Retraction of health science articles by researchers in Latin America and the Caribbean: A scoping review.

We aimed to conduct a scoping review to assess the profile of retracted health sciences articles authored by individuals affiliated with academic institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). We systematically searched seven databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Medline/Ovid, Scielo, and LILACS). We included articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 2003 and 2022 that had at least one author with an institutional affiliation in LAC. Data were collected on the year of publication, study design, authors' countries of origin, number of authors, subject matter of the manuscript, scientific journals of publication, retraction characteristics, and reasons for retraction. We included 147 articles, the majority being observational studies (41.5%). The LAC countries with the highest number of retractions were Brazil (n = 69), Colombia (n = 16), and Mexico (n = 15). The areas of study with the highest number of retractions were infectology (n = 21) and basic sciences (n = 15). A retraction label was applied to 89.1% of the articles, 70.7% were retracted by journal editors, and 89.1% followed international retraction guidelines. The primary reasons for retraction included errors in procedures or data collection (n = 39), inconsistency in results or conclusions (n = 37), plagiarism (n = 21), and suspected scientific fraud (n = 19). In conclusion, most retractions of scientific publications in health sciences in LAC adhered to international guidelines and were linked to methodological issues in execution and scientific misconduct. Efforts should be directed toward ensuring the integrity of scientific research in the field of health.

Socio-demographic, migratory and health-related determinants of food insecurity among Venezuelan migrants in Peru.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the factors associated with food insecurity (FI) among Venezuelan migrants residing in Peru. Secondarily, to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). DESIGN: A cross-sectional study based on secondary data analysis of the 2022 Venezuelan Population Residing in Peru Survey (ENPOVE-2022, from the Spanish acronym) was conducted. FI was measured with the FIES, whose properties were tested using the Rasch model. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to estimate relative prevalence ratios with their corresponding 95 % confidence intervals. SETTING: This survey was conducted in February and March 2022 in the eight cities most populated by Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Peru. PARTICIPANTS: Venezuelan migrants and refugees over the age of 18 years living in Peru. RESULTS: A total of 7727 participants were included. Rasch reliability was adequate (0·73). The prevalence of mild, moderate and severe FI was 36·71 %, 31·14 % and 10·48 %, respectively. Being aged 25-34 and 35-44 years, unemployed, uninsured, having no formal education or secondary, illegal status, living in a dwelling with 2-4 and more than 4 people, presenting one or more than one chronic disease, residing in Peru for 0-6 months and perceived discrimination were associated with a higher probability of moderate FI. Furthermore, having secondary education, being unemployed, uninsured, never married, illegal, residing in Tumbes, presenting one or more than one chronic disease and perceived discrimination were significantly associated with severe FI. CONCLUSION: Four out of ten Venezuelan migrants residing in Peru presented moderate to severe FI. The FIES showed adequate psychometric properties. Differences in the socio-demographic, health and migratory factors associated with FI levels were found. Inter-sectoral and multi-sectoral interventions are needed and should be focused on addressing the determinants of FI.

Association of apolipoproteins and lipoprotein(a) with metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Apolipoproteins and lipoprotein(a) are associated with various cardiometabolic diseases, including insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, among others. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association of these markers with metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: We ran a systematic search through PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Ovid/Medline, and Web of Science on March 15, 2023. No language or date restrictions were applied. The only synthesised effect measure reported was the odds ratio (OR) with its corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). We utilised the random-effects model for the quantitative synthesis. RESULTS: We analysed 50 studies (n = 150 519) with different definitions for MetS. Increased ApoB values were associated with MetS (OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 2.44-3.22; p < 0.01, I2 = 99%). Decreased ApoA1 values were associated with MetS (OR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.38-0.47; p < 0.01, I2 = 99%). Increased values of the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio were associated with MetS (OR = 4.97; 95% CI: 3.83-6.44; p < 0.01, I2 = 97%). Decreased values of Lp(a) were associated with MetS (OR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.82-0.96; p < 0.01; I2 = 92%). CONCLUSIONS: Increased values of ApoB and ApoB/ApoA1 ratio are associated with MetS, while decreased values of ApoA1 and Lp(a) are associated with MetS. These findings suggest that these lipid markers may serve as potential indicators for identifying subjects at risk of developing MetS. However, further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these associations.

