Critical appraisal of the Colombian clinical practice guide for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of suicidal ideation and/or behaviour (adoption).

INTRODUCTION: Suicide is a complex, global public health problem. The Colombian clinical practice guideline provides relevant input for its prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The objective was to evaluate the methodological quality, credibility and applicability of the Colombian clinical practice guideline for suicidal behaviour. METHODS: An academic group of 12 evaluators was established to assess the guide and its recommendations in a standardised way, using the AGREE-II and AGREE-REX instruments. The evaluations were given in the range of 0.0-1.0 with 0.7 as a cut-off point for appropriate quality. RESULTS: The global assessment of the AGREE-II was greater than 0.7 in the dimensions: "scope and objective" (0.86), "clarity of presentation" (0.89), "applicability" (0.73) and "editorial independence" (0.89). The lowest scores were for "participation of those involved" (0.67) and "rigour in preparation" (0.69). With the AGREE-REX, the results in all dimensions were below 0.70, which indicates lower quality and suitability for use. CONCLUSIONS: The adoption process of the Colombian guideline for suicidal behaviour was a rigorous methodological process, while the practice recommendations were valued as of low applicability due to low support in local evidence. It is necessary to strengthen the generation and synthesis of evidence at the national level to give greater support and applicability to the practice recommendations.

Inequalities in COVID-19 inequalities research: Who had the capacity to respond?

The COVID-19 pandemic has been testing countries' capacities and scientific preparedness to actively respond and collaborate on a common global threat. It has also heightened awareness of the urgent need to empirically describe and analyze health inequalities to be able to act effectively. In turn, this raises several important questions that need answering: What is known about the rapidly emerging COVID-19 inequalities research field? Which countries and world regions have been able to rapidly produce research on this topic? What research patterns and trends have emerged, and how to these compared to the (pre-COVID-19) global health inequalities research field? Which countries have been scientifically collaborating on this important topic? Where are the scientific knowledge gaps, and indirectly where might research capacities need to be strengthened? In order to answer these queries, we analyzed the global scientific production (2020-2021) on COVID-19 associated inequalities by conducting bibliometric and network analyses using the Scopus database. Specifically, we analyzed the volume of scientific production per country (via author affiliations), its distribution by country income groups and world regions, as well as the inter-country collaborations within this production. Our results indicate that the COVID-19 inequalities research field has been highly collaborative; however, a number of significant inequitable research practices exist. When compared to the (pre-COVID-19) global health inequalities research field, similar inequalities were identified, however, several new dynamics and partnerships have also emerged that warrant further in-depth exploration. To ensure preparedness for future crises, and effective strategies to tackle growing social inequalities in health, investment in global health inequalities research capacities must be a priority for all.

Developing diagnostic skills from preclinical dental education: Caries detection and assessment using e-learning assisted practice.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of developing visual diagnostic skills for detecting and assessing dental caries using e-learning assisted practice in preclinical dental education. METHODS: A one-group before and after the study was conducted. After a theoretical lesson on cariology, 53 inexperienced second-year preclinical students assessed 78 clinical photographs using the Nyvad criteria; they received automated feedback upon completion of the test. After a week, all students reassessed the same set of photographs, which were randomly reordered. Differential diagnostic accuracy was analyzed category-pairwise, and overall accuracy measures were based on the receiver operator curve. Diagnostic accuracy in both attempts was evaluated and compared through estimation and pooling of individual student accuracies. RESULTS: Pooled category-pairwise accuracy was lower for discriminating Sound surface from Non-cavitated-active caries, and for discriminating inactive caries (surface discontinuity) from intact surface inactive caries and Cavitated-active caries. Pooled overall accuracy, after the theoretical lesson, was 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77-0.81), and it increased to 0.99 (95% CI 0.98-0.99) after feedback. Between-student variability in accuracy was reduced from I2  = 0.66 to 0.55. CONCLUSION: E-learning assisted practice is a feasible alternative to start developing visual diagnostic skills for detecting and assessing dental caries using the Nyvad criteria from preclinical dental education in cariology. However, further studies are required to evaluate its effectiveness in improving real-world practice knowledge and skills.

Social Inequities in the Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown Measures on the Mental Health of a Large Sample of the Colombian Population (PSY-COVID Study).

