Handgrip strength and upper limb functional performance measures in people over 18 years old: Analysis of relationships and influencing factors.

BACKGROUND: Handgrip strength is a common, simple, and inexpensive method to measure muscle strength. On the other hand, the functional performance measurement involves a usual task which implies repeating elements between the individuals' interaction and the environment. This is fundamental for projecting their results to daily life situation. PURPOSE: To explore the relationship between grip strength and measures of functional performance of the upper limbs (ULs) in people over 18 years of age, and to determine the influence of sociodemographic and anthropometric variables on the relationship. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted under the analytical empirical approach, using linear associations between handgrip strength and functional performance measurement tests (correspondence analysis). METHODS: Three hundred sixty-two male and female individuals between 18 and 91 years of age from 4 Colombian cities participated. The grip strength of both ULs measured with a digital dynamometry was associated with the Box and Block Test (BBT, manual dexterity), Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT, daily living tasks), and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JJT, ability to grasp, pick up, and place). Multiple linear regression analyzes were performed to assess possible explanatory factors of a sociodemographic and anthropometric order. RESULTS: A significant association was found between the grip strength of dominant and non-dominant ULs with all functional performance tests (ρ > 0.27 and p < .001), except for the writing and simulated feeding subtests of the JJT (ρ ≤ 0.16). An interactive effect of age was found in the relationship between grip strength and the 3 functional performance tests. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the association between grip strength with the NHPT, JJT, and BBT measures and the interactive effect of age on the performance of all tests.

Vulnerable populations and the right to health: lessons from the Peruvian Amazon around tuberculosis control.

BACKGROUND: In 2014 the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the "End TB Strategy", setting new ambitious goals for elimination of tuberculosis (TB). In contrast with previous efforts to control TB, the new strategy adopted the protection and promotion of human rights in TB prevention and care as a core pillar. This mandated the development of national programmes that are sensitive to the characteristics of populations and responsive to structural factors that put people at increased risk of exposure to TB, limit access to good quality health services and make people more vulnerable to TB infection. Indigenous people living in the Peruvian Amazon have been identified as a TB vulnerable group by Peruvian health authorities. This article examines the barriers faced by indigenous people and rural settlers from the Peruvian Amazon in obtaining a TB diagnosis and appropriate TB treatment, through the principles of the human rights based approach of accessibility, availability, affordability, adaptability and quality, and thus provides evidence of the utility of such approach in Peru. METHODS: This is a qualitative study. We combined information from policy documents and legal regulations and in-depth interviews with health workers and health authorities. We used Atlas-ti to conduct a thematic analysis and identify interviewees responses to pre-defined topics. RESULTS: Despite having a strong legal framework to protect the right to health of indigenous people and people affected by TB, there are underlying structural factors contributing to delays in detection, diagnosis and TB treatment, which are mostly related to having a health system poorly prepared to provide care for people living in dispersed rural communities. This article shows the limited level of integration of the "End TB Strategy" principles in the Peruvian National TB Programme and identifies the weakness of the health system to improve health care provision for indigenous people and rural settlers from the Peruvian Amazon. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows the need to go beyond developing a strong legal framework to ensure vulnerable populations such as indigenous people are able to realize their right to health. Governments need to allocate funds, improve training and adapt healthcare provision to the cultural, geographical, and social context of indigenous people.

Indigenous and tribal peoples' health (The Lancet-Lowitja Institute Global Collaboration): a population study.

BACKGROUND: International studies of the health of Indigenous and tribal peoples provide important public health insights. Reliable data are required for the development of policy and health services. Previous studies document poorer outcomes for Indigenous peoples compared with benchmark populations, but have been restricted in their coverage of countries or the range of health indicators. Our objective is to describe the health and social status of Indigenous and tribal peoples relative to benchmark populations from a sample of countries. METHODS: Collaborators with expertise in Indigenous health data systems were identified for each country. Data were obtained for population, life expectancy at birth, infant mortality, low and high birthweight, maternal mortality, nutritional status, educational attainment, and economic status. Data sources consisted of governmental data, data from non-governmental organisations such as UNICEF, and other research. Absolute and relative differences were calculated. FINDINGS: Our data (23 countries, 28 populations) provide evidence of poorer health and social outcomes for Indigenous peoples than for non-Indigenous populations. However, this is not uniformly the case, and the size of the rate difference varies. We document poorer outcomes for Indigenous populations for: life expectancy at birth for 16 of 18 populations with a difference greater than 1 year in 15 populations; infant mortality rate for 18 of 19 populations with a rate difference greater than one per 1000 livebirths in 16 populations; maternal mortality in ten populations; low birthweight with the rate difference greater than 2% in three populations; high birthweight with the rate difference greater than 2% in one population; child malnutrition for ten of 16 populations with a difference greater than 10% in five populations; child obesity for eight of 12 populations with a difference greater than 5% in four populations; adult obesity for seven of 13 populations with a difference greater than 10% in four populations; educational attainment for 26 of 27 populations with a difference greater than 1% in 24 populations; and economic status for 15 of 18 populations with a difference greater than 1% in 14 populations. INTERPRETATION: We systematically collated data across a broader sample of countries and indicators than done in previous studies. Taking into account the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we recommend that national governments develop targeted policy responses to Indigenous health, improving access to health services, and Indigenous data within national surveillance systems. FUNDING: The Lowitja Institute.

Factors behind job preferences of Peruvian medical, nursing and midwifery students: a qualitative study focused on rural deployment.

BACKGROUND: Deployment of health workforce in rural areas is critical to reach universal health coverage. Students' perceptions towards practice in rural areas likely influence their later choice of a rural post. We aimed at exploring perceptions of students from health professions about career choice, job expectations, motivations and potential incentives to work in a rural area. METHODS: In-depth interviews and focus groups were conducted among medical, nursing and midwifery students from universities of two Peruvian cities (Ica and Ayacucho). Themes for assessment and analysis included career choice, job expectations, motivations and incentives, according to a background theory a priori built for the study purpose. RESULTS: Preference for urban jobs was already established at this undergraduate level. Solidarity, better income expectations, professional and personal recognition, early life experience and family models influenced career choice. Students also expressed altruism, willingness to choose a rural job after graduation and potential responsiveness to incentives for practising in rural areas, which emerged more frequent from the discourse of nursing and midwifery students and from all students of rural origin. Medical students expressed expectations to work in large urban hospitals offering higher salaries. They showed higher personal, professional and family welfare expectations. Participants consistently favoured both financial and non-financial incentives. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing and midwifery students showed a higher disposition to work in rural areas than medical doctors, which was more evident in students of rural origin. Our results may be useful to improve targeting and selection of undergraduate students, to stimulate the inclination of students to choose a rural job upon graduation and to reorient school programmes towards the production of socially committed health professionals. Policymakers may also consider using our results when planning and implementing interventions to improve rural deployment of health professionals.