Association between Lipid Profile and Apolipoproteins with Risk of Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and Aims: Biomarkers are necessary to stratify the risk of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between the lipid profile and apolipoproteins with the risk of DFU. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science among adult patients. Cohort and case-control studies were included. Random-effects models were used for meta-analyses, and the effects were expressed as odds ratio (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We evaluated publication bias through Egger's test and funnel plot. Results: A total of 12 cohort studies and 26 case-control studies were included, with 17076 patients. We found that the higher values of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) were associated with a higher risk of developing DFU (OR: 1.47, OR: 1.47, OR: 1.5, OR: 1.85, respectively). Otherwise, the lower values of HDL were associated with a higher risk of developing DFU (OR: 0.49). Publication bias was not found for associations between TC, HDL, LDL, or TG and the risk of DFU. Conclusions: The high values of LDL, TC, TG, and Lp(a) and low values of HDL are associated with a higher risk of developing DFU. Furthermore, we did not find a significant association for VLDL, ApoA1, ApoB, and ApoB/ApoA1 ratio.

Association between social determinants of health and trends in prevalence of hypertension in patients of the Peruvian Ministry of Health.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between social determinants of health and trends in the prevalence of hypertension among patients of the Peruvian Ministry of Health 2007-2016. METHODS: We conducted an ecological study with secondary data sources using health care and death records obtained from the Peruvian Ministry of Health, data from the Peruvian National Household Survey and data from the Regional Information System for Decision Making. We determined the standardised prevalence of hypertension at national and region level, conducted a geospatial exploratory analysis at region level, and applied generalised linear mixed models to evaluate the association between social determinants of health and the prevalence of HT, according to the domains suggested by Healthy People 2020. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertensive patients of the Peruvian Ministry of Health increased from 966.8/100 000 in 2007 to 1619.1/100 000 in 2016. The prevalence of hypertension rose by 17.7/100 000 per 1% increase of insurance coverage and by 2.2/100 000 per 1% increase in the number of hospitals. In contrast, it decreased by 12.3/100 000 per 1% increase of the poverty rate, by 9.8/100 000 per 1% increase of the proportion of people with native language, by 3.6/100 000 per 1% increase of GDP per capita and by 3/100 000 per 1% increase in the number of local health centres. CONCLUSIONS: The growing trend of HT prevalence in Peru is directly associated with insurance coverage and number of hospitals, and inversely associated with poverty rate, proportion of people with native language, GDP per capita and number of local health centres.

OBJECTIF: Evaluer l'association entre les déterminants sociaux de la santé et les tendances de la prévalence de l'hypertension chez les patients du Ministère de la Santé du Pérou 2007-2016. MÉTHODES: Nous avons mené une étude écologique avec des sources de données secondaires utilisant des données de santé et de décès obtenues du ministère péruvien de la santé, des données de l'enquête nationale sur les ménages péruviens et du système d'information régional pour la prise de décision. Nous avons déterminé la prévalence standardisée de l'hypertension (HT) aux niveaux national et régional, mené une analyse exploratoire géospatiale au niveau régional et appliqué des modèles mixtes linéaires généralisés pour évaluer l'association entre les déterminants sociaux de la santé et la prévalence de l'HT, selon les domaines suggérés par Healthy People 2020. RÉSULTATS: La prévalence des patients HT du Ministère de la Santé du Pérou est passée de 966,8/100.000 en 2007 à 1.619,1/100.000 en 2016. La prévalence de l'HT a augmenté de 17,7/100.000 pour 1% d'augmentation de la couverture d'assurance et de 2,2/100.000 pour 1% d'augmentation du nombre d'hôpitaux. En revanche, elle a diminué de 12,3/100.000 pour 1% d'augmentation du taux de pauvreté, de 9,8/100.000 pour 1% d'augmentation de la proportion de personnes de la langue locale, de 3,6/1000.000 pour 1% d'augmentation du PIB par habitant et de 3/100.000 pour 1% d'augmentation du nombre de centres de santé locaux. CONCLUSIONS: La tendance croissante de la prévalence de l'HT au Pérou est directement liée à la couverture d'assurance et au nombre d'hôpitaux et inversement associée au taux de pauvreté, à la proportion de personnes de la langue locale, au PIB par habitant et au nombre de centres de santé locaux.

