment according to clinical evolution, and minimizing the risk of resistance and treatment failure.
Copyright (c) 2025 Helen Salvador Lopes Medeiros, Cristiane Aparecida Menezes de Pádua, Gustavo Chaves de Souza, Josiane Moreira da Costa, Álvaro Dutra de Carvalho Junior, Renata Aline de Andrade https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Epidemiological outcome of gestational and congenital syphilis, Piauí, 2007 to 2024
Objective: to analyze the socio-epidemiological outcome of gestational and congenital syphilis in the state of Piauí, from 2007 to 2024. Method: ecological study, consisting of secondary data obtained from SINAN, which were analyzed and described using the BioEstat tool, version 5.3. The chi-square test assumptions were adopted, considering the condition that up to 80% of the cells in the contingency table have an expected frequency ≥5. Results: statistical significance was obtained for: years of notification (p-value <0.001); age group (p-value <0.001); ethnicity (p-value <0.001) and prenatal care (p-value <0.001). For the socio-clinical characterization, relevance was revealed for the following outcomes: latent syphilis (33.4%); reactive non-treponemal tests (88.8%) and reactive treponemal tests (65.6%). Regarding the socio-clinical characterization of congenital syphilis notifications, the highlights were: maternal treatment during prenatal care (47%); newborn age up to 6 days (95.5%); female sex (48.5%); treatment of the partner not performed (58.6%); diagnosis of recent syphilis (94.2%); and outcome of cases being live newborns (92%). Implications: as in most Brazilian regions, gestational and congenital syphilis in Piauí is strongly linked to socio-epidemiological characteristics.
Tatiana Custódio das Chagas Pires Galvão
Copyright (c) 2025 José Francisco Ribeiro, Juliane Barroso da Silva, Laissa Raquel da Silva, Ana Beatriz Norberto Nunes Bezerra, Maria Gabriela de Sousa Teixeira, Tatiana Custódio das Chagas Pires Galvão, Vyrna Rebeca de Carvalho Alves https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Clinical outcomes in newborns of pregnant women affected by respiratory infection due to COVID-19
Objectives: To describe the clinical outcomes in newborns of pregnant women diagnosed with COVID-19. Methodology: This is an observational and retrospective field research, with a cross-sectional design, conducted in a public reference maternity hospital. The sample consisted of 191 medical records of women who had a diagnosis of COVID-19 at the time of delivery, from March 2020 to March 2021. Results: Most pregnant women were in their first and second pregnancies (29.32% and 31.94%, respectively), with the age group of 29 to 33 years representing 24.60%. A total of 25 pregnant women had previous abortions, while 16 underwent uterine surgery. Diabetes was observed in 25 pregnant women and hypertension in 34. There were 92 cases of Flu Syndrome identified and 14 hospitalizations due to pre-eclampsia. Regarding the Apgar evaluation, most newborns scored from 7 to 10 (86.39%), indicating good vitality. The term category included 64.40% of newborns, and 178 newborns were discharged. Implications: In light of the pandemic scenario and the uncertainties generated by COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, it is essential to maintain surveillance and systematic monitoring of maternal and neonatal conditions. Thus, the importance of continuous production of scientific evidence that supports clinical decisions and public policies aimed at maternal and child health should be reinforced, especially in situations of health emergencies, pandemic evolution, and the emergence of variants. It is essential to continue monitoring outcomes to support clinical practices and public health policies, ensuring safe pregnancies and births in the face of this challenging global situation
Copyright (c) 2025 Ana Carolina de Macêdo Lima, Mayara Callado Silva Moura, Álvaro Sepúlveda Carvalho Rocha, Brenda Maria dos Santos de Melo, Girzia Sammya Tarja Rocha, Maria Zélia Araújo Madeira, Odinéa Maria Amorim Batista https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Prevalência da Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave por COVID-19 em uma Capital do Nordeste do Brasil:
