Clinical outcome of patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia treated with corticosteroids and colchicine in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: To date, there is no specific antiviral therapy for severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Since there is no specific therapy against SARS-CoV2, current efforts aim to prevent contagion through public health measures and develop a protective vaccine. While waiting for the latter, it is necessary to evaluate the drugs that at least, in initial studies, suggested some degree of utility in the management of Covid-19 or its complications. The main objective of the study was to describe the clinical manifestations and outcomes of patients with severe Covid-19 Pneumonia treated with corticosteroids and colchicine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study of 301 adult patients with Covid-19 Pneumonia confirmed by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction for SARS-CoV2 (RT-PCR SARS-CoV2), Berlin protocol, who required hospitalization in three hospitals in Antioquia, Colombia. Patients were treated according to the institutional protocol (from March 20, 2020 to June 30, 2020) with corticosteroid if the patient required supplemental oxygen. From July 1, 2020, the management protocol changed with the addition of colchicine to all patients admitted to the institutions. The treatment was supervised and monitored by the same specialist in Infectology of the institutions. We describe the clinical manifestations and outcomes of the patients who received these treatments. The information of the patients was analyzed according to the outcome of interest (alive/dead) with univariate, bivariate, and multivariate measures to adjust the variables that presented statistical association. RESULTS: All patients had pneumonia documented by chest computed tomography with ground glass images and presented an alveolar pressure/inspired oxygen fraction (PaFi) less than 300. Three hundred one patients were included, 240 (79.7%) received corticosteroids, within these 145 (48.2%) received colchicine also, and the remaining 61 (20.3%) patients did not receive corticosterioids or colchicine. Mortality in the group that received colchicine was lower compared to the group that did not receive it (9.6 vs 14.6%, p-value = 0.179). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with corticosteroids and colchicine for managing patients with severe Covid-19 Pneumonia was associated with low mortality at the hospital level. Randomized, placebo-controlled studies are required to evaluate the effect of corticosteroids and colchicine on complications or death from Covid-19.

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.

[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.

[Validation of the abbreviated Zarit scales for measuring burden syndrome in the primary caregiver of an elderly patient]. / Validación de escalas abreviadas de zarit para la medición de síndrome del cuidador primario del adulto mayor en Medellín.

OBJECTIVE: To determine which abbreviated Zarit Scale (ZS) better evaluates the burden of the caregiver of an elderly patient in Medellin, Colombia. DESIGN: Validation study. SETTING: Primary Care setting in the city of Medellin. PARTICIPANTS: Primary caregiver of dependent elderly patients over 65 years old. PRINCIPAL MEASUREMENTS: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the different abbreviated Zarit scales, plus performing a reliability analysis using the Cronbach Alpha coefficient. RESULTS: The abbreviated scales obtained a sensitivity of between 36.84 and 81.58%, specificity between 95.99 and 100%, positive predictive values between 71.05 and 100%, and negative predictive values of between 91.64 and 97.42%. CONCLUSIONS: The scale that better determined caregiver burden in Primary Care was the Bedard Screening scale, with a sensitivity of 81.58%, a specificity of 96.35% and positive and negative predictive values of 75.61% and 97.42%, respectively.

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.

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.

Ethnicity and Low Birth Weight: Inequalities Between Ethnic Minorities and the Predominant Mestizo Population, Colombia, 2008-2014.

Low birth weight (LBW) is a global problem that annually affects nearly 20 million children, 96% of these in developing countries. According to the WHO, the poorest and the ethnic minorities are the groups most affected by this indicator. A cross-sectional study of the database of all newborns officially registered in Colombia in 2008-2014 was done. While dichotomizing the mestizo population and ethnic minorities (Afro-descendants, indigenous, ROM), normal and low birth weight was used as the dependent variable and ethnicity as the explanatory variable. Other variables of the parents and the newborns were used as covariates. To assess associations, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. The incidence of LBW among newborns registered in Colombia fluctuated at around 9%. Among the ethnic minorities, the probability of LBW, adjusted for other variables, was significantly higher (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.05-1.08) than among mestizos. A significantly higher risk of LBW to newborns in the ethnic minorities' group, and those with unfavorable socioeconomic conditions, was found.

