Inequality on the frontline: A multi-country study on gender differences in mental health among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) were at increased risk for mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, with prior data suggesting women may be particularly vulnerable. Our global mental health study aimed to examine factors associated with gender differences in psychological distress and depressive symptoms among HCWs during COVID-19. Across 22 countries in South America, Europe, Asia and Africa, 32,410 HCWs participated in the COVID-19 HEalth caRe wOrkErS (HEROES) study between March 2020 and February 2021. They completed the General Health Questionnaire-12, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and questions about pandemic-relevant exposures. Consistently across countries, women reported elevated mental health problems compared to men. Women also reported increased COVID-19-relevant stressors, including insufficient personal protective equipment and less support from colleagues, while men reported increased contact with COVID-19 patients. At the country level, HCWs in countries with higher gender inequality reported less mental health problems. Higher COVID-19 mortality rates were associated with increased psychological distress merely among women. Our findings suggest that among HCWs, women may have been disproportionately exposed to COVID-19-relevant stressors at the individual and country level. This highlights the importance of considering gender in emergency response efforts to safeguard women's well-being and ensure healthcare system preparedness during future public health crises.

Estimation of opioid misuse prevalence in New York State counties, 2007-2018. A Bayesian spatio-temporal abundance model approach.

An important challenge to addressing the opioid overdose crisis is the lack of information on the size of the population of people who misuse opioids (PWMO) in local areas. This estimate is needed for better resource allocation, estimation of treatment and overdose outcome rates using appropriate denominators (i.e., the population at risk), and proper evaluation of intervention effects. In this study, we used a Bayesian hierarchical spatio-temporal integrated abundance model that integrates multiple types of county-level surveillance outcome data, state-level information on opioid misuse, and covariates to estimate the latent (hidden) counts and prevalence of PWMO across New York State counties (2007-2018). The model assumes that each opioid-related outcome reflects a partial count of the number of PWMO, and leverages these multiple sources of data to circumvent limitations of parameter estimation associated with other types of abundance models. Model estimates showed a reduction in the prevalence of PWMO during the study period, with important spatial and temporal variability. The model also provided county-level estimates of rates of treatment and opioid overdoses using the PWMO as denominators. This modeling approach can identify the size of hidden populations to guide public health efforts to confront the opioid overdose crisis across local areas.

State-Level Firearm Laws and Firearm Homicide in US Cities: Heterogenous Associations by City Characteristics.

Despite well-studied associations of state firearm laws with lower state- and county-level firearm homicide, there is a shortage of studies investigating differences in the effects of distinct state firearm law categories on various cities within the same state using identical methods. We examined associations of 5 categories of state firearm laws-pertaining to buyers, dealers, domestic violence, gun type/trafficking, and possession-with city-level firearm homicide, and then tested differential associations by city characteristics. City-level panel data on firearm homicide cases of 78 major cities from 2010 to 2020 was assessed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Vital Statistics System. We modeled log-transformed firearm homicide rates as a function of firearm law scores, city, state, and year fixed effects, along with time-varying city-level confounders. We considered effect measure modification by poverty, unemployment, vacant housing, and income inequality. A one z-score increase in state gun type/trafficking, possession, and dealer law scores was associated with 25% (95% confidence interval [CI]:-0.37,-0.1), 19% (95% CI:-0.29,-0.07), and 17% (95% CI:-0.28, -0.4) lower firearm homicide rates, respectively. Protective associations were less pronounced in cities with high unemployment and high housing vacancy, but more pronounced in cities with high income inequality. In large US cities, state-level gun type/trafficking, possession, and dealer laws were associated with lower firearm homicide rates, but buyers and domestic violence laws were not. State firearm laws may have differential effects on firearm homicides based on city characteristics, and city-wide policies to enhance socioeconomic drivers may add benefits of firearm laws.

Changes in Opioid and Benzodiazepine Poisoning Deaths After Cannabis Legalization in the US: A County-level Analysis, 2002-2020.

