Expansion of national surgical, obstetric, and anaesthesia plans in Latin America: can Brazil be next?

On the sidelines of the 75th Session of the Regional Committee of the World Health Organization for the Americas, the Republic of Ecuador hosted an event to expand on National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Plans (NSOAPs). NSOAPs are policy frameworks that offer governments a pathway to incorporate surgical planning into their overall health strategies. In Latin America, Ecuador became the first country to lead the development of an NSOAP and is fostering regional efforts for other Latin American countries to have sustainable surgical strengthening plans. Brazil is a prominent candidate for enrolling in an NSOAP process to enhance its public health system's functionality. An NSOAP in Brazil can help mitigate social disparities, promote greater efficiency in allocating existing resources, and optimise public health system financing. This process can also encourage the creation of resources and distinct NSOAP vocabulary in Portuguese to facilitate the development of NSOAPs in other Portuguese-speaking and low- and middle-income countries. In this viewpoint, we explore why an NSOAP can benefit Brazil's surgical system, national features that enable surgical policymaking, and how multiple stakeholder engagement can contribute to the country's planning, validation, and implementation of an NSOAP.

[Analysis of the internal coherence of the Mental Health and Addictions Program of Mexico 2020-2024]. / Análisis de la coherencia interna del Programa de Salud Mental y Adicciones de México 2020-2024.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the internal coherence of the Specific Mental Health and Addictions Program 2020-2024 (PAE-SM20-24) of the Health Secretary of Mexico. METHOD: Qualitative descriptive analysis of the logic connection and causal articulation between the objectives, the strategies, and the specific actions of the PAE-SM20-24. RESULTS: PAE-SM20-24 formulates 3 priority objectives, 9 priority strategies, and 49 specific actions. The formulation of the objectives, strategies and actions lacks the necessary structure to define the who, how, where, and when. Neither does it establish financing sources, the mechanisms for resource administration, nor the strategies and actions that are needed to restructure the functions of the participating institutions. It does not define the mechanisms for social participation nor any clear actions for intersectoral work. The actions that are presented are limited to rhetoric proposals to promote, encourage, support, strengthen, and foster, which do not allow us to determine tangible effects due to their implementation. In general terms, the formulation of the program is ambiguous. CONCLUSIONS: PAE-SM20-24 lacks internal coherence, which means that there is only a medium connection between its objectives, strategies, and specific actions. This jeopardizes its implementation and, therefore, its potential to contribute to the improvement of public policy related to mental health and addictions in the country.

Competency profiles for evidence-informed policy-making (EIPM): a rapid review.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-informed policy-making (EIPM) requires a set of individual and organizational capacities, linked with background factors and needs. The identification of essential knowledge, skills and attitudes for EIPM can support the development of competency profiles and their application in different contexts. PURPOSE: To identify elements of competency (knowledge, skills and attitudes) for EIPM, according to different professional profiles (researcher, health professional, decision-maker and citizen). METHODS: Rapid umbrella review. A structured search was conducted and later updated in two comprehensive repositories (BVSalud and PubMed). Review studies with distinctive designs were included, published from 2010 onwards, without language restrictions. Assessment of the methodological quality of the studies was not performed. A meta-aggregative narrative synthesis was used to report the findings. RESULTS: Ten reviews were included. A total of 37 elements of competency were identified, eight were categorized as knowledge, 19 as skills and 10 as attitudes. These elements were aggregated into four competency profiles: researcher, health professional, decision-maker and citizen. The competency profiles included different sets of EIPM-related knowledge, skills and attitudes. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This study is innovative because it aggregates different profiles of competency from a practical perspective, favouring the application of its results in different contexts to support EIPM. Methodological limitations are related to the shortcuts adopted in this review: complementary searches of the grey literature were not performed, and the study selection and data extraction were not conducted in duplicate. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: EIPM requires the development of individual and organizational capacities. This rapid review contributes to the discussion on the institutionalization of EIPM in health systems. The competency profiles presented here can support discussions about the availability of capacity and the need for its development in different contexts.

The content of Instagram posts featuring ultra-processed products through the lens of the heuristic-systematic model.

Digital marketing has seen a rapid rise in the last decade as a consequence of the increased popularity of social media. However, few studies so far have analyzed the prevalence and persuasive power of digital marketing of ultra-processed products. The present study aimed at: (i) analyzing the content of Instagram posts of ultra-processed products through the lens of the heuristic-systematic model, and (ii) evaluating the influence of the content of the posts on user interactions. A search for Instagram accounts of ultra-processed products was performed using a master list of products commercialized in the two most popular online supermarkets in Uruguay. For each of the identified Instagram accounts, all the content posted in a 6-month period was recorded (August 15th, 2020 to February 15th, 2021). The posts were analyzed using content analysis based on inductive coding, and gradient boosting models (GBMs) were used to address the second study objective. A total of 2178 Instagram posts promoting specific ultra-processed products or brands were identified. The posts included a diverse set of cues to trigger both systematic and heuristic processing. References to the pleasure derived from product consumption as well as health-related cues were most prevalent. The GBM showed that references to contests and raffles and invitations to interact encouraged users to engage with the posts through posting comments. Taken together, results stress the need to implement comprehensive regulatory approaches to reduce exposure to and the power of digital marketing of ultra-processed products given the harmful health-related consequences associated with excessive consumption of such products.

