(Sobre)viver na rua: narrativas das pessoas em situação de rua sobre a rede de apoio / (About) living on the street: narratives of homeless people about the support network / (Sobre)vivir en la calle: narrativas de personas en situación de calle sobre la red de apoyo

A população em situação de rua (PSR), em seu cotidiano, se relaciona com diferentes pessoas, grupos e/ou coletivos ligados à execução das políticas públicas, às organizações não governamentais, familiares ou a membros da sociedade civil. Pensar nessas dinâmicas de trabalho, cooperação e auxílio remete a pensar sobre uma rede de apoio que constrói estratégias com essa população. Tendo presente essas problematizações, este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as narrativas das pessoas em situação de rua sobre como é produzida sua rede de apoio. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo qualitativo, de orientação etnográfica, sendo utilizada a observação participante, registros em diário de campo e entrevistas narrativas. Participaram seis pessoas em situação de rua que recebem alimentação ofertada por projetos sociais em uma cidade do interior do Rio Grande do Sul. Os dados produzidos foram analisados a partir da Análise Temática. As análises expressam as especificidades das narrativas das trajetórias de vida associadas à chegada às ruas e à composição de uma rede de apoio na rua. Ao conhecer como se produz e opera essa rede de apoio, a partir das narrativas das pessoas em situação de rua, problematiza-se a complexidade dessa engrenagem e o desafio de produzir ações integradas entre as diferentes instâncias da rede. Nisso, destaca-se a potencialidade de práticas que levem conta à escuta, ao diálogo e à articulação na operacionalização de políticas públicas atentas às necessidades dessa população.(AU)

The street population, in their daily lives, relates to different people, groups and/or collectives linked to the execution of public policies, to non-governmental organizations, family members, or to members of civil society. Thinking about these dynamics of work, cooperation, and assistance leads to thinking about a support network that builds strategies with this population. Having these problematizations in mind, this study aims to analyze the narratives of homeless people about how their support network is produced. To this end, a qualitative study was carried out, with ethnographic orientation, using participant observation, records in a field diary, and narrative interviews. Participated in the research six homeless people who receive food offered by social projects in a municipality in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul. The data produced were analyzed using the Thematic Analysis. The analyzes express the specifities of the narratives of life trajectories associated with the arrival on the streets and the composition of a support network on the street. By knowing how the support network is produced and operated, the complexity of this gear and the challenge of producing integrated actions between the different instances of the network are problematized. Thus, it highlights the potential of practices that consider listening, dialogue, and articulation in the operationalization of public policies that are attentive to the needs of this population.(AU)

Las personas en situación de calle en su cotidiano se relacionan con distintas personas, grupos y/o colectivos, que están vinculados a la ejecución de políticas públicas, organizaciones no gubernamentales, familiares o miembros de la sociedad civil. Pensar en estas dinámicas de trabajo, cooperación y ayuda nos lleva a una red de apoyo que construye estrategias con estas personas. Teniendo en cuenta esta problemática, este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar las narrativas de las personas en situación de calle acerca de cómo se produce su red de apoyo. Con este fin, se realizó un estudio cualitativo, etnográfico, utilizando observación participante, registros de diario de campo y entrevistas narrativas. Este estudio incluyó a seis personas en situación de calle que reciben alimentos ofrecidos por proyectos sociales en una ciudad del interior de Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil). Se utilizó el Análisis Temático. Los análisis expresan las especificidades de las narrativas de las trayectorias de vida asociadas con la llegada a las calles y la composición de una red de apoyo en la calle. Al saber cómo se produce y opera la red de apoyo, a partir de las narrativas de las personas en la calle, se problematizan la complejidad de este equipo y el desafío de producir acciones integradas entre las diferentes instancias de la red. Destaca el potencial de las prácticas que tienen en cuenta la escucha, el diálogo y la articulación en la implementación de políticas públicas que estén atentas a las necesidades de esta población.(AU)

Utilization of the Brazilian public health system by privately insured individuals: a literature review / Utilização do sistema público de saúde brasileiro por usuários com planos de saúde privados: uma revisão da literatura / La utilización del sistema público de salud brasileño por la población asegurada por el sistema privado: una revisión de la literatura

Abstract: More than one in four Brazilians have private health insurance (PHI), even thought it covers mostly the same procedures as the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). This literature review included articles and monographs published since 1990 about the utilization of SUS by privately insured individuals. Considering outpatient care and hospitalization, privately insured people in Brazil use SUS in approximately 13% of the times they receive health care, and approximately 7% of people receiving care paid by SUS are privately insured; these findings vary depending on the type of service studied and on study methods. Utilization of SUS is more frequent in less developed regions, by people with more restricted PHI plans and by people with worse health status. Privately insured people report the limitations of PHI plans as their reasons for resorting to SUS. Sometimes, beneficiaries of PHI plans owned by nonprofit hospitals (which also provide health care financed by SUS) have easier access to care than uninsured people financed by SUS. Anecdotally, privately insured people are satisfied with SUS, but not to the point of adopting SUS as their preferred source of care. In short, for privately insured people, SUS only plays a secondary role in their health care. Despite PHI taking over part of the SUS's health care demand, PHI represents a restriction of the universal, equitable character of the SUS.