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in Peruvian primary care setting.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. There are few studies in Latin America, especially in primary care settings. Our objective was to determine the prevalence, stages, and associated factors of CKD in primary care setting. METHODS: We did a retrospective secondary analysis of a database from the Diabetes and Hypertension Primary Care Center of the Peruvian Social Security System (EsSalud) in Lima, Peru. We defined CKD as the presence of eGFR <60 mL/min and/or albuminuria >30 mg/day in 24 h, according to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO). Factors associated with CKD were evaluated with Poisson Regression models; these factors included age, gender, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), hypertension (HTN), body mass index (BMI), and uric acid. Associations were described as crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: We evaluated 1211 patients (women [59%], mean age 65.8 years [SD: 12.7]). Prevalence of CKD was 18%. Using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the prevalence was 9.3% (95% CI 5.3 - 13.3) in patients without HTN or DM2; 20.2% (95% CI 17.6 - 22.8) in patients with HTN, and 23.9% (95% CI 19.4 - 28.4) in patients with DM2. The most common stages were 1 and 2 with 41.5% and 48%, respectively. Factors associated with CKD in the adjusted analysis were: age in years (PR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.01 - 1.04), DM2 (PR = 3.37, 95% CI 1.09 - 10.39), HTN plus DM2 (PR = 3.90, 95% CI 1.54 - 9.88), and uric acid from 5 to <7 mg/dL (PR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.31 - 3.19) and ≥7 mg/dL (PR = 5.19, 95% CI 3.32 - 8.11). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of CKD in the primary care setting population was high. CKD is more frequent in the early stages of the disease, and individuals with hypertension, DM2, older age and hyperuricemia have higher prevalence of CKD.

Atherogenic markers and 1-year amputation risk in adults with diabetic foot in a tertiary level hospital: A retrospective cohort study.

AIM: To determine the association between atherogenic markers, such as total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL-C), triglycerides/HDL-C ratio (TG/HDL-C), and triglycerides-glucose index (TyG), and the risk of 1-year amputation in adults with diabetic foot in a tertiary level hospital. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study conducted in 162 adult patients with diabetic foot. The outcome was amputation, defined as "primary amputation in patients' clinical history after their first hospitalization due to foot ulcer.". The cutoff point was determined using Youden's J statistic. The relative risk (RR) was presented as an association measure. RESULTS: A TyG index of >9.4 [RR: 1.64 (1.10-2.45)] was associated with a high risk of amputation after 1-year in adults with diabetic foot. However, while a TC/HDL ratio of >4.69 [RR: 1.38 (0.94-2.03)] and a TG/HDL-C ratio > 3.57 [RR: 1.35 (0.89-2.06)] did not show associations with risk of amputation after 1-year. CONCLUSIONS: Only a TyG index of >9.4 was associated with an increased risk of 1-year amputation in adults with diabetic foot. Future studies with larger samples and a longitudinal design may provide more robust evidence and a better understanding of clinical implications.

Variations in the Prevalence of Childhood Anemia by Ethnicity Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Peru.

We aimed to determine the variations in the prevalence of childhood anemia according to the ethnic group before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru. Secondary analysis of the Demographic and Family Health Survey during 2016-2021. The outcome variable was anemia, and the exposure variable was maternal ethnicity. Also, we included sociodemographic and clinical confounding variables. We constructed generalized linear models of the Poisson family with a logarithmic link function. We evaluated 85,905 records; 30.34% had anemia, 50.83% were mestizo, 25.98% were Quechua, and 2% were Aymara. Compared with mestizos, Quechua children (PR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.07-1.15; p < 0.001), Aymara (PR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.27-1 .44; p < 0.001), natives of the Amazon (PR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.12-1.28; p < 0.001) and those who belonged to other indigenous peoples (PR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.05-1.57; p = 0.013) had a higher prevalence of childhood anemia. On the contrary, compared to mestizos, white children had a lower prevalence of anemia (PR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.89-0.99; p = 0.019). During the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to mestizos, only Quechua (PR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.08-1.23; p < 0.001) and Aymara (PR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.23-1.55; p < 0.001) had a higher prevalence of childhood anemia. Except for Afro-descendants, children from 6 to 59 months of age who belong to an ethnic minority had a higher probability of having childhood anemia than mestizos. However, only Quechua and Aymara children had higher odds of anemia during the COVID-19 pandemic than mestizos.

