Social Determinants of Health Among American Indians and Alaska Natives and Tribal Communities: Comparison with Other Major Racial and Ethnic Groups in the United States, 1990-2022.

Background and Objective: Limited research exists on health inequities between American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIANs), tribal communities, and other population groups in the United States. To address this gap in research, we conducted time-trend analyses of social determinants of health and disease outcomes for AIANs as a whole and specific tribal communities and compared them with those from the other major racial/ethnic groups. Methods: We used data from the 1990-2022 National Vital Statistics System, 2015-2022 American Community Survey, and the 2018-2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to examine socioeconomic, health, disability, disease, and mortality patterns for AIANs. Results: In 2021, life expectancy at birth was 70.6 years for AIANs, lower than that for Asian/Pacific Islanders (APIs) (84.1), Hispanics (78.8), and non-Hispanic Whites (76.3). All racial/ethnic groups experienced a decline in life expectancy between the pre-pandemic year of 2019 and the peak pandemic year of 2021. However, the impact of COVID-19 was the greatest for AIANs and Blacks whose life expectancy decreased by 6.3 and 5.8 years, respectively. The infant mortality rate for AIANs was 8.5 per 1,000 live births, 78% higher than the rate for non-Hispanic Whites. One in five AIANs assessed their physical and mental health as poor, at twice the rate of non-Hispanic Whites or the general population. COVID-19 was the leading cause of death among AIANs in 2021. Risks of mortality from alcohol-related problems, drug overdose, unintentional injuries, and homicide were higher among AIANs than the general population. AIANs had the highest overall disability, mental and ambulatory disability, health uninsurance, unemployment, and poverty rates, with differences in these indicators varying markedly across the AIAN tribes. Conclusion and Global Health Implications: AIANs remain a disadvantaged racial/ethnic group in the US in many health and socioeconomic indicators, with poverty rates in many Native American tribal groups and reservations exceeding 40%.

Does oral iron and folate supplementation during pregnancy protect against adverse birth outcomes and reduced neonatal and infant mortality in Africa: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis?

BACKGROUND: Globally, one-third of pregnant women are at risk of iron deficiency, particularly in the African region. While recent findings show that iron and folate supplementation can lower the risk of adverse birth outcomes and childhood mortality, our understanding of its impact in Africa remains incomplete due to insufficient evidence. This protocol outlines the systematic review steps to investigate the impact of oral iron and folate supplementation during pregnancy on adverse birth outcomes, neonatal mortality and infant mortality in Africa. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched for published articles. Google Scholar and Advanced Google Search were used for gray literature and nonindexed articles. Oral iron and/or folate supplementation during pregnancy is the primary exposure. The review will focus on adverse birth outcomes, neonatal mortality and infant mortality. Both Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale risk of bias assessment tools will be used. Meta-analysis will be conducted if design and data analysis methodologies permit. This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide up-to-date evidence about iron and folate supplementation's role in adverse birth outcomes, neonatal mortality and infant mortality in the African region. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This review will provide insights that help policymakers, program planners, researchers, and public health practitioners interested in working in the region. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42023452588.

Biochemical Abnormalities Associated With Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: A Case Report.

Sudden infant death is a complex event characterized by biochemical features that are difficult to understand in general settings. Herein, we present a case report of a three-month-old infant who succumbed to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), focusing on the biochemical abnormalities identified through post-mortem analysis. The infant, previously healthy and meeting developmental milestones, was found lifeless in the crib during sleep. An autopsy revealed no anatomical abnormalities or signs of external trauma, consistent with SIDS diagnosis. Biochemical analysis of SIDS continued after post-mortem samples revealed dysregulation in neurotransmitter pathways, particularly serotonin, within the brain stem. These findings suggest a potential disruption in serotonin signaling, which may contribute to the vulnerability of infants to sudden death during sleep. Furthermore, metabolic profiling revealed deficiencies in enzymes involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism, particularly those related to fatty acid oxidation. These metabolic disturbances may compromise cellular function and contribute to the pathogenesis of SIDS. Environmental factors were also explored, with analysis revealing elevated levels of nicotine metabolites in post-mortem samples, suggesting maternal smoking exposure during pregnancy. Nicotine and its derivatives have known effects on neurotransmitter systems, potentially exacerbating underlying biochemical vulnerabilities in susceptible infants. This case report underscores the complex interplay of biochemical factors in the pathogenesis of SIDS and highlights the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in unraveling its mysteries. Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying these biochemical abnormalities and to develop targeted interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of SIDS and safeguarding infant health.

Neonatal mortality in countries of the Americas, 2000-2020: trends, inequalities, and target-setting / Mortalidad neonatal en los países de la Región de las Américas, 2000-2020: tendencias, desigualdades y establecimiento de metas / Mortalidade neonatal nos países das Américas, 2000-2020: tendências, desigualdades e definição de metas