Resumo: Mais de um em cada quatro brasileiros têm planos de saúde, apesar de estes planos cobrirem majoritariamente os mesmos procedimentos do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Esta revisão da literatura incluiu artigos e monografias publicados desde 1990 sobre a utilização do SUS por indivíduos com plano de saúde. Ao considerar conjuntamente a assistência ambulatorial e hospitalar, os brasileiros com planos de saúde utilizam o SUS em aproximadamente 13% das vezes em que recebem cuidados; aproximadamente 7% das pessoas que recebem cuidados pagos pelo SUS dispõem de planos de saúde (os achados variam de acordo com o tipo de serviço analisado e com os detalhes metodológicos dos estudos). O aumento da utilização do SUS está associado a: regiões menos desenvolvidas do país, planos de saúde com pior cobertura e pessoas com pior saúde. Os brasileiros com plano de saúde citam as limitações dos planos como o motivo pelo qual recorrem ao SUS. Em alguns casos os beneficiários de planos de saúde comercializados por hospitais filantrópicos (os quais também prestam assistência financiada pelo SUS) relatam acesso mais fácil à assistência financiada pelo SUS, comparado com aqueles sem plano de saúde. Pessoas com plano de saúde eventualmente citam a satisfação com a utilização do SUS, mas não a ponto do SUS se tornar a fonte de assistência preferida. Em resumo, para os brasileiros com plano de saúde, o SUS desempenha papel secundário no financiamento dos cuidados de saúde. Embora os planos de saúde pareçam deslocar parte da demanda por assistência para fora do SUS, esses mesmos planos tendem a restringir o caráter universal e equitativo do SUS.

Resumen: Más de uno de cada cuatro brasileños tiene un seguro de salud privado (PHI), a pesar de que estos últimos cubren en su mayoría los mismos procedimientos que en el Sistema Unificado de Salud (SUS). Esta revisión de la literatura incluyó artículos y monografías publicadas desde 1990 sobre la utilización del SUS por parte de personas aseguradas mediante el sistema privado. Considerando atención ambulatoria junto a hospitalización, la población con seguro médico privado en Brasil utiliza el SUS aproximadamente un 13% de las veces que reciben atención médica; además, aproximadamente un 7% de la gente que recibe atención médica pagada a través del SUS tiene seguro privado. Los resultados varían con el tipo de servicio estudiado y con los detalles de los métodos de estudio. La frecuencia de utilización del SUS es mayor en las regiones menos desarrolladas, por parte de la población con planes de seguros de salud más limitados, y personas con peor salud. Las personas con seguros privados identifican las limitaciones de sus planes PHI como la razón por la que usan el SUS. Algunas veces, los beneficiarios de los planes PHI de hospitales sin fines de lucro (que también proveen servicios de salud financiados por el SUS) cuentan con un acceso más sencillo a los cuidados de salud sufragados por el SUS que las personas sin seguro. Anecdóticamente, la población con seguro de salud privado está satisfecha con la utilización que hacen del SUS, pero no hasta el extremo de que el SUS se trasforme en su principal vía para recibir servicios médicos. En resumen, para la población con seguro privado, el SUS juega un papel secundario en la financiación de la asistencia a sus cuidados de salud. Pese a que el PHI parece desviar del SUS parte de la demanda de cuidados de salud, el PHI representa una restricción del carácter universal y equitativo del SUS.

Tuberculosis Relief Belt Supporting Project (Tuberculosis Patient Management Project for Poverty Group) / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: The “Tuberculosis Relief Belt Supporting Project (Tuberculosis Patient Management Project for Poverty Groups)” is a national program for socioeconomically vulnerable tuberculosis (TB) patients. We sought to evaluate the clinical and socioeconomic characteristics of poverty-stricken TB patients, and determined the need for relief. METHODS: We examined in-patients with TB, who were supported by this project at the National Medical Center from 2014 to 2015. We retrospectively investigated the patients' socioeconomic status, clinical characteristics, and project expenditures. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were enrolled. Among 55 patients with known income status, 24 (43.6%) had no income. Most patients (80%) lived alone. A total of 48 patients (82.8%) had more than one underlying disease. More than half of the enrolled patients (30 patients, 51.7%) had smear-positive TB. Cavitary disease was found in 38 patients (65.5%). Among the 38 patients with known resistance status, 19 (50%) had drug-resistant TB. In terms of disease severity, 96.6% of the cases had moderate-to-severe disease. A total of 14 patients (26.4%) died during treatment. Nursing expenses were supported for 12 patients (20.7%), with patient transportation costs reimbursed for 35 patients (60%). In terms of treatment expenses for 31 people (53.4%), 93.5% of them were supported by uninsured benefits. CONCLUSION: Underlying disease, infectivity, drug resistance, severity, and death occurred frequently in socioeconomically vulnerable patients with TB. Many uninsured treatment costs were not supported by the current government TB programs, and the “Tuberculosis Relief Belt Supporting Project” compensated for these limitations.

The Role of Social Support and the Neighborhood Environment on Physical Activity in Low-income, Mexican-American Women in South Texas / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationships between physical activity (PA), the neighborhood environment support for PA, and social support for PA among Mexican-American women living in South Texas. The Enlace study was a randomized controlled trial that tested the effectiveness of a promotora-led PA intervention among low-income Mexican origin women (n=614) living in colonias. METHODS: The dependent measures included accelerometer-measured average moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary breaks and the Community Health Activities Model Program for Seniors PA 41-item questionnaire. The independent measures included the Physical Activity and Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES) and the 13-item Physical Activity Social Support (PASS) scale. RESULTS: Enlace participants were on average 40.4 (standard deviation, 10.3) years old, born in Mexico (86.1%), and uninsured (83.1%). Adjusted linear regression results indicated that each 1-point increment in the PANES overall score was associated with 0.050 (p < 0.001) unit increase in sedentary break and a −0.043 (p=0.001) unit decrease in sedentary break duration. Both PANES (β=0.296; p=0.002) and PASS scores (β=0.076; p < 0.001) were associated with weekly average self-reported MVPA. Interaction effects were observed between PASS scores and accelerometer-measured frequency of sedentary breaks and sedentary time duration. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that the relationships between PA and built environment and social support are measure-dependent and suggest that reducing sedentary time in this population may require a closer assessment of social support for PA.

