Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Self-Management Interventions for Adults Living with Heart Failure to Improve Patient-Important Outcomes: An Evidence Map of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Self-management interventions (SMIs) may enhance heart failure (HF) outcomes and address challenges associated with disease management. This study aims to review randomized evidence and identify knowledge gaps in SMIs for adult HF patients. Within the COMPAR-EU project, from 2010 to 2018, we conducted searches in the databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane, and PsycINFO. We performed a descriptive analysis using predefined categories and developed an evidence map of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We found 282 RCTs examining SMIs for HF patients, comparing two to four interventions, primarily targeting individual patients (97%) globally (34 countries, only 31% from an European country). These interventions involved support techniques such as information sharing (95%) and self-monitoring (62%), often through a mix of in-person and remote sessions (43%). Commonly assessed outcomes included quality of life, hospital admissions, mortality, exercise capacity, and self-efficacy. Few studies have focused on lower socio-economic or minority groups. Nurses (68%) and physicians (30%) were the primary providers, and most studies were at low risk of bias in generating a random sequence for participant allocation; however, the reporting was noticeably unclear of methods used to conceal the allocation process. Our analysis has revealed prevalent support techniques and delivery methods while highlighting methodological challenges. These findings provide valuable insights for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers striving to optimize SMIs for individuals living with HF.

Assessing the methodological strengths and limitations of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) guidelines: a critical appraisal using AGREE II and AGREE-REX tool.

BACKGROUND: The Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) has provided open-access guidelines for cancer since 2014. However, no independent assessment of their quality has been conducted to date. This study aimed to critically evaluate the quality of SEOM guidelines on cancer treatment. METHODS: Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) and AGREE-REX tool was used to evaluate the qualities of the guidelines. RESULTS: We assessed 33 guidelines, with 84.8% rated as "high quality". The highest median standardized scores (96.3) were observed in the domain "clarity of presentation", whereas "applicability" was distinctively low (31.4), with only one guideline scoring above 60%. SEOM guidelines did not include the views and preferences of the target population, nor did specify updating methods. CONCLUSIONS: Although developed with acceptable methodological rigor, SEOM guidelines could be improved in the future, particularly in terms of clinical applicability and patient perspectives.

Socioeconomic inequalities in abdominal obesity among Peruvian adults.

OBJECTIVES: Abdominal obesity (AO) has become a public health issue due to its impact on health, society and the economy. The relationship between socioeconomic disparities and the prevalence of AO has yet to be studied in Peru. Thus, our aim was to analyze the socioeconomic inequalities in AO distribution defined using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) cut-off points in Peruvian adults in 2018-2019. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study using data from the 2018-2019 Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) of Peru. We analyzed a representative sample of 62,138 adults over 18 years of age of both sexes from urban and rural areas. Subjects were grouped into quintiles of the wealth to calculate a concentration curve and the Erreygers Concentration Index (ECI) in order to measure the inequality of AO distribution. Finally, we performed a decomposition analysis to evaluate the major determinants of inequalities. RESULTS: The prevalence of AO among Peruvian adults was 73.8%, being higher among women than men (85.1% and 61.1% respectively, p < 0.001). Socioeconomic inequality in AO was more prominent among men (ECI = 0.342, standard error (SE) = 0.0065 vs. ECI = 0.082, SE = 0.0043). The factors that contributed most to inequality in the prevalence of AO for both sexes were having the highest wealth index (men 37.2%, women 45.6%, p < 0.001), a higher education (men 34.4%, women 41.4%, p < 0.001) and living in an urban setting (men 22.0%, women 57.5%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In Peru the wealthy concentrate a greater percentage of AO. The inequality gap is greater among men, although AO is more prevalent among women. The variables that most contributed to inequality were the wealth index, educational level and area of residence. There is a need for effective individual and community interventions to reduce these inequalities.

Effectiveness of financial incentives and message framing to improve clinic visits of people with moderate-high cardiovascular risk in a vulnerable population in Argentina: A cluster randomized trial.