The identification of general population groups particularly vulnerable to the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on mental health and the development of healthcare policies are priority challenges in the current and future pandemics. This study aimed to identify the personal and social determinants of the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on mental health in a large sample of the Colombian population. In this cross-sectional study, an anonymous online survey was answered by 18,061 participants from the general population residing in Colombia during the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak (from 20 May to 20 June 2020). The risk of depression, anxiety, and somatization disorders were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-2), and Somatic Symptom Questionnaire (SSQ-5), respectively. Overall, 35% of participants showed risk of depression, 29% of anxiety, and 31% of somatization. According to the analysis of social determinants of health, the most affected groups were people with low incomes, students, and young adults (18-29 years). Specifically, low-income young females were the most at-risk population group. These findings show how the lockdown measures affected the general population's mental health in Colombia and highlight some social risk factors in health.

Distribución geográfica del cambio en mortalidad neonatal según bajo peso al nacer, Colombia 2008-2017 / Geographic distribution of the change in neonatal mortality by low-birthweight, Colombia 2008-2017

Resumen Introducción: Reducir las desigualdades sociales y geográficas en mortalidad neonatal es propósito de la agenda del desarrollo sostenible. Objetivo: Analizar la tendencia geográfica a nivel departamental del cambio en la mortalidad neonatal según bajo peso en Colombia entre 2008 y 2017. Metodología: Estudio ecológico basado en registros de estadísticas vitales del DANE. Mediante el modelo lineal mixto generalizado se analizaron de forma conjunta mortalidad neonatal y diferencias absoluta y relativa según bajo peso al nacer siguiendo la tipología de Blakely. La variación geográfica entre departamentos se analizó mediante Medianas de Razón de Mortalidad (MRM) y mapas. Resultados: A nivel nacional entre 2008-2010 y 2015-2017 la mortalidad neonatal ajustada disminuyó en 0,67 (IC95% 0,52-0,81) muertes y el exceso de muertes entre nacidos de bajo peso en 4,92 (IC95% 3,53-6,33) muertes por cada mil nacidos vivos; la razón de mortalidad no varió entre periodos (RRM 1,03; IC95% 0,97-1,09). Este patrón de cambio es deseable según tipología de Blakely. Sin embargo, en diez departamentos la mortalidad y diferencias según bajo peso no disminuyeron. Durante el periodo 2015-2017 la variación departamental en mortalidad neonatal fue de MRM = 2,13 (IC95% 1,63-2,64) sin cambio entre periodos; la mortalidad neonatal fue mayor en departamentos periféricos. Conclusión: Pese a los avances a nivel nacional en reducción de la mortalidad neonatal, un tercio de los departamentos donde se registró una cuarta parte de los nacimientos no mostró cambios deseables. La alta variabilidad territorial observada plantea la necesidad de implementar estrategias de vigilancia e intervención con foco tanto en factores perinatales como en locación geográfica para lograr disminuir brechas en supervivencia del recién nacido.

Abstract Introduction: Reducing social and geographical inequalities in neonatal mortality is the purpose of the sustainable development agenda. Objective: To analyze the geographical trend at the departmental level of the change in neonatal mortality according to low weight in Colombia between 2008 and 2017. Methods: An ecological study based on vital statistics records. Through the generalized mixed linear model, neonatal mortality and absolute and relative differences were analyzed together according to low birthweight following Blakely's typology. The geographical variation between departments was analyzed using Median Mortality Ratio (MRM) and maps. Results: At the national level between 2008-2010 and 2015-2017 adjusted neonatal mortality decreased by 0.67 (95% CI 0.52-0.81) deaths and excess deaths among low birth weight births decreased by 4.92 (IC95 % 3.53-6.33) deaths per thousand live births; mortality rate did not change significantly (RRM 1.03; 95% CI 0.97-1.09). This pattern of change is desirable according to Blakely's typology. However, in ten departments mortality and differences according to low birth weight did not decrease. During the 2015-2017 period, the departmental variation in neonatal mortality was quantified in MRM = 2.13 (95% CI 1.63-2.64) without change between periods; Neonatal mortality was higher in peripheric departments. Conclusion: Despite advances at the national level in reducing neonatal mortality, onethird of the departments where a quarter of births were registered showed no desirable changes. The high territorial variability observed raises the need to implement surveillance and intervention strategies with a focus on both perinatal factors and geographic location to reduce gaps in newborn survival.

Inequalities in global health inequalities research: A 50-year bibliometric analysis (1966-2015).