Objetivo: Analisar os casos de Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave (SRAG) por COVID-19 em uma capital do Nordeste. Metodologia: Pesquisa analítica e transversal, realizada com dados secundários do Sistema de Informação de Vigilância Epidemiológica de Gripe (SIVEP-GRIPE), referente às fichas de notificação de SRAG de indivíduos hospitalizados no período de março de 2020 a dezembro de 2022. Os dados foram analisados por meio do cálculo das frequências relativas, para identificar fatores associados e prevalências do desfecho segundo as variáveis da pesquisa. Resultados: Foram 12.792 casos registrados de indivíduos hospitalizados por SRAG por diversos agentes etiológicos. Desses, 9.183 foram internados com COVID-19, com prevalência de 56,9% sexo masculino, 52,0% idosos, 53,4% raça/cor parda, 65,8% com fator de risco e 56,6% com uma ou duas comorbidades, principalmente cardiopatias e diabetes. Entre as internações com desfecho, cura ou óbito, a letalidade para hospitalizações gerais foi de 28,8%, admitidos em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva de 64,4% e indivíduos submetidos a ventilação mecânica invasiva de 84,5%. Conclusão: O estudo evidenciou elevada prevalência de internações por SRAG devido à COVID-19 em uma capital nordestina, revelando alta letalidade entre idosos, homens, pardos com comorbidades, e picos de internações em UTI, destacando a sobrecarga no sistema de saúde.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maria Eduarda Pereira Correia, Ana Raquel Batista de Carvalho, Odinéa Maria Amorim Batista, Andréia Rodrigues Moura da Costa Valle, Daniela Reis Joaquim de Freitas, Maria Eliete Batista Moura https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Microbiological and epidemiological profile of patients in an isolation unit at a university hospital in Paraná
Introduction: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) represent a public health problem due to their impact on the quality of care and morbidity and mortality. This study analyzed the microbiological and epidemiological profile of HAIs in a hospital isolation unit, identifying the prevalence of resistant microorganisms and its relationship with demographic factors and clinical outcomes, from January 2021 to June 2024. Design: This is a descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative research, carried out with secondary data from patients admitted to a Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs) isolation unit of a university hospital in Paraná, Brazil. Results: 468 patients were analyzed, mostly male (68.16%), with a predominant age range between 60 and 79 years (38.30%). Colonization by MDRO was higher than infection, respectively, 63.02% and 36.95%). High rates of resistance to carbapenems (20.30%) and meropenem (18.80%) were notable. Rectal swabs were the main microbiological sample (63.68%). The mortality rate reached 19.01%. Implications: These findings reinforce the need for effective infection control and microbiological surveillance strategies to minimize the spread of resistant pathogens and reduce mortality, highlighting the importance of appropriate antibiotic management in the hospital setting.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shirley Elaine Melo, Débora Cristina Ignacio Alves, Maycon Hoffmann Cheffe, Terezinha Aparecida Campos https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance as mortality predictors: a retrospective analysis of a university hospital
The objective was to analyze healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) that occurred in a university hospital in Northeast Brazil. This was a retrospective observational study conducted in a university hospital in Piauí. The sample comprised two groups: the occurrences of HAIs that happened in 2022 throughout the hospital, and the total number of affected individuals. The final sample consisted of 290 cases of HAIs in 228 patients. The most prevalent were COVID-19, catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CA-UTI), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and primary bloodstream infection. There was a significant difference in the frequency of UTIs (p = 2.2 × 10−16) and pneumonia (p = 3.6 × 10−15) associated with and not associated with invasive devices. The main etiological agents were SARS-CoV-2, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Sensitivity profiles were higher than resistance profiles for all antibiotics except vancomycin. Carbapenem resistance was statistically associated with death (p = 0.04). Most of those affected were male, aged 70-79 years, with a progression to hospital discharge. Age ≥ 60 years was associated with death (p = 0.05).