Ethnicity and refractive errors in Peruvian children aged 7-11 years: A five-year analysis of the Demographic and Health Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between ethnicity and self-reported refractive errors (REs) among Peruvian children aged 7-11 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study incorporating a secondary data analysis of 2017-2021 data from the Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). REs and ethnicity were obtained from focal child's mother's report. Four outcomes were assessed: hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism and any RE. We included potential confounders, such as age, sex, wealth index, area of residence, region of origin, frequency of watching TV and watching screens at less than 30 cm distance. Generalised linear models with the Poisson family and log link function were used to calculate crude prevalence ratio and adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: Data from a total of 52,753 children were included. The prevalence of RE in children aged 7-11 years was 10.90% (95% CI 10.49-11.33), of which 5.19% were hyperopia, 3.35% myopia and 2.36% astigmatism. Those of the Aymara ethnicity were less likely to suffer from any RE and astigmatism (aPR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.46-0.99, p = 0.046; aPR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.53-0.92, p = 0.012, respectively), Members of Amazon groups were more likely to have hyperopia (aPR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.14-3.36, p = 0.015) and Quechuas were more likely to have myopia (aPR =1.29, 95% CI 1.02-1.62, p = 0.028), where all were compared to Mestizos. CONCLUSION: About 1 in 10 Peruvian children suffer from a RE. The most frequent RE in this study was hyperopia. Ethnic differences were seen in the frequency of RE.

Association between self-perceived consultation time and understanding of the prescribed treatment: An analysis of a national survey in Peru.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between the self-perceived consultation time and the knowledge of the proposed treatment. METHODS: Secondary data from a 2015 national survey of health services in Peru were analyzed. The self-perceived consultation time was calculated by asking how long it took from when you entered the consultation until you departed. It was then categorized as low, medium, and high. Five self-reported questions were used to construct a knowledge of the prescribed treatment. Adjusted regression models from the Poisson family models were used to evaluate the relationship. We report adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: A total of 9939 outpatients were analyzed, with 58% women; the average age was 44 years; and 45.4% had higher education. Using low self-perceived consultation time as references, medium and high consultation times were associated with understanding the prescribed treatment (aPR=1.17; 95%CI, 1.04-1.33 and aPR=1.30; 95%CI, 1.20-1.40, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients who reported a medium and high self-perceived consultation time better understood the prescribed treatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Healthcare professionals should strive to maximize consultation time to ensure effective communication and improve patient knowledge of treatments, improving overall patient satisfaction and health outcomes.

Ethnic Minority Participation in Clinical Trials from Latin America and the Caribbean: A Scoping Review.

We summarize the clinical trials (CTs) main characteristics, including members of ethnic minorities from Latin America. We carried out a systematic search in six databases. We made a descriptive synthesis of CTs, summarizing the characteristics, interventions, main findings, results, and conclusions reported. 4411 studies were acquired in search strategy, leaving 24 CTs in the final selection. Of these, ten were randomized, four were non-randomized, and the remainder had other designs. Most of the studies were carried out in the population of infants and children (08), ten of the studies included only women, and two studies included men. Nine studies were conducted in Mexico, with the Mayan ethnic minority being mostly evaluated (05). In only 15 it was mentioned that their research was approved by a research ethics committee. Finally, half of the CTs reported funding from international agencies and third reported funding from government agencies. Our results show that that CTs in ethnic minorities are limited and reduced to a few native peoples of the continent.

Association between the Expression of Sexual Orientation and/or Gender Identity and Mental Health Perceptions in the Peruvian LGBTI Population.

