Associations of current and childhood socioeconomic status and health outcomes amongst patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis in a Mexico City family-practice setting.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association of current and childhood socioeconomic status (SES) with patient-reported functional status, quality of life and disability in patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Cross-sectional study amongst individuals seeking care for any medical reason in a primary care family-practice clinic in Mexico City. We included individuals with self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis, recruited through waiting-room posters and invitations by treating family physicians. We administered a survey using validated Spanish language versions of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the Osteoarthritis of Lower Limbs and Quality of Life (AMICAL), and the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI). To estimate current and childhood SES, we collected data on education level and occupation type for both the patient and their parents, as well as using a validated tool to estimate income quintile. RESULTS: We recruited 154 patients and excluded 8 patients. There was a high correlation between outcome scores. Estimated income and education levels were correlated with WOMAC, AMICAL and HAQ-DI scores, and significant differences were found in all scores by occupation type. The associations for current SES variables and outcome scores remained significant independently of age, sex, BMI, and presence of diabetes or hypertension, and were largely explained by current income in mutually adjusted models. Childhood SES - in particular as measured through maternal education - was best correlated with AMICAL scores, though its effect seemed largely mediated by its association with current SES. CONCLUSIONS: Current Socioeconomic Status impacts functional status, quality of life and disability amongst OA patients in Mexico City. The WOMAC, AMICAL and HAQ-DI scores correlate with each other and are all potentially useful markers of disease severity. More research is needed to elucidate the relationships between childhood SES and OA outcomes. Awareness of life-course SES may be useful in identifying patients at risk for worse outcomes.

Comprehensive Evaluation of the Impact of Sociodemographic Inequalities on Adverse Outcomes and Excess Mortality During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic in Mexico City.

BACKGROUND: The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Mexico City has been sharp, as several social inequalities at all levels coexist. Here we conducted an in-depth evaluation of the impact of individual and municipal-level social inequalities on the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico City. METHODS: We analyzed suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cases, from the Mexico City Epidemiological Surveillance System from 24 February 2020 to 31 March 2021. COVID-19 outcomes included rates of hospitalization, severe COVID-19, invasive mechanical ventilation, and mortality. We evaluated socioeconomic occupation as an individual risk, and social lag, which captures municipal-level social vulnerability, and urban population density as proxies of structural risk factors. Impact of reductions in vehicular mobility on COVID-19 rates and the influence of risk factors were also assessed. Finally, we assessed discrepancies in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 excess mortality using death certificates from the general civil registry. RESULTS: We detected vulnerable groups who belonged to economically unfavored sectors and experienced increased risk of COVID-19 outcomes. Cases living in marginalized municipalities with high population density experienced greater risk for COVID-19 outcomes. Additionally, policies to reduce vehicular mobility had differential impacts modified by social lag and urban population density. Finally, we report an under-registry of COVID-19 deaths along with an excess mortality closely related to marginalized and densely populated communities in an ambulatory setting. This could be attributable to a negative impact of modified hospital admission criteria during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic occupation and municipality-wide factors played a significant role in shaping the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico City.

Assessing the Burden of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Among Healthcare Workers in Mexico City: A Data-Driven Call to Action.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) could be at increased occupational risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections due to increased exposure. Information regarding the burden of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in HCWs living in Mexico is scarce. Here, we aimed to explore the epidemiology, symptoms, and risk factors associated with adverse outcomes in HCWs in Mexico City. METHODS: We explored data collected by the National Epidemiological Surveillance System in Mexico City, in HCWs who underwent real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. We explored COVID-19 outcomes in HCWs and the performance of symptoms to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: As of 20 September 2020, 57 758 HCWs were tested for SARS-CoV-2 and 17 531 were confirmed (30.35%); 6610 were nurses (37.70%), 4910 physicians (28.0%), 267 dentists (1.52%), and 5744 laboratory personnel and other HCWs (32.76%). Overall, 2378 HCWs required hospitalization (4.12%), 2648 developed severe COVID-19 (4.58%), and 336 required mechanical-ventilatory support (.58%). Lethality was recorded in 472 (.82%) cases. We identified 635 asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections (3.62%). Compared with general population, HCWs had higher incidence, testing, asymptomatic cases, and mortality rates. No individual symptom offers adequate performance to detect SARS-CoV2. Older HCWs with chronic noncommunicable diseases and severe respiratory symptoms were associated with higher risk for adverse outcome; physicians were at higher risk compared with nurses and other HCWs. CONCLUSIONS: We report a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCWs in Mexico City. Symptoms as a screening method are not efficient to discern those HCWs with a positive PCR-RT test. Particular attention should focus on HCWs with risk factors to prevent adverse outcomes.