Cultural adaptation of birthing services in rural Ayacucho, Peru.

PROBLEM: Maternal mortality is particularly high among poor, indigenous women in rural Peru, and the use of facility care is low, partly due to cultural insensitivities of the health care system. APPROACH: A culturally appropriate delivery care model was developed in poor and isolated rural communities, and implemented between 1999 and 2001 in cooperation with the Quechua indigenous communities and health professionals. Data on birth location and attendance in one health centre have been collected up to 2007. LOCAL SETTING: The international nongovernmental organization, Health Unlimited, and its Peruvian partner organization, Salud Sín Límites Perú, conducted the project in Santillana district in Ayacucho. RELEVANT CHANGES: The model involves features such as a rope and bench for vertical delivery position, inclusion of family and traditional birth attendants in the delivery process and use of the Quechua language. The proportion of births delivered in the health facility increased from 6% in 1999 to 83% in 2007 with high satisfaction levels. LESSONS LEARNED: Implementing a model of skilled delivery attendance that integrates modern medical and traditional Andean elements is feasible and sustainable. Indigenous women with little formal education do use delivery services if their needs are met. This contradicts common victim-blaming attitudes that ascribe high levels of home births to 'cultural preferences' or 'ignorance'.

TB in Vulnerable Populations: The Case of an Indigenous Community in the Peruvian Amazon.

This article analyzes the factors associated with vulnerability of the Ashaninka, the most populous indigenous Peruvian Amazonian people, to tuberculosis (TB). By applying a human rights-based analytical framework that assesses public policy against human rights standards and principles, and by offering a step-by-step framework for a full assessment of compliance, it provides evidence of the relationship between the incidence of TB among the Ashaninka and Peru's poor level of compliance with its human rights obligations. The article argues that one of the main reasons for the historical vulnerability of the Ashaninka to diseases such as TB is a lack of political will on the part of the national government to increase public health spending, ensure that resources reach the most vulnerable population, and adopt and invest in a culturally appropriate health system.

[Traditional andean healers in the context of change: the case of Churcampa in Peru]. / Terapeutas tradicionales andinos en un contexto de cambio: el caso de Churcampa en el Perú.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the diversity of traditional healers, their links with the formal health system and changes in their therapeutic resources in two rural Andean communities in Churcampa, in the region of Huancavelica, Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Qualitative study which combined three ethnographic techniques: in depth interviews, observations and accompaniments to traditional healers and health care personnel. RESULTS: 58 traditional healers, classified as healers, midwives and bonesetters were identified. Most healers interviewed learned their work while young and few had a teacher or mentor. The vast majority have objections to linking with health care facilities beyond referrals. There was no coordinated work among health personnel and traditional healers. However, when it happened, health personnel preferred those healers who have the willingness to adapt to the needs of the health services. We found that most of the healers were changing their practices due to the influence of evangelical churches. No healer had disciples to transmit their knowledge and practices. CONCLUSIONS: There is great diversity of traditional healers. This diversity is decreasing, among other factors, by the advance of the evangelical churches. Traditional healers refer some patients to the health facility; while health personnel establish hierarchical working relationships with the healers. It is necessary to work on these attitudes of the health care personnel, since the basis of an intercultural approach is to have coordinated and horizontal working relationships between both systems.

Discapacidad y determinantes sociales de la salud en personas con enfermedad cerebrovascular, San Juan de Pasto (Colombia) / Disability and social determinants of health in people with cerebrovascular disease, San Juan de Pasto (Colombia) / Incapacidade e determinantes sociais da saúde em pessoas com doença cerebrovascular, San Juan de Pasto (Colômbia)

Resumen Introducción: Los seres humanos expresan sus dimensiones biológica, psicológica y social en las capacidades para realizar diferentes actividades cotidianas y participar socialmente, de acuerdo con las oportunidades brindadas en el contexto en que viven. Objetivo: Establecer la relación entre los determinantes sociales de la salud y el funcionamiento humano -desde los componentes "actividad" y "participación"- en personas con enfermedad cerebrovascular de San Juan de Pasto (Colombia). Metodología: Estudio de corte, con una muestra intencional de 98 personas con diagnóstico de enfermedad cerebrovascular, mayores de 18 años, con mínimo 6 meses de evolución de la lesión, sin déficit cognitivo ni de lenguaje, usuarios de instituciones de salud y centros especializados de la ciudad de Pasto. Se utilizó un instrumento para valorar los determinantes sociales de la salud de personas con esta enfermedad y otro que permitió evaluar su actividad y participación. Resultados: Se encontraron correlaciones significativas entre el estrato socioeconómico, la condición de vivienda y el consumo de medicamentos, con la limitación en la actividad y la restricción en la participación (p<0,05). Conclusiones: Los resultados proporcionan evidencia respecto a las limitaciones en la actividad, las restricciones en la participación y las inequidades sociales en la población con enfermedad cerebrovascular de la ciudad de San Juan de Pasto estudiada. Esta información puede ser utilizada para adelantar iniciativas y acciones públicas a nivel departamental, enfatizando en las condiciones sociales y en aspectos multidimensionales de la discapacidad.