ABSTRACT Objective. To analyze temporal trends and inequalities in neonatal mortality between 2000 and 2020, and to set neonatal mortality targets for 2025 and 2030 in the Americas. Methods. A descriptive ecological study was conducted using 33 countries of the Americas as units of analysis. Both the percentage change and average annual percentage change in neonatal mortality rates were estimated. Measurements of absolute and relative inequality based on adjusted regression models were used to assess cross-country social inequalities in neonatal mortality. Targets to reduce neonatal mortality and cross-country inequalities were set for 2025 and 2030. Results. The estimated regional neonatal mortality rate was 12.0 per 1 000 live births in 2000-2004 and 7.4 per 1 000 live births in 2020, representing a percentage change of -38.3% and an average annual percentage change of -2.7%. National average annual percentage changes in neonatal mortality rates between 2000-2004 and 2020 ranged from -5.5 to 1.9 and were mostly negative. The estimated excess neonatal mortality in the 20% most socially disadvantaged countries, compared with the 20% least socially disadvantaged countries, was 17.1 and 9.8 deaths per 1 000 live births in 2000-2004 and 2020, respectively. Based on an extrapolation of recent trends, the regional neonatal mortality rate is projected to reach 7.0 and 6.6 neonatal deaths per 1 000 live births by 2025 and 2030, respectively. Conclusions. National and regional health authorities need to strengthen their efforts to reduce persistent social inequalities in neonatal mortality both within and between countries.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Analizar las desigualdades en la mortalidad neonatal y las tendencias en el transcurso del tiempo entre el 2000 y el 2020, y establecer metas en materia de mortalidad neonatal para el 2025 y el 2030 en la Región de las Américas. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio ecológico descriptivo con información de 33 países de la Región de las Américas que se usaron como unidades de análisis. Se calculó tanto la variación porcentual como la variación porcentual anual media de las tasas de mortalidad neonatal. Se utilizaron mediciones de la desigualdad absoluta y relativa basadas en modelos de regresión ajustados, para evaluar las desigualdades sociales en los diversos países en cuanto a la mortalidad neonatal. Se establecieron metas de reducción de la mortalidad neonatal y de las desigualdades en los diversos países para el 2025 y el 2030. Resultados. La tasa de mortalidad neonatal en la Región fue de 12,0 por 1 000 nacidos vivos en el período 2000-2004 y de 7,4 por 1 000 nacidos vivos en el 2020, lo que representa una variación porcentual del -38,3% y una variación porcentual anual media del -2,7%. Las variaciones porcentuales anuales medias de las tasas de mortalidad neonatal a nivel nacional entre el período 2000-2004 y el 2020 oscilaron entre -5,5 y 1,9, y fueron en su mayor parte negativas. El exceso de mortalidad neonatal estimado en el 20% de los países más desfavorecidos socialmente, en comparación con el 20% de los países menos desfavorecidos socialmente, fue de 17,1 muertes por 1 000 nacidos vivos en el período 2000-2004 y de 9,8 muertes por 1 000 nacidos vivos en el 2020. Al extrapolar las tendencias más recientes, se prevé que la tasa de mortalidad neonatal de la Región alcance valores de 7,0 y 6,6 muertes neonatales por 1 000 nacidos vivos en el 2025 y el 2030, respectivamente. Conclusiones. Las autoridades de salud nacionales y regionales deben fortalecer las medidas para reducir las desigualdades sociales que aún persisten en materia de mortalidad neonatal, tanto entre los distintos países como dentro de cada país.

RESUMO Objetivo. Analisar as tendências temporais e desigualdades em mortalidade neonatal entre 2000 e 2020 e estabelecer metas de mortalidade neonatal para 2025 e 2030 na Região das Américas. Métodos. Estudo ecológico descritivo examinando 33 países das Américas como unidades de análise. Foram estimadas a variação percentual e a variação percentual anual média das taxas de mortalidade neonatal. Foram usadas medidas de desigualdade absoluta e relativa baseadas em modelos de regressão ajustados para avaliar desigualdades sociais entre países em termos de mortalidade neonatal. Foram definidas metas de redução da mortalidade neonatal e das desigualdades entre países para 2025 e 2030. Resultados. A taxa regional estimada de mortalidade neonatal foi de 12,0 por mil nascidos vivos em 2000-2004, e de 7,4 por mil nascidos vivos em 2020, representando uma variação percentual de -38,3%, e uma variação percentual anual média de -2,7%. As variações percentuais anuais médias nacionais das taxas de mortalidade neonatal entre 2000-2004 e 2020 variaram entre -5,5 e 1,9 e, em sua maioria, foram negativas. O excesso estimado de mortalidade neonatal nos países que estavam entre os 20% mais desfavorecidos socialmente, em comparação com os países entre os 20% menos desfavorecidos, foi de 17,1 e 9,8 mortes por mil nascidos vivos em 2000-2004 e 2020, respectivamente. Com base em extrapolação das tendências recentes, estima-se que a taxa de mortalidade neonatal regional deve atingir 7,0 e 6,6 mortes neonatais por mil nascidos vivos em 2025 e 2030, respectivamente. Conclusões. As autoridades de saúde nacionais e regionais precisam intensificar seus esforços para reduzir desigualdades sociais persistentes na mortalidade neonatal, tanto dentro dos países quanto entre eles.

Guia cuidativo-educacional manejo do óbito neonatal: produção a partir do itinerário de pesquisa freiriano* / Care-educational guide to neonatal death management: production based on Freire's research itinerary / Guía educativa y de cuidados para el manejo de la muerte neonatal: producción a partir del Itinerario de investigación de Freire

Objetivo: produzir um guia cuidativo-educacional para e com os profissionais de saúde de uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, a partir da compreensão de suas práticas vivenciadas no manejo do óbito neonatal. Método: estudo metodológico, qualitativo, guiado pelo Itinerário de Pesquisa de Paulo Freire, constituído por três etapas: Investigação temática, Codificação e Descodificação e Desvelamento crítico. Realizado em uma maternidade pública em Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil, com a participação de 24 profissionais. Resultados: o guia foi organizado em três capítulos sobre os cuidados e preparo do bebê; orientações para a equipe de saúde do que fazer diante da perda neonatal; apoio a equipe e direitos maternos diante da perda. Conclusão: a tecnologia foi produzida com uma estratégia metodológica que contribuiu para a compreensão das práticas de cuidado no manejo do óbito neonatal, marcadas por sentimentos traumáticos, que de forma coletiva, os participantes se sentirem estimulados a buscar intervenções sistematizadas, acolhedoras e humanizadas.

