Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Early assessment of prognosis following major abdominal surgery is associated with decreased risk of complications and death. While scoring systems are useful in this regard, there is no index that enables comprehensive individual patient assessment and is also applicable in ICUs with limited resources. OBJECTIVES Demonstrate that a model based on intra-abdominal pressure is effective in predicting death after major abdominal surgery. METHODS A prospective observational study was done of 300 post–abdominal-surgery patients admitted to the ICU of a university hospital affiliated with the General Calixto Garcia Medical Faculty, in January 2008 through January 2010. Patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to two groups: test and validation. The independent variable was vital status at discharge (alive or deceased); independent variables were age, sex, malignancy, APACHE II score and intra-abdominal pressure. In the test group, three mathematical models were fit to predict death (APACHE II, intra-abdominal pressure, and APACHE II plus intraabdominal pressure), which were later validated in the second group. Each model’s capacity to discriminate between living and deceased was evaluated according to sensitivity and specificity of receiver operating characteristic curves. Calibration was assessed with the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and comparison of receiver operating characteristic curves by chi-square test of homogeneity. Each patient was followed until hospital discharge or death. RESULTS The three mortality prediction models displayed excellent calibration and discrimination, very similar predictive power, and no differences among their respective areas under the curve (chi square 2.802, p = 0.094). Variables with the most influence on probability of death were age, APACHE II score and intra-abdominal pressure. CONCLUSIONS The three models show good capacity and similar effectiveness to predict death after major abdominal surgery. The model based on intra-abdominal pressure is the most feasible in limited-resource settings.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Mosquito-transmitted dengue remains an endemic threat to population health in various tropical and subtropical regions. Recommended dengue prevention practices focus on vector control and reducing human–mosquito interactions, by practices such as removing standing water, wearing protective clothing and using repellent, as well as seeking medical care when symptomatic. Health workers in the community educate and empower citizens about recommended prevention practices, and thus are indispensable in implementing national dengue initiatives at the local level. However, their health messages may not resonate with all community members, resulting in low adherence to recommended prevention practices. Understanding the factors associated with low adherence to dengue prevention and control measures is essential for strengthening national dengue initiatives. OBJECTIVE Identify health workers’ perceived challenges for dengue prevention and control strategies and describe their recommendations for strengthening dengue control in the Dominican Republic. METHODS From January through March 2005, a qualitative study was conducted in five provinces of the Dominican Republic. Based on literature review and consultations with clinical specialists, a semistructured interview guide of nine questions was designed. A purposive sample of 19 health workers (10 men, 9 women) was interviewed, including public health practitioners, entomologists, educators, clinicians and an administrator. Question topics included occupational experiences in dengue prevention and control; views on vector control in communities; perceived challenges for citizens’ adherence to recommended practices; and suggested measures for strengthening adherence to vector control at local and national levels. Thematic analysis was used to identify salient themes. RESULTS Health workers described the following perceived challenges: 1) limited individual economic resources; 2) individual lack of awareness, education or action; 3) limited cohesion among community members; and 4) limitations in sustainability of government interventions. They made 14 recommendations related to the 4 perceived challenges. CONCLUSIONS These findings evince the complex interplay of economic, environmental, health, political and social factors that can directly or indirectly influence individual and community adherence to recommended dengue prevention measures. By understanding how these intrinsic and extrinsic factors hinder adherence, health authorities can adapt national policies to strengthen community participatory action in vector control, empower leadership potential by health workers and community members, and provide an appropriate systemic approach to preventing disease transmission.