Abstract Introduction: Human beings express their biological, psychological and social dimensions in their capacity to perform different daily activities and participate socially, according to the opportunities provided in the context in which they live. Objective: To establish the relationship between the social determinants of health and human functioning - from the "activity" and "participation" components - in people with cerebrovascular disease in San Juan de Pasto (Colombia). Methodology: Cross-sectional study, with an intentional sample of 98 people diagnosed with cerebrovascular disease, over 18 years of age, with a minimum of 6 months of evolution of the lesion, without cognitive or language deficit, users of health institutions and specialized centers of the city of Pasto. An instrument was used to assess the social determinants of the health of people with this disease and another that enabled an assessment of their activity and participation. Results: Significant correlations were found between the socioeconomic stratum, the housing condition and the consumption of medications, with activity limitation and participation restriction (p <0.05). Conclusions: The results provide evidence on activity limitations, participation restrictions and social inequities in the population with cerebrovascular disease in the city of San Juan de Pasto studied. This information can be used to advance public initiatives and actions at the departmental level, emphasizing social conditions and the multidimensional aspects of disability.

Resumo Introdução: Os seres humanos expressam suas dimensões biológica, psicológica e social nas capacidades de realizar diferentes atividades diárias e participar socialmente, de acordo com as oportunidades oferecidas no contexto em que vivem. Objetivo: Estabelecer a relação entre determinantes sociais da saúde e funcionamento humano — a partir dos componentes "atividade" e "participação" — em pessoas com doença cerebrovascular de San Juan de Pasto (Colômbia). Metodologia: Estudo transversal, com amostra intencional de 98 pessoas diagnosticadas com doença cerebrovascular, om mais de 18 anos, com mínimo 6 meses de evolução da lesão, sem déficit cognitivo ou de linguagem, usuários de instituições de saúde e centros especializados na cidade de Pasto. Utilizou-se um instrumento para avaliar os determinantes sociais da saúde das pessoas com esta doença e outro instrumento que permitiu avaliar sua atividade e participação. Resultados: Foram encontradas correlações significativas entre o nível socioeconômico, a condição de moradia e o consumo de medicamentos, com limitação de atividade e restrição de participação (p<0,05). Conclusão: Os resultados fornecem evidências sobre limitações de atividades, as restrições de participação e desigualdades sociais na população com doença cerebrovascular na cidade de San Juan de Pasto que foi estudada. Esta informação pode ser utilizada para promover iniciativas e ações públicas no departamento, enfatizando as condições sociais e os aspectos multidimensionais da deficiência.

[Incentives to attract and retain the health workforce in rural areas of Peru: a qualitative study]. / Incentivos para atraer y retener personal de salud de zonas rurales del Perú: un estudio cualitativo.

The study aimed to identify the main incentives for attracting and retaining health workers in rural and remote health facilities in Ayacucho, Peru. In-depth interviews were performed with 80 physicians, obstetricians, nurses, and nurse technicians in the poorest areas (20 per group), plus 11 health managers. Ayacucho lacks systematic policies for attracting and retaining human resources. The main incentives, in order of relevance, were higher wages, opportunities for further training, longer/permanent contracts, better infrastructure and medical equipment, and more staff. Interviewees also mentioned improved housing conditions and food, the opportunity to be closer to family, and recognition by the health system. Health workers and policymakers share perceptions on key incentives to encourage work in rural areas. However, there are also singularities to be considered when designing specific strategies. Public initiatives thus need to be monitored and evaluated closely in order to ensure the intended impact.

Stated preferences of doctors for choosing a job in rural areas of Peru: a discrete choice experiment.

BACKGROUND: Doctors' scarcity in rural areas remains a serious problem in Latin America and Peru. Few studies have explored job preferences of doctors working in underserved areas. We aimed to investigate doctors' stated preferences for rural jobs. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A labelled discrete choice experiment (DCE) was performed in Ayacucho, an underserved department of Peru. Preferences were assessed for three locations: rural community, Ayacucho city (Ayacucho's capital) and other provincial capital city. Policy simulations were run to assess the effect of job attributes on uptake of a rural post. Multiple conditional logistic regressions were used to assess the relative importance of job attributes and of individual characteristics. A total of 102 doctors participated. They were five times more likely to choose a job post in Ayacucho city over a rural community (OR 4.97, 95%CI 1.2; 20.54). Salary increases and bonus points for specialization acted as incentives to choose a rural area, while increase in the number of years needed to get a permanent post acted as a disincentive. Being male and working in a hospital reduced considerably chances of choosing a rural job, while not living with a partner increased them. Policy simulations showed that a package of 75% salary increase, getting a permanent contract after two years in rural settings, and getting bonus points for further specialisation increased rural job uptake from 21% to 77%. A package of 50% salary increase plus bonus points for further specialisation would also increase the rural uptake from 21% to 52%. CONCLUSIONS: Doctors are five times more likely to favour a job in urban areas over rural settings. This strong preference needs to be overcome by future policies aimed at improving the scarcity of rural doctors. Some incentives, alone or combined, seem feasible and sustainable, whilst others may pose a high fiscal burden.

Job preferences of nurses and midwives for taking up a rural job in Peru: a discrete choice experiment.

BACKGROUND: Robust evidence on interventions to improve the shortage of health workers in rural areas is needed. We assessed stated factors that would attract short-term contract nurses and midwives to work in a rural area of Peru. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted to evaluate the job preferences of nurses and midwives currently working on a short-term contract in the public sector in Ayacucho, Peru. Job attributes, and their levels, were based on literature review, qualitative interviews and focus groups of local health personnel and policy makers. A labelled design with two choices, rural community or Ayacucho city, was used. Job attributes were tailored to these settings. Multiple conditional logistic regressions were used to assess the determinants of job preferences. Then we used the best-fitting estimated model to predict the impact of potential policy incentives on the probability of choosing a rural job or a job in Ayacucho city. We studied 205 nurses and midwives. The odds of choosing an urban post was 14.74 times than that of choosing a rural one. Salary increase, health center-type of facility and scholarship for specialization were preferred attributes for choosing a rural job. Increased number of years before securing a permanent contract acted as a disincentive for both rural and urban jobs. Policy simulations showed that the most effective attraction package to uptake a rural job included a 75% increase in salary plus scholarship for a specialization, which would increase the proportion of health workers taking a rural job from 36.4% up to 60%. CONCLUSIONS: Urban jobs were more strongly preferred than rural ones. However, combined financial and non-financial incentives could almost double rural job uptake by nurses and midwifes. These packages may provide meaningful attraction strategies to rural areas and should be considered by policy makers for implementation.

