Arterial Hypertension, Structural Damage of the Brain and Cognitive Test / Hipertensión arterial, daño estructural del cerebro y test cognitivos.

Introduction: The arterial hypertension cause brain vascular damage (white matter lesion) and the burden and progression determine their cognitive consequences. Therefore, arterial hypertension is considered the main modifiable vascular risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the results of cognitive tests in a sample of hypertensive patients and to establish possible associations with structural brain lesions (atrophy, white matter lesions) identified by magnetic resonance imaging Methods: Were included 70 hypertensive patients from Heart-Brain study in Argentina with magnetic resonance imaging and cognitive test. Fazekas scale and the Global Cortical Atrophy were used to quantify the white matter lesions and the brain atrophy, respectively. The Mini-Mental Status Examination, Clock Drawing test and Mini-Boston Naming test were used to evaluate the cognitive status. Results: average age 69.7 ± 10.6 years, 55.7% female). Based on the linear regression analysis, Fazekas scale and cognitive tests were inversely associated. For each grade of increase in Fazekas scale, the clock drawing test (Coef -0.56, CI 95% -1.01 -0.10, p=0.01) and the Mini-mental Status Examination (Coef -0.7, CI 95% -1.27 -0.13, p=0.01) scores decreased. The subcortical atrophy was significantly associated with the clock drawing test (OR 3.29, CI 95% 1.25-8.63; p=0.016). Conclusion: The cognitive tests, particularly the clock drawing test could be used (in the clinical routine practice) as "subrrogate" of the brain structural hypertension-mediated damage.

Introducción: La hipertensión arterial causa daño vascular cerebral (lesiones de sustancia blanca) y su carga y progresión determinan las consecuencias cognitivas. Así, la hipertensión es considerada el principal factor de riesgo vascular modificable para desarrollar deterioro cognitivo y demencia. Por lo tanto el objetivo de la presente investigación fue evaluar el resultado de los test cognitivos en una muestra de pacientes hipertensos y establecer las posibles asociaciones con las lesiones estructurales del cerebro (atrofia, lesiones de sustancia blanca) identificadas mediante resonancia magnética. Métodos: Se incluyeron 70 pacientes hipertensos pertenecientes al estudio Corazón-Cerebro en Argentina a los que se les realizó resonancia magnética y evaluación cognitiva. Se utilizaron las escalas de Fazekas y la Global Cortico Atrophy para evaluar las lesiones de sustancia blanca y la atrofia cerebral, respectivamente y el Mini-mental test, el test del reloj y el test de denominación Mini-Boston para conocer el estatus cognitivo. Resultados: Edad promedio 69.7 ± 10.6 años, 55.7% mujeres. Basados en el análisis de regresión lineal, la escala de Fazekas se asoció en forma inversa con los test cognitivos. Por cada punto de aumento en la escala de Fazekas el puntaje del test del reloj descendió -0.56 (IC 95% -1.01 -0.10, p=0.01) y el Mini-mental test -0.7 (IC95% -1.27 -0.13, p=0.01). La atrofia subcortical se asoció en forma inversa solo con el test del reloj (OR 3.29, IC 95% 1.25-8.63; p=0.016). Conclusión: Los test cognitivos, en especial el test del reloj, podrían ser utilizados, en la práctica clínica asistencial, como un subrogado del daño estructural del cerebro mediado por la hipertensión arterial.

Predicting cognitive function and dementia risk in patients with hypertension.