Addressing the move toward universal health in the Caribbean through strengthening the health workforce / Abordar el avance hacia la salud universal en el Caribe mediante el fortalecimiento del personal de salud / Considerações para o avanço rumo à saúde universal no Caribe por meio do fortalecimento da força de trabalho da saúde

ABSTRACT This article describes the human resources for health (HRH) policy and action plan development in Barbados, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the supporting role of the PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre on Health Workforce Planning and Research, Dalhousie University, and sub-regional action for supporting continuing country-level HRH strengthening. A policy development process, comprising document/literature review and stakeholder consultations, was used to conduct a situational analysis, which informed the HRH policy and action plan. The policies and action plans centered on HRH priority areas of leadership and governance, HRH planning capacity, strengthening primary health care, optimization of pre- and post-licensure education/training, retention and recruitment, deployment and utilization, inter-sectoral and external partnerships for sustainability, health information systems, and HRH research. A cross-sectional analysis of the findings found that HRH challenges and priority areas were consistent across the countries, resulting in similar policy priority actions that are aligned with the regional lines of action for strengthening HRH for universal access to health and universal health coverage. The results support the value-add in collaborating on a regional level to build capacity for needs-based HRH planning within member countries. The Caribbean-Community (CARICOM), with facilitation by Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Caribbean Subregional Programme, has established the Human Resources for Health Action Task Force for the Caribbean. The expertise of the Dalhousie University PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre, provided through the technical assistance, supported the three countries in this important initiative and provides for further opportunities to support PAHO, the Task Force, and countries as they work to achieve their HRH strengthening objectives.

RESUMEN En este artículo se describe la elaboración de políticas y planes de acción sobre los recursos humanos para la salud en Barbados, Granada y San Vicente y las Granadinas, el apoyo brindado por la Universidad de Dalhousie (centro colaborador de la OPS/OMS para la planificación y la investigación sobre el personal de salud) y las medidas subregionales para apoyar el fortalecimiento continuo de los recursos humanos para la salud a nivel de país. Se llevó a cabo un proceso de elaboración de políticas, que incluyó la revisión de documentos y artículos, así como consultas con las partes interesadas, para realizar un análisis de la situación, que documentó las políticas y los planes de acción sobre recursos humanos para la salud. Las políticas y los planes de acción se centraron en las áreas prioritarias de liderazgo y gobernanza de los recursos humanos para la salud; la capacidad de planificación de los recursos humanos para la salud; el fortalecimiento de la atención primaria de salud; la optimización de la educación y la capacitación previas y posteriores al otorgamiento de licencias, así como la retención y el reclutamiento, el despliegue y la utilización; las asociaciones intersectoriales y externas para la sostenibilidad; los sistemas de información de salud; y la investigación en el ámbito de los recursos humanos para la salud. En un análisis transversal de los resultados se concluyó que los retos y las áreas prioritarias en el ámbito de los recursos humanos para la salud coincidieron en todos los países, por lo que las medidas prioritarias establecidas en las políticas son congruentes con las líneas de acción regionales para fortalecer los recursos humanos respecto del acceso universal a la salud y la cobertura universal de salud. Los resultados respaldan el valor agregado que tiene la colaboración a nivel regional encaminada a crear capacidad para la planificación de los recursos humanos para la salud basada en las necesidades dentro de los Estados Miembros. La Comunidad del Caribe (CARICOM), con la facilitación del Programa Subregional del Caribe de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), ha creado el grupo de trabajo de recursos humanos para la salud en el Caribe. La experiencia de la Universidad de Dalhousie como centro colaborador de la OPS/OMS, en forma de la asistencia técnica prestada, brindó apoyo a los tres países en esta importante iniciativa y ofrece nuevas oportunidades para apoyar a la OPS, el grupo de trabajo y los países en su labor para lograr sus objetivos en cuanto al fortalecimiento de los recursos humanos para la salud.

RESUMO Este artigo descreve a política de recursos humanos para a saúde (RHS) e o desenvolvimento de planos de ação em Barbados, Granada e São Vicente e Granadinas, o papel de apoio do Centro Colaborador da OPAS/OMS sobre Planejamento e Pesquisa da Força de Trabalho da Saúde (Universidade Dalhousie) e a ação sub-regional para apoiar o fortalecimento contínuo dos RHS nesses países. Para fazer uma análise da situação visando a subsidiar a política e o plano de ação de recursos humanos para a saúde foi utilizado um processo de desenvolvimento de políticas, incluindo revisão de documentos/literatura e consultas às partes interessadas. As políticas e os planos de ação concentraram-se em áreas prioritárias de liderança e governança de RHS, capacidade de planejamento de RHS, fortalecimento da atenção primária à saúde, otimização da educação/treinamento pré e pós-licenciamento, retenção e recrutamento, implantação e utilização, parcerias intersetoriais e externas para sustentabilidade, sistemas de informação de saúde e pesquisa sobre RHS. Uma análise transversal das conclusões constatou que os desafios e as áreas prioritárias de RHS eram consistentes entre os países, resultando em ações prioritárias de políticas similares que estão alinhadas com as ações regionais de fortalecimento de RHS para o acesso universal e a cobertura universal de saúde. Os resultados apontam a vantagem da colaboração em nível regional para construir capacidade de planejamento de RHS com base nas necessidades dentro dos países-membros. A Comunidade do Caribe (CARICOM), com facilitação do Programa Sub-Regional do Caribe da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), estabeleceu a Força Tarefa de Ação em Recursos Humanos para a Saúde no Caribe. A experiência da Universidade Dalhousie, um centro colaborador da OPAS/OMS, disponibilizada por meio da assistência técnica, apoiou os três países nesta importante iniciativa e oferece mais oportunidades para apoiar a OPAS, a força tarefa e os países enquanto trabalham para alcançar seus objetivos de fortalecer os RHS.