Calidad de vida de adultos colombianos con discapacidad intelectual / Quality of life of adults with intellectual disability in colombia / Qualidade de vida de adultos colombianos com deficiência intelectual

OBJETIVOS: Caracterizar la calidad de vida de adultos colombianos con discapacidad intelectual, a través de la escala INICO-FEAPS, validada para Colombia. MÉTODOS: Estudio correlacional con 602 adultos con discapacidad intelectual y sus informantes clave, de las diferentes macroregiones colombianas. Se utilizó un cuestionario sociodemográfico y el autoinforme e informe de otras personas, de la escala INICO-FEAPS, diseñada a partir del modelo de calidad de vida de Schalock y Verdugo. RESULTADOS: Las dimensiones donde se evidenciaron puntuaciones medias más altas en calidad de vida, tanto en el autoinforme como en el informe de otras personas fueron bienestar físico (medias= 28,53 y 28,30) e inclusión social (medias= 27,70 y 28,37). Las puntuaciones más bajas se registraron en las dimensiones de autodeterminación (medias= 24,57 y 24,46) y relaciones interpersonales (medias= 25,16 y 25,11). Las variables que exhibieron la mayor cantidad de relaciones significativas con las diferentes dimensiones de la escala fueron la región de procedencia, el nivel educativo y la situación ocupacional. CONCLUSIONES: Los menores puntajes en las dimensiones de relaciones interpersonales y autodeterminación, indican la necesidad de potenciar el establecimiento de una adecuada red de relaciones para esta población y brindarles mayores apoyos respecto a oportunidades de elegir y tomar decisiones, que les permitan asumir el control de su vida. Así mismo, las relaciones encontradas entre los factores sociodemográficos y la calidad de vida indican la necesidad de implementar intervenciones orientadas a mejorar las condiciones de educación y empleo de la población, con el fin de favorecer sus resultados personales

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the quality of life of Colombian adults with intellectual disabilities through the INICO-FEAPS scale validated for Colombia. METHODS: Correlational study carried out with 602 adults with intellectual disabilities and their key informants from different Colombian macro-regions. A social-demographic questionnaire, a self-report and a report by others of the INICO-FEAPS scale, created from the quality of life model proposed by Schalock and Verdugo was used. RESULTS: The dimensions in which higher average scores of quality of life were evident, both in the self-report and the report by other people, were physical well-being (mean = 28.53 and 28.30) and social inclusion (mean = 27.70 and 28.37). The lowest scores were recorded in the self-determination (mean = 24.57 and 24.46) and interpersonal relationships (mean = 25.16 and 25.11) dimensions. The variables that exhibited the greatest amount of meaningful relationships with the different dimensions of the scale were the region of origin, educational level and occupational status. CONCLUSIONS: The lower scores in the dimensions of interpersonal relationships and self-determination indicate the need to promote the establishment of an adequate network of relationships for this population, and provide more support regarding opportunities to choose and make decisions that allow them to take control of their lives. Also, the relationships found between social-demographic factors and quality of life, show the need to implement interventions aimed at improving the education and employment conditions of the population in order to improve their personal results

OBJETIVOS: Caracterizar a qualidade de vida de adultos colombianos com deficiência intelectual, através da escada INICO-FEAPS, validada para Colômbia. MÉTODOS: Estudo correlacional com 602 adultos com deficiência intelectual e seus informantes chave, das diferentes macrorregiões colombianas. Utilizou se um questionário sócio-demograficos e o auto-informe de outras pessoas, da escada INICO-FEAPS, desenhado a partir do modelo de qualidade de vida de Schalock e Verdugo. RESULTADOS: As dimensões onde se evidenciaram pontuações a meia mais alta em qualidade de vida, tanto no informe de outras pessoas foram bem estar físico (meias=28,53 e 28,30) e inclusão social (meias= 27,70 y 28,37). As pontuações mais baixas se registraram nas dimensões de autodeterminação (meias= 24,57 e 24,46) e relações interpessoais (medias= 25,16 e 25,11). As variáveis que exibiram a maior quantidade de relações significativas com as diferentes dimensões da escada foram à região de procedência, o nível educativo e a situação ocupacional. CONCLUSÕES: A menor pontuação nas dimensões de relações interpessoais e autodeterminação indicam a necessidade de potenciar o estabelecimento de uma adequada rede de relações para esta povoação e fornecer lhes maiores apoios respeito a oportunidades de eleger e tomar decisões, que lhes permitam assumir o controle da sua vida. Assim mesmo, as relações achadas entre os fatores sócio-demograficos e a qualidade de vida indicam a necessidade de ter intervenções orientadas a melhorar as condições de adequação e emprego da povoação, com o fim de favorecer seus resultados pessoais

Adherencia a procesos de neurorrehabilitación funcional y su relación con la discapacidad y la calidad de vida en adultos colombianos con lesión medular / Adherence to functional neurorehabilitation processes and their relation to disability and quality of life in Colombian adults with spinal cord injury

Resumen Introducción. El conocimiento de la adherencia terapéutica en condiciones crónicas de salud como la lesión medular y su relación con la discapacidad y la calidad de vida puede reflejar mejores resultados en procesos de rehabilitación. Objetivo. Establecer el nivel de adherencia a procesos de neurorrehabilitación funcional y su relación con la discapacidad y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud (CVRS) en adultos colombianos con lesión medular. Materiales y métodos. Estudio descriptivo correlacional con 330 participantes en el que se aplicaron diferentes instrumentos de medición: SMAN para adherencia a procesos de neurorrehabilitación funcional, SCI-DAS para discapacidad en lesiones medulares y WHOQOL-BREF para CVRS. Resultados. En el 80% la discapacidad global fue leve y moderada. 66% de los participantes reportaron niveles medio y alto de adherencia. El promedio de calidad de vida general fue de 68/100. Se encontró correlación significativa, por un lado, entre el componente ambiental de la discapacidad con la adherencia global y sus factores socio-económico, equipo de asistencia sanitaria, tratamiento y paciente y, por el otro, entre el dominio ambiental de la CVRS con la adherencia global y todos sus factores (p<0.001). Conclusión. Los principales determinantes de la adherencia a procesos de neurorrehabilitación funcional son los componentes ambientales de la discapacidad y la CVRS.

