[SIR model of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia]. / Modelo SIR de la pandemia de COVID-19 en Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a prognostic SIR model of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A SIR model with a deterministic approach was used to forecast the development of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia. The states considered were susceptible (S), infectious (i) and recovered or deceased (R). Population data were obtained from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) - Population Projections 2018-2020, released in January 2020-, and data on daily confirmed cases of COVID-19 from the National Institute of Health. Different models were proposed varying the basic reproduction number (R0). RESULTS: Based on the cases reported by the Ministry of Health, 4 simulated environments were created in an epidemiological SIR model. The time series was extended until May 30, the probable date when 99% of the population will be infected. R0=2 is the basic reproduction number and the closest approximation to the behavior of the pandemic during the first 15 days since the first case report; the worst scenario would occur in the first week of April with R0=3. CONCLUSIONS: Further mitigation and suppression measures are necessary in the containment and sustained transmission phases, such as increased diagnostic capacity through testing and disinfection of populated areas and homes in isolation.

[An approach to research in the political agendas of the health sector in Colombia between 1990 and 2010]. / Una aproximación a la investigación en las agendas políticas del sector salud en Colombia entre 1990 y 2010.

OBJECTIVE: To understand health research in Colombia in the context of governmental and legislative agendas related to the health sector between 1990 and 2010. METHODS: Official sources were used such as development plans, bills and institutional documents. RESULTS: The National Government, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MSPS by its acronym in Spanish) and the Colombian Congress have focused their attention on health research as a public concern at certain presidential periods due to their interest in reducing the gap between research and health needs. In the 1990s, government plans showed greater interest in formulating a Science and Technology (S&T) policy in health led by the Ministry, an entity that had directorates, commissions and committees responsible for promoting and planning health research. In Congress, some health system reform projects included initiatives to formulate a health research policy that were not approved. DISCUSSION: Health research is recognized as a fundamental tool to help solve health problems. However, said recognition by governmental and legislative actors has not been constant and the institutionality in the health sector has been precarious considering that there is no permanent interest in formulating an S&T policy in health.

OBJETIVO: Entender la investigación en salud en Colombia como parte de agendas gubernamentales y legislativas relacionadas con el sector salud entre 1990 y 2010. MÉTODOS: Se usaron fuentes documentales oficiales como planes de desarrollo, proyectos de ley y otras publicaciones institucionales. RESULTADOS: El Gobierno Nacional, el Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social (MSPS) y el Congreso colombiano han puesto la atención a la investigación en salud como un problema público en diferentes periodos presidenciales debido al interés de reducir la brecha entre la investigación y las necesidades en salud. En los planes gubernamentales durante los años noventa se presentó mayor interés en la formulación de una política de Ciencia y Tecnología (CyT) en salud liderado por el MSPS, entidad que contaba con direcciones, comisiones y comités encargados de promover y planear la investigación en salud. En el Congreso, algunos proyectos de reforma al sistema de salud incluyeron iniciativas para formular una política de investigación en salud que no fueron aprobadas. DISCUSIÓN: La investigación en salud es reconocida como fundamental para contribuir a solucionar los problemas de salud. Sin embargo, este reconocimiento no ha sido constante por parte de los actores gubernamentales y legislativos, la institucionalidad en el sector salud ha sido precaria y no hubo insistente interés por formular una política de CyT en salud.

[Quality of life and environment in communities close to industrial mining activity in Boyacá, Colombia]. / Calidad de vida y ambiente en comunidades próximas a la actividad de minería industrial en Boyacá, Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the life quality perception and environmental situation, in nearby and distant towns from the mining industry of the Boyacá Department of Colombia. METHOD: Cross-sectional study. The towns near of influence area were grouped into zones 1 and 2, and distant towns as zone 0. Conglomerates carried out a simple, multistage, random sampling. A sample of 1,117 households was determined and the unit of analysis was the family. To measure the quality of life and health perception, the WHOQOL-BREF instrument was used. Frequency distributions and comparisons between qualitative and quantitative variables were calculated. Univariate and bivariate analyzes were performed. RESULTS: The life quality perception and satisfaction with health was greater in zone 0. The means calculated for the four domains of the questionnaire, by towns, shows that Ramiriquí has the highest interquartile ranges. The life quality perception decreases in women and with increasing age. In zones 1 & 2, the environment was described as "very bad" and without any improvement at the last five years. CONCLUSION: Communities close to mining-industrial activities report a worse perception of health, greater concern about the risk of exposure and do not consider that mining industry provides greater benefits for their quality of life.