Objective: to produce a care-educational guide for and with health professionals in an Intensive Care Unit, based on an understanding of their practices in neonatal death management. Method: a qualitative and methodological study guided by Paulo Freire's Research Itinerary, consisting of three stages: Thematic investigation; Coding and Decoding; and Critical Unveiling. It was carried out at a public maternity hospital in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, with the participation of 24 professionals. Results: the guide was organized into three chapters on care and preparation of the neonate; guidelines for the health team on what to do in the face of neonatal loss; support for the team; and maternal rights facing the loss. Conclusion: the technology was produced with a methodological strategy that contributed to understanding care practices in neonatal death management, marked by traumatic feelings, which collectively encouraged the participants to seek systematized, welcoming and humanized interventions.

Objetivo: crear una guía educativa y de cuidados para y con los profesionales de la salud de una Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo, a partir d comprender las prácticas que experimentan en el manejo de la muerte neonatal. Método: estudio metodológico y cualitativo, guiado por el Itinerario de Investigación de Paulo Freire, constituido por tres etapas: Investigación temática, Codificación y Descodificación, y Desvelamiento crítico. El estudio se realizó en una maternidad pública de Manaus, Amazonas, Brasil, con participación de 24 profesionales. Resultados: la guía se organizó en tres capítulos sobre los cuidados y la preparación del neonato; pautas para el equipo de salud sobre qué hacer frente a una muerte neonatal; apoyo para el equipo; y derechos maternos frente a la pérdida. Conclusión: la tecnología se produjo con una estrategia metodológica que ayudó a comprender las prácticas de cuidado en el manejo de la muerte neonatal, marcadas por sentimientos traumáticos y que, en forma colectiva, los participantes se sintieran estimulados a buscar intervenciones sistematizadas, acogedoras y humanizadas.

Dinâmica espaço-temporal e fatores associados à mortalidade neonatal / Space-temporal dynamics and factors associated with newborn mortality / Dinámica Espacio-temporal y factores asociados a la mortalidad del recién nacido

Objetivo:analisar a distribuição espacial e temporal da mortalidade neonatal e fatores associados no Piauí de 2007 a 2017. Método: foi utilizado o método Joinpoint, estatística bayesiana e a técnica de varredura Scan. A análise multivariada dos indicadores foi realizada através do modelo Ordinary Least Squares Estimation, considerando-se p<0,05. Resultados: a mortalidade neonatal reduziu de forma linear e significativa ao longo do período estudado. As maiores taxas bayesianas variaram de 16,34 a 18,38 óbitos por 1.000 nascidos vivos, especialmente no Sudeste piauiense. Houve associação negativa entre a mortalidade neonatal e as variáveis: Taxa de analfabetismo (ß = -0,60; p= 0,027), Cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ß = -2,80; p= 0,023) e Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal (ß = -0,60; p= 0,003). Conclusão: a mortalidade neonatal segue decrescente e sua distribuição no território mostrou-se irregular. Indicadores socioeconômicos e de saúde influenciam a mortalidade neonatal no Piauí

Objective: to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of neonatal mortality and associated factors in Piauí from 2007 to 2017. Method: the Joinpoint method, Bayesian statistics and the Scan technique were used. The multivariate analysis of the indicators was performed using the Ordinary Least Squares Estimation model, considering p<0.05. Results: neonatal mortality decreased linearly and significantly over the period studied. The highest Bayesian rates ranged from 16.34 to 18.38 deaths per 1,000 live births, especially in Southeast Piauí. There was a negative association between neonatal mortality and the variables: Illiteracy rate (ß = -0.60; p= 0.027), Family Health Strategy Coverage (ß = -2.80; p= 0.023) and Human Development Index Municipal (ß = -0.60; p= 0.003). Conclusion: neonatal mortality continues to decrease and its distribution in the territory proved to be irregular. Socioeconomic and health indicators influence neonatal mortality in Piauí

Objetivos: analizar la distribución espacial y temporal de la mortalidad neonatal y factores asociados en Piauí de 2007 a 2017. Método: se utilizó el método Joinpoint, la estadística bayesiana y la técnica Scan. El análisis multivariado de los indicadores se realizó mediante el modelo de Estimación por Mínimos Cuadrados Ordinarios, considerando p<0,05. Resultados: la mortalidad neonatal disminuyó lineal y significativamente durante el período estudiado. Las tasas bayesianas más altas oscilaron entre 16,34 y 18,38 muertes por 1.000 nacidos vivos, especialmente en el Sudeste de Piauí. Hubo asociación negativa entre la mortalidad neonatal y las variables: Tasa de Analfabetismo (ß = -0,60; p= 0,027), Cobertura de la Estrategia de Salud de la Familia (ß = -2,80; p= 0,023) e Índice de Desarrollo Humano Municipal (ß = -0,60; p= 0,003). Conclusión: la mortalidad neonatal continúa en descenso y su distribución en el territorio resultó ser irregular. Indicadores socioeconómicos y de salud influyen en la mortalidad neonatal en Piauí

Patients' prognosis with congenital heart disease followed by ten years: survival and associated factors / Prognóstico de pacientes com cardiopatia congênita seguidos por dez anos: sobrevida e fatores associados