Abstract Introduction: Knowledge on adherence to treatment in chronic health conditions, such as spinal cord injury, and their relation with disability and quality of life may reflect better results in rehabilitation processes. Objective: To establish the level of adherence to functional neurorehabilitation processes and its relation to disability and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in Colombian adults with spinal cord injury. Materials and methods: Descriptive correlational study with 330 participants in which different measuring instruments were applied: SMAN for adherence to functional neurorehabilitation processes, SCI-DAS for disability in spinal cord injuries, and WHOQOL-BREF for HRQOL. Results: In 80% of cases, overall disability was mild to moderate. 66% of participants reported medium and high adhesion levels. The average overall quality of life was 68/100. On the one hand, significant correlation between the environmental component of disability regarding adherence and the socio-economic, health care team, treatment and patient factors were found, and on the other, between the environmental domain of HRQOL and the overall adherence and all its factors (p<0.001). Conclusion: The main determinants of adherence to functional neurorehabilitation processes are environmental components of disability and HRQOL.

[Resources and capacity of emergency trauma care services in Peru]. / Recursos y capacidades de servicios de emergencia para atención de lesiones por traumas en Perú

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the resources and capacity of emergency trauma care services in three Peruvian cities using the WHO report Guidelines for Essential Trauma Care. This was a cross-sectional study in eight public and private healthcare facilities in Lima, Ayacucho, and Pucallpa. Semi-structured questionnaires were applied to the heads of emergency departments with managerial responsibility for resources and capabilities. Considering the profiles and volume of care in each emergency service, most respondents in all three cities classified their currently available resources as inadequate. Comparison of the health facilities showed a shortage in public services and in the provinces (Ayacucho and Pucallpa). There was a widespread perception that both human and physical resources were insufficient, especially in public healthcare facilities and in the provinces.

Terapeutas tradicionales andinos en un contexto de cambio: el caso de Churcampa en el Perú / Traditional andean healers in the context of change: the case of Churcampa in Peru

Describir la diversidad de terapeutas tradicionales, sus vínculos con el sistema de salud oficial y los cambios en sus recursos terapéuticos, en dos comunidades rurales de los andes en Churcampa, región de Huancavelica, Perú. Materiales y métodos. Estudio cualitativo en el que se combinan tres técnicas etnográficas: entrevistas en profundidad, observaciones y acompañamientos a terapeutas tradicionales y personal de salud. Resultados. Se identificaron 58 terapeutas, clasificados como curanderos, parteros y hueseros. La mayoría de terapeutas entrevistados aprendió su labor siendo joven y muy pocos tuvieron un maestro o mentor. La gran mayoría señaló tener reparos para vincularse con los establecimientos de salud más allá de las referencias. No había un trabajo articulado entre personal de salud y terapeutas tradicionales. Sin embargo, cuando sucedía, el personal de salud prefería a aquellos terapeutas que tuvieran la disposición para adecuarse a las necesidades de los servicios de salud. Se encontró que buena parte de los terapeutas estaban cambiando sus prácticas debido a la influencia de las iglesias evangélicas. Ningún terapeuta contaba con discípulos para transmitir sus conocimientos y prácticas. Conclusiones. Existe una gran diversidad de terapeutas tradicionales. Esta diversidad viene disminuyendo, entre otros factores, por el avance de las iglesias evangélicas. Los terapeutas tradicionales refieren a algunos pacientes al establecimiento de salud; mientras que el personal de salud establece relaciones jerárquicas de trabajo con los terapeutas. Se requiere trabajar estas actitudes del personal de salud pues la base de un enfoque intercultural es el trabajo articulado y horizontal entre ambos sistemas...

Describe the diversity of traditional healers, their links with the formal health system and changes in their therapeutic resources in two rural Andean communities in Churcampa, in the region of Huancavelica, Peru. Materials and methods. Qualitative study which combined three ethnographic techniques: in depth interviews, observations and accompaniments to traditional healers and health care personnel. Results. 58 traditional healers, classified as healers, midwives and bonesetters were identified. Most healers interviewed learned their work while young and few had a teacher or mentor. The vast majority have objections to linking with health care facilities beyond referrals. There was no coordinated work among health personnel and traditional healers. However, when it happened, health personnel preferred those healers who have the willingness to adapt to the needs of the health services. We found that most of the healers were changing their practices due to the influence of evangelical churches. No healer had disciples to transmit their knowledge and practices. Conclusions. There is great diversity of traditional healers. This diversity is decreasing, among other factors, by the advance of the evangelical churches. Traditional healers refer some patients to the health facility; while health personnel establish hierarchical working relationships with the healers. It is necessary to work on these attitudes of the health care personnel, since the basis of an intercultural approach is to have coordinated and horizontal working relationships between both systems...

Adaptación para Colombia de la Escala INICO-FEAPS de evaluación de calidad de vida de personas con discapacidad intelectual / Colombian adaptation of the INICO-FEAPS Scale for assess Quality of Life of people with intellectual disabilities

Antecedentes. En la actualidad se cuenta con diversos instrumentos que permiten evaluar la calidad de vida de las personas con discapacidad intelectual, pero ninguno de ellos ha sido adaptado ni validado para su uso en población colombiana. La Escala INICO-FEAPS es un instrumento que ha demostrado suficientes evidencias de validez y fiabilidad en población española con discapacidad intelectual, lo que ha permitido llevar a cabo prácticas basadas en la evidencia mediante la evaluación de resultados personales relacionados con la calidad de vida. Objetivo. Adaptar la Escala INICO-FEAPS a población colombiana con discapacidad intelectual y analizar su validez y fiabilidad. Materiales y métodos. Estudio de carácter instrumental en el que participaron tres jueces expertos, 602 personas con discapacidad intelectual y 693 informantes clave. Se realizó la adaptación lingüística y contextual de la escala a población colombiana con discapacidad intelectual y se realizaron pruebas de validez de contenido, validez de constructo, consistencia interna y fiabilidad inter e intraevaluador. Resultados. La calificación media de pertinencia para el informe de otras personas fue 4.88/5.0 (DT=0.16) y para el autoinforme 4.98/5.0 (DT=0.03). La media de adecuación para el primero fue 3.74/5.0 (DT=0.46) y para el segundo 4.43/5.0 (DT=0.57). El análisis factorial confirmatorio demuestra una mejor bondad de ajuste a un modelo factorial jerárquico de segundo orden donde las ocho dimensiones del modelo de Schalock y Verdugo se agrupan en un segundo orden que corresponde a la calidad de vida. La consistencia interna de ambas formas resultó excelente -alfa de Cronbach 0.915 y 0.931-. En general, todas las dimensiones de la versión informe de otras personas presentaron mejores valores de consistencia interna que el autoinforme. Se obtuvo una mejor fiabilidad intraevaluador que interevaluador y solo un ítem tuvo una concordancia insignificante (Kappa<0.21) en ambas pruebas. Conclusión. La versión adaptada a población colombiana con discapacidad intelectual de la Escala INICO-FEAPS presenta adecuados niveles de validez y fiabilidad.

