Prevalence of antibodies for the hepatitis C virus in the lowland (bajio) region of Mexico.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Infection with the hepatitis C virus (HVC) is one of the most common viral infections worldwide. Approximately 170 million individuals are infected worldwide. HCV is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. In Mexico, according to the National Health Survey 2000, it is estimated that 70,000 cases exist. We undertook this study to estimate the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies in patients with association to the risk factors for HCV infection in the lowland (bajio) region. METHODS: There were 2803 individuals 15 years of age or older who were treated at the General Hospital Zone #4 who were included in this study. Following informed consent, the participants were given a questionnaire listing the major risk factors for hepatitis C. If they answered positive to any of these identified factors, a blood sample was taken to determine anti-HCV antibodies via ELISA analysis. RESULTS: Average age in this study was 38.4 ± 13.5 years, and 75.5% were female (n = 2116). Anti-HCV antibodies were isolated in 1.3% of the patients (n = 36). The most commonly identified risk factor among all the participants was a history of previous transfusions (28.8 % of all patients, n = 813 and 41.7%, n = 15 of those with positive HCV antibodies). This was the only statistically significant risk factor identified in this study (p = 0.066). CONCLUSIONS: Mexico is currently considered to have a lower prevalence for HCV in relation to developed countries and other endemic areas. The figures reported are lower than those observed in this study, suggesting that the strategies for detecting HCV in Mexico may be inadequate.

Percepción y satisfacción de las usuarias de hospitales públicos de Ciudad de Panamá sobre el tacto vaginal durante el trabajo de parto / Perception and satisfaction of users of public hospitals in Panama City about vaginal examination during labor

Objetivo: Describir la percepción y el grado de satisfacción de las mujeres sobre el examen vaginal durante el trabajo de parto en los hospitales públicos de Ciudad de Panamá. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal descriptivo. Se tomó una muestra de 346 puérperas entre abril y agosto de 2008 cuyo trabajo de parto fue atendido en los hospitales públicos de Ciudad de Panamá. Se aplicó un cuestionario autoadministrado y anónimo de 20 enunciados en escala de Likert sobre la percepción del tacto vaginal (TV) y una escala que calificaba el desempeño del equipo médico. Resultados: Se registró un promedio de 5.7±3.5 TV realizados a las participantes. El índice nocional de satisfacción fue de 72%. El 97.1% estuvieron muy satisfechas o satisfechas con la experiencia del trabajo de parto, mientras que 2.9% refirió estar menos que satisfecha (p<0.001). La percepción del desempeño del equipo médico al realizar el TV durante el trabajo de parto tuvo un promedio de 8.4±1.9 (sobre un máximo de 10 puntos). Se encontró una asociación entre el grado de satisfacción y la percepción del desempeño médico OR=12.8 (IC 95% 3.3-50.2). Conclusión: El 97.1% de usuarias estuvo satisfecha con la experiencia del tacto vaginal durante su trabajo de parto, confirmando que a pesar de realizarse más TV de los que se recomienda, las mujeres aceptan el procedimiento siempre y cuando sea necesario, sea explicado y se respete su dignidad.

Objective: To describe women's perception of and satisfaction with vaginal examinations performed during labor in public hospitals in Ciudad de Panama. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 346 women in labor at public hospitals in Ciudad de Panama between April-August 2008. Prticipants were given a questionnaire with 20 statements about their perception of vaginal examinations and the performance of health professionals; answers were scored with a Likert scale ranging from 1 - 10 points. Results: On average women received 5.7 ± 3.5 vaginal examinations. The notional satisfaction index was 72%. The 97.1% of patients were very satisfied or satisfied with the experience of labor, while 2.9% mentioned being less than satisfied (p<0.001). The perception of the medical performance in the vaginal examinations during labor averaged 8.4 ± 1.9 (on a maximum of 10 points). We found an association between satisfaction and perception of medical performance OR = 12.8 (95% CI 3.3-50.2). Conclusion: The 97.1% of women were satisfied with the experience of vaginal examination during labor, although vaginal examination was performed more than recommended, confirming that women accept the procedure as long as it is necessary, explained, and performed with respect for their dignity.