In Argentina, cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents the first cause of mortality, but effective coverage for CVD prevention is low. Strategies based on behavioral economics are emerging worldwide as key pieces to increase the effectiveness of CVD prevention approaches. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the implementation of two strategies based on financial incentives and framing increased attendance to clinical visits as proposed by the national program for CVD risk factors management among the uninsured and poor population with moderate or high CVD risk in Argentina. We conducted a cluster randomized trial in nine primary care clinics (PCCs) in Argentina. Three PCCs were assigned to financial incentives, 3 to framing-text messages (SMS) and 3 to usual care. The incentive scheme included a direct incentive for attending the first clinical visit and the opportunity to participate in a lottery when attending a second clinical visit. The framing-text messages group received messages with a gain-frame format. The main outcome was the proportion of participants who attended the clinical visits. A total of 918 individuals with a risk ≥10% of suffering a CVD event within the next 10 years were recruited to participate in the study. The financial incentive group had a significantly higher percentage of participants who attended the first (59.0% vs 33.9%, p˂ 0.001) and the follow up visit (34.4% and 16.6%, p˂ 0.001) compared to control group. However, the framing-SMS group did not show significant differences compared to the control group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.govNCT03300154.

Inequalities in access to safe drinking water in Peruvian households according to city size: an analysis from 2008 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: Peru is one of the countries with the lowest percentage of population with access to safe drinking water in the Latin American region. This study aimed to describe and estimate, according to city size, socioeconomic inequalities in access to safe drinking water in Peruvian households from 2008 to 2018. METHODS: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data using data from the 2008-2018 ENAHO survey. Access to safe drinking water, determined based on the presence of chlorinated water supplied by the public network, as well as socioeconomic variables were analyzed. A trend analysis from 2008 to 2018, and comparisons between 2008 versus 2018 were performed to understand and describe changes in access to safe drinking water, according to city size. Concentration curves and Erreygers concentration index (ECI) were estimated to measure inequalities in access to safe drinking water. RESULTS: In 2008, 47% of Peruvian households had access to safe drinking water, increasing to 52% by 2018 (p for trend < 0.001). For small cities, access to safe drinking water did not show changes between 2018 and 2008 (difference in proportions - 0.2 percentage points, p = 0.741); however, there was an increase in access to safe drinking water in medium (difference in proportions 3.3 percentage points, p < 0.001) and large cities (difference in proportions 12.8 percentage points, p < 0.001). The poorest households showed a decreasing trend in access to safe drinking water, while the wealthiest households showed an increasing trend. In small cities, socioeconomic inequalities showed an increase between 2008 and 2018 (ECI 0.045 and 0.140, p < 0.001), while in larger cities, socioeconomic inequality reduced in the same period (ECI: 0.087 and 0.018, p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: We report a widening gap in the access to safe drinking water between the wealthiest and the poorest households over the study period. Progress in access to safe drinking water has not been equally distributed throughout the Peruvian population. Promoting and supporting effective implementation of policies and strategies to safe drinking water, including equity-oriented infrastructure development and resource allocation for most vulnerable settings, including emerging small cities, is a priority.

A review of assessment indicators used by Healthy Municipalities and Communities Program in Latin America and the Caribbean region.

The Healthy Municipalities and Communities Strategy (HMCS) was developed by the Pan American Health Organization in 1990. Evaluation and monitoring are fundamental components of health promotion policies. The aim of this study is to explore the indicators used in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries to assess the performance of HMCS. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, BVSDE and Google Advanced Search for documents published between January 2000 and April 2016. We included only documents with assessment indicators of the strategy. All articles were independently assessed for eligibility by pairs of reviewers. We classified the indicators with a supporting framework proposed by O'Neill and Simard (Choosing indicators to evaluate Healthy Cities projects: a political task? Health Promot Int 2006, 21, 145-152.). Local level indicators figured far more prominently among countries and were distributed both in projects and specific activities. Regarding the evolution of the HMCS, indicators were reported in the five levels of analysis (local projects and activities, provincial, national and international networks). Empowerment was represented through the presence of active community organizations and different methods of community participation (forums, open hearing and participation maps). Public policies (such as for tobacco cessation) and bylaws adherence and changes in school's curricula regarding healthy eating were frequently mentioned. However, this review demonstrated that impact indicators related to lifestyle changes or built environment are not clearly defined and there is a lack of indicators to measure progress in achieving change in long-term outcomes in LAC. We highlight the importance of designing validated indicators for measuring the impact of health promotion policies in partnership with each country involved.

Socio-economic inequalities in smoking prevalence and involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke in Argentina: Analysis of three cross-sectional nationally representative surveys in 2005, 2009 and 2013.