OBJETIVOS: Comparar la percepción sobre calidad de vida y situación ambiental, en municipios próximos y distantes de la actividad minero industrial del Departamento de Boyacá. MÉTODO: Estudio epidemiológico transversal. Los municipios próximos al área de influencia fueron agrupados en zonas identificadas como 1 y 2, y los municipios distantes como zona 0. Se realizó un muestreo aleatorio simple, multietápico, por conglomerados. Se determinó una muestra de 1 117 hogares y la unidad de análisis fue la familia. Para medir la calidad de vida y percepción de salud se utilizó el instrumento WHOQOL-BREF. Se calcularon distribuciones de frecuencia, diferencias entre variables y comparaciones entre variables cualitativas y cuantitativas. Se realizaron análisis univariados y bivariados. RESULTADOS: La calificación de la calidad de vida y satisfacción con la salud es mayor en la zona 0. Las medias calculadas para los cuatro dominios del cuestionario, por municipios, muestra que Ramiriquí presenta los rangos intercuartílicos más elevados. La percepción de calidad de vida y salud disminuye a medida que aumenta la edad y se presentan resultados menos satisfactorios entre las mujeres. En las zonas 1 y 2, el medio ambiente del municipio se calificó como "muy malo" y la situación ambiental de su municipio sin ninguna mejora en los últimos cinco años. CONCLUSIÓN: Las comunidades próximas a actividades minero-industriales, reportan una peor percepción de salud, mayor preocupación ante el riesgo a la exposición y no consideran que dicha actividad aporte mayores beneficios para su calidad de vida.

[A multilevel approach to diagnosing physical activity in three parts of Colombia]. / Enfoque multinivel para el diagnóstico de la actividad física en tres regiones de Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: Individual and contextual characteristics related to physical activity were studied to describe and interpret such practice in three parts of Colombian. METHODS: Primary- and secondary-source information was obtained at individual, community and regional level concerning cultural, political and urban variables. This information was processed using filters orientated towards analysing compatibility and complementary aspects between levels and variables. RESULTS: Practising physical activity presented related aspects affecting individual behaviour (the meaning of the body, health and looking after yourself), urban environmental aspects (soil use and the availability of bicycle-routes) and regulatory developments (health policy really orientated towards promoting health). CONCLUSIONS: A qualitative approach towards dealing with information about engaging in physical activity within an urban context, as well as interpreting such data respecting constructing social relationships, was achieved in this work. Common aspects for the three regions were identified, as were aspects specific for each region. The multilevel approach led to interpreting relationships between individual variables and political ones.

[On health research as public policy in Colombia: assessment and perspectives]. / Investigación en salud como política pública en Colombia: balance y perspectivas.

This essay presents some elements of analysis for thinking about health research in Colombia as a public policy, something which was formed starting in 1990 with the establishment of Science and Technology regulations. A set of institutional adjustments was carried out which led to the creation of the National Program of Health Science and Technology and the National Council of Health Science and Technology. In addition, it led to the institutionalization of calls for research proposals as a mechanism for selecting research projects and assigning resources in accordance with the needs and priorities of the National System of Science and Technology. Since then, there have been no major changes in the public management of health research, with the exception of the Health Research Fund, created in 2001. However, some efforts have been made to develop some capacities and -so far unsuccessfully- to formulate a national policy on health research. The Statutory Health Act approved in 2015 could be an important opportunity to realize and implement this policy decision.