Necessidades em Saúde do Trabalhador da Atenção Básica: relato de experiência de articulação entre pesquisadores, gestores e trabalhadores no Município de São Paulo / Health needs of primary care workers: an experience report of articulation between researchers, managers and workers in the city of São Paulo

Resumo A Tradução do Conhecimento (TC) disponibiliza tecnologias que podem ser empregadas na operacionalização da integração entre universidade e sociedade, para a formulação de políticas informadas por evidências, em resposta a necessidades em saúde. A partir da formação de um grupo de trabalho - uma das tecnologias de TC disponíveis - e para compreender as necessidades em saúde dos trabalhadores inseridos na Atenção Básica (AB), este estudo objetivou relatar a experiência de problematização e instrumentalização realizada com pesquisadores, gestores e trabalhadores da AB no município de São Paulo. O referencial do Materialismo Histórico e Dialético conduziu o processo de realização de oficinas emancipatórias com os participantes. Dessa forma, foram levantados problemas enfrentados pelos trabalhadores, e realizados workshops e seminários de instrumentalização, de acordo com as necessidades do grupo de participantes. No processo de compreensão das necessidades em saúde dos trabalhadores da AB, os participantes relacionaram as formas de organização do trabalho aos desgastes dos trabalhadores, o que foi enfatizado pelo grupo. A formação do grupo foi estratégica para alcançar o objetivo, bem como direcionar a pesquisa sobre as respostas às necessidades em saúde dos trabalhadores na área, etapa seguinte da TC.

Abstract Knowledge Translation (KT) provides technologies that can be used to operationalize the collaboration between university and society for evidence-informed policy-making in response to health needs. Based on the formation of a working group (one of the available KT technologies) and to understand the health needs of Primary Health Care (PHC) workers in the city of São Paulo, this study aimed to report the experience of problematization and instrumentalization carried out with researchers, managers and PHC workers of the city of São Paulo. The Historical and Dialectical Materialism oriented the process of emancipatory workshops with the participants. The problems faced by the workers were raised and workshops and seminars were held to provide knowledge according to the needs of the group of participants. In the process of understanding the health needs of PHC workers the participants related the forms of work organization to the workers' wear out, which was emphasized by the group. The formation of the group was strategic to reach the objective and also to direct the research on the answers to the health needs of workers in the area, the next stage of the KT.

Oral health policies and decision-making process in Brazil, Colombia and Chile

Abstract Public health policies are crucial for the well-being of the general population; however, the health systems of developed countries still do not include oral health in its system. Thus, it is necessary to understand the process of decision-making in oral health policies to create opportunities for countries to achieve an overall positive health outcome, including oral health. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the inclusion of oral health on the political agenda in Brazil, Colombia, and Chile. The study sample involved decision-makers at political, technical, and academic levels. The extracted data were analyzed using the software Maxqda® and Kingdon´s theoretical model; defining interactive variables that produce a "window of opportunity" to define the agenda and the insertion of theme in formulating public policies. The decision-making process regarding oral health is influenced by many factors like the need to improve the overall oral health of the population, identified through national epidemiological studies, and the importance of individuals in positions involving political decision-making, who advocate for oral health. Strategies were developed in partnership with the academy that focused on the health rights of the population provided by law; territorial and national programs were also developed. The inclusion and creation of oral health policies depend on actors who advocate for thematic and scientific evidence to support decision-making. A close relationship between academia and stakeholders and knowledge translation is important for the development of public policies that can be effective for health systems.

Expected Benefits and Challenges of Using Economic Evaluations to Make Decisions About the Content of Newborn Screening Programs in Vietnam: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Abstract Screening newborns for genetic and other diseases is one of the most effective ways to improve health and reduce disease in a population. In developed countries, newborn screening has been a cornerstone of public health for decades. In many developing countries, however, newborn screening is still in its infancy. Many countries still lack screening programs. When a program is available, it generally lacks well-defined criteria on which decision-makers can justify the choice of diseases screened for and the methods used. One of the reasons put forward to understand this observation is the fact that little consideration is given by decision-makers to economic evaluations as a pillar of decision-making, as is the case in industrialized countries. This article provides a brief description of the challenges of using economic evaluation of newborn screening in developing countries. This will be illustrated by the example of the national newborn screening program in Vietnam.