RESUMEN: El bajo peso al nacer (BPN) es un problema global que afecta anualmente a casi 20 millones de niños, el 96% de estos en países en desarrollo. Según la OMS, las más pobres y las minorías étnicas son los grupos más afectados por este indicador. Se realizó un estudio transversal de la base de datos de todos los recién nacidos registrados oficialmente en Colombia en 2008-2014. La población fue dicotomizaba en mestiza y minorías étnicas (afrodescendientes, indígenas, ROM). Se utilizó Bajo Peso al Nacer (BPN) como variable dependiente y el origen étnico como variable explicativa. Otras variables de los padres y los recién nacidos se utilizaron como covariables. Para evaluar las asociaciones, se realizaron análisis de regresión logística bivariada y multivariada. La incidencia de BPN entre los recién nacidos registrados en Colombia fluctuó alrededor del 9%. Entre las minorías étnicas, la probabilidad de LBW, ajustada por otras variables, fue significativamente mayor (OR = 1.07, 95% _CI: 1.05-1.08) que entre los mestizos. Se encontró un riesgo significativamente más alto de BPN para los recién nacidos en el grupo de minorías étnicas y aquellos con condiciones socioeconómicas desfavorables.

House-Level Risk Factors for Aedes aegypti Infestation in the Urban Center of Castilla la Nueva, Meta State, Colombia.

Aedes aegypti is the main vector of the dengue virus in Colombia. Some factors have been associated with its presence; however, in the local context, it has not been sufficiently evaluated. The present study seeks to identify the socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral factors associated with the presence and abundance of A. aegypti in urban dwellings in the municipality of Castilla la Nueva. A cross-sectional cohort study was conducted in houses in the urban area of the municipality of Castilla la Nueva, where 307 houses were sampled by systematic random sampling during May 2018. A multifactorial survey was used to measure the socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral factors as explanatory variables. The infestation and relative abundance were established by the presence of larval stages and ovitraps. The associated factors for the presence and abundance of A. aegypti were identified using negative binomial and logistic regression models. A positive housing infestation of 33.2% was identified by direct inspection and 78.5% with ovitraps. The main factors positively associated with the presence and abundance of A. aegypti were one-story homes (PR = 2.26; 95% CI: 1.31-3.87), the storage of water for domestic use (PR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.18-3.09), and local conditions such as disorganized backyard (PR = 79.95; 95% CI: 10.96-583.24) and the proportion of shade greater than 50% of the backyard (PR = 62.32; 95% CI: 6.47-600.32). And, it is negatively associated with residential gas service (PR = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.16-0.58) and self-administered internal fumigation (PR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.2-0.69). The presence and abundance of A. aegypti were explained by interrelated socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral factors where local conditions and habits such as the organization of the patio, knowledge about vector biology, and cleaning containers are identified as main topics for future prevention strategies for the transmission of dengue in the local and national context.

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. / 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.

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 8hours 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.

