• Prevention of vertical HIV-1 transmission in a tertiary care public hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina Artículos de Investigación Original

    Cecchini, Diego; Martinez, Marina; Astarita, Viviana; Nieto, Claudia; Giesolauro, Rafael; Rodriguez, Claudia

    Abstract in Spanish:

    OBJETIVO: Describir las características de los binomios madre-hijo, la profilaxis antirretroviral, la evolución temporal de la transmisión vertical del VIH-1 y sus variables asociadas en una población asistida por un hospital público de complejidad terciaria de Argentina. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo desarrollado por el Grupo de trabajo en prevención de la Transmisión Vertical del Hospital General de Agudos Dr. Cosme Argerich, Buenos Aires, Argentina, entre 1998 y 2008. Se compararon los períodos 1998-2003 y 2004-2008, y se identificaron las variables asociadas a esta vía de contagio. RESULTADOS: De 357 binomios madre-hijo, 21,0% de las madres presentaron coinfección con el virus de la hepatitis C y 68,0% linfocitos CD4 < 500/µL. Durante el embarazo, 75,0% de las madres recibieron tratamiento antirretroviral: zidovudina (17,8%), zidovudina-lamivudina (19,8%), zidovudina-lamivudina-nevirapina (41,9%) y zidovudina-lamivudina-inhibidor de proteasa (11,4%). El 74% presentó una carga viral (CV) en el período periparto < 1000 copias/mL. La proporción de cesáreas fue de 58,0%. Se administró zidovudina durante el parto en 83,4% de los casos. El 98,0% de los neonatos recibió profilaxis; la más frecuente fue zidovudina en monoterapia (73,0%). El 15,4% presentó bajo peso neonatal y 6,7% fue prematuro. La transmisión vertical global fue de 3,3% (10/302). En la comparación entre ambos períodos se observó un aumento de la indicación del tratamiento antirretroviral triple, mayor frecuencia de CV < 1 000 copias/mL en el período periparto, y disminución de la ausencia de profilaxis materna-neonatal y de la transmisión vertical global en el período 2004-2008. Para este período, la transmisión vertical fue de 1,3% en el hospital frente a 6,3% en la ciudad de Buenos Aires (estadísticas oficiales). La ausencia de profilaxis materna/intraparto y la prematuridad se asociaron a la transmisión vertical (P < 0,01 y P = 0,01, respectivamente) CONCLUSIONES: Se observó un descenso en la transmisión vertical global entre ambos períodos, atribuible a la mayor cobertura antirretroviral materno-neonatal y al mayor uso de tratamiento antirretroviral de alta eficacia. La ausencia de profilaxis materna/intraparto fue el principal factor asociado a esta vía de contagio, lo que pone de relieve la necesidad de mejorar la accesibilidad al sistema de salud de los binomios madre-hijo..

    Abstract in English:

    OBJECTIVE: To describe characteristics of mother-child binomium (MCB), antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis, time trends, and variables associated with vertical transmission of HIV-1 in a population assisted by a tertiary public hospital in Argentina. METHODS: Prospective descriptive study undertaken by the Hospital Cosme Argerich s Vertical Transmission Working Group, Buenos Aires city, Argentina 1998-2008. Periods 1998-2003 vs. 2004-2008 were compared and variables associated with vertical transmission identified. RESULTS: Of 357 MCB, 21.0% of the mothers had HCV coinfection and 68.0% CD4 < 500/µL. During pregnancy, 75.0% received ARV: zidovudine (17.8%), zidovudinelamivudine (19.8%), zidovudine-lamivudine-nevirapine (41.9%), and zidovudinelamivudine-protease inhibitor (11.4%); 74.0% had viral load (VL) peripartum < 1 000 copies/mL. Caesarean delivery: 58.0%. Intrapartum zidovudine: 83.4%; 98.0% of infants received prophylaxis; zidovudine monotherapy was the most frequently used (73.0%). Of neonates, 15.4% had low birthweight and 6.7% were premature. The global vertical transmission was 3.3% (10/302). Comparing both periods, an increase in triple ARV and VL < 1 000 copies/mL in peripartum and a decrease in the absence of maternal/neonatal prophylaxis and overall VT was observed. The vertical transmission for 2004-2008 was 1.3% vs. 6.3% in Buenos Aires city (official statistics). Absence of maternal/intrapartum prophylaxis and prematurity were associated with vertical transmission (P < 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A decline in overall vertical transmission between the two periods was observed attributable to increased coverage of maternal/neonatal ARV administration and increased use of triple therapy. The absence of maternal/intrapartum prophylaxis was the main factor associated with vertical transmission, emphasizing the need to improve accessibility of MCB to the local public health system.
  • Intervention to prevent intestinal parasitic reinfections among Tarahumara indigenous schoolchildren in northern Mexico Original Research Articles

    Monárrez-Espino, Joel; Pérez-Espejo, Cristina Rocío; Vázquez-Mendoza, Guillermo; Balleza-Carreón, Andrés; Caballero-Hoyos, Ramiro

    Abstract in Portuguese:

    OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia de una intervención amplia de 20 semanas de duración para prevenir la reinfección por Ascaris lumbricoides y Giardia lamblia en niños indígenas en edad escolar del norte de México. MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo, de comparación y ecológico. Se seleccionaron dos internados geográficamente aislados, cada uno de los cuales alberga entre 100 y 120 niños de 4 a 15 años de edad, según su infraestructura física: una escuela moderna en la que se llevó a cabo la intervención y otra, precaria, que se empleó como control. Tras el diagnóstico inicial, los niños con resultados positivos en los análisis de las muestras de heces recibieron tratamiento supervisado con nitazoxanida oral. El diagnóstico se hizo con al menos un resultado microscópico positivo en dos muestras sucesivas con la técnica de Faust, según lo informado por las observaciones independientes efectuadas por dos técnicos de laboratorio capacitados. Se tomaron muestras postratamiento y solo se hizo el seguimiento de los niños con resultados negativos. La intervención incluyó mejoras y mantenimiento de la infraestructura y un programa educativo de prevención para los niños, los padres y el personal de la escuela; en la escuela de control no se llevó a cabo ninguna actividad. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia inicial de la infección por A. lumbricoides fue de 37,5% en la escuela de la intervención frente a 16,6% en la escuela de control (P < 0,01); la de G. lamblia, de 51,7% frente a 37,8%, respectivamente. En la escuela de la intervención 35,7% no hablaba español, en comparación con 6,7% en la escuela de control (P < 0,01). Las tasas de curación fueron similares en ambas escuelas para A. lumbricoides (aproximadamente 98%) y para G. lamblia (aproximadamente 80%). La prevalencia final y las tasas de reinfección para G. lamblia fueron de 10,4% frente a 10,8% en la escuela de la intervención y de 17,2% frente a 21% en la escuela de control. No hubo nuevas infecciones o reinfecciones con A. lumbricoides en ninguna de las escuelas. Las tasas de seguimiento fueron de 80% a 83% en la escuela de control y de 90% a 95% en la escuela de la intervención. CONCLUSIONES: Las tasas de infección o reinfección fueron similares en las dos escuelas después de 20 semanas. El tratamiento supervisado cada semestre como única medida controló eficazmente las infecciones con A. lumbricoides o G. lamblia en este entorno indígena.

    Abstract in English:

    OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a 20-week, broad intervention to prevent reinfection by Ascaris lumbricoides (AL) and Giardia lamblia (GL) among indigenous schoolchildren in northern Mexico. METHODS: A prospective, comparative, ecological study. Two isolated boarding schools, each hosting 100-120 children, 4-15 years of age, were selected based on physical infrastructure: intervention school (IS), modern; control school (CS), deprived. After initial diagnosis, children with positive stool samples received supervised treatment with oral nitazoxanide. Diagnoses were made with at least one positive microscopic result from two serial samples using the Faust technique, as reported by the independent observations of two trained, laboratory technicians. Post-treatment samples were taken, and only those with negative results were followed-up. The intervention included infrastructure improvements/maintenance and an educational preventive program for children, parents, and school personnel; no activities were undertaken in the CS. RESULTS: Baseline prevalence for AL was 37.5% at the IS versus 16.6% at the CS (P < 0.01); and for GL, 51.7% versus 37.8%, respectively. At the IS, 35.7% did not speak Spanish, compared to 6.7% in the CS (P < 0.01). Cure rates were similar in both schools for AL (~ 98%) and GL (~ 80%). Final prevalence and reinfection rates for GL were 10.4% versus 10.8%, and 17.2% versus 21% at the IS and CS, respectively. No children were infected/reinfected with AL in either school. Follow-up rates were 80%-83% at the CS and 90%-95% at the IS. CONCLUSIONS: Infection/reinfection rates were similar at the schools after 20 weeks. Supervised treatment alone every semester could effectively control AL/GL infections in this indigenous setting.
  • Perception of patients with chronic hemiplegia regarding the use of assistive walking devices

    Polese, Janaíne Cunha; Nascimento, Lucas Rodrigues; Faria, Christina Danielli Coelho de Morais; Laurentino, Glória Elizabeth Carneiro; Rodrigues-de-Paula, Fátima; Ada, Louise; Teixeira-Salmela, Luci Fuscaldi

    Abstract in Portuguese:

    OBJETIVO: Avaliar a percepção de hemiplégicos crônicos sobre o uso de dispositivos auxiliares (DA) na marcha. MÉTODOS: A partir de um banco de dados de 360 hemiplégicos, foram recrutados 23 indivíduos que utilizavam DA e preenchiam os critérios de inclusão. A média de idade foi de 58,4 anos, tempo pós-acidente vascular encefálico de 80,8 meses e tempo de uso do DA de 67,6 meses. Para avaliar a percepção dos participantes, utilizou-se um questionário padronizado, composto por cinco questões: impacto do DA na habilidade para descarregar peso no membro parético; impacto na habilidade para movimentar o membro parético; impacto na confiança; impacto na segurança; e impacto no jeito de caminhar. As respostas possíveis eram "melhorou", "não alterou" ou "piorou". RESULTADOS: Quatorze indivíduos utilizavam bengalas e nove utilizavam muletas canadenses; 21 (91,3%) utilizavam DA somente em vias públicas e dois (8,7%) utilizavam DA também em ambiente domiciliar. A percepção em relação ao uso do DA foi positiva nas quatro primeiras questões (6,87 < χ2< 29,83; 0,0001 < P < 0,03), com relatos de melhora na descarga de peso (82,6%), na habilidade de movimentar o membro parético (39,1%), na confiança para caminhar (82,6%) e na segurança (86,9%). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas para o item jeito de caminhar (χ2= 1,09; P = 0,30). CONCLUSÕES: A percepção dos indivíduos hemiplégicos crônicos foi positiva em relação ao uso de DA para deambulação, sugerindo que esses dispositivos podem melhorar a mobilidade e a independência durante as atividades de vida diária.

    Abstract in English:

    OBJECTIVE: To assess the perception of patients with chronic hemiplegia regarding the use of assistive walking devices (AWD). METHODS: Twenty-three individuals who met the inclusion criteria and used AWD were recruited from a database of 360 stroke survivors. Their mean age was 58.4 years, mean time since stroke was 80.8 months, and mean time using AWD was 67.6 months. To assess the participants' perception, was used a standardized questionnaire covering the impact of AWDs on five aspects: weight-bearing on the paretic limb; ability to move the paretic limb; confidence; safety; and walking style. Possible answers were "improved," "unchanged," or "decreased." RESULTS: Fourteen individuals used canes and nine used elbow crutches; 21 (91.3%) used AWDs on public roads and only two (8.7%) used AWDs at home. The perception regarding the use of AWDs were positive in the first four questions (6.87 < χ2 < 29.83; 0.0001 < P < 0.03), with reports of improvement in weight-bearing (82.6%), ability to move the paretic limb (39.1%), confidence (82.6%), and safety (86.9%). No significant differences were found in terms of walking style (χ2 = 1.09; P = 0.30). CONCLUSIONS: The perception of chronic hemiplegic subjects regarding the use of AWD were positive, suggesting that these devices can improve mobility and independence in activities of daily living.
  • Epidemiological and economic impact of tetanus vaccination in Colombian adults Artículos de Investigación Original

    Alvis, Nelson; de La Hoz, Fernando; Gamboa, Oscar; Cediel, Natalia; Rico, Alejandro; Paternina, Ángel; Alvis, Luis

    Abstract in Portuguese:

    OBJETIVO: Evaluar el potencial impacto epidemiológico y económico de la vacunación antitetánica en la población colombiana mayor de 15 años de edad, con dosis de refuerzo cada 10 años. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un análisis de costo-efectividad de la vacunación con refuerzo cada 10 años contra el tétanos en Colombia, comparándola con la actual estrategia (2, 4, 6, 18 y 60 meses). La carga de enfermedad se estimó con base en tres fuentes oficiales de datos. Se realizó un modelo de Markov desde la perspectiva del tercer pagador. El horizonte temporal fue el tiempo de vida de una persona. Se realizaron análisis de sensibilidad determinístico y probabilístico. RESULTADOS: En Colombia se notifican anualmente entre 30 y 48 casos de tétanos que ocasionan entre 9,6 y 10,1 muertes. Si bien la vacunación con refuerzo resultó costo-efectiva para toda la población (el costo por año de vida ajustado por discapacidad [AVAD] evitado fue de US$ 11 314 en toda la población), al discriminar los resultados por género no sería costoefectiva en las mujeres (el costo por AVAD evitado en hombres fue de US$ 4 903, y en mujeres de US$ 22 332). CONCLUSIONES: Este es el primer estudio que evalúa la costo- efectividad de una dosis de refuerzo cada 10 años de la vacuna contra el tétanos en un país en desarrollo. La aplicación de esta medida sería costo-efectiva en Colombia, especialmente para los hombres. Las diferencias en los resultados por género obliga a que cualquier decisión de implementación deba tener en cuenta la vacunación actual en mujeres en edad fértil.

    Abstract in English:

    OBJECTIVE: Assess the potential epidemiological and economic impact of vaccinating the over-15 Colombian population against tetanus with a booster dose every 10 years. METHODS: A cost-effectiveness analysis of tetanus vaccination with a booster dose every 10 years was conducted in Colombia and compared with the current strategy (2, 4, 6, 18, and 60 months). Estimates of the burden of disease were based on three official data sources. A Markov model from the perspective of the third party payer was developed. The time horizon was the lifetime of a person. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted. RESULTS: In Colombia, 30 to 48 cases of tetanus resulting in 9.6 to 10.1 deaths are reported each year. Although booster vaccination for the entire population was cost-effective (the cost per disability-adjusted life year [DALY] avoided was US$ 11,314 in the entire population), gender-based differentiation of the results showed that it would not be cost-effective in women (cost per DALY avoided was US$ 4,903 in men and US$ 22,332 in women). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study that evaluates the cost-effectiveness of a tetanus vaccine booster dose every 10 years in a developing country. Use of this measure would be cost-effective in Colombia, especially for men. As a result of the gender-based differences in the results, any decision about its use in women of childbearing age should take current vaccination into account.
  • Implementation and progress of an inclusive primary health care model in Guatemala: coverage, quality, and utilization Original Research Articles

    Fort, Meredith P; Grembowski, David E; Verdugo, Juan C; Morales, Lidia C; Arriaga, Carmen A; Mercer, Mary A; Lim, Stephen S

    Abstract in Spanish:

    OBJETIVO: Describir un modelo de atención primaria de salud diseñado específicamente para Guatemala que se ha ejecutado en dos sitios piloto desde 2004 y presentar los resultados de una evaluación de la utilización, la cobertura de servicios y la calidad de la atención entre 2005 y 2009. MÉTODOS: Se evaluaron la cobertura, la utilización y la calidad mediante una base de datos automatizada que relaciona los datos obtenidos a partir de un censo con los registros clínicos, y su evolución se informó a lo largo del tiempo. Se compararon las medidas clave de cobertura de la salud maternoinfantil con las medidas obtenidas en el nivel nacional. RESULTADOS: La cobertura posnatal lograda por el Modelo Incluyente de Salud, de casi 100,0% en ambos sitios, contrasta con el promedio nacional de 25,6%. La cobertura de vacunación de los niños de 12 a 23 meses de edad en dicho modelo alcanzó 95,6% en el sitio 1 (Bocacosta, Sololá) y 92,7% en el sitio 2 (San Juan Ostuncalco), en comparación con el promedio nacional de 71,2%. El cumplimiento de las directrices nacionales de tratamiento aumentó significativamente en los dos sitios, con un aumento acentuado entre 2006 y 2007. La utilización aumentó significativamente en ambos sitios; al finalizar el período de 5 años no usaban los servicios solo 7,5% de las familias en el sitio 1 y 11,2% de las familias en el sitio 2. CONCLUSIONES: Las medidas de cobertura, calidad de la atención y utilización aumentaron significativamente durante el período de 5 años durante el cual se ejecutó el modelo de prestación de servicios. Estos datos indican firmemente que el modelo puede mejorar tanto los resultados relacionados con la salud como las medidas de proceso. El Modelo Incluyente de Salud será mantenido económicamente por el Ministerio de Salud Pública y Asistencia Social y se extenderá, al menos, a tres sitios más. El modelo proporciona enseñanzas importantes para los programas de atención primaria de otros países.

    Abstract in English:

    OBJECTIVE: To describe a primary health care model designed specifically for Guatemala that has been implemented in two demonstration sites since 2004 and present results of a process evaluation of utilization, service coverage, and quality of care from 2005 to 2009. METHODS: Coverage, utilization, and quality were assessed by using an automated database linking census and clinical records and were reported over time. Key maternal and child health coverage measures were compared with national-level measures. RESULTS: The postnatal coverage achieved by the Modelo Incluyente de Salud of nearly 100.0% at both sites contrasts with the national average of 25.6%. Vaccination coverage for children aged 12-23 months in the Modelo Incluyente de Salud reached 95.6% at site 1 (Bocacosta, Sololá) and 92.7% at site 2 (San Juan Ostuncalco), compared with the national average of 71.2%. Adherence to national treatment guidelines increased significantly at both sites with a marked increase between 2006 and 2007. Utilization increased significantly at both sites, with only 7.5% of families at site 1 and 11.2% of families at site 2 not using services by the end of the 5-year period. CONCLUSIONS: Coverage, quality of care, and utilization measures increased significantly during the 5-year period when the service delivery model was implemented. This finding suggests a strong possibility that the model may have a benefit for health outcomes as well as for process measures. The Modelo Incluyente de Salud will be financially sustained by the Ministry of Health and extended to at least three additional sites. The model provides important lessons for primary care programs internationally.
  • Application of the intrinsic estimator to breast cancer mortality rates Artículos de Investigación Original

    Arnesi, Nora; Hachuel, Leticia

    Abstract in Spanish:

    OBJETIVO: Valorar la utilización de la técnica del estimador intrínseco (EI) en el campo de la epidemiología. MÉTODOS: Se aplicó el enfoque EI al análisis de datos sobre cáncer de mama en la Argentina a fin de observar las tendencias asociadas a "edad, período y cohorte" (EPC). Esta metodología recurre a la aplicación de una regresión por componentes principales para obtener un único conjunto de tendencias estimadas. Se compararon sus resultados con los obtenidos por el método convencional "modelos lineales generalizados restringidos" (MLGR) que incluye una restricción adicional a las tradicionales en el modelo estadístico. RESULTADOS: Ambos métodos proporcionaron resultados compatibles en las tendencias asociadas a EPC, aunque difirieron en los intervalos de confianza, con mayor eficiencia por parte del EI. La curva asociada a edad mostró el patrón de cambio esperado según el transcurso de la vida: a mayor edad, mayor riesgo. En relación a cohortes, se evidenció un decrecimiento de los efectos asociados a las cohortes más recientes, mientras que para período los efectos estimados presentaron muy poca variación. CONCLUSIONES: La comparación entre los resultados obtenidos por el método EI y el de MLGR reveló los alcances de la solución genérica provista por el EI al problema de estimación en un modelo EPC. El método EI se basa en una transformación de los datos observados utilizando una matriz de ponderaciones de sencilla aplicación y proporciona estimaciones con propiedades estadísticas deseables.

    Abstract in English:

    OBJECTIVE: Assess use of the intrinsic estimator (IE) technique in epidemiology. METHODS: The IE approach was applied to the analysis of breast cancer data in Argentina in order to observe the trends associated with "age, period, and cohort" (APC). This method involves the use of a principal components regression to obtain a single set of estimated trends. The results were compared to the findings obtained with the conventional method, which consists of adjusting a generalized linear model that includes the traditional constraints of the statistical model as well as an additional constraint (CGLM). RESULTS: Both methods yielded compatible results in the trends associated with APC. However, they differed in the confidence intervals, with IE yielding greater efficiency. The curve associated with age showed the expected pattern of change across the life course: the greater the age, the greater the risk. With regard to cohorts, a decrease in the effects associated with the most recent cohorts was evident, whereas there was very little variation in the estimated effects for the period. CONCLUSIONS: A comparison of the results obtained with the IE method and the CGLM method revealed the reach of the generic solution provided by the IE to the problem of estimates in an APC model. The IE method is based on conversion of the data observed using a weighting matrix that is simple to apply and provides estimates with desirable statistical properties.
  • Assessment of the impact of the NGO Refazer on medical care for children at social risk

    Costa, Ana Maria Magalhães; Silva, Kátia da; Gomes Jr, Saint Clair; Oliveira, Maria Inês de; Mello, Rosane de; Carvalho, Márcia de; Gomes, Maria Auxiliadora

    Abstract in Portuguese:

    OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto das ações de apoio ao tratamento médico de crianças em risco social realizadas pela Organização Não Governamental Refazer. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo longitudinal com 77 pacientes do Rio de Janeiro em tratamento no Instituto Fernandes Figueira e apoiados pela Refazer. O período de avaliação foi de dois anos, sendo um anterior e outro na vigência da intervenção (apoio da ONG). Foram comparados o percentual de internação, o tempo médio, a gravidade, a utilização de tecnologia, número e condições clínicas de consultas ambulatoriais. RESULTADOS: Os indicadores relacionados às internações identificaram mudanças ocorridas durante a intervenção. Houve uma redução do tempo médio e do percentual de internação. As patologias mais frequentes foram as malformações congênitas e anomalias cromossômicas e as doenças do sistema nervoso. Estas doenças e a HIV/AIDS mostraram-se mais prevalentes no grupo de crianças que continuou apresentando o desfecho internação mesmo após receber o apoio da ONG. CONCLUSÕES: A análise dos indicadores mostrou que os resultados estão adequados à missão da ONG e a população assistida apresenta um perfil que se beneficia com a inserção na rede de apoio social. Apesar da impossibilidade em se afirmar que os benefícios encontrados são exclusivos das ações da ONG, desenvolveu-se uma avaliação de adequação simples e de fácil aplicação pelas próprias ONGs, o que representa um avanço na direção da institucionalização de avaliações pelas ONGs que atuam na saúde.

    Abstract in English:

    OBJECTIVE: Assess the impact of activities by the nongovernmental organization Refazer in support of medical care for children at social risk. METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted of 77 patients from Rio de Janeiro in treatment at the Fernandes Figueira Institute and supported by Refazer. The assessment period was two years, one before and the other during the intervention period while being supported by the NGO. The percentage of hospitalizations, average length of stay, severity of the illness, use of technology, number of outpatient consultations, and clinical conditions involved were compared. RESULTS: The indicators linked with the hospitalizations revealed changes during the intervention period. There was a reduction in the average time and percentage of hospitalization. The most common pathologies were congenital malformations, chromosomal anomalies, and diseases of the nervous system. These diseases and HIV/AIDS were more prevalent in children that remained hospitalized even after receiving support from the NGO. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the indicators showed that the outcomes are adequate to the NGO's mission and that the population helped benefits from participation in the social support network. Although it cannot be stated that the benefits found are due exclusively to the activities of the NGO, a simple and easy-to-use evaluation of adequacy was developed that NGOs themselves can use, representing progress toward the institutional use of evaluations by NGOs working in health.
  • Patterns and predictors of current cigarette smoking in women and men of reproductive age-Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras Original Research Articles

    Tong, Van T; Turcios-Ruiz, Reina M; Dietz, Patricia M; England, Lucinda J

    Abstract in Spanish:

    OBJETIVO: Calcular la prevalencia del tabaquismo según el sexo, describir los patrones de consumo de cigarrillos y determinar los factores predictivos del tabaquismo actual en mujeres y hombres en edad fértil en cuatro países latinoamericanos. MÉTODOS: Se analizaron los datos sobre tabaquismo proporcionados por los participantes de las Encuestas de Salud Reproductiva efectuadas en mujeres de 15 a 49 años de edad en Ecuador (2004), El Salvador (2002-2003), Guatemala (2002) y Honduras (2001), y en hombres de 15 a 59 años en El Salvador, Guatemala y Honduras en los mismos años. Se evaluó el tabaquismo actual según las características demográficas y se examinaron las asociaciones independientes mediante regresión logística. Se ponderaron los datos a fin de que fuesen representativos de hogares con mujeres y hombres en edad fértil a escala nacional. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia del tabaquismo actual varió entre 2,6% (Guatemala) y 13,1% (Ecuador) en las mujeres y entre 23,1% (Guatemala) y 34,9% (El Salvador) en los hombres. En Ecuador, 67,6% de las mujeres eran fumadoras ocasionales; en otros países, el consumo diario fue más prevalente que el ocasional tanto en los hombres como en las mujeres. En los consumidores diarios, la mediana del número de cigarrillos fumados por día varió entre 1,9 (Ecuador y Honduras) y 2,3 (Guatemala) en las mujeres y entre 2,1 (Guatemala) y 3,6 (Honduras) en los hombres. En el análisis bivariado, la prevalencia del tabaquismo en todos los países fue más alta en las mujeres que vivían en zonas urbanas, habían estado casadas o tenían un nivel socioeconómico alto. Los factores de riesgo de tabaquismo variaron según el país y el sexo. CONCLUSIONES: Los programas nacionales de control del tabaquismo de estos países deben orientarse principalmente a los habitantes de alto riesgo (hombres en edad fértil) y a mantener una prevalencia baja en los habitantes de bajo riesgo (mujeres en edad fértil). Se requieren más investigaciones para comprender los patrones de adicción de los fumadores ocasionales.

    Abstract in English:

    OBJECTIVE: To estimate smoking prevalence by gender, describe patterns of cigarette use, and identify predictors of current smoking in reproductive-age adults in four Latin American countries. METHODS: Self-reported smoking was examined using data from Reproductive Health Surveys of women aged 15-49 years in Ecuador (2004), El Salvador (2002-2003), Guatemala (2002), and Honduras (2001), and of men aged 15-59 years in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras for the same years. Current smoking was assessed by demographic characteristics, and independent associations were examined using logistic regression. Data were weighted to be nationally representative of households with reproductive-age women and men. RESULTS: Current smoking prevalence ranged from 2.6% (Guatemala) to 13.1% (Ecuador) for women and from 23.1% (Guatemala) to 34.9% (El Salvador) for men. In Ecuador, 67.6% of female smokers were non-daily users; in other countries, daily use was more prevalent than non-daily use for both men and women. In daily users, the median number of cigarettes smoked per day ranged from 1.9 (Ecuador, Honduras) to 2.3 (Guatemala) for women and from 2.1 (Guatemala) to 3.6 (Honduras) for men. In bivariate analysis, smoking prevalence in all countries was highest in women who lived in urban areas, were previously married, and/or had high socioeconomic status. Risk factors for smoking varied by country and gender. CONCLUSIONS: National tobacco control programs in these countries should aggressively target high-risk populations (reproductive-age men) and maintain low prevalence in low-risk populations (reproductive-age women). More research is needed to understand addiction patterns in non-daily smokers.
  • Reducing hospitalization with the use of a dengue management algorithm in Colombia Artículos de Investigación Original

    Diaz-Quijano, Fredi Alexander; Villar-Centeno, Luis Angel; Martínez-Vega, Ruth Aralí

    Abstract in Spanish:

    OBJETIVO: Evaluar el efecto de un algoritmo de manejo del dengue sobre la tasa de hospitalización de pacientes con sospecha de esta enfermedad, en una institución de salud de primer nivel en un área endémica en Colombia. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental en el hospital local de Piedecuesta, Santander, Colombia, basado en la comparación de dos períodos (de 18 semanas cada uno), antes y después de la implementación del algoritmo. Este incluía recomendaciones para diagnosticar clínicamente el dengue y programar consultas de control y hemogramas, así como criterios de hospitalización y de suspensión del seguimiento. Se compararon las tasas de hospitalización en los dos períodos empleando el análisis de Poisson. La población analizada consistió en los pacientes que consultaron por síndrome febril agudo. Para el ajuste se incluyó el número de casos con dengue (IgM positivos) identificados en el mismo municipio. RESULTADOS: e obtuvo información de 964 pacientes en el primer período y de 1 350 en el segundo, y en dichos períodos hubo 44 y 13 hospitalizaciones, respectivamente. La implementación del algoritmo se asoció a una reducción significativa de la tasa de hospitalización (razón de tasas: 0,21; intervalo de confianza de 95% 0,11 a 0,39). Esta asociación no se modificó cuando se ajustó por el número de casos de dengue identificados en la ciudad. No hubo diferencias significativas en la tasa de consultas de control (P = 0,85) y de hemogramas (P = 0,24) en los dos períodos. No hubo casos fatales. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados sugieren que es posible optimizar los recursos asistenciales en el manejo del dengue mediante la implementación del algoritmo.

    Abstract in English:

    OBJECTIVE: Assess the impact of a dengue management algorithm on the hospitalization rate of patients with suspected disease in a primary care health facility in an endemic area of Colombia. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at the local hospital in Piedecuesta, Santander, Colombia, based on comparison of two periods (18 weeks each), before and after use of the algorithm. This included recommendations for clinical diagnosis of dengue and the planning of follow-up visits and hemograms, as well as criteria for hospitalization and the discontinuation of follow-up. Hospitalization rates in the two periods were compared using the Poisson analysis. The population analyzed consisted of patients seen in the facility for acute febrile syndrome. For adjustment purposes, the number of dengue cases (IgM positive) identified in the municipality was included. RESULTS: Information was obtained on 964 patients in the first period and 1350 patients in the second. There were 44 and 13 hospitalizations during the respective periods. Use of the algorithm was associated with a significant reduction in the hospitalization rate (ratio: 0.21; 95% confidence interval; 0.11-0.39). This association did not change when adjusted for the number of dengue cases identified in the city. There were no significant differences in the rate of follow-up visits (P = 0.85) and hemograms (P = 0.24) in the two periods. There were no case fatalities. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that health care resources for dengue management can be optimized with the use of the algorithm.
  • Redefining personality disorder: a Jamaican perspective Original Research Articles

    Hickling, Frederick W; Paisley, Vanessa

    Abstract in Portuguese:

    OBJETIVO: Caracterizar y evaluar la estructura factorial de las características fenomenológicas del diagnóstico de trastorno de la personalidad según el DSM-IV en pacientes jamaiquinos, y determinar sus semejanzas con las de los criterios tradicionales, la asociación con la gravedad del trastorno o las relaciones significativas entre las variables con objeto de aportar información al debate actual sobre la relevancia de los diagnósticos establecidos de trastorno de la personalidad. MÉTODOS: Estudio de casos y controles, donde todos los sujetos fueron atendidos en una práctica psiquiátrica privada de 1974 a 2007. Los casos (n = 351) correspondieron a pacientes diagnosticados con un trastorno de la personalidad, (Eje II del Manual Diagnóstico y Estadístico de los Trastornos Mentales [DSM-IV, por su sigla en inglés]). El grupo de control estuvo integrado por pacientes con trastornos clínicos del Eje I del DSM-IV, sin diagnóstico de un trastorno de la personalidad, emparejados exactamente en cuanto al sexo y estrechamente en cuanto a la edad y a variables socioeconómicas (n = 351). RESULTADOS: De los 351 individuos del grupo de la muestra del estudio, 166 (47,3%) eran varones y 185 (53,7%) mujeres; 50 (14,2%) eran de raza blanca y 301 (85,8%) de raza negra; 293 (83,5%) habían nacido y crecido en Jamaica; y 202 (57,6%) pertenecían a las clases socioeconómicas I y II. La media de la edad era de 33,92 (desviación estándar 10,236). Cuando se desagregaron las características fenomenológicas, no concordaban con los diagnósticos convencionales de trastorno de la personalidad según el DSM-IV. El análisis factorial de 38 fenómenos clínicos permitió determinar cinco componentes: psicosis, depresión mayor, problemas de manejo del poder, trastornos psicosexuales y dependencia fisiológica. Las pruebas de la t independientes revelaron que los pacientes sin un trastorno de la personalidad obtuvieron puntuaciones medias significativamente mayores para la psicosis; ambos grupos obtuvieron las mismas puntuaciones para la depresión; y los que padecían un trastorno de la personalidad obtuvieron puntuaciones medias significativamente mayores para los factores restantes. El análisis de la varianza indicó que estos factores diferían significativamente según el nivel de gravedad (leve, moderado o grave). CONCLUSIONES: El agrupamiento de las características fenomenológicas en tres grupos principales sugirió un diagnóstico (clínico), correspondiente al Eje I, de trastorno del control de los impulsos y del manejo de la autoridad y los conflictos.

    Abstract in English:

    OBJECTIVE: To characterize and assess the factor structure of phenomenological features of DSM-IV personality disorder diagnosis in Jamaican patients and determine any similarities with those of traditional criteria, associations with disorder severity, and/or significant relationships between variables to inform the current debate on the relevance of established personality disorder diagnostics. METHODS: This was a case-control study. All the patients included were seen by one private psychiatric practice from 1974 to 2007. The study sample group (n = 351) were patients diag nosed as having a personality disorder (DSM-IV Axis II). The control group was composed of patients with DSM-IV Axis I clinical disorders, who had not been diagnosed with a personality disorder, and matched exactly on gender, and closely on age, as well as socioeconomic variables. RESULTS: Of the 351 individuals in the study sample group, 166 (47.3%) were male and 185 (53.7%) were female; 50 (14.2%) were white and 301 (85.8%) were black; 293 (83.5%) were born and raised in Jamaica; and 202 (57.6%) were from socioeconomic classes I and II. Mean age was 33.92 (standard deviation 10.236). Disaggregating the phenomenology, the conventional DSM-IV personality disorder diagnoses disappeared. Factor analysis of 38 clinical phenomena identified five components: psychosis, major depression, power management problems, psychosexual issues, and physiological dependency. Independent t-tests revealed patients without personality disorder had significantly higher mean scores for psychosis; both groups scored equally for depression; and those with personality disorder had significantly higher mean scores on the remaining factors. Analysis of variance indicated these factors differed significantly for three levels of severity (mild, moderate, and severe). CONCLUSIONS: The phenomenology clustering into three major groups suggested an Axis I (clinical) diagnostic disorder of impulse control and authority and conflict management.
  • Cross-cultural adaptation and analysis of the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Motor Activity Log

    Saliba, Viviane Amaral; Magalhães, Lívia de Castro; Faria, Christina Danielli Coelho de Morais; Laurentino, Glória Elizabeth Carneiro; Cassiano, Janine Gomes; Teixeira-Salmela, Luci Fuscaldi

    Abstract in Portuguese:

    OBJETIVO: Traduzir para o português brasileiro e adaptar transculturalmente o Motor Activity Log (MAL), instrumento específico que avalia a função do membro superior mais afetado (MSMA) em hemiplégicos. MÉTODOS: O MAL foi traduzido e adaptado seguindo instruções padronizadas e submetido a exame de confiabilidade teste-reteste (coeficiente de correlação intraclasse, CCI). As demais propriedades psicométricas foram investigadas pela análise de Rasch em 77 hemiplégicos crônicos (41 homens, média de idade = 57,5 ± 12,4 anos). RESULTADOS: Tanto a escala de quantidade como a escala de qualidade do MAL obtiveram excelente CCI (0,98) para as pontuações totais. Quanto ao grau de dificuldade, "usar a chave para destrancar a porta" foi o item mais difícil na escala quantitativa, sendo "lavar as mãos" o item mais fácil. Na escala qualitativa, o mais difícil foi "utilizar o controle remoto da TV", e o mais fácil, "secar as mãos". A análise mostrou que o conjunto dos itens enquadrou-se no modelo; entretanto, quatro itens não se encaixaram nas expectativas do modelo nas escalas quantitativa (itens 21, 16, 14 e 13) e qualitativa (itens 9, 21, 23 e 22). Foram localizadas pessoas com padrão errático de respostas, e cinco indivíduos tiveram pontuação mínima. Constatou-se discrepância entre dificuldade dos itens e habilidade da amostra, indicando que as habilidades dos indivíduos estavam abaixo da dificuldade dos itens. Houve correlação significativa entre a força de preensão do MSMA e as medidas de habilidade dos indivíduos na escala quantitativa (r = 0,51; P & lt; 0,0001) e qualitativa (r = 0,57; P < 0,0001), e ainda entre as duas escalas nas medidas de habilidades dos indivíduos (r = 0,97; P < 0,0001). CONCLUSÕES: O MAL-Brasil apresenta potencial para avaliação do uso do MSMA de hemiplégicos crônicos brasileiros. Entretanto, apresenta limitação para uso em indivíduos com comprometimento severo do MSMA. Ainda, a validade de construto foi comprometida pela presença de itens erráticos. O MAL-Brasil deve ser aplicado em outras amostras para que sua validade seja mais amplamente investigada.

    Abstract in English:

    OBJECTIVE: To describe the translation into Brazilian Portuguese and cross-cultural adaptation of the Motor Activity Log (MAL), an instrument specifically designed to assess function of the more severely affected upper limb in hemiplegics. METHODS: The MAL was translated and adapted according to standardized procedures and submitted to test-retest reliability assessment (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC). Other psychometric properties were investigated using Rasch analysis in 77 chronic hemiplegics (41 men, mean age = 57.5 ± 12.4 years). RESULTS: An excellent ICC (0.98) was obtained for the total scores of both the quantity and quality MAL scales. When assessing degree of difficulty, "using a key to unlock the door" was the most difficult item on the quantity scale, whereas "washing hands" was the easiest one. On the quality scale, the most difficult item was "using the TV remote control," and the easiest one was "drying hands." The analyses showed that the set of items as a whole fit into the model; however, the individual analyses indicated that four items did not meet the expectations of the model in both the quantity (items 21, 16, 14, and 13) and quality (items 9, 21, 23, and 22) scales. Irregular response patterns were observed, and five subjects obtained the minimum score. There was disagreement between item difficulty and sample ability, suggesting that the abilities of individuals were below the degree of difficulty of the assessed items. A significant correlation was observed between grip strength of the more severely affected upper limb and motor skill measurement among individuals on the quantity (r = 0.51, P < 0.0001) and quality scales (r = 0.57, P < 0.0001), and also between the two scales when measuring the individuals' motor skills (r = 0.97, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: MAL-Brazil is potentially useful to evaluate the more severely affected upper limb in Brazilian patients with chronic hemiplegia. However, the instrument has limitations for use with individuals with severe limb impairments. Also, construct validity was affected by the presence of irregular score patterns. MAL-Brazil should be applied to additional samples to further investigate its validity.
  • A health care model for the Wayúu people on the colombian-venezuelan border Temas de Actualidad

    Duarte Gómez, María Beatriz; Ortega Alegría, Martha Liliana; Mora Ríos, Luis Hernando; Coromoto Fernández, Noly

    Abstract in Spanish:

    En reuniones y talleres con comunidades wayúu y funcionarios de gobierno de Colombia y Venezuela, tras validar el diagnóstico de salud y sus determinantes, se identificaron componentes para un modelo de atención binacional en salud destinado al pueblo wayúu que habita la frontera entre ambos países. Si bien ha habido avances en la atención sanitaria intercultural en ambos países, todavía hace falta fortalecer algunos aspectos de la legislación y la organización de los servicios para hacer posible la garantía del derecho a la salud. Se debe asegurar la asignación de nuevos recursos nacionales - o la redistribución de los actuales- y la gestión de recursos internacionales para ejecutar un proyecto piloto en el corto plazo e implementar el modelo en el mediano plazo.

    Abstract in English:

    At meetings and workshops with Wayúu communities and government officials from Colombia and Venezuela, after validating the analysis of the health situation and its determinants, the components of a binational health care model for the Wayúu people living on the border between the two countries were identified. Although both countries have made progress in intercultural health care, some aspects of their legislation and service organization still need to be strengthened to make the guaranteed right to health a reality. The allocation of new national resources-or the redistribution of current resources-should be ensured, as well as the management of international resources for conducting a short-term pilot project and implementing the model in the medium term.
  • Situation of bovine tuberculosis in Ecuador Current Topics

    Proaño-Pérez, Freddy; Benítez-Ortiz, Washington; Portaels, Françoise; Rigouts, Leen; Linden, Annick

    Abstract in Spanish:

    La tuberculosis bovina es una enfermedad contagiosa crónica que afecta a los animales domésticos, los animales salvajes y los seres humanos. Es producida por Mycobacterium bovis; causa grandes pérdidas económicas y plantea una grave limitación para el comercio ganadero internacional. Por otro lado, en los países en desarrollo donde no hay controles de la tuberculosis bovina, la infección por M. bovis representa un problema de salud pública. En la mayoría de los países en desarrollo, la prevalencia de tuberculosis en el ganado se desconoce porque la información no se comunica o no se consigue. En el Ecuador no hay un programa nacional de control de la tuberculosis bovina. En este artículo se revisa la situación de la tuberculosis bovina en el Ecuador, sobre la base de un análisis de los datos exhaustivos obtenidos de encuestas sobre pruebas de tuberculina y de los estudios de vigilancia llevados a cabo en mataderos entre 1972 y 2008 en varias zonas geográficas del país. En el Ecuador varios factores, como el crecimiento de la industria láctea (impulsado por la alta demanda de leche y sus derivados), los intensos esfuerzos para aumentar la población bovina, la presencia de M. bovis y la falta de controles de la tuberculosis bovina, han ocasionado un aumento de la prevalencia de esta y, en consecuencia, representan una motivación creciente para llevar a cabo un programa nacional de control de la tuberculosis bovina.

    Abstract in English:

    Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is a chronic and contagious disease that affects domestic animals, wildlife, and humans. Caused by Mycobacterium bovis, BTB causes major economic losses and poses a serious constraint to international livestock trade. Moreover, in developing countries where BTB controls are lacking, M. bovis is a public health concern. In most developing countries, the prevalence of BTB in livestock is unknown because the information is either not reported or not available. In Ecuador, there is no national BTB control program. This article reviews the BTB situation in Ecuador by examining exhaustive data from tuberculin testing surveys and slaughterhouse surveillance studies conducted in 1972-2008 in a variety of the country's geographic areas. In Ecuador, several factors, including the dairy industry's expansion (preempted by the high demand for milk and its by-products), intensified efforts to increase the cattle population, the presence of M. bovis, and a lack of BTB controls, have caused a rise in BTB prevalence, and consequently, a growing push for the implementation of a national BTB control program.
Organización Panamericana de la Salud Washington - Washington - United States
E-mail: contacto_rpsp@paho.org