Estratégias para pessoas com deficiência em períodos de emergência em saúde pública, em especial a pandemia de COVID-19 / Strategies for persons with disabilities in public health emergencies, especially the COVID-19 pandemic

Resumo O objetivo foi descrever estratégias e políticas de atenção às pessoas com deficiência em períodos de emergência em saúde pública, em especial na COVID-19. Foram incluídos 29 estudos e 49 estratégias agrupadas em oito categorias: 1) habitação, mobilidade e infraestrutura; 2) trabalho, ocupação e renda; 3) assistência social; 4) telessaúde; 5) atenção integral à saúde; 6) planejamento e gestão; 7) comunicação; e 8) educação. O panorama das estratégias pode orientar políticas públicas, com ações viáveis que promovam equidade para as pessoas com deficiência.

Abstract This study aimed to describe strategies and policies necessary to provide care for people with disabilities during periods of public health emergencies, especially COVID-19. Twenty-nine studies and 49 strategies were included, grouped into eight categories: 1) housing, mobility, and infrastructure; 2) work, occupation, and income; 3) social assistance; 4) telehealth; 5) comprehensive health care; 6) planning and management; 7) communication; and 8) education. The overview of the strategies can help to guide public policies, with feasible actions that promote more significant equity for disabled people.

Odontologia do Trabalho: o estado da arte, indicando trilhas para a promoção da saúde em contextos contemporâneos de labor - revisão de escopo / Occupational Dentistry: the state of the art, indicating paths for health promotion in contemporary work contexts - scoping review

Resumo O campo da Odontologia do Trabalho tem considerado lastro teórico-científico. Esta revisão de escopo objetiva desvelar o estado da arte acerca do tema em sete bases de pesquisas indexadas, considerando quase 100 anos de publicações (1921-2020). Das 337 produções inicialmente identificadas, realizou-se recorte para os últimos seis anos (2015-2021/janeiro), aplicando-se metodologia proposta pela extensão do Prisma para revisões de escopo (Prisma-ScR). Contudo, plataformas de revisões rápidas usadas para tomada de decisões em formulações de políticas públicas ou em aperfeiçoamentos de sistemas de saúde responderam por apenas 20 publicações, enquanto a amostra de 34 produções revelou peculiaridades: pesquisas privilegiam regimes de trabalho; associam o campo de estudo e prática ao modelo stricto sensu da saúde ocupacional; desconsideram concepções amplas e humanizantes do campo da Saúde do Trabalhador; tendem a priorizar a própria saúde ocupacional odontológica e parecem reduzir o conceito do acidente de trabalho a doenças. Tais questões precisam ser superadas se a perspectiva for manter-se em vanguarda, promovendo saúd e e segurança em contextos contemporâneos de trabalho, pois, embora seja evidente a transversalidade desse campo de saberes e práticas, é necessário mais, é preciso ousar para retirá-la da invisibilidade, seja em organizações privadas ou públicas de trabalho.

Abstract The field of Occupational Dentistry has considered theoretical-scientific ballast. This scoping review aims to reveal the state of the art on the subject in seven indexed research bases, considering almost 100 years of publications (1921-2020). Of the 337 productions initially identified, a cut was made for the last six years (2015-2021/January), applying the methodology proposed by the PRISMA extension for scope reviews (PRISMA-ScR). However, rapid review platforms used for decision making in formulating public policies or in improving health systems accounted for only 20 publications, whereas the sample of 34 productions revealed peculiarities: research favors work regimes; associates the field of study and practice with the stricto sensu model of occupational health; disregards broad and humanizing concepts in the field of Worker's Health; tends to prioritize its own occupational dental health, and seems to reduce the concept of work accidents to illnesses. Such issues need to be overcome if the perspective is to remain at the forefront, promoting health and safety in contemporary work contexts, since, although the transversality of this field of knowledge and practices is evident, more is needed, daring to remove it from invisibility whether in private or public work organizations is necessary.

Oral healthcare management practices in Brazil: systematic review and metasummary

Universal health coverage is a global target included in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals agenda for 2030. Healthcare in Brazil has universal coverage through the Unified Health System (SUS), which guarantees health as basic right to the Brazilian population. Considering the principles of SUS, public oral healthcare management is a huge challenge. Aim: To identify good management practices for quality care adopted by local public oral healthcare managers and teams around Brazil. Methods: This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42017051639). Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Lilacs) as well as the reference lists and citations of the included publications were searched according to PRISMA guidelines. Results:A total of 30,895 references were initially found, which were evaluated according to the defined eligibility criteria. Twenty qualitative studies, eight surveys and two mixed-model studies were selected. The practices (codes) were organized into three main groups (families), and the Frequency of the Effect Size (FES) of each code was calculated. Among the 20 codes identified, the most relevant ones were: Diagnosis and Health Planning (FES=80%) and Family Health Strategy(FES=66,7). The Intensity of the Effect Size of each study was also calculated to demonstrate the individual contribution of each study to the conclusions. Conclusion: The evidence emerging from this review showed that healthcare diagnosis, planning, and performance based on the family health strategy principles were the most relevant practices adopted by public oral healthcare managers in Brazil. The widespread adoption of these practices could lead to improved oral healthcare provision and management in Brazil

