Desarrollo y validación de una escala de percepción de riesgo de COVID-19 en Perú / Development and validation of a COVID-19 risk perception scale in Peru

RESUMEN Objetivos. Desarrollar y validar una escala de percepción de riesgo ante la COVID-19 (PR-COVID-19-PE) en población peruana. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal psicométrico, realizado en el 2022. En la fase 1 se diseñó la escala inicial mediante revisión teórica, grupos focales, panel de expertos y revisión documental de escalas. En la fase 2 se determinó la escala mediante juicio de expertos y una prueba piloto. En la fase 3 se hizo una encuesta virtual en 678 pobladores peruanos adultos. Se efectuó un análisis factorial confirmatorio. Para determinar la validez de criterio se realizó un análisis correlacional (r de Pearson) con una escala válida de percepción de riesgo y la escala de miedo a la COVID-19. Resultados. La PR-COVID-19-PE está compuesta por dos dimensiones (cognitivo y emocional), presentó buen ajuste en la validez de constructo (x2/gl=2,34, Comparative Fit Index = 0,96, Tucker-Lewis Index = 0,96, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0,05 y Standarized Root Mean-Square = 0,07) y óptima consistencia interna (ώ=0,88). Asimismo, reportó correlación con otra escala de percepción de riesgo ante la COVID-19 (r=0,70, p<0,001) y miedo a la COVID-19 (r = 0,41, p < 0,001). Además, presenta invarianza métrica y escalar tanto por sexo como por nivel educativo. Conclusiones. La escala PR-COVID-19-PE presentó adecuada confiabilidad y validez de contenido, constructo y criterio. Constituye un instrumento para medir la percepción de riesgo ante la COVID-19 en poblaciones similares. Sin embargo, se requiere estudios adicionales en diferentes grupos poblacionales.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To develop and validate a risk perception scale for COVID-19 (PR-COVID-19-PE) in the Peruvian population. Materials and methods. Psychometric cross-sectional study conducted in 2022. In phase 1, in order to design the scale, we carried out a theoretical review and a documentary review of scales, we also used focus groups as well as an expert panel. Phase 2 included expert judgment and a pilot test. A virtual survey was conducted among 678 Peruvian adults during phase 3. A confirmatory factor analysis was carried out as well. We used a correlational analysis (Pearson's r) with a valid risk perception scale and the COVID-19 fear scale to determine criterion validity. Results. The PR-COVID-19-PE has two dimensions (cognitive and emotional) and showed good fit during construct validity (x2/gl=2.34, Comparative Fit Index=0.96, Tucker-Lewis Index=0.96, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation= 0.05 and Standardized Root Mean-Square=0.07) and optimal internal consistency (ώ=0.88). Likewise, the PR-COVID-19-PE showed correlation with another COVID-19 risk perception scale (r=0.70, p< 0.001) and a fear of COVID-19 scale (r=0.41, p<0.001). In addition, it presents metric and scalar invariance by both sex and educational level. Conclusions. The PR-COVID-19-PE scale showed adequate reliability and content, construct and criterion validity. It is an instrument that can measure COVID-19 risk perception in similar populations. However, further studies are required for different populations.

Development and validation of a COVID-19 risk perception scale in Peru. / Desarrollo y validación de una escala de percepción de riesgo de COVID-19 en Perú.

OBJECTIVES.: Motivation for the study. Risk perception of COVID-19 is a construct that varies according to the characteristics of the population in each geographic area; however, there is no validated scale to measure this construct in the Peruvian population. Main findings. A COVID-19 risk perception scale composed of two dimensions (cognitive and emotional) was designed and validated using qualitative and quantitative techniques. Implications. Having a valid and reliable instrument will help identify the variation of risk perception of COVID-19 according to contextual and psychological factors in the Peruvian population. . To develop and validate a risk perception scale for COVID-19 (PR-COVID-19-PE) in the Peruvian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: Psychometric cross-sectional study conducted in 2022. In phase 1, in order to design the scale, we carried out a theoretical review and a documentary review of scales, we also used focus groups as well as an expert panel. Phase 2 included expert judgment and a pilot test. A virtual survey was conducted among 678 Peruvian adults during phase 3. A confirmatory factor analysis was carried out as well. We used a correlational analysis (Pearson's r) with a valid risk perception scale and the COVID-19 fear scale to determine criterion validity. RESULTS.: The PR-COVID-19-PE has two dimensions (cognitive and emotional) and showed good fit during construct validity (x2/gl=2.34, Comparative Fit Index=0.96, Tucker-Lewis Index=0.96, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation= 0.05 and Standardized Root Mean-Square=0.07) and optimal internal consistency (ώ=0.88). Likewise, the PR-COVID-19-PE showed correlation with another COVID-19 risk perception scale (r=0.70, p< 0.001) and a fear of COVID-19 scale (r=0.41, p<0.001). In addition, it presents metric and scalar invariance by both sex and educational level. CONCLUSIONS.: The PR-COVID-19-PE scale showed adequate reliability and content, construct and criterion validity. It is an instrument that can measure COVID-19 risk perception in similar populations. However, further studies are required for different populations.