Asociación entre tamización de cáncer de próstata, vinculación al sistema de salud y factores asociados en adultos mayores: análisis secundario de la encuesta SABE Bogotá, Colombia / Relationship between prostate cancer screening, linkage to the health system and associated factors in older adults from Bogotá, Colombia: Secondary analysis of the SABE survey

Introducción y objetivos El cáncer de próstata es una enfermedad con alta prevalencia en nuestra población. Su diagnóstico temprano es importante para mejorar el pronóstico de esta enfermedad. El objetivo de este artículo es evidenciar los factores asociados a la oportunidad de tamización en adultos mayores de la ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia. Métodos Se analizaron los datos del estudio Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento (SABE) Bogotá 2012, que incluyó a 736 hombres de 60 años o más. Se utilizó como variable dependiente el autorreporte de examen de próstata en los 2 últimos años y se evaluó con respecto a factores sociodemográficos por medio de un análisis multivariado. Resultados Se encontró una prevalencia de cáncer de próstata del 3,15%. El 57,8% de los hombres se habían realizado al menos un examen de próstata. Aquellos afiliados al régimen contributivo tenían mayor oportunidad para ser tamizados con respecto a los vinculados/no asegurados (OR: 8,81) (IC95%: 2,92-26,63) (p < 0,001), al igual que los del régimen subsidiado (OR: 3,70) (IC95%; 1,20-11,41) (p = 0,023). Conclusión Existe una inequidad en cuanto a la oportunidad de tamización de cáncer de próstata según el tipo de seguridad social, por lo que se deben optimizar las estrategias de detección temprana que fortalezcan la inclusión de toda la población. Se necesitan más estudios que brinden mayor información sobre esta problemática.

Introduction Prostate cancer is a high prevalence disease in our male population. Early diagnosis is important in order to improve its prognosis. The aim of this article is to describe the factors associated with prostate cancer screening of older adults in Bogotá, Colombia. Materials and methods The study used data from the Bogotá 2012 Health, Well-Being, and Ageing (Salud, Bienestar y Envejecimiento [SABE]) survey, which included 736 men aged 60 years or older. The dependent variable used was self-reported prostate screening in the last 2 years. An analysis was performed to determine the between this variable and socio-demographic variables and comorbidities using multivariate analysis. Results There was a prevalence of prostate cancer of 3.15%, with 57.8% of the population having had at least one prostate examination. Those affiliated to a health insurance scheme were more likely to be screened than the uninsured with an OR: 8.81, 95% CI: 2.92-26.63, P < .001, as those affiliated to subsidized social security health scheme OR: 3.70, 95% CI: 1.20-11.41, P = .023, respectively). Conclusion There is inequity in the opportunity of screening for prostate cancer according to the type of health insurance scheme. Early detection strategies must be strengthened in order to include the entire population. Further studies are needed to provide more information on this issue.

Hospitalizations for cancer in international migrants versus local population in Chile / Hospitalizaciones por cáncer en migrantes internacionales y población local en Chile

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To compare cancer hospital morbidity among the local population and the immigrant population in Chile. METHODS This is a prevalence study based on the analysis of hospital discharges of all the health centers of Chile. Cancer hospital discharges were characterized in 2012 according to the migratory status. The crude and specific rates of hospital morbidity for this cause were estimated for the analysis of their association with migratory status using zero-inflated negative binomial regression, adjusted for sociodemographic variables. RESULTS The neoplasms were the third cause of hospital discharges for immigrants and the seventh one for Chileans. The adjusted rate of cancer hospital discharges was higher for Chileans than immigrants, and the latter had fewer days of hospitalization and greater proportion of surgical interventions. In the group of immigrants, cancer hospital discharges mainly corresponded to patients belonging to the private system (46%), and in the group of Chileans they mainly corresponded to patients in the public system (71.1%). We observed a large difference in the proportion of cancer hospital discharges for patients with no health insurance between the two populations (22.6%: immigrants, 1.0%: Chileans). In both populations, the three most frequent types of cancer were: (i) lymphoid tissue, hematopoietic organs, and related tissues, (ii) digestive organs, and (iii) breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS Models of differentiated care should be considered for immigrants, with the creation of specific programs of information, coverage, and protection against cancer. More information on this problem must be generated at the local and international level.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO Comparar la morbilidad hospitalaria por cáncer entre población local e inmigrante en Chile. MÉTODOS Estudio de prevalencia basado en el análisis de egresos hospitalarios de todos los centros de Chile. Se caracterizaron los egresos hospitalarios por cáncer en 2012 según condición migratoria. Se estimaran las tasas brutas y específicas de morbilidad hospitalaria por esta causa, para finalmente analizar su asociación con el estatus migratorio mediante una regresión binomial negativa inflada por ceros ajustada por variables sociodemográficas. RESULTADOS Las neoplasias fueron la tercera causa de egresos hospitalarios en inmigrantes y la séptima en chilenos. La tasa ajustada de egresos hospitalarios por cáncer fue mayor en chilenos que en inmigrantes, y estos presentaron menor cantidad de días de hospitalización y mayor proporción de intervenciones quirúrgicas. En el grupo de inmigrantes, los egresos hospitalarios por cáncer corresponderán principalmente a pacientes pertenecientes al sistema privado (46%) y en chilenos a pacientes en el sistema público (71,1%). Se observó una amplia diferencia en la proporción de egresos hospitalarios por cáncer correspondientes a pacientes sin previsión de salud entre ambas poblaciones (22,6%: inmigrantes, 1,0%: chilenos). En ambas poblaciones, los tres cánceres que se presentaron con mayor frecuencia fueron: (i) tejidos linfáticos, órganos hematopoyéticos y tejidos afines, (ii) órganos digestivos y (iii) cáncer de mama. CONCLUSIONES Se deben considerar modelos de atención diferenciada en inmigrantes, creando programas específicos de información, cobertura y protección frente al cáncer. Es necesario generar más información sobre esta problemática a nivel local e internacional.

