"I have not been doing it because of my fear of something happening." Exploring perspectives on healthy dietary behaviors and physical activity in Mexican pregnant women and health care professionals: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: Mexico exhibits one of the highest prevalence rates of overweight and obesity globally, accompanied by a surge in non-communicable diseases, which in turn leads to elevated mortality rates. Existing efforts to address rising obesity rates have shown limited effectiveness. Maternal weight, diet, and physical activity (PA) during pregnancy affect the mother's and offspring's health. Despite the importance of establishing and engaging in healthy behaviors during pregnancy, little is known about which factors impact these behaviors among pregnant women in Mexico. This study explored perspectives on factors impacting healthy dietary behaviors and PA in pregnancy from pregnant women and health care professionals in Mexico. METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews with 11 pregnant women and 12 health care professionals working in prenatal care. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis in a stepwise inductive approach. RESULTS: Classifying factors at the 1) individual level, 2) relational level, and 3) health care system level, three overall themes emerged. At the individual level, challenges with lack of time and competing priorities as well as knowledge of healthy dietary behaviors and PA were identified. At the relational level, influencing factors encompassed financial, social, and emotional support along with descriptive norms. At the health care system level, guidelines for PA during pregnancy and the quality of care were noted. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified factors impacting healthy dietary behaviors and PA in pregnancy in Mexico. Important considerations for future interventions include addressing sociocultural norms around healthy dietary behaviors and PA in pregnancy and involving pregnant women's families, closest social networks, and health care professionals working at the prenatal care unit.

The mediating role of physician trust in the relationship between medical mistrust and health-care system distrust.

OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to determine the mediating role of physician trust in the relationship between medical mistrust and health-care system distrust. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The "Health Care Systems Distrust Scale", which consists of 10 questions, the "Medical Mistrust Scale", which consists of 17 questions, the "Physician Trust Scale", which consists of 11 questions. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 26.0 program. RESULTS: Health-care system distrust was positively correlated with medical mistrust and negatively correlated with physician trust. There was a negative relationship between medical mistrust and physician trust. Physician trust mediates the effect of medical mistrust on health-care system distrust. In other words, it was determined that the mediating effect of physician trust was significant. CONCLUSION: Addition of physician trust to medical mistrust decreases the negative effects of health-care system distrust. Medical mistrust must be addressed at multiple levels of society, including government, policy, and health-care systems.

OBJETIVO: Este estudio se llevó a cabo para determinar el papel mediador de la confianza del médico en la relación entre la desconfianza médica y la desconfianza en el sistema de salud. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: La "Escala de desconfianza en los sistemas de atención médica", que consta de 10 preguntas, la "Escala de desconfianza médica", que consta de 17 preguntas, la "Escala de confianza del médico", que consta de 11 preguntas. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante el programa SPSS 26.0. RESULTADOS: La desconfianza en el sistema de salud se correlacionó positivamente con la desconfianza médica y negativamente con la confianza en los médicos. Hubo una relación negativa entre la desconfianza médica y la confianza en el médico. La confianza del médico media el efecto de la desconfianza médica en la desconfianza de los sistemas de atención médica. En otras palabras, se determinó que el efecto mediador de la confianza en el médico fue significativo. CONCLUSIÓN: La adición de la confianza del médico a la desconfianza médica disminuye los efectos negativos de la desconfianza en el sistema de atención médica. La desconfianza médica debe abordarse en múltiples niveles de la sociedad, incluido el gobierno, las políticas y los sistemas de atención médica.

