Mental health index of the elderly population in Medellín (Colombia)-2021: a factorial analysis.

Introduction: There are several risk factors associated with developing mental disorders among people over 60 years of age. Mental health encompasses multiple domains or capacities, which can comprise the psychological wellbeing of older people. Therefore, resilient coping, self-compassion, self-esteem, hopelessness, quality of life, and depression are considered the characteristics and adaptive mechanisms that bring together the main risk and protective factors for imbalance in mental wellbeing. Objective: This study aimed to establish the demographic, social, and family factors, as well as the clinical characteristics and lifestyle habits that influence the mental health of the elderly people in the city of Medellín, in the year 2021, to build a mental health index. Methodology: This study adopts a quantitative approach, employs retrospective temporality, and utilizes secondary sources. A cross-sectional survey was carried out with the SABAM Project (health and mental wellbeing of older adults from five cities in Colombia in 2021 by its Spanish acronym) database (secondary source), which is part of the research group "Public Health Observatory" of CES University (Medellín, Colombia). The database comprised 500 records of people aged over 60 years from the city of Medellín in 2021. While constructing the index, a principal component analysis was used, along with the Varimax method for factor analysis rotation. Results: The median age of the general population was 67 years (IQR 63-72); for men, the median age was 66 years (IQR 63-71) and for women, the median age was 67 years (IQR 63-72). An association was found between low socioeconomic levels, alcohol consumption, and the level of higher education (university-postgraduate) with low levels of the Mental Health Index in people over 60 years of age in Medellín during the year 2021. Conclusion: A quantitative model was developed to predict either a positive or negative prognosis in the mental wellbeing of the population over 60 years of age in the city of Medellín. The model was also used for the development of a sociodemographic profile highlighting the impact on mental health among people over 60 years of age with limited economic resources.

Clinical Manifestations of Dengue in Children and Adults in a Hyperendemic Region of Colombia.

Dengue is the most common arboviral disease in the world. Traditionally, it has affected more adults, but the incidence in children has increased in recent years. Colombia is no stranger to this change; therefore, we aimed to find the differences in signs, symptoms, and clinical, hematological, and hemogram characteristics between children under 12 years old and individuals aged 12 years and older in an endemic region of Colombia in 2020-2022. The analyses were conducted with baseline data, corresponding to a cross-sectional design. Multiple correspondence analysis was used for general, dermatological, and clinical symptom profiles. Discriminant analysis was used for laboratory profiles. Multiple correspondence analysis was applied to nominal categorical data, employing Euclidean distances to analyze age groups. Discriminant analysis was applied to a training sample and validated on a test sample. The overall agreement of the model's discrimination, sensitivity, specificity, and fit indicators was calculated. The results indicated that individuals under 12 years exhibited distinct dermatological and clinical features, including rash, pruritus, hypotension, lymphocyte count, and platelet count, compared with those aged 12 years and older. In contrast, those 12 years and older were profiled for general and clinical symptoms such as pain (back pain, retro-orbital pain, headache), dizziness, chills, hematuria, tachypnea, and elevated/high hematocrit, hemoglobin, and basophil values. These findings are crucial to understanding the high incidence in children; they also facilitate rapid understanding of the disease in clinical care settings and differentiate it from other febrile outbreaks. This will affect disease control, particularly in severe cases, and reduce mortality.

Density of Aedes aegypti and dengue virus transmission risk in two municipalities of Northwestern Antioquia, Colombia.

The high infestation of Aedes aegypti populations in Urabá, Antioquia, Colombia represents a risk factor for increased dengue morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the risk of dengue transmission by estimating the population of Ae. aegypti using entomological indices, density of females per dwelling and inhabitant, and virological surveillance in two municipalities in Colombia. A cross-sectional study was conducted with quarterly entomological surveys in three neighborhoods of Apartadó and Turbo between 2021 and 2022. Aedes indices and vector density per dwelling and per inhabitant were calculated. The Kernel method was used for spatial analysis, and correlations between climatic variables and mosquito density were examined. Virus detection and serotyping in mosquitoes was performed using single-step reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The housing, reservoir, and Breteau indices were 48.9%, 29.5%, and 70.2%, respectively. The mean density of Ae. aegypti was 1.47 females / dwelling and 0.51 females / inhabitant. The overall visual analysis showed several critical points in the neighborhoods studied. There was significant correlation of vector density and relative humidity and precipitation in the neighborhoods 29 de noviembre and 24 de diciembre. Additionally, serotypes DENV-1 and DENV-2 were found. The overall indices for dwellings, reservoirs, and Breteau were lower than those recorded in 2014 in Urabá. The vector density results in this study were similar to those reported in other studies conducted in Latin America, and vector infection was detected. The Aedes and density indices are complementary, emphasizing the importance of continuous surveillance of Ae. aegypti to inform appropriate control strategies and prevent future dengue outbreaks in these municipalities.

Immune system gene polymorphisms associated with severe dengue in Latin America: a systematic review.

One of the main challenges in the clinical management of dengue is the early identification of cases that could progress to severe forms of the disease. A biomarker that may enable this identification is the presence of genetic polymorphisms in genes associated with immune responses. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the Latin American literature on these genes. An electronic literature search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Lilacs, and the Virtual Health Library, and reference lists of systematic reviews in the area. Case-control studies conducted in Latin American countries examining at least one form of genetic polymorphism related to immune responses against severe dengue were included. In total, 424 articles were identified and 26 were included in this systematic review. Of the 26 selected articles, 16 reported polymorphisms associated with the risk of developing severe dengue (Risk); Similarly, 16 articles reported polymorphisms associated with a decreased risk of severe dengue (Protective). The final analysis revealed that multiple polymorphisms in immune system genes were early markers of the progression of dengue in Latin Americans and found that polymorphisms of the TNF-alpha gene may have a critical role in dengue pathogenesis.