Cobertura por plano de saúde ou cartão de desconto: inquérito domiciliar na área de abrangência da Estratégia Saúde da Família / Coverage by health insurance or discount cards: a household survey in the coverage area of the Family Health Strategy / Cobertura por seguro de salud o tarjeta de descuento: encuesta domiciliaria en un área cubierta por la Estrategia Salud de la Familia

Resumo: Este estudo foi desenhado para avaliar a cobertura por plano de saúde e seus motivos em uma população coberta pela Estratégia Saúde da Família. Nesta análise, descrevemos a cobertura por plano de saúde, total e por tipos, e analisamos sua associação com características de saúde e sociodemográficas. Entre os 31,3% (IC95%: 23,8-39,9) de pessoas que relatavam cobertura por "plano de saúde", 57,0% (IC95%: 45,2-68,0) estavam cobertos por cartões de desconto, que não oferecem qualquer tipo de cobertura para assistência médica, apenas descontos em farmácias, clínicas e hospitais. Tanto no caso dos planos de saúde quanto no dos cartões de desconto, os motivos para cobertura mais frequentemente relatados foram "para a segurança" e "para ter melhor atendimento". Ambas as coberturas se associaram à idade (65+ versus 15-24 anos: odds ratio ajustada, ORa = 2,98; IC95%: 1,28-6,90; e ORa = 3,67; IC95%: 2,22-6,07, respectivamente) e ao nível econômico (desvio padrão adicional: ORa = 2,25; IC95%: 1,62-3,14; e ORa = 1,96; IC95%: 1,34-2,97). Além disso, a cobertura por plano de saúde se associou à escolaridade (ORa = 7,59; IC95%: 4,44-13,00) para Ensino Superior completo e ORa = 3,74 (IC95%: 1,61-8,68) para Ensino Médio completo, em comparação a menos do que o Ensino Fundamental completo. Por outro lado, nem a cobertura por plano de saúde nem a por cartão de desconto se mostraram associadas ao estado de saúde ou ao número de doenças diagnosticadas. Em conclusão, estudos que pretendam avaliar a cobertura por saúde suplementar deveriam ser planejados de forma a poderem distinguir entre cartões de desconto e planos de saúde formais.

Abstract: This study was designed to assess the reasons for health insurance coverage in a population covered by the Family Health Strategy in Brazil. We describe overall health insurance coverage and according to types, and analyze its association with health-related and socio-demographic characteristics. Among the 31.3% of persons (95%CI: 23.8-39.9) who reported "health insurance" coverage, 57.0% (95%CI: 45.2-68.0) were covered only by discount cards, which do not offer any kind of coverage for medical care, but only discounts in pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals. Both for health insurance and discount cards, the most frequently cited reasons for such coverage were "to be on the safe side" and "to receive better care". Both types of coverage were associated statistically with age (+65 vs. 15-24 years: adjusted odds ratios, aOR = 2.98, 95%CI: 1.28-6.90; and aOR = 3.67; 95%CI: 2.22-6.07, respectively) and socioeconomic status (additional standard deviation: aOR = 2.25, 95%CI: 1.62-3.14; and aOR = 1.96, 95%CI: 1.34-2.97). In addition, health insurance coverage was associated with schooling (aOR = 7.59, 95%CI: 4.44-13.00) for complete University Education and aOR = 3.74 (95%CI: 1.61-8.68) for complete Secondary Education, compared to less than complete Primary Education. Meanwhile, neither health insurance nor discount card was associated with health status or number of diagnosed diseases. In conclusion, studies that aim to assess private health insurance should be planned to distinguish between discount cards and formal health insurance.

Resumen: Este estudio se diseñó para evaluar la cobertura por seguro de salud y sus causas en una población cubierta por la Estrategia Salud de la Familia. En este análisis, describimos la cobertura por seguro de salud, total y por tipos, y analizamos su asociación con características de salud y sociodemográficas. Dentro del 31,3% (IC95%: 23,8-39,9) de personas que informaban contar con una cobertura por "seguro de salud" un 57,0% (IC95%: 45,2-68,0) estaban cubiertas por tarjetas de descuento, que no ofrecen cualquier tipo de cobertura para la asistencia médica, solamente descuentos en farmacias, clínicas y hospitales. Tanto en el caso de los seguros de salud, como en el de las tarjetas de descuento, los motivos de cobertura más frecuentemente relatados fueron "por seguridad" y "para tener una mejor atención". Ambas coberturas se asociaron a la edad (65+ versus 15-24 años: odds ratio ajustada, ORa = 2,98; IC95%: 1,28-6,90; y ORa = 3,67; IC95%: 2,22-6,07, respectivamente), y al nivel económico (desvío patrón adicional: ORa = 2,25; IC95%: 1,62-3,14; y ORa = 1,96; IC95%: 1,34-2,97). Además, la cobertura por seguro de salud se asoció a la escolaridad (ORa = 7,59; IC95%: 4,44-13,00) para la Enseñanza Superior completa y ORa = 3,74 (IC95%: 1,61-8,68) para el Nivel Medio completo, en comparación con los menores índices por la Enseñanza Fundamental completa. Por otro lado, ni la cobertura por seguro de salud, ni la por tarjeta de descuento, se mostraron asociadas al estado de salud o al número de enfermedades diagnosticadas. En conclusión, los estudios que pretendan evaluar la cobertura de seguro de salud privado se deberían planear de tal forma que puedan distinguir entre tarjetas de descuento y seguros de salud formales.

Un marcador epidemiológico invisibilizado: el endeudamiento en una población afromexicana de Oaxaca / An epidemiological but invisibilized marker: indebtedness within an Afromexican town in Oaxaca

Resumen: Objetivo: Explorar las dinámicas de endeudamiento en una población afromexicana desde una perspectiva epidemiológica incluyente. Material y métodos: Estudio cualitativo mediante 75 cuestionarios, 20 entrevistas a profundidad y seis grupos focales en un proceso de acompañamiento a la Comisión Municipal de Salud en Santiago Tapextla, Oaxaca. Resultados: Los gastos catastróficos por requerimientos médicos fueron el principal rubro causal de endeudamiento, acarreando pérdida patrimonial y espirales de dependencia, con impacto en la dinámica familiar y en la evolución de la patología. Conclusiones: A pesar de su soslayo en programas sanitarios oficiales, las dinámicas de endeudamiento constituyen un marcador epidemiológico al develar condiciones de desatención estructural que expresan la jerarquización impuesta, naturalizada y patogénica propia de la colonialidad. Analizar dicho fenómeno a nivel local y global constituye una tarea de salud pública compleja, pero esencial.