In spite of the fact that hypertension stand out as the main vascular risk factor for developing dementia, it is essential to acknowledge the presence of other risk factors, both vascular and non-vascular that contribute to increase this risk. This study stratified the dementia risk using CAIDE (Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia) dementia risk score in a sample of 1279 hypertensive patients from the Heart-Brain Study in Argentina and to observed the association between the risk factors include in the CAIDE score and the current cognitive status. The average age of the sample was 60.2 ± 13.5 years (71% female) and the average years of education was 9.9 ± 5.1 years. To assess the current cognitive status, we used the Mini-mental test (MMSE), the clock drawing test (CDT) and Mini-Boston test. According to CAIDE score ( ≥9 points) the risk of dementia was 40.4% in the total sample and 28.1% in the middle-life hypertensive patients (between 47 to 53 years). An inverse association was observed between CAIDE score and the results of current cognitive tests (MMSE = R2 0.9128, p < 0.0001; CDT = R2 0.9215, p < 0.0001 y Mini-Boston= R2 0.829, p < 0.0001). The CAIDE score can predict the risk of dementia in hypertensive patients and its result was associated with the current cognitive status (result of cognitive tests).

Association of clomipramine and allopurinol for the treatment of the experimental infection with Trypanosoma cruzi.

We have previously shown that clomipramine and allopurinol used separately are effective in preventing chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the association of clomipramine (Clo--5 mg/kg/day/90 days) and allopurinol (Allo--5, 10, or 15 mg/kg/day/90 days) for the treatment of experimental Chagas disease in the acute stage. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated through parasitemia, survival, electrocardiography, serology, and cardiac histopathology. Groups treated showed no electrocardiographic abnormalities, in contrast to those untreated which presented 25% of mice with conduction alterations. The myocardium of treated mice (Clo, Allo10+Clo, and Allo15+Clo) presented no structural alterations. Cardiac b-receptor affinity was preserved in mice treated with Clo or Clo+Allo at the different doses; receptor density of the Clo and Allo15+Clo groups did not differ from the non-infected group. Anti-cruzipain antibody levels were similar in treated and untreated groups. Survival was significantly increased in the treated groups (p < 0.05), with Clo and all the Clo+Allo groups presenting the highest rates. These results show that the association of clomipramine + allopurinol is effective for Chagas disease treatment and has the same effect as clomipramine alone.

[Analysis of the frequency of experimentation with and consumption of drugs in high-school students]. / Análisis de la frecuencia de experimentación y consumo de drogas de alumnos de escuelas de nivel medio.

The aim of this study was to survey the frequency of experimentation and consumption of drugs in high-school students in Cordoba, Argentina, relating it to socio-demographic variables. An observational-analytical method was employed, on the basis of the records of the Secretary for the Planning of Drug-Addiction Prevention and Fighting of Drug-Trafficking. Statistical. Bivariate analysis, odds ratio and confidence interval were applied in the processing of each variable. Alcohol consumption was found to be more frequent among males. Of the subjects 12.2% had tried some type of illicit substance. Tranquilizers were the most commonly used psycho-medicine. Drug consumption increased with age, years of schooling and availability of money. Our detection of an epidemiological situation is deemed useful for prevention strategies for drug addiction among teenagers.

Prevalence of Mood and Anxiety Disorders Among Adults Seeking Care in Primary Healthcare Centers in Cordoba, Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders among adults seeking care in primary healthcare centers in Cordoba city, Argentina. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of a random sample of adults 18-69 years of age seeking care for general health problems in public (i.e., government-funded) primary healthcare centers in Cordoba city, Argentina in 2010-2011. Mood and anxiety disorders were assessed in the participants' lifetime, and in the last 12 months and 30 days using the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0, and defined following the International Classification of Diseases, tenth revision. RESULTS: Overall, 1,067 participants were included in the current analysis [mean age 35.6 (SD 13.2) years, 83.7% female]. The lifetime, 12-month and 30-day prevalence of any mood or anxiety disorder was 40.4% [95% confidence interval (95%CI) 37.4-43.4%], 20.1% (17.8-22.7%) and 7.8% (6.2-9.6%), respectively. The prevalence of anxiety disorders was higher compared to mood disorders when assessed in the participants' lifetime [29.7% (95%CI 27.0-32.5%) versus 19.3% (17.0-21.8%)], and in the last 12 months [14.9% (12.8-17.2%) versus 8.7% (7.1-10.6%)] and 30 days [5.8% (4.5-7.4%) versus 2.3% (1.5-3.4%)]. Age and marital status-adjusted odds ratios for any mood or anxiety disorder in the participants' lifetime and in the last 12 months and 30 days comparing women versus men were 1.19 (95%CI 0.85-1.67), 1.70 (1.07-2.69), and 2.26 (1.02-5.00), respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders is high among adults seeking care in primary healthcare centers in Cordoba city, particularly among women. Integration of primary and mental health services is warranted.