BACKGROUND: Cannabis legalization for medical and recreational purposes has been suggested as an effective strategy to reduce opioid and benzodiazepine use and deaths. We examined the county-level association between medical and recreational cannabis laws and poisoning deaths involving opioids and benzodiazepines in the US from 2002 to 2020. METHODS: Our ecologic county-level, spatiotemporal study comprised 49 states. Exposures were state-level implementation of medical and recreational cannabis laws and state-level initiation of cannabis dispensary sales. Our main outcomes were poisoning deaths involving any opioid, any benzodiazepine, and opioids with benzodiazepines. Secondary analyses included overdoses involving natural and semi-synthetic opioids, synthetic opioids, and heroin. RESULTS: Implementation of medical cannabis laws was associated with increased deaths involving opioids (rate ratio [RR] = 1.14; 95% credible interval [CrI] = 1.11, 1.18), benzodiazepines (RR = 1.19; 95% CrI = 1.12, 1.26), and opioids+benzodiazepines (RR = 1.22; 95% CrI = 1.15, 1.30). Medical cannabis legalizations allowing dispensaries was associated with fewer deaths involving opioids (RR = 0.88; 95% CrI = 0.85, 0.91) but not benzodiazepine deaths; results for recreational cannabis implementation and opioid deaths were similar (RR = 0.81; 95% CrI = 0.75, 0.88). Recreational cannabis laws allowing dispensary sales was associated with consistent reductions in opioid- (RR = 0.83; 95% CrI = 0.76, 0.91), benzodiazepine- (RR = 0.79; 95% CrI = 0.68, 0.92), and opioid+benzodiazepine-related poisonings (RR = 0.83; 95% CrI = 0.70, 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of medical cannabis laws was associated with higher rates of opioid- and benzodiazepine-related deaths, whereas laws permitting broader cannabis access, including implementation of recreational cannabis laws and medical and recreational dispensaries, were associated with lower rates. The estimated effects of the expanded availability of cannabis seem dependent on the type of law implemented and its provisions.

Mental health Narrative Community-Based Group Therapy in violence-displaced Afro-Colombians: a randomized controlled trial.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of a mental health Narrative Community-Based Group Therapy (NCGT) in Afro-Colombian violence survivors. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in Buenaventura and Quibdó, Colombia. Afro-Colombian adults (n=521) were randomly allocated to a NCGT (n1=175), a wait-control group (n2=171) or a Common Elements Treatment Approach (CETA, n3=175). The CETA was described separately given conceptual/methodological differences. Lay psychosocial community workers delivered the NCGT. Symptoms were assessed before and after intervention/wait with culturally adapted mental health symptoms and gender-specific functionality scales. Intent to treat analysis and mean difference of differences were used for comparisons. In Buenaventura, a significant reduction in functional impairment (mean difference: -0.30, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]: -0.55, -0.05) and depression (mean difference: -0.24, 95% CI: -0.42, -0.07) were found, with small and moderate effect size, respectively. In Quibdó, functionality improved significantly (mean difference: -0.29, 95% CI: -0.54, -0.04, small effect size). Even though differences in depression and anxiety were not significant, there were reductions in symptoms. The NCGT is effective in improving daily functioning among violence victims in the Colombian Pacific and has the potential to reduce symptoms of depression. Further exploration is required to understand the effects of a narrative group therapy for mental health in Afro-Colombian populations.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01856673 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01856673).

Factores asociados al desarrollo de polineuropatía, miopatía y polineuromiopatía en pacientes adultos críticos / Development associated factors with polyneuropathy, myopathy and polyneuromyopathy in critically ill adult patients

Introducción. La polineuropatía, la miopatía y la polineuromiopatía son condiciones debilitantes que afectan a pacientes críticamente enfermos. Sin embargo, poco se conoce acerca de los factores relacionados con estos desenlaces en pacientes hospitalizados en las unidades de cuidado intensivo (UCI) y con hospitalización prolongada en el contexto clínico colombiano. Objetivo. Evaluar los factores asociados al desarrollo de polineuropatía, miopatía y polineuromiopatía en pacientes críticos con hospitalización prolongada. Métodos. Estudio analítico, observacional, de casos y controles apareados realizado en 192 pacientes (64 casos y 128 controles) atendidos en una clínica de tercer nivel de atención de Cali, Colombia. Se analizaron diferentes factores de riesgo como falla multiorgánica, sepsis, desnutrición, nutrición parenteral, uso de corticoides, uso de relajantes musculares, entre otros. Se evaluó si los días de estancia en UCI es un modificador del efecto de la relación entre estos factores y los desenlaces. Resultados. Se encontró que la falla multiorgánica (OR: 6,32, IC95%: 2,15-18,58), la desnutrición (OR: 2,25, IC95%: 1,01-5,0) y el uso de relajantes musculares (OR: 2,68, IC95%: 1,04-6,87) estuvieron asociados con el desarrollo de polineuropatía y miopatía. Así mismo, se observó que la asociación entre la falla multiorgánica y estas condiciones se vio afectada por la duración de la estancia en UCI (p<0,05). En pacientes sin falla multiorgánica, el riesgo aumentó mínimamente con cada día adicional de estancia en UCI (OR: 1,004, IC95%: 0,97-1,04); sin embargo, en pacientes con falla multiorgánica, el riesgo se incrementó en un 5% por cada día adicional de estancia en UCI. Conclusiones. Los resultados del presente estudio destacan la importancia de factores como la falla multiorgánica, la desnutrición y el uso de relajantes musculares en el desarrollo de la polineuropatía, la miopatía y la polineuromiopatía en pacientes críticos con hospitalización prolongada.

