Factors associated with high-risk human papillomavirus infection and high-grade cervical neoplasia: A population-based study in Paraguay.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality among women from Paraguay, with high incidence and mortality rates (31.2 and 16 per 100 000 women, respectively). Although the risk factors associated with high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection and preneoplastic cervical lesions are widely studied, population-based characteristics of particular settings may influence the feasibility of HPV-based CC screening implementation. This study aimed to explore factors associated with hrHPV infection and high-grade cervical neoplasia in hrHPV-positive (hrHPV+) women from Paraguay. METHODS: A total of 5677 women aged 30-64 years from the Central Department of Paraguay were screened with HPV test (Hybrid Capture 2) and Pap smear. Sociodemographic and risk factor interviews were conducted. hrHPV+ women were referred to colposcopy and women with an abnormal colposcopy had a biopsy taken. The outcomes recorded were the hrHPV status and the presence of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or worse (CIN2+) among hrHPV+ women. Associations were investigated using multivariate logistic regressions. RESULTS: hrHPV prevalence was 13.8% (95%CI 13.0-14.8). This value decreased with the age of women (p-trend<0.001) and increased with the lifetime number of sexual partners (p-trend<0.001) and number of previous female partners of their current male partner if women had had one lifetime sexual partner (p-trend<0.001), increasing from 3.06 (95%CI 0.073-20.9) if partners had had one previous female partner to 9.19 (95%CI 2.36-61.1) if they had had eight or more. In hrHPV+ women, CIN2+ prevalence was 10.7% (95%CI 8.58-13.2) and increased with time since the last Pap smear (p-trend<0.001) and with the increasing number of pregnancies (p-trend = 0.05). CONCLUSION: In these settings, the sexual behavior of women and their male partners is associated with hrHPV infection. In hrHPV+ women, underscreening practices and multiple pregnancies are associated with CIN2+. This knowledge can contribute to public health policies for CC prevention and control in Paraguay.

Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre virus de papiloma humano (VPH) y cáncer de cuello uterino en mujeres de 30 y más años de edad, de un barrio ribereño de Asunción, (Bañado Sur). 2012 / Knowledge, attitudes and practice on human papilloma virus (HPV) and cervix cancer in women who were 30 years old or more, from a riverside neighborhood of Asuncion, (Bañado Sur). 2012

Introducción: El cáncer de cuello uterino es un problema de salud pública en Paraguay. Objetivo: Determinar conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre virus del papiloma humano (VPH) y cáncer de cuello uterino en mujeres de 12 Unidades de Salud Familiar (USF) de Bañado Sur-Asunción, periodo abril-octubre 2012. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, utilizando cuestionario estructurado autoadministrado. Resultados: La edad promedio de las encuestadas fue 42 años, la mayoría en unión libre o casadas (70%); 65% tienen educación básica y media, 56% son amas de casa. El 83% tienen seguro médico; 78% escuchó hablar sobre cáncer de cuello uterino, 74% de éstas en los centros de salud. El 10% de las encuestadas conoce el VPH y lo relaciona con la enfermedad, 90 % escuchó hablar sobre la prueba de Papanicolaou, el 27 % de ellas sabe en qué consiste; 90% de las mujeres demostró actitud favorable y 56% prácticas favorables respecto a la prevención de la enfermedad. Conclusiones: El estudio permite conocer la percepción que tiene una población de mujeres de un barrio marginal de la capital del país, respecto al cáncer de cuello uterino y el principal factor de riesgo que lo produce, a fin de incrementar la prestación de servicios de prevención de este tipo de cáncer, además de propiciar el trabajo interinstitucional e intersectorial en la prevención y control de la enfermedad en el país.