Análisis de políticas públicas en salud: el caso de recursos humanos en el Perú

Objetivo : Analizar el desarrollo de políticas de recursos humanos en salud en Perú. Material y métodos : Estudio transversal de análisis de Políticas de recursos humanos en Salud. Se identificaron lineamientos de política, se analizó grado de cumplimiento considerando tres herramientas de implementación: regulación, persuasión e incentivos. El análisis histórico consideró: acción política, respuesta sociedad civil y adaptación estatal. Resultados : Entre 1980 y 2020 se identificaron 11 lineamientos de política sectorial (cinco con un lineamiento en recursos humanos) y dos lineamentos de política específicos de recursos humanos; no necesariamente coincidentes. Los instrumentos de implementación de políticas más utilizadas fueron control, incentivo y mixtas. Los incentivos incluyeron, mayores salarios y puntajes al postular a especialidad. Hubo distorsiones tipo boomerang. Conclusiones : No se identificó Política de Estado en recursos humanos en salud. Los limitados efectos de las políticas sectoriales se basaron en la escasa participación de actores sociales, la alta rotación de funcionarios, el limitado control y el uso incompleto de incentivos. La eficacia y sostenibilidad de una política requiere apropiación, liderazgo, financiamiento y armonización de las herramientas de implementación.

SUMMARY Objective : To evaluate the human resources policy in the health care sector in Peru. Methods : A cross-sectional study was performed; policy guidelines, degree of tracing evaluating implementation, regulation, persuasion, and incentives. Results : We identified 11 policy guidelines between 1908 and 2020 (5 with at least one human resource guidelines) and specific human resource guidelines. The implementation policy tools most commonly used were control, incentives and mixt tools. Incentives used were higher salaries and scores for postulants to specialties. Boomerang distortions were found. Conclusions : No state policies in human resources were found. Limited effects of sectorial policies were based on low social participation, high rotation of managers, and limited control and use of incentives. Efficacy and sustainability of a policy requires leadership, financing and harmonization of implementation tools.

The fallacy of science is science: the impact of conflict of interest in vaping articles.

Objective: To explore the association between reporting conflict of interest (COI) and having a positive outcome toward vaping in scientific articles. Methods: A cross-sectional study that analyzed a sample of 697 articles published between 2017 and 2020 regarding vaping. Information on the reporting of COI, type of COI (no conflict, conflict with the tobacco industry, pharmaceutical industry, or other), and country of publication were collected. To explore the association between reporting COI and having a positive result for vaping, two logistic regression models were fitted, both adjusted by country of publication. Results: From 88 articles that reported COI, 23 reported COI with the tobacco industry, 44 with the pharmaceutical industry, and 21 reported another type of conflict. We found that reporting any type of COI increased by 4.7 times the odds (OR 4.70; 95% CI [2.89, 7.65]) of having a positive result for vaping. Additionally, compared to other countries, manuscripts published in England had 2 times higher odds (OR 2.40; 95% CI [1.16, 4.98]) of reporting a positive result for vaping. Reporting COI with the tobacco and pharmaceutical industries increased the odds of favorable results by 29 times (OR 29.95; 95% CI [9.84, 90.98]) and 2 times (OR 2.87; 95% CI [1.45, 5.69]), respectively. Conclusions: In scientific articles, reporting COI and having positive results for vaping are highly associated. COI should be considered and caution should be exercised when using data for policy-making.

Countries' experiences scaling up national breastfeeding, protection, promotion and support programmes: Comparative case studies analysis.

Scaling up effective interventions, policies and programmes can improve breastfeeding (BF) outcomes. Furthermore, considerable interest exists in learning from relatively recent successful efforts that can inform further scaling up, with appropriate adaptations, across countries. The purpose of this four-country case studies analysis was to examine why and how improvements in BF practices occurred across four contrasting countries; Burkina Faso, the Philippines, Mexico and the United States of America. Literature reviews and key informant interviews were conducted to document BF trends over time, in addition to why and how BF protection, promotion and support policies and programmes were implemented at a national level. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted. The 'Breastfeeding Gear Model' and RE-AIM (Reach; Effectiveness; Adoption; Implementation; and Maintenance) frameworks were used to understand and map the factors facilitating or hindering the scale up of the national programmes and corresponding improvements in BF practices. Each of the studied countries had different processes and timing to implement and scale up programmes to promote, protect and support breastfeeding. However, in all four countries, evidence-based advocacy, multisectoral political will, financing, research and evaluation, and coordination were key to fostering an enabling environment for BF. Furthermore, in all countries, lack of adequate maternity protection and the aggressive marketing of the breast-milk substitutes industry remains a strong source of negative feedback loops that are undermining investments in BF programmes. Country-specific best practices included innovative legislative measures (Philippines), monitoring and evaluation systems (United States of America), engagement of civil society (Mexico) and behavior change communication BF promotion (Burkina Faso) initiatives. There is an urgent need to improve maternity protection and to strongly enforce the WHO Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes.