[Scores to predict the number of hospitalization days in a general ward at a tertiary hospital]. / Score predictor de días de estancia para sala común.

UNLABELLED: Although most usual admissions to hospital are in rooms in general wards, there are not scores to predict the number of hospitalization days in this area. The patients are located based on diagnosis at admission. AIM: to make scores who predict the number of hospitalization days in the general wards. METHODS: We studied all the patients who were admitted to the Italiano Hospital from march of 2004 to may of 2005 in Cordoba city (Argentina). The inclusion criteria were: more than 18 years old patients who were admitted for more than 24 hours due to clinical or surgical conditions in general wards. We evaluated 53 variables including background, toxics, physiologic and demographic data, social reports, nutritional condition, out patients previous consultations at the admission day. Died patients were not included in this score analysis. RESULTS: The number of patients included was 1003. Short hospitalization was considered when the number of the days of the hospitalization was less than 4 days and long hospitalization was more than 5 day in a general ward. We made a score with 11 main variables according to physician clinical perception. The statistical analysis was not significant in each variable studied. When we analyzed the score with 11 of them as a whole, it showed statistical significance. We divided in categories and pointing according to statistic settlements. Minimum pointing: 11; maximum: 33. Showed R2: 0,77 ( p: 0,06) between pointing and the hospitalization days. CONCLUSION: The lower scores were related with a high chance of discharge before 5 days. This score may be a simple and feasible tool for the hospital administration and for the prediction of available beds in a general wards.

Treatment with benznidazole or thioridazine in the chronic phase of experimental Chagas disease improves cardiopathy.

Mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi Tulahuen strain or SGO-Z12 isolate were treated at 180 days post infection (p.i.) (i.e. chronic phase) with benznidazole (for 30 days) or thioridazine (for 12 days). Both drugs produced a decrease in electrocardiographic alterations, fewer modifications in the affinity and density of cardiac beta-receptors, and few isolated areas of fibrosis in the heart, whereas untreated mice presented areas of necrosis and fibre fragmentation 350 days p.i. (P<0.01). Survival in treated mice was 100% for benznidazole and 88% for thioridazine, independent of the parasite strain; survival for untreated mice was 30% and 40% for Tulahuen strain and SGO-Z12 isolate, respectively (P<0.01). No cardiotoxic effects of thioridazine were detected at the dose and treatment schedule used. These results show the benefit of treatment in the chronic phase of Chagas disease and that thioridazine should be considered as a promising agent for the treatment of Chagas disease.

Changes in the cardiac beta-adrenergic system provoked by different T. cruzi strains.

BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated that the beta-adrenergic signal transduction system is altered somewhere along its pathway in Trypanosoma cruzi infected hearts and we think that these alterations would differ according to the infection phase and the parasite strain. Their study would be important for the understanding of the disease's pathophysiology. METHODS: In the present work we studied important components of this system in mice hearts infected with T. cruzi, Tulahuen strain and with SGO-Z12 isolate, obtained from a patient of an endemic area, in the acute phase of the infection, determining: the plasma catecholamines levels, the beta-receptors density and affinity as well as their function, the cardiac concentration of cAMP and the cardiac contractility as the physiologic response to the initial stimulus. RESULTS: Plasma catecholamines levels were diminished in both infected groups when compared to the uninfected one (P < 0.01). The receptor's affinity was also diminished (P < 0.05) while their density was augmented only in the SGO-Z12 infected one (P < 0.01). The cAMP levels were higher in both infected groups (P < 0.01), the basal contractile force however increased only in the Tulahuen infected one (P < 0.01) while the response to catecholamines remained unchanged. The hearts infected with the SGO Z12 isolate presented an inferior response to epinephrine (P < 0.05) than the ventricles infected with the Tulahuen strain. CONCLUSIONS: This model represents an important approach to understand the biochemical, physiological and molecular changes in the cardiac beta-adrenergic signalling that clearly begin in the acute phase of Chagas' disease and reveal a clear differentiation in the alterations produced by different parasite strains.

