Impact of Total Indoor Smoking Ban on Cardiovascular Disease Hospitalizations and Mortality: The Case of Chile.

INTRODUCTION: The harmful effects of first and secondhand smoking are well-established. Smoke-free laws aim at protecting nonsmokers. This study aimed to assess the impact of the 2013 total ban on indoor smoking in Chile on hospitalizations and deaths of major cardiovascular events. AIMS AND METHODS: The logarithm of the monthly hospitalization and death rates, standardized by age for every 100 000 inhabitants, were estimated for ischemic heart disease, acute myocardial infarction, strokes, and a composite outcome of ischemic heart diseases (which includes acute myocardial infarction) and strokes. In addition, interrupted time series with synthetic control groups were used to assess changes in levels and trends after the intervention. RESULTS: The total ban on indoor smoking caused significant reductions in death rates for the three diseases studied for age groups above 20 years old. In addition, there were substantial decreases in the post-intervention hospitalization rates for ischemic heart disease: for the 20-44 age group, the decrease was 8.7% compared to the pre-intervention period (p < .01). In comparison, such a reduction was 4% (p < .01) for the ≥65 age group. For acute myocardial infarction, the decrease was 11.5% (p < .01) for the 20-44 age group, while for stroke, it was a 1.2% (p < .01) decrease for the total population. It is estimated that the smoking ban averted 15.6% of the deaths compared with the synthetic control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of total smoke-free environments in Chile contributed to the reduction of mortality for main cardiovascular diseases. This study provides additional evidence of causality linking the policy to health outcomes. IMPLICATIONS: The total indoor smoking ban significantly affected age-standardized hospitalization and deaths. The number of deaths averted by this policy is estimated at approximately 4758 and 5256 for IHD and stroke, respectively, during the 2013-2017 period (15.6% fewer deaths than predicted by the synthetic control groups). The study contributes to the body of evidence that supports total indoor smoking bans.

[Cancer care access in Chile's vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemicAcesso a tratamento de câncer em populações vulneráveis no Chile durante a pandemia de COVID-19]. / Acceso a la atención del cáncer en los grupos vulnerables de Chile durante la pandemia de COVID-19.

Objectives: To examine the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on cancer care access in Chile, analyzing differential effects by insurance type, gender, and age. Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study using interrupted time series analysis. We used multiple data sources for a broad evaluation of cancer-related health care utilization from January 2017 to December 2020. We fit negative binomial models by population groups for a range of services and diagnoses. Results: A sharp drop in oncology health care utilization in March was followed by a slow, incomplete recovery over 2020. Cumulative cancer-related services, diagnostic confirmations, and sick leaves were reduced by one third in 2020; the decrease was more pronounced among women and the publicly insured. Early diagnosis was missed in 5132 persons with 4 common cancers. Conclusions: The pandemic stressed the Chilean health system, decreasing access to essential services, with a profound impact on cancer care. Oncology service reductions preceded large-scale lockdowns and supply-side disruptions. Importantly, not all population groups were equally affected, with patterns suggesting that gender and socioeconomic inequalities were exacerbated.

Objetivos: Examinar o impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 no acesso a tratamento de câncer no Chile, analisando efeitos diferenciais por tipo de cobertura de assistência à saúde, gênero e idade. Métodos: Realizamos um estudo quase-experimental utilizando análise de séries temporais interrompidas. A partir de várias fontes de dados, efetuamos uma avaliação abrangente da utilização de atenção à saúde relacionada ao câncer, de janeiro de 2017 a dezembro de 2020. Ajustamos modelos binomiais negativos por grupos populacionais a vários tipos de serviços e diagnósticos. Resultados: Uma queda acentuada no uso da assistência médica oncológica em março foi seguida por uma recuperação lenta e incompleta ao longo de 2020. Cumulativamente, a utilização de serviços oncológicos, as confirmações de diagnóstico e os afastamentos do trabalho por doença foram reduzidos em um terço em 2020. Essa redução foi mais pronunciada em mulheres e usuários do sistema público de saúde. No total, 5132 pessoas com 4 cânceres comuns não foram diagnosticadas precocemente. Conclusões: A pandemia impôs pressão sobre o sistema de saúde chileno, reduzindo o acesso a serviços essenciais e causando um profundo impacto no tratamento do câncer. As reduções na prestação de serviços de oncologia precederam os lockdowns em larga escala e as interrupções na oferta de suprimentos. É importante ressaltar que nem todos os grupos populacionais foram igualmente afetados e os padrões observados sugerem que as desigualdades de gênero e socioeconômicas foram exacerbadas.