Introduction: Cervix cancer is a public health problem in Paraguay. Objective: To determine knowledge, attitudes and practices on human papilloma virus (HPV) and uterine cervix cancer in women from 12 Family Health Units (FHU) of the Bañado Sur- Asunción, April-October 2,012 period. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study that used self-administered structured questionnaires. Results: The mean age was 42 years, most of them cohabitated or were married (70%); 65% had elementary and secondary education and 56% was housewife; 83% had medical insurance and 78% heard about uterine cervix cancer, 74% of them in health posts. Only 10% knew HPV and related it to a disease, 90% heard about Papanicolaou test, but only 27% knew what is, 90% showed favorable attitude and 56% favorable practices in relation to the disease prevention. Conclusions: The study provided information on the perception that a population of women from a marginal zone of the capital have in relation to cervical cancer and its main risk factor. This will allow increasing the supply of prevention services for this type of cancer, along with promoting inter-institutional and inter-sectorial work on the prevention and control of this disease in the country.

Estado nutricional y aspectos alimentarios de mujeres indígenas del departamento de Presidente Hayes, Paraguay / Nutritional state and food aspects of indigenous women from Presidente Hayes department, Paraguay

Introducción: Las comunidades indígenas presentan un mayor riesgo de inseguridad alimentaria y malnutrición, menor disponibilidad de recursos, y una creciente dependencia de alimentos más baratos aunque con un alto grado de procesamiento. Objetivo: Identificar el estado nutricional y aspectos alimentarios en mujeres indígenas de tres comunidades del Departamento de Presidente Hayes, Chaco Paraguayo. Metodología: Estudio observacional de diseño transversal con componente analítico, que incluyó a 81 mujeres de 15 a 44 años de edad, de las etnias Maká y Toba Qom. Previo consentimiento informado, se realizó la valoración nutricional y la entrevista para obtener los datos sociodemográficos y alimentarios. Resultados: Las mujeres indígenas presentaron una frecuencia de sobrepeso de 30,8% y obesidad del 21,0%, mientras que el 1,2 % presentó desnutrición. No encontramos diferencia significativa entre las etnias, en relación al sobrepeso y obesidad, (p>0,05). Observamos que las indígenas tenían una alta ingesta de frutas, azúcares y mieles. El 87 y 88% de las mujeres indígenas de ambas etnias estudiadas refirieron no consumir lácteos y derivados y entre 65 y 69% refirieron no consumir verduras. Conclusiones: Observamos un elevado porcentaje de obesidad y sobrepeso, un bajo consumo de lácteos y verduras y un alto consumo de azúcares, relacionados posiblemente a cambios en los aspectos alimentarios y sus costumbres, influenciados por la cercanía a las zonas urbanas y el acceso a alimentos de menor precio y mayor contenido energético.

Introduction: Indigenous communities present higher risk of food insecurity and malnutrition, lower availability of resources and growing dependence on cheaper food but with high degree of processing. Objective: To identify the nutritional state and food aspects in indigenous women from three communities of Presidente Hayes Department, Paraguayan Chaco. Methodology: Cross-sectional observational study with analytical component including 81 women who were 15 to 44 years old from the Maká and Toba Qom ethnic groups. After giving their informed consent, the nutritional assessment and the interview to collect socio-demographic and food data were carried out. Results: The indigenous women presented an overweight frequency of 30.8 % and obesity of 21.0%, while malnutrition was observed in 1.2%. No significant differences were found between ethnic groups in relation to overweight and obesity (p>0.05). High ingestion of fruits, sugar and honey was observed and 87% and 88% of the indigenous women from both ethnic groups referred that they did not consume dairy products and derivatives and 65% and 69% referred that they did not consume vegetables. Conclusions: High percentages of obesity and overweight were observed. Low consumption of dairy products, its by products and vegetables and a high consumption of sugar were observed, related probably to changes in food aspects and the habits of these groups, influenced by the proximity to urban areas and the access to low prices food with high energetic content.

Distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes and bacterial vaginosis presence in cervical samples from Paraguayan indigenous.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of human papillomavirus (HPV) types and to assess bacterial vaginosis (BV) possible associations with cervical infections in indigenous Paraguayan women of the Department of Presidente Hayes. METHODS: This study included 181 sexually active women without cervical lesions. HPV typing was performed by polymerase chain reaction with primers PGMY 09/11 followed by reverse line hybridization. BV was diagnosed by the Nugent criteria using the results from a Gram stain smear. RESULTS: Sixteen percent of women were positive for at least one high risk HPV type (HR-HPV). The most frequent genotypes were HPV 16 (4.4%), followed by HPV 58 (3.3%), HPV 45 (3.3%), HPV 53 (2.8%) and HPV 11 (2.8%). A significant association between HR-HPV and BV was observed (p=0.01). In addition, women with BV had a higher frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis (p=0.0007), Trichomonas vaginalis (p=0.00009), Mycoplasma hominis (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A large variety of HPV genotypes was detected and showed a slightly different pattern from previous studies on urban women in Paraguay, with the predominance of HR-HPV. Furthermore, the information of co-infections involved in BV could be useful for the improvement of national prevention programs, as well as for laboratory surveillance of these genital infections.

Human papillomavirus and other genital infections in indigenous women from Paraguay: a cross-sectional analytical study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of cervical cancer in Paraguay is among the highest in the world, with the human papillomavirus (HPV) being a necessary factor for cervical cancer. Knowledge about HPV infection among indigenous women is limited. This cross-sectional study analyzed the frequency of HPV and other genital infections in indigenous Paraguayan women of the Department of Presidente Hayes. METHODS: This study included 181 sexually active women without cervical lesions. They belonged to the following ethnicities: Maká (n = 40); Nivaclé (n = 23); Sanapaná (n = 33); Enxet Sur (n = 51) and Toba-Qom (n = 34). The detection of HPV and other gynecological infectious microorganisms was performed by either molecular methods (for Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Chlamydia trachomatis), gram staining and/or culture (for Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida sp, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae), serological methods (for Treponema pallidum, human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]) or cytology (cervical inflammation). RESULTS: A high prevalence (41.4%) of women positive for at least one sexually transmitted infection (STI) was found (23.2% any-type HPV, 11.6% T pallidum, 10.5% T vaginalis, 9.9% C trachomatis and 0.6% HIV) with 12.2% having more than one STI. HPV infection was the most frequent, with 16.1% of women positive for high-risk HPV types. There was a statistically significant association observed between any-type HPV and C trachomatis (p = 0.004), which indicates that the detection of one of these agents should suggest the presence of the other. There was no association between any-type HPV and other genital infections or cervical inflammation, suggesting that other mechanism could exist to favor infection with the virus. CONCLUSION: This multidisciplinary work suggests that STIs are frequent, making it necessary to implement control measures and improve diagnosis in order to increase the number of cases detected, especially in populations with poor access to health centers.

[Detection of high risk human papillomavirus by hybrid capture II® according cytological findings in women treated for squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix, period 2006/2010]. / Detección del virus del papiloma humano de alto riesgo por captura híbrida II® según hallazgos citológicos en mujeres tratadas por lesiones escamosas intraepiteliales de cuello uterino, período 2006/2010.

OBJECTIVE: To determinate the frequency of high risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) by hybrid capture II (r) (CH II(r)), according cytology results in women treated for squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix (SIL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study of a series of cases that included 122 women treated, 79 (75%) for low grade SIL (LSIL) and 43 (35%) for high grade SIL (HSIL) attending at the HPV Laboratory at the Health Sciences Research Institute (IICS), National University of Asunción (UNA), for post-treatment control during period 2006/2010. RESULTS: A total of 28% (34/122) of women treated for SIL were positive for HR-HPV, detecting viral infection in 20% of women with no SIL (NSIL) (22/108), in 83% of women with LSIL (10/12) and in 100% of women with HSIL (2/2). Of 34 women positive for HR-HPV, 10 women (29%) had high values (100 pg / mL or more) of relative viral load, detecting an increase of positive cases with severity of the lesion (28% NSIL, 30% LSIL, 50% HSIL). CONCLUSION: HR-HPV detection by CH II(r) and high relative viral load values especially in women with NSIL could help to identify treated women at risk of developing recurrence, thereby contributing to strengthening the cervical cancer prevention program.

