Publications by authors named "Valeria Stuardo-Avila"

In epidemiological and social studies on populations without a sampling frame or that are hard to reach, respondent-driven sampling (RDS), under certain assumptions, has the potential to produce asymptotically unbiased and efficient population estimates for these populations. While RDS is typically conducted face-to-face, the online version (WebRDS) has gained attention due to its potential advantages, although its disadvantages have also raised concern. The objective of this study was to contrast these two formats at the level of application and potential biases, where the online version offers improved speed and lower costs but raises concerns about potential biases due to a lack of face-to-face instructions regarding definition of the social network size and peer-recruiting process.

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Background: Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is a peer chain-recruitment method for populations without a sampling frame or that are hard-to-reach. Although RDS is usually done face-to-face, the online version (WebRDS) has drawn a lot of attention as it has many potential benefits, despite this, to date there is no clear framework for its implementation. This article aims to provide guidance for researchers who want to recruit through a WebRDS.

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Unlabelled: Background Sexualised drug use has attracted interest due to the role it could play in increasing exposure to the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmissible infections. It also carries risks inherent to substance use and may influence psychosocial factors. This study characterised sexualised drug use among Latin America MSM Internet Survey (LAMIS) respondents in Chile, in order to identify aspects associated with the phenomenon.

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According to the most recent UNAIDS report, the number of new HIV infections has increased by 34% since 2010 in Chile, representing the largest increase in the Americas. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the metropolitan region (MR) of Santiago, Chile. Cross-sectional study of MSM living in the MR, recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS).

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Objectives: To describe and compare the profile of female sex workers (FSWs) that access or do not access sexual health checkups (SHC). The research question was what are the factors linked to access to SHC for FSWs in the metropolitan region (RM) of Chile?

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the RM with FSWs over the age of 18. A sample of 370 FSWs was selected by using the time-location sampling method in closed venues and at street-level locations.

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In Chile, over 14,000 adults are living with HIV receive antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Adequate adherence to HAART has a major impact on survival. There is little consensus on the causes of poor adherence, due to the unique and diverse sociocultural parameters involved in the issue.

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Objective: To determine morbidity and mortality from cholera during different segments of the period 1991-2011 in the countries of Latin America.

Methods: Using information sources from a nonsystematic literature search for works on cholera epidemics, a mixed ecological study was conducted aimed at a time series analysis of morbidity, mortality, and case-fatality in cholera-related health events between 1991 and 2011 in 18 Latin American countries.

Results: During the period 1991-2011, 1 839 037 cases of cholera were reported in Latin America, with 19 538 deaths and a case fatality rate of 1.

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