Fundamento y generalidades de la construcción de modelos estadísticos multinivel en el ámbito de la investigación en salud / Construction of multilevel statistical models in health research: Foundations and generalities

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo presentar una mirada global de la aplicabilidad de los modelos de análisis multinivel en el ámbito de la investigación sanitaria. Ofrece información sobre los fundamentos teóricos, metodológicos y estadísticos y, además, menciona los pasos básicos para la construcción de estos modelos, y da ejemplos de su uso, según la estructura jerárquica de los datos. Cabe resaltar que, antes de utilizar estos modelos, se requiere contar con un soporte teórico sobre la necesidad de uso y una valoración estadística que dé cuenta del porcentaje de varianza explicada por el efecto de agrupación de las observaciones. Los requisitos para llevar a cabo este tipo de análisis dependen de condiciones especiales como el tipo de variables, la cantidad de unidades por nivel o el tipo de estructura jerárquica. Se concluye que los modelos de análisis multinivel son una herramienta útil para lograr la integración de información, dadas la complejidad de las relaciones y las interacciones que determinan la mayoría de las condiciones de salud, incluida la pérdida de independencia entre las unidades de observación.

This topic review aims to present a global vision of multilevel analysis models' applicability to health research, explaining its theoretical, methodological, and statistical foundations. We describe the basic steps to build these models and examples of their application according to the data hierarchical structure. It ir worth noticing that before using these models, researchers must have a rationale for needing them, and a statistical evaluation accounting for the variance percentage explained by the observations grouping effect. The requirements to conduct this type of analysis depends on special conditions such as the type of variables, the number of units per level, or the type of hierarchical structure. We conclude that multilevel analysis models are a useful tool to integrate information, considering the complexity of the relationships and interactions involved in most health conditions, including the loss of independence between observation units.

[Social inequalities related to road traffic mortality]. / Desigualdades sociales relacionadas con la mortalidad por accidentes de tráfico.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the social inequalities related to mortality from traffic accidents reported in scientific publications. METHOD: A scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR guide was carried out. Using the MesH vocabulary, we systematically searched for articles in English, Portuguese and Spanish published in the EBSCO, Scielo, Scopus, Ovid, and PubMed databases. RESULTS: We identified 47,790 records in the initial search, of which 35 articles met the selection criteria. Nine out ten publications are in high-income countries; there is a greater interest in analyzing mortality in occupants and drivers of vehicles and motorcyclists. Half of the publications use race-ethnicity and geolocation as socioeconomic position variables. The articles included in this review indicate that groups of people with low socioeconomic positions have higher mortality due to traffic accidents. CONCLUSIONS: The highest mortality from traffic accidents occurs in people with low socioeconomic positions which suggests the development of road safety actions from a comprehensive, integrative perspective and linked to other political agendas to reduce their incidence by 2030. Although road traffic fatalities are higher in low and middle-income countries, few publications are available in these countries. It is necessary to strengthen the research capacities in these countries.

Pressures received and generated by a group of workers with subsistence jobs in the center of Medellín, and how these affect their life and health.

Introduction: Although studies about informal work have been carried out, there is still little evidence that explains, from the workers' perspective, what pressures they receive and generate due to the use of public space, and how these pressures affect their health. Objectives: To explore, from the point of view of a group of informal workers from the downtown Medellin, the environmental and social pressures that they receive and generate from the use of the territory, as well as the effects that these pressures may have on their life and health conditions. Methods: Ethnographic tools were used for field work and grounded theory for data analysis. Twelve informal street vendors workers were selected through theoretical sampling, with whom in-depth interviews and focus groups were conducted, after obtaining consent from the verbal and written process. Interviews and focus groups were transcribed verbatim, with the help of janitors and informants. The results were discussed and validated with the workers, and the information was triangulated with the researchers. Open and axial coding was used for data analysis. Results: The environmental and social pressures that these workers receive and generate in the streets and sidewalks of the city led them to experience critical situations in their working conditions, partly derived from the conflict that occurs over the use of the territory with the different actors in the downtown area, a situation that directly affects workers' physical and mental conditions, their life, and their work. Conclusions: The conflicts generated by the use of the territory as a workplace imply that workers have hostile relationships in their daily lives. However, these conflicts could be resolved with actions of the State and the participation of workers.

Introduction: Aunque se han realizado estudios acerca del trabajo informal, aun es escasa la evidencia que explique, desde la mirada de los trabajadores, qué presiones reciben y generan por el uso del espacio público y cómo estas presiones les afectan su salud. Objetivos: Explorar, desde la mirada de un grupo de trabajadores informales del centro de Medellin, las presiones ambientales y sociales que reciben y generan por el uso del territorio, así como los efectos que pueden tener estas presiones en sus condiciones de vida y salud. Métodos: Se utilizaron herramientas etnográficas para el trabajo de campo y de teoria fundamentada para el análisis de datos. Se tomaron mediante muestro teórico a 12 trabajadores informales "venteros", con quienes se realizaron entrevistas en profundidad y grupos focales, previa toma de consentimiento de proceso verbal y escrito. Se transcribieron las entrevistas y grupos focales de manera textual, se contó con porteros e informantes clave. Los resultados fueron discutidos y validados con los trabajadores, y se trianguló la información con los investigadores. Se utilizó codificación abierta y axial para el análisis de datos. Resultados: Las presiones ambientales y sociales que reciben y generan estos trabajadores en las calles y aceras de la ciudad los llevan a vivenciar situaciones críticas en sus condiciones laborales, derivadas, en parte, del conflicto que se da por el uso del territorio con los diferentes actores del centro de la ciudad, situación que afecta directamente las condiciones de salud física y mental de los trabajadores, su vida y su labor. Conclusiones: Los conflictos que se generan por el uso del territorio como lugar de trabajo implican que los trabajadores tengan relaciones hostiles en su cotidianidad. Sin embargo, estos conflictos podrían revertirse con acciones del Estado y la participación de los trabajadores.

