Scoping review of the methodology of large health surveys conducted in Spain early on in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The use of health surveys has been key in the scientific community to promptly communicate results about the health impact of COVID-19. But what information was collected, where, when and how, and who was the study population? Objective: To describe the methodological characteristics used in large health surveys conducted in Spain early on in the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Scoping review. Inclusion criteria: observational studies published between January 2020 and December 2021, with sample sizes of over 2,000 persons resident in Spain. Databases consulted: PubMed, CINAHL, Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en CC de la Salud, Scopus, PsycINFO, Embase, Sociological Abstracts, Dialnet and Web of Science Core Collection. We analyzed the characteristics of the literature references, methodologies and information gathered in the surveys selected. Fifty five studies were included. Results: Sixty percentage of the studies included had mental health as their main topic and 75% were conducted on the general adult population. Thirteen percentage had a longitudinal design, 93% used the internet to gather information and the same percentage used non-probability sampling. Thirty percentage made some type of sampling correction to reduce coverage or non-response biases, but not selection biases. Sixty seven percentage did not state the availability of their data. Conclusions: Consistent with the extensive use of non-probability sampling without any bias correction in the extraordinary setting created by COVID-19, quality population frameworks are required so that probability and representative samples can be extracted quickly to promptly address other health crises, as well as to reduce potential coverage, non-response and particularly selection biases by utilizing reweighting techniques. The low data accessibility despite the huge opportunity that COVID-19 provided for Open Science-based research is striking.

Effectiveness of environmental interventions to reduce entomological indices of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya vector.

Vector-borne diseases are a major public health problem. Amongst them, dengue, Zika and chikungunya illnesses are increasing their incidence and geographical expansion. Since vector control is the main measure to prevent these diseases, this systematic review aims to determine the effectiveness of environmental interventions for the prevention of the transmission of these three diseases, as well as for the reduction of their burden. Experimental studies of environmental management interventions aimed at vector control were included. The outcome variables of interest were disease burden indicators and entomological indicators. Of the 923 references initially retrieved, after discarding those that were duplicated or didn't comply with the inclusion criteria, a total of 7 articles were included. All included studies carried out environmental manipulation interventions and only 1 carried out an environmental modification intervention. Regarding the outcome variables, all used entomological indicators (larval or pupae indices). Of those, pupae indices are better indicators of vector abundance. In 4 out of the 6 studies, there was a statistically significant reduction of the pupae indices related to the elimination of small containers, manipulation of large tanks and cleaning outdoor spaces. These interventions are easy to implement and involve little resources, which acquires special importance regarding areas with limited resources. Although it is assumed that a reduction of mosquitoes would lead to a reduction or the risk of transmission, a little evidence proving this has been published. It would be advisable that, in addition to entomological indicators, epidemiological, environmental and sociodemographic factors would be taken into consideration, bearing in mind that mosquito density is one of the many factors that influence the transmission of these viruses. None of the papers included used disease indicators, not allowing to demonstrate if environmental interventions contribute to reduce disease burden.

The use of masks to protect against respiratory infections: An umbrella review.

INTRODUCTION: The global health emergency caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in a huge challenge at all levels. The use of masks may reduce the spread of the infection by minimising the excretion of Flügge droplets. The objective of this study was to compile the evidence available on the use of masks in relation to respiratory infections. METHODOLOGY: An umbrella review (review of systematic reviews) was conducted. Two reviewers independently carried out the screening process, data extraction and data analysis. Discrepancies were resolved with a third reviewer, and the assessment of the risk of bias of the studies was carried out using the AMSTAR 2 tool. The Rayyan QCRI program was used for the screening process. RESULTS: A total of eight systematic reviews were included. The studies analysed the use of masks in the general population, in long-term care facilities, in hospitals and at mass gatherings, and compared the effectiveness thereof in preventing infection. The results of this review revealed that the use of masks is associated with a protective effect against respiratory infections in healthcare facilities, in long-term care facilities and at mass gatherings. CONCLUSIONS: In light of the results, it seems reasonable to recommend the use of masks to the general population, but this use should be accompanied by a training programme to improve compliance, as not using them properly may increase the risk of infection.

The use of masks to protect against respiratory infections: an umbrella review. / El uso de las mascarillas en la protección de las infecciones respiratorias: una revisión de revisiones.