Uso intensivo de las TIC en un curso virtual de análisis de políticas públicas en salud / Intensive use of ICT in a virtual health public policy analysis course

RESUMEN Objetivo Diseñar y aplicar objetos virtuales de aprendizaje con énfasis en el estudiante y evaluar los resultados de un curso renovado en el aprendizaje de los métodos y técnicas apropiadas para el análisis de políticas públicas en salud. Metodología El proyecto se concibió como un estudio observacional, comparativo y analítico para establecer la eficacia de las innovaciones pedagógicas. De marzo a julio de 2018 se llevó a cabo el proceso de rediseño pedagógico de cada una de las unidades del curso virtual de Análisis de Políticas Públicas en Salud. El curso renovado se realizó de agosto a diciembre de 2018. Resultados Se introdujeron modificaciones en la estructura y la visualización del curso. Se llevó a cabo una innovación pedagógica por medio de las TIC, que incluyó videos de presentación del curso y de sus unidades, videos de presentación de los docentes, guías en HTML y PDF interactivos, cuestionarios en línea, presentaciones en Prezi, infografías, videoconferencias y evaluaciones en línea. Los indicadores usados muestran un mejoramiento de los logros y competencias en el curso renovado con respecto a los cursos anteriores. Discusión Los resultados del proyecto sugieren que las transformaciones pedagógicas basadas en el uso intensivo de las TIC pueden tener resultados favorables. Esto es significativo para el análisis sobre las transformaciones relevantes del "modelo pedagógico".

ABSTRACT Objective Design and use virtual learning object with particular emphasis on students and evaluate the results of an updated workshop to learn methods and skills to analyze public policies on health. Methodology The project was made like an observational, comparative, and analytical study to stablish the effectiveness of pedagogical innovations. From March to July 2018 the process of pedagogical redesign of every part of the workshop "Análisis de Políticas Públicas en Salud". The renovate course took place from August to December 2018. Results Modifications were made to the course's structure and visualization. A pedagogical innovation was made using ICT (course presentation videos, HTML guides, Interactive PDF, computer graphics, videoconferences, and online examinations). The indicators show an improvement of the achievements and competencies in the renewed course with respect to the previous courses. Discussion The results of the project suggest that the pedagogical changes based on the interactive use of ICT could have favorable outcomes. This is meaningful for the analysis of the relevant changes of the "pedagogical model".

[Identification of capacities in environmental health from environmental authorities in Colombia]. / Identificación de capacidades en salud ambiental de las autoridades ambientales en Colombia.

Objectives To diagnose the capabilities that environmental authorities and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development have to assume their role in environmental health, based on the capacity model of the United Nations Program for Development UNDP. Method Document review, interviews on key issues and a commented survey were conducted. 84 entities were selected for a tailored survey; complete information was obtained from 76 institutions. Results The valuation of environment favorability was within the acceptable and unfavorable categories; knowledge management capabilities were found to be precarious and assessment of functional capabilities ranged between appropriate and acceptable. The assessment of specific capabilities had a rating of poor or barely acceptable. Conclusions Two major problems were found: a. The environmental authorities do not conceive or implement these capabilities based on the UNDP model but on the conventional model of the Ministry of Environment, Housing and Territorial Development; b. Environmental authorities show an incipient level of incorporation of environmental health policies in their field of action.

[Evaluation of environmental conditions: air, water and soil in areas of mining activity in Boyacá, Colombia]. / Evaluación de condiciones ambientales: aire, agua y suelos en áreas de actividad minera en Boyacá, Colombia.

Objectives To determine concentrations of PM10, mercury and lead in indoor air of homes, water sources and soil in municipalities near mining operations. Method 6 points were evaluated in areas of influence and 2 in control areas. For measurements of indoor air, we used the NIOSH 600 method (PM10), NIOSH 6009 (mercury) and NIOSH 7300 (lead). For water analysis we used the IDEAM Guide for monitoring discharges. For soil analysis, we used the cold vapor technique (mercury) and atomic absorption (lead). Results In almost all selected households, the average PM10 and mercury concentrations in indoor air exceeded applicable air quality standards. Concentrations of lead were below standard levels. In all water sources, high concentrations of lead were found and in some places within the mining areas, high levels of iron, aluminum and mercury were also found. In soil, mercury concentrations were below the detection level and for lead, differences between the monitored points were observed. Conclusions The results do not establish causal relationships between mining and concentration of these pollutants in the evaluated areas because of the multiplicity of sources in the area. However, such studies provide important information, useful to agents of the environmental health system and researchers. Installation of networks for environmental monitoring to obtain continuous reports is suggested.