Food insecurity profile according to habits and lifestyles in workers with subsistence jobs, Medellín-Colombia 2016.

Introduction: Although the informal economy absorbs a considerable portion of the population, there is still little evidence that contributes to identify the lifestyles and eating habits that outline food insecurity in workers with subsistence jobs. Objectives: To determine the profile of food insecurity according to habits and lifestyles in workers with subsistence jobs. Methods: Cross-sectional study with primary sources of information, obtained through an assisted survey, to a census of 686 workers in 2016. The results of the nutritional component of a doctoral thesis approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of the CES University, Medellín, Colombia, are presented. Results: In this working population, 52.6% were 50 years or old; however, 86.1% reported being the main household provider, and 33.3% did not have a permit to work in public areas. Moreover, 56.8% reported being sedentary/little active, and the highest consumption of alcohol and tobacco was recorded in men, who also ate their food alone. Conversely, women considered that mood affected their appetite, and they consumed their food while serving customers and handling money. In general, less than 50.0% of workers had a set time to consume their food. Food insecurity in workers' households was explained by alcohol consumption (prevalence ratio = 1.62; confidence interval = 1.05;2.38) and having exclusive hours to consume food (prevalence ratio = 1.40; confidence interval = 1.00;1.96). Their food insecurity is defined by not consuming alcoholic beverages, considering that their mood affects their appetite, consuming one or two meals a day, without a defined schedule, not having permission to work, presenting moderate/severe food insecurity, and being a woman. Conclusions: The conditions that explain and outline food insecurity in this working population contribute to their socio-environmental and labor vulnerability, however, these conditions can be reversed.

Introducción: Aunque la economía informal ocupe una gran parte de la población, todavía existen pocas evidencias que ayuden a identificar los estilos de vida y hábitos alimentarios que definen la inseguridad alimentaria entre los trabajadores con empleos de subsistencia. Objetivos: Determinar el perfil de inseguridad alimentaria según hábitos y estilos de vida en trabajadores con empleos de subsistencia. Métodos: Estudio transversal con fuentes primarias de información, realizado a través de encuesta asistida, con un censo de 686 trabajadores en 2016. Los resultados del componente nutricional de una tesis doctoral aprobada por el Comité de Ética Institucional de la Universidad CES, en Medellín, Colombia, son presentados. Resultados: De esta población trabajadora, el 52,6% tenía más de 50 años, sin embargo, el 86,1% reportó ser la persona que más aportaba en el hogar y al 33,3% no se le permitía trabajar en los espacios públicos. El 56,8% refirió ser sedentario/poco activo, registrándose el mayor consumo de bebidas alcohólicas y cigarrillos en los hombres, quienes también comían solos. Por su parte, las mujeres consideraban que el estado de ánimo afectaba al apetito y, cuando comían, simultáneamente atendían a los clientes y manejaban dinero. En general, menos del 50,0% tenía un tiempo definido para consumir sus alimentos. Explicaron inseguridad alimentaria en sus hogares, consumo de bebidas alcohólicas (RP = 1,62. IC = 1,05;2,38) e horarios exclusivos para consumir alimentos (RP = 1,40. IC = 1,00;1,96). Perfilan su inseguridad alimentaria no consumir bebidas alcohólicas, considerar que el estado de ánimo afectaba al apetito, consumir una o dos comidas al día, sin horario definido, no tener permiso para trabajar, presentar inseguridad alimentaria moderada/grave y ser mujer. Conclusiones: Las condiciones que explican y perfilan la inseguridad alimentaria de esta población trabajadora contribuyen a configurar su vulnerabilidad socioambiental y laboral, sin embargo, pueden ser revertidas.

Construcción del índice de vulnerabilidad sexual de las mujeres trans

Objetivo: Construir un índice que determine la vulnerabilidad sexual de las mujeres trans. Material y Método: Estudio mixto realizado entre los años 2020 y 2021 que en su primera fase utilizó el análisis de contenido para textos que describían los conceptos básicos de vulnerabilidad, vulnerabilidad social y riesgo, apoyado con los relatos obtenidos en grupos focales y entrevistas a 14 mujeres transgénero para generar el constructo teórico de vulnerabilidad sexual de las mujeres transgénero. Para la segunda parte, a partir de la información recolectada de 417 mujeres transgénero de las ciudades de Bogotá y Cali que habían participado del estudio "Vulnerabilidad y Prevalencia de VIH en Mujeres Transgénero en tres ciudades de Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín y Santiago de Cali-2019", se seleccionaron las variables que serían parte de un análisis factorial exploratorio para construir la versión preliminar del índice. Resultados: Se construyó el índice de riesgo de vulnerabilidad sexual de las mujeres transgénero compuesto por 3 factores: apoyo social, prácticas sexuales y cuidado de la salud. El índice consta de 10 preguntas que se evalúan como 0 o 1, donde los puntajes más altos evidencian un mayor riesgo de vulnerabilidad sexual. Conclusiones: La vulnerabilidad sexual es un fenómeno construido por factores propios de la experiencia trans e influenciado por las características del contexto donde la persona habita; el índice construido cuenta con buena consistencia interna (alfa ordinal 0,90). Asimismo, se encontró concordancia entre el modelo teórico de la fase cualitativa y los resultados del análisis factorial exploratorio.

Objective: To construct an index to determine the sexual vulnerability of trans women. Materials and Methods: Mixed study conducted between 2020 and 2021, which in its first phase used content analysis for texts describing the basic concepts of vulnerability, social vulnerability and risk. This was supported by accounts from focus groups and interviews with 14 transgender women to generate the theoretical construct of sexual vulnerability of transgender women. For the second phase, from the information provided by 417 transgender women from the cities of Bogotá and Cali, who participated in the study "Vulnerability and HIV Prevalence in Transgender Women in three cities of Colombia: Bogota, Medellin and Santiago de Cali - 2019", variables were selected to be part of an exploratory factor analysis to construct the preliminary version of the index. Results: The sexual vulnerability risk index of transgender women was based on 3 factors: social support, sexual practices, and health care. The index consisted of 10 questions scored as 0 or 1, with higher scores indicating a higher risk of sexual vulnerability. Conclusions: Sexual vulnerability is a phenomenon based on factors which are specific to the trans experience and it is influenced by the characteristics of the context in which the person lives. The constructed index has good internal consistency (ordinal alpha 0.90) and shows concordance between the theoretical model of the qualitative phase and the results of the exploratory factor analysis.