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence shows that health inequalities exist between and within countries, and emphasis has been placed on strengthening the production and use of the global health inequalities research, so as to improve capacities to act. Yet, a comprehensive overview of this evidence base is still needed, to determine what is known about the global and historical scientific production on health inequalities to date, how is it distributed in terms of country income groups and world regions, how has it changed over time, and what international collaboration dynamics exist. METHODS: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the global scientific production on health inequalities, from 1966 to 2015, was conducted using Scopus database. The historical and global evolution of the study of health inequalities was considered, and through joinpoint regression analysis and visualisation network maps, the preceding questions were examined. FINDINGS: 159 countries (via authorship affiliation) contributed to this scientific production, three times as many countries than previously found. Scientific output on health inequalities has exponentially grown over the last five decades, with several marked shift points, and a visible country-income group affiliation gradient in the initiation and consistent publication frequency. Higher income countries, especially Anglo-Saxon and European countries, disproportionately dominate first and co-authorship, and are at the core of the global collaborative research networks, with the Global South on the periphery. However, several country anomalies exist that suggest that the causes of these research inequalities, and potential underlying dependencies, run deeper than simply differences in country income and language. CONCLUSIONS: Whilst the global evidence base has expanded, Global North-South research gaps exist, persist and, in some cases, are widening. Greater understanding of the structural determinants of these research inequalities and national research capacities is needed, to further strengthen the evidence base, and support the long term agenda for global health equity.

Distancia al centro de atención en salud y mortalidad durante los primeros años de vida: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis / Distance from healthcare facilities and early life mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Distância ao centro de atendimento em saúde e mortalidade durante os primeiros anos de vida: revisão sistemática e meta-análise

Resumen Objetivo: actualizar las revisiones sistemáticas sobre el efecto de la distancia a los centros de atención en salud, en la mortalidad de menores de 5 años, con artículos publicados hasta mayo de 2015. Metodología: revisión sistemática con metaanálisis según recomendaciones de PRISMA. Se estimó un modelo de efectos aleatorios y se realizaron análisis de sesgo y de heterogeneidad de las estimaciones. Resultados: residir a más de 5 km del centro de atención de salud se asocia con un mayor riesgo de muerte en los periodos perinatal OR 2,76 (IC95% 1,80- 4,23), neonatal OR 1,62 (IC95% 1,33-1,96), infantil OR 1,31 (IC95% 1,16- 1,48), durante la niñez OR 1,57 (IC95% 1,29-1,92) y en todos los grupos de edad OR 1,63 (IC95% 1,41-1,88). Conclusión: se resalta la importancia de considerar una distribución geográfica de los centros de atención en salud, que permita a los menores residentes en áreas remotas menores riesgos de muerte, particularmente durante el primer mes de vida.

Abstract Objective: to update the systematic reviews of the literature discussing the effect of the distance from healthcare facilities on the mortality of children under five years of age using academic papers up to May, 2015. Methodology: a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A random effect model was estimated and bias and heterogeneity analyses were conducted on the estimates. Results: residing farther than 5 km away from the closest healthcare facility is associated with a greater risk of death during the following periods: perinatal OR 2.76 (CI95% 1.80 - 4.23), neonatal OR 1.62 (CI95% 1.33 - 1.96), infancy OR 1.31 (CI95% 1.16 - 1.48) childhood OR 1.57 (CI95% 1.29 - 1.92) and all age groups OR 1.63 (IC95% 1.41 - 1.88). Conclusión: the authors highlight the importance of considering a geographical distribution of healthcare facilities which reduces death risk among children residing in remote areas, particularly during the first month of life.

Resumo Objetivo: atualizar as revisões sistemáticas sobre o efeito da distância aos centros de atendimento em saúde, na mortalidade de menores de 5 anos, com artigos publicados até maio de 2015. Metodologia: revisão sistemática com meta-análise segundo recomendações de PRIMA. Estimou-se um modelo de efeitos aleatórios e se realizaram análises de distorção e de heterogeneidade das estimações. Resultados: morar a mais de 5 km do posto de atendimento de saúde está associado com um maior risco de morte nos períodos perinatal OR 2,76 (IC95% 1,80 - 4,23), neonatal OR 1,62 (IC95% 1,33-1,96), infantil OR 1,31 (IC95% 1,16-1,48), durante a infância OR 1,57 (IC95% 1,29-1,92) e em todos os grupos etários OR 1,63 (IC95% 1,41-1,88). Conclusão: Salienta-se a importância de considerar uma distribuição geográfica dos postos de atendimento em saúde, permitindo às crianças moradoras em áreas distantes, menores riscos de morte, particularmente durante o primeiro mês de vida.