Abstract: Objective: To explore indebtedness dynamics in an Afromexican town by an inclusive epidemiological approach. Materials and methods: Qualitative study through 75 questionnaires, 20 interviews to depth and six focal groups in a support process to the Municipal Health Commission in Santiago Tapextla, Oaxaca. Results: Catastrophic expenses due to insufficient medical care were the principal causal item. Indebtedness processes with patrimonial loss are dominant, generating dependence spirals of difficult resolution that impact the familiar dynamics and the pathology evolution. Conclusions: In spite of its inexistence within sanitary official programs, indebtedness dynamics constitute an epidemiological marker by the uncovering of structural inattention conditions that reflect the imposed, naturalized and pathogenic hierarchization proper of coloniality. To analyze this process at local and global levels is a complex but essential public health task.

Determinants of health-related quality of life in Iranian adults: evidence from a cross-sectional study / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to measure the level and determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults in Kermanshah, a city in the western region of Iran.METHODS: Convenience sampling was employed to obtain a sample of 998 adults aged 18 years and older (646 males and 352 females) in the city of Kermanshah. A 2-part self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data over the period between March 1 and May 30, 2017. The first part was designed to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors (10 items). The second part consisted of the EuroQoL 5-dimensions (EQ-5D) EuroQoL-3-level and the EuroQoL visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) questions. A multiple linear regression model was used to determine the factors associated with the EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS score among study participants.RESULTS: The mean values for the EQ-5D index and the EQ-VAS score were 0.74 (standard deviation [SD], 0.19) and 80.9 (SD, 16.5), respectively. The highest percentage of self-reported problems (‘some’ and ‘severe’ problems) across the 5 dimensions of the EQ-5D index were associated with the dimensions of anxiety/depression (35.3%) and pain/discomfort (32.9%). The percentage of self-reported problems for the dimensions of usual activities, mobility, and self-care were 19.0, 12.8, and 8.9%, respectively. Our regression analyses indicated that there were statistically significant positive associations between being physically active, monthly household income per capita, and post-secondary education and the EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS score. In contrast, negative associations were found between older age, being married, having a chronic disease, and smoking and the EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS score. A negative association was also found between being uninsured and the EQ-5D index.CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that interventions aiming to improve physical activity, to prevent chronic diseases, and to reduce the smoking rate among adults living in the city of Kermanshah may improve their HRQoL.

Determinants of health-related quality of life in Iranian adults: evidence from a cross-sectional study / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to measure the level and determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults in Kermanshah, a city in the western region of Iran. METHODS: Convenience sampling was employed to obtain a sample of 998 adults aged 18 years and older (646 males and 352 females) in the city of Kermanshah. A 2-part self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data over the period between March 1 and May 30, 2017. The first part was designed to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors (10 items). The second part consisted of the EuroQoL 5-dimensions (EQ-5D) EuroQoL-3-level and the EuroQoL visual analog scale (EQ-VAS) questions. A multiple linear regression model was used to determine the factors associated with the EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS score among study participants. RESULTS: The mean values for the EQ-5D index and the EQ-VAS score were 0.74 (standard deviation [SD], 0.19) and 80.9 (SD, 16.5), respectively. The highest percentage of self-reported problems (‘some’ and ‘severe’ problems) across the 5 dimensions of the EQ-5D index were associated with the dimensions of anxiety/depression (35.3%) and pain/discomfort (32.9%). The percentage of self-reported problems for the dimensions of usual activities, mobility, and self-care were 19.0, 12.8, and 8.9%, respectively. Our regression analyses indicated that there were statistically significant positive associations between being physically active, monthly household income per capita, and post-secondary education and the EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS score. In contrast, negative associations were found between older age, being married, having a chronic disease, and smoking and the EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS score. A negative association was also found between being uninsured and the EQ-5D index. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that interventions aiming to improve physical activity, to prevent chronic diseases, and to reduce the smoking rate among adults living in the city of Kermanshah may improve their HRQoL.

¿El aseguramiento público en salud mejora la atención en los servicios? El caso de la atención prenatal en adolescentes en México / Does public health insurance improve health care? The case of prenatal care for adolescents in Mexico

Resumen: Objetivo: Comprobar la asociación entre el aseguramiento público en salud y la atención prenatal adecuada en mujeres adolescentes. Material y métodos: Análisis transversal de datos de 3 978 mujeres (N=4 522 296) que reportaron embarazo en la adolescencia (12-19 años), derivados de las Encuestas Nacional de Salud 2000 y de Salud y Nutrición 2006 y 2012. Mediante modelos de regresión logística se analizó oportunidad, frecuencia y contenido de la atención prenatal. Resultados: La probabilidad de recibir atención prenatal oportuna y frecuente aumentó de 0.60 (IC95%:0.56;0.64) en 2000 a 0.71 (IC95%:0.66;0.76) en 2012. En 2012 la probabilidad de recibir atención oportuna, frecuente y con contenido básico fue 0.54 (IC95%:0.49;0.58) siendo mayor en mujeres con Seguridad Social que en aquéllas afiliadas al Seguro Popular o sin aseguramiento. Conclusión: Contar con seguridad social incrementa la probabilidad de recibir atención prenatal adecuada en adolescentes en México.