Objetivo: Construir um índice para determinar a vulnerabilidade sexual de mulheres transgênero. Material e Método: Estudo misto realizado entre 2020 e 2021 que, em sua primeira fase, utilizou a análise de conteúdo para textos que descrevem os conceitos básicos de vulnerabilidade, vulnerabilidade social e risco; apoiado por relatos obtidos em grupos focais e entrevistas com 14 mulheres transgênero para gerar o construto teórico de vulnerabilidade sexual de mulheres transgênero. Para a segunda fase, a partir das informações fornecidas por 417 mulheres transgênero das cidades de Bogotá e Cali que participaram do estudo "Vulnerabilidade e Prevalência de HIV em Mulheres Transgênero em três cidades da Colômbia: Bogotá, Medellín e Santiago de Cali-2019", foram selecionadas variáveis que fizeram parte de uma análise fatorial exploratória para construir a versão preliminar do índice. Resultados: O índice de risco de vulnerabilidade sexual de mulheres transgênero foi construído com base em três fatores: apoio social, práticas sexuais e assistência à saúde. Consiste em 10 perguntas que são avaliadas como 0 ou 1, em que as pontuações mais altas evidenciam um risco maior de vulnerabilidade sexual. Conclusões: A vulnerabilidade sexual é um fenômeno baseado em fatores que são específicos da experiência trans e é influenciado pelas características do contexto em que a pessoa vive. Além disso, o índice construído tem boa consistência interna (alfa ordinal 0,90) e mostra concordância entre o modelo teórico da fase qualitativa e os resultados da análise fatorial exploratória.

Exposición a material particulado y su relación con el cáncer de mama. Mecanismos fisiopatológicos / Exposure to particulate matter and its association to breast cancer. Pathophysiological mechanisms

Introducción. El cáncer de mama es el tipo de cáncer que genera más muertes en mujeres en el mundo. Aunque se reconoce el aporte de factores genéticos, hormonales y de estilos de vida como sus principales causas, las hipótesis que señalan que la contaminación del ambiente juega un papel importante en su desarrollo, han tomado mucha fuerza en los últimos años. Estas hipótesis surgen debido a que el aumento en la incidencia del cáncer de mama coincide con procesos de industrialización, además de mayor presencia en regiones urbanas y con altos niveles de contaminación. El objetivo de este artículo fue consolidar información sobre los mecanismos fisiopatológicos que puedan explicar la relación entre cáncer de mama y la contaminación por material particulado. Metodología. Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura en PubMed, Google Académico y Epistemonikos para documentos publicados sobre el tema desde enero de 2016 hasta el 3 de agosto de 2022. Resultados. Se encontró que algunos de los mecanismos que podrían explicar dicha relación incluyen: alteraciones endocrinas que favorecen cambios hormonales, induciendo el crecimiento mamario; cambios en las características histológicas del tejido normal, como involución reducida de unidades lobulares ductales terminales; formación de aductos de hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos-ácido desoxirribonucleico (HAP-ADN), con mutación específica del gen TP53; activación de la proliferación en la línea celular MCF-7; y, alteraciones en la metilación del ADN. Conclusión. Si bien órganos distales como la mama no son la primera entrada de los contaminantes ambientales al cuerpo, estos sí pueden verse afectados tras la exposición a largo plazo, a través de diferentes mecanismos de disrupción endocrina y daño al ADN principalmente

Breast cancer is the type of cancer that causes the most deaths in women worldwide. Although the contribution of genetic, hormonal and lifestyle factors are recognized as its main causes, the hypotheses that indicate that environmental pollution has an important role in its development have taken on great strength during the last years. These hypotheses are based on the increase in the incidence of breast cancer that coincides with industrialization processes, in addition to its greater presence in urban regions with high levels of pollution. The aim of this study was to consolidate information on the pathophysiological mechanisms that can explain the relationship between breast cancer and air pollution by particulate matter. Methodology. A literature search was carried out in PubMed, Google Scholar and Epistemonikos for documents published on this topic from January 2016 until August 3rd 2022. Results. Some of the mechanisms that could explain this association include endocrine alterations that favor hormonal changes, inducing breast growth; changes in the histological characteristics of normal tissue such as reduced involution of terminal duct lobular units; formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-deoxyribonucleic acid (PAH-DNA) adducts, with specific mutation of the TP53 gene; an increase in cell proliferation in the MCF-7 cell line; and alterations in DNA methylation. Conclusion. Although distal organs such as the breast are not the entry site of environmental pollutants into the body, they can be affected after prolonged exposure, mainly through different mechanisms of endocrine disruption and DNA damage

Immune system gene polymorphisms associated with severe dengue in Latin America: a systematic review

ABSTRACT One of the main challenges in the clinical management of dengue is the early identification of cases that could progress to severe forms of the disease. A biomarker that may enable this identification is the presence of genetic polymorphisms in genes associated with immune responses. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of the Latin American literature on these genes. An electronic literature search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Lilacs, and the Virtual Health Library, and reference lists of systematic reviews in the area. Case-control studies conducted in Latin American countries examining at least one form of genetic polymorphism related to immune responses against severe dengue were included. In total, 424 articles were identified and 26 were included in this systematic review. Of the 26 selected articles, 16 reported polymorphisms associated with the risk of developing severe dengue (Risk); Similarly, 16 articles reported polymorphisms associated with a decreased risk of severe dengue (Protective). The final analysis revealed that multiple polymorphisms in immune system genes were early markers of the progression of dengue in Latin Americans and found that polymorphisms of the TNF-alpha gene may have a critical role in dengue pathogenesis.

