Isabel Cristina Esposito Sorpreso

Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV), including homicide, constitutes a serious global public health problem, with significant repercussions on human development and social inequalities. Evidence suggests greater vulnerability in the LGBTQIA+ population, but scientific production on intimate partner homicide in this group remains limited when compared to the cisheterosexual population. Objective: to systematically review the literature on intimate partner violence and homicide perpetrated against sexual and gender minorities, analyzing prevalence data and psychosocial and structural correlates in LGBTQIA+ populations in relation to cisheterosexual populations. Method: systematic review of the literature produced between 2013 and 2023, following the PRISMA guidelines. Scopus, PubMed, LILACS, Embase, BVS, APA PsycNet, and SciELO databases were consulted, using MeSH and DeCS descriptors. The PECO strategy was applied to include original quantitative studies on victimization, perpetration, and homicide by intimate partners in LGBTQIA+ and cisheterosexual populations, without restriction on sample size. Screening was performed by independent reviewers. Results: 1,226 articles were identified, of which 19 met the eligibility criteria. Black women and men were disproportionately affected. Physical, sexual, and psychological abuse preceded homicide in most cases. Alcohol use and relationship conflicts, especially relationship termination, were the factors most frequently associated with homicides. Greater severity of violence was observed in the LGBTQIA+ population, associated with a greater burden of mental suffering, substance use, and risky behaviors, especially among transgender people. Conclusion: IPV and homicide by intimate partners affect cisheterosexual and LGBTQIA+ populations similarly in terms of lethal outcomes, but with greater severity and vulnerability among sexual and gender minorities. Significant gaps remain in the literature, especially regarding homicide within the LGBTQIA+ population, reinforcing the need for specific research and public policies.

Social media is an increasingly relevant tool for health education, enabling information exchange, promoting autonomy and supporting informed decision-making. This study introduces Menopausando, a predominantly Portuguese-language digital platform designed to support women during menopausal transition and postmenopause. This cross-sectional study has been carried out in the Gynecology Discipline, São Paulo University, Brazil, since 2019. In the pre-implementation phase of the digital platform, interviews were conducted with 287 Internet users about their experiences and preferences to be disclosed on the digital platform. The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test and analysis of variance with Stata 16 SE were utilized. Interviewees were 83.3% white with mean age 54.3 (1.82) years, and 78.8% were interested in a menopause digital platform. The platform reached 21,617 website users, 3048 Instagram users, 133 Facebook users and 1126 Spotify users. Facebook users were older, men age 51.3 (9.3) years, than Spotify users, mean age 45.6 (12.2) years (p < 0.001). Female gender was present in all social networks (p < 0.001). The largest number of Brazilian users was on the website, with 21,000 (97.1%) (p < 0.001) (all groups), and other countries' websites and Instagram (p < 0.001). Menopausando effectively supports women during menopausal transition and postmenopause via multiple digital channels. The results expose digital access tendencies and inequalities.

There is no strong evidence demonstrating whether or not aerobic exercise in conjunction with resistance exercise improves metabolic diabetes markers in postmenopausal women. To evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise and resistance training on metabolic markers in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis. The searches were completed using EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. This study included non-blinded, single or double-blinded randomized control trials and postmenopausal women diagnosed with T2DM. The imposed intervention was aerobic exercise plus any training protocol to strengthen muscle groups for resistance intervention. The outcomes of interest were the blood glucose levels, insulin secretion, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Risk of Bias tools and GRADE were obligatory. Three studies were included (83 participants). Exercise intervention ranged between two to four days per week. Compared to the control group, in the group submitted to aerobic exercise + resistance training, no significant change was noted for HbA1c (subtotal = mean difference - 0.35 [95% CI: -0.85, 0.15], p = .17, and heterogeneity = 0%) (GRADE: very low), nevertheless, HOMA-IR index was significantly improved (subtotal = mean difference -0.52 [95% CI: -0.99, -0.05], p = .03, and heterogeneity = 0%) (GRADE: very low). Despite the very low certainty found in the quality of evidences, our analysis showed that aerobic exercise along with strength exercise seems to improve some metabolic diabetes markers in postmenopausal women with T2DM. There is a need for further studies to support our preliminary findings.

To analyse the understanding of deaf women regarding contraceptive methods. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study in two referral centres for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in São Paulo, Brazil, trough years 2020-2022. Twenty-eight deaf women who use Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS) were interviewed face-to-face and remotely via videocall using a semi-structured questionnaire containing sociodemographic and clinical data and questions about understanding and knowledge of contraceptive methods. We performed a content analysis through transcription, interpretation, and validation of the LIBRAS translation with the assistance of NVivo software. Communication barrier (28/28) was the primary factor associated with low knowledge about contraceptive methods. Regarding barrier methods, 20 (71%) participants reported be familiar with condoms, 13 (46%) with diaphragms, 20 (71%) about oral contraceptives, and 17 (60%) about injectable methods. Concerning long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), 16 (57%) were aware about intrauterine devices and 7 (25%) with subdermal implants. Fifteen (53%) of participants were aware about female and male permanent contraception. Unplanned pregnancy rate was 59% and use of fertility awareness methods was reported by 6 (21%), barrier methods 5 (17%), short-acting methods 6 (21%), LARC 2 (7%) and permanent contraception among 4 (14%). In our sample of deaf women, condoms and oral contraceptives were identified more often and were more in use. All interviewed deaf women cited communication as a barrier to accessing information about contraceptive methods, highlighting the low knowledge and use of LARC.