[Psychological evaluations of operation of patients with mental disorders].

UNLABELLED: The severe and chronic mental illnesses such as schizophrenia are associated with very complex problems that are not confined to the symptoms but also affect psychosocial functioning and community integration. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability (in terms of internal consistency) of the WHODAS 2.0 for analyzing the psychosocial functioning of people with schizophrenia living in the community and using mental health services, and report the WHODAS 2.0 results from the same sample. METHODS: The sample comprised 100 users diagnosed with schizophrenia (F20 to F29 of ICD 10) living in the community and in contact with mental health services in Córdoba, Buenos Aires and San Luis in Argentina. Interviewers were trained in the use of the WHODAS 2.0. RESULTS: For the overall internal consistency of the WHODAS 2.0: Cronbach's alpha = 0.78. WHODAS 2.0 results for these service users were: Domain 1, 57% none, 19.4% mild, 20.4% moderate, 3.2% severe. Domain 2, 60.2% none, 18.3% mild, 17.2% moderate, 3.2% severe. Domain 3, 54.9% none, 23.7% mild, 19.4% moderate, 2.2% severe. Domain 4, 74.2% none, 18.3% mild, 6.5% moderate, 1.1% severe. Domain 5, 82.8% none, 1.8% mild, 4.3% moderate, 1.1% severe. Domain 6, 81.7% none, 15.1% mild, 3.2% moderate. CONCLUSIONS: WHODAS 2.0 showed high internal consistency in this population. Most of the service users had no disability or mild disability in all 6 domains. A substantial minority had moderate disability in some domains (D1, D3). In all domains, <5% had severe disability.

[Prevalence of mental health disorders among patientswho attendeda service of neurology for chronic pain].

UNLABELLED: The association between chronic pain and mental disorders is a determining factor of the disease evolution and requires a comprehensive approach in patients. OBJECTIVE: evaluate the prevalence of mental disorders in patients with chronic pain who use the service of Neurology at the National Clinical Hospital, Cordoba, Argentina. METHODOLOGY: the study included patients with chronic pain who used the Neurology service, National Clinical Hospital in Cordoba, Argentina, selected from a validated form that contains the appropriate clinical criteria. Mental disorders were evaluated in a sample of 351 patients through the CIDI 3.0. The interviewers were properly trained to implement it. Data were analyzed using InfoStat® statistical software. RESULTS: The mean age of the sample was 41.94±2.02 years, ranging from 20 to 65, 88.32% being women. It showed that 50.98% of the consultants for chronic pain had an episode of mental disorders throughout their life. Thus, the lifetime prevalence for affective disorders was 29.4% and neurotic disorders, stress related disorders and somatoform disorders was 41.2%. CONCLUSION: The results contributed to identify the background frequency and characteristics of mental disorders in patients presenting with chronic pain in a service of Neurology, requiring the need to implement a comprehensive clinical intervention, and to continue the research to assess concurrent comorbidity of both conditions.

[The coverage gap for mental health disosrders in the primary healthcare level of the city of Cordoba, Argentina].

UNLABELLED: Many individuals with behavioral and mental health disorders do not receive care in specialized mental health services. These individuals could potentially be identified and managed in the primary healthcare level. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the coverage gap on mental health disorders in the primary healthcare level of Córdoba city, Argentina. METHODOLOGY: Stratified multistage random sample of individuals 19 to 69 years of age seeking care in primary healthcare centers of the public health system in Córdoba city. Presence of behavioral and mental health disorder and receiving healthcare through mental health services were assesed using CIDI 3.0. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 1,067 individuals were included in the present analysis. Overall, 20.15% of individuals included in the analysis had behavioral and mental health disorders during the last year, of whom 77.33% did not receive care through mental health services. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The proportion of individuals with behavioral and mental health disorders and of those who did not receive care through mental health services are similar to those observed in other Latin American countries, but higher than those reported in Europe. This communication gives preliminary results about the coverage gap on mental health disorders present in the primary healthcare level in Cordoba city. These individuals may benefit from interventions aimed to identify and manage those with mental health disorders in the primary healthcare level.