Distribution of HPV-16 variants among isolates from Paraguayan women with different grades of cervical lesion.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the distribution of HPV-16 variants among Paraguayan women with different grades of cervical lesions. METHODS: Sixty-seven HPV-16-positive cervical samples obtained from women attending health centers in Paraguay between March 2007 and April 2009 were examined, including 29 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), 29 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), 4 cervical cancer, and 5 normal cytology samples. The specimens were analyzed by PCR-directed sequencing of a 364-bp fragment of the long control region of HPV-16, and a phylogenetic tree was compiled with MEGA 5.0 software. RESULTS: Most HPV-16 variants belonged to the European branch (82%); these variants were detected among 25 of 29 women with LSIL, 22 of 29 women with HSIL, 3 of 4 women with cervical cancer, and all women with normal cytology. Two isolates yielded new variants of the European branch with nucleotide substitutions at positions A7752C and A7810T. Non-European variants, such as African type 1 (1.5%) and Asian-American (16.5%), were detected only among women with cervical lesions (4/29, LSIL; 6/29, HSIL; 1/29, cervical cancer). These variants had at least 6 nucleotide substitutions adjacent to or within transcription factor binding sites. CONCLUSION: All branches of HPV-16 variants were detected among Paraguayan women with cervical lesions.

Detección del virus del papiloma humano de alto riesgo por captura híbrida II® según hallazgos citológicos en mujeres tratadas por lesiones escamosas intraepiteliales de cuello uterino, período 2006/2010 / Detection of high risk human papillomavirus by hybrid capture II(r) according cytological findings in women treated for squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix, period 2006/2010

OBJETIVO: Determinar la frecuencia del virus de papiloma humano de alto riesgo oncogénico (HR-HPV) por captura híbrida II (r) (CH II(r)) según hallazgos citológicos en mujeres tratadas por lesiones escamosas intraepiteliales (SIL) de cuello uterino. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo de corte transverso de una serie de casos, en donde se incluyeron 122 mujeres tratadas, 79 (65%) por SIL de bajo grado (LSIL) y 43 (35%) por SIL de alto grado (HSIL) que concurrieron al Laboratorio de HPV del Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, para realizarse un control post-tratamiento, periodo 2006/2010. RESULTADOS: Se observó un total del 28% (34/122) de mujeres tratadas por SIL positivas para HR-HPV, detectándose infección viral en un 20% de las mujeres con ausencia de SIL (NSIL) (22/108), 83% de las mujeres con LSIL (10/12) y 100% de las mujeres con HSIL (2/2). De las 34 mujeres positivas para HR-HPV, 10 mujeres (29%) presentaron valores altos (100 pg/mL o más) de carga viral relativa, detectándose un aumento de casos positivos con la severidad de la lesión (28% NSIL, 30% LSIL, 50% HSIL). CONCLUSION: La detección de HR-HPV por CH II(r), así como los valores de carga viral relativa altos, en especial en mujeres con NSIL podrían ayudar a identificar mujeres tratadas con riesgo a desarrollar recidivas, contribuyendo así a fortalecer el programa de prevención de cáncer de cuello uterino. .