Introduction. Polyneuropathy, myopathy, and polyneuromyopathy are debilitating conditions that affect critically ill patients. However, little is known about the factors related to these outcomes in patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs) and with prolonged hospitalization in the Colombian clinical context. Objective. To assess the factors associated with the development of polyneuropathy, myopathy and polyneuromyopathy in critically ill patients with prolonged hospitalization. Methods. Analytical, observational, matched case-control study conducted in 192 patients (64 cases and 128 controls) treated at a tertiary care clinic in Cali, Colombia. Different risk factors such as multi-organ failure, sepsis, malnutrition, parenteral nutrition, use of corticosteroids, use of muscle relaxants, among others, were analyzed. We assessed whether the length of stay in the ICU is a modifier of the effect of the relationship between these factors and the outcomes. Results. It was found that multiorgan failure (OR: 6.32, 95%CI: 2.15-18.58), malnutrition (OR: 2.25, 95%CI: 1.01-5.0) and the use of muscle relaxants (OR: 2.68, 95%CI: 1.04-6.87) were associated with the development of polyneuropathy and myopathy. Likewise, it was observed that the association between multi-organ failure and these conditions was affected by the length of stay in the ICU (p<0.05). In patients without multi-organ failure, the risk increased minimally with each additional day of stay in the ICU (OR: 1.004, 95%CI: 0.97-1.04); however, in patients with multi-organ failure, the risk increased by 5% for each additional day of stay in the ICU. Conclusions. The results of the present study highlight the importance of factors such as multi-organ failure, malnutrition and the use of muscle relaxants in the development of polyneuropathy, myopathy and polyneuromyopathy in critically ill patients with prolonged hospitalization.

Suicidal ideation and attempts following nonmedical use of prescription opioids and related disorder.

BACKGROUND: Since 1999, the rate of fatal prescription opioid overdoses and of suicides has dramatically increased in the USA. These increases, which have occurred among similar demographic groups, have led to the hypothesis that the opioid epidemic contributed to increases in suicidal behavior, though the underlying association remains poorly defined. We examine the association between nonmedical use of prescription opioids/opioid use disorder and suicidal ideation/attempts. METHODS: We used longitudinal data from a national representative sample of the US adult population, the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Participants (n = 34 653) were interviewed in 2001-2002 (wave 1) and re-interviewed approximately 3 years later (wave 2). A propensity score analysis estimated the association between exposure to prescription opioids at wave 1 and prevalent/incident suicidal behavior at wave 2. RESULTS: Heavy/frequent (⩾2-3 times a month) prescription opioid use was associated with prevalent suicide attempts [adjusted risk ratio (ARR) = 2.75, 95% CI 1.35-5.60]. Prescription opioid use disorder was associated with prevalent (ARR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.20-3.28) and incident suicidal ideation (ARR = 2.59, 95% CI 1.25-5.37), and prevalent attempts (ARR = 4.19, 95% CI 1.71-10.27). None of the exposures was associated with incident suicide attempts. CONCLUSIONS: Heavy/frequent opioid use and related disorder were associated with prevalent suicide attempts; opioid use disorder was also associated with the incident and prevalent suicidal ideation. Given population increases in nonmedical use of prescription opioids and disorder, the opioid crisis may have contributed to population increases in suicidal ideation.

Do Trajectories of Sensation Seeking Vary by Sex and Child Maltreatment Subtypes?