Copyright (c) 2025 João Gabriel Ribeiro dos Santos, Francisca Tereza de Galiza, Odinéa Maria Amorim Batista, Fernanda Valéria Silva Dantas Avelino https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Online Debate on HPV Vaccination In Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study
Introduction: Perceptions of the HPV vaccine are essential to understanding users’ perspectives and experiences regarding vaccination. This study aims to analyze the opinions expressed about HPV vaccination in an online community on the Facebook platform.Design: Observational study conducted through systematic non-participant observation. Data collection was carried out between February and March 2023 with users from a Facebook community. The data were cataloged and analyzed using IRaMuTeQ.Results: The greatest concern among participants was the potential side effects of the HPV vaccine. In addition, cultural values and religious beliefs, as well as the legal obligation to vaccinate, may lead the population to seek ways to avoid immunization. This highlights the need for effective educational strategies to increase HPV vaccine acceptance.Implications: The findings showed that social networks are promising research settings, as they provide information based on users’ opinions and interactions. These data can support the development of public policies and communication strategies that encourage vaccination
Copyright (c) 2025 Maria Angélica de Almeida Peres, Jusley da Silva Miranda, Priscilla Ingrid Gomes Miranda, Luciano Lima Ferreira, Jade Silva Rocha, Ellen Thallita Hill Araújo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of epidemiological and spatial factors associated with physical disabilities due to leprosy at the end of treatment
Introduction: Identifying clinical, epidemiological, and operational factors associated with the development of physical disabilities (PD) after leprosy treatment is essential to improve prevention and care strategies, reduce the socioeconomic impact of the disease, and improve the quality of life of those affected. Objective: Therefore, this study evaluated the factors associated with the presence of PD at the end of treatment in a hyperendemic setting. Method: This was a retrospective study of 495 leprosy patients living in Cáceres, Mato Grosso (MT), using data obtained from the Regional Health Office. Epidemiological, clinical, and geospatial variables were analyzed. Data analysis was performed using logistic regression, with a p-value <0.05 considered significant. An analysis of the spatial flow between the patients' place of residence and the health services responsible for reporting was also performed. Results: Among the 247 records with complete data, the independent factors associated with PD at the end of treatment were: age (odds ratio [OR], 1.04 [1.02–1.08]; p<0.01), multibacillary operational classification (OR, 2.69 [1.08–6.71]; p=0.03), and presence of PD at diagnosis (OR, 5.10 [2.07–12.55]; p<0.01). In the geospatial analysis, centralization of care was observed in a reference service, with a mean patient travel distance of 2.09 km. This service concentrated 76.5% of the notifications; the remaining 23.5% were notified by primary health care (PHC). Implications: The findings suggest late detection and highlight the need to strengthen PHC for early diagnosis and systematic monitoring of PD, starting at the time of diagnosis, in order to reduce PD rates at the end of treatment.
Copyright (c) 2025 Nathan Guilherme de Oliveira, Lavínia Cássia Ferreira Batista Batista, Rose Margarethe Costa, Denise da Costa Boamorte Cortela, Ricardo Souza Cavalcante, Ida Maria Foschiani Dias Baptista https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Educational Digital Game Prev-Sepse Pediatric
Introduction: The serious games are a new teaching and learning strategy in the area of ​​education and health, although few have been found for professionals on pediatric sepse. Objective: Discover or develop a prototype of an educational and digital game on pediatric sepse. Method: This is a methodological study for creating an educational and digital game, based on a design thinking methodology. The contents are extracted from scientific evidence published at national and international levels. The fabrics are developed according to the requirements of creating serious games and maids on the online platform Canva. Results: Foram developed as fabrics of Prev-Sepse Pediátrica play with elements that characterize gamification, seeking to trace the content with facilitators for learning about the concept; identification; initial treatment and prevention of sepse; concept and prevention of infection related to health care. Foram constructed 184 prototype fabrics, each: Initial fabric four fabrics; Phases do jogo: um, 23 fabrics; two, 13 cloths; three, 17 fabrics; four, 14 fabrics; five, 91 fabrics; Help center: 21 fabrics e; Final fabric, a fabric. Conclusion: The prototype allows you to visualize the content available in the game and how it will be in the visual and dynamic format of the executed fabrics.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jakeline Barbara Alves, Rosângela Aparecida Pimenta, André Menolli https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Epidemiological analysis of syphilis in Amazonas