OBJETIVOS.: Desarrollar y validar una escala de percepción de riesgo ante la COVID-19 (PR-COVID-19-PE) en población peruana. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Estudio transversal psicométrico, realizado en el 2022. En la fase 1 se diseñó la escala inicial mediante revisión teórica, grupos focales, panel de expertos y revisión documental de escalas. En la fase 2 se determinó la escala mediante juicio de expertos y una prueba piloto. En la fase 3 se hizo una encuesta virtual en 678 pobladores peruanos adultos. Se efectuó un análisis factorial confirmatorio. Para determinar la validez de criterio se realizó un análisis correlacional (r de Pearson) con una escala válida de percepción de riesgo y la escala de miedo a la COVID-19. RESULTADOS.: La PR-COVID-19-PE está compuesta por dos dimensiones (cognitivo y emocional), presentó buen ajuste en la validez de constructo (x2/gl=2,34, Comparative Fit Index = 0,96, Tucker-Lewis Index = 0,96, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0,05 y Standarized Root Mean-Square = 0,07) y óptima consistencia interna (ώ=0,88). Asimismo, reportó correlación con otra escala de percepción de riesgo ante la COVID-19 (r=0,70, p<0,001) y miedo a la COVID-19 (r = 0,41, p < 0,001). Además, presenta invarianza métrica y escalar tanto por sexo como por nivel educativo. CONCLUSIONES.: La escala PR-COVID-19-PE presentó adecuada confiabilidad y validez de contenido, constructo y criterio. Constituye un instrumento para medir la percepción de riesgo ante la COVID-19 en poblaciones similares. Sin embargo, se requiere estudios adicionales en diferentes grupos poblacionales.

Dificultades para la participación en actividades académicas de la Escuela Nacional de Salud Pública - Perú, 2018 - 2020

Introducción. Las tasas de abandono de cursos obstaculizan el logro de metas de capacitación del personal afectando el servicio que brindan a la población. Objetivo. Identificar las principales dificultades y obstáculos que los trabajadores de salud reportan para participar en las actividades académicas de ENSAP, 2018-2020, con fines de mejorar el alcance de su oferta académica. Métodos. Investigación transversal descriptiva de nivel nacional aplicando un cuestionario virtual anónimo tipo Likert de 44 preguntas, validado (α de Cronbach de 0,888). Resultados. Recibimos 3299 respuestas de personal con características generales similares y representativas del público objetivo y beneficiario de ENSAP. Las respuestas fueron de una muestra mayoritariamente femenina, con formación enfermería y/o técnico en enfermería, entre los 30 y 49 años de edad. 41% tuvo un trabajo adicional; dedica a la capacitación un máximo 5 horas/semana después de las 18:00 hs. La carga laboral (82%), carga familiar (51%), mala conexión a red (57%), la falta de reconocimiento o compensación por capacitación de los jefes (49%), olvidar haberse inscrito (47%) y olvidar la contraseña de acceso (41%) fueron los obstáculos más mencionados. Conclusiones. La formación continua a distancia ofrece una oportunidad para llegar al personal de salud nivel nacional. El alto número de inscritos en las actividades de ENSAP refleja una gran demanda e interés por capacitarse a distancia, pero es necesario plantear alternativas frente a los obstáculos que enfrentan para culminar la capacitación sin reforzar las desigualdades existentes.

Introduction. Dropout rates hinder the achievement of staff training goals, affecting the service they provide to the population. Objective. Identify the main difficulties and obstacles to participate in the academic activities of ENSAP, 2018-2020, that health workers report in order to improve the scope of its academic offer. Methods. Descriptive cross-sectional research at the national level applying an anonymous online Likert-type questionnaire with 44 questions, validated (Cronbach's α of 0.888). Results. We received 3299 responses from personnel with similar general characteristics and representative of the target audience and beneficiary of ENSAP. The answers come from a mostly female sample, with nursing and / or nursing technical training, between 30 and 49 years of age. 41% have an additional job; dedicates a maximum of 5 hours / week to training and after 6:00 p.m. Excessive workload (82%), family burden (51%), poor network connection (57%), lack of recognition or compensation for training hours (49%), forgetting registration (47%) and forgetting platform´s password (41%) were the most mentioned obstacles. Conclusions. Continuous training through online modalities offers a great opportunity to reach more people at the national level. The high number of people enrolled in ENSAP activities reflects a great demand and interest in distance training, but it is necessary to propose alternatives to the obstacles they face to complete training without reinforcing existing inequalities.