La antifragilidad: Una mirada positiva del envejecimiento

Este artículo pretende explorar el concepto de antifragilidad en el adulto mayor, dado el cambio demográfico en el mundo, con evidencia del aumento de personas mayores, que exige a los profesionales vinculados a su atención implementar modelos de intervención acordes con sus necesidades, relacionadas con su capacidad funcional y promoción de una cultura de antifragilidad. La construcción teórica de lo que significa ser adulto mayor antifrágil, en una sociedad que asimila el envejecimiento con fragilidad, enfermedad y discapacidad, es una oportunidad para presentar una mirada positiva de la salud en la vejez, a partir de las adaptaciones al estrés en diferentes dimensiones que influencian la vida de este grupo poblacional, en el que el capital físico, psicológico y social se integran e influencian, en un proceso que se relaciona con la antifragilidad y el envejecer como un continuo de la vida, con ganancias y pérdidas; el estudio de esta relación permitirá contar con políticas inclusivas adecuadas en cada etapa de la vida.

This article intends to explore the concept of anti-fragility in the elderly, given the demographic change in the world, with evidence of the increase in the number of elderly people, which requires professionals linked to their care, to implement intervention models in accordance with their needs, related to their functional capacity and promotion of a culture of antifragility. The theoretical construction of what it means to be an anti-fragile older adult, in a society that assimilates aging with frailty, illness and disability, is an opportunity to present a positive view of health in old age, based on the adaptations to stress in different dimensions that influence the life of this population group, in which physical, psychological and social capital are integrated and influenced, in a process that is related to anti-fragility and aging as a continuum of life, with gains and losses; the study of this relationship will make it possible to have appropriate inclusive policies at each stage of life.

Condiciones laborales y extralaborales relacionadas con la presencia de síntomas depresivos en mujeres trabajadoras con empleos de subsistencia en el centro de Medellín, 2015-2019 / Working and Non-Working Conditions Related to the Presence of Depressive Symptoms in Women Workers with Subsistence Jobs in the Centre of Medellín, 2015-2019

RESUMEN Objetivo: Determinar las condiciones laborales y extralaborales relacionadas con los síntomas depresivos de trabajadoras informales del centro de Medellín en 2015-2019. Métodos: Estudio transversal con intención analítica y fuentes primarias de información. Toma de datos con encuesta asistida en una de sus sedes gremiales en 2016, después de prueba piloto y estandarización de encuestadores. Se tomó por censo a 291 trabajadoras y se exploraron sus características laborales y extralaborales. Resultados: Las mujeres tenían una media de edad de 45 arios, escolaridad < 5 años, viviendas en estrato bajo y medio e ingresos inferiores al salario mínimo de 2016. Alrededor del 60,0% tenía inseguridad alimentaria moderada-grave, sin subsidio del Estado; eran fundamentalmente cabezas de familia, con 2 o menos personas a su cargo, y responsables de sus labores en el hogar. Laboraban al menos 8h al día 6 o 7 días a la semana, con padres o parientes venteros, y al menos 20 años en su labor. Alrededor del 60,0% tenía pareja, el 21,6% con disfuncionalidad familiar, y el 15,4% sufría síntomas depresivos moderados-graves (MG). Se asociaron y aportaron a la explicación de síntomas depresivos MG, vivir en cuarto o inquilinato, en estrato socioeconómico bajo y tener disfuncionalidad familiar MG. Conclusiones: Las condiciones extralaborales que se asocian y explican los síntomas depresivos MG de las trabajadoras pueden modificarse con acciones que impacten en los determinantes sociales de la salud.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the working and non-working conditions related to depressive symptoms in informal workers in the centre of Medellín in 2015-2019. Methods: Cross-sectional study with analytical intention and primary sources of information. Data collection with assisted survey in one of its union headquarters in 2016, after a pilot test and standardisation of pollsters. A total of 291 women workers were taken as a census, and their working and non-working conditions were explored. Results: The women had an average age of 45 years, <5 years of schooling, low and middle-income housing, and income below the 2016 minimum wage. About 60% suffered moderate-severe food insecurity, and received no state benefits. They were mainly the head of the family, with 1 or 2 dependents, and were responsible for the work at home. They worked at least 8 hours a day, 6 or 7 days a week, with parents or relatives selling in the street, and at least 20 years in their work. About 60% had a partner, 21.6% with family dysfunction, and 15.4% moderate-severe depressive symptoms. Living in one room or a slum, with a low socioeconomic status and moderate-severe family dysfunction were associated with, and contributed to the explanation of, moderate-severe depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The non-working conditions that are associated with and explain the moderate-severe depressive symptoms of female workers can be modified with actions that impact on the social determinants of health.

Exposición intrauterina a disruptores endocrinos (ftalatos): fuentes de exposición y cuantificación de metabolitos urinarios / Intrauterine exposure to endocrine disruptors (phthalates): sources of exposure and quantification of urinary metabolites

Introducción: Los ftalatos son disruptores endocrinos usados en la fabricación de múltiples productos de la industria, principalmente plásticos. El periodo fetal representa la principal ventana de vulnerabilidad, y la exposición a ftalatos en esta etapa de vida genera efectos adversos fetales y postnatales. El biomarcador más fiable para medición de ftalatos es la orina. Objetivo: Caracterizar las diferentes fuentes de exposición a disruptores endocrinos y cuantificar la concentración urinaria de ftalatos en gestantes. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal, observacional y descriptivo que incluye 400 gestantes que asistieron a control prenatal en las instituciones de salud Génesis y Metrosalud (Medellín-Colombia). Se caracterizaron fuentes de exposición, se recolectó muestras de orina de todas las gestantes, y cuantificó la concentración de ftalatos de 38 mujeres. Resultados: Las medias geométricas de ftalato Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(DEHP), Mono-n-butyl phthalate(MnBP), Mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate(MEHHP) y Mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate(MEOHP) fueron 162,72µg/L, 58,5 µg/L, 33,93µg/L y 31,63µg/L respectivamente. Conclusiones: La mayoría de las gestantes evaluadas han estado expuestas a lo largo de su vida a fuentes potenciales de disruptores endocrinos, presentes en químicos domésticos, tabaco y uso frecuente de cosméticos faciales y corporales. Las concentraciones de MnBP, MEHHP y MEOHP en orina de las participantes, fueron superiores a los hallazgos a nivel mundial.