Introdução: a sífilis é uma infecção sexualmente transmissível (IST) cujo agente etiológico é a bactéria Treponema pallidum, curável, discreta e possui estágios para caracterizar os seus sintomas. Contudo, verificam-se alguns desafios acerca desse problema de saúde, como: pelo uso inconsistente de preservativos durante as relações sexuais, pela negligência dos parceiros em relação ao tratamento, e pela falta de adesão ao tratamento e acompanhamento no pré-natal por algumas gestantes. Objetivo: analisar o perfil clínico-epidemiológico da sífilis nas suas três formas – adquirida, congênita e em gestantes – no Amazonas. Método: trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico descritivo e retrospectivo que analisou as notificações de sífilis no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) no estado do Amazonas, entre os anos de 2012 e 2021, disponíveis no Departamento de Informática do SUS (DATASUS). Resultados: constatou-se que, no Amazonas, entre os anos de 2012 e 2021, a sífilis adquirida incidiu predominantemente em pessoa do sexo masculino, pardos, na faixa etária de 20 a 39 anos, com ensino médio completo. Em relação à sífilis congênita, foi identificada uma maior prevalência em recém-nascidos do sexo masculino, filhos de mães pardas, jovens (20 a 24 anos), com baixo nível de escolaridade, e que realizaram acompanhamento pré-natal. Por fim, a sífilis em gestantes foi mais comum em mulheres pardas, com idade entre 20 e 39 anos, ensino fundamental incompleto, e a maioria dos casos classificados como sífilis primária. Considerações finais: o estudo evidenciou elevada incidência de casos e desafios críticos, como o diagnóstico tardio em gestantes e a ausência de tratamento adequado para os parceiros. Para mitigar esses problemas, propõe-se o fortalecimento da vigilância epidemiológica, a melhoria da assistência pré-natal e a intensificação das ações de educação em saúde, como estratégia de promover um pré-natal de qualidade e um acompanhamento eficaz das gestantes.
Raquel Cristina Rodrigues Ferreira Nunes
Copyright (c) 2025 Raquel Cristina Rodrigues Ferreira Nunes, Edson Batista dos Santos Júnior, Priscilla Dantas Almeida https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Adherence to hand hygiene in the processing of health products: facilitating and hindering factors.
Objective: Identify the facilitators and difficulters of adhesion to Higienization of Hands during the processing of Products for Health (PPS) submitted to chemical disinfection. Methods: Transversal descriptive study, performed at a Material Center and Sterilization (CME) class II of a public teaching hospital. They were included as participants, the technical personnel for the unit, the assistant nurses, the technicians and nursing assistants who were acting in PPS processing for a superior period to six months. Two semi structured instruments were used, organized in a form Google form. The data collection occurred in June period August 2021. The project was approved by the Ethics Committee. Results: most nursing technicians recognized the importance of HM capacitations, however seven (63.6% didn't participate in these activities. Access to the insums was among the main facilitators pointed (5/35.7%). Conclusion: the absence of capacitation regarding HM's practice was presented as one of the main difficult factors. Sforces must be directed to professional capacity in order to achieve the quality of assistance prestated and for formulation of monitoring strategies of the HM adhesion.
Copyright (c) 2025 Amanda Ramos da Silva, Cibele Almeida Prazer Rodrigues , Júlio César Coelho do Nascimento, Heliny Carneiro Cunha Neves, Silvana de Lima Vieira dos Santos , Katiane Martins Mendonça https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Quality assessment of the SureWash Pocket® app for hand hygiene adherence
Introduction: Mobile health applications, also known as mHealth, have emerged as tools to support hand hygiene adherence in clinical settings. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of the SureWash Pocket® application, aimed at hand hygiene adherence among healthcare professionals. Design: This is a methodological study, with a quantitative approach, carried out in a public teaching hospital in the Central-West region of Brazil, in 2019. The quality of the application was evaluated by ten healthcare professionals using the Application Evaluation Scale (user version). Descriptive analyses included the calculation of mean scores and standard deviations for each section of the evaluation. Results: The SureWash Pocket® application obtained an average of 4.11 in the quality domain, considered between good and excellent. The subjective quality and perceived impact assessments were also positive, with averages of 3.27 and 3.93, respectively. These results suggest that the application is a promising tool for educational support. Implications: The evaluation suggests that SureWash Pocket® can contribute to training and improving hand hygiene practices in high-demand clinical settings, being an effective and affordable alternative [...].
