Difficulties and advances in access to and use of health services by transgender women and travestis in Brazil / Dificuldades e avanços no acesso e no uso de serviços de saúde por mulheres trans e travestis no Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the narratives of transgender women and travestis (TGW) from four Brazilian cities regarding access to and use of health services. Methods: Qualitative study carried out within the scope of the TransOdara project, cross-sectional multicenter mixed methods research conducted between 2019-2021. Fifty-two in-depth interviews with TGW in Manaus, Campo Grande, Porto Alegre and São Paulo were analyzed. The analysis was guided by philosophical hermeneutics. Results: Reports of discrimination, stigmatization and pathologization reiterate the difficulties faced by TGW in seeking healthcare. The recurrence of disrespect for the social/corrected name reveals obstacles to the recognition of transgender identities and, in some cases, the intention of inhibiting transsexuality-travestilidade. Other difficulties arise from actions that disregard the health specificities of TGW or the precarious social conditions that affect some of them. On the other hand, based on experiences of respect and adequate care, participants identify an ongoing change, which is expressed in greater availability of services and improved assistance. There is an expectation of continued expansion of services, technologies and training of health professionals. Conclusions: The identified change has been undertaken at the interface of public health policies with LGBT+ activism and the production of knowledge about TGW health needs. Although the identified advances are insufficient to change the scenario of the historical exclusion experienced by TGW in health services, they point to promising ways to improve their health conditions.

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender as narrativas de Mulheres Trans e Travestis (MTT) de quatro cidades brasileiras acerca do acesso e do uso de serviços de saúde. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo realizado no âmbito do projeto TransOdara, pesquisa transversal multicêntrica de métodos mistos, conduzida entre 2019 e 2021. São analisadas 52 entrevistas em profundidade com MTT em Manaus, Campo Grande, Porto Alegre e São Paulo. O tratamento analítico foi orientado pela hermenêutica filosófica. Resultados: Relatos de discriminação, estigmatização e patologização reafirmam as dificuldades enfrentadas por MTT na busca por cuidado com a saúde. A recorrência do desrespeito ao nome social/retificado revela obstáculos ao reconhecimento das identidades trans e, em alguns casos, a intenção de inibir a transexualidade-travestilidade. Outras dificuldades decorrem de ações que desconsideram as especificidades de saúde das MTT ou as condições sociais precárias que afetam algumas delas. No entanto, a partir de experiências de respeito e atendimento adequado, as participantes identificam uma mudança em curso, que se expressa em uma maior disponibilidade de serviços e na melhoria da assistência. Há uma expectativa de continuidade da ampliação de serviços, tecnologias e capacitação dos/as profissionais de saúde. Conclusão: A mudança identificada tem sido empreendida na interface das políticas públicas de saúde com o ativismo LGBT+ e a produção de conhecimento acerca das questões de saúde das MTT. Os avanços empreendidos, ainda que insuficientes para mudar o cenário da histórica exclusão vivida por elas nos serviços de saúde, apontam caminhos promissores na melhoria de suas condições de saúde.

Experiencias en implementación de rutas integrales de atención en salud en Cauca. Un estudio cualitativo

Introducción: Las dinámicas poblacionales, la carga de enfermedad y los cambios estructurales político-económicos han impulsado al estado colombiano a buscar la integralidad en los procesos de atención en salud, en tal propósito definió la implementación de rutas integrales de atención en salud (RIAS). Objetivo: Comprender la percepción de la experiencia que tienen los líderes de proceso en entidades sanitarias referente a la implementación de las RIAS en Cauca, Colombia. Método: Estudio cualitativo, inductivo, con enfoque de fenomenología interpretativa. El grupo de estudio estuvo conformado por siete líderes de proceso de entidades sanitarias. Resultados: Los entrevistados sienten que la implementación es un proceso difícil, determinado por la voluntad y compromiso de los actores sanitarios. Los cambios de administración generan discontinuidades afectando avances en las rutas de la que ellos son responsables. Perciben desarticulación en la implementación, limitados recursos, deficiencia administrativa, de infraestructura y talento humano, principalmente especialistas en salud. Discusión: La percepción de las experiencias denota lo que varios autores han descrito en relación con tensiones en procesos de implementación y gestión en salud: inaccesibilidad, discontinuidad y fragmentación de servicios; débil autoridad sanitaria, enfoque curativo e intereses económicos. Conclusiones: Desde su experiencia, los líderes del proceso perciben las RIAS como un fundamento estratégico que favorece la atención integral en salud, sin embargo, existen vacíos en la implementación originados de procesos administrativos, financieros y del propio modelo de salud, restringiendo el cumplimiento del propósito para las cuales fueron creadas. A la vez, perciben sentimientos de impotencia y desesperanza, dificultades y tensiones en el ejercicio de la implementación.