[Multidimensional analysis of environmental health capabilities in the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development in Colombia]. / Análisis multidimensional de las capacidades en salud ambiental del Ministerio de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible en Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: To approach the multidimensional analysis of functional capacities in environmental health in the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, based on the UNDP model of interactions between central problems and functional capabilities. METHOD: Individual institutional results obtained through surveys and information from secondary sources, CAR (Autonomous Regional Corporations) and environmental authorities on policies, strategies, action plans, regional environmental management plans, regulations, activities, and accountabilities related to environmental health during the period 2012-2015 were used as sources of information. RESULTS: The consolidation of results per corporation about core issues and functional capabilities, in terms of the level of response, shows a significant heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Public leadership and social empowerment constitute a virtuous circle that allows strengthening capacities in projects of high social interest. Moreover, other capacities such as achieving commitments and institutional and technical capacities (policy design, implementation, evaluation, etc.) can be strengthened as well. Three alternatives for environmental health capabilities implementation have been proposed.

OBJETIVOS: Realizar una aproximación al análisis multidimensional de las capacidades funcionales en salud ambiental del Ministerio de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible, con base en el modelo del PNUD de interacciones entre problemas centrales y capacidades funcionales. MÉTODO: Se utilizaron como fuentes de información los resultados institucionales obtenidos por medio de encuestas, b) información de fuentes secundarias, proveniente de las CAR y las autoridades ambientales, sobre las políticas, estrategias, planes de acción, planes de gestión ambiental regional - PGAR, normativas, actividades y rendición de cuentas. RESULTADOS: La consolidación de los resultados institucionales, con respecto a los problemas centrales y capacidades, muestran una heterogeneidad importante. CONCLUSIÓN: El liderazgo público y el empoderamiento social, constituyen un círculo virtuoso que permite fortalecer las capacidades en proyectos de alto interés social. En el marco de este encadenamiento es posible fortalecer las otras capacidades como el logro de compromisos y las de tipo institucional y técnico (diseño de políticas, implementación, evaluación, etc.). Se presentan tres alternativas que permiten la implementación de capacidades en salud ambiental.

[Exploring models for the assessment of the economic, social, political, and scientific impact of health research]. / Exploración de modelos para la evaluación del impacto económico, social, político y científico de la investigación en salud.

Health research produces effects on the health of populations. This document approaches the frameworks and the models used by developed countries to assess the impact of health research through documentary analysis of research with the highest impact. With this, it was possible to identify two guiding axes of analysis: one having to do with focus, and the other having to do with emphasis. With these, the published models, their uses, their reach, and their origins are related. Our study brings awareness to the features they have and the areas in which Colombia could implement them. We found that the framework for evaluating health research known as the "payback model" is a model for monitoring research that tracks the process and research results with multidimensional categorization of the impacts of research.

[Characterization of the training and practice of human talent working in environmental health in Colombia]. / Caracterización de la formación y desempeño del talento humano que labora en Salud Ambiental en Colombia.

Objectives To characterize the peculiarities in the training, exercise, and performance of human talent working in environmental health in Colombia. Method Documentary and database reviews. Surveys and semi-structured interviews. Results Approximately 70 % of professionals in the area of environmental health work in health management, food engineering, environmental engineering, sanitary engineering, veterinary medicine, and pharmaceutical chemistry. 63 % of technologists belong to the field of sanitation technology. Only 20 % of surveyed educational institutions apply the competence approach to training to their students and the identification of occupational characteristics in the labor market is only used at the undergraduate level as a criterion of academic analysis and design. Only 20 % of educational institutions identify educational trends in Colombian and or international environmental health as a contribution to their programs. In prospective practices, the following topics to be strengthened were identified: risk factor identfication, measurement, and control; design and implementation of mechanisms for controlling environmental risks; forms of interdisciplinary work between the natural, social and health sciences; preventative and environmental protection measures and the concept of environment (natural, social, and cultural). Conclusion The human talent currently working in environmental health in the country is concentrated in primary care activities (inspection, monitoring and control) and a large spread exists in mission processes and competences, both professionally and technologically. A lack of coordination between the environmental sector and the education sector can be observed. A great diversity exists among the profiles offered by the different educational programs related to environmental health.