Copyright (c) 2025 Érica Baggio, Juliano Bortolini , Mara Regina Rosa Ribeiro, Antônio César Ribeiro, Richarlisson Borges De Morais, Liliane Moretti Carneiro, Odinéa Maria Amorim Batista, Mayara Callado Silva Moura, Tainá Evelin de Sousa, Marilia Duarte Valim https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Factors associated with healthcare-associated infections and bacterial resistance in hospitalized children and adolescents
Introduction: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) increase morbidity, mortality, and hospital costs, favoring the spread of resistant bacteria. Objective: To analyze the factors associated with healthcare-associated infections and bacterial resistance in hospitalized children and adolescents. Method: Case-control study carried out with secondary data extracted from Business Intelligence® (BI) software spreadsheets and notification forms from the Hospital Infection Control Commission (CCIH), from medical records of children and adolescents with Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) and positive microbiological cultures, from 2018 to 2023 from two highly complex philanthropic hospitals in Paraná, Brazil. Demographic and clinical information was collected and analyzed by Chi-square or Fisher's test. Results: Of the 244 children and adolescents, 42.2% had HAIs due to resistant bacteria and 57.8% due to sensitive bacteria. Children < 2 years old accounted for 69.7% of the cases with the highest prevalence of bacterial resistance. The use of invasive devices, such as indwelling urinary catheter (OR: 4.65; 95% CI: 2.53–8.53) and orotracheal intubation (OR: 2.31; 95% CI: 1.31–4.04), may be associated with bacterial resistance, as well as surgical site infections (OR: 3.13; 95% CI: 1.57–6.24), primary bloodstream infection (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.00–2.96), hospitalizations > 30 days and ICU stay > 15 days, and death. Gram-negative bacteria were predominant. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of effective infection prevention and control strategies.
Copyright (c) 2025 Susany Franciely Pimenta, Nayane Laine Paglione , Rosângela Aparecida Pimenta https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Profile of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis users treated at the university hospital of northern Tocantins
Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a serious public health problem that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In this context, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a powerful technology that, when combined with other prevention methods, has an impact on reducing new infections with the virus. The objective was to analyze the profile of PrEP users treated at the University Hospital of Northern Tocantins. Design: This is an observational, retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study with a quantitative approach, using secondary data collected from the Medication Logistics Control System and medical records of all PrEP users. The research was conducted at the University Hospital of Northern Tocantins, from August 2024 to January 2025. Descriptive statistics of absolute and relative frequencies, mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values were used, and the chi-square test of independence and/or Fisher's exact test were performed in the Statistic Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. An alpha error of 5% and a confidence level of 95% were considered. Results: The profile of the 63 medical records of PrEP users was predominantly male, cisgender and homosexual, aged between 20 and 29 years, self-declared brown-skinned, and with a high level of education, from Araguaína-TO. Implications: Access to PrEP in the service has grown since its implementation, however, there is a need to create strategies to further popularize prophylaxis and reach other priority groups, such as bisexuals, transgender people, and sex workers.