Introduction: Population dynamics, disease burden and political-economic structural changes have prompted the Colombian state to seek comprehensiveness in health care processes, and to this end it defined the implementation of Integrated Health Care Routes (RIAS). Objective: To understand the perception of the experience of process leaders in health entities regarding the implementation of the RIAS in Cauca, Colombia. Method: Qualitative, inductive study with an interpretative phenomenology approach. The study group consisted of seven process leaders of health entities. Results: The interviewees feel that implementation is a difficult process, determined by the willingness and commitment of the health stakeholders. Changes in administration generate discontinuities affecting progress on the routes for which they are responsible. They perceive disarticulation in implementation, limited resources, administrative deficiencies, infrastructure and human talent, mainly health specialists. Discussion: The perception of the experiences denotes what several authors have described in relation to tensions in implementation and management processes in health: inaccessibility, discontinuity and fragmentation of services; weak health authority, curative approach and economic interests. Conclusions: From their experience, process leaders perceive the RIAS as a strategic foundation that favors comprehensive health care; however, there are gaps in the implementation caused by administrative and financial processes and the health model itself, restricting the fulfillment of the purpose for which they were created. At the same time, they perceive feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, difficulties and tensions in the implementation exercise.

Criterios de referencia y barreras para la atención de personas con baja visión en Santander / Criteria for referral and barriers to care for people with low vision in Santander

Objetivo: Identificar criterios de derivación y barreras percibidas por los optómetras para la rehabilitación de personas con baja visión en Santander. Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal que incluyó 82 optómetras de municipios de Santander, seleccionados mediante muestreo intencionado. Se diseñó un cuestionario con 36 preguntas para recolectar los datos que son reportados empleando estadística descriptiva. Resultados: El 47,5 % de los profesionales tiene claro el nivel de agudeza visual para clasificar a una persona con baja visión. Las principales barreras identificadas para el acceso a servicios de baja visión fueron: el proceso de derivación dentro del sistema de salud es engorroso (74,39 %), falta de servicios cerca (57,31 %) y considerar que los pacientes no pueden pagar las ayudas (48,78 %). Discusión: Es necesario fortalecer la formación de los optómetras para mejorar los procesos de identificación, atención y rehabilitación. Conclusiones: Es importante ubicar como prioritaria la discapacidad visual en Santander, para así robustecer la red de atención en salud.

Objective: To identify referral criteria and barriers perceived by optometrists for the rehabilitation of people with low vision in Santander. Methods: Cross-sectional study, which included 82 optometrists from municipalities of Santander, selected by purposive sampling. A questionnaire with 36 questions was designed to collect data that are reported using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 47.5% of the professionals are clear about the level of visual acuity to classify a person with low vision. The main barriers identified for access to low vision services were: the referral process within the health system is cumbersome (74.39%), lack of services nearby (57.31%) and considering that patients cannot afford the aids (48.78%). Discussion: It is necessary to strengthen the training of optometrists to improve the processes of identification, care and rehabilitation. Conclusions: It is important to prioritize visual impairment in Santander in order to strengthen the health care network.

Impacto y consecuencias de la violencia ginecológica en la vida de las mujeres / Impact and consequences of gynecological violence in the lives of women

Objetivo: El objetivo fue analizar un conjunto de resultados sobre violencia ginecológica y relacionarlos con su impacto en la percepción del cuerpo, la sexualidad, la autoimagen y autoestima. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de tipo transversal. Se analizaron 812 relatos de mujeres de diversas regiones de Chile. Resultados: Se detectaron tres clases de consecuencias de la violencia: adopción de medidas de protección y resguardo, impacto en la experiencia de sí mismas y sus cuerpos y secuelas físicas y emocionales de la violencia en sus vidas. Adicionalmente, se presentan algunas experiencias de recuperación de autonomía en el cuidado de la salud ginecológica. Conclusión: La violencia ginecológica es parte de la experiencia común de las mujeres y puede constituir un grave problema de salud pública y erigirse en una barrera en el acceso de las mujeres a servicios de salud(AU)