Introduction: Phthalates are endocrine disruptors used in the manufacture of various industrial products, mainly plastics. The fetal period represents the principal window of vulnerability, and the exposure to Phthalates in this stage of life generates adverse fetal and post-natal effects. The most reliable biomarker for the assessment of Phthalates is urine. Objective: To characterize the different exposure sources of endocrine disruptors and quantify the urinary concentration of Phthalates in pregnant women. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study which included 400 pregnant women who received prenatal care in the Genesis and Metrosalud health institutions (Medellín-Colombia). Exposure sources were characterized and urine samples were collected from all pregnant women and the Phthalate concentration was quantified in 38 women. Results: The geometric measures of Phthalate Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(DEHP), Mono-n-butyl phthalate(MnBP), Mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate(MEHHP) and Mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate(MEOHP) were 162.72µg/L, 58.5 µg/L, 33.93µg/L and 31.63µg/L respectively. Conclusions: The majority of pregnant women that were evaluated were exposed to potential sources of endocrine disruptors throughout their life, which are present in household chemicals, tobacco, and frequent use of facial and body cosmetics. The concentrations of MnBP, MEHHP y MEOHP in urine of participants were higher than those found worldwide.

Condiciones ambientales, laborales, hábitos y estilos de vida relacionados con la hipertensión en trabajadores informales, Medellín / Environmental and working conditions, habits and lifestyles related to hypertension in informal workers, Medellín / Condições ambientais, laborais, hábitos e estilos de vida relacionados com a hipertensão em trabalhadores informais, Medellín

Resumen Introducción: la hipertensión arterial (HTA) en trabajadores informales, podría explicarse por sus condiciones laborales, ambientales, hábitos y estilos de vida. Objetivo: determinar condiciones laborales, ambientales, hábitos y estilos de vida, que aportan a la explicación de HTA en trabajadores informales del centro de Medellín, Colombia, 2016. Metodología: estudio descriptivo transversal con intención analítica. Fuentes primarias de información, a un censo de 686 trabajadores en 2016, previa toma de consentimiento informado. Se indagaron condiciones laborales, ambientales, hábitos, estilos de vida y autorreporte de HTA. Se realizó análisis univariado, bivariado y multivariado. Pruebas estadísticas con 95 % de confianza y error del 5 %. Un grupo de trabajadores participó en el diseño y ejecución del trabajo de campo. Proyecto aprobado por comité de Ética Institucional de la Universidad CES, Medellín (septiembre 2015). Resultados: el 20,26 % de los trabajadores tenía HTA. Edad 50(±11,76) años y 23,5 años como venteros, 81,5 % trabaja >8 horas diarias. El 17,2 % fumaba cigarrillo, 23,7 % utilizaba salero en la mesa y 28,9 % eran sedentarios. Mayor hipertensión a mayor edad (RP=12,35), mayor antigüedad en el oficio (RP=1,73) y considerarse obeso (RP=2,61), y menor para quienes no consumían licor (RP=0,48). Explica mayor HTA consumir alimentos fritos (PR=3,14. IC=1,64; 6.00), tener entre 30-44 (PR=10,71.CI: 5,00; 22,94) y 45-59 años (PR=2,69. CI: 1,66; 4,37), y menor HTA, considerarse con sobrepeso (PR=0.54. IC=0.34, 0.78). Conclusiones: las condiciones laborales, hábitos y estilos de vida, aportan a la explicación de HTA. Siendo estas, algunas características que aportan a configurar vulnerabilidad laboral, en esta población trabajadora.

Abstract Introduction: High blood pressure (HBP) in informal workers could be explained, by their working and environmental conditions, habits and lifestyles. Objective: To determine working and environmental conditions, habits and lifestyles, which contribute to the explanation of HBP in informal workers in the downtown area in Medellin, Colombia, 2016. Methodology: Cross-sectional descriptive study with analytical intent. Primary source of information: a census of 686 workers in 2016, after obtaining informed consent. Working and environmental conditions, habits, lifestyles and self-report of HBP were investigated. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyzes were performed. Statistical tests show 95% confidence and 5% error. A group of workers participated in the design and execution of the fieldwork. Project approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Universidad CES, Medellín September 2015. Results: 20,26% of the workers had HBP. Age 50 (±11,76) years old, and 23,5 years as street vendors, 81,5% work>8 hours a day; 17,2% smoked cigarettes, 23,7% used saltshakers at the table and 28,9% were sedentary. Greater hypertension at older age (PR=12.35), greater seniority in the job (PR=1,73) and considered themselves obese (PR=2,61), and lower HBP for those who did not consume liquor (PR=0,48). Greater HBP is explained in people consuming fried foods (PR=3.14.IC=1,64; 6.00), being between 30-44 (PR=10,71. CI:5,00;22,94) and 45 to 59 years old (PR=2,69.CI: 1.66; 4.37), and a lower HBP for those considered as overweight (PR=0,54. IC=0.34; 0.78). Conclusion: working conditions, habits and lifestyles contribute to the explanation of HBP. These are some characteristics that contribute to configure labor vulnerability in this working population.