BACKGROUND: Understanding patterns of socio-economic inequalities in tobacco consumption is key to design targeted public health policies for tobacco control. This study examines socio-economic inequalities in smoking and involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke between 2005 and 2013. METHODS: Data were derived from the Argentine National Risk Factors Surveys, conducted in 2005, 2009, and 2013. Two inequality measures were calculated: the age-adjusted prevalence ratio (PR) and the disparity index (DI). Educational level, household income per consumer unit and employment status were used as proxies for socio-economic status (SES). Generalized linear models were used in the analysis. RESULTS: Prevalence of smoking decreased from 29.7% to 25.1% between 2005 and 2013, mainly in women (p<0.001). Despite the overall prevalence reduction, socio-economic inequalities in smoking persisted. For both men and women, the DI was moderately high for smoking (14.47%-33.06%) across the three surveys. In men, the PR indicated a higher smoking prevalence for lower educational levels and lower household income throughout the analyzed period. In women, unlike previous years, the 2013 survey showed disparity related to unemployment. Involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke in 2013 was associated with educational level and household income, with lower involuntary exposure among those with higher SES. CONCLUSIONS: While overall smoking rates have decreased in Argentina, socio-economic disparities related to tobacco smoking persist. Comprehensive tobacco control programs targeted to address these inequalities are essential in developing strategies to reduce health disparities in tobacco-related diseases.

Use of oral health care services in Peru: trends of socio-economic inequalities before and after the implementation of Universal Health Assurance.

BACKGROUND: Oral health inequalities are profound worldwide. Despite major improvements in oral health, inequalities exist for many racial and ethnic groups, by socioeconomic status, gender, age, and geographic location. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate trends of socio-economic inequalities in access to oral health services in Peru before and after the implementation of Universal Health Assurance (AUS). METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional study based on the National Household Survey on Living Conditions and Poverty (ENAHO) 2004, 2008, 2010 and 2017. Two periods were defined before and after the AUS Law (2009). Use of oral health services was the dependent variable, for the general population and according to ages, the area of residence, and natural region. Measurements of inequality in the use of health services were made based on the concentration curves (CC), dominance test and concentration index (CI). RESULTS: We included a number of 85,436 (2004), 88,673 (2008), 87,074 (2010) and 124,142 (2017) participants. The proportion of people who used oral health services was 8.4% (2014), 10.1% (2008), 10.6% (2010) and 10.4% (2017). Use of oral health services showed an increase in different age groups, urban and rural areas, and natural regions of residence during the study period. The CC were distributed below the line of equality, indicating an inequality of use of oral health services, in favor of the richest groups and dominance of the CC in 2017 over the previous years. Changes in the CI were statistically significant for < 5 years and in the rural area, and for the period 2010-2017 they were also significant in the general population, children aged 5-17 years, urban area, and Andean and Jungle regions, which indicates a reduction in the concentration of use of these services in these groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of oral health services in Peru increased and inequality decreased in the period 2004-2017, coinciding with the implementation of the AUS. However, the use of these services continue having a distribution in favor of the richest populations. It requires the introduction of new strategies and oral health programs in the Peruvian population, with the aim of closing the gap currently mediated by the economic possibilities.

Barriers and Facilitators for the Implementation and Evaluation of Community-Based Interventions to Promote Physical Activity and Healthy Diet: A Mixed Methods Study in Argentina.

Background: Obesogenic environments promote sedentary behavior and high dietary energy intake. The objective of the study was to identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation and impact evaluation of projects oriented to promote physical activity and healthy diet at community level. We analyzed experiences of the projects implemented within the Healthy Municipalities and Communities Program (HMCP) in Argentina. Methods: A mixed methods approach included (1) in-depth semi-structured interviews, with 44 stakeholders; and (2) electronic survey completed by 206 individuals from 96 municipalities across the country. Results: The most important barriers included the lack of: adequate funding (43%); skilled personnel (42%); equipment and material resources (31%); technical support for data management and analysis (20%); training on project designs (12%); political support from local authorities (17%) and acceptance of the proposed intervention by the local community (9%). Facilitators included motivated local leaders, inter-sectorial participation and seizing local resources. Project evaluation was mostly based on process rather than outcome indicators. Conclusions: This study contributes to a better understanding of the difficulties in the implementation of community-based intervention projects. Findings may guide stakeholders on how to facilitate local initiatives. There is a need to improve project evaluation strategies by incorporating process, outcome and context specific indicators.

[Health-related out-of-pocket expenses in older peruvian adults: analysis of the national household survey on living conditions and poverty 2017]. / Gasto de bolsillo en salud en adultos mayores peruanos: análisis de la encuesta nacional de hogares sobre condiciones de vida y pobreza 2017.