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the prognosis and influence of associated factors in patients with congenital heart disease admitted for the first time to the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital da Criança Santo Antônio/Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, especially those factors associated with death. Methods: Patients were prospectively and consecutively allocated over a period of one year (August 2005 to July 2006). Now, 15 years after the initial selection, we collected data from these patients in the database of the Cytogenetics Laboratory of the Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre and in the medical records of the hospital. Results: Of the 96 patients, 11 died and 85 were alive until 20 years old. Four patients died in the Intensive Care Unit. The survival probability up to 365 days of life was 95.8%. The survival assessment identified that the deaths occurred mainly before the patients completed one thousand days of life. We found that complex heart disease was independently associated with an odds ratio of 5.19 (95% confidence interval — CI:1.09-24.71; p=0.038) for death. Conclusions: Knowledge about the factors that interfere with the prognosis can be crucial in care practice planning, especially considering that congenital heart disease is an important cause of mortality in the first year of life.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o prognóstico e a influência de fatores associados em pacientes com cardiopatia congênita internados pela primeira vez na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva do Hospital da Criança Santo Antônio/Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, principalmente aqueles fatores associados ao óbito. Métodos: Os pacientes foram alocados prospectiva e consecutivamente por um período de um ano (agosto de 2005 a julho de 2006). Agora, 15 anos após a seleção inicial, coletamos dados desses pacientes no banco de dados do Laboratório de Citogenética da Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre e nos prontuários do hospital. Resultados: Dos 96 pacientes, 11 faleceram e 85 permaneceram vivos até completar 20 anos. Quatro pacientes morreram na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. A probabilidade de sobrevida até 365 dias de vida foi de 95,8%. A avaliação da sobrevida identificou que os óbitos ocorreram principalmente antes de os pacientes completarem mil dias de vida. Verificamos que a doença cardíaca complexa foi independentemente associada a um odds ratio de 5,19 (intervalo de confiança — IC95% 1,09-24,71; p=0,038) para morte. Conclusões: O conhecimento dos fatores que interferem no prognóstico pode ser fundamental no planejamento da prática assistencial, principalmente considerando-se que as cardiopatias congênitas são importante causa de mortalidade no primeiro ano de vida.

Mortalidade materno-infantil em um estado nortista brasileiro: coerência e discrepância entre instrumentos de gestão e agenda 2030 / Addressing maternal and child mortality in a northern brazilian state: coherence and discrepancy between management instruments and the 2030 agenda / Abordando la mortalidad materno-infantil en un estado del norte de brasil: coherencia y discrepancia entre los instrumentos de gestión y la agenda 2030

Introdução:As mortes maternas e infantis refletem as condições de vida de uma determinada população e são marcadores importantes de desenvolvimento de uma nação, reduzi-las tornou-se prioridade na Agenda 2030 de desenvolvimento sustentável. Políticas públicas devem ser formuladas, executadas e monitoradas em escalas nacionais, estaduais e locais para melhorar a qualidade de vida e cumprir os compromissos pactuados nacional e internacionalmente.Objetivo:identificar o alinhamento dos indicadores e os resultados alcançados nas metas para redução de mortalidades materna e infantil do Plano de Desenvolvimento Sustentável e Plano Estadual de Saúde do Estado de Rondônia com Agenda 2030.Metodologia:Trata-se de uma pesquisa documental e bibliográficacomanálise crítica de indicadores referentes à redução da mortalidade materno-infantil na Agenda 2030 e respectivos ações e metas alcançadas ou não contempladas no Plano de Desenvolvimento Sustentável de Rondônia (2015-2030) e Planos Estaduais de Saúde (2016-2019 e 2020-2021). Verificou-se os resultados alcançados em relatórios da sociedade civil e anual de gestão.Resultados:Constatou-se que a redução das mortes materna e infantil são destacadas nos planejamentos analisados, contudo a mortalidade infantil contida nos planosconsidera somente as mortes em menores de um ano de vida e há incompletudes nos escopos selecionados para o monitoramento, assim como diferentes indicadores de verificação, dificultando análise das metas pactuadas na Agenda 2030.Conclusões:Os relatóriosdos resultados alcançados apontaram retrocessos para o alcance das metas. Instrumentos de gestão e planejamento são imprescindíveis para nortear ações e estabelecer prioridades, porém para que haja avanços é necessário coerência não somente em metas pactuadas, mas nos indicadores e meios de verificação a fim de corroborar para análise e retroalimentação do planejamento (AU).

Introduction:Maternal and infant deaths reflect the living conditions of a given population and are important markers of a nation's development, reducing them has become a priority in the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. Public policies must be formulated, implemented and monitored at national, state and local scales to improve the quality of life and meet the commitments agreed nationally and internationally. Objective:To identify the alignment of indicators and the results achieved in the goals for reducing maternal and child mortality of the Sustainable Development Plan and State Health Plan of the State of Rondônia with Agenda 2030. Methodology:This is a documentary and bibliographical research with critical analysis of indicators related to the reduction of maternal and child mortality in the 2030 Agenda and respective actions and goals achieved or not contemplated in the Sustainable Development Plan of Rondônia (2015-2030) and State Health Plans (2016-2019 and 2020-2021). It was verified the results achieved in reports of civil society and annual management. Results:It was found that the reduction of maternal and infant deaths are highlighted in the however the infant mortality contained in the plans considers only deaths in children under one year of age and there are incompleteness in the scopes selected for monitoring, as well as different verification indicators, making it difficult to analyze the goals agreed in the 2030 Agenda. Conclusions:The reports of the achieved results pointed setbacks to the achievement of the goals. Management and planning tools are essential to guide actions and establish priorities, but for there to be progress it is necessary coherence not only in agreed indicators and means of verification in order to corroborate for analysis and feedback of planning (AU).

Introducción: Las muertes maternas e infantiles reflejan las condiciones de vida de una determinada poblacióny son marcadores importantes del desarrollo de una nación, su reducción se ha convertido en prioridad en la Agenda 2030 de desarrollo sostenible. Las políticas públicas deben ser formuladas, ejecutadas y monitoreadas a escala nacional, estatal y local para mejorar la calidad de vida y cumplir con los compromisos pactados a nivel nacional e internacional. Objetivo: Identificar la alineación de los indicadores y los resultados alcanzados en las metas para reducción de mortalidades materna e infantil del Plande Desarrollo Sostenible y Plan Estadual de Salud del Estado de Rondônia com Agenda 2030.Metodología: Se trata de una investigación documental y bibliográfica con análisis crítico de indicadores referentes a la reducción de la mortalidad materno-infantilen la Agenda 2030 y respectivos acciones y metas alcanzadas o no contempladas en el Plan de Desarrollo Sostenible de Rondônia (2015-2030) y Planes Estatales de Salud (2016-2019 y 2020-2021). Se han verificado los resultados obtenidos en informes de la sociedad civil y anual de gestión.Resultados: Se constató que la reducción de las muertes materna e infantil son destacadas en los planeamientos analizados, sin embargo, la mortalidad infantil contenida en los planes considera solamente las muertes en menores de un año de vida y hay incompletudes en los ámbitos seleccionados para el monitoreo, así como diferentes indicadores de verificación, dificultando el análisis de las metas pactadas en laAgenda 2030.Conclusiones: Los informes de los resultados alcanzados apuntaron retrocesos para el alcance de las metas. Instrumentos de gestión y planificación son imprescindibles para orientar acciones y establecer prioridades, pero para que haya avances es necesaria coherencia no solo en metas pactadas, pero en los indicadores y medios de verificación con el fin de corroborar el análisis y retroalimentación de la planificación (AU).