INTRODUCTION: The non-expression of sexual orientation and gender identity can affect mental health in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex population in Peru. METHOD: Secondary, observational, analytical, and cross-sectional analyses of data from the "First Virtual Survey on the LGBTI population" were conducted with a population (n = 11,345) of LGBTI adults aged 18 years old or more. The variables of mental health and expression of sexual orientation and/or gender identity were measured using a self-reported questionnaire that did not include a validated scale; questions with multiple alternatives that included "yes" and "no" options were used. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were obtained by glm log Poisson regression models. RESULTS: The median age of the participants was 25 years (IQR: 21-30), and the majority of the population identified as gay, followed by lesbian and bisexual. Individuals who expressed their sexual orientation and/or gender identity were 17% less likely to have had perceived mental health problems in the last 12 months (PR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.76-0.90, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The non-expression of sexual orientation and/or gender identity has a significant negative effect on the mental health problems of the LGBTI population. These results highlight the importance of promoting the expression of sexual orientation and gender identity in our community.

Association between symptoms of COVID-19 infection and adverse maternal-perinatal outcomes in pregnant women at a referral hospital. / Asociación entre los síntomas de la infección por la COVID-19 y los resultados materno-perinatales adversos en gestantes de un hospital de referencia.

OBJECTIVES.: To determine the association between symptoms of COVID-19 infection and adverse maternal-perinatal outcomes in pregnant women from a referral hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: Analytical cross-sectional study of women in the third trimester of pregnancy hospitalized due to COVID-19 in the gynecology and obstetrics area of a general hospital in Lima during 2020. Clinical and obstetric variables were collected. Fisher's exact test and Chi-square test were used during the descriptive analysis. Poisson regression was used to find the association between the variables of interest, with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI). RESULTS.: A total of 272 pregnant women were included, 50.3% of whom had symptoms of infection. Of these, 35.7% of the pregnant women and 16.5% of the newborns had an adverse outcome. Having symptoms of COVID-19 infection increased the risk of maternal complications as a whole (PR= 2.32 95%CI: 1.61-3.34), premature rupture of membranes (PR= 2.73 95%CI: 1.51-4.94) and preeclampsia (PR= 2.73 95%CI: 1.51-4.94). Similarly, symptoms of COVID-19 infection increased the risk of perinatal complications as a whole (PR= 2.51 95%CI: 1.34-4.68) and acute fetal distress (PR= 2.99 95%CI: 1.07-8.38). CONCLUSIONS.: The presence of symptoms of COVID-19 infection increase the risk of adverse maternal-perinatal outcomes.

OBJETIVOS.: Determinar la asociación entre los síntomas de la infección por la COVID-19 y los resultados materno-perinatales adversos en gestantes de un hospital de referencia. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Estudio transversal analítico en gestantes en el tercer trimestre, hospitalizadas por la COVID-19 en el área de ginecología y obstetricia de un hospital general de Lima, en el 2020. Se recogieron variables clínicas y obstétricas. Para el análisis descriptivo se empleó la prueba exacta de Fisher y Chi Cuadrado, y para hallar la asociación entre las variables de interés se usó la regresión de Poisson, con un intervalo de confianza al 95% (IC95%). RESULTADOS.: Se incluyeron a 272 gestantes, de ellas el 50,3% tuvieron síntomas de infección. El 35,7% de las gestantes y el 16,5% de los recién nacidos tuvieron un resultado adverso. Tener síntomas de la infección por la COVID-19 aumentó el riesgo de complicaciones maternas en su conjunto (RP= 2,32 IC95%: 1,61-3,34), de ruptura prematura de membranas (RP= 2,73 IC95%: 1,51-4,94) y de preeclampsia (RP= 2,73 IC95%: 1,51-4,94). De igual forma, aumentó el riesgo de complicaciones perinatales en su conjunto (RP= 2,51 IC95%: 1,34-4,68) y de sufrimiento fetal agudo (RP= 2,99 IC95%: 1,07-8,38). CONCLUSIONES.: Los síntomas de la infección por la COVID-19 aumentan el riesgo de resultados materno-perinatales adversos.

Allergic rhinitis associated with the degree of pulmonary involvement due to COVID-19 in patients from a peruvian general hospital. / Rinitis alérgica asociada al grado de compromiso pulmonar por COVID-19 en pacientes de un hospital general peruano.