Abstract: Objective: To test the association between public health insurance and adequate prenatal care among female adolescents in Mexico. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study, using the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2000, 2006, and 2012.We included 3 978 (N=4 522 296) adolescent (12-19) women who reported a live birth.We used logistic regression models to test the association of insurance and adequate (timeliness, frequency and content) prenatal care. Results: The multivariable predicted probability of timely and frequent prenatal care improved over time, from 0.60 (IC95%:0.56;0.64) in 2000 to 0.71 (IC95%:0.66;0.76) in 2012. In 2012, the probability of adequate prenatal care was 0.54 (IC95%:0.49;0.58); women with Social Security had higher probability than women with Seguro Popular and without health insurance. Conclusion: Having Social Security is associated with receipt of adequate prenatal care among adolescents in Mexico.

Hospitalization and mortality in Mexico due to breast cancer since its inclusion in the catastrophic expenditures scheme / Hospitalización y mortalidad en México por cáncer de mama a partir de su inclusión en el esquema de gastos catastróficos

Abstract Objective: To compare trends in hospital discharges and mortality due to breast cancer (BC) in Mexico from 2004 to 2012 by insurance condition before and after incorporating BC comprehensive treatment into the System of Social Protection in Health (Sistema de Protrección Social en Salud, SPSS) in 2007. Materials and methods: Data on BC hospital discharges and mortality reported in women aged 25 years and over were obtained from the National Health Information System. Mortality rates were adjusted by age and state. Results: At the national level, a growing tendency in hospital discharges was observed, mainly for women without social security, while mortality rate remained constant. Mortality rates by state show that lower marginalization index corresponded to higher mortality. Conclusions: A differential behavior was observed among women according to insurance condition, partly due to the inclusion of BC treatment in the SPSS.

Resumen Objetivo: Comparar las tendencias de egresos hospitalarios y mortalidad por cáncer de mama (CaMa) en México de 2004 a 2012, según esquema de aseguramiento, antes y después de la incorporación del tratamiento integral del CaMa al Sistema de Protección Social en Salud (SPSS) en 2007. Material y métodos: Los egresos hospitalarios y de mortalidad por CaMa en mujeres de 25 años o más se obtuvieron del Sistema Nacional de Información en Salud. Las tasas de mortalidad se ajustaron por edad y entidad federativa. Resultados: A nivel nacional, hubo una tendencia creciente de los egresos hospitalarios, principalmente para mujeres sin seguridad social, mientras que la tasa de mortalidad se mantuvo constante. Las tasas de mortalidad fueron mayores en estados con menor índice de marginación. Conclusiones: Se observó un comportamiento diferencial entre las mujeres según esquema de aseguramiento en salud debido, en parte, a la inclusión del tratamiento de CaMa al SPSS.

Enrollment in Private Medical Insurance and Utilization of Medical Services Among Children and Adolescents: Data From the 2009-2012 Korea Health Panel Surveys / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to examine the status of children and adolescents with regard to enrollment in private medical insurance (PMI) and to investigate its influence on their utilization of medical services. METHODS: The present study assessed 2973 subjects younger than 19 years of age who participated in five consecutive Korea Health Panel surveys from 2009 to 2012. RESULTS: At the initial assessment, less than 20% of the study population had not enrolled in any PMI program, but this proportion decreased over time. Additionally, the number of subjects with more than two policies increased, the proportions of holders of indemnity-type only ('I'-only) and of fixed amount+indemnity-type ('F+I') increased, whereas the proportion of holders with fixed amount-type only ('F'-only) decreased. Compared with subjects without private insurance, PMI policyholders were more likely to use outpatient and emergency services, and the number of policies was proportionately related to inpatient service utilization. Regarding out-patient care, subjects with 'F'-only PMI used these services more often than did uninsured subjects (odds ratio [OR], 1.69), whereas subjects with 'I'-only PMI or 'F+I' PMI utilized a broad range of inpatient, outpatient, and emergency services relative to uninsured subjects (ORs for 'I'-only: 1.39, 1.63, and 1.38, respectively; ORs for 'F+I': 1.67, 2.09, and 1.37, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest public policy approaches to standardizing PMI contracts, reform in calculation of premiums in PMI, re-examination regarding indemnity insurance products, and mutual control mechanisms to mediate between national health insurance services and private insurers are required.

Viviendo con hemodiálisis y sin seguridad social: las voces de los enfermos renales y sus familias / Living in hemodialysis without social insurance: The voices of renal sick people and their families

Objetivo. Examinar las perspectivas y las prácticas de enfermos renales y de sus familias sin seguridad social en relación con los problemas que enfrentan en el tratamiento de hemodiálisis. Material y métodos. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo en Guadalajara, México. En éste participaron 37 enfermos renales en hemodiálisis afiliados al Seguro Popular y 50 familiares. Se obtuvo la información mediante entrevistas individuales y grupales, a partir de análisis de contenido dirigido. Resultados. Los enfermos renales y sus familias enfrentan múltiples dificultades en el tratamiento de hemodiálisis. Las de tipo económico son prioritarias por los costos de la terapia y la carencia de recursos, y por el hecho de que el Seguro Popular excluye la cobertura de la enfermedad renal. Las personas enfrentan tales dificultades combinando acciones en un proceso circular de búsqueda de ayuda. Conclusión. El tratamiento de hemodiálisis representa una carga financiera insostenible para los enfermos renales sin seguridad social y sus familias. Urge implementar un sistema de acceso universal a las terapias renales.

Objective. To examine the perspectives and practices of renal sick people and their families without social insurance regarding problems faced while on dialysis treatment. Materials and methods. A qualitative research was developed in Guadalajara, Mexico. Thirty-seven renal sick people on hemodialysis and 50 relatives participated; all affiliated to Seguro Popular. Information was gathered through individual and group interviews. Directed content analysis was carried out. Results. Renal sick people and their families face multiple difficulties while on hemodialysis treatment; nevertheless, economic ones are perceived as a priority due to treatment expenses, lack of financial resources and non-coverage of kidney disease by Seguro Popular. Multiple actions are combined in a circular searching for help process to face the economic burden. Conclusion. Hemodialysis treatment is an unbearable economic burden for renal sick people and their families without social insurance. Universal access to renal therapies should be implemented urgently.