Child maltreatment and elevated sensation seeking are associated with a wide range of negative outcomes. Longitudinal data from a study of Puerto Ricans living in two sociocultural contexts were used to determine whether child maltreatment subtypes, sex, or sociocultural context relate to trajectories of sensation seeking. Participants were 2,489 individuals from the Boricua Youth Study (48.5% girls) living in New York and in Puerto Rico (PR; 5-15 years old at Wave 1). Subtypes of child maltreatment were measured using child report on the Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale and the Sexual Victimization Scale at Wave 1. The association between child maltreatment subtypes, sex, sociocultural context, and previously established sensation-seeking trajectories across three waves of data collection was probed using multinomial logistic regression. Girls, but not boys, who experienced neglect (adjusted odds ratio; AOR; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 5.33 [1.35, 21.03]), or physical abuse (AOR [95% CI] = 3.66 [1.07, 12.54]), were more likely to have an elevated sensation-seeking trajectory than a normative trajectory. For boys, none of the maltreatment subtypes were linked to the elevated sensation-seeking class. Girls exposed to verbal abuse (AOR [95% CI] = 0.33 [0.15, 0.75]) and boys exposed to physical abuse (AOR [95% CI] = 0.39 [0.16, 0.97]) were less likely to belong to the low sensation-seeking class. No significant interactions between sociocultural context (i.e., PR vs. New York) and maltreatment subtype on the development of sensation seeking were found. This research suggests sensation-seeking levels vary by experiences of childhood maltreatment, and that sex moderates the relationship between child maltreatment experiences and sensation seeking, with an association between some maltreatment subtypes and elevated sensation-seeking trajectories found in girls, but not boys. These results underline the importance of considering sex when examining how child maltreatment relates to outcomes.

A Systematic Review of Simulation Models to Track and Address the Opioid Crisis.

The opioid overdose crisis is driven by an intersecting set of social, structural, and economic forces. Simulation models are a tool to help us understand and address thiscomplex, dynamic, and nonlinear social phenomenon. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on simulation models of opioid use and overdose up to September 2019. We extracted modeling types, target populations, interventions, and findings; created a database of model parameters used for model calibration; and evaluated study transparency and reproducibility. Of the 1,398 articles screened, we identified 88 eligible articles. The most frequent types of models were compartmental (36%), Markov (20%), system dynamics (16%), and agent-based models (16%). Intervention cost-effectiveness was evaluated in 40% of the studies, and 39% focused on services for people with opioid use disorder (OUD). In 61% of the eligible articles, authors discussed calibrating their models to empirical data, and in 31%, validation approaches used in the modeling process were discussed. From the 63 studies that provided model parameters, we extracted the data sources on opioid use, OUD, OUD treatment, cessation or relapse, emergency medical services, and death parameters. From this database, potential model inputs can be identified and models can be compared with prior work. Simulation models should be used to tackle key methodological challenges, including the potential for bias in the choice of parameter inputs, investment in model calibration and validation, and transparency in the assumptions and mechanics of simulation models to facilitate reproducibility.

Homicide Epidemic in Cali, Colombia: A Surveillance System Data Analysis, 1993‒2018.

Objectives. To examine homicide rates in Cali, Colombia, during the 1993-2018 period, using information derived from an interagency surveillance system. Methods. We used homicide data from Cali's Epidemiological Surveillance System to examine homicide trends by victim's age and sex, time, and type of method used. We estimated trend changes and the annual percentage changes using joinpoint regression analyses. Results. Homicide rates per 100 000 inhabitants dropped from 102 in 1993 to 47.8 in 2018. We observed reductions in homicide rates across age and sex groups. Most homicide victims were men aged 20 to 39 years from poor, marginalized areas. Firearms were used in 84.9% of all cases. The average annual percentage change for the entire period was -3.6 (95% confidence interval = -6.7, -0.4). Conclusions. Fluctuations in homicide rates in Cali show a clear epidemic pattern, occurring concurrently with the "crack epidemic" in different countries. Reliable and timely information provided by an Epidemiological Surveillance System allowed opportune formulation of public policies to reduce the impact of violence in Cali.