Uso de beca estatal de alimentación para estudiantes universitarios según factores sociológicos / Influence of sociological factors on the use of a state scholarship to feed Chilean university students / Influência de fatores sociológicos no uso de uma bolsa estadual para alimentar estudantes universitários chilenos

Resumen (analítico) Conocer la influencia de factores sociodemográficos en el uso de la beca de alimentación Junaeb Baes, que otorga el Gobierno chileno a estudiantes universitarios con menores ingresos, es necesario para aumentar el beneficio social de este programa estatal. Se consideraron las variables género, modo de residencia, carrera y curso, etnia y posición socioeconómica. Se aplicó una encuesta a 114 estudiantes universitarios chilenos. Los resultados muestran que la posición socioeconómica y el modo de residencia son los factores sociodemográficos más influyentes en el uso de la beca Baes. La variable género no arrojó diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Se concluye que es posible aumentar el porcentaje de gasto en alimentos saludables si se consideran factores sociológicos en el estudio y diseño de políticas de uso de la beca Baes.

Abstract (analytical) Knowing the influence of sociodemographic factors in the use of the Junaeb Baes food benefit granted by the Chilean Government to low-income university students is necessary to increase the social benefit of this state program. The variables gender, mode of residence, major and year, ethnicity and socioeconomic position were considered. A survey was applied to 114 Chilean university students. The results show that socioeconomic position and mode of residence are the most influential socio-demographic factors in the use of the Baes benefit. The gender variable did not show statistically significant differences. It is concluded that it is possible to increase the percentage of spending on healthy foods if sociological factors are considered in the study and design of policies for the use of the Baes grant.

Resumo (analítico) Conhecer a influência de fatores sociodemográficos na utilização da bolsa de alimentação Junaeb Baes concedida pelo Governo do Chile a universitários de menor renda é necessário para aumentar o benefício social deste programa estadual. Foram consideradas as variáveis sexo, modo de residência, carreira e curso, etnia e posição socioeconômica. Uma pesquisa foi aplicada a 114 estudantes universitários chilenos. Os resultados mostram que a posição socioeconômica e o modo de residência são os fatores sociodemográficos mais influentes no uso da bolsa Baes. A variável sexo não apresentou diferenças estatisticamente significantes. Conclui-se que é possível aumentar o percentual de gastos com alimentos saudáveis se fatores sociológicos forem considerados no estudo e desenho de políticas para o uso da bolsa Baes.

Apoio contínuo na assistência ao parto para redução das cirurgias cesarianas: síntese de evidências para políticas / Continuous support during childbirth to reduce cesarean sections: evidence brief for policy

Resumo As taxas mundiais de cirurgia cesariana têm crescido há 30 anos, correspondendo a mais de 56% dos nascimentos no Brasil. Considerando os agravos ocasionados por cesáreas eletivas na saúde materna e infantil, esta revisão buscou apresentar uma estratégia para a redução dessas taxas. Para realizar a síntese das melhores evidências, adotou-se a metodologia SUPPORT. Foram incluídas revisões sistemáticas publicadas em inglês, português ou espanhol sobre intervenções não clínicas. As buscas resultaram em quatro estudos, que em metanálise associaram o apoio contínuo durante o parto à redução de 25% a 51% nas taxas de cesárea. Igualmente, o apoio contínuo reduziu a duração e as intervenções clínicas desnecessárias durante o trabalho de parto e a probabilidade de bebê com baixo escore de Apgar aos cinco minutos. Além disso, proporcionou melhoria na amamentação e na recuperação da mulher, aumento da satisfação com o processo de nascimento e maiores chances de parto vaginal espontâneo. O apoio contínuo foi benéfico para a gestante e o recém-nascido. A intervenção garante respeito, segurança e qualidade durante o parto, bem como reduz custos hospitalares. Portanto, é uma estratégia efetiva que deve ser adotada nos serviços de saúde para ampliar o acesso das mulheres aos seus direitos.

Abstract Cesarean section rates have increased globally in the last 30 years, representing more than 56% of total births in Brazil. Considering the impacts of elective cesarean sections in maternal and child health, this review aimed to present an option to reduce these rates. We used the SUPPORT tools to summarize the best evidence. We included systematic reviews published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, which focused on non-clinical interventions. Continuous support during labor and birth was described in four systematic reviews as an option to reduce cesarean rates (down to -51%). It also decreased unnecessary clinical interventions during labor, the duration of labor, and the likelihood of delivering a baby with a low Apgar score at five minutes. Moreover, continuous support improved breastfeeding, postpartum recovery of women during the puerperium period, and increased women's satisfaction with the birth experience and the possibility of spontaneous vaginal deliveries. The continuous support was beneficial for women and newborns. The intervention fosters respect, safety, and quality during birth, besides reducing hospital costs. Therefore, it is an effective strategy that should be adopted in hospitals and other health services to improve women's access to their rights.

The fallacy of science is science: the impact of conflict of interest in vaping articles / La falacia de la ciencia es la ciencia: el efecto del conflicto de intereses en los artículos sobre el vapeo / A falácia da ciência é ciência: o impacto do conflito de interesses em artigos sobre cigarros eletrônicos