Acceso efectivo a los servicios de salud: operacionalizando la cobertura universal en salud / Effective access to health services: operationalizing universal health coverage

El derecho a la salud y su forma operativa desde la perspectiva de la respuesta social organizada en salud -esto es el derecho a la protección de la salud- son el sustento principal para el impulso global de la cobertura universal en salud. De forma práctica, esta cobertura universal implica la conexión entre la demanda y la oferta de servicios (promoción, prevención y atención). La posibilidad que tiene cada individuo de hacer uso de los servicios cuando lo requiere es la expresión de la cobertura universal; es entonces cuando se habla de acceso efectivo. El objetivo de este documento es explorar la conceptualización del acceso efectivo a servicios de salud y proponer una definición que permita la operacionalización del mismo. Esta definición considera elementos centrales de la oferta y la demanda de servicios, incluye la disponibilidad de recursos y la prestación adecuada (calidad), así como las barreras para la utilización.

The right to health and its operational form, as an organized social response to health: the right to health protection, are the mainstay for the global push towards universal health coverage. The path to achieve this goal is particular to each country and relates to the baseline and specific context in relation to what is feasible. In practical terms, universal coverage involves the correlation between demand and supply of services (promotion, prevention, and care), expressed by the ability for each individual to make use of services when these are required. In those terms universal coverage is then effective access. The objective of the paper is to explore the conceptualization of effective access to health services and propose a definition that allows its operationalization thereof. This definition considers key elements of supply and demand of services, including the availability of resources and adequate provision (quality), as well as barriers to use them.

The role of prehealth student volunteers at a student-run free clinic in New York, United States / 보건의료교육평가

PURPOSE: The medical student-run Einstein Community Health Outreach Clinic provides free healthcare to the uninsured adult population of New York, the United States. During the summer, prehealth student volunteers are recruited to assist with clinic operations. METHODS: We designed a survey study to identify the baseline characteristics of the volunteers between June and August of 2013 and 2014 in order to evaluate the influence of working in a medical student-run free clinic on their education, impressions, and career goals. RESULTS: A total of 38 volunteers (response rate, 83%) participated in the study. The volunteers were demographically diverse and interested in primary care specialties and community service. CONCLUSION: After the Einstein Community Health Outreach program, the volunteers showed an improved understanding of the healthcare process and issues relevant to uninsured patients. They also developed favorable attitudes towards primary care medicine and an increased level of interest in pursuing careers in primary care.

Screening Colonoscopy among Uninsured and Underinsured Urban Minorities

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Uninsured individuals have lower rates of screening colonoscopy (SC), and little is known regarding the pathology results obtained when they undergo colonoscopies. Since 2004, we have participated in a program that offers SC to uninsured New Yorkers; herein, we report our findings. METHODS: Uninsured, average-risk patients who were at least 50 years of age underwent SC at our institution between April 2004 and June 2011. We analyzed polyp pathology, location, size, incidence of adenomas, and incidence of adenomas with advanced pathology (AAP) with respect to ethnicity, gender, and age. RESULTS: Out of 493 referrals, 222 patients completed the colonoscopies. Polyps were identified in 21.2% of all patients; 14% had adenomas, and 4.5% had AAP. The rates of adenomas among African-Americans, Hispanics, and Whites were 24.3%, 12.1%, and 11.6%, respectively, and the corresponding rates of AAP were 10.8%, 3.5%, and 2.3%. Differences in the polyp type, location, and AAP did not reach statistical significance with respect to ethnicity or gender. Patients aged 60 and older were found to have a higher rate of advanced adenomas compared with younger patients (8.6% vs 2.6%, p=0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Further efforts to fund screening colonoscopies for uninsured individuals will likely result in the identification of advanced lesions of the colon before they progress to colorectal cancer.

Corrección de la mala clasificación de las muertes por sida en México: Análisis retrospectivo de 1983 a 2012 / Correcting for misclassified HIV/aids deaths in Mexico: Retrospective analysis, 1983-2012

Objetivo. Identificar y reasignar defunciones mal clasificadas por sida en México, y reconstruir la mortalidad 1983-2012, por entidad federativa, sexo, edad y derechohabiencia a la seguridad social. Material y métodos. Se analizaron 15.5 millones de defunciones de 1979 a 2012. La corrección de la mortalidad por sida se hizo en tres fases: a) por causas directamente relacionadas con sida, y b) por muertes mal codificadas; c) muertes por sida ocultas en otras causas. Se calcularon tasas estandarizadas por edad de mortalidad (TEM) por sexo, derechohabiencia a la seguridad social y entidad federativa. Resultados. Se acumularon 107981 muertes por sida entre 1983 y 2012 (11% más del total de muertes observadas). La TEM en hombres, para todos los grupos de edad, empieza a descender desde 1996, mientras que para las mujeres la caída inicia en 2008. Un panorama similar se observa para la población con/sin seguridad social. La heterogeneidad caracteriza la TEM estatal. Conclusión. Se presenta una metodología fácilmente replicable para la corrección de la mortalidad de sida que genera información relevante para la toma de decisiones fundamentada en la evidencia.

Objective. To identify and reassign misclassified AIDS deaths in Mexico, reconstructing the time series of mortality from 1983 to 2012, by state, sex, age, and affiliation to social security. Materials and methods. 15.5 million deaths from 1979 to 2012 were analyzed. The HIV-AIDS mortality correction was done in three phases: a) those causes directly related to AIDS; b) by miscoded deaths, and c) AIDS deaths hidden in other underlying causes of death. Age-standardized rates of mortality (SMR) were calculated by sex, affiliation to social security, and state. Results. 107 981 AIDS deaths from 1983 to 2012 were accumulated, representing 11% of total deaths observed for the period. The SMR in men for all age groups begins to decline since 1996, while for women the decline started in 2008. A similar picture is observed for the population with / without social security. Heterogeneity is a feature for SMR by state. Conclusion. An easily replicable methodology for the correction of mortality from AIDS, which generates relevant information for decision making based on the evidence is presented.