Modelo SIR de la pandemia de COVID-19 en Colombia / SIR model of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia / Modelo SIR da pandemia de COVID-19 na Colômbia

RESUMEN Objetivo Desarrollar un modelo SIR pronóstico de la pandemia de COVID-19 en el territorio colombiano. Métodos Se utilizó un modelo SIR con enfoque determinístico para pronosticar el desarrollo de la pandemia de COVID-19 en Colombia. Los estados considerados fueron susceptibles (S), infecciosos (i) y recuperados o fallecidos (R). Los datos poblacionales se obtuvieron del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de estadística (Proyecciones de Población 2018-2020, difundida en enero de 2020) y los datos sobre casos diarios confirmados de COVID-19 del Instituto Nacional de Salud. Se plantearon diferentes modelos variando el número básico de reproducción (R0). Resultados A partir de los casos reportados por el Ministerio de Salud se crearon cuatro ambientes o escenarios simulados en un modelo SIR epidemiológico, se extendieron las series de tiempo hasta el 30 de mayo, fecha probable del 99% de infección poblacional. Un R0 de 2 es la aproximación más cercana al comportamiento de la pandemia durante los primeros 15 días desde el reporte del caso 0, el peor escenario se daría en la primera semana de abril con un R0 igual a 3. Conclusiones Se hacen necesarias nuevas medidas de mitigación y supresión en las fases de contención y transmisión sostenida, como aumento de la capacidad diagnostica por pruebas y desinfección de zonas pobladas y hogares de aislamiento.

ABSTRACT Objective To develop a prognostic SIR model of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia. Materials and Methods A SIR model with a deterministic approach was used to forecast the development of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia. The states considered were susceptible (S), infectious (i) and recovered or deceased (R). Population data were obtained from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) - Population Projections 2018-2020, released in January 2020-, and data on daily confirmed cases of COVID-19 from the National Institute of Health. Different models were proposed varying the basic reproduction number (R0). Results Based on the cases reported by the Ministry of Health, 4 simulated environments were created in an epidemiological SIR model. The time series was extended until May 30, the probable date when 99% of the population will be infected. R0=2 is the basic reproduction number and the closest approximation to the behavior of the pandemic during the first 15 days since the first case report; the worst scenario would occur in the first week of April with R0=3. Conclusions Further mitigation and suppression measures are necessary in the containment and sustained transmission phases, such as increased diagnostic capacity through testing and disinfection of populated areas and homes in isolation.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Desenvolver um modelo SIR prognóstico da pandemia de COVID-19 no território colombiano. MÉTODOS Um modelo SIR com abordagem determinística foi usado para prever o desenvolvimento da pandemia de COVID-19 na Colômbia. Os estados considerados foram suscetíveis (S), infecciosos (i) e recuperados ou falecidos (R). Os dados populacionais foram obtidos do Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estatística (Projeções de População 2018-2020, divulgado em janeiro de 2020) e dados sobre casos confirmados diariamente de COVID-19 do Instituto Nacional de Saúde. Diferentes modelos foram propostos variando o número básico de reprodução (R 0 ). RESULTADOS Dos casos relatados pelo Ministério da Saúde, quatro ambientes ou cenários simulados foram criados em um modelo epidemiológico de RIS, as séries temporais foram estendidas até 30 de maio, data provável de 99% de infecção populacional. Um R 0 de 2 é a aproximação mais próxima do comportamento da pandemia durante os primeiros 15 dias a partir do relato do caso 0, o pior cenário ocorreria na primeira semana de abril com um R 0 igual a 3. CONCLUSÕES Novas medidas de mitigação e supressão são necessárias nas fases de contenção e transmissão sustentada, como aumento da capacidade de diagnóstico por testes e desinfecção de áreas povoadas e residências isoladas.