Objective: The objective was to analyze a set of results on gynecological violence and relate them to their impact on the perception of the body, sexuality, self-image and self-esteem. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. 812 stories of women from different regions of Chile were analyzed. Results: Three kinds of consequences of violence were detected: adoption of protection and shelter measures, impact on the experience of themselves and their bodies, and physical and emotional consequences of violence in their lives. Additionally, some experiences of autonomy recovery in gynecological health care are presented. Conclusion: Gynecological violence is part of the common experience of women and can constitute a serious public health problem and become a barrier to women's access to health services(AU)

Factors affecting the tuberculosis program coverage at the first level of care in Honduras / Factores que afectan la cobertura del programa de tuberculosis en el primer nivel de atención en Honduras

Introduction: There is a global consensus that early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) can accelerate its control and mitigate its consequences. The gradual increase in the TB mortality rate from 2014 to 2018 in Honduras, the reform of the health system in 2014, and the partial implementation of the "End TB" strategy motivated this study. Objective: To analyze barriers to and facilitators of diagnosis and treatment affecting the national TB program coverage using data from 2015 to 2019 and provide tools for the effective implementation of the "End TB" strategy in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Materials and methods: This was an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study on smear-positive pulmonary TB patients older than 18 years of age. TB notification sheets and medical records from two primary health care facilities were reviewed. Semistructured interviews were conducted with health care providers, patients, and their families. Results: A total of 74.6% of the cases (297/398) did not receive a timely diagnosis; 62.3% (185/297) were men, 80.8% (240/297) were adults, 53.7% (108/297) had less than high school education, 49.2% (123/297) had some occupation, and 98.2% of participants received timely treatment. Identified barriers included low socioeconomic conditions, lack of coordination between public and private health systems, and boundaries set by gangs. Identified facilitators included good care and attitude of the health care personnel and the availability of medications. Conclusions: The lack of opportunity to diagnose the disease affected the coverage of the national TB program due to cultural and health care barriers.

Introducción. Hay consenso global en que el diagnóstico y el tratamiento precoces de la tuberculosis pueden acelerar su control y mitigar sus consecuencias. En Honduras, la tasa de mortalidad por la enfermedad aumentó gradualmente entre 2014 y 2018, a lo que se suman las reformas en el sistema de salud del 2014 y la implementación parcial de la estrategia "Fin a la TB". Objetivo. Analizar las barreras y los elementos facilitadores del diagnóstico y el tratamiento que afectan la cobertura del programa nacional de tuberculosis, con el fin de brindar herramientas para la implementación efectiva de la estrategia "Fin a la TB" en San Pedro Sula, Honduras, 2015-2019. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio mixto secuencial y explicativo de pacientes mayores de 18 años con tuberculosis pulmonar positivos en la baciloscopia. Se revisaron las fichas de notificación de la enfermedad y las historias clínicas en dos establecimientos de salud de primer nivel y se hicieron entrevistas semiestructuradas al personal de salud, los pacientes y los familiares. Resultados. En el 74,6 % (297/398) de los casos no hubo diagnóstico oportuno. En este grupo, se encontró una mayor proporción de hombres (62,3 %; 185/297) y de adultos (80,8 %; 240/297); predominó un nivel de escolaridad inferior a la secundaria (53,7 %; 108/297); el 49,2 % (123/297) de los pacientes tenía alguna ocupación, y el 98,2 % había recibido tratamiento oportuno. Se detectaron las siguientes barreras: condiciones socioeconómicas precarias, desarticulación del sistema de salud público y privado, y límites fronterizos entre maras y pandillas. Los elementos facilitadores fueron la buena atención y la actitud del personal de salud, y la disponibilidad y reserva de tratamiento. Conclusiones. La falta de oportunidad en el diagnóstico de tuberculosis afectó la cobertura del programa nacional como resultado de las barreras culturales y de atención en salud.