Evolución 2010-2019 de la mortalidad neonatal en la cuenca Matanza Riachuelo. Comparación con Argentina, provincia de Buenos Aires y Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, 2019 / Evolution of neonatal mortality in the Matanza-Riachuelo River Basin between 2010 and 2019. A comparison of Argentina, the province of Buenos Aires, and the City of Buenos Aires, 2019

Introducción. La tasa de mortalidad neonatal (TMN) es un indicador de condiciones socioeconómicas, ambientales y sanitarias. La cuenca Matanza Riachuelo (CMR) es la más contaminada de Argentina. Objetivo. Analizar la evolución de la mortalidad neonatal (MN) en la CMR entre los años 2010 y 2019, sus características, y compararla con datos globales de Argentina, de la provincia de Buenos Aires (PBA) y de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA) en 2019. Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo de estadísticas vitales del Ministerio de Salud de la Nación. Resultados. En 2019, la TMN en la CMR fue del 6,4 ‰; en Argentina, del 6,2 ‰; en PBA, del 6 ‰, y en CABA, del 5,1 ‰. El riesgo de MN en la CMR fue mayor que en CABA (RR: 1,32; IC95% 1,08-1,61). Entre 2010 y 2019, disminuyó la TMN en la CMR, en PBA y en Argentina; pero no en CABA. El riesgo de MN por afecciones perinatales en la CMR fue mayor que en CABA (RR: 1,30; IC95% 1,011,67). El riesgo de muerte para nacidos vivos (NV) con muy bajo peso al nacer (MBPN) en la CMR fue mayor que en CABA (RR: 1,70; IC95% 1,33-2,18) y menor que en Argentina (RR: 0,78; IC95% 0,70-0,87). Conclusión. La evolución 2010-2019 de la TMN fue similar en la CMR, en Argentina y en PBA. En 2019 la estructura de causas y el riesgo de MN fueron similares en la CMR, en PBA y en Argentina, con mayor riesgo por afecciones perinatales y de los NV con MBPN. La TMN de NV de MBPN fue menor en la CMR que en Argentina.

Introduction. The neonatal mortality rate (NMR) is an indicator of socioeconomic, environmental, andhealth care conditions. The Matanza-Riachuelo River Basin (MRRB) is the most polluted in Argentina.Objective. To analyze neonatal mortality (NM) in the MRRB between 2010 and 2019 and compare itwith overall data for Argentina, the province of Buenos Aires (PBA), and the City of Buenos Aires (CABA)in 2019.Population and methods. Descriptive study based on vital statistics provided by the Ministry of Health. Results. In 2019, the NMR was 6.4‰ in the MRRB, 6.2‰ in Argentina; 6‰ in PBA; and 5.1‰ in CABA.The risk of NM in the MRRB was higher than in CABA (RR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.08­1.61). Between 2010and 2019, the NMR decreased in the MRRB, PBA, and Argentina; but not in CABA.The risk of NM due to perinatal conditions in the MRRB was higher than in CABA (RR: 1.30, 95%CI: 1.01­1.67).The risk of death among very low birth weight (VLBW) live births (LBs) in the MRRB was higher than in CABA(RR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.33­2.18) and lower than in Argentina (RR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.70­0.87).Conclusion. The evolution of NMR between 2010 and 2019 was similar in the MRRB, Argentina, andPBA. In 2019, the structure of causes and the risk of NM were similar in the MRRB, PBA, and Argentina,with a higher risk due to perinatal conditions and among VLBW LBs. The NMR among VLBW LBs waslower in the MRRB than in Argentina

Spatial and temporal patterns of infant mortality and its components in Rio de Janeiro / Padrões espaciais e temporais da mortalidade infantil e seus componentes no Rio de Janeiro

ABSTRACT Objectives. The study aims to assess the trend of neonatal, post-neonatal, and infant mortality from 1996 to 2020 within the metropolitan region of the state of Rio de Janeiro and other regions. Methods. Ecological study using the region as analysis unity. Data were accessed from the Mortality Information System and Live Birth Information System in the capital Rio de Janeiro, in the neighboring areas of Niterói, São Gonçalo, Baixada Fluminense, and the remaining regions of the state of Rio de Janeiro State. We applied Poisson multilevel modeling, where the models' response variables were infant mortality and its neonatal and post neonatal components. Fixed effects of the adjusted models were region and death year variables. Results. During the 1996-2020 period, the Baixada Fluminense showed the highest infant mortality rate as to its neonatal and post neonatal components. All adjusted models showed that the more recent the year the lower the mortality risk. Niterói showed the lowest adjusted risk of infant mortality and its neonatal and post neonatal components. Conclusion. Baixada Fluminense showed the highest mortality risk for infant mortality and its neonatal and post-neonatal components in the metropolitan region. The stabilization in mortality rates in recent years was identified by the research.