Dexamethasone vs methylprednisolone high dose for Covid-19 pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: There is no effective therapy for the severe acute respiratory syndrome by coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) responsible for the Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). To date, dexamethasone has shown a decrease in mortality in patients who require oxygen, especially those with invasive mechanical ventilation. However, it is unknown if another corticosteroid can be used, the optimal dose and its duration, to achieve a better clinical outcome. The objective of the study was to compare the differences in clinical outcome and laboratory results in hospitalized patients with severe SARS-CoV2 Pneumonia treated with dexamethasone at 6 mg doses versus patients treated with high-dose methylprednisolone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ambispective cohort study with survival analysis of 216 patients diagnosed with severe Covid-19 pneumonia confirmed by polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV2 by Berlin protocol, who were hospitalized in a high-complexity clinic in Medellín, Colombia. The patients should also have supplementary oxygen and radiological confirmation of Pneumonia by chest tomography. Sample size was not calculated since the total population that met the inclusion criteria was evaluated. 111 patients were treated with the institutional protocol with intravenous dexamethasone 6 mg QD for seven to 10 days if they required oxygen. Since September 15, 2020, the hospitalization protocol of the clinic was modified by the Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology service, recommending a high dose of methylprednisolone of 250 to 500 mg every day for three days with a subsequent change to oral prednisone 50 mg every day for 14 days. The protocol was not applied in the intensive care unit, where dexamethasone continued to be administered. The clinical outcome and differences in laboratory results of the patients who received dexamethasone vs. the prospective cohort that received methylprednisolone from September 15 to October 31, 2020, were evaluated. Follow-up was carried out by outpatient consultation one month after discharge or by telephone, inquiring about readmission or living-dead status. RESULTS: 216 patients had Covid-19 pneumonia documented by ground-glass imaging and alveolar pressure / inspired oxygen fraction (PaFi) less than 300. 111 patients received dexamethasone (DXM) and 105 received methylprednisolone (MTP). Patients in the DXM group evolved to severe ARDS in a higher proportion (26.1% vs 17.1% than the MTP group). Upon completion 4 days of treatment with parenteral corticosteroid, laboratory markers of severity decreased significantly in the group that received MTP, CRP 2.85 (2.3-3.8) vs 7.2 (5.4-9.8), (p-value < 0.0001), D-dimer 691 (612-847) vs 1083 (740-1565) (p-value = 0.04) and DHL 273 (244-289) vs 355 (270.6-422) (p-value = 0.01). After starting the corticosteroid, transfer to the intensive care unit (4.8% vs. 14.4%) and mortality (9,5% vs. 17.1%) was lower in the group that received MTP. Recovery time was shorter in patients treated with MTP, three days (3-4) vs. DXM 6 days (5-8) (p-value < 0.0001). At 30-day follow-up, 88 (92.6%) were alive in MTP vs 58 (63.1%) of those who received dexamethasone. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the treatment of severe Covid-19 Pneumonia with high-dose methylprednisolone for three days followed by oral prednisone for 14 days, compared with 6 mg dexamethasone for 7 to 10 days, statistically significantly decreased the recovery time, the need for transfer to intensive care and the severity markers C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer and LDH. Randomized controlled studies with methylprednisolone are required to corroborate its effect, and studies in a population hospitalized in intensive care wards.

Sociodemographic, environmental and labor conditions related to the presence of conjunctivitis and skin irritation in a group of informal street vendors in downtown Medellin, 2015-2019.

INTRODUCTION: Occupational diseases are those that may have a causal relationship with occupational activity or environment. However, this definition does not specify how this disease would be identified and acknowledged for workers with subsistence jobs. OBJECTIVES: To determine sociodemographic, labor and environmental conditions that collaborate to explain the presence of eye and skin irritation among informal vendors in downtown Medellin. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study with analytical intention, primary sources of information, and administration of assisted survey including self-reported eye and skin irritation in 686 workers. RESULTS: Predominantly male population with mean age of 50 (±11.8) years. A total of 23.5 % of workers had worked as vendors for their entire life; 37.5% had worked as vendors for 11 to 20 years as vendors; and 81.5%worked for more than 8 hours a day. According to 69.8% of the sample, poor air quality affected their work, and 80.0% believed that pollution was generated by vehicle fleet. The polluted areas generated unpleasant odors (50.2%) and air pollution (89.4%). The prevalence of eye and skin irritation was 65.4%. Not having working license and having fair, poor, or very poor job tenure significantly reduced the prevalence of eye and skin irritation. Conversely, exposure to polluted water, working in the professional for more than 30 years, male sex, and age older than 60 years were associated with increased prevalence of irritation. CONCLUSIONS: Eye and skin irritation was mainly explained by non-modifiable sociodemographic and labor conditions and by consumption of polluted water; however, implementing public health actions could reduce workers' socio-environmental and labor vulnerability.

Burden of dengue in the State of Meta, Colombia (2010-2016).