Cancer Care Access in Chile's Vulnerable Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objectives. To examine the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on cancer care access in Chile, analyzing differential effects by insurance type, gender, and age. Methods. We conducted a quasi-experimental study using interrupted time series analysis. We used multiple data sources for a broad evaluation of cancer-related health care utilization from January 2017 to December 2020. We fit negative binomial models by population groups for a range of services and diagnoses. Results. A sharp drop in oncology health care utilization in March was followed by a slow, incomplete recovery over 2020. Cumulative cancer-related services, diagnostic confirmations, and sick leaves were reduced by one third in 2020; the decrease was more pronounced among women and the publicly insured. Early diagnosis was missed in 5132 persons with 4 common cancers. Conclusions. The pandemic stressed the Chilean health system, decreasing access to essential services, with a profound impact on cancer care. Oncology service reductions preceded large-scale lockdowns and supply-side disruptions. Importantly, not all population groups were equally affected, with patterns suggesting that gender and socioeconomic inequalities were exacerbated. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(S6):S591-S601. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306587).

Acceso a la atención del cáncer en los grupos vulnerables de Chile durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Cancer care access in Chile's vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic / Acesso a tratamento de câncer em populações vulneráveis no Chile durante a pandemia de COVID-19

RESUMEN Objetivo. Estudiar la repercusión de la pandemia de COVID-19 en el acceso a la atención del cáncer en Chile, analizando los efectos diferenciales por tipo de seguro, sexo y edad. Métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio cuasiexperimental mediante análisis de series temporales interrumpidas. Se recurrió a fuentes de datos múltiples con el fin de lograr una evaluación amplia de la utilización de la atención del cáncer de enero del 2017 a diciembre del 2020. Se ajustaron modelos binomiales negativos en función de los grupos de población para una diversidad de servicios y diagnósticos. Resultados. Tras una disminución considerable de la utilización de la atención oncológica en marzo, se observó una recuperación lenta e incompleta durante el 2020. Los servicios de atención del cáncer, las confirmaciones diagnósticas y las licencias por enfermedad acumulados se redujeron en un tercio en el 2020; la disminución fue más pronunciada en las mujeres y las personas afiliadas al seguro de enfermedad público. No se hizo un diagnóstico temprano en 5132 personas con cuatro tipos frecuentes de cáncer. Conclusiones. La pandemia sobrecargó el sistema de salud chileno y provocó una disminución del acceso a los servicios básicos, con una repercusión profunda en la atención del cáncer. La reducción de los servicios de oncología precedió los confinamientos a gran escala y las interrupciones por parte de los prestadores. Cabe destacar que no todos los grupos de la población se vieron afectados por igual y se observaron pautas que indican un agravamiento de las desigualdades por situación socioeconómica y sexo.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To examine the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on cancer care access in Chile, analyzing differential effects by insurance type, gender, and age. Methods. We conducted a quasi-experimental study using interrupted time series analysis. We used multiple data sources for a broad evaluation of cancer-related health care utilization from January 2017 to December 2020. We fit negative binomial models by population groups for a range of services and diagnoses. Results. A sharp drop in oncology health care utilization in March was followed by a slow, incomplete recovery over 2020. Cumulative cancer-related services, diagnostic confirmations, and sick leaves were reduced by one third in 2020; the decrease was more pronounced among women and the publicly insured. Early diagnosis was missed in 5132 persons with 4 common cancers. Conclusions. The pandemic stressed the Chilean health system, decreasing access to essential services, with a profound impact on cancer care. Oncology service reductions preceded large-scale lockdowns and supply-side disruptions. Importantly, not all population groups were equally affected, with patterns suggesting that gender and socioeconomic inequalities were exacerbated.