Copyright (c) 2025 Samanta Cunha Mesquita, Joaquim Guerra de Oliveira Neto, Francisca Nayara dos Santos Madeira, Patrícia Alves de Mendonça Cavalcante, Lucianna Mirelle de Sá Trabulsi, Francisco Maurílio da Silva Carrias https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Facilitators and barriers to adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis among young female sex workers
Introduction: The Mozambican Ministry of Health offers free pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to people at substantial risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, including HIV-negative young female sex workers (FSWs). However, studies indicate low adherence to this prophylaxis in Mozambique, for reasons still unknown. Objective: To analyze the factors associated with PrEP adherence among young female sex workers in Maputo city. Method: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted in Maputo city, Mozambique, between June and September 2024. The sample consisted of 272 FSWs (18–24 years old), selected by stratified probability sampling from five health centers offering PrEP. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered in person. The data were digitized in Open Data Kit (ODK), analyzed in Stata version 17, using descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square test and multinomial logistic regression (p<0.05) to estimate odds ratios (OR) of PrEP adherence and refusal. Results: Of the 272 respondents, 43.4% refused PrEP. Psychosocial and family support was positively associated with adherence (OR = 5.7; p = 0.002; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.022–9.380), while social stigma associated with taking prophylaxis (OR = 1.7; p = 0.025; 95% CI: 0.22–3.32) and medication shortages at health centers (OR = 2.95; p = 0.001; 95% CI: 1.13–4.76) increased the likelihood of refusal. Implications: The study results indicate that although prophylaxis is free, not all eligible FSWs adhere to it due to medication shortages and the social stigma associated with taking them. Promoting awareness campaigns on PrEP use among FSWs and in the community, and improvements in the regular supply of medication at health centers can increase adherence to prophylaxis.
Copyright (c) 2025 Amade Suca, Zeca Manuel Salimo, Humberto Cláudio Inguane, Assucênio Hortêncio Chissaque, Wilson Pereira Silva, Carlos Eduardo Cuinhane https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cost of antimicrobial therapy in hospitalized adult patients with multidrug-resistant microorganism infections
Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance has increased alarmingly in recent decades and makes a challenge to health systems; it increases hospital stays, expenses, and the risk of disability and death. Objective: To rate the costs of antimicrobial treatment in adults infected with multidrug-resistant microorganisms in a tertiary hospital. Method: A retrospective, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was carried out in a tertiary hospital in southern Brazil, from January 2018 to December 2023. Clinical, demographic, and cost variables were accessed from the electronic medical records of patients >18 years old with positive microbiological cultures. The data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and multiple linear regression using the "enter" method. Results: Among 3,452 hospitalizations, 781 patients had positive cultures, 73.1% for multidrug-resistant microorganisms. The median age was 65 years, with a predominance of males (60.7%). 57.2% died; 73.6% had cultures for multidrug-resistant microorganisms. The average cost of antimicrobials for patients with infections caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms was US$684.77; and for patients with infections caused by sensitive microorganisms, it was US$333.10. Conclusion: The expense of antimicrobial treatment in adult patients infected with multidrug-resistant microorganisms was twice as high as in infections caused by antimicrobial-sensitive microorganisms.
Copyright (c) 2025 Susany Franciely Pimenta, Larissa Ribeiro de Andrade, Rosângela Aparecida Pimenta, Nayane Laine Paglione Dias https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of childhood immunization in the state of Piauí: ecological time series study on vaccination coverage from 2000 to 2022
Objective: To analyze the temporal trend of vaccination coverage among children aged zero to 12 years in the state of Piauí. Method: Ecological time-series study following the STROBE guidelines, analyzing vaccines from the childhood calendar. Data were collected from institutional platforms (DATASUS, OpenDataSUS, and CIEGES-PI), calculated by SI-PNI, tabulated in Excel, and analyzed in SPSS 22.0 with descriptive statistics and calculation of the infant mortality rate per 100,000 live births. Results: Infant mortality in Piauí decreased between 2000 and 2022. Coverage of vaccines such as pentavalent, polio, rotavirus, and pneumococcal increased in certain periods, while BCG and hepatitis B vaccines decreased in recent years. Implications: Expanding vaccination coverage and reducing infant mortality require active targeting of unvaccinated individuals, educational campaigns, and training of professionals in the correct use of information systems. It is also necessary to strengthen BCG and hepatitis B vaccination in maternity wards, ensuring early protection.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maria Clara Sales Rodrigues, Lannara Sofia de Araújo Pereira, Laele Vieira Soares, Luana Bastos Araújo, Esteffany Vaz Pierot https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Multisectoral intervention in occupational and environmental health among informal waste pickers: Experience in Chota, Peru
Introduction: Occupational health among informal waste pickers in Peru is a public health problem. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of a multisectoral intervention program in occupational safety and environmental health promotion among informal waste pickers in Chota, Peru. Design: The study population consisted of 20 waste pickers from the informal sector of the municipality of Chota - Cajamarca, Peru. The sampling technique adopted was non-probabilistic by quotas, and the sample was distributed across 6 districts of Chota. The study had two distinct moments: pre-test and post-test. Results: There was a significant increase in the use of personal protective equipment by participants, in adherence to tetanus vaccination (p = 0.018 < 0.05) and in the adoption of protective measures in the workplace (p = 0.001); in the participants' opinion about the transmission of infectious diseases by insects and animals (p = 0.047 < 0.05), and in the practice of boiling water before consumption to prevent infectious diseases (p = 0.035 < 0.05). Implications: the program helped the occupational health of informal waste collectors, preventing infections and occupational diseases and creating good practices for occupational safety and correct handling and disposal of waste.
