Effectiveness of environmental interventions to reduce entomological indices of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya vector.

Vector-borne diseases are a major public health problem. Amongst them, dengue, Zika and chikungunya illnesses are increasing their incidence and geographical expansion. Since vector control is the main measure to prevent these diseases, this systematic review aims to determine the effectiveness of environmental interventions for the prevention of the transmission of these three diseases, as well as for the reduction of their burden. Experimental studies of environmental management interventions aimed at vector control were included. The outcome variables of interest were disease burden indicators and entomological indicators. Of the 923 references initially retrieved, after discarding those that were duplicated or didn't comply with the inclusion criteria, a total of 7 articles were included. All included studies carried out environmental manipulation interventions and only 1 carried out an environmental modification intervention. Regarding the outcome variables, all used entomological indicators (larval or pupae indices). Of those, pupae indices are better indicators of vector abundance. In 4 out of the 6 studies, there was a statistically significant reduction of the pupae indices related to the elimination of small containers, manipulation of large tanks and cleaning outdoor spaces. These interventions are easy to implement and involve little resources, which acquires special importance regarding areas with limited resources. Although it is assumed that a reduction of mosquitoes would lead to a reduction or the risk of transmission, a little evidence proving this has been published. It would be advisable that, in addition to entomological indicators, epidemiological, environmental and sociodemographic factors would be taken into consideration, bearing in mind that mosquito density is one of the many factors that influence the transmission of these viruses. None of the papers included used disease indicators, not allowing to demonstrate if environmental interventions contribute to reduce disease burden.

Adoption of the HPV vaccine: a case study of three emerging countries.

BACKGROUND: The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has recently attracted considerable attention in emerging countries, due to its potential to reduce the impact of HPV-related diseases. This case study sheds new light about the variety of HTA arrangements, methods and processes involved in the adoption and use of HPV vaccines in a selected sample of central, eastern and southern Europe and Latin America and the Caribbean, all of them emerging in the use of HTA. MATERIALS & METHODS: A multi-country case study was designed. Mixed methods, document review, semi-structured surveys and personal communication with experts, were used for data collection and triangulation. RESULTS: This study shows that common elements of good practice exist in the processes and methods used, with all countries arriving at the same appraisal recommendations. However, the influence of socio-politico-economic factors appears to be determinant on the final decisions and restrictions to access made. CONCLUSION: This case study intends to draw useful lessons for policymakers in emerging settings interested in the adoption of the HPV vaccine supported by evidence-informed processes, such as those offered by institutionalized HTA. Future studies are also recommended to elucidate the specific roles that social values and uncertainties play in vaccine decision-making across different societies.

Opiniones de menores residentes en Andalucía (España) sobre temas de salud: Aplicación de un cuestionario por Internet / Opinions of minor children residing in Andalusia (Spain) on health-related topics: An online questionnaire

Objetivo: Analizar opiniones de menores sobre el concepto de salud, centros y profesionales sanitarios así como recomendaciones en forma de consejos sobre promoción de salud. Métodos: Estudio transversal con cuestionario online dirigido a menores de 14 años de edad. Se utilizó una versión adaptada del cuestionario Kid's Hospital, el cual contiene preguntas abiertas y cerradas. Resultados: Contestaron al cuestionario 358 menores, de los cuales 225 fueron niñas (61,3%). La edad media global fue de 9,2(DE 2,61). Asocian buena salud con la ausencia de enfermedad (n=165, 46,1%) y estar en forma (n=151, 42,2%) ; sobre experiencias de la última visita al médico, reconocen el papel de ayuda y mediación de estos profesionales (n=233, 65,1%); destacan la ayuda y la recuperación como lo mejor de la atención, y como lo peor los pinchazos y el dolor padecido. De los consejos emitidos para promoción de salud destacan aquellos sobre alimentación (n=233, 62,3%). Conclusiones: Los cuestionarios online a menores, constituyen una forma útil de recolección de información. Así, estas consultas directas permiten la participación de los niños y niñas o de los menores y proporcionan información útil para adecuar las intervenciones de cara a fomentar la promoción entre iguales, así como sobre sus preferencias en el diseño de intervenciones.

Objective: To analyze opinions of minors regarding the concept of health, health centers, and professionals, as well as providing them with recommendations on health promotion in the form of health promotion advice. Methods: A cross-sectional survey with an online questionnaire aimed to kids below 14. An adapted version of Kid's Hospital questionnaire was utilized, which has both open and closed questions. Results: 358 minors answered the questionnaire, 225 of which were girls (61.3%). The mean global age was 9.2 years (SD 2.61). They associated good health with the absence of illnesses (n=165, 46.1%) and being in shape (n=151, 42.2%). Regarding their experiences about their last doctor's appointment, they acknowledged the aiding and mediation role of these professionals as the best features of the assistance (n=233, 65.1%) and the pain suffered and syringe jabs as the worst ones. They also highlighted healthy eating advice from the health promotion advice given (n=233, 62.3%). Discussion: Online questionnaires for minors are a useful data collection tool. These direct queries allow them to participate and provide useful information to adequate medical interventions in order to develop actions for health promotion, as well as taking their opinions into account when designing interventions.