Background. Currently there are several instruments to assess the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities, but none of them has been adapted and validated for their usage in Colombian population. The INICO - FEAPS Scale is an instrument that has shown sufficient evidence of validity and reliability in Spanish population with intellectual disabilities, which permits to carry out evidence-based practices by evaluating personal outcomes related to quality of life. Objective. To adapt the INICO-FEAPS Scale to be used in Colombian population with intellectual disabilities and to analyze its properties in terms of validity and reliability. Materials and Methods. In this instrumental study participated three expert judges, 602 people with intellectual disabilities and 693 key informants. A linguistic and a contextual adaptation to Colombian population with intellectual disability were performed. Evidence of content validity and a construct was performed. Reliability was analyzed in terms of internal consistency, intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. Results. The relevance mean score for other people report was 4.88/5.0(SD=0.16), while for self-report was 4.98/5.0 (SD=0.03). The adequacy mean for the former was 3.74/5.0 (SD=0.46) and for the latter was 4.43/5.0 (SD=0.57). Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrates a better goodness-of-fit to a hierarchical factorial second order model where the eight dimensions of the Schalock and Verdugo model are grouped in a second order, which corresponds to the quality of life. Internal consistency for both forms was excellent -Cronbach's alpha 0.915 and 0.931-. In general, all dimensions of other people report showed better values of Cronbach's alpha than the self-report subscale. Best intra-rater than inter-rater reliability was demonstrated and only one item showed an insignificant agreement (Kappa <0.21) in both tests. Conclusion. The INICO- FEAPS scale adapted for Colombian population with intellectual disabilities shows adequate levels of validity and reliability.

Validez de apariencia y concurrente de un instrumento de evaluación de la discapacidad en personas con lesión medular crónica, basado en el core set abreviado de la CIF / Appearance and Concurrent Validity of an Instrument for Assessing Disability in People with Chronic Spinal Cord Injury, Based on the ICF Core Set / Validade de aparência e concorrente de um instrumento de avaliação de incapacidade em pessoas com lesão medular crônica baseado no core set abreviado da CIF

Objetivo. Determinar la validez de apariencia y concurrente de un instrumento de evaluación de la discapacidad en personas con lesión medular crónica (SCI-DAS), basado en el core set abreviado de la CIF. Metodología. Participaron 100 personas con lesión medular de más de seis meses de evolución de cuatro ciudades colombianas, así como ocho fisioterapeutas con una experiencia profesional promedio de 6,75 años. La validez de apariencia se evaluó a través de un grupo focal y una encuesta a los observadores, se calcularon los coeficientes de variación de los ítems y los índices de pertinencia y adecuación. Mediante el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman se analizó la validez concurrente con la escala de deficiencia AIS (American Spinal Injury Association [ASIA] Impairment Scale), y la escala de discapacidad WHO-DAS II. Resultados. La pertinencia y adecuación global del instrumento arrojaron una media de 4,83/5 y 4,48/5 con un coeficiente de variación de 0,03. El índice de acuerdo entre observadores para las calificaciones de buena y excelente fue de 0,96 para pertinencia y 0,86 para adecuación. La discapacidad medida con el SCI-DAS mostró correlación significativa moderada con el nivel neurológico, los índice motor y sensitivo AIS, y alta con la discapacidad medida con el WHO-DAS II (p<0,001). Se encontró correlación baja estadísticamente marginal con la escala de compromiso funcional AIS (p=0,052). Conclusiones. Se encontró, en general, buena validez de apariencia del instrumento SCI-DAS, así mismo se evidenció la validez concurrente del instrumento SCI-DAS con la escala de deficiencia AIS y con la escala de discapacidad de la OMS-WHO-DAS II.

Objective. To determine the appearance and concurrent validity of an instrument for assessing disability in people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI-DAS), based on the ICF Core Set. Metodology. The study was launched among a group of 100 Colombians from four cities suffering spinal cord injury for longer than six months. Eight physical therapists, with an average professional experience of over 6.75 years, participated in this study. Appearance validity was assessed through a focus group and a survey of observers, the items of coeficient of variation and the relevance and appropriateness index were calculated. Concurrent validity was analyzed with AIS (American Spinal Injury Association [ASIA] Impairment Scale) and Disability Scale WHO-DAS II, using the Spearman correlation coefficient. Results. The overall relevance and adequacy of the instrument yielded an average of 4.83/5 and 4.48/5, with a variation coefficient of 0.03. The agreement index among observers for qualifications of good and excellent reached 0.96 for relevance, and 0.86 for adequacy. The disability measured by the SCI-DAS showed a moderate significant correlation with the neurological level, the AIS motor and sensory indices, and a high correlation with disability, measured by WHO-DAS II (p<0. 001). A marginal statistically low-level correlation of functional compromise scale AIS (p = 0. 052) was found. Conclusions. In general, a good appearance validity of the instrument (SCI-DAS) was found. The concurrent validity of the instrument (SCI-DAS) through the impairment scale AIS and the Disability Scale - WHO-DAS II was also evidenced.