Modelo SIR de la pandemia de COVID-19 en Colombia / SIR model of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo Desarrollar un modelo SIR pronóstico de la pandemia de COVID-19 en el territorio colombiano. Métodos Se utilizó un modelo SIR con enfoque determinístico para pronosticar el desarrollo de la pandemia de COVID-19 en Colombia. Los estados considerados fueron susceptibles (S), infecciosos (i) y recuperados o fallecidos (R). Los datos poblacionales se obtuvieron del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de estadística (Proyecciones de Población 2018-2020, difundida en enero de 2020) y los datos sobre casos diarios confirmados de COVID-19 del Instituto Nacional de Salud. Se plantearon diferentes modelos variando el número básico de reproducción (R0). Resultados A partir de los casos reportados por el Ministerio de Salud se crearon cuatro ambientes o escenarios simulados en un modelo SIR epidemiológico, se extendieron las series de tiempo hasta el 30 de mayo, fecha probable del 99% de infección poblacional. Un R0 de 2 es la aproximación más cercana al comportamiento de la pandemia durante los primeros 15 días desde el reporte del caso 0, el peor escenario se daría en la primera semana de abril con un R0 igual a 3. Conclusiones Se hacen necesarias nuevas medidas de mitigación y supresión en las fases de contención y transmisión sostenida, como aumento de la capacidad diagnostica por pruebas y desinfección de zonas pobladas y hogares de aislamiento.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To develop a prognostic SIR model of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia. Materials and Methods A SIR model with a deterministic approach was used to forecast the development of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia. The states considered were susceptible (S), infectious (i) and recovered or deceased (R). Population data were obtained from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) - Population Projections 2018-2020, released in January 2020-, and data on daily confirmed cases of COVID-19 from the National Institute of Health. Different models were proposed varying the basic reproduction number (R0). Results Based on the cases reported by the Ministry of Health, 4 simulated environments were created in an epidemiological SIR model. The time series was extended until May 30, the probable date when 99% of the population will be infected. R0=2 is the basic reproduction number and the closest approximation to the behavior of the pandemic during the first 15 days since the first case report; the worst scenario would occur in the first week of April with R0=3. Conclusions Further mitigation and suppression measures are necessary in the containment and sustained transmission phases, such as increased diagnostic capacity through testing and disinfection of populated areas and homes in isolation.(AU)

[Evaluation indicators of the Healthy Municipalities for Peace strategy in Colombia]. / Indicadores de evaluación de la estrategia de Municipios Saludables por la Paz en Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: The work that is presented is the first phase of a scale development study. The objectives are: selecting, developing and evaluating indicators for the evaluation of the healthy cities project in Colombia, in order to offer the bases for the construction of a measurement scale. METHODS: The project was executed from January 2001 to August 2002. A validation by construct and an assessment of indicators, according to their importance, data availability and formulation were carried out. A theoretical heuristic model for evaluating the Colombian Healthy Cities Project was developed; based on these model 128 indicators were defined. A preliminary instrument was then made and evaluated by experts in the strategy. A test was carried out in five cities in order to test data availability and formulation. RESULTS: The final results are a heuristic model for the evaluation of the project and an evaluation of each indicator. CONCLUSIONS: The final results are not finished. A greater effort is needed for developing good heuristic models and for building instruments for assessing the healthy cities project in Colombia.

[PM10 exposure-related respiratory symptoms and disease in children living in and near five coal-mining areas in the Cesar department of Colombia]. / Enfermedad y síntomas respiratorios en niños de cinco municipios carboníferos del Cesar, Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: Establishing the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and disease in children aged less than 12 years-old living within the Cesar department's coal-mining area and possible associated factors. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 1,627 children aged less than 10 years-old living in and near coal-mining areas in the Cesar department who were exposed to different levels of PM10 from 2008-2010; their PM10 exposure-related symptoms and respiratory diseases were measured, seeking an association with living in areas exposed to particulate material. RESULTS: Children living in areas close to coal-mining activity which also had high traffic volume had a higher rate of probable cases of asthma; those living in areas with traffic (not no coal-mining) were absent from school for more days due to acute respiratory disease. Respiratory symptoms were most commonly found in children experiencing living conditions which exposed them to cigarette or firewood smoke indoors, living in houses made with wattle and daub or adobe walls, living where animals were kept, living in damp housing and diesel-powered dump trucks operating within 100 m or less of their housing. Living in areas having high traffic volume increased the risk of respiratory symptoms, acute respiratory disease and being absent from school. DISCUSSION: All the effects studied were associated with intramural conditions, individual factors or those associated with the immediate surroundings thereby coinciding with results found in similar studies regarding air pollution and health. It is thus suggested that regional strategies and policy be created for controlling and monitoring the air quality and health of people living in the Cesar department.