OBJECTIVES: . To estimate out-of-pocket spending on health (GBS) and identify its associated factors in Peruvian older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: Analytical cross-sectional study of the National Household Survey on Living Conditions and Poverty (ENAHO) 2017. Older adults were considered to be all individuals aged 60 and over and the GBS was considered the main study variable. Prevalence ratios (PR) and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRa) were estimated for each of the factors associated with GBS. GBS means were estimated using a generalized linear model with gamma distribution and log binding function. All confidence intervals (95%) of the estimators were calculated by bootstrapping with the normal-based method. RESULTS: . Eighteen 386 older adults were included, of which 56.5% reported GBS. The mean and median GBS is S/. 140.8 (USD 43.2) and S/. 34.5 (USD 10.6), respectively. Factors such as urban origin, a higher level of education, chronic diseases and higher per capita expenses increase the probability of GBS by up to 1.6 times. In those affiliated to the Integral Health Insurance (SIS), the GBS is reduced by 63.0 soles (USD 19.3) compared to those without any health insurance. CONCLUSIONS: . Six out of ten older Peruvian adults reported GBS to attend to their health needs. This generates an access inequity in terms of health services, mainly for socially-vulnerable groups. We suggest researching into the economic impact of health insurance and the preventive-promotional approach to chronic diseases, in order to reduce GBS and improve the efficiency of the Peruvian health system.

OBJETIVOS.: Estimar el gasto de bolsillo en salud (GBS) e identificar sus factores asociados en adultos mayores peruanos. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Estudio transversal analítico de la Encuesta Nacional de Hogares sobre Condiciones de Vida y Pobreza (ENAHO) 2017. Se consideró como adulto mayor a todo individuo de 60 y más años y el GBS como variable principal de estudio. Se estimaron razones de prevalencia (RP) y razones de prevalencia ajustada (RPa) para cada uno de los factores asociados a GBS. Las medias del GBS fueron estimadas mediante un modelo lineal generalizado con distribución gamma y función de enlace log. Todos los intervalos de confianza (95 %) de los estimadores fueron calculados mediante bootstrapping con el método basado en la normal. RESULTADOS.: Se incluyeron 18 386 adultos mayores, de los cuales en el 56,5 % se reportó GBS. La media y mediana del GBS es de 140,8 (USD 43,2) y 34,5 (USD 10,6) soles, respectivamente. Factores como procedencia urbana, mayor nivel de educación, padecer enfermedades crónicas y mayores gastos per cápita aumentan hasta 1,6 veces la probabilidad de GBS. En los afiliados al Seguro Integral de Salud (SIS) se reduce el GBS en 63,0 soles (USD 19,3) comparado con aquellos sin ningún seguro de salud. CONCLUSIONES.: Seis de cada diez adultos mayores peruanos reportó GBS para atender su salud. Esto genera inequidad en el acceso a los servicios de salud, principalmente para los grupos socialmente vulnerables. Se sugiere investigar el impacto económico de los seguros sanitarios y el abordaje preventivo-promocional de las enfermedades crónicas, en aras de reducir el GBS y mejorar la eficiencia del sistema de salud peruano.

Gasto de bolsillo en salud en adultos mayores peruanos: análisis de la encuesta nacional de hogares sobre condiciones de vida y pobreza 2017 / Health-related out-of-pocket expenses in older peruvian adults: analysis of the national household survey on living conditions and poverty 2017

RESUMEN Objetivos. Estimar el gasto de bolsillo en salud (GBS) e identificar sus factores asociados en adultos mayores peruanos. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal analítico de la Encuesta Nacional de Hogares sobre Condiciones de Vida y Pobreza (ENAHO) 2017. Se consideró como adulto mayor a todo individuo de 60 y más años y el GBS como variable principal de estudio. Se estimaron razones de prevalencia (RP) y razones de prevalencia ajustada (RPa) para cada uno de los factores asociados a GBS. Las medias del GBS fueron estimadas mediante un modelo lineal generalizado con distribución gamma y función de enlace log. Todos los intervalos de confianza (95 %) de los estimadores fueron calculados mediante bootstrapping con el método basado en la normal. Resultados. Se incluyeron 18 386 adultos mayores, de los cuales en el 56,5 % se reportó GBS. La media y mediana del GBS es de 140,8 (USD 43,2) y 34,5 (USD 10,6) soles, respectivamente. Factores como procedencia urbana, mayor nivel de educación, padecer enfermedades crónicas y mayores gastos per cápita aumentan hasta 1,6 veces la probabilidad de GBS. En los afiliados al Seguro Integral de Salud (SIS) se reduce el GBS en 63,0 soles (USD 19,3) comparado con aquellos sin ningún seguro de salud. Conclusiones. Seis de cada diez adultos mayores peruanos reportó GBS para atender su salud. Esto genera inequidad en el acceso a los servicios de salud, principalmente para los grupos socialmente vulnerables. Se sugiere investigar el impacto económico de los seguros sanitarios y el abordaje preventivo-promocional de las enfermedades crónicas, en aras de reducir el GBS y mejorar la eficiencia del sistema de salud peruano.