RESUMO Objetivos. Examinar o impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 no acesso a tratamento de câncer no Chile, analisando efeitos diferenciais por tipo de cobertura de assistência à saúde, gênero e idade. Métodos. Realizamos um estudo quase-experimental utilizando análise de séries temporais interrompidas. A partir de várias fontes de dados, efetuamos uma avaliação abrangente da utilização de atenção à saúde relacionada ao câncer, de janeiro de 2017 a dezembro de 2020. Ajustamos modelos binomiais negativos por grupos populacionais a vários tipos de serviços e diagnósticos. Resultados. Uma queda acentuada no uso da assistência médica oncológica em março foi seguida por uma recuperação lenta e incompleta ao longo de 2020. Cumulativamente, a utilização de serviços oncológicos, as confirmações de diagnóstico e os afastamentos do trabalho por doença foram reduzidos em um terço em 2020. Essa redução foi mais pronunciada em mulheres e usuários do sistema público de saúde. No total, 5132 pessoas com 4 cânceres comuns não foram diagnosticadas precocemente. Conclusões. A pandemia impôs pressão sobre o sistema de saúde chileno, reduzindo o acesso a serviços essenciais e causando um profundo impacto no tratamento do câncer. As reduções na prestação de serviços de oncologia precederam os lockdowns em larga escala e as interrupções na oferta de suprimentos. É importante ressaltar que nem todos os grupos populacionais foram igualmente afetados e os padrões observados sugerem que as desigualdades de gênero e socioeconômicas foram exacerbadas.

Gender disparities in access to care for time-sensitive conditions during COVID-19 pandemic in Chile.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, reductions in healthcare utilization are reported in different contexts. Nevertheless, studies have not explored specifically gender disparities in access to healthcare in the context of COVID-19. METHODS: To evaluate gender disparities in access to medical in Chile we conducted an interrupted time series analysis using segmented regression. The outcome variable was the number of weekly confirmed cases of a set of oncologic and cardiovascular time-sensitive conditions at a national level. The series contained data from weeks 1 to 39 for 2017 to 2020. The intervention period started at week 12. We selected this period because preventive interventions, such as school closures or teleworking, were implemented at this point. We estimated the level effect using a dummy variable indicating the intervention period and slope effect using a continuous variable from weeks 12 to 39. To test heterogeneity by gender and age group, we conducted a stratified analysis. RESULTS: We observed a sizable reduction in access to care with a slowly recovery for oncologic (level effect 0.323; 95% CI 0.291-0.359; slope effect 1.022; 95% CI 1.016-1.028) and cardiovascular diseases (level effect 0.586; 95% CI 0.564-0.609; slope effect 1.009; 95% CI 1.007-1.011). Greater reduction occurred in women compared to men, particularly marked on myocardial infarction (level effect 0.595; 95% CI 0.566-0.627 versus 0.532; 95% CI 0.502-0.564) and colorectal cancer (level effect 0.295; 95% CI 0.248-0.35 versus 0.19; 95% CI 0.159-0.228). Compared to men, a greater absolute reduction was observed in women for oncologic diseases, excluding sex-specific cancer, (1352; 95% CI 743-1961) and cardiovascular diseases (1268; 95% CI 946-1590). CONCLUSION: We confirmed a large drop in new diagnoses for time-sensitive conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile. This reduction was greater for women. Our findings should alert policy-makers about the urgent need to integrate a gender perspective into the pandemic response.

Propiedades diagnósticas de las definiciones de caso sospechoso de COVID-19 en Chile, 2020 / Diagnostic properties of case definitions of suspected COVID-19 in Chile, 2020 / Características diagnósticas das definições de caso suspeito de COVID-19 no Chile, 2020

RESUMEN Objetivo. Comparar las propiedades diagnósticas de cinco definiciones de caso sospechoso de COVID-19 utilizadas o propuestas en Chile durante los primeros ocho meses de la pandemia. Métodos. Se analizaron las propiedades diagnósticas (sensibilidad, especificidad, y valores predictivos positivo y negativo) de tres definiciones de caso sospechoso de COVID-19 utilizadas en Chile entre marzo y octubre del 2020, y dos propuestas de definición alternativas. La muestra fue de 2 019 personas con resultados conocidos a la prueba de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) para SARS-CoV-2. Para elaborar el criterio 5 se aplicó una regresión logística escalonada (stepwise) optimizando los valores de sensibilidad y especificidad. Se exploró la asociación de variables demográficas, síntomas y signos con la positividad a la PCR mediante regresión logística multifactorial. Se analizaron diferentes escenarios de positividad y se compararon las curvas ROC. Resultados. La presencia de anosmia (OR = 8,00; IC95%: 5,34-11,99) y fiebre (OR = 2,15; IC95%: 1,28-3,59) y el haber tenido contacto estrecho previo con una persona enferma de COVID-19 (OR = 2,89; IC95%: 2,16-3,87) se asociaron con un resultado positivo de la PCR. Según el análisis de las curvas ROC, el criterio 5 tuvo la mayor capacidad de discriminación, aunque sin diferencias significativas con los otros cuatro criterios. Conclusiones. El criterio 5 —basado en la anosmia, el contacto estrecho con personas enfermas de COVID-19 y la fiebre como elementos únicos suficientes— tuvo la mayor sensibilidad para identificar los casos sospechosos de COVID-19, aspecto fundamental para controlar la propagación de la pandemia.