Evaluation of prenatal diagnosis of congenital defects by screening ultrasound, in Cali, Colombia / Evaluación del diagnóstico prenatal de defectos congénitos por ecografía de tamizaje, en Cali, Colombia

Abstract Introduction: The study aim was to determine the frequency of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of congenital anomalies in Newborns (NB) with birth defects hospitalized in two Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) of Cali (Colombia) and to identify socio-demographic factors associated with lack of such diagnosis. Methods: It was an observational cross-sectional study. NB with congenital defects diagnosable by prenatal ultrasound (CDDPU), who were hospitalized in two neonatal intensive care units (NICU), were included in this study. A format of data collection for mothers, about prenatal ultra-sonographies, sociodemographic data and information on prenatal and definitive diagnosis of their conditions was applied. Multiple logistic and Cox regressions analyses were done. Results: Were included 173 NB, 42.8% of cases had no prenatal diagnosis of CDDPU; among them, 59.5% had no prenatal ultrasound (PNUS). Lack of PNUS was associated with maternal age, 25 to 34 years (Odds Ratio [OR]: 4.41) and 35 to 47 years (OR: 5.24), with low levels of maternal education (OR: 8.70) and with only a PNUS compared to having two or more PNUS (OR: 4.00). Mothers without health insurance tend to be delayed twice the time to access the first PNUS in comparison to mothers with payment health insurance (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 0.51). Among mothers who had PNUS, screening sensitivity of CDDPU after the 19th gestational week was 79.2%. Conclusions: The frequency of prenatal diagnosis is low and is explained by lack of PNUS, or by lack of diagnostic in the PNUS. An association between lack of PNUS and late age pregnancy and low level of maternal education was found. In addition, uninsured mothers tend to delay twice in accessing to the first PNUS in comparison to mothers with health insurance. It is necessary to establish national policies which ensure access to appropriate, timely and good quality prenatal care for all pregnant women in Colombia.

Resumen Introducción: El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la frecuencia de diagnóstico ecográfico prenatal de anomalías congénitas en Recién Nacidos (RN) con defectos congénitos hospitalizados en dos Unidades de Cuidado Intensivo Neonatal (UCIN) de Cali (Colombia) e identificar factores sociodemográficos relacionados con la ausencia del mismo. Métodos: Estudio observacional tipo transversal. Se incluyeron RN con Defectos Congénitos Diagnosticables por Ecografía Prenatal (DCDEP) hospitalizados en unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatal. Se aplicó un formato de recolección de datos a las madres, sobre realización de ecografías, datos sociodemográficos e información sobre el diagnóstico prenatal y definitivo de su patología. Se realizaron análisis de regresión logística y de regresión de Cox múltiples. Resultados: Se incluyeron 173 recién nacidos, el 42.8% de los casos no tenía diagnóstico prenatal, de éstos, el 59.5% no tenía ninguna Ecografía Prenatal (ECOPN). La ausencia de ECOPN se asoció con la edad materna de 25 a 34 años (Oportunidad Relativa [OR]: 4.41) y de 35 a 47 años (OR: 5.24), con bajo nivel de escolaridad materna (OR: 8.70) y con sólo una ECOPN en comparación con tener dos o más (OR: 4.00). Las madres no aseguradas tienden a demorarse el doble del tiempo en acceder a la primera ECOPN en comparación con gestantes del régimen contributivo (Peligro Relativo [HR]: 0.51). Entre las madres que se realizaron ECOPN, la sensibilidad del tamizaje de DCDEP después de la semana 19 de gestación fue 79.2%. Conclusiones: La frecuencia de diagnóstico prenatal es baja y se explica por la ausencia de ECOPN o por la falta de diagnóstico en la ecografía. Se encontró una asociación entre la no realización de ECOPN y gestantes tardías y de bajo nivel de escolaridad. Además, las madres no aseguradas tienden a demorarse el doble del tiempo en acceder a la ECOPN en comparación con las madres aseguradas. Se deben establecer políticas nacionales que garanticen el acceso a un apropiado control prenatal y ecografías oportunas y de buena calidad para todas las embarazadas en Colombia.

Emergency Medical Care of Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Primary Data from the Mount Sinai Resource Utilization in Multiple Sclerosis Project

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There has been no systematic analysis of emergency department (ED) utilization in the multiple sclerosis (MS) population. We investigated the acute-care needs of MS patients using ED as a route for entry into healthcare services. METHODS: ED visits made by MS patients were identified. Data extracted included demographics, medical/neurological history, and workup/management in the ED. RESULTS: The Mount Sinai ED received 569 visits from 224 MS patients during a 3-year period, of whom 33.5% were covered by Medicaid and 12.9% were uninsured. Patients with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of > or =6 accounted for 54%, 50.5% of relapsing remitting MS patients were being treated with disease-modifying therapies, and 74.5% of the ED visits were non-neurological. Patients with mild-to-moderate MS were more likely to present to the ED for issues directly related to MS such as acute exacerbations, while those with severe MS presented more often due to medical issues indirectly related to MS, such as urinary tract infections (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Most MS patients seeking ED care suffer from acute non-neurological problems. The MS patients presenting to the ED tended to be underinsured, had high levels of disability, and were undertreated with disease-modifying therapies. The acute-care needs of MS patients evolve over the disease course, as do the resources that must be utilized in providing emergency care across the spectrum of MS severity. Understanding the characteristics, problems, and needs of MS patients utilizing the ED is an important step in improving care in this population from both clinical and public health perspectives.