Rosario de Socorro Avellaneda Yajahuanca
Copyright (c) 2025 Zoila Isabel Cárdenas Tirado, Rosario de Socorro Avellaneda Yajahuanca, Erlinda Holmos Flores, Kely Azucena Irigoín Vásquez, Carlos Alberto Jaimes Velásquez, Daniela Reis Joaquim de Freitas, Dra. Kelly Aliaga https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bibliometric Analysis on Artificial Intelligence applied to Infection Control
Introduction: Infectious diseases remain a major global challenge, particularly in hospital settings. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising tool for the diagnosis, surveillance, and control of these infections. Objective: This study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on the use of AI in infection control. Methods: This is a bibliometric, descriptive study with a quantitative approach, based on data from the Web of Science™ Core Collection. The search was conducted in August 2024 and retrieved 1,189 articles. Analyses were performed using RStudio (Bibliometrix and Biblioshiny packages), VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. Variables analyzed included publication trends, most productive authors, institutions, countries, journals, and thematic structure. Results: A significant increase in scientific output was observed starting in 2016, with a peak in 2023. The articles were authored by 7,058 researchers and published in 624 journals, with Scientific Reports and PLOS ONE standing out. China and the United States led in the number of publications. The most productive institutions included the University of California System and Wuhan University. Thematic clustering revealed four main research areas: diagnosis and prognosis, epidemiological surveillance, critical care (such as sepsis), and clinical decision support. Implications: The bibliometric findings confirm AI as a consolidated and strategic tool in the fight against infections, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights the need to increase the participation of low- and middle-income countries, to promote multicenter validations, and to further investigate the clinical applicability of AI-based solutions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ellayne Beatriz Nunes de Sousa , Lorrana Maria Araújo de Almeida Nobre, Elisa Linhares Lima, Ana Raquel Batista de Carvalho https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Educational technologies for the prevention and control of infections in health services: scope review
Introduction: Educational technologies (ETs) are essential for preventing and controlling healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). They can be used in the continuing education of health professionals, focusing on improving the quality of care and patient safety, facilitating systematic training, and enhancing clinical practices. Objective: To map the scientific literature on ETs for the prevention and control of infections in health services. Design: Scope review according to JBI, conducted in the LILACS, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases, as well as in the gray literature, correlating the descriptors “Nursing”, “Infection Control”, and “Education Technology”. Data collection took place in November 2023, without any restrictions on language or publication date. Results: The search resulted in 309 studies, with full readings of 19 and a final sample of 05 studies. Most of the studies were conducted in Brazil, aimed at nursing professionals, in virtual spaces, and 80% of the technologies were validated by judges. Implications: The study identifies the ETs developed to promote ongoing health education and the prevention and control of bloodstream infections transmitted by contact and emerging microorganisms. Nonetheless, there is a shortage of publications on the use of these technologies in the prevention and control of other infections such as ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and urinary tract infections (UTI) in health services, indicating an underexplored theme
Copyright (c) 2025 Felipe Almeida Sales, Ester Barboza Tavares, Ana Beatriz França Bezerra, Gabriela Oliveira Xavier, Laura Campos Cavallazzi, Júlia Larissa de Souza Silva, Emanuela Batista Ferreira e Pereira https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Diagnostic Management of Blood Cultures in the Pre-Analytical and Post-Analytical Phases: Scope Review