ABSTRACT Objectives . To estimate out-of-pocket spending on health (GBS) and identify its associated factors in Peruvian older adults. Materials and Methods. Analytical cross-sectional study of the National Household Survey on Living Conditions and Poverty (ENAHO) 2017. Older adults were considered to be all individuals aged 60 and over and the GBS was considered the main study variable. Prevalence ratios (PR) and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRa) were estimated for each of the factors associated with GBS. GBS means were estimated using a generalized linear model with gamma distribution and log binding function. All confidence intervals (95%) of the estimators were calculated by bootstrapping with the normal-based method. Results . Eighteen 386 older adults were included, of which 56.5% reported GBS. The mean and median GBS is S/. 140.8 (USD 43.2) and S/. 34.5 (USD 10.6), respectively. Factors such as urban origin, a higher level of education, chronic diseases and higher per capita expenses increase the probability of GBS by up to 1.6 times. In those affiliated to the Integral Health Insurance (SIS), the GBS is reduced by 63.0 soles (USD 19.3) compared to those without any health insurance. Conclusions . Six out of ten older Peruvian adults reported GBS to attend to their health needs. This generates an access inequity in terms of health services, mainly for socially-vulnerable groups. We suggest researching into the economic impact of health insurance and the preventive-promotional approach to chronic diseases, in order to reduce GBS and improve the efficiency of the Peruvian health system.

Prevalence of Childhood Obesity by Sex and Regions in Peru, 2015. / Prevalencia de obesidad en menores de cinco años en Perú según sexo y región, 2015.

OBJECTIVE: Childhood obesity is a global problem, sociodemographic and cultural factors influence its presence. An analysis of disparities in the prevalence of childhood obesity in Peru was made by sex and region in 2015. METHODS: Analysis of the information reported by the Sistema de Información del Estado Nutricional of the number of obesity cases in 2,336,791 children under five years, evaluated in public health facilities during 2015. The distribution of obesity cases was analyzed by sex and region of residence, also a spatial projection of the regional prevalence of obesity and the prevalence differences between men and women was performed. RESULTS: Data from 2,336,791 children under five was analyzed. An obesity prevalence of 1.52% (girls: 1.3% and boys: 1.7%) was found; the highest prevalence were observed in urban areas (girls: 1.5% and boys: 1.9%) and on the Costa (girls: 1.9% and boys: 2.5%). Highest prevalence of obesity were in Tacna (girls: 3.2% y boys: 3.9%), Moquegua (girls: 2.4% y boys: 3.1%) and Callao (girls: 2.3% y boys: 2.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Childhood obesity predominates on the coast and in urban areas of Peru particularly among boys. The regions of higher prevalence of obesity were Tacna Moquegua and Callao.

OBJETIVO: La obesidad infantil es un problema global. Factores sociodemográficos y culturales influyen en su presencia. El objetivo fue conocer la prevalencia de obesidad infantil en Perú según sexo y región en el año 2015. METODOS: Análisis de la información reportada por el Sistema de Información del Estado Nutricional del número de casos de obesidad en 2.336.791 menores de cinco años evaluados en 7.929 establecimientos públicos de salud durante el 2015. Se analizó la distribución de los casos de obesidad según sexo y regiones de residencia, además se realizó una proyección espacial de las prevalencias regionales de obesidad y las diferencias de las prevalencias entre niños y niñas. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron los datos de 2.336.791 menores. Se encontró una prevalencia de obesidad del 1,52% (niñas: 1,3% y niños: 1,7%). Se observaron las mayores prevalencias en las zonas urbanas (niñas: 1,5% y niños: 1,9%) y en la región costera (niñas: 1,9% y niños: 2,5%). Las prevalencias más altas se encontraron en Tacna (niñas: 3,2% y niños: 3,9%), Moquegua (niñas: 2,4% y niños: 3,1%) y Callao (niñas: 2,3% y niños: 2,8%. CONCLUSIONES: La obesidad infantil predomina en la costa y áreas urbanas del Perú, especialmente entre los niños. Las regiones con mayor prevalencia son Tacna, Moquegua y Callao.