ABSTRACT Objective. To explore the association between reporting conflict of interest (COI) and having a positive outcome toward vaping in scientific articles. Methods. A cross-sectional study that analyzed a sample of 697 articles published between 2017 and 2020 regarding vaping. Information on the reporting of COI, type of COI (no conflict, conflict with the tobacco industry, pharmaceutical industry, or other), and country of publication were collected. To explore the association between reporting COI and having a positive result for vaping, two logistic regression models were fitted, both adjusted by country of publication. Results. From 88 articles that reported COI, 23 reported COI with the tobacco industry, 44 with the pharmaceutical industry, and 21 reported another type of conflict. We found that reporting any type of COI increased by 4.7 times the odds (OR 4.70; 95% CI [2.89, 7.65]) of having a positive result for vaping. Additionally, compared to other countries, manuscripts published in England had 2 times higher odds (OR 2.40; 95% CI [1.16, 4.98]) of reporting a positive result for vaping. Reporting COI with the tobacco and pharmaceutical industries increased the odds of favorable results by 29 times (OR 29.95; 95% CI [9.84, 90.98]) and 2 times (OR 2.87; 95% CI [1.45, 5.69]), respectively. Conclusions. In scientific articles, reporting COI and having positive results for vaping are highly associated. COI should be considered and caution should be exercised when using data for policy-making.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Explorar la relación entre notificar la existencia de conflictos de intereses y tener un resultado positivo con respecto al vapeo en los artículos científicos. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal que analizó una muestra de 697 artículos sobre vapeo publicados entre 2017 y 2020. Se recopiló información sobre la notificación de la existencia de conflictos de intereses, los tipos de conflicto (sin conflicto o conflicto con la industria tabacalera, con la industria farmacéutica o con otras industrias) y el país de publicación. Para explorar la relación entre notificar la existencia de conflictos de intereses y tener un resultado positivo respecto del vapeo, se adaptaron dos modelos de regresión logística, y ambos se ajustaron por país de publicación. Resultados. De los 88 artículos en los que se notificó la existencia de conflictos de intereses, 23 informaron sobre conflictos de intereses con la industria tabacalera, 44 sobre conflictos con la industria farmacéutica y 21 sobre otros tipos de conflicto. Se determinó que la notificación de cualquier tipo de conflicto de intereses incrementó en 4,7 veces las probabilidades (OR 4,70; IC del 95 % [2,89; 7,65]) de obtener un resultado positivo con respecto al vapeo. Además, en comparación con otros países, los artículos publicados en Inglaterra mostraron probabilidades 2 veces más altas (OR 2,40; IC del 95 % [1,16; 4,98]) de comunicar un resultado positivo respecto del vapeo. Informar sobre la existencia de conflictos de intereses con las industrias tabacalera y farmacéutica multiplicó las probabilidades de resultados favorables por 29 (OR 29,95; IC del 95 % [9,84; 90,98]) y por 2 (OR 2,87; IC del 95% [1,45; 5,69]), respectivamente. Conclusiones. En los artículos científicos, existe una clara relación entre notificar la existencia de conflictos de intereses y tener un resultado positivo con respecto al vapeo. Se debe considerar el conflicto de intereses y actuar con precaución al emplear estos datos para la formulación de políticas.

RESUMO Objetivo. Examinar a associação entre declarar conflitos de interesses e obter resultados favoráveis sobre os cigarros eletrônicos em artigos científicos. Métodos. Estudo transversal que analisou uma amostra de 697 artigos sobre cigarros eletrônicos publicados entre 2017 e 2020. Foram coletadas informações sobre a declaração de conflito de interesses, tipo de conflito (ausência de conflito, conflito com a indústria tabagista ou farmacêutica, ou outras formas de conflito) e o país de publicação do estudo. Dois modelos de regressão logística foram criados, com ajuste por país de publicação, para examinar a associação entre declarar conflitos de interesses e obter resultados favoráveis para os cigarros eletrônicos. Resultados. De 88 artigos que continham a declaração de conflitos de interesses, 23 informaram conflitos com a indústria tabagista, 44 com a indústria farmacêutica e 21 outras formas de conflito. Declarar qualquer tipo de conflito de interesses foi associado a uma probabilidade 4,7 vezes maior (OR 4,70; IC 95% [2,89, 7,65]) de obter resultados favoráveis aos cigarros eletrônicos. Quanto aos países de publicação, verificou-se uma probabilidade duas vezes maior de os artigos publicados na Inglaterra (OR 2,40; IC 95% [1,16, 4,98]) informarem resultados favoráveis para os cigarros eletrônicos. Quando se declarou o conflito de interesses com as indústrias tabagista e farmacêutica, a chance de resultados favoráveis nos estudos foi 29 vezes maior (OR 29,95; IC 95% [9,84, 90,98]) e 2 vezes maior (OR 2,87; IC 95% [1,45, 5,69]), respectivamente. Conclusões. Observa-se uma forte associação entre declarar o conflito de interesses e obter resultados favoráveis para os cigarros eletrônicos em artigos científicos. O conflito de interesses deve ser levado em consideração, recomendando-se cautela ao utilizar os dados de estudos na formulação de políticas.