In Colombia, dengue is a disease of great impact due to its morbidity and mortality, however, studies on the effects of the economic burden at the local level are scarce. Therefore, our study sought to describe the economic burden of dengue epidemics between 2010 and 2016 in the State of Meta, Colombia. A longitudinal study was performed using information from the records of the epidemiological information system (Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública - SIVIGILA), and the indicator of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) was determined as an estimator of the burden of dengue. To assess the economic impact, two assessment scenarios were considered (minimum range and maximum range), which allowed the estimate of the effects of the years of life lost (YLLs). Mortality cases presented heterogeneity in the age groups, mainly affecting groups under 15 years and over 65 years, with YLLs raging between 158.58 and 300.38. In total, 2010 showed the highest medical care costs of the study period, with USD 664,123 for women and USD 740,221 for men. In the epidemic years (2010, 2012-2015) between 91,072.3 and 184,175.1 DALYs were lost per million inhabitants, which generated social burden costs higher than the USD 669.6 million. In conclusion, dengue can be considered a disease of high cost at the local level, economically affecting the General Social Security System in Health and social welfare.

Factors Associated With Suicidal Ideation in Older Adults From Three Cities in Colombia, 2016. / Factores asociados con la ideación suicida del adulto mayor en tres ciudades de Colombia, 2016.

INTRODUCTION: Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts that range from a vague idea of committing suicide to a specific suicide plan. OBJECTIVE: To explore factors such as demographic, social, family, abuse, risk of depression, habits and health conditions, which influence suicidal ideation in the elderly people in the cities of Medellín, Barranquilla, and Pasto (Colombia), with the intention to identify those associated factors that can be used in public health programs focused on this population. METHODS: Cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using a secondary source, demographic, social, clinical variables, social support, discrimination, abuse, happiness, depression, functional capacity, and as a dependent variable were asked the question: "Have you ever thought about committing suicide?" A descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: The median age was ≤ 69 [interquartile range, 11] years, and 58.2% were women. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 6.4%, and of these, 28.7% had made plans to end their lives, and 66.7% had tried at least once. A statistical association was found with informal employment, cigarette consumption, alcohol and psychoactive substances, risk of depression, having a disability, dissatisfaction with their quality of life, with their health, with their economic situation, as well as feeling unhappy, bad treatment and bad relationships among family members, poor social support, sexual and economic abuse, and finally, discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: Suicidal ideation in older adults in three cities of Colombia is explained by the sexual and economic abuse that this population is suffering, as well as bad personal relationships between the members of the family of the older adult. The risk of depression increases the probability of having thoughts against one's life.

Health Status and Experience of the Migrant Workers Returned from Spain to Colombia: A Qualitative Approach.

This study aims to understand the migratory experience and the employment, work and health conditions of the returned migrants from Spain to Colombia. A qualitative study was conducted by means of 23 semi-structured interviews with Colombian returned migrant workers. Qualitative narrative content analysis was performed using Atlas.Ti software. Main findings are represented by nine categories emerged from the participants' discourses: (1) impact of the economic crisis on work and employment conditions in Spain, (2) economic crisis and return, (3) characteristics of returnees, (4) perception of the returnees about Colombia, (5) the role of social support networks, (6) employment and working conditions in Colombia, (7) health and wellbeing, (8) future plans and expectations, (9) the experience of being immigrant. Adjustment difficulties in participants are evidenced by the return migration process and the conditions of the social, political and economic system in Colombia. Return migration represents the reconfiguration of personal and working lives of this population. This situation requires the development of global policies and strategies in public health to facilitate the adaptation of these people.

Desigualdades sociales urbano-rurales en la mortalidad por siniestros viales en Colombia, 1998-2019

Introducción: Anualmente se pierden 1,35 millones de vidas por causa de siniestros viales; su ocurrencia se ha relacionado, además de factores comportamentales, con desigualdades sociales. Objetivo: Analizar las desigualdades sociales urbano-rurales en la mortalidad por siniestros viales en Colombia para el periodo 1998-2019. Materiales y métodos: Estudio ecológico a partir del análisis de las tasas de mortalidad ajustadas de los grupos poblacionales urbanos y rurales estratificados por sexo. Se hicieron análisis con regresión de Joinpoint y se calcularon medidas de desigualdad simple absoluta y relativa. Resultados: Se registraron 139 323 muertes por siniestros viales, en Colombia la tasa de mortalidad por esta causa se ha venido reduciendo. En contraste con las áreas rurales, en las áreas urbanas esta reducción es más significativa. Existen desigualdades en la mortalidad entre las áreas urbanas y rurales que han venido estrechándose. No obstante, en el caso de hombres y mujeres ha venido incrementándose. Discusión: La reducción de la tasa de mortalidad por siniestros viales sugiere que las intervenciones en seguridad vial han sido efectivas. La mayor mortalidad en hombres puede explicarse a partir de factores comportamentales. Las desigualdades urbano-rurales pueden estar relacionadas con las dinámicas de desarrollo. Conclusiones: Se registra una reducción en la tasa de mortalidad por siniestros viales, la cual es más significativa en áreas urbanas. Existen desigualdades urbano-rurales en la mortalidad por esta causa. Las políticas de seguridad vial deben partir de un enfoque integrador vinculado con otras agendas políticas.