On the front line: Health professionals and system preparedness for Zika virus in Peru.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the initial healthcare response to the Zika virus in Piura, Peru, and assess the perceptions of midwives and nurses regarding their role in prevention of Zika virus and management of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). METHODS: This ethnographic study used a rapid qualitative assessment design. Data were collected through a focus group with midwives and in-depth interviews with midwives (n=11) and nurses (n=5). RESULTS: The focus of the early Zika virus response in Piura was on pregnant women and vector control. Midwives received some training on Zika-related care during the early response. Nurses did not receive any Zika-specific training. Neither nurses nor midwives were trained in neonatal CZS surveillance. Midwives were clear about the value and feasibility of incorporating Zika virus surveillance in their daily work, however nurses were not. They referred to lack of training and appropriate tools as limitations. Confusion about Zika virus and CZS symptomatology and effects persisted in both groups. Concerns about their own personal risk influenced the ways they engaged with Zika virus prevention in the community. CONCLUSION: Long-term management of endemic Zika virus in Piura will require the engagement of both nurses and midwives as primary care providers.

Performing purity: reproductive decision-making and implications for a community under threat of zika in iquitos, Peru.

The long-term management and prevention of Zika virus requires understanding of reproductive and sexual health behaviours, including mechanisms of partnered decision-making. In this article, we report on a qualitative study conducted before the arrival of Zika in Iquitos, Peru. We assessed existing patterns of reproductive decision-making among partnered men and women in a community under threat of Zika and discuss how these may impact Zika prevention in the long-term. We used a rapid qualitative assessment methodology, including in-depth semi-structured interviews with partnered women (28) and men (21). Deeply unequal gender role expectations limit discussion of reproductive decisions until after a first child is born. Women needed to perform a domestic 'of-the-house' role to be considered suitable partners, leading them to hide their knowledge of sexual and reproductive health. Condoms symbolise risk and are unused with partners in committed relationships. A shared perception that men must take care of female partner's sexual health, translates into male sexual and reproductive preferences overcoming female desires. Existing decision-making patterns lead to an increased risk of Zika exposure. Long-term response should expand Zika virus information and preventive messages to men and young people, in addition to engaging with broader societal challenges to gender inequity.

Por el bien de la nación: discursos científicos en favor de la medicalización del parto en el Perú, 1900-1940 / For the good of the nation: scientific discourses endorsing the medicalization of childbirth in Peru, 1900-1940

Resumen A lo largo del siglo XX se sucedió una serie de cambios en la forma de concebir el parto que pasó de ser un fenómeno reproductivo natural propio del ámbito doméstico y femenino a un asunto médico y profesional del ámbito institucional. A través de procedimientos como el uso de anestesia, la cesárea, el ultrasonido y otras intervenciones técnico-científicas se han generado rápidas e importantes mejoras y cambios para la salud y vida de la sociedad y las mujeres. La medicalización del parto a comienzos del siglo XX fue parte de un proceso más amplio de construcción del Estado e institucionalización del patriarcado común en la región.

Abstract Over the course of the twentieth century, a series of changes occurred in the understanding of childbirth, which went from being a natural reproductive phenomenon belonging to the female, domestic sphere to a professional medical matter handled in an institutional setting. Through procedures like the use of anesthesia, Cesarean sections, ultrasound and other techno-scientific interventions, rapid and significant improvements and changes took place in the health and life of society and of women. The medicalization of childbirth in the early twentieth century was part of a broader process of constructing the state and institutionalizing the patriarchy that was common throughout the region.

Information = equity? How increased access to information can enhance equity and improve health outcomes for pregnant women in Peru.

Background: The Peruvian health system provides care through numerous, disconnected health establishments and information systems. Our objective was to explore information use and needs of pregnant women to improve quality of care. Methods: We carried out a mixed methods study in the Lima capital metropolitan area in 15 health centers. This included four focus groups with 34 pregnant women and surveys with 403 pregnant women. Results: Pregnant women's information needs depend on their age, number of pregnancies and environment. Women relied on their social networks for pregnancy-related advice and valued high-quality, timely and targeted information from the health system. Participants' information needs include access to reliable information and responses to their questions in a warm, caring and safe environment. These needs can be met during prenatal check-ups and in group settings through informational talks and visual displays in waiting areas, as well as through appropriate digital technologies such as SMS messages and electronic health records. Conclusions: Pregnant women need individualized health information in an understandable, secure and friendly manner to maximize their understanding of their pregnancy, follow recommendations and optimize health outcomes. Customizing e-Health programs that reach many pregnant women has greater potential for more equitable health outcomes. Keywords: electronic health records, health information systems, healthcare disparities, maternal health services, pregnant women, text messaging.