Resumo Introdução: a hipertensão arterial (HTA) em trabalhadores informais, poderia explicar-se por suas condições laborais, ambientais, hábitos e estilos de vida. Objetivo: determinar condições laborais, ambientais, hábitos e estilos de vida, que aportam à explicação de HTA em trabalhadores informais do centro de Medellín, Colômbia, 2016. Metodologia: estudo descritivo transversal com intenção analítica. Fontes primarias de informação, a um censo de 686 trabalhadores em 2016, previa toma de consentimento informado. Indagaram-se condições laborais, ambientais, hábitos, estilos de vida e auto reporte de HTA. Realizou-se análise uni variado, bivariado e multivariado. Provas estadísticas com 95 % de confiança e erro do 5 %. Um grupo de trabalhadores participou no desenho e execução do trabalho de campo. Projeto aprovado por comité de Ética Institucional da Universidade CES, Medellín (setembro 2015). Resultados: o 20,26 % dos trabalhadores tinha HTA. Idade 50(±11,76) anos e 23,5 anos como camelôs, 81,5 % trabalha >8 horas diárias. O 17,2 % fumava cigarro, 23,7 % utilizava saleiro na mesa e 28,9 % eram sedentários. Maior hipertensão a maior idade (RP=12,35), maior antiguidade no ofício (RP=1,73) e considerar-se obeso (RP=2,61), e menor para quem não consumiam licor (RP=0,48). Explica maior HTA consumir alimentos fritos (PR=3,14. IC=1,64;6.00), ter entre 30-44 (PR=10,71.CI:5,00;22,94) e 45-59 anos (PR=2,69. CI:1,66;4,37), e menor HTA, considerar-se com sobrepeso (PR=0.54. IC=0.34, 0.78). Conclusões: as condições laborais, hábitos e estilos de vida, aportam à explicação de HTA. Sendo estas, algumas características que aportam a configurar vulnerabilidade laboral, nesta população trabalhadora.

Working and non-working conditions related to the presence of depressive symptoms in women workers with subsistence jobs in the centre of Medellín, 2015-2019.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the working and non-working conditions related to depressive symptoms in informal workers in the centre of Medellín in 2015-2019. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with analytical intention and primary sources of information. Data collection with assisted survey in one of its union headquarters in 2016, after a pilot test and standardisation of pollsters. A total of 291 women workers were taken as a census, and their working and non-working conditions were explored. RESULTS: The women had an average age of 45 years, ≤5 years of schooling, low and middle-income housing, and income below the 2016 minimum wage. About 60% suffered moderate-severe food insecurity, and received no state benefits. They were mainly the head of the family, with 1 or 2 dependents, and were responsible for the work at home. They worked at least 8 h a day, 6 or 7 days a week, with parents or relatives selling in the street, and at least 20 years in their work. About 60% had a partner, 21.6% with family dysfunction, and 15.4% moderate-severe depressive symptoms. Living in one room or a slum, with a low socioeconomic status and moderate-severe family dysfunction were associated with, and contributed to the explanation of, moderate-severe depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The non-working conditions that are associated with and explain the moderate-severe depressive symptoms of female workers can be modified with actions that impact on the social determinants of health.

Factores asociados con el tiempo de progresión de la discapacidad en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple / Factors associated with time to disability progression in patients with multiple sclerosis

Objetivos. Determinar los factores sociodemográficos, clínicos y radiológicos asociados al tiempo de progresión de discapacidad en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple (EM). Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal analítico, basado en registros de la historia clínica de pacientes del Instituto Neurológico de Colombia, entre el 2013 y 2021. La progresión a discapacidad de los pacientes con EM se definió como el tiempo hasta un aumento de por lo menos 0,5 puntos en el valor de la EDSS (del inglés Expanded Disability Status Scale), sostenido por al menos seis meses. Se usó un modelo de regresión de Cox para estimar la función de supervivencia y los hazard ratios (HR) con sus intervalos de confianza de 95% (IC 95%). Resultados. Se incluyeron 216 pacientes, de los cuales el 25% progresó a discapacidad, la mediana de supervivencia fue de 78 meses (RIC 95%: 70−83), las lesiones activas (HR = 1,94; IC 95%: 1,10−3,44), el sexo masculino (HR = 2,5; IC 95%: 1,32−4,73), y las enfermedades neurológicas (HR = 2,18; IC95%: 1,03−4,61) se asociaron en el modelo multivariado. Conclusiones. La mediana de tiempo de progresión hacia la discapacidad fue de 72 meses. Las lesiones activas captadas en resonancia magnética y el sexo masculino se asociaron con mayor progresión de la discapacidad, con resultados estadísticamente significativos en el modelo multivariado.

Objectives. To determine the sociodemographic, clinical and radiological factors associated with time to disability progression in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Materials and methods. Cross-sectional descriptive study with an analytical component, based on clinical records of patients at the Neurological Institute of Colombia, between 2013 and 2021. Progression to disability in MS patients was defined as the time to an increase of at least 0.5 points in the EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) score, sustained for at least six months. A Cox regression model was used to estimate the survival function and Hazard Ratios (HR) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results. We included 216 patients, of whom 25% progressed to disability, median survival was 78 months (95% CI: 70-83), active lesions (HR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.10-3.44), cerebellar complications (HR = 2.03; 95% CI: 0. 99-4.16), being male (HR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.32-4.73), and having neurological diseases (HR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.03-4.61) were associated as risk factors. While relapsing remitting MS (HR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.31-1.26) and age at diagnosis less than 40 years (HR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.53-1.76) were associated as protective factors. Conclusions. Progression is affected by many factors, and there is no single independent factor.

Risk factors and spatial analysis for domiciliary infestation with the Chagas disease vector Triatoma venosa in Colombia.