[Psychometric properties and reliability of the general health questionnaire(GHQ-12) for adult patients in primary care centers in Cordoba, Argentina].

INTRODUCTION: The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) is a commonly used instrument to screen for psychiatric distress. However, the psychometric properties and reliability of the GHQ-12 in Argentina and, more specifically, in the city of Cordoba, have not previously been studied. OBJECTIVE: To assess the psychometric properties and reliability of GHQ-12 in adult consultants of primary care in Cordoba, Argentina. METHODS: Using probabilistic sampling in primary care centers in the city of Cordoba, a cross-sectional study was conducted. The Spanish version of the GHQ-12 was administered. The psychometric properties, including internal consistency and factor structure, for the Spanish version of the GHQ-12 were measured. RESULTS: 854 primary care consultants were included in the study. The questionnaire had high internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.80. An exploratory factor analysis suggested a two-factor model, similar to what has been reported for the original questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: The GHQ-12 showed good psychometric properties and reliability in the studied population.

Trypanosoma cruzi reinfections in mice determine the severity of cardiac damage.

In two murine models we studied Trypanosoma cruzi reinfection in the acute and chronic phase of experimental Chagas' disease in order to elucidate the relevance of reinfections in determining the variability of cardiac symptoms and the irreversible cardiac damage. They were followed for 120 and 600 days post infection (p.i.) for the acute and chronic model, respectively. Reinfected mice reached higher parasitaemia levels than infected mice. The survival was 33 and 21% in the chronic phase for mice reinfected in the acute phase and 13% for mice reinfected in the chronic stage at the end of the experiments. Sixty-six percent of the infected group presented electrocardiographic abnormalities (heart frequency, prolonged PQ segment or QRS complex) in the chronic stage whereas 100% of the reinfected animals exhibited electric cardiac dysfunction since 90 and 390 days p.i. for the acute and chronic reinfected model, respectively (P<0.01). Heart histopathological studies showed fibrosis and necrosis areas and mononuclear infiltrates supporting the view that parasite persistence is a major factor in continuing the tissue inflammation. This work shows that T. cruzi reinfections could be related to the variability and severity of the clinical course of Chagas' disease and that parasite persistence is involved in exacerbation of the disease.

[Screening for posttraumatic stress disorder in people affected by the 2010 earthquake in Chile.] / Screening de trastornos de estrés postraumático en población afectada por el terremoto chileno de 2010.

The authors conducted an assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder screening in the Chilean population following the February 2010 earthquake, based on the Post Earthquake Survey with a multistage sample of 24,982 individuals over 18 years of age, applying the Davidson Trauma Scale. Multivariate analysis was performed with significance set at p<0.05. Prevalence of positive screening for post-traumatic stress disorder was 11% for the country as a whole, but reached 30% at lower-level disaggregation. The logistic regression model for post-traumatic stress disorder identified the following risk factors: belonging to a low-income family, having suffered damage to the household, a history of health problems in the previous month, and female gender (p<0.05). Family coping with the earthquake proved to be a protective factor as compared to other social or neighborhood groups, and more years of schooling were also protective (p<0.05). Positive screening for posttraumatic stress disorders revealed clear social inequalities.