Objetivo. Determinar a validade de aparência e concorrente de um instrumento de avaliação de incapacidade em pessoas com lesão medular crônica (SCI-DAS), com base no core set abreviado da CIF. Metodologia. Participaram 100 pessoas com lesão medular de mais de seis meses de evolução de quatro cidades colombianas, assim como oito isioterapeutas com uma experiência professional media de 6,75 anos. A validade da aparência foi avaliada por meio de um grupo focal e um inquérito aos observadores, calcularem- sem os coeficientes de variação dos itens e os índices de pertinência e adequação. Mediante o coeiciente de correlação de Spearman se analisou a validade concorrente com a escala de deficiência AIS (American Spinal Injury Association [ASIA] Impairment Scale), e a Escala de Discapacidade WHO-DAS II. Resultados. A relevância e adequação global do instrumento resultou em uma média de 4,83/5 e 4,48/5 com um coeficiente de variação de 0,03. A taxa de concordância entre observadores para as classificações de boa e excelente foi 0,96 para relevância e 0,86 para a adequação. A incapacidade medida com o SCI-DAS mostrou correlação significativa moderada com o nível neurológico, os índices motor e sensorial AIS, e alta com a incapadidade medida com o WHO-DAS II (p <0,001). Foi encontrada correlação baixa estatisticamente marginal com a escala de compromisso funcional AIS (p = 0,052). Conclusões. No geral, foi encontrada boa validade de aparência do instrumento SCI-DAS, assim como também se evidenciou a validade concorrente do instrumento SCI-DAS com a Escala de Deficiência AIS e com a Escala de Incapacidade da OMS-WHO-DAS II.

Relación entre complicaciones clínicas y discapacidad en población colombiana con lesión medular: resultados desde el WHO-DAS II / Relationship between Clinical Complications and Disability in Colombians with Spinal Cord Injury: Results from WHO-DAS II / Relação entre complicações clínicas e deficiências em população colombiana com lesão medular: resultados a partir do WHO-DAS II

Introducción: las complicaciones clínicas en personas con lesión medular se asocian al aumento de la morbimortalidad, agravamiento de la condición de discapacidad y a la prolongación de los procesos de rehabilitación. Es importante su reconocimiento para el desarrollo de estrategias de prevención y atención temprana más eficaces que atenúen su impacto sobre la discapacidad y mejoren la calidad de vida de esta población. Objetivo: establecer las relaciones entre complicaciones clínicas y el grado de discapacidad en población colombiana con lesión medular. Materiales y métodos: se determinó la frecuencia de complicaciones clínicas en el último año y se estableció la relación entre estas con el grado de discapacidad, evaluado con el WHO-DAS II, a través de la prueba t de Student y de la exploración de modelos de regresión lineal simple. Participaron 363 personas mayores de 18 años con lesión medular de más de seis meses de evolución, de ocho ciudades colombianas. Resultados: el promedio de complicaciones clínicas fue de siete por paciente. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron las infecciones urinarias, espasticidad, hiperestesias, estrés psicológico y dolor crónico. Las complicaciones que mejor explican la discapacidad utilizando modelos de regresión simple son la depresión y el estrés psicológico, seguido de complicaciones respiratorias, problemas intestinales, úlceras de presión, desnutrición y espasticidad (p < 0,01). Conclusiones: las complicaciones clínicas asociadas a la lesión medular siguen siendo condiciones frecuentes en nuestro medio a pesar de los avances en los procesos de atención y rehabilitación. Muchas de estas complicaciones se asocian en gran medida a la generación de discapacidad.

Introduction: Clinical complications in persons with spinal cord injury are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, aggravated disability and prolonged rehabilitation processes. Recognizing these difficulties is important to developing strategies for prevention and early detection to mitigate their impact on disability and to improve the quality of life for this population. Objective: The study was intended to identify the relationship between clinical complications and the degree of disability among Colombians with spinal cord injury. Materials and methods: The frequency of clinical complications in the last year was determined and the relationship between these complications and the degree of disability was identified, evaluated with WHO-DAS II, through the Student's t-test and an exploration of simple linear regression models. The participants included 363 persons over 18 years of age with a spinal cord injury sustained more than six months before. The participants were from eight Colombian cities. Results: There were seven clinical complications per patient, on average. The most frequent complications were urinary tract infections, spasticity, hyperesthesia, psychological stress and chronic pain. The complications that best explain the disability, using simple regression models, are depression and psychological stress, followed by respiratory complications, intestinal problems, pressure ulcers, malnutrition and spasticity (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The clinical complications associated with spinal cord injury are still frequent in Colombia, despite the improvement in processes for care and rehabilitation. Many of these complications are associated fundamentally with the generation of disability.

Introdução: as complicações clínicas em pessoas com lesão muscular se associam ao aumento da morbimortalidade, agravamento da condição de deficiência e à prolongação dos processos de reabilitação. É importante seu reconhecimento para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de prevenção e tenro atendimento mais eficazes que amenizem seu impacto sobre a deficiência e melhorem a qualidade de vida dessa população. Objetivo: estabelecer as relações entre complicações clínicas e o grau de deficiência em população colombiana com lesão medular. Materiais e métodos: determinou-se a frequência de complicações clínicas no último ano e se estabeleceu a relação entre estas com o grau de deficiência avaliado com o WHO-DAS II, por meio da prova t de Student e da exploração de modelos de regressão linear simples. Participaram 363 pessoas maiores de 18 anos com lesão medular de mais de seis meses de evolução, de oito cidades colombianas. Resultados: a média de complicações clínicas foi de sete por paciente. As complicações mais frequentes foram as infecções urinárias, espasticidade, hiperestesia, estresse psicológico e dor crônica. As complicações que melhor explicam a deficiência utilizando modelos de regressão simples são a depressão e o estresse psicológico, seguido de complicações respiratórias, problemas intestinais, úlceras de pressão, desnutrição e espasticidade (p < 0,01). Conclusões: as complicações clínicas associadas à lesão medular continuam sendo condições frequentes em nosso meio apesar dos avanços nos processos de atendimento e reabilitação. Muitas dessas complicações se associam em grande medida à geração de deficiência.