OBJECTIVES.: To evaluate the association between allergic rhinitis and the degree of pulmonary involvement in patients with COVID-19 and to determine the frequencies of the main variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: An observational, cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out by reviewing the medical records of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from the Cayetano Heredia National Hospital between 2020 and 2021. We obtained information regarding the history of allergic rhinitis; pulmonary involvement was assessed by non-contrast tomography results using the chest computed tomography (CT) score. Data regarding sociodemographic and clinical variables was also obtained. Both crude (PR) and adjusted (aPR) prevalence ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. We also used a generalized linear Poisson family model with log link function and robust variances. RESULTS.: We evaluated 434 patients, who were mostly male, older than 60 years and had no relevant medical history. Of these, 56.2% had a history of allergic rhinitis and 43.1% had moderate to severe pulmonary involvement. The adjusted regression model showed that the history of allergic rhinitis reduced the severity of COVID-19 according to the pulmonary involvement assessed by the CT score (aPR: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.56-0.88; p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS.: The history of allergic rhinitis resulted in a 30.0% decrease in COVID-19 severity according to the CT score in hospitalized patients.

OBJETIVOS.: Evaluar la asociación entre rinitis alérgica y el grado de compromiso pulmonar en pacientes con COVID-19 y evaluar las frecuencias de las variables principales. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Se realizó un estudio de tipo observacional, transversal y analítico mediante la revisión de historias clínicas de pacientes atendidos en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia entre el año 2020 y 2021 con diagnóstico de COVID-19. Se determinó el antecedente de rinitis alérgica, y el compromiso pulmonar se evaluó mediante una tomografía sin contraste usando el puntaje tomográfico (PT), además de, variables sociodemográficas y clínicas. Se estimaron razones de prevalencias tanto crudas (RP) como ajustadas (RPa) con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza (IC) al 95% y se empleó un modelo lineal generalizado de la familia Poisson con función de enlace logarítmica y varianzas robustas. RESULTADOS.: Se evaluaron 434 pacientes predominantemente varones, mayores de 60 años y sin antecedentes médicos relevantes. El 56,2% tenía el antecedente de rinitis alérgica y el 43,1% tuvo un compromiso pulmonar moderado a severo. En el modelo de regresión ajustado, se encontró que el antecedente de rinitis alérgica disminuyó la gravedad de COVID-19 evaluada a través del compromiso pulmonar según el PT (RPa: 0,70; IC 95%: 0,56-0,88; p=0,002). CONCLUSIONES.: El antecedente de rinitis alérgica representó una disminución en la gravedad de COVID-19 según el PT score del 30,0% en pacientes hospitalizados.

Association between the degree of severity of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy and preterm premature rupture of membranes in a level III hospital in Peru. / Asociación entre el grado de severidad de la infección por COVID-19 durante el embarazo y la rotura prematura de membranas pretérmino en un hospital nivel III del Perú.

OBJECTIVES.: To determine the association between the degree of severity of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) in a level III hospital in Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: Cross-sectional, analytical and observational study in women older than 18 years diagnosed with COVID-19 infection during pregnancy, between the years 2020 and 2022. Clinical and obstetric variables were collected. The chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used for the descriptive analysis. For the multivariate analysis, we calculated the prevalence ratio by using Poisson regression in crude and adjusted models. All statistical tests were performed considering a value of p<0.05 as significant and with a confidence level of 95%. RESULTS.: We analyzed data from 163 pregnant women with COVID-19, of which 9.2% had PPROM; all were symptomatic cases. Mild COVID-19 cases were 1.10 times more likely to have PPROM (RPa=1.10; 95%CI: 1.02-1.18) and moderate/severe cases were 1.64 times more likely (RPa=1.64; 95%CI: 1.43-1.87), compared to asymptomatic cases. CONCLUSIONS.: We identified that a higher degree of severity of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy was associated with a higher probability of having PPROM.