Una aproximación a la investigación en las agendas políticas del sector salud en Colombia entre 1990 y 2010 / An approach to research in the political agendas of the health sector in Colombia between 1990 and 2010

RESUMEN Objetivo Entender la investigación en salud en Colombia como parte de agendas gubernamentales y legislativas relacionadas con el sector salud entre 1990 y 2010. Métodos Se usaron fuentes documentales oficiales como planes de desarrollo, proyectos de ley y otras publicaciones institucionales. Resultados El Gobierno Nacional, el Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social (MSPS) y el Congreso colombiano han puesto la atención a la investigación en salud como un problema público en diferentes periodos presidenciales debido al interés de reducir la brecha entre la investigación y las necesidades en salud. En los planes gubernamentales durante los años noventa se presentó mayor interés en la formulación de una política de Ciencia y Tecnología (CyT) en salud liderado por el MSPS, entidad que contaba con direcciones, comisiones y comités encargados de promover y planear la investigación en salud. En el Congreso, algunos proyectos de reforma al sistema de salud incluyeron iniciativas para formular una política de investigación en salud que no fueron aprobadas. Discusión La investigación en salud es reconocida como fundamental para contribuir a solucionar los problemas de salud. Sin embargo, este reconocimiento no ha sido constante por parte de los actores gubernamentales y legislativos, la institucionalidad en el sector salud ha sido precaria y no hubo insistente interés por formular una política de CyT en salud.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To understand health research in Colombia in the context of governmental and legislative agendas related to the health sector between 1990 and 2010. Methods Official sources were used such as development plans, bills and institutional documents. Results The National Government, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MSPS by its acronym in Spanish) and the Colombian Congress have focused their attention on health research as a public concern at certain presidential periods due to their interest in reducing the gap between research and health needs. In the 1990s, government plans showed greater interest in formulating a Science and Technology (S&T) policy in health led by the Ministry, an entity that had directorates, commissions and committees responsible for promoting and planning health research. In Congress, some health system reform projects included initiatives to formulate a health research policy that were not approved. Discussion Health research is recognized as a fundamental tool to help solve health problems. However, said recognition by governmental and legislative actors has not been constant and the institutionality in the health sector has been precarious considering that there is no permanent interest in formulating an S&T policy in health.(AU)

[Evaluating public policy regarding the concept of healthy schools in Colombia: the formulation phase (1999-2006)]. / Evaluación de la política pública de escuela saludable en Colombia: fase de formulación (1999-2006).

OBJECTIVE: Evaluating public policy formulation regarding the concept of healthy schools in Colombia, 1999 to 2006. METHODS: This study involved qualitative research aimed at analysing the cycle of public policy. The main strategies used were collecting information, a documental review of secondary sources and holding semi-structured interviews (primary source). Thematic content was analysed. RESULTS: Two moments were identified regarding the formulation of policy or guidelines for the "Healthy schools in Colombia" strategy. The first was related to the publication of a document entitled, "A healthy school: the joy of living in peace," whose content was aimed at presenting national guidelines for implementing such policy whilst the second (following the enactment of the United Nations' Millennium Declaration) was an attempt at promoting housing and healthcare policy. The results were seen in terms of categories for integrating information regarding standards, observing pertinent actors, relationships, problems, objectives, lines of action and time-lines regarding policy and decision-making time-frames. CONCLUSIONS: The idea of a healthy school has not been a priority in the Colombian state's public policy, in spite of having been a state commitment in line with PAHO/WHO's stated policy, commitments promised by high officials during international meetings and representing a crucial strategy for achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDG).