Introduction: Diagnostic stewardship of blood cultures optimizes healthcare resources and promotes safe patient care. Its focus lies in the rational use of tests that support the appropriate use of antimicrobials. Objective: To map the available scientific evidence on the practices adopted by healthcare professionals in the pre-analytical and post-analytical phases of blood cultures that contribute to the diagnosis of patients with bloodstream infection.Design: Scoping review according to the Joanna Briggs Institute. The PCC acronym was used to construct the research question. The review was conducted using the databases MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, LILACS, and the gray literature BDTD, correlating the descriptors “Blood Culture,” “Bacteremia,” “Sepsis,” “Pre-Analytical Phase,” and “Critical Laboratory Values.” Data collection wascarried out in May 2024 with no language or date filters. Results: Of the 164 studies, 22 met the research objective. Practices in the pre-analytical phase: interventions regarding the indication for collection, number of samples, volume, and transport. Practices in the post-analytical phase: timely communication and support for result interpretation. Implications: The study identifies the practices adopted by healthcare professionals in the pre-analytical and post-analytical phases of blood cultures that align with the principles of diagnostic stewardship.
Copyright (c) 2025 Suelen Lopes Santos da Silva Ambrósio, Karla Regina Oliveira de Moura Ronchini, Glaucia Ribeiro Gonçalves de Rezende, Alexandre Sousa da Silva https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Performance of university students doing outreach work in patient safety practice in a university hospital
Introduction: The occurrence of adverse events remains a challenge in Brazilian hospitals, even after the implementation of the six international patient safety goals since 2009. In this context, University Outreach serves as a pedagogical tool by integrating teaching, service, and community, promoting engagement with a culture of safety. To describe the actions of healthcare students on patient safety in a university outreach program. Method: This experience report was developed between June 2022 and June 2023 by nursing, medicine, nutrition, and pharmacy students from the Federal University of Piauí, participating in the project "Good Practices for Patient Safety and Quality of Care." The actions were organized into three stages: planning (training and institutional integration), execution (educational activities, assessments, and reporting), and evaluation (supervision and critical analysis). Results: The outreach program enabled actions focused on patient safety and quality of care, with activities such as practical training, protocol monitoring, bedside health education, and strategies for preventing adverse events. Implications: The experience contributed to the development of clinical, ethical, and collaborative skills, strengthening student education and raising awareness of safe practices focused on quality care
Copyright (c) 2025 Álvaro Sepúlveda Carvalho Rocha, João Gabriel Ribeiro dos Santos, Eloane Maria Mendes Vera Cruz, Esteffany Vaz Pierot, Chrystiany Plácido de Brito Vieira, Fernanda Valéria Silva Dantas Avelino https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Nursing extensionists in the control of hospital infection before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Introduction: The Hospital Infection Control Service plays a vital role in preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections, and the nurse, as an active member of this service, contributes with both technical and managerial expertise. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, measures such as the mandatory use of Personal Protective Equipment became essential to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Objective: To describe the importance of the role of nursing extensionists before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Hospital Infection Control Service of a University Hospital. Method: This is an experience report carried out between 2020 and 2022 by undergraduate nursing students from the 5th and 6th semesters at the Federal University of Piauí, participants in the project “Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for HealthcareAssociated Infections.” The activities included active chart review, inspection of invasive devices, observation of hand hygiene practices, and development of educational materials. Results: The actions promoted hands-on learning, encouraged a culture of safety, and supported the strategies implemented by the Hospital Infection Control Service. Implications: The experience highlighted the importance of health education and the effective use of remote tools as a means of disseminating knowledge.
Copyright (c) 2025 Álvaro Sepúlveda Carvalho Rocha, Ana Carolina Macedo, Mayara Callado Silva Moura, Brenda Maria dos Santos de Melo, Lídya Tolstenko Nogueira, Odinéa Maria Amorim Batista https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0