Background: In Colombia, communities living in the Andean region are the most affected by Chagas disease due to the presence of the main vectors, the environmental and risk factors associated with house infestation. Triatoma venosa is classified as a secondary vector that is frequently found in the departments of Boyaca and Cundinamarca, but epidemiological information and its association with risk factors in domestic and peridomestic areas is unknown. The study aimed to evaluate housing and environmental characteristics associated with domestic and peridomestic infestation by T. venosa and a risk map was estimated. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in municipalities of Boyaca and Cundinamarca, Colombia. From March to July 2015, triatomine infestation screening surveys were conducted in 155 households. Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate associations with the infestation and ecological niche modeling was estimated using environmental variables. Results: No statistical association was found with any of the housing variables in the adjusted multivariate analysis. However, in raw relationship infestation was associated with bushes < 10 m (OR = 3; 95% CI: 1.3-7.3) and higher temperature p value < 0.05. The developed final risk map pointed to 12 municipalities with no previous report of the disease, which should be sampled for the presence of T. venosa. Conclusion: This study highlights the relationship between environmental factors and T. venosa in Colombia and the importance of modeling tools to improve mapping efforts. Additional studies are needed to verify the association with bushes and higher temperatures and to verify infestation in predicted risk area with no previous report of the species.

Friendly Residential Environments That Generate Autonomy in Older Persons.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the housing and residential environment conditions associated with functional autonomy in older persons. METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted, including 175 individuals over the age of 60. Participants were non-institutionalized urban residents of Medellín, Colombia, selected by random two-stage sampling (neighborhoods and blocks). Analysis was done according to functional autonomy of action (dependent variable); and demographic conditions, housing, and the physical and social environment suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the strategy of age-friendly cities (independent variables). Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed with these variables, where the odds ratio (OR), association hypothesis test, and confidence intervals were estimated, using logistic regression models. RESULTS: 89.7% of older persons had moderate physical performance. The performance of intergenerational activities (OR = 5.28) and community actions (OR = 11.28) were part of social environments. The adaptations in public transport (OR = 90.33), sanitary services (OR = 4.1), and lighting in parks (OR = 19.9) of the physical environment were the associations found with functional autonomy. CONCLUSIONS: Exploring how the physical and social environments surrounding housing are associated with the functional performance of older persons can generate useful information to support public health and city infrastructure strategies that improve their physical performance and maintain autonomy.

Factors associated with time to disability progression in patients with multiple sclerosis. / Factores asociados con el tiempo de progresión de la discapacidad en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple.

OBJECTIVES.: Motivation for the study: multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease that requires management by different disciplines. Data on Latin American patients is scarce, therefore, the usually used theoretical references are from other population groups. Main findings: sociodemographic (male), clinical (concomitant neurological diseases) and radiological (active lesions in magnetic resonance imaging) factors were found to be associated with disease progression. Implications: taking the above into account when approaching patients in daily clinical practice, it is possible to identify when their condition has greater possibilities of progression and thus eventually prevent complications. To determine the sociodemographic, clinical and radiological factors associated with time to disability progression in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). MATERIALS AND METHODS.: Cross-sectional descriptive study with an analytical component, based on clinical records of patients at the Neurological Institute of Colombia, between 2013 and 2021. Progression to disability in MS patients was defined as the time to an increase of at least 0.5 points in the EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale) score, sustained for at least six months. A Cox regression model was used to estimate the survival function and Hazard Ratios (HR) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS.: We included 216 patients, of whom 25% progressed to disability, median survival was 78 months (95% CI: 70-83), active lesions (HR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.10-3.44), cerebellar complications (HR = 2.03; 95% CI: 0. 99-4.16), being male (HR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.32-4.73), and having neurological diseases (HR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.03-4.61) were associated as risk factors. While relapsing remitting MS (HR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.31-1.26) and age at diagnosis less than 40 years (HR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.53-1.76) were associated as protective factors. CONCLUSIONS.: Progression is affected by many factors, and there is no single independent factor.

OBJETIVOS.: Motivación para realizar el estudio: la esclerosis múltiple (EM) es una enfermedad compleja que requiere manejo por diferentes disciplinas, en la literatura científica existen pocos datos de pacientes latinoamericanos, por ende, los referentes teóricos son de otros grupos poblacionales. Principales hallazgos: se encontró que factores sociodemográficos (sexo masculino), clínicos (enfermedades neurológicas concomitantes) y radiológicos (lesiones activas captadas en resonancia magnética) se asociaron con la progresión de la enfermedad. Implicancias: teniendo en cuenta lo anterior al momento de abordar los pacientes en la práctica clínica diaria, se puede clasificar su condición con mayores posibilidades de progresión y así eventualmente prevenir complicaciones. Determinar los factores sociodemográficos, clínicos y radiológicos asociados al tiempo de progresión de discapacidad en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple (EM). MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Estudio transversal analítico, basado en registros de la historia clínica de pacientes del Instituto Neurológico de Colombia, entre el 2013 y 2021. La progresión a discapacidad de los pacientes con EM se definió como el tiempo hasta un aumento de por lo menos 0,5 puntos en el valor de la EDSS (del inglés Expanded Disability Status Scale), sostenido por al menos seis meses. Se usó un modelo de regresión de Cox para estimar la función de supervivencia y los hazard ratios (HR) con sus intervalos de confianza de 95% (IC 95%). RESULTADOS.: Se incluyeron 216 pacientes, de los cuales el 25% progresó a discapacidad, la mediana de supervivencia fue de 78 meses (RIC 95%: 70−83), las lesiones activas (HR = 1,94; IC 95%: 1,10−3,44), el sexo masculino (HR = 2,5; IC 95%: 1,32−4,73), y las enfermedades neurológicas (HR = 2,18; IC95%: 1,03−4,61) se asociaron en el modelo multivariado. CONCLUSIONES.: La mediana de tiempo de progresión hacia la discapacidad fue de 72 meses. Las lesiones activas captadas en resonancia magnética y el sexo masculino se asociaron con mayor progresión de la discapacidad, con resultados estadísticamente significativos en el modelo multivariado.