Introduction: Annually, 1,35 million lives are lost due to road accidents; their occurrence has been related, in addition to behavioral factors, to social inequalities. Objective: To analyze urban-rural social inequalities in mortality from traffic accidents in Colombia from 1998-2019. Methods and materials: Ecological study based on the analysis of standardized mortality rates adjusted for age and sex of urban and rural population groups stratified by sex. Joinpoint regression analyses were performed, and absolute and relative simple inequality measures were calculated. Results: There were 139.323 deaths from road accidents; in Colombia mortality rates from this cause has been decreasing. In urban areas, the reduction is more significant than in rural areas. Disparities in mortality between urban and rural areas have been narrowing, however, in the case of men and women, they have been increasing. Discussion: Reducing the mortality rate from road accidents suggests that road safety interventions have been effective. Behavioral factors can explain the higher mortality in men. Urban-rural inequalities can be related to development dynamics. Conclusions: There is a significant reduction in the mortality rate due to road accidents in urban areas. There are urban-rural inequalities in mortality from this cause. Road safety policies must be based on an integrative approach linked to other political agendas.

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.

[Prognostic factors of early 30-day mortality in elderly patients admitted to an emergency department]. / Factores pronósticos de mortalidad temprana en ancianos ingresados en un servicio de urgencias.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to identify the variables related to early mortality in the elderly at the time of admission to the emergency department. METHODOLOGY: Using probability sampling, the study included patients 60 years old or older of both genders who were admitted for observation to the emergency department of the University Hospital of Nariño, ¿Colombia? in 2015. Using a questionnaire designed for this study, some multidimensional features that affect the health of the elderly were collected (demographic, clinical, psychological, functional, and social variables). The patients were then followed-up for 30 days in order to determine the mortality rate during this time. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions and survival analysis were performed. RESULTS: Data were collected from 246 patients, with a mean age of 75.27 years and the majority female. The 30-day mortality rate was 15%. The variables most associated with death were: being female, temperature problems, initial diagnosis of neoplasia, and unable to walk independently in the emergency department. CONCLUSION: It is possible to determine the multidimensional factors present in the older patient admitted to an emergency department that could affect their 30-day mortality prognosis. and which should be intervened.

Salud mental positiva: entre el bienestar y el desarrollo de capacidades / Positive mental health: between well-being and capacity development

Resumen Los esfuerzos de la Organización Mundial de la Salud por trascender los modelos biomédicos y comportamentales para la explicación de la salud han resaltado el bienestar como elemento clave en esta tarea. La inclusión del concepto de bienestar en las definiciones de salud mental ha provocado, en muchas ocasiones, la utilización de ambos conceptos como sinónimos, sin embargo, difícilmente el bienestar por sí solo puede dar cuenta de la salud mental de una persona. Este artículo de reflexión tiene como objetivo presentar el concepto de capacidad desde el campo del desarrollo humano, como respuesta a las limitaciones que presentan los modelos de bienestar, y los aportes que tendría su utilización en la construcción de una definición de salud mental a partir del enfoque socioeconómico y en la consolidación de una estrategia de promoción de la salud mental.

Abstract The efforts of the World Health Organization to transcend biomedical and behavioral explanations of health have highlighted well-being as a key element in this task. The inclusion of well-being concept in mental health definitions has caused, on many occasions, the use of both concepts as synonyms, however, well-being cannot hardly define by its own a person's mental health. This article aims to introduce the concept of capacity from the field of human development as a response to the limitations presented by well-being models and the contributions that their implementation would have in the construction of a definition for mental health from the socioeconomic approach and consolidate a strategy to promote mental health.

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.