The holistic transformative street-street gang intervention impact and its association with homicide rates in Cali, Colombia / El efecto holístico transformador de la intervención de las pandillas y su asociación con la tasa de homicidios en Cali, Colombia / O efeito transformador holístico da intervenção das gangues e sua associação com a taxa de homicídios em Cali, Colômbia

Abstract Cali is one of the cities in Colombia and Latin America with the highest rate of homicides, with around one third of homicides being attributed to street gang-related violence. In 2016, the Mayor's office from Santiago the Cali - Colombia, the Police Department and the Cisalva institute from Universidad del Valle worked together to develop an holistic intervention, "TIP -Youth without frontiers", to reduce street gang-related violence in Cali's communes. The intervention comprised six components focusing on developing personal/emotional skills, improving access to health and other public services, reducing substance use, connecting youth with employment and educational opportunities, promoting participation in sports and recreational activities, and improving the restitution of citizen rights to street gang members. This study aimed to describe the characteristics and implementation of this transformative street gang program and to describe changes in street gang-related homicides that could be associated with the implementation of this program. The program started contacting street gangs in January 2016, recruiting the first street gang members in August 2016. As of December 2018, 2.107 youth (from 84 Police identified street gangs) have participated in the program. A reduction in street gang-related homicides was observed in Cali's communes from 2015 to 2018. In intervened communes these homicides decreased on average by 80%, suggesting that the program could have contributed to the reduction of street gang-related violent behavior in these areas.

Resumen Cali es una de las ciudades de Colombia y de Latinoamérica con la tasa de homicidios más alta, con alrededor de un tercio de los homicidios atribuidos a la violencia entre pandillas. En 2016, la Alcaldía de Santiago de Cali - Colombia, la Policía Nacional y el Instituto Cisalva de la Universidad del Valle trabajaron juntos para desarrollar una intervención holística, "TIP - Jóvenes sin fronteras", con el fin de reducir la violencia relacionada con las pandillas en las comunas de Cali. La intervención abarcó seis componentes centrados en desarrollar habilidades personales/emocionales, mejorar el acceso a los servicios de salud y otros servicios públicos, reducir el consumo de sustancias, conectar a los jóvenes con oportunidades laborales y educativas, fomentar la participación en actividades deportivas y recreativas, y restituir los derechos cívicos a integrantes de las pandillas. El objetivo de este estudio era describir las características y la implementación de este programa de transformación de pandillas, y describir los cambios en la tasa de homicidios relacionados con pandillas que podrían estar asociados con la implementación de este programa. El programa comenzó contactando a las pandillas en enero del 2016, reclutando a los primeros miembros de estas en agosto del 2016. A diciembre del 2018, 2.107 jóvenes (de 84 pandillas identificadas por la policía) han participado en el programa. Se observó una reducción de los homicidios relacionados con pandillas en las comunas de Cali entre 2015 y 2018. En las comunas intervenidas, estos homicidios disminuyeron en promedio un 80%, lo que sugiere que el programa podría haber contribuido a la reducción del comportamiento violento relacionado con las pandillas en estas áreas.

Resumo Cali é uma das cidades da Colômbia e da América Latina com a maior taxa de homicídios, com cerca de um terço dos homicídios atribuídos à violência de gangues. Em 2016, a Prefeitura de Santiago de Cali - Colômbia, a Polícia Nacional e o Instituto Cisalva da Universidad del Valle trabalharam juntos para desenvolver uma intervenção holística, "TIP - Jovens sem fronteiras", a fim de reduzir a violência das gangues nas comunas de Cali. A intervenção abrangeu seis componentes focados no desenvolvimento de habilidades pessoais/emocionais, melhoria do acesso aos serviços de saúde e outros serviços públicos, redução do uso de substâncias, conexão dos jovens com oportunidades de emprego e educação, incentivo à participação em atividades esportivas e recreativas, e a restauração dos direitos cívicos para os membros das gangues. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as características e a implementação do programa de transformação de gangues e descrever as mudanças na taxa de homicídios por gangues que poderiam estar associadas à implementação deste programa. O programa começou contatando as gangues em janeiro de 2016 e foram recrutados os primeiros membros das gangues em agosto de 2016. Em dezembro de 2018, participaram do programa 2.107 jovens (de 84 gangues identificadas pela polícia). Uma redução dos homicídios relacionados a gangues nas comunas de Cali foi observada entre 2015 e 2018. Nas comunas intervencionadas, esses homicídios diminuíram em média 80%, sugerindo que o programa possa ter contribuído para a redução do comportamento violento relacionado a gangues nessas áreas.

SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing alternatives for Latin America.