Comparing definitions of spatial relations for the analysis of geographic disparities in mortality within a Bayesian mixed-effects framework.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the conceptual and technical differences between three definitions of spatial relations within a Bayesian mixed-effects framework: classical multilevel definition, spatial multiple membership definition and conditional autoregressive definition with an illustration of the estimate of geographic disparities in early neonatal mortality in Colombia, 2011-2014. METHODS: A registry based cross-sectional study was conducted. Births and early neonatal deaths were obtained from the Colombian vital statistics registry for 2011-2014. Crude and adjusted Bayesian mixed effects regressions were performed for each definition of spatial relation. Model fit statistics, spatial autocorrelation of residuals and estimated mortality rates, geographic disparity measures, relative ratios and relative differences were compared. RESULTS: The definition of spatial relations between municipalities based on the conditional autoregressive prior showed the best performance according to both fit statistics and residual spatial pattern analyses. Spatial multiple membership definition had a poor performance. CONCLUSION: Bayesian mixed effects regression with conditional autoregressive prior as an analytical framework may be an important contribution to epidemiological design as an improved alternative to ecological methods in the analyses of geographic disparities of mortality, considering potential ecological bias and spatial model misspecification.

Comparing definitions of spatial relations for the analysis of geographic disparities in mortality within a Bayesian mixed-effects framework / Comparação de definições de relações espaciais para a análise das desigualdades geográficas na mortalidade no quadro de efeitos mistos bayesiana

ABSTRACT: Objective: To analyze the conceptual and technical differences between three definitions of spatial relations within a Bayesian mixed-effects framework: classical multilevel definition, spatial multiple membership definition and conditional autoregressive definition with an illustration of the estimate of geographic disparities in early neonatal mortality in Colombia, 2011-2014. Methods: A registry based cross-sectional study was conducted. Births and early neonatal deaths were obtained from the Colombian vital statistics registry for 2011-2014. Crude and adjusted Bayesian mixed effects regressions were performed for each definition of spatial relation. Model fit statistics, spatial autocorrelation of residuals and estimated mortality rates, geographic disparity measures, relative ratios and relative differences were compared. Results: The definition of spatial relations between municipalities based on the conditional autoregressive prior showed the best performance according to both fit statistics and residual spatial pattern analyses. Spatial multiple membership definition had a poor performance. Conclusion: Bayesian mixed effects regression with conditional autoregressive prior as an analytical framework may be an important contribution to epidemiological design as an improved alternative to ecological methods in the analyses of geographic disparities of mortality, considering potential ecological bias and spatial model misspecification.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Analisar as diferenças conceptuais e técnicas entre três definições de relações espaciais dentro do quadro de efeitos mistos bayesiano: definição multinível clássica, definição de filiação múltipla espacial e definição condicional auto regressivo com uma ilustração da estimativa das disparidades geográficas na mortalidade neonatal precoce na Colômbia, 2011-2014. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal de base do registro. Nascimentos e mortes neonatais precoces foram obtidos a partir do registro de estatísticas vitais Colombiano para o período 2011-2014. Regressões mistas bayesianas brutos e ajustados foram realizadas para cada definição de relação espacial. As estatísticas de ajuste do modelo, autocorrelação espacial dos resíduos, as estimativas das taxas de mortalidade, as medidas de disparidade geográfica, as relações relativas e as diferenças relativas foram comparadas. Resultados: A definição das relações espaciais entre os municípios com base no priori condicional auto regressivo apresentou o melhor desempenho de acordo com as estatísticas de ajuste e a análises de padrão espacial dos resíduos. A definição de filiação múltipla espacial mostrou o mau desempenho. Conclusão: A regressão de efeitos mistos bayesiana com priori condicional auto regressivo como quadro analítico pode ser uma contribuição importante para desenho epidemiológico como uma alternativa melhorada aos métodos ecológicos nas análises das desigualdades geográficas, considerando e potencial viés ecológico e má especificação do modelo espacial.

Inter-regional metric disadvantages when comparing country happiness on a global scale. A Rasch-based consequential validity analysis.

Measurement confounding due to socioeconomic differences between world regions may bias the estimations of countries' happiness and global inequality. Potential implications of this bias have not been researched. In this study, the consequential validity of the Happy Planet Index, 2012 as an indicator of global inequality is evaluated from the Rasch measurement perspective. Differential Item Functioning by world region and bias in the estimated magnitude of inequalities were analyzed. The recalculated measure showed a good fit to Rasch model assumptions. The original index underestimated relative inequalities between world regions by 20%. DIF had no effect on relative measures but affected absolute measures by overestimating world average happiness and underestimating its variance. These findings suggest measurement confounding by unmeasured characteristics. Metric disadvantages must be adjusted to make fair comparisons. Public policy decisions based on biased estimations could have relevant negative consequences on people's health and well-being by not focusing efforts on real vulnerable populations.