RESUMO Objetivos. Avaliar a tendência da mortalidade neonatal, pós-neonatal e infantil de 1996 a 2020, na região metropolitana do estado do Rio de Janeiro e nas outras regiões. Métodos. Estudo ecológico utilizando regiões como unidade de análise. Os dados foram acessados no Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade e Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos da Capital (Rio de Janeiro), dos territórios vizinhos (Niterói, São Gonçalo e Baixada Fluminense) e das outras regiões do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Utilizamos a modelagem multinível de Poisson, onde as variáveis de resposta dos modelos foram mortalidade infantil e seus componentes neonatal e pós-neonatal. Os efeitos fixos dos modelos ajustados foram região e ano da morte. Resultados. No período 1996-2020, a Baixada Fluminense apresentou a maior taxa de mortalidade infantil de seus componentes neonatal e pós-natal na região metropolitana. Todos os modelos ajustados mostraram que quanto mais recente o ano, menor o risco de mortalidade. O risco ajustado da mortalidade infantil e seus componentes neonatal e pós-neonatal foi menor em Niterói. Conclusão. A Baixada Fluminense apresentou o maior risco de mortalidade infantil e de seus componentes neonatal e pós-neonatal na região metropolitana. Detectamos estabilização das taxas de mortalidade nos últimos anos.

A reflection of Africa's cardiac surgery capacity to manage congenital heart defects: a perspective.

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are birth abnormalities that may drastically alter the structure and functionality of the heart. For 70% of infants with congenital disorders to survive or maintain a better quality of life, surgery is necessary. Over 500 000 of the 1.5 million CHD cases reported annually, or 1% of all live births, occur in Africa, according to the WHO. A surmounted 90% of these patients are from Africa, and as a consequence, 300 000 infants die annually as a result of poor care or difficulty accessing adequate healthcare. However, the high prevalence of CHDs, precipitated by a plethora of aetiologies worldwide, is particularly pronounced in Africa due to maternal infectious diseases like syphilis and rubella amongst the pregnant populace. In low- and middle-income countries, especially in Africa, where foreign missions and organizations care for the majority of complicated cardiac surgical patients, access to secure and affordable cardiac surgical therapy is a substantial issue. Interventions for CHDs are very expensive in Africa as many of the continent's domiciles possess low expenditures and funding, thereby cannot afford the costs indicated by associated surgical treatments. Access to management and healthcare for CHDs is further hampered by a lack of trained surgical personnel, specialized tools, infrastructure, and diagnostic facilities in Africa.

Bayesian estimation of potential outcomes for mediation analysis of racial disparity for infant mortality.

Background: There is a need for novel methods to determine preventable causes of racial health disparities. This need has been met with the development of improved methods for mediation modeling. Current mediational analysis methods call for an evaluation of statistical interaction or effect modification between the investigated cause and mediator. For racial disparity, this approach facilitates the estimation of racially specific risks for infant mortality. However, current methods for evaluating multiple interacting mediators are inadequate. The first objective of the study was to compare Bayesian estimation of potential outcomes to other approaches to mediation analysis that included interaction. The second objective was to evaluate three potentially interacting mediators of racial disparity for infant mortality by modeling the large dataset from the National Natality Database using Bayesian estimation of potential outcomes. Methods: A random sample of observations from the 2003 National Natality Database was used to compare the currently promoted methods for mediation modeling. Racial disparity was modeled as a separate function for each of three potential mediators, (i) maternal smoking, (ii) low birth weight and (iii) teenage maternity. As a second objective, direct Bayesian estimation of potential outcomes modeled infant mortality as function of the interactions among the three mediators and race using the full National Natality Database for the years 2016 to 2018. Results: The counterfactual model was inaccurate in estimating the proportion of racial disparity that was attributable to either maternal smoking or teenage maternity. The counterfactual approach did not accurately estimate the probabilities defined by counterfactual definitions. The error was a result of modeling the excess relative risk instead of the risk probabilities. Bayesian approaches did estimate the probabilities of the counterfactual definitions. Results showed that 73% of the racial disparity for infant mortality was attributed to infants born with low birth weight. Conclusions: Bayesian estimation of potential outcomes could evaluate whether proposed public health programs would affect races differently and decisions could include consideration of the causal effect the program may have on racial disparity. The large contribution of low birth weight to racial disparity for infant mortality should be further investigated to identify preventable factors for low birth weight.

Prevalence and correlates of low birth weight in India: findings from national family health survey 5.

BACKGROUND: Childhood mortality and morbidity has become a major public health issue in low-middle-income countries. However, evidence suggested that Low birth weight(LBW) is one of the most important risk factors for childhood deaths and disability.This study is designed to estimate the prevalence of low birth weight (LBW) in India and to identify maternal correlates associated with LBW. METHODS: Data has been taken from National Family Health Survey 5 (2019-2021) for analysis. 149,279 women belonging to reproductive age group (15-49) year who had last recent most delivery preceding the NFHS-5 survey. RESULTS: Mother's age, female child, birth interval of less than 24 months, their low educational level, low wealth index, rural residence, lack of insurance coverage, women with low BMI, anaemia, and no ANC visits during pregnancy are predictors that contribute to LBW in India. After adjusting for covariates, smoking and alcohol consupmtion is strongly correlated with LBW. CONCLUSION: Mother's age, educational attainment and socioeconomic status of living has a highly significant with LBW in India. However, consumption of tobacco and cigarrettes are also associated with LBW.