In the past four months SARS-CoV-2 has reached most countries in the world. Public health strategies based on widespread testing and proper isolation of positive cases have shown to be helpful to reduce local transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Confirmatory tests, that identify viral RNA, and screening serological tests that identify viral antigens or host antibodies against viral proteins are part of the tools that nations can use to fight infectious disease epidemics. Understanding how each test works can provide insights about their test characteristics and how they can be used for different clinical and public health goals. Testing is a key strategy to reduce viral transmission, not only for this epidemic, but also for others to come.

En los últimos cuatro meses, el virus SARS-CoV-2 ha llegado a la mayoría de países en el mundo. Las estrategias de salud pública basadas en la realización masiva de pruebas diagnósticas y el aislamiento focalizado de casos positivos han demostrado ser útiles para la reducción de la transmisión de SARS-CoV-2. Las pruebas confirmatorias, que identifican el ARN viral, y las pruebas serológicas que identifican antígenos virales o anticuerpos contra las proteínas virales del huésped son herramientas que las naciones pueden usar para combatir las epidemias producidas por agentes infecciosos. El comprender cómo funcionan estas pruebas puede ayudar a entender sus características y cómo pueden ser usadas para diferentes objetivos clínicos y de salud pública. Las pruebas diagnósticas son herramientas clave para reducir la transmisión viral, no solo en esta epidemia, sino para otras por venir.

Mathematical model and COVID-19.

Currently, there are several mathematical models that have been developed to understand the dynamics of COVID-19 infection. However, the difference in the sociocultural contexts between countries requires the specific adjustment of these estimates to each scenario. This article analyses the main elements used for the construction of models from epidemiological patterns, to describe the interaction, explain the dynamics of infection and recovery, and to predict possible scenarios that may arise with the introduction of public health measures such as social distancing and quarantines, specifically in the case of the pandemic unleashed by the new SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 virus. COMMENT: Mathematical models are highly relevant for making objective and effective decisions to control and eradicate the disease. These models used for COVID-19 have supported and will continue to provide information for the selection and implementation of programs and public policies that prevent associated complications, reduce the speed of the virus spread and minimize the occurrence of severe cases of the disease that may collapse health systems.

En la actualidad existen varios modelos matemáticos que han sido desarrollados para entender la dinámica de la infección por COVID-19. Sin embargo, la diferencia en los contextos socioculturales entre países hace necesario el ajuste específico de estas estimaciones a cada escenario. Este artículo analiza los principales elementos usados para la construcción de los modelos a partir de patrones epidemiológicos, para lograr describir la interacción, explicar la dinámica de infección y recuperación, así como para predecir posibles escenarios que pueden presentarse con la introducción de medidas en salud pública como el distanciamiento social y cuarentenas, específicamente para el caso de la pandemia desatada por el nuevo virus SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. COMENTARIO: Los modelos matemáticos son de gran relevancia para la toma de decisiones objetivas y eficaces para controlar y erradicar la enfermedad. Estos modelos usados para el COVID-19, han apoyado y seguirán aportando información para la selección e implementación de programas y políticas públicas que prevengan complicaciones asociadas, disminuyan la velocidad de propagación del virus y minimicen la aparición de casos severos de enfermedad que puedan colapsar los sistemas de salud.

Association of Recreational Cannabis Laws in Colorado and Washington State With Changes in Traffic Fatalities, 2005-2017.