Factores que afectan la cobertura del programa de tuberculosis en el primer nivel de atención en Honduras / Factors affecting the tuberculosis program coverage at the first level of care in Honduras

Introducción. Hay consenso global en que el diagnóstico y el tratamiento precoces de la tuberculosis pueden acelerar su control y mitigar sus consecuencias. En Honduras, la tasa de mortalidad por la enfermedad aumentó gradualmente entre 2014 y 2018, a lo que se suman las reformas en el sistema de salud del 2014 y la implementación parcial de la estrategia "Fin a la TB". Objetivo. Analizar las barreras y los elementos facilitadores del diagnóstico y el tratamiento que afectan la cobertura del programa nacional de tuberculosis, con el fin de brindar herramientas para la implementación efectiva de la estrategia "Fin a la TB" en San Pedro Sula, Honduras, 2015-2019. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio mixto secuencial y explicativo de pacientes mayores de 18 años con tuberculosis pulmonar positivos en la baciloscopia. Se revisaron las fichas de notificación de la enfermedad y las historias clínicas en dos establecimientos de salud de primer nivel y se hicieron entrevistas semiestructuradas al personal de salud, los pacientes y los familiares. Resultados. En el 74,6 % (297/398) de los casos no hubo diagnóstico oportuno. En este grupo, se encontró una mayor proporción de hombres (62,3 %; 185/297) y de adultos (80,8 %; 240/297); predominó un nivel de escolaridad inferior a la secundaria (53,7 %; 108/297); el 49,2 % (123/297) de los pacientes tenía alguna ocupación, y el 98,2 % había recibido tratamiento oportuno. Se detectaron las siguientes barreras: condiciones socioeconómicas precarias, desarticulación del sistema de salud público y privado, y límites fronterizos entre maras y pandillas. Los elementos facilitadores fueron la buena atención y la actitud del personal de salud, y la disponibilidad y reserva de tratamiento. Conclusiones. La falta de oportunidad en el diagnóstico de tuberculosis afectó la cobertura del programa nacional como resultado de las barreras culturales y de atención en salud.

Introduction: There is a global consensus that early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) can accelerate its control and mitigate its consequences. The gradual increase in the TB mortality rate from 2014 to 2018 in Honduras, the reform of the health system in 2014, and the partial implementation of the "End TB" strategy motivated this study. Objective: To analyze barriers to and facilitators of diagnosis and treatment affecting the national TB program coverage using data from 2015 to 2019 and provide tools for the effective implementation of the "End TB" strategy in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Materials and methods: This was an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study on smear-positive pulmonary TB patients older than 18 years of age. TB notification sheets and medical records from two primary health care facilities were reviewed. Semistructured interviews were conducted with health care providers, patients, and their families. Results: A total of 74.6% of the cases (297/398) did not receive a timely diagnosis; 62.3% (185/297) were men, 80.8% (240/297) were adults, 53.7% (108/297) had less than high school education, 49.2% (123/297) had some occupation, and 98.2% of participants received timely treatment. Identified barriers included low socioeconomic conditions, lack of coordination between public and private health systems, and boundaries set by gangs. Identified facilitators included good care and attitude of the health care personnel and the availability of medications. Conclusions: The lack of opportunity to diagnose the disease affected the coverage of the national TB program due to cultural and health care barriers.

Practice, barriers, and facilitators of healthcare providers in smoking cessation in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical practice, barriers, and facilitators in promoting smoking cessation in primary healthcare clinics in Mexico City. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mixed method design was used. Surveys (n = 70) and semi-structured interviews (n = 9) were conducted with health personnel involved in smoking cessation clinics. RESULTS: Quantitative data revealed that physicians were more likely than nurses to 1) ask patients if they smoke (57.9% vs 34.5%, p = .057), 2) ask patients if they are interested in quitting smoking (65.7% vs 26.9%, p = .003), 3) provide advice to quit smoking (54.3% vs 29.2%, p = .056), and 4) assess whether pharmacotherapy is needed (21.9% vs 10%, p = .285). Qualitative data showed that nurses were more likely than physicians to report lack of resources to refer patients to smoking cessation services, lack of pharmacotherapy availability, and lack of provider training in smoking cessation. Reported barriers include lack of motivation among patients, lack of time for assessment, long appointment wait times, and lack of training. Reported facilitators include existence of smoking cessation programmes and pharmacotherapy at no cost to the patient, and having a multidisciplinary team. CONCLUSIONS: Due to numerous barriers, smoking cessation interventions are partially implemented in primary care clinics in Mexico City. A restructuring of services is necessary, and nurses should be given a more prominent role.