[Inequity in maternal mortality in Mexico: analyzing inequality on a sub-state regional scale]. / Inequidades en la mortalidad materna en México: un análisis de la desigualdad a escala subestatal.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate maternal mortality ratios (MMR) for the different sub-state regions in Mexico in order to identify those with highest maternal mortality, as well as the degree of inter-regional inequality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maternal mortality and registered live births data was taken from publicly available official data for the years 2005 to 2014. We regionalized the states based on political-administrative divisions within them and calculated MMR for these regions, and calculated Gini coefficients. RESULTS: MMR for sub-state regions ranges from 16 (Non-Metropolitan Nuevo León State) to 160 (Sola de Vega, Oaxaca). We identified 13 regions of Very High or Extremely High maternal mortality. The national Gini coefficient is 0.175, with the states of Chihuahua, Nayarit, Oaxaca and Guerrero standing out for their unequal distribution of maternal mortality within their territory. CONCLUSIONS: Even state level averages of maternal mortality rates tend to hide important inequalities within states, which reflect multiple subjacent inequities.

OBJETIVO: Estimar la razón de mortalidad materna (RMM) de las distintas regiones subestatales del país, para identificar aquellas con mayores índices, así como el grado de desigualdad interregional. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: De bases de datos oficiales y públicamente disponibles, se tomaron los datos de muerte materna y de recién nacidos registrados, de 2005 a 2014. Se realizó una regionalización a partir de divisiones político-administrativas de cada estado y se calculó la RMM para las mismas, así como los coeficientes Gini. RESULTADOS: La RMM por región subestatal varía de 16 (en Nuevo León no metropolitano) a 160 (en Sola de Vega, Oaxaca); asimismo, se identificaron 13 regiones de muy alta o extremadamente alta mortalidad materna. El coeficiente Gini nacional es de 0.175; destacan Chihuahua, Nayarit, Oaxaca y Guerrero como estados con una distribución muy desigual de la mortalidad materna. CONCLUSIONES: Los promedios estatales de mortalidad materna ocultan importantes desigualdades al interior de los estados, reflejo de múltiples inequidades subyacentes.

Socio-demographic inequalities and excess non-COVID-19 mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic: a data-driven analysis of 1 069 174 death certificates in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: In 2020, Mexico experienced one of the highest rates of excess mortality globally. However, the extent of non-COVID deaths on excess mortality, its regional distribution and the association between socio-demographic inequalities have not been characterized. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective municipal and individual-level study using 1 069 174 death certificates to analyse COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 deaths classified by ICD-10 codes. Excess mortality was estimated as the increase in cause-specific mortality in 2020 compared with the average of 2015-2019, disaggregated by primary cause of death, death setting (in-hospital and out-of-hospital) and geographical location. Correlates of individual and municipal non-COVID-19 mortality were assessed using mixed effects logistic regression and negative binomial regression models, respectively. RESULTS: We identified a 51% higher mortality rate (276.11 deaths per 100 000 inhabitants) compared with the 2015-2019 average period, largely attributable to COVID-19. Non-COVID-19 causes comprised one-fifth of excess deaths, with acute myocardial infarction and type 2 diabetes as the two leading non-COVID-19 causes of excess mortality. COVID-19 deaths occurred primarily in-hospital, whereas excess non-COVID-19 deaths occurred in out-of-hospital settings. Municipal-level predictors of non-COVID-19 excess mortality included levels of social security coverage, higher rates of COVID-19 hospitalization and social marginalization. At the individual level, lower educational attainment, blue-collar employment and lack of medical care assistance prior to death were associated with non-COVID-19 deaths. CONCLUSION: Non-COVID-19 causes of death, largely chronic cardiometabolic conditions, comprised up to one-fifth of excess deaths in Mexico during 2020. Non-COVID-19 excess deaths occurred disproportionately out-of-hospital and were associated with both individual- and municipal-level socio-demographic inequalities.

[Chronic undernourishment in school-aged children: itineraries of nutritional neglect and official programs in indigenous communities of Guerrero, Mexico]. / Desnutrición crónica en escolares: itinerarios de desatención nutricional y programas oficiales en comunidades indígenas de Guerrero, México.

Through the analysis of different elements of the nutritional dynamics in a predominantly indigenous municipality in Guerrero, Mexico, we explore the relevance of the concept of itineraries of nutritional neglect in order to broaden the understanding of avoidable health damage. In the framework of a process of accompaniment of the Health Commission of the Regional Coordination of Community Authorities - Community Police, the following methodological strategies were applied throughout the year 2015: a) a review of official programs by means of the analysis of technical documents and interviews with health personnel; b) the compilation of local narratives from families of undernourished children through interviews and participatory observation; c) the somatometric measurement of 151 children in three elementary schools. We highlight the technical and cultural inadequacy of official nutrition programs and the existence of different scales (individual, familial, community, state, structural) and dimensions (economic, environmental, cultural, institutional, affective-emotional) of neglect, materialized in high rates of chronic undernourishment.