The effect of patient volume on mortality and morbidity of extremely low birth weight infants in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: To assess whether the number of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants treated annually in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Taiwan affects the mortality and morbidity of this patient population. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included preterm infants with ELBW (≤1000 g). NICUs were divided into three subgroups according to the annual admissions of ELBW infants (low, ≤10; medium, 11-25; and high, >25). Perinatal characteristics, mortality, and short-term morbidities were compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 1945 ELBW infants from 17 NICUs were analyzed (low-volume, n = 263; medium-volume, n = 420; and high-volume, n = 1262). After risk adjustments, infants from NICUs with low patient volumes were at a higher risk of death. The risk-adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for mortality were 0.61 (95% CI, 0.43-0.86) in the high-volume NICUs and 0.65 (95% CI, 0.43-0.98) in medium-volume NICUs, compared with infants admitted to low-volume NICUs. Infants in medium-volume NICUs had the lowest incidence of prenatal steroid exposure (58.1%, P < 0.001) and were associated with the highest risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (aOR, 2.35 [95% CI, 1.48-3.72]), severe intraventricular hemorrhage (aOR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.01-2.28]), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (aOR, 1.61 [95% CI, 1.10-2.35]). However, survival without major morbidity did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: The mortality risk was higher among ELBW infants admitted to NICUs with a low annual patient volume. This may emphasize the importance of systematically referring patients from these vulnerable populations to appropriate care settings.

Determinants of infant mortality in Oromia region, Ethiopia.

Infant mortality is one of the commonest health-related indicators used to assess the health status of the community. Children born in Sub-Saharan Africa are at highest risk of infancy death in the world. Ethiopia, in Sub-Saharan Africa, is a country with high infant mortality. Oromia region is among the regions with high infant mortality rate in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to identify determinants of infant mortality in Oromia region, Ethiopia. Methods: The source of data for this study was 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey. Multivariable logistic regression model was employed to identify the determinants the infant mortality. An adjusted odds ratio (OR) with a 95% CI was used examine the determinants of infant mortality. Results: A total of 719 live births born 5 years preceding the survey were included. The infant mortality rate in the study area was 54 deaths per 1000 live births. The risk of dying in infancy was lower for females [adjusted OR (AOR): 0.518, 95% CI: 0.284, 0.945], health deliveries (AOR: 0.429, 95% CI: 0.235, 0.783), infants born to mothers attended ANC during pregnancy (AOR: 0.603, 95% CI: 0.489, 0.744), infants from families with wealth indices of medium (AOR: 0.715, 95% CI: 0.580, 0.882) and rich (AOR: 0.638, 95% CI: 0.425, 0.958) compared with the respective reference categories while it was higher for infants of multiple births (AOR: 2.241, 95% CI: 1.768, 2.841) compared with singletons. Conclusions: Infant mortality rate in the study area, Oromia region, is higher than the national figure. The study found that sex of child, birth type, antenatal care (ANC), place of delivery and wealth index of household were significant determinants of infant mortality. Therefore, concerned bodies should make awareness creation to mothers regarding ANC and encourage them to have ANC follow-up during pregnancy and deliver at health institution to improve the infant survival in the region.

Condiciones de vida en situaciones excepcionales y su influencia en la mortalidad infantil: hallazgos de referencia / Life conditions in exceptional circumstances and their influence on infant mortality: reference findings i: en

Introducción: La mortalidad infantil se ve afectada por condiciones de vida socioeconómicas y ambientales deletéreas, las cuales se agravan en situaciones excepcionales. Objetivo: Describir la mortalidad infantil en el municipio habanero de La Lisa durante un trienio, según la estratificación diferencial de las condiciones de vida del territorio. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal (de tipo ecológico exploratorio) en el municipio capitalino de La Lisa en el trienio 1991-1993, donde las unidades de análisis fueron las áreas de salud estratificadas mediante clasificación automática. Las variables fundamentales fueron las condiciones de vida, según diferentes dimensiones y sus variables, y las tasas centrales de mortalidad infantil en el periodo, considerando sus componentes y la causa básica de muerte. Resultados: Se logró estratificar el municipio según sus condiciones de vida en asentamientos favorables y desfavorables. La mortalidad infantil fue superior en el asentamiento con condiciones de vida desfavorables (10,3 fallecidos por 1000 nacidos vivos), donde predominaron como causas de muerte el traumatismo obstétrico, la muerte idiopática y la sepsis. Conclusiones: Se alcanzó la estratificación según condiciones de vida en el municipio de La Lisa. El asentamiento poblacional con condiciones de vida desfavorables evidenció riesgo de mortalidad infantil diferencial sustantivo, probablemente asociado a factores higiénico-sanitarios y socioeconómicos deletéreos, según las causas de muerte registradas.

Introduction: Infant mortality is affected by deleterious, socioeconomic and environmental living conditions, which are aggravated in exceptional situations. Objective: To describe infant mortality in the Havana municipality of La Lisa during the three-year period 1991-1993, according to the differential stratification of living conditions in the territory. Methods: An observational, descriptive and transversal study (of exploratory ecological type) was carried out in the capital municipality of La Lisa, in the triennium 1991-1993, where the units of analysis were the health areas stratified by automatic classification. The fundamental variables were living conditions, according to different dimensions and their variables, and the central infant mortality rates in the period, considering its components and the basic cause of death. Results: The municipality was stratified according to its living conditions in favorable and unfavorable settlements. Infant mortality was higher in the settlement with unfavorable living conditions (10.3 deaths per 1000 live births), where obstetric trauma, idiopathic death and sepsis predominated as causes of death. Conclusions: Stratification according to living conditions in the municipality of La Lisa was achieved. The population settlement with unfavorable living conditions showed a substantial differential infant mortality risk, probably associated with hygienic-sanitary and socioeconomic factors, according to the causes of death recorded.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with under-five mortality in the Solomon Islands: an investigation from the 2015 Solomon Islands demographic and health survey data.