Analysis of mortality from suicide in children, adolescents and youth. Argentina, 2005-2007.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze mortality from suicide in children, adolescents and youth aged 5 to 24 years by gender, method used, place where the incident occurred and residence (province) in Argentina over the period 2005-2007. METHOD: Data of Statistical Death Reports were used. Mortality rates from suicide were estimated per 100 000 inhabitants using ICD-10 (X60- X84). The statistical method included categorical data analysis. RESULTS: Total deaths from suicide in the 5 to 24 year old group were 861 in 2005, 897 in 2006, and 815 in 2007. During the period 2005-2007, 6 deaths occurred in children younger than 10 years old. In the 10 to 24 year old group males had higher rates than females (p < 0.01). Analysis by gender and age group showed an increase of suicide in males in the group aged 20-24 years old (p < 0.01), while females had the highest rates of suicide in the 15 to 19 year old group. Hanging and use of firearms were the most frequent methods (p < 0.01). The home was the most frequent place where the incident occurred (p< 0.01). Santa Cruz, Salta and Jujuy had the highest rates of suicide in Argentina, whereas Santiago del Estero, Capital Federal and Misiones showed the lowest ones. CONCLUSION: Suicide in Argentinean adolescents and youth is a public health problem, especially among males. The provinces in the North and South of Argentina had the highest rates in the country.

Relationship between academic performance, psychological well-being, and coping strategies in medical students.

INTRODUCTION: Academic performance is a product of the complex environment that surrounds the student, shaped by aspects such as intensity of study, motivation and context of relationships, which affect the academic achievement of individuals. There may be other psychological or emotional factors, such as anxiety, level of psychological well-being, and behavior strategies for effective adaptation to concrete environment demands and their associated emotional stress. OBJECTIVES: This research study aims at determining the level of psychological well-being and coping strategies in students of the Basic Common Cycle of studies leading to an MD degree in the School of Medicine of the National University of Córdoba, Argentina. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This is an observational study based on a "Questionnaire on determiners of academic performance", that was answered by 374 students. Data was processed using statistical bivariate analysis (p< 0.05) and multiple correspondence factorial analysis. RESULTS: Students with "VG/G (Very Good/Good) performance" show high levels of satisfaction and well-being use direct coping strategies which lead them to "cope with problematic situations" by means of "problem solving". Students with "R/I (Regular/Insufficient) academic performance" declare "dissatisfaction with most aspects of their personalities", feel unable to give a satisfactory response to environment demands, and assume "avoidance behaviors" as coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Student academic performance is associated with psychological well-being, feeling of satisfaction with achievements, and coping with stressful situations.

Introducción: El rendimiento académico es producto del complejo mundo que envuelve al estudiante, determinado por aspectos cotidianos (intensidad de estudio, motivación y medio relacional) que afectan el desempeño académico de los individuos. Otros factores pueden ser psicológicos o emocionales tales como la ansiedad, el grado de bienestar psicológico y las estrategias conductuales tendientes a lograr una adaptación efectiva a las demandas concretas del ambiente y al estrés emocional asociado. Objetivos: En esta investigación se propuso identificar el nivel de bienestar psicológico y las estrategias de afrontamiento en los estudiantes del Ciclo Básico de la Carrera de Medicina y analizar la relación entre bienestar, afrontamiento y rendimiento académico. Material y método: Es un estudio observacional el cual se trabajó a partir del "Cuestionario Determinantes relacionados con el rendimiento académico" implementado a 374 alumnos. El análisis de los datos se efectuó a través del procesamiento estadístico con análisis bivariado (p<0,05) y análisis factorial de correspondencia múltiple. Resultados: Los alumnos con "Rendimiento MB/B" presentan altos niveles de satisfacción y bienestar utilizando un afrontamiento directo que contribuye a "enfrentar las situaciones que preocupan" mediante la "solución de problemas". En tanto que los alumnos con "Rendimiento R/I" perciben "disgusto con la mayoría de los aspectos de su personalidad" sintiéndose impedidos para responder satisfactoriamente a las demandas del ambiente, asumiendo "comportamientos de evitación" como forma de afrontamiento. Conclusiones: El rendimiento académico de los estudiantes se asocia con la presencia de bienestar psicológico, satisfacción con respecto a los logros alcanzados y el afrontamiento de situaciones estresoras.

Cognition and vascular risk factors: an epidemiological study.