Economic Evaluations and Equity in the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Imaging Exams for Medical Diagnosis in People With Skin, Neurological, and Pulmonary Diseases: Protocol for a Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Traditional health care systems face long-standing challenges, including patient diversity, geographical disparities, and financial constraints. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care offers solutions to these challenges. AI, a multidisciplinary field, enhances clinical decision-making. However, imbalanced AI models may enhance health disparities. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to investigate the economic performance and equity impact of AI in diagnostic imaging for skin, neurological, and pulmonary diseases. The research question is "To what extent does the use of AI in imaging exams for diagnosing skin, neurological, and pulmonary diseases result in improved economic outcomes, and does it promote equity in health care systems?" METHODS: The study is a systematic review of economic and equity evaluations following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and CHEERS (Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards) guidelines. Eligibility criteria include articles reporting on economic evaluations or equity considerations related to AI-based diagnostic imaging for specified diseases. Data will be collected from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and reference lists. Data quality and transferability will be assessed according to CHEC (Consensus on Health Economic Criteria), EPHPP (Effective Public Health Practice Project), and Welte checklists. RESULTS: This systematic review began in March 2023. The literature search identified 9,526 publications and, after full-text screening, 9 publications were included in the study. We plan to submit a manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal once it is finalized, with an expected completion date in January 2024. CONCLUSIONS: AI in diagnostic imaging offers potential benefits but also raises concerns about equity and economic impact. Bias in algorithms and disparities in access may hinder equitable outcomes. Evaluating the economic viability of AI applications is essential for resource allocation and affordability. Policy makers and health care stakeholders can benefit from this review's insights to make informed decisions. Limitations, including study variability and publication bias, will be considered in the analysis. This systematic review will provide valuable insights into the economic and equity implications of AI in diagnostic imaging. It aims to inform evidence-based decision-making and contribute to more efficient and equitable health care systems. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/48544.

The Minimum Data Set for Rare Diseases: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The minimum data set (MDS) is a collection of data elements to be grouped using a standard approach to allow the use of data for clinical and research purposes. Health data are typically voluminous, complex, and sometimes too ambiguous to generate indicators that can provide knowledge and information on health. This complexity extends further to the rare disease (RD) domain. MDSs are essential for health surveillance as they help provide services and generate recommended population indicators. There is a bottleneck in international literature that reveals a global problem with data collection, recording, and structuring in RD. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify and analyze the MDSs used for RD in health care networks worldwide and compare them with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. METHODS: The population, concept, and context methodology proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute was used to define the research question of this systematic review. A total of 4 databases were reviewed, and all the processes were reported using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology. The data elements were analyzed, extracted, and organized into 10 categories according to WHO digital health guidelines. The quality assessment used the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) checklist. RESULTS: We included 20 studies in our review, 70% (n=14) of which focused on a specific health domain and 30% (n=6) of which referred to RD in general. WHO recommends that health systems and networks use standard terminology to exchange data, information, knowledge, and intelligence in health. However, there was a lack of terminological standardization of the concepts in MDSs. Moreover, the selected studies did not follow the same standard structure for classifying the data from their MDSs. All studies presented MDSs with limitations or restrictions because they covered only a specific RD, or their scope of application was restricted to a specific context or geographic region. Data science methods and clinical experience were used to design, structure, and recommend a fundamental global MDS for RD patient records in health care networks. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights the difficulties in standardizing and categorizing findings from MDSs for RD because of the varying structures used in different studies. The fundamental RD MDS designed in this study comprehensively covers the data needs in the clinical and management sectors. These results can help public policy makers support other aspects of their policies. We highlight the potential of our results to help strategic decisions related to RD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021221593; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=221593. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1016/j.procs.2021.12.034.

Malignant neoplasm of breast in Brazilian women: A cross-sectional study from 2008 to 2019.

OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer is the most lethal malignancy for women worldwide. Developed countries, such as Portugal, Spain, and the United States, have declining mortality rates due to breast cancer; however, in developing countries, the epidemiological reports are scarce. In this context, the aims of this study are to describe and discuss the female breast cancer profile of hospitalization and mortality according to age and geographic region in Brazil from 2008 to 2019. METHODS: Data were obtained from the National Health System Department of Informatics (DATASUS), maintained by the Brazilian Ministry of Health, which includes the registers of hospitalization and mortality by malignant neoplasm of breast (code C50, ICD-10). Proportional rates of hospitalization and deaths were estimated per 100,000 inhabitants according to respective subjects' age, region, and year of the occurrence. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2019, 643,822 hospital admissions due to malignant neoplasm of breast were reported in Brazil, of which the South and Southeast regions were the most prevalent. Higher hospitalization rates were seen in subjects aged 50-79-years-old. Regarding mortality, 53,480 deaths by breast cancer were reported; similarly to hospitalization, the Southeast and South were the most affected regions. Mortality rates have increased over time in different magnitudes depending on subjects' age. CONCLUSION: We have shown an increase in morbidity and mortality over time, which is dependent on patients' age and region. The results presented here may contribute to the ongoing discussion about the role and future perspectives of the Brazilian health care system, especially regarding to the strategies for the prevention, control, and treatment of breast cancer.