Background: Annually, over five million children die before their fifth birthday worldwide, with 98% of these deaths occurring in low-and middle-income countries. The prevalence and risks for under-five mortality are not well-established for the Solomon Islands. Methods: We used the Solomon Islands Demographic and Health Survey 2015 data (SIDHS 2015) to estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with under-five mortality. Findings: Neonatal, infant, child and under-five mortality prevalence were 8/1000, 17/1000, 12/1000 and 21/1000 live births, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, neonatal mortality was associated with no breastfeeding [aRR 34.80 (13.60, 89.03)], no postnatal check [aRR 11.36 (1.22, 106.16)], and Roman Catholic [aRR 3.99 (1.34, 11.88)] and Anglican [aRR 2.78 (0.89, 8.65); infant mortality to no breastfeeding [aRR 11.85 (6.15, 22.83)], Micronesian [aRR 5.54 (1.67, 18.35)], and higher birth order [aRR 2.00 (1.03, 3.88)]; child mortality to multiple gestation [aRR 6.15 (2.08, 18.18)], Polynesian [aRR 5.80 (2.48, 13.53)], and Micronesian [aRR 3.65 (1.46, 9.10)], cigarette and tobacco [aRR 1.77 (0.79, 3.96)] and marijuana use [aRR 1.94 (0.43, 8.73)] and rural residence [aRR 1.85 (0.88, 3.92)]; under-five mortality to no breastfeeding [aRR 8.65 (4.97, 15.05)], Polynesian [aRR 3.23 (1.09, 9.54)], Micronesian [aRR 5.60 (2.52, 12.46)], and multiple gestation [aRR 3.34 (1.26, 8.88)]. Proportions of 9% for neonatal and 8% of under-five mortality were attributable to no maternal tetanus vaccination. Interpretation: Under-five mortality in the Solomon Islands from the SIDHS 2015 data was attributable to maternal health, behavioural, and sociodemographic risk factors. We recommended future studies to confirm these associations. Funding: No funding was declared to support this study directly.

Compulsory education reform and child mortality in Peru.

The government of Peru amended its constitution to increase compulsory education from six to 11 years in 1993. This constitutional amendment provides a natural experiment to investigate the impact of maternal education on child mortality. Exploiting differences in the reform exposure by age, I find that mothers who were exposed to the reform were less likely to experience the death of a child. There is also evidence that the reform caused a decline in infant mortality. These results are not driven by the age difference between mothers who were treated by the reform and those who were not treated. Additional analyses reveal that the reform increased age at first birth, decreased desired fertility, reduced smoking, and improved economic opportunities for women. The results demonstrate that compulsory schooling may be a useful policy tool to improve women's education, which can, in turn, enhance the survival of their children.

Understanding correlates of infant mortality in Ethiopia using 2019 Ethiopian mini demographic and health survey data.

Infant mortality is one of the most sensitive and commonly used indicators of the social and economic development of a nation. Ethiopia is among the African countries with high infant mortality rates. This study aimed to understand and identify correlates of infant mortality in Ethiopia. Methods: The data, used in this study, were drawn from 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data. The multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis was done to identify the correlates of infant mortality. Results: Infant mortality rate was high in the earlier age of months. Males, higher birth order and rural residences were at higher risk of dying before first birthday compared with respective reference groups whereas health facility deliveries, single births, rich wealth indices and older maternal age were at lower risk of dying before first birthday compared with respective reference groups. Conclusion: The study found that age of mother, place of residence, wealth index, birth order, type of birth, child sex and place of delivery were statistically significant in affecting the survival of the infants. Thus, health facility deliveries should be encouraged and multiple birth infants should be given special care. Furthermore, younger mothers should better care of their babies to improve the survival of infants in Ethiopia.

The role of the Faculty of Medical Sciences in the promotion of childcare in Córdoba city (1877 - 1918): a historical review / [El rol de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas en la promoción de la puericultura en la ciudad de Córdoba (1877 - 1918): una revisión histórica.]

Introduction: Since its foundation, the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FCM, UNC, Argentina) and its members in the design and implementation of eugenic public policies aimed at preventing depopulation and reducing infant mortality. This study describes these policies since the foundation of this institution until the outbreak of the university reform process. Materials and Methods: A bibliographical analysis of online databases and library catalogs was performed in order to identify texts referring to child care and public health policies promoted by the FCM from 1877 to 1918. Results: 11 bibliographical references were obtained: three books, two scientific journal articles and six Thesis for the title of Doctor in Medicine and Surgery from the FCM. Discusión: A great interest in the characterization of infant mortality in Córdoba and the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding is evident in the texts analyzed. This is associated with the creation and administration of childcare health institutions, including the Children's Protective Clinic. Conclusions: The FCM, associated to political groups in Córdoba, actively participated in the dissemination of childcare concepts (whose recipients were mainly women-mothers of low socioeconomic strata) and in the implementation of actions aimed at the population growth and the inculcation of moral values accepted by its academics.

Introducción: Desde su fundación, la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas (FCM, UNC, Argentina) y sus miembros participaron en el diseño y la aplicación de políticas públicas eugénicas destinadas a evitar la despoblación y disminuir la mortalidad infantil. El presente trabajo describe dichas políticas desde la fundación de dicha institución hasta el inicio del proceso de Reforma Universitaria. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un análisis bibliográfico de bases de datos online y catálogos de bibliotecas para identificar textos referidos a políticas de puericultura y salud pública promovidas por la FCM en el período 1877 - 1918. Resultados: Se obtuvieron un total de 11 referencias bibliográficas: tres libros, dos artículos publicados en revistas científicas y seis Tesis para optar al título de Doctor en Medicina y Cirugía de la FCM. Discusión: Se evidencia en los textos analizados un gran interés en la caracterización de la mortalidad infantil en Córdoba y la promoción de la lactancia materna exclusiva. A ello se asocia la creación y administración de instituciones de salud de puericultura entre los que se destaca el Consultorio Protector de la Infancia. Conclusiones: La FCM, ligada a grupos políticos cordobeses, participó activamente en la difusión de los conceptos de puericultura (cuyas destinatarias eran principalmente las mujeres-madres de estratos socioeconómicos carenciados) y en la implementación de acciones tendientes al crecimiento poblacional y la inculcación de valores morales aceptados por sus académicos.