Incentivos para atraer y retener personal de salud de zonas rurales del Perú: un estudio cualitativo / Incentives to attract and retain the health workforce in rural areas of Peru: a qualitative study

El objetivo fue identificar incentivos de atracción y retención en zonas rurales y distantes de Ayacucho, Perú. Fueron realizadas entrevistas en profundidad con 80 médicos, enfermeras, obstetras y técnicos (20 por grupo) de las zonas más pobres y con 11 funcionarios. No existen políticas sistemáticas de atracción y retención de personal de salud en Ayacucho. Los principales incentivos, en orden de importancia, fueron mejoras salariales, oportunidades de formación y capacitación, estabilidad laboral y nombramiento, mejoras en infraestructura y equipos, e incremento del personal. Se mencionaron también mejoras en la vivienda y alimentación, mayor cercanía con la familia y reconocimiento por el sistema de salud. Existen coincidencias y singularidades entre los distintos grupos sobre los incentivos clave para estimular el trabajo rural, que deben considerarse al diseñar políticas públicas. Las iniciativas del Estado deben comprender procesos rigurosos de monitoreo y evaluación, para asegurar que las mismas tengan el impacto deseado.

The study aimed to identify the main incentives for attracting and retaining health workers in rural and remote health facilities in Ayacucho, Peru. In-depth interviews were performed with 80 physicians, obstetricians, nurses, and nurse technicians in the poorest areas (20 per group), plus 11 health managers. Ayacucho lacks systematic policies for attracting and retaining human resources. The main incentives, in order of relevance, were higher wages, opportunities for further training, longer/permanent contracts, better infrastructure and medical equipment, and more staff. Interviewees also mentioned improved housing conditions and food, the opportunity to be closer to family, and recognition by the health system. Health workers and policymakers share perceptions on key incentives to encourage work in rural areas. However, there are also singularities to be considered when designing specific strategies. Public initiatives thus need to be monitored and evaluated closely in order to ensure the intended impact.

Modelo predictivo del grado de discapacidad en adultos con lesión medular: resultados desde el WHO-DAS II / A prediction model for establishing the disability degree in adults with spinal cord injury: results based on WHO-DAS II perspective / Modelo preditivo de o grau de incapacidade em adultos com lesão medular: resultados da WHO-DAS II

Objetivo: Establecer un modelo predictivo del grado de discapacidad en adultos con lesión medular a partir de la utilización del WHO-DAS II. Materiales y Métodos: Se correlacionó el grado de discapacidad (por áreas y final) con variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y relacionadas con los servicios de rehabilitación y se construyó un modelo de regresión lineal múltiple para discapacidad. Participaron 45 personas con lesión medular de variada etiología, nivel neurológico y completitud, mayores de 18 años con más de seis meses de evolución. Se utilizó el WHO-DAS II y la escala de deficiencia ASIA. Resultados: Las variables que evidenciaron relación significativa con la discapacidad fueron: situación ocupacional, tipo de afiliación al sistema público de salud, tiempo de evolución, nivel neurológico, zona de preservación parcial, índices motor y sensitivo ASIA y número de complicaciones clínicas en el último año. Las complicaciones que se asociaron significativamente con la discapacidad fueron dolor articular, infecciones urinarias, problemas intestinales y disreflexia autonómica. Ninguna de las variables asociadas a servicios de rehabilitación presentó asociación significativa con la discapacidad. Los únicos servicios que mostraron diferencia significativa entre el grupo que los recibió y el que no, en relación con la discapacidad, fueron el suministro de aditamentos y la orientación vocacional, laboral o educativa. Conclusiones: El mejor modelo predictivo de discapacidad en adultos con lesión medular con más de seis meses de evolución se construyó con las variables tiempo de evolución, índice sensitivo ASIA y desempleo por la lesión.

Objective: To establish a prediction model of the degree of disability in adults with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) based on the use of the WHO-DAS II. Methods: The disability degree was correlated with three variable groups: clinical, sociodemographic and those related with rehabilitation services. A model of multiple linear regression was built to predict disability. 45 people with SCI exhibiting diverse etiology, neurological level and completeness participated. Patients were older than 18 and they had more than a six-month post-injury. The WHO-DAS II and the ASIA impairment scale (AIS) were used. Results: Variables that evidenced a significant relationship with disability were the following: occupational situation, type of affiliation to the public health care system, injury evolution time, neurological level, partial preservation zone, AIS motor and sensory scores and number of clinical complications during the last year. Complications significantly associated to disability were joint pain, urinary infections, intestinal problems and autonomic disreflexia. None of the variables related to rehabilitation services showed significant association with disability. The disability degree exhibited significant differences in favor of the groups that received the following services: assistive devices supply and vocational, job or educational counseling. Conclusions: The best prediction disability model in adults with SCI with more than six months post-injury was built with variables of injury evolution time, AIS sensory score and injury-related unemployment.

Objetivo: Estabelecer um modelo preditivo do grau de deficiência em adultos com lesão medular a partir da utilização do WHO-DAS II Metodologia: correlacionou-se o grau de deficiência (por áreas e final) com variáveis sócio-demográficas, clínicas e relacionadas com os serviços de reabilitação e construiu-se um modelo de regressão lineal múltiple para deficiência. Participaram 45 pessoas com lesão medular de variada etologia, nível neurológico e plenitude, maiores de 18 anos, com mais de seis meses de evolução. Utilizou-se o WHO-DAS II e a escala de deficiência ASIA. Resultados: As variáveis que evidenciaram relação significativa com a discapacidade foram: situação ocupacional, tipo de afiliação ao sistema público de saúde, tempo de evolução, nível neurológico, zona de preservação parcial, índices motor e sensitivo ASIA e número de complicações clínicas no último ano. As complicações se associaram significativamente com a deficiência foram dor articular, infecções urinarias, problemas intestinais e disreflexia autonômica. Nenhuma das variáveis associadas a serviços de reabilitação apresentou associação significativa com a deficiência. Os únicos serviços que mostraram diferença significativa entre o grupo que os recebeu e o grupo que não, em relação com a deficiência, foram o fornecimento de aditamentos e a orientação vocacional, laboral ou educativa. Conclusões: o melhor modelo preditivo de deficiência em adultos com lesão medular com mais de 6 meses de evolução se construiu com as variáveis: tempo de evolução, índice sensitivo ASIA e desemprego pela lesão.