Confusión en la medición por diferencias socioeconómicas entre regiones del mundo podría sesgar las estimaciones de felicidad de los países y desigualdad global. Las implicaciones potenciales del sesgo no han sido investigadas. En este estudio, la validez consecuencial del Happy Planet Index, 2012 como indicador de desigualdad global es evaluada desde la perspectiva métrica de Rasch. Se analizaron Funcionamiento Diferencial de los ítems por región del mundo y sesgo en la estimación de la magnitud de las desigualdades. El índice original subestimo la desigualdad relativa entre regiones del mundo en 20%. El FDI no tuvo efecto en las medidas relativas, pero afecto las absolutas sobreestimando el promedio mundial de felicidad y subestimando su varianza. Estos resultados sugieren confusión en la medición por características no observadas. Decisiones políticas basadas en estimaciones segadas podrían tener consecuencias negativas en la salud de las personas al no enfocar esfuerzos en las reales poblaciones vulnerables.

Accesibilidad geográfica al cuidado obstétrico y neonatal y su efecto en la mortalidad neonatal temprana en Colombia 2012-2014 / Geographical Accessibility to Obstetric and Neonatal Care and its Effect on Early Neonatal Mortality in Colombia, 2012-2014

Introduction: The distribution of health resources influences early neonatal mortality, granting access to obstetric care which is a major public health problem. However, the geographical dimension of this influence has not been studied in Colombia. Objective: To describe the geographical accessibility to obstetric and neonatal care beds and its association with early neonatal mortality in Colombia and its municipalities. Method: An ecological study at municipal level was carried out. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and a geographically weighted regression (GWR) were used to explore statistical and spatial associations. Results: The municipalities in Colombia with Higher mortality tend to have lower geographical accessibility to obstetric and neonatal beds after controlling the fertility and economic characteristics of these municipalities. This association is significant only in municipalities of the west coast. The strength of this association decreases in inner municipalities. Discussion: The centralization of obstetric and neonatal beds in major municipalities around the central region leaves municipalities with high risk of mortality underserved. The decentralization of obstetric and neonatal healthcare resources is a mandatory issue in order to reduce geographical disparities in mortality and to improve neonatal survival, and a healthy beginning of life...(AU)

Introducción: La distribución de los recursos de salud influencia la mortalidad neonatal temprana, garantizar el acceso atención obstétrica es un problema de salud pública. Sin embargo, la dimensión geográfica de esta influencia no ha sido estudiada en Colombia. Objetivo: Describir la accesibilidad geográfica a camas obstétricas y neonatales y su asociación con la mortalidad neonatal temprana en Colombia por municipios. Método: Se realizó un estudio ecológico a nivel municipal. Se recurrió a regresión por mínimos cuadrados y a regresión geográficamente ponderada para explorar las asociaciones estadísticas y espaciales. Resultados: Municipios con mayores tasas de mortalidad tienden a mostrar menor accesibilidad geográfica a camas obstétricas y neonatales, después de controlar las características municipales, económicas y de fecundidad. Esta asociación solo es significativa en municipios de la costa oeste. La fuerza de la asociación disminuye en municipios del interior. Discusión: Centralizar las camas obstétricas y neonatales en ciudades principales de la región central deja desatendidos a los municipios con mayor mortalidad. La descentralización de recursos de cuidado obstétrico y neonatal es un asunto obligatorio para reducir desigualdades geográficas en mortalidad, aumentar la supervivencia neonatal y lograr un inicio de vida saludable...(AU)

Introdução: A distribuição dos recursos da saúde tem influência na mortalidade precoce do neonatal, garantir o acesso aos cuidados obstétricos é um problema da saúde pública. A pesar de que, a dimensão geográfica desta influência não foi estudada na Colômbia. Objetivo: Descrever a acessibilidade geográfica aos leitos obstétricos e neonatos e, a sua associação com a mortalidade neonatal precoce na Colômbia, nos municípios. Método: O estudo ecológico foi realizado nos municípios. A regressão de mínimos quadrados e a regressão geograficamente ponderada foram utilizadas para explorar as associações estatísticas e espaciais. Resultados: Os municípios com taxas de mortalidade mais elevadas tendem a mostrar menor acessibilidade geográfica aos leitos obstétricos e neonatos após o controle das características municipais, econômicas e da fertilidade. Esta associação é apenas significativa nos municípios do litoral oeste. A força da associação diminui nos municípios do interior. Discussão: A centralização de camas obstétricas e neonatas nas principais cidades da região central, deixa os municípios não atendidos com a maior taxa de mortalidade. A descentralização dos recursos dos cuidados obstétricos e neonatos é uma questão obrigatória para reduzir as desigualdades geográficas na mortalidade, aumentar a sobrevivência neonatal e alcançar um bom início de vida saudável...(AU)