ABSTRACT Objective. Compare the diagnostic properties of five case definitions of suspected COVID-19 that were used or proposed in Chile during the first eight months of the pandemic. Methods. An analysis was done of the diagnostic properties (sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values) of three case definitions of suspected COVID-19 used in Chile between March and October 2020, as well as two alternative proposed definitions. The sample was 2,019 people with known results for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2. Stepwise logistic regression was used to develop criterion 5, optimizing sensitivity and specificity values. Multifactor logistic regression was used to explore the association between demographic variables, symptoms and signs, and PCR positivity. Different positivity scenarios were analyzed and ROC curves were compared. Results. The presence of anosmia (OR = 8.00; CI95%: 5.34-11.99), fever (OR = 2.15; CI95%: 1.28-3.59), and having been in close contact with a person sick with COVID-19 (OR = 2.89; CI95%: 2.16-3.87) were associated with a positive PCR result. According to the analysis of the ROC curve, criterion 5 had the highest capacity for discrimination, although there were no significant differences with the other four criteria. Conclusions. Criterion 5—based on anosmia, close contact with people with COVID-19, and fever as sufficient unique elements—was the most sensitive in identifying suspected cases of COVID-19, a key aspect in controlling the spread of the pandemic.

RESUMO Objetivo. Comparar as características diagnósticas de cinco critérios das definições de caso suspeito de COVID-19 usados ou propostos no Chile nos oito primeiros meses de pandemia. Métodos. Foram avaliadas as características diagnósticas (sensibilidade, especificidade e valores preditivos positivo e negativo) de três critérios das definições de caso suspeito de COVID-19 usados no Chile entre março e outubro de 2020 e de duas alternativas propostas para definição de caso. A amostra do estudo consistiu 2 019 pessoas com resultados conhecidos no exame de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para SARS-CoV-2. Para elaborar o critério 5, uma regressão logística com método stepwise foi realizada otimizando os valores de sensibilidade e especificidade. A associação entre variáveis demográficas, sintomas e sinais e resultado positivo no exame de PCR foi testada em um modelo de regressão logística multifatorial. Situações diferentes de resultado positivo foram testadas com uma análise comparativa das curvas ROC. Resultados. Presença de anosmia (OR 8,00; IC95% 5,34-11,99), febre (OR 2,15; IC95% 1,28-3,59) e contato próximo anterior com uma pessoa com COVID-19 (OR 2,89; IC95% 2,16-3,87) foram associados a um resultado positivo no exame de PCR. De acordo com a análise das curvas ROC, o critério 5 demonstrou maior capacidade discriminatória, apesar de não existir diferença significativa com os outros quatro critérios. Conclusão. O critério 5 - presença de anosmia, febre e contato próximo com uma pessoa com COVID-19 como elementos únicos e suficientes - demonstrou maior sensibilidade para identificar casos suspeitos de COVID-19, o que é fundamental para controlar a disseminação da pandemia.

COVID-19 en Chile: la utilidad de los modelos epidémicos simples en la práctica / COVID-19 in Chile: the usefulness of simple epidemic models in practice