Importance: An important consequence of cannabis legalization is the potential increase in the number of cannabis-impaired drivers on roads, which may result in higher rates of traffic-related injuries and fatalities. To date, limited information about the effects of recreational cannabis laws (RCLs) on traffic fatalities is available. Objective: To estimate the extent to which the implementation of RCLs is associated with traffic fatalities in Colorado and Washington State. Design, Setting, and Participants: This ecological study used a synthetic control approach to examine the association between RCLs and changes in traffic fatalities in Colorado and Washington State in the post-RCL period (2014-2017). Traffic fatalities data were obtained from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2017. Data from Colorado and Washington State were compared with synthetic controls. Data were analyzed from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2017. Main Outcome(s) and Measures: The primary outcome was the rate of traffic fatalities. Sensitivity analyses were performed (1) excluding neighboring states, (2) excluding states without medical cannabis laws (MCLs), and (3) using the enactment date of RCLs to define pre-RCL and post-RCL periods instead of the effective date. Results: Implementation of RCLs was associated with increases in traffic fatalities in Colorado but not in Washington State. The difference between Colorado and its synthetic control in the post-RCL period was 1.46 deaths per 1 billion vehicle miles traveled (VMT) per year (an estimated equivalent of 75 excess fatalities per year; probability = 0.047). The difference between Washington State and its synthetic control was 0.08 deaths per 1 billion VMT per year (probability = 0.674). Results were robust in most sensitivity analyses. The difference between Colorado and synthetic Colorado was 1.84 fatalities per 1 billion VMT per year (94 excess deaths per year; probability = 0.055) after excluding neighboring states and 2.16 fatalities per 1 billion VMT per year (111 excess deaths per year; probability = 0.063) after excluding states without MCLs. The effect was smaller when using the enactment date (24 excess deaths per year; probability = 0.116). Conclusions and Relevance: This study found evidence of an increase in traffic fatalities after the implementation of RCLs in Colorado but not in Washington State. Differences in how RCLs were implemented (eg, density of recreational cannabis stores), out-of-state cannabis tourism, and local factors may explain the different results. These findings highlight the importance of RCLs as a factor that may increase traffic fatalities and call for the identification of policies and enforcement strategies that can help prevent unintended consequences of cannabis legalization.

SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing alternatives for Latin America / Alternativas diagnósticas para SARS-CoV-2 para América Latina

Abstract In the past four months SARS-CoV-2 has reached most countries in the world. Public health strategies based on widespread testing and proper isolation of positive cases have shown to be helpful to reduce local transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Confirmatory tests, that identify viral RNA, and screening serological tests that identify viral antigens or host antibodies against viral proteins are part of the tools that nations can use to fight infectious disease epidemics. Understanding how each test works can provide insights about their test characteristics and how they can be used for different clinical and public health goals. Testing is a key strategy to reduce viral transmission, not only for this epidemic, but also for others to come.

Resumen En los últimos cuatro meses, el virus SARS-CoV-2 ha llegado a la mayoría de países en el mundo. Las estrategias de salud pública basadas en la realización masiva de pruebas diagnósticas y el aislamiento focalizado de casos positivos han demostrado ser útiles para la reducción de la transmisión de SARS-CoV-2. Las pruebas confirmatorias, que identifican el ARN viral, y las pruebas serológicas que identifican antígenos virales o anticuerpos contra las proteínas virales del huésped son herramientas que las naciones pueden usar para combatir las epidemias producidas por agentes infecciosos. El comprender cómo funcionan estas pruebas puede ayudar a entender sus características y cómo pueden ser usadas para diferentes objetivos clínicos y de salud pública. Las pruebas diagnósticas son herramientas clave para reducir la transmisión viral, no solo en esta epidemia, sino para otras por venir.

Mathematical model and COVID-19 / Modelos matemáticos y el COVID-19

Abstract Currently, there are several mathematical models that have been developed to understand the dynamics of COVID-19 infection. However, the difference in the sociocultural contexts between countries requires the specific adjustment of these estimates to each scenario. This article analyses the main elements used for the construction of models from epidemiological patterns, to describe the interaction, explain the dynamics of infection and recovery, and to predict possible scenarios that may arise with the introduction of public health measures such as social distancing and quarantines, specifically in the case of the pandemic unleashed by the new SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 virus. Comment: Mathematical models are highly relevant for making objective and effective decisions to control and eradicate the disease. These models used for COVID-19 have supported and will continue to provide information for the selection and implementation of programs and public policies that prevent associated complications, reduce the speed of the virus spread and minimize the occurrence of severe cases of the disease that may collapse health systems.

Resumen En la actualidad existen varios modelos matemáticos que han sido desarrollados para entender la dinámica de la infección por COVID-19. Sin embargo, la diferencia en los contextos socioculturales entre países hace necesario el ajuste específico de estas estimaciones a cada escenario. Este artículo analiza los principales elementos usados para la construcción de los modelos a partir de patrones epidemiológicos, para lograr describir la interacción, explicar la dinámica de infección y recuperación, así como para predecir posibles escenarios que pueden presentarse con la introducción de medidas en salud pública como el distanciamiento social y cuarentenas, específicamente para el caso de la pandemia desatada por el nuevo virus SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. Comentario: Los modelos matemáticos son de gran relevancia para la toma de decisiones objetivas y eficaces para controlar y erradicar la enfermedad. Estos modelos usados para el COVID-19, han apoyado y seguirán aportando información para la selección e implementación de programas y políticas públicas que prevengan complicaciones asociadas, disminuyan la velocidad de propagación del virus y minimicen la aparición de casos severos de enfermedad que puedan colapsar los sistemas de salud.