Sistema de salud en Japón y su énfasis en la protección de la salud oral: una comparación con Chile / Oral health system in Japan: a comparation with Chile

Japón está compuesto por 126 millones de habitantes y corresponde a la tercera potencia económica mundial. El sistema de salud se basa en un único seguro obligatorio universal, con cobertura médica y odontológica. En las últimas décadas, el envejecimiento poblacional ha sido un punto importante a considerar en la planificación de políticas públicas sanitarias. La eficiencia de este sistema ha sido punto de comparación con distintos países, no así con Chile. Por ello, el objetivo de esta revisión narrativa es comparar el sistema de salud oral chileno y japonés. Se realizó una revisión narrativa utilizando los repositorios de revistas científicas Science Direct, y PubMed, así como publicaciones disponibles en páginas gubernamentales de Japón y Chile.El seguro japonés prioriza la promoción de salud y prevención de enfermedades, enfatizando en la población más vulnerable. Al contrario, en Chile el sistema de salud tiene énfasis en la curación y rehabilitación. Japón ha adoptado un seguro debido a la transición demográfica y epidemiológica, para garantizar la sustentabilidad del sistema en el tiempo, modelo que podría ser aplicado en Chile; considerando el envejecimiento poblacional y la carga de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Ambos países tienen ventajas y limitaciones en los atributos de sus sistemas de salud. Chile tiene una Red integrada de servicios de salud y ha implementado políticas como GES. Japón tiene un sistema universal, más eficiente y equitativo. Las fortalezas del sistema japonés podrían implementarse en Chile, a través de nuevas políticas públicas que fortalezcan la salud del país, incluyendo la odontología.

Japan has a population of 126 million, and it is the third national economy in the world. The health system is on a single universal mandatory insurance, with medical and dental coverage. In the last decades, Japan has faced the ageing of its population, and this has been a relevant matter in the planning of public health policies. The efficiency of the health system has been a point of comparison in different countries, but not in Chile. Thus, the objective of this narrative review is to compare the Chilean oral-health system with the Japanese.A non-systematic review was made using Science Direct, PubMed repositories of journals and official Japanese and Chilean government pages. The Japanese healthcare insurance prioritizes health promotion and disease prevention, emphasizing the most vulnerable population. Conversely, Chile has a health system that focalizes on healing and rehabilitation. Japan has adopted insurance because of the demographic transition to guarantee the system's sustainability. Considering the increased ageing population and the non-communicable disease load, this insurance model could be applied in Chile.Both Chile and Japan have advantages and limitations regarding the attributes of their health systems. Japan has a universal, more efficient, and equitable system. Chile should study the strengths of the Japanese system for its implementation of new public policies that strengthen the country's health, including dentistry.

Hip Fracture Surgery in Trinidad and Tobago During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analysis of Two Patients Treated in the Parallel Healthcare System.

The rapid spread of the deadly coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has fundamentally affected healthcare delivery globally. As governments struggled to preserve life, several approaches to healthcare delivery have emerged. Central to limiting viral transmission is the separation of patients based on their COVID-19 status. Studies have shown that a geographically separate dual-site service is preferable, contingent upon the local infrastructure and circumstances. Despite the restrictions on free movement, most studies indicate that low-energy hip fractures in elderly patients have remained relatively constant throughout the pandemic. Arguably these patients represent the most vulnerable subgroup in society and are susceptible to developing severe COVID-19 respiratory disease. In keeping with global recommendations, the government of Trinidad and Tobago devised a parallel healthcare system to limit the spread of disease. All regional health authorities under the Ministry of Health were at liberty to implement the system in a manner best suited for their particular infrastructure leading to highly variable practices among institutions. This report describes the clinical course of two hip fracture patients treated within the parallel healthcare system at different regional health authorities. Analysis of these cases provides an understanding of the potential risks to patients entering the parallel healthcare system and an insight into preventative measures to improve clinical outcomes.

A Qualitative Assessment of the Essential Health and Nutrition Service Delivery in the Context of COVID-19 in Bangladesh: The Perspective of Divisional Directors.

Bangladesh suffered disruptions in the utilization of essential health and nutrition services (EHNS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The