We conducted an epidemiological approach to identify the negative impact of the vascular risk factors (such as hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia) over cognition. The interesting aspect of this study was that the survey was conducted in all age groups through a voluntary call (n = 1365; ≥18 years old, both sexes; age 49 ± 15 y, female 75.7%). Thus, we demonstrated that the use of a Minimum Cognitive Examination (MCE), a brief, simple, and easy managed neuropsychological evaluation, detected a greater number of people with cognitive decline surpassing to the Minimal Mental Statement Examination alone (14.5% of the participants showed MMSE ≤24, 34,6% showed dys-executive function, and 45,8% memory impairment. Out of the 4 studied RF, the only one that was not related to cognitive impairment was dyslipemia. Finally, we noted the importance of cognitive state early detection in all age groups, even in the youngest group. Acting in the middle of the life stages, we can prevent or delay the onset of a disease in adults, nowadays incurable: dementia.

El sistema de remuneración e incentivos en la salud, como un instrumento para la mejora de la calidad de atención / System of compensation and incentives in health as an instrument for improving quality of care / O sistema de compensação e incentivos na saúde como instrumento para a melhoria da qualidade assistencial

Es importante señalar que los sistemas de incentivos y sus contradicciones, requieren ser analizados, con especial atención a los de la práctica en salud a fi n de poder mediar los efectos posibles en el sistema. Objetivo: Analizar las normas de remuneración e incentivos existentes en las instituciones de salud y su relación con la calidad de la prestación de los servicios, en Córdoba, Argentina. Método: Observacional, analítico y correlacional. Universo instituciones polivalentes de salud, público y privado. Muestra bietápico aleatorio. Instrumento, análisis documental, dos encuestas auto administradas, e índices estandarizados de calidad. Fuente primaria y secundaria. Resultados: Mayor proporción de personal de enfermería y medicina con respecto a psicología y trabajo social. Predominan mujeres 2 a 1, población joven entre los 20 y 39 años, la antigüedad 5 a 15 años. La planta permanente en las públicas es mayor que en las privadas (p=0,002), mientras que en los contratados la situación se presenta inversa (p=0,0001), en cambio la proporción se muestran similares en el interior y en capital. En la composición de la remuneración los tres ítems más reconocidos fueron: monto básico, antigüedad y título de grado. El sector público tiene un salario mayor que el privado (p< 0.0001).

It is important to note that incentive systems and its contradictions, need to be analyzed, with particular attention to the practice of health in order to mediate the possible effects on the system. Objective: To analyze existing remuneration standards and incentives in health institutions and their relationship to the quality of service delivery, in Córdoba, Argentina. Method: Observational, analytic and correlationa. Universe multipurpose health institutions, public and private. Two-stage random sample. Instrument, documentary analysis, two self-administered survey, and standardized quality indices. Primary and secondary source. Results: A higher proportion of nursing and medicine with respect to psychology and social work. Women prevail 2-1 , young people between 20 and 39 years , age 5-15 years. The permanent public plant is greater than private (p = 0.002) , whereas the reverse situation is employed the (p = 0.0001 ) arises, however the ratio is similar in the interior and in capital. In the composition of the remuneration the three items were recognize: basic amount, age and title of degree. The public sector has a salary greater than the private (p < 0.0001). The incentives they receive, concentrate on training and awards. A correlation between the IACC , and IMRA Iaçu variables regarding the antiquity (p < 0.01) , the amount of wages ( p < 0.0001 ), economic incentives (p < 0.0001 ) , nature legal (p < 0.05 ) and the status of magazine (p < 0.01).