Association Between Recreational Marijuana Legalization in the United States and Changes in Marijuana Use and Cannabis Use Disorder From 2008 to 2016.

Importance: Little is known about changes in marijuana use and cannabis use disorder (CUD) after recreational marijuana legalization (RML). Objectives: To examine the associations between RML enactment and changes in marijuana use, frequent use, and CUD in the United States from 2008 to 2016. Design, Setting, and Participants: This survey study used repeated cross-sectional survey data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2008-2016) conducted in the United States among participants in the age groups of 12 to 17, 18 to 25, and 26 years or older. Interventions: Multilevel logistic regression models were fit to obtain estimates of before-vs-after changes in marijuana use among respondents in states enacting RML compared to changes in other states. Main Outcomes and Measures: Self-reported past-month marijuana use, past-month frequent marijuana use, past-month frequent use among past-month users, past-year CUD, and past-year CUD among past-year users. Results: The study included 505 796 respondents consisting of 51.51% females and 77.24% participants 26 years or older. Among the total, 65.43% were white, 11.90% black, 15.36% Hispanic, and 7.31% of other race/ethnicity. Among respondents aged 12 to 17 years, past-year CUD increased from 2.18% to 2.72% after RML enactment, a 25% higher increase than that for the same age group in states that did not enact RML (odds ratio [OR], 1.25; 95% CI, 1.01-1.55). Among past-year marijuana users in this age group, CUD increased from 22.80% to 27.20% (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.01-1.59). Unmeasured confounders would need to be more prevalent in RML states and increase the risk of cannabis use by 1.08 to 1.11 times to explain observed results, indicating results that are sensitive to omitted variables. No associations were found among the respondents aged 18 to 25 years. Among respondents 26 years or older, past-month marijuana use after RML enactment increased from 5.65% to 7.10% (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.16-1.40), past-month frequent use from 2.13% to 2.62% (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08-1.41), and past-year CUD from 0.90% to 1.23% (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.08-1.71); these results were more robust to unmeasured confounding. Among marijuana users in this age group, past-month frequent marijuana use and past-year CUD did not increase after RML enactment. Conclusions and Relevance: This study's findings suggest that although marijuana legalization advanced social justice goals, the small post-RML increase in risk for CUD among respondents aged 12 to 17 years and increased frequent use and CUD among adults 26 years or older in this study are a potential public health concern. To undertake prevention efforts, further studies are warranted to assess how these increases occur and to identify subpopulations that may be especially vulnerable.

The longitudinal effect of early-life sensation seeking on gambling and gambling problems among Puerto Rican young adults.

Sensation seeking has been proposed as a risk factor for gambling and gambling problems; however, existing evidence for a relationship between sensation seeking and gambling behaviors is inconclusive and data are lacking for emerging adults and racial and ethnic minorities. In this longitudinal study, we explored the association between developmental trajectories of sensation seeking in childhood and adolescence and gambling and gambling problems in early adulthood in individuals of Puerto Rican origin. Gambling data were collected during 2014-2018 from a subsample of participants in the Boricua Youth Study who were recruited in the South Bronx of New York City and in San Juan and Caguas, Puerto Rico. Sensation seeking was measured using a 10-item instrument modified from the scale created by Russo et al. for use in children as young as 5 years old. Developmental trajectories of age-adjusted sensation seeking were created using growth mixture models. Gambling and gambling problems were assessed based on the Canadian Adolescent Gambling Inventory (CAGI) Version 1.09. Data were analyzed using descriptive methods and multivariable logistic regression. Individuals in the high sensation-seeking class had lower adjusted odds of past-year gambling (OR = .36; 95% confidence interval [.14, .92]) than did those in the normative sensation-seeking class, whereas no differences were observed for individuals in the low and accelerated classes. No relationship was found between sensation seeking and past-year gambling problems. Given the severe consequences of early initiation of gambling and gambling problems, other early life risk factors and alternative hypotheses for the elevated prevalence of gambling problems in young adults and racial and ethnic minority populations should be explored. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).