Competencia para el cuidado y barreras en el acceso a la salud en la diada persona con enfermedad crónica y su cuidador familiar de zona rural / Competence for care and barriers in access to health in the dyad person with chronic illness and their family caregiver in rural areas

Objetivo: Describir la competencia para el cuidado e identificar las barreras para el acceso a los servicios de salud en la diada persona con enfermedad crónica y su cuidador familiar que viven en zona rural. Método: estudio cuantitativo, exploratorio y descriptivo de corte transversal, en donde participaron 218 diadas (paciente con enfermedad crónica-cuidador familiar) que asistieron a la E.S.E. Hospital San Francisco de Villa de Leyva, Boyacá, Colombia durante el primer semestre de 2019. Instrumentos: Ficha de caracterización de la diada cuidador - persona con enfermedad crónica GCPC-UN-D; Competencia para el cuidado en el hogar paciente y cuidador versión abreviada; Encuesta de acceso a servicios de salud para hogares colombianos EASS. Análisis: se utilizó estadística descriptiva y el tratamiento de los datos se dio mediante el uso del software IBM SPSS. Resultados: Las personas con enfermedad crónica en su mayoría eran mujeres, de estratos socioeconómicos 1 y 2, con nivel educativo bajo (analfabetismo y primaria incompleta), ocupación principal: hogar, con una percepción de apoyo familiar alta; en cuanto a las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones que más utilizaban eran la televisión y radio, aunque no eran vistas como soporte en el cuidado. Los cuidadores familiares en su mayoría eran mujeres, principalmente esposas o hijas del paciente, de estrato socioeconómicos 1 y 2, con nivel educativo en su mayoría estudios profesionales, con ocupación principal: hogar, con una percepción de apoyo familiar alta, las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones más que más utilizaban eran televisión, radio y teléfono, sin embargo, no eran percibidas como soporte en el cuidado. En general la diada, presentaba bajos ingresos económicos y afiliación al Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud primordialmente mediante régimen subsidiado. La competencia para el cuidado en el hogar de la diada en general y por dimensiones presenta puntajes altos, siendo más bajos en la persona con enfermedad crónica que en el cuidador. Las principales barreras de acceso a los servicios de salud, identificadas en la diada fueron las barreras administrativas, de desplazamiento y económicas. Conclusión: el estudio de la competencia para el cuidado en la diada paciente con enfermedad crónica y su cuidador familiar se constituye en un área de interés, en la cual se hace necesario un trabajo constante enfocado en mejorar las condiciones de salud de dicha población.

Objective: Describe the competence for care and identify the barriers to access to health services in the dyad person with chronic illness and their family caregiver living in the rural area. Method: quantitative, exploratory and descriptive crosssectional study, in which 218 dyads (patient with chronic disease-family caregiver) attended the E.S.E. San Francisco Hospital of Villa de Leyva, Boyacá, Colombia during the first half of 2019. Instruments: Characterization sheet of the caretaker dyad - person with chronic disease GCPC-UN-D; Competence for patient home care and caregiver abbreviated version; Survey of access to health services for Colombian households EASS. Analysis: Descriptive statistics were specified and the data was processed using the IBM SPSS software. Results: People with chronic disease were mostly women, from socioeconomic strata 1 and 2, with low educational level (incomplete primary and illiteracy), main occupation: home, with a high perception of family support; As for the information and communications technologies they used the most, they were television and radio, although they were not seen as support in care. The family caregivers were mostly women, mainly wives or daughters of the patient, of socioeconomic status 1 and 2, with educational level mostly professional studies, with main occupation: home, with a perception of high family support, the technologies of the Information and communications that they used most were television, radio and telephone, however, they were not perceived as support in care. In general, the dyad presented low economic income and affiliation to the General System of Social Security in Health primarily through a subsidized regime. The competition for home care of the dyad in general and by dimensions has high scores, being lower in the person with chronic disease than in the caregiver. The main barriers to access to health services, identified in the dyad were administrative, displacement and economic barriers. Conclusion: the study of the competence for diabetes care in patients with chronic disease and their family caregiver is an area of interest, in which a constant work focused on improving the health conditions of said population is necessary.