Inequidades en la mortalidad materna en México: un análisis de la desigualdad a escala subestatal / Inequity in maternal mortality in Mexico: analyzing inequality on a sub-state regional scale

Resumen: Objetivo: Estimar la razón de mortalidad materna (RMM) de las distintas regiones subestatales del país, para identificar aquellas con mayores índices, así como el grado de desigualdad interregional. Material y métodos: De bases de datos oficiales y públicamente disponibles, se tomaron los datos de muerte materna y de recién nacidos registrados, de 2005 a 2014. Se realizó una regionalización a partir de divisiones político-administrativas de cada estado y se calculó la RMM para las mismas, así como los coeficientes Gini. Resultados: La RMM por región subestatal varía de 16 (en Nuevo León no metropolitano) a 160 (en Sola de Vega, Oaxaca); asimismo, se identificaron 13 regiones de muy alta o extremadamente alta mortalidad materna. El coeficiente Gini nacional es de 0.175; destacan Chihuahua, Nayarit, Oaxaca y Guerrero como estados con una distribución muy desigual de la mortalidad materna. Conclusiones: Los promedios estatales de mortalidad materna ocultan importantes desigualdades al interior de los estados, reflejo de múltiples inequidades subyacentes.

Abstract: Objective: To estimate maternal mortality ratios (MMR) for the different sub-state regions in Mexico in order to identify those with highest maternal mortality, as well as the degree of inter-regional inequality. Materials and methods: Maternal mortality and registered live births data was taken from publicly available official data for the years 2005 to 2014. We regionalized the states based on political-administrative divisions within them and calculated MMR for these regions, and calculated Gini coefficients. Results: MMR for sub-state regions ranges from 16 (Non-Metropolitan Nuevo León State) to 160 (Sola de Vega, Oaxaca). We identified 13 regions of Very High or Extremely High maternal mortality. The national Gini coefficient is 0.175, with the states of Chihuahua, Nayarit, Oaxaca and Guerrero standing out for their unequal distribution of maternal mortality within their territory. Conclusions: Even state level averages of maternal mortality rates tend to hide important inequalities within states, which reflect multiple subjacent inequities.

Desnutrición crónica en escolares: itinerarios de desatención nutricional y programas oficiales en comunidades indígenas de Guerrero, México / Chronic undernourishment in school-aged children: itineraries of nutritional neglect and official programs in indigenous communities of Guerrero, Mexico

RESUMEN En este texto se analizan diversos elementos de la dinámica nutricional de un municipio predominantemente indígena de Guerrero, México, con el propósito de explorar la pertinencia del concepto de itinerarios de desatención nutricional para ampliar la comprensión del daño evitable a la salud. En el marco de un proceso de acompañamiento a la Comisión de Salud de la Coordinadora Regional de Autoridades Comunitarias - Policía Comunitaria, en el transcurso del año 2015, se aplicaron los siguientes recursos metodológicos: a) revisión de programas oficiales mediante consulta de documentos técnicos y entrevistas con personal sanitario; b) obtención de narrativas locales en familias de niños desnutridos, mediante entrevistas y observación participante; c) realización de somatometría en 151 menores en tres escuelas primarias de la región. Se resalta la inadecuación técnica y cultural de los programas oficiales de atención a la desnutrición y la existencia de distintas escalas (individual, familiar, comunitaria, estatal, estructural) y dimensiones (económica, ambiental, cultural, institucional, afectivo-emocional) de desatención, materializadas en altos índices de desnutrición crónica.

ABSTRACT Through the analysis of different elements of the nutritional dynamics in a predominantly indigenous municipality in Guerrero, Mexico, we explore the relevance of the concept of itineraries of nutritional neglect in order to broaden the understanding of avoidable health damage. In the framework of a process of accompaniment of the Health Commission of the Regional Coordination of Community Authorities - Community Police, the following methodological strategies were applied throughout the year 2015: a) a review of official programs by means of the analysis of technical documents and interviews with health personnel; b) the compilation of local narratives from families of undernourished children through interviews and participatory observation; c) the somatometric measurement of 151 children in three elementary schools. We highlight the technical and cultural inadequacy of official nutrition programs and the existence of different scales (individual, familial, community, state, structural) and dimensions (economic, environmental, cultural, institutional, affective-emotional) of neglect, materialized in high rates of chronic undernourishment.