É importante notar que os sistemas de incentivos e suas contradições, precisam ser analisados, com especial atenção para a prática da saúde, a fi m de ter condições de mediar nos possíveis efeitos sobre o sistema. Objetivo: Analisar normas de compensação existentes e incentivos nas instituições de saúde e sua relação com a qualidade da prestação de serviços, em Córdoba, Argentina. Método: observacional, analítico e correlacional.. Universo: instituições de saúde polivalentes, públicas e privativas. Amostra: bietápicaaleatória. Instrumento: análise documental das enquetes, auto-administradas e índices de qualidade padronizados. Fonte primária e secundária. Resultados: Aumento da proporção do pessoal de enfermagem e medicina em relação com o de psicologia e serviço social. As mulheres predominam 2-a 1, população jovem entre 20 e 39 anos, antiguidade de 5 a 15 anos. A quantidade de cargos permanentes públicos é maior do que a privativa (p = 0,002), enquanto que com os contratados apresenta-se a situação oposta (p = 0,0001) apresenta, no entanto, a proporção é semelhante no interior e na capital. Na composição dos salários, os três itens mais reconhecidos foram: o básico, antiguidade e titulação de grau. O salário do setor público é maior do que o privativo (p <0,01).

Screening de trastornos de estrés postraumático en población afectada por el terremoto chileno de 2010 / Screening for posttraumatic stress disorder in people affected by the 2010 earthquake in Chile / Triagem para transtorno de estresse pós-traumático em pessoas afetadas pelo terremoto chileno de 2010

Se analizó un screening de trastornos de estrés postraumático en habitantes chilenos, como consecuencia del terremoto de febrero de 2010; a partir de una Encuesta Post Terremoto con una muestra multietápica de 24.982 personas mayores de 18 años, a quienes se aplicó la Escala de Trauma de Davidson. La prevalencia de screening positivo para los trastornos de estrés postraumático fue del 11% en el país, pero a menor nivel de desagregación llegaron a observarse prevalencias del 30%. El modelo de regresión logística para la estimación de la variable trastornos de estrés postraumático identificó como factores de riesgo el hecho de pertenecer un hogar pobre, haber sufrido daños en la vivienda, haber tenido algún problema de salud en el último mes y ser mujer (p<0,05). También se encontró que el afrontamiento del sismo en familia resultó como un factor protector, en relación a afrontarlo con otros colectivos sociales (vecinos), la mayor cantidad de años de educación formal también fue identificada como un factor de protección (p<0,05). Se observaron claras desigualdades sociales en las personas que presentaron un screening positivo.

The authors conducted an assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder screening in the Chilean population following the February 2010 earthquake, based on the Post Earthquake Survey with a multistage sample of 24,982 individuals over 18 years of age, applying the Davidson Trauma Scale. Multivariate analysis was performed with significance set at p<0.05. Prevalence of positive screening for post-traumatic stress disorder was 11% for the country as a whole, but reached 30% at lower-level disaggregation. The logistic regression model for post-traumatic stress disorder identified the following risk factors: belonging to a low-income family, having suffered damage to the household, a history of health problems in the previous month, and female gender (p<0.05). Family coping with the earthquake proved to be a protective factor as compared to other social or neighborhood groups, and more years of schooling were also protective (p<0.05). Positive screening for posttraumatic stress disorders revealed clear social inequalities.

Foram analisados dados associados a transtornos de estresse pós-traumáticos apresentados por uma população do Chile, após o terremoto de fevereiro de 2010, a partir de uma pesquisa pós-terremoto (EPT 2010, Chile) com uma amostra multiestágio de 24.982 pessoas de mais de 18 anos, com aplicação da Escala de Trauma Davidson. A prevalência de casos positivos de screening para transtornos avaliados foi de 11% no país, mas em um nível inferior de desagregação, a prevalência observada atingiu 30%. O modelo de regressão logística para estimar a variável transtornos de estresse pós-traumático identificou como fatores de risco o fato de pertencer a uma família pobre, ter sofrido danos em seu domicílio, ter problemas de saúde no último mês e ser do sexo feminino (p<0,05). Também se encontrou que enfrentar o terremoto em família resultou como um fator de proteção em comparação com outros grupos sociais ou vizinhos, o maior número de anos de educação formal também foi identificado como um fator de proteção (p<0,05). Foram observadas claras desigualdades sociais em pessoas que tiveram screening positivo.