Objetivos El objetivo general ha sido describir y evaluar el valor predictivo de tres modelos durante el desarrollo de la epidemia COVID-19 en Chile, aportando conocimiento para la toma de decisiones en salud. Métodos Desarrollamos tres modelos a lo largo de la epidemia: un modelo discreto para predecir a corto tiempo la máxima carga sobre el sistema de salud, un modelo básico SEIR (susceptibles-expuestos-infectados-removidos) con ecuaciones discretas; un modelo SEIR estocástico con método de Montecarlo; y un modelo de tipo Gompertz para la Región Metropolitana (Santiago). Resultados El modelo de máxima carga potencial ha sido útil durante todo el seguimiento de la epidemia proporcionando una cota superior para el número de casos, la ocupación de unidades de cuidados intensivos y el número de fallecidos. Los modelos SEIR determinístico y estocástico tuvieron gran utilidad en la predicción del ascenso de los casos, el máximo y el inicio del descenso de casos, perdiendo utilidad en la situación actual por el reclutamiento asincrónico de casos en las regiones y la persistencia de una endemia alta. El modelo de Gompertz ha tenido un mejor ajuste en el descenso ya que esta captura mejor la asimetría de la curva epidémica en Santiago. Conclusiones Los modelos han demostrado gran utilidad en el seguimiento de la epidemia en Chile, con distintos objetivos en distintas etapas de la epidemia. Han complementado los indicadores empíricos como casos reportados, letalidad, fallecimientos y otros, permitiendo predecir situaciones de interés y visualizar la conducta a corto y largo plazo de esta pandemia a nivel local.

Objectives The purpose of this article is to describe and develop the predictive value of three models during the COVID-19 epidemic in Chile, providing knowledge for decision-making in health. Methods We developed three models during the epidemic: a discrete model to predict the maximum burden on the health system in a short time frame­a basic SEIR (susceptible-exposed-infected-removed) model with discrete equations; a stochastic SEIR model with the Monte Carlo method; and a Gompertz-type model for metropolitan city of Santiago. Results The maximum potential burden model has been useful throughout the monitoring of the epidemic, providing an upper bound for the number of cases, intensive care unit occupancy, and deaths. Deterministic and stochastic SEIR models were very useful in predicting the rise of cases and the peak and onset of case decline; however, they lost utility in the current situation due to the asynchronous recruitment of cases in the regions and the persistence of a strong endemic. The Gompertz model had a better fit in the decline since it best captures the epidemic curve's asymmetry in Santiago. Conclusions The models have shown great utility in monitoring the epidemic in Chile, with different objectives in different epidemic stages. They have complemented empirical indicators such as reported cases, fatality, deaths, and others, making it possible to predict situations of interest and visualization of the short and long-term local behavior of this pandemic.

Effects of a sugar-sweetened beverage tax on prices and affordability of soft drinks in Chile: A time series analysis.

Chile is one of several countries that recently implemented a fiscal policy to reduce soft drink (SD) intake and obesity. In 2014 the government increased the existing ad-valorem tax on high-sugar SD by 5% and decreased by 3% the tax on low-sugar SD, based on a 6.25gr/100 ml sugar threshold. This study aims to evaluate the tax modification passed-on to consumers through prices, and to calculate changes in affordability of SDs. We analysed nationally representative consumer price index data of 41 soft drinks within 6 beverage categories between 2009 and 2016. Price change post-tax implementation was estimated for different categories (carbonates, juices, concentrates, waters and energy-sport drinks), using time-series analyses. In addition, changes in affordability were evaluated by estimating the changes in prices relative to wages. The price of carbonates increased by 5.60% (CI 95% 3.18-8.03%) immediately after the tax was implemented. A sustained increase in the prices of concentrates was observed after the implementation. Unexpectedly, a smaller increase was also seen for the price of bottled water - a category that saw no tax change. There were no effects for juices and energy-sports drinks. There was a reduction in affordability for carbonates, concentrates and waters. Overall, the fiscal policy was effective in increasing prices and there are some signs of reduced affordability. Results varied substantially among categories directly affected by the tax policy. While for carbonates the price increase exceeded the tax change ('over-shifting'), in other categories subject to a tax cut, a price reduction was expected but the opposite occurred. As the effect of the tax on prices differed between categories, the effects of the tax policy on consumption patterns are likely to be mixed. Our findings underline the need to better understand and anticipate price setting behaviour of firms in response to a tax.

National Health Insurance: A conceptual framework from conflicting typologies.

