Instrument validity: HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in homeless people

Abstract

Objectives: to validate, through the Item Response Theory, an instrument on vulnerability to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in homeless people. Methods: a cross-sectional study carried out between February and May 2018 with 100 homeless people in a municipality in northeastern Brazil. A sociodemographic questionnaire was applied, and another with items referring to behaviors vulnerable to HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Subsequently, it was assessed through the Item Response Theory. Results: the items previous diagnosis of STIs (F=0.473), partner with STI symptoms (F=0.518), drug use (F=0.509), sex for money (F=0.552), STI symptoms (F=0.448), number of sexual partners (F=0.616), sharps sharing (F=0.398) and being a victim of sexual violence (F=0.347) were validated. Conclusions: the instrument proved to be validated, being able to identify vulnerability to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in homeless people.

Interconexão entre saúde planetária e resposta ao HIV/aids: Uma reflexão sob a ótica do pensamento complexo

“…Conditions of vulnerability include psychosocial issues that cause physical and emotional harm, resulting in greater health risks. Therefore, early detection of HIV and prevention of opportunistic diseases are essential care strategies (12) so that people living with HIV/AIDS can access health services, receive appropriate treatment, and have a good quality of life. Thus, complex thinking should guide and broaden the understanding of the problems, linking them, contextualizing them, and contributing to the ability to deal with the uncertainties that permeate the phenomenon of HIV/AIDS treatment, which is linked to anthropogenic impacts on planetary health (11) .…”