OBJETIVOS.: Determinar la asociación entre el grado de severidad de la infección por COVID-19 durante el embarazo y la rotura prematura de membranas pretérmino (RPMP) en un hospital nivel III de Perú. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Estudio transversal, analítico y observacional en mujeres mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico de infección por COVID-19 en el embarazo durante el 2020-2022. Se recogieron variables clínicas y obstétricas. Para el análisis descriptivo se realizaron las pruebas de Chi Cuadrado y exacta de Fisher, y para el análisis multivariado, se calculó la razón de prevalencia mediante regresión de Poisson en modelos crudos y ajustados. Todas las pruebas estadísticas se realizaron considerando un valor de p<0,05 como significativo y con un nivel de confianza de 95%. RESULTADOS.: Se analizaron los datos de 163 gestantes con COVID-19, de las cuales el 9,2% tuvieron RPMP, todas fueron casos sintomáticos. Los casos leves de COVID-19 tuvieron 1,10 veces la probabilidad de presentar RPMP (RPa=1,10; IC95%: 1,02−1,18) y los casos moderados/severos tuvieron 1,64 veces esta probabilidad (RPa=1,64; IC95%: 1,43−1,87), en comparación con los casos asintomáticos. CONCLUSIONES.: Se identificó que un mayor grado de severidad de la infección por COVID-19 durante el embarazo se asoció a una mayor probabilidad de tener RPMP.

Hospitalization and mortality during the pandemic in chronic hemodialysis patients and the general population in Peru.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic kidney disease have a higher risk of severe disease and mortality from COVID-19 than the general population. OBJECTIVE: To compare hospitalization and mortality rates during the pandemic among chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients and the general population in Lima (Peru). METHODS: This retrospective cohort included an assessment of the database of chronic HD patients of the health service providers of the social health insurance benefit networks of Lima and Callao between 2019 and 2021. Hospitalization and mortality rates were obtained for every 1,000 individuals, and variations in the percentages of COVID-19 cases and deaths were calculated. These rates were compared with those of the general population data and standardized by age and sex. RESULTS: An average of 3,937 chronic HD patients were evaluated each month. Of these, 4.8% had COVID-19 and 64.97% were mild cases. The hospitalization rates per 1,000 patients were 19.5, 29.28, and 36.7 in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. The mortality rates per 1,000 patients were 5.9, 9.74, and 11.49 in 2019, 2020, and 2021, respectively. When compared to the standardized general population, the peaks of both rates coincided with the plateaus of the waves during the pandemic. The hospitalization rate for COVID-19 was 12 times higher in HD patients than in the general population, and the mortality rate for COVID-19 was twice as high. CONCLUSION: HD patients had higher hospitalization and standardized mortality rates than the general population. Peaks in hospitalizations and mortality coincided with the plateaus of the first and second waves of the pandemic.

Characteristics of theses for physician graduation: a cross-sectional study in Peru. / Características de las tesis para titularse de médico: estudio transversal en Perú.

Introduction: Research in Peru presents several barriers that impede its development and that also affects the theses to graduate as physician. Our objective was to characterize the theses for obtaining a medical degree in Peru. Methods: An observational and descriptive study evaluating the theses for obtaining a medical degree of 2019, evaluated in January 2022 from 22 universities that are full members of the Peruvian Association of Faculties of Medicine. Characteristics of the universities and theses were evaluated, including the evaluation of a institutional research ethics committee, the aligment with a national research priority, and publication status in a scientific journal. The absolute and relative frequencies of the study variables were described. Results: A total of 1838 theses were evaluated. Most of the theses were written by a single student (66.16%). The most common study design was the descriptive cross-sectional type (42.33%). We found that 53.86% of the theses responded to a national research priority, the most common being "maternal, perinatal and neonatal health" (26.01%). Of the total, 56.75% did not indicate whether they had the approval of an institutional research ethics committee. Only 40 theses (2.19%) were published in a scientific journal (14 in indexed journals). Conclusion: Two-thirds of the theses conducted by medical students in Peru are descriptive studies. Half respond to national research priorities. Four out of ten theses were approved by an institutional research ethics committee. The number of published theses is low. The results show shortcomings in university institutional policies that encourage ethical compliance and research development.