OBJECTIVE: To determinate the frequency of high risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) by hybrid capture II (r) (CH II(r)), according cytology results in women treated for squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix (SIL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study of a series of cases that included 122 women treated, 79 (75%) for low grade SIL (LSIL) and 43 (35%) for high grade SIL (HSIL) attending at the HPV Laboratory at the Health Sciences Research Institute (IICS), National University of Asunción (UNA), for post-treatment control during period 2006/2010. RESULTS: A total of 28% (34/122) of women treated for SIL were positive for HR-HPV, detecting viral infection in 20% of women with no SIL (NSIL) (22/108), in 83% of women with LSIL (10/12) and in 100% of women with HSIL (2/2). Of 34 women positive for HR-HPV, 10 women (29%) had high values (100 pg / mL or more) of relative viral load, detecting an increase of positive cases with severity of the lesion (28% NSIL, 30% LSIL, 50% HSIL). CONCLUSION: HR-HPV detection by CH II(r) and high relative viral load values especially in women with NSIL could help to identify treated women at risk of developing recurrence, thereby contributing to strengthening the cervical cancer prevention program. .

Evaluación de la Atención Primaria de Salud en un contexto urbano: percepción de actores involucrados - Bañado Sur - Paraguay, 2011 / Primary Health Care assessment in a urban context: perceptions of social actors - Bañado Sur - Paraguay, 2011

En Paraguay, desde 2008 se procesa la reforma de la Atención Primaria de Salud, buscando reducir inequidades. Con el objetivo de conocer el rol de la Atención Primaria de Salud en la reordenación del sistema de salud, se utilizó la herramienta Primary Care Assessment Tool para estudiar los Equipos de Salud Familiar en Asunción. Fueron entrevistados 360 usuarios y 36 profesionales. Los resultados cubren las dimensiones acceso, puerta de entrada, vínculo, integralidad, coordinación, enfoque familiar, orientación a la comunidad, y formación profesional. Se observa que usuarios y profesionales tienen percepciones diferentes, pero convergen que el acceso es un punto débil y la formación profesional uno fuerte. Se concluye que hay una importante inversión en la Atención Primaria de Salud, pero la población aún no se está apropiando de toda su potencialidad.

In Paraguay, since 2008 a Primary Health Care reform is taking place, aiming at reducing inequities. With the objective of understanding the role of Primary Health Care in the reorganization of the health system, the Primary Care Assessment Tool was used to study the Family Health Teams in Asunción. We interviewed 360 users and 36 health professionals. The results cover the dimensions of access, gateway, longitudinality, portfolio, coordination, family focus, community orientation, and professional training. It was observed that users and professionals have different perceptions, but agree that access is a weakness and training a strength. It is concluded that there is an important investment in Primary Health Care, however the population is still adapting their full potential.

Bocio endémico en escolares de la provincia de Salta, Argentina / Endemic goiter in school children of the provence of Salta, Argentina

La Provincia de Salta, ubicada en el noroeste de la República Argentina, presentaba una severa endemia de bocio-cretinismo. El objetivo del presente trabajo, por lo tanto, fue evaluar los resultados de la profilaxis con sal yodada vigente desde 1963. Así, en 1980-1981 se determinó la prevalencia de bocio en un total de 16,935 escolares de 4 a 15 años, y en una submuestra de 401 niños, el índice de yodo/creatinina urinaria. Se encontró que la prevalencia de bocio en la citada Provincia, era de 16.1%. Diez de sus Departamientos, los de mayor desarrollo socioeconómico y en los que se concentra más de la mitad de la población, acusaron prevalencias inferiores a 10%, límite considerado como de endemia. En los 13 restantes, en especial los de menor desarrollo, con zonas montañosas de difícil acceso y cuya población consume sal sin yodar proveniente de salinas naturales, las cifras superaron dicho límite. La yoduria promedio fue de 104.0 microng I/g Cr, encontrándose 4.5% inferior a 25 microng. A los 20 años de profilaxis se ha logrado, pues, erradicar parcialmente la endemia. Sin embargo, debe promoverse el consumo de sal yodada e incluso el suministro de aceite yodado, en aquellas zonas en las que la prevalencia continúa siendo elevada