In the path to universal health coverage, policymakers discuss different alternative health system's financing schemes. Classical typologies have been posited, including models such as National Health Service, Social Health Insurance and Private Health Insurance. More recently, National Health Insurance (NHI) has been suggested as a separate model. Nevertheless, there are discrepancies regarding what defines an NHI model. The purpose of this article is to propose a comprehensive definition of an NHI model, aimed to disentangle the current discrepancies in the conceptualization and the scope of this type of arrangement. Based on the previous literature we identified some common characteristics across NHI definitions, namely universal coverage, pooling in a single fund and a purchasing function based on a single-payer financing mechanism. Areas of controversy were also identified. While some authors emphasized the importance of an effective separation between the purchaser and provider functions, others highlighted the relative importance of privately-owned provision to define a system like NHI-type. Based on empirical data, we suggest that the ownership is not a critical variable to distinguish an NHI from other models, and instead, suggest that a pivotal characteristic of the NHI is the single payer mechanism that is not integrated with the health providers.

Effectiveness of sugar-sweetened beverages taxes to reduce obesity: evidence brief for policy / Efectividad de los impuestos a bebidas azucaradas para reducir niveles de obesidad: resumen de evidencia para políticas.

The high prevalence of obesity in Chile, along with the increasing consumption of sugary drinks in the country, has made apparent the need to propose fiscal measures, through taxes on specific foods, as a complementary alternative to approach this problem. Since 2014, an additional 5% increase in the tax on sugar-sweetened nonalcoholic beverages has been in effect in Chile, an amount that may be insufficient to produce an impact on obesity levels. The evidence of the effectiveness of fiscal measures upon sugary beverages, in terms of price modification, generally reflects a high transfer of the tax to the final consumers, which is variable according to local conditions. After the analysis of the literature, a sensitivity of the demand to the changes in prices of sugary drinks was evidenced, by means of negative elasticity close to -1, for different groups observed, besides a decrease in the consumption of these products. On the other hand, effects on body weight after the application of these taxes were analyzed by several simulation studies, reporting a decrease on prevalence of obesity between 0.99% and 2.4%. Within the acceptability of a fiscal measure of this nature, there were variable support figures between 36% and 60% among general population. Regarding possible negative effects on employment, an international study even evidenced a rise in the figures for employment in two locations following the application of a tax on sugary drinks. The research showed that there is evidence to support the implementation of a fiscal measure upon sugary beverages in Chile; however, there is a lack of local simulation studies to explore the possible effects and implications of a new tax of this kind in the country. Taxation measures upon foods seem to be both viable and effective alternatives to address the problem of obesity in Chile, but they should be considered as part of an overall strategy with the clear goal of reducing the prevalence of national obesity.

La alta prevalencia de obesidad en Chile en conjunto con el creciente consumo de bebidas azucaradas en el país, han permitido plantear las medidas fiscales por medio de los impuestos a alimentos específicos, como una alternativa complementaria de abordaje a este problema. Desde 2014 se encuentra en vigencia en Chile un alza adicional de 5% del impuesto a las bebidas analcohólicas azucaradas, magnitud eventualmente insuficiente para producir impacto en los niveles de obesidad. La evidencia de efectividad de las medidas fiscales a bebidas azucaradas en términos de modificación de precio, en general muestra un alto traspaso del impuesto al consumidor, lo que varía según condiciones locales. El análisis de la literatura, reveló una sensibilidad de la demanda a los cambios de precios de las bebidas azucaradas por medio de elasticidades negativas cercanas a -1 para distintos grupos observados, junto con la disminución en el consumo de estos productos. Por su parte, los efectos en peso corporal tras la aplicación de estos impuestos fueron analizados por diversos estudios de simulación. Éstos reportaron disminución de prevalencia de obesidad entre 0,99% y 2,4%. En relación a la aceptabilidad de una medida fiscal de esta naturaleza se presentaron cifras variables de apoyo entre 36 y 60% en población general. Respecto a los eventuales efectos negativos en empleos, un estudio internacional incluso demostró un alza en las cifras de empleo en dos estados tras la aplicación de un impuesto a bebidas azucaradas. La búsqueda bibliográfica demostró que existe evidencia para fundamentar la implementación de una medida fiscal a bebidas azucaradas en Chile. Sin embargo, faltan estudios de simulación locales que permitan explorar los eventuales efectos e implicancias de un nuevo impuesto de este tipo en el país. Las medidas fiscales a alimentos parecen ser alternativas viables y efectivas para abordar el problema de la obesidad en Chile, pero deben considerarse como parte de una estrategia integral, con el fin de lograr un impacto final en la disminución de prevalencia de obesidad en el país.