Introducción: La investigación en Perú presenta diversas barreras que impiden su desarrollo. Ello afecta también las tesis para graduarse de médico. Nuestro objetivo fue caracterizar las tesis para obtener el título de médico en Perú. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional y descriptivo de las tesis para obtener el título de médico del año 2019 en 22 universidades que son miembros titulares de la Asociación Peruana de Facultades de Medicina. La revisión se efectuó durante enero de 2022. Se evaluaron características de las universidades (región, régimen: pública/privada), y de las tesis, incluyendo el contar con la aprobación por un comité institucional de ética en investigación, si estuvieron alineadas con una prioridad de investigación nacional y si fueron publicadas en una revista científica. Los datos de cada tesis evaluada fueron extraídos en una ficha de recolección de datos para el posterior cálculo de frecuencias absolutas y relativas de las variables de estudio. Resultados: Se evaluaron 1838 tesis. La mayoría de ellas fueron elaboradas por un único alumno (66,16%). El diseño de estudio más común fue el tipo transversal descriptivo (42,3%). El 53,86% de las tesis respondieron a una prioridad de investigación nacional, siendo la más estudiada "salud materna, perinatal y neonatal" (26,01%). Del total de tesis, el 56,75% no indicó si contó con la aprobación de un comité institucional de ética en investigación. Sólo 40 tesis (2,19%) se publicaron en una revista científica (14 en revistas indexadas). Conclusión: Dos tercios de las tesis realizadas por estudiantes de medicina en Perú son estudios descriptivos. La mitad responde a prioridades nacionales de investigación. Cuatro de cada diez tesis informan sobre la aprobación por un comité institucional de ética en investigación. El número de las tesis publicadas es bajo. Los resultados muestran carencias de las políticas institucionales universitarias que estimulen al cumplimiento ético y desarrollo de la investigación.

Mortality from COVID-19 in Amazonian and Andean original indigenous populations of Peru.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mortality rates from COVID-19 among indigenous populations of the Amazon and Andean regions of Peru during the years 2020, 2021 and 2022. METHODS: Secondary analysis of 33,567 data from the COVID-19 Notification System of the National Epidemiology Center, Prevention and Control of Diseases (CDC-Peru), from the years 2020-2022. The variables were age, sex, belonging to the Andean or Amazonian ethnic group, number and type of symptoms and risk conditions, abnormal findings in chest X-rays, year of data collection for hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Poisson family generalized linear regression models with logarithmic linkage and robust variance were used to establish differences in mortality between ethnic groups. Crude and adjusted risk ratio (RR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: 33,567 participants with an average age of 33.6 years were included, 44.4 % were men and 70.2 % belonged to the Amazonian ethnic group. Most of those affected by COVID-19 presented 2 symptoms (38.8 %), 4.8 % presented some risk condition, 1451 (4.3 %) were hospitalized, and 433 (1.3 %) died. The adjusted analysis showed that the Andean group, compared to the Amazonian, tended to have a higher probability of death, and this association was statistically significant, RR =7.6, 95 % CI (5.5-10.5). CONCLUSIONS: Patients from Andean indigenous communities had an almost 8 times higher risk of death from COVID-19.

Inequalities in anemia among Peruvian children aged 6-59 months: A decomposition analysis.

Objective: To quantify the inequalities of anemia in Peruvian children aged 6-59 months and uncover its contributing factors. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study based on the secondary data analysis of the 2021 Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). Our sample included Peruvian children aged 6-59 months with complete data for the variables of interest. Anemia was defined as having a hemoglobin level of less than 11 g/dL, adjusted by altitude. Erreygers Concentration Index (ECI) and concentration curves were computed to estimate the socio-economic inequality in anemia among Peruvian children. Moreover, ECI was decomposed to figure out the contributing factors to the inequality of anemia and the residual variation. Results: Nationwide, the prevalence of anemia in Peruvian children was 29.47%. We found a pro-poor inequality regarding anemia at the national level (ECI = -0.1848). The determinants included in the model explained 81.85% of the overall socio-economic inequality in anemia. The largest contribution to inequality was from household- and community-related factors. Having a higher mother's education level (26.26%) and being from the highlands (24.91%) were the major significant contributors to the overall health inequality. Conclusion: Almost one-third of Peruvian children have anemia. A pro-poor inequality of anemia in Peruvian children was found. Public policies ought to address the major contributing factors of anemia inequality.