For the good of the nation: scientific discourses endorsing the medicalization of childbirth in Peru, 1900-1940. / Por el bien de la nación: discursos científicos en favor de la medicalización del parto en el Perú, 1900-1940.

Over the course of the twentieth century, a series of changes occurred in the understanding of childbirth, which went from being a natural reproductive phenomenon belonging to the female, domestic sphere to a professional medical matter handled in an institutional setting. Through procedures like the use of anesthesia, Cesarean sections, ultrasound and other techno-scientific interventions, rapid and significant improvements and changes took place in the health and life of society and of women. The medicalization of childbirth in the early twentieth century was part of a broader process of constructing the state and institutionalizing the patriarchy that was common throughout the region.

A lo largo del siglo XX se sucedió una serie de cambios en la forma de concebir el parto que pasó de ser un fenómeno reproductivo natural propio del ámbito doméstico y femenino a un asunto médico y profesional del ámbito institucional. A través de procedimientos como el uso de anestesia, la cesárea, el ultrasonido y otras intervenciones técnico-científicas se han generado rápidas e importantes mejoras y cambios para la salud y vida de la sociedad y las mujeres. La medicalización del parto a comienzos del siglo XX fue parte de un proceso más amplio de construcción del Estado e institucionalización del patriarcado común en la región.

[Wawared Peru: reducing health inequities and improving maternal health by improving information systems in health]. / Reduciendo las inequidades en salud y mejorando la salud materna mediante la mejora de los sistemas de información en salud: Wawared Perú.

In developing countries, there are no high quality data to support decision-making and governance due to inadequate information collection and transmission processes. Our project WawaRed-Peru: "Reducing health inequities and improving maternal health by improving health information systems" aims to improve maternal health processes and indicators through the implementation of interoperability standards for maternal health information systems in order for decision makers to have timely, high quality information. Through this project, we hope to support the development of better health policies and to also contribute to reducing problems of health equity among Peruvian women and potentially women in other developing countries. The aim of this article is to present the current state of information systems for maternal health in Peru.

Reduciendo las inequidades en salud y mejorando la salud materna mediante la mejora de los sistemas de información en salud: Wawared Perú / Wawared Peru: reducing health inequities and improving maternal health by improving information systems in health

En los países en desarrollo no existen datos de calidad para apoyar la toma de decisiones y la gobernanza, debido a inadecuados procesos de colección y transmisión de información. Nuestro proyecto WawaRed-Perú: "Reduciendo las inequidades en salud y mejorando la salud materna mediante la mejora de los sistemas de información en salud" propone mejorar los procesos e indicadores de salud materna a través de la implementación de estándares de interoperabilidad en los sistemas de información de salud materna para que los tomadores de decisión tengan información oportuna y de calidad. Con esto se desea apoyar a desarrollar mejores políticas de salud y, a su vez, contribuir a disminuir los problemas de equidad en salud de las mujeres peruanas, y potencialmente las mujeres de otros países en desarrollo. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar la situación actual de los sistemas de información de salud materna en el Perú.

In developing countries, there are no high quality data to support decision-making and governance due to inadequate information collection and transmission processes. Our project WawaRed-Peru: “Reducing health inequities and improving maternal health by improving health information systems” aims to improve maternal health processes and indicators through the implementation of interoperability standards for maternal health information systems in order for decision makers to have timely, high quality information. Through this project, we hope to support the development of better health policies and to also contribute to reducing problems of health equity among Peruvian women and potentially women in other developing countries. The aim of this article is to present the current state of information systems for maternal health in Peru.

Data do count! Collection and use of maternal mortality data in Peru, 1990-2005, and improvements since 2005.

This paper reports on a qualitative, exploratory study in 2005, based on interviews with 15 key decision-makers from the Peruvian Ministry of Health responsible for maternal mortality prevention and officials responsible for national data and information on maternal deaths. The main aims were to find out the sources of data and information used by Ministry of Health officials for programme planning and decision-making, whether policies and programmes were informed by the data available, and data flows among central decision-makers within the Ministry and between Ministry and regional and local health centres. Information systems require staff and systems capable of collecting, processing, analysing and sharing data. In Peru, none of these conditions was fulfilled in a homogeneous way. Vertical programmes in the poorest regions had funds for information systems and infrastructure, but limited technical and human resources. Public health workers were overwhelmed with provision of services and not always trained in data collection or informatics. Thus, quality of data collection and analysis varied greatly across regions. Data collection and usage since the study have been improved, reflected in a fall in maternal mortality ratios and women's increased use of maternity services, but efforts to maintain and improve data quality must continue to ensure that initiatives to prevent maternal mortality can be monitored and services improved.