As epistemes políticas da Covid-19: construções e referentes / Political epistemes of COVID-19: constructions and references

RESUMO No Brasil, a realidade da Covid-19 foi construída de maneira diversa e multiperspectiva. Dados, princípios científicos, experiências individuais e coletivas buscaram forjar 'a verdade' dessa doença. No parlamento brasileiro, as propostas legislativas para enfrentamento da Covid-19 foram dirigidas pela Comissão Externa de Enfrentamento à Covid-19. Assim, este artigo busca analisar a arena narrativa que compôs a realidade política da Covid-19, identificando quais as condições que fizeram com que ideias e argumentações se tornassem deliberações políticas. Empiricamente delineado pelo Narrative Policy Framework, adotaram-se como unidade de análise os discursos e as tramas que compuseram a construção de uma 'certeza' ante o risco e a letalidade da Covid-19. A arquitetura dessa doença revelou ascensões políticas e manobras que transformaram a Comissão em uma plataforma de exposição de realidades, com base em cenários e expectativas particulares. Uma engenharia narrativa que resultou no aumento da opacidade dos procedimentos para enfrentamento da pandemia e embaraçamento das linhas de responsabilidade. Assim, as disputas narrativas implicadas na definição da Covid-19, no âmbito parlamentar, indicaram que a estabilização de seu estatuto foi fomentada por uma relação dialética entre determinado conjunto de ideias e sua modelagem da realidade.

ABSTRACT In Brazil, the reality of COVID-19 was constructed in a diverse and multi-perspective way. Data, scientific principles, individual and collective experiences sought to forge 'the truth' about COVID-19. In the Brazilian Parliament, the legislative proposals to combat COVID-19 were directed by the External Commission to Combat COVID-19. Thus, this article aims to analyze the narrative arena that made up the political reality of COVID-19, in that commission, identifying the conditions that made ideas and arguments become political deliberations. Empirically outlined by the Narrative Policy Framework, we adopted as a unit of analysis the discourses and plots that composed the construction of a 'certainty' in the face of the risk and lethality of COVID-19. The architecture of COVID-19 revealed political ascents and maneuvers that transformed the Commission into a platform for exposing realities, based on particular scenarios and expectations. A narrative engineering that resulted in an increase in the opacity of the procedures to face the pandemic and embarrassment of the lines of responsibility. Thus, the narrative disputes involved in the definition of COVID-19, in the parliamentary sphere, indicated that the stabilization of its statute was fostered by a dialectical relationship between a certain set of ideas and their modeling of reality.

Assessing the impact of knowledge communication and dissemination strategies targeted at health policy-makers and managers: an overview of systematic reviews.

BACKGROUND: The use of research evidence as an input for health decision-making is a need for most health systems. There are a number of approaches for promoting evidence use at different levels of the health system, but knowledge of their effectiveness is still scarce. The objective of this overview was to evaluate the effectiveness of knowledge communication and dissemination interventions, strategies or approaches targeting policy-makers and health managers. METHODS: This overview of systematic reviews used systematic review methods and was conducted according to a predefined and published protocol. A comprehensive electronic search of 13 databases and a manual search in four websites were conducted. Both published and unpublished reviews in English, Spanish or Portuguese were included. A narrative synthesis was undertaken, and effectiveness statements were developed, informed by the evidence identified. RESULTS: We included 27 systematic reviews. Three studies included only a communication strategy, while eight only included dissemination strategies, and the remaining 16 included both. None of the selected reviews provided "sufficient evidence" for any of the strategies, while four provided some evidence for three communication and four dissemination strategies. Regarding communication strategies, the use of tailored and targeted messages seemed to successfully lead to changes in the decision-making practices of the target audience. Regarding dissemination strategies, interventions that aimed at improving only the reach of evidence did not have an impact on its use in decisions, while interventions aimed at enhancing users' ability to use and apply evidence had a positive effect on decision-making processes. Multifaceted dissemination strategies also demonstrated the potential for changing knowledge about evidence but not its implementation in decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions targeting health managers and policy-makers, as well as the mechanisms required for achieving impact. More studies are needed that are informed by theoretical frameworks or specific tools and using robust methods, standardized outcome measures and clear descriptions of the interventions. We found that passive communication increased access to evidence but had no effect on uptake. Some evidence indicated that the use of targeted messages, knowledge-brokering and user training was effective in promoting evidence use by managers and policy-makers.

Genetic/genomic testing: defining the parameters for ethical, legal and social implications (ELSI).

BACKGROUND: Genetic/genomic testing (GGT) are useful tools for improving health and preventing diseases. Still, since GGT deals with sensitive personal information that could significantly impact a patient's life or that of their family, it becomes imperative to consider Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI). Thus, ELSI studies aim to identify and address concerns raised by genomic research that could affect individuals, their family, and society. However, there are quantitative and qualitative discrepancies in the literature to describe the elements that provide content to the ELSI studies and such problems may result in patient misinformation and harmful choices. METHODS: We analyzed the major international documents published by international organizations to specify the parameters that define ELSI and the recognized criteria for GGT, which may prove useful for researchers, health professionals and policymakers. First, we defined the parameters of the ethical, legal and social fields in GGT to avoid ambiguities when using the acronym ELSI. Then, we selected nine documents from 44 relevant publications by international organizations related to genomic medicine. RESULTS: We identified 29 ELSI sub-criteria concerning to GGT, which were organized and grouped within 10 minimum criteria: two from the ethical field, four from the legal field and four from the social field. An additional analysis of the number of appearances of these 29 sub-criteria in the analyzed documents allowed us to order them and to determine 7 priority criteria for starting to evaluate and propose national regulations for GGT. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that the ELSI criteria identified herein could serve as a starting point to formulate national regulation on personalized genomic medicine, ensuring consistency with international bioethical requirements.