Calidad de vida y ambiente en comunidades próximas a la actividad de minería industrial en Boyacá, Colombia / Quality of life and environment in communities close to industrial mining activity in Boyacá, Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivos Comparar la percepción sobre calidad de vida y situación ambiental, en municipios próximos y distantes de la actividad minero industrial del Departamento de Boyacá. Método Estudio epidemiológico transversal. Los municipios próximos al área de influencia fueron agrupados en zonas identificadas como 1 y 2, y los municipios distantes como zona 0. Se realizó un muestreo aleatorio simple, multietápico, por conglomerados. Se determinó una muestra de 1 117 hogares y la unidad de análisis fue la familia. Para medir la calidad de vida y percepción de salud se utilizó el instrumento WHOQOL-BREF. Se calcularon distribuciones de frecuencia, diferencias entre variables y comparaciones entre variables cualitativas y cuantitativas. Se realizaron análisis univariados y bivariados. Resultados La calificación de la calidad de vida y satisfacción con la salud es mayor en la zona 0. Las medias calculadas para los cuatro dominios del cuestionario, por municipios, muestra que Ramiriquí presenta los rangos intercuartílicos más elevados. La percepción de calidad de vida y salud disminuye a medida que aumenta la edad y se presentan resultados menos satisfactorios entre las mujeres. En las zonas 1 y 2, el medio ambiente del municipio se calificó como "muy malo" y la situación ambiental de su municipio sin ninguna mejora en los últimos cinco años Conclusión Las comunidades próximas a actividades minero-industriales, reportan una peor percepción de salud, mayor preocupación ante el riesgo a la exposición y no consideran que dicha actividad aporte mayores beneficios para su calidad de vida.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the life quality perception and environmental situation, in nearby and distant towns from the mining industry of the Boyacá Department of Colombia Method Cross-sectional study. The towns near of influence area were grouped into zones 1 and 2, and distant towns as zone 0. Conglomerates carried out a simple, multistage, random sampling. A sample of 1,117 households was determined and the unit of analysis was the family. To measure the quality of life and health perception, the WHOQOL-BREF instrument was used. Frequency distributions and comparisons between qualitative and quantitative variables were calculated. Univariate and bivariate analyzes were performed. Results The life quality perception and satisfaction with health was greater in zone 0. The means calculated for the four domains of the questionnaire, by towns, shows that Ramiriquí has the highest interquartile ranges. The life quality perception decreases in women and with increasing age. In zones 1 & 2, the environment was described as "very bad" and without any improvement at the last five years. Conclusion Communities close to mining-industrial activities report a worse perception of health, greater concern about the risk of exposure and do not consider that mining industry provides greater benefits for their quality of life.(AU)

[An approach to the theoretical construction of healthcare promotion]. / Aproximación a la construcción teórica de la promoción de la salud.

Definitions of healthcare promotion were examined from the theory of knowledge regarding its ontological and epistemological aspects as considered by several paradigms. Three-phase periodisation was used. The first distancing regarding the positivist paradigm and healthcare promotion through definitions of public health was made during the background phase (1920-1973). The promotion of healthcare acquired its own identity and became explicit policy in the midst of scenarios involving the confluence of paradigms during the foundational phase (1974-1986). Positivist and non-positivist paradigms became broadly articulated during the consolidation phase (1987-2008), becoming extended to methodological aspects.

Investigación en salud como política pública en Colombia: balance y perspectivas / On health research as public policy in Colombia: assessment and perspectives

Este ensayo plantea algunos elementos de análisis sobre la investigación en salud en Colombia, como una política pública que se ha configurado desde 1990 con la normatividad instaurada sobre Ciencia y Tecnología. Una serie de ajustes institucionales se llevaron a cabo y se crearon el Programa y el Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología de la Salud, además de la institucionalización de la convocatoria como mecanismo de selección de proyectos de investigación y asignación de recursos, de acuerdo con las necesidades y prioridades de los actores del Sistema Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología. Aunque no ha habido mayores transformaciones posteriores en la gestión de la investigación en salud, excepto la creación del Fondo de Investigación en Salud en 2001, se han venido desarrollando algunas capacidades y, por supuesto, ha habido esfuerzos para formular una política de investigación de salud. Esta tarea, aún pendiente, podría por fin tener una oportunidad con la Ley Estatutaria en Salud, aprobada en 2015.(AU)

This essay presents some elements of analysis for thinking about health research in Colombia as a public policy, something which was formed starting in 1990 with the establishment of Science and Technology regulations. A set of institutional adjustments was carried out which led to the creation of the National Program of Health Science and Technology and the National Council of Health Science and Technology. In addition, it led to the institutionalization of calls for research proposals as a mechanism for selecting research projects and assigning resources in accordance with the needs and priorities of the National System of Science and Technology. Since then, there have been no major changes in the public management of health research, with the exception of the Health Research Fund, created in 2001. However, some efforts have been made to develop some capacities and -so far unsuccessfully- to formulate a national policy on health research. The Statutory Health Act approved in 2015 could be an important opportunity to realize and implement this policy decision.(AU)