INTRODUCTION: The global health emergency caused by the current COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in a huge challenge at all levels. The use of masks may reduce the spread of the infection by minimising the excretion of Flügge droplets. The objective of this study was to compile the evidence available on the use of masks in relation to respiratory infections. METHODOLOGY: An umbrella review (review of systematic reviews) was conducted. Two reviewers independently carried out the screening process, data extraction and data analysis. Discrepancies were resolved with a third reviewer, and the assessment of the risk of bias of the studies was carried out using the AMSTAR 2 tool. The Rayyan QCRI program was used for the screening process. RESULTS: A total of eight systematic reviews were included. The studies analysed the use of masks in the general population, in long-term care facilities, in hospitals and at mass gatherings, and compared the effectiveness thereof in preventing infection. The results of this review revealed that the use of masks is associated with a protective effect against respiratory infections in healthcare facilities, in long-term care facilities and at mass gatherings. CONCLUSIONS: In light of the results, it seems reasonable to recommend the use of masks to the general population, but this use should be accompanied by a training programme to improve compliance, as not using them properly may increase the risk of infection.

HTA and decision-making processes in Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe: Results from a survey.

OBJECTIVE: To gain knowledge and insights on health technology assessment (HTA) and decision-making processes in Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe (CESEE) countries. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed. Based on the literature, a questionnaire was developed in a multi-stage process. The questionnaire was arranged according to 5 broad domains: (i) introduction/country settings; (ii) use of HTA in the country; (iii) decision-making process; (iv) implementation of decisions; and (v) HTA and decision-making: future challenges. Potential survey respondents were identified through literature review-with a total of 118 contacts from the 24 CESEE countries. From March to July 2014, the survey was administered via e-mail. RESULTS: A total of 22 questionnaires were received generating an 18.6% response rate, including 4 responses indicating that their institutions had no involvement in HTA. Most of the CESEE countries have entities under government mandates with advisory functions and different responsibilities for decision-making, but mainly in charge of the reimbursement and pricing of medicines. Other areas where discrepancies across countries were found include criteria for selecting technologies to be assessed, stakeholder involvement, evidence requirements, use of economic evaluation, and timeliness of HTA. CONCLUSIONS: A number of CESEE countries have created formal decision-making processes for which HTA is used. However, there is a high level of heterogeneity related to the degree of development of HTA structures, and the methods and processes followed. Further studies focusing on the countries from which information is scarcer and on the HTA of health technologies other than medicines are warranted. CLASSIFICATION: Reviews/comparative analyses.

Systematic Review of the Effect of Adherence to Statin Treatment on Critical Cardiovascular Events and Mortality in Primary Prevention.

AIM: Analyze the relative risks of critical cardiovascular outcomes and mortality associated with adherence to statin treatment in a clinical setting in people with no history of prior cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted up to December 2016. The outcomes of interest were cardiovascular fatal or nonfatal events and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: A total of 17 articles were included in a qualitative synthesis. Four were case-control nested in a retrospective cohort design and the other 11 were a cohort design. Seven studies compared the best adherer patients with the worst adherers. In the 3 studies (317 603 participants) that considered ischemic heart disease in this group, the pooled reduction in risk was 18% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14%-22%, I2 = 0%); for the CVD outcome, 2 studies (131 477 participants) showed a pooled reduction in risk of 47% (95% CI: 36%-56%, I2 = 84.7%) with 1 included study showing a much larger reduction than the others; for the cerebrovascular event (CeVD) outcome, 2 studies (155 726 participants) showed a pooled reduction in risk of 26% (95% CI: 18%-34%, I2 = 0%); and for mortality, the reduction in risk was 49% (95% CI: 39%-57%, I2 = 62.4%). The other 4 studies (147 859 participants) compared the most adherent group with the rest. These showed a pooled risk reduction of CVD of 22% (95% CI: 6%-27%, I2 = 0). CONCLUSION: Adherence to statins treatment is shown as a key element for primary prevention, although these are observational data and the risk of bias from confounding cannot be ruled out. Standardization of measures of adherence to treatment would improve comparability between studies. Further research is warranted to design effective interventions to improve patients' adherence.

Health technology assessment process of a cardiovascular medical device in four different settings.

AIM: Health technology assessment (HTA) is a tool to help the decision-making process. The aim is to describe methods and processes used in the reimbursement decision making for drug-eluting stents (DES) in four different settings. METHODS: DES as a technology under study was selected according to different criteria, all of them agreed by a working group. A survey of key informants was designed. RESULTS: DES was evaluated following well-structured HTA processes. Nonetheless, scope for improvement was observed in relation to the data considered for the final decision, the transparency and inclusiveness of the process as well as in the methods employed. CONCLUSION: An attempt to describe the HTA processes of a well-known medical device.

Adoption of the HPV vaccine: a case study of three emerging countries.

BACKGROUND: The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has recently attracted considerable attention in emerging countries, due to its potential to reduce the impact of HPV-related diseases. This case study sheds new light about the variety of HTA arrangements, methods and processes involved in the adoption and use of HPV vaccines in a selected sample of central, eastern and southern Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean, all of them emerging in the use of HTA. MATERIALS & METHODS: A multi-country case study was designed. Mixed methods, document review, semi-structured surveys and personal communication with experts, were used for data collection and triangulation. RESULTS: This study shows that common elements of good practice exist in the processes and methods used, with all countries arriving at the same appraisal recommendations. However, the influence of socio-politico-economic factors appears to be determinant on the final decisions and restrictions to access made. CONCLUSION: This case study intends to draw useful lessons for policymakers in emerging settings interested in the adoption of the HPV vaccine supported by evidence-informed processes, such as those offered by institutionalized HTA. Future studies are also recommended to elucidate the specific roles that social values and uncertainties play in vaccine decision-making across different societies.

Adoption of trastuzumab for breast cancer in four emerging countries in the use of health technology assessment: a case study.

AIM: To describe processes for the adoption of trastuzumab in four countries in the use of health technology assessment (HTA): Poland, Albania, Brazil and Colombia. MATERIALS & METHODS: Mixed methods were used for collection and triangulation of data. Data were examined following a conceptual framework connecting HTA process steps and key principles. RESULTS: Trastuzumab was generally assessed following well-structured HTA processes. Nonetheless, areas of improvement were detected in terms of transparency and inclusiveness, as well as in methods used. The extent to which different criteria influenced decisions was unclear. CONCLUSION: This study covers an area in which information may not always be available, and sets the example for emerging countries interested in HTA. Further studies to gain a better understanding on decision-making across settings are warranted.

Opiniones de menores residentes en Andalucía (España) sobre temas de salud: Aplicación de un cuestionario por Internet / Opinions of minor children residing in Andalusia (Spain) on health-related topics: An online questionnaire

Objetivo: Analizar opiniones de menores sobre el concepto de salud, centros y profesionales sanitarios así como recomendaciones en forma de consejos sobre promoción de salud. Métodos: Estudio transversal con cuestionario online dirigido a menores de 14 años de edad. Se utilizó una versión adaptada del cuestionario Kid's Hospital, el cual contiene preguntas abiertas y cerradas. Resultados: Contestaron al cuestionario 358 menores, de los cuales 225 fueron niñas (61,3%). La edad media global fue de 9,2(DE 2,61). Asocian buena salud con la ausencia de enfermedad (n=165, 46,1%) y estar en forma (n=151, 42,2%) ; sobre experiencias de la última visita al médico, reconocen el papel de ayuda y mediación de estos profesionales (n=233, 65,1%); destacan la ayuda y la recuperación como lo mejor de la atención, y como lo peor los pinchazos y el dolor padecido. De los consejos emitidos para promoción de salud destacan aquellos sobre alimentación (n=233, 62,3%). Conclusiones: Los cuestionarios online a menores, constituyen una forma útil de recolección de información. Así, estas consultas directas permiten la participación de los niños y niñas o de los menores y proporcionan información útil para adecuar las intervenciones de cara a fomentar la promoción entre iguales, así como sobre sus preferencias en el diseño de intervenciones.

Objective: To analyze opinions of minors regarding the concept of health, health centers, and professionals, as well as providing them with recommendations on health promotion in the form of health promotion advice. Methods: A cross-sectional survey with an online questionnaire aimed to kids below 14. An adapted version of Kid's Hospital questionnaire was utilized, which has both open and closed questions. Results: 358 minors answered the questionnaire, 225 of which were girls (61.3%). The mean global age was 9.2 years (SD 2.61). They associated good health with the absence of illnesses (n=165, 46.1%) and being in shape (n=151, 42.2%). Regarding their experiences about their last doctor's appointment, they acknowledged the aiding and mediation role of these professionals as the best features of the assistance (n=233, 65.1%) and the pain suffered and syringe jabs as the worst ones. They also highlighted healthy eating advice from the health promotion advice given (n=233, 62.3%). Discussion: Online questionnaires for minors are a useful data collection tool. These direct queries allow them to participate and provide useful information to adequate medical interventions in order to develop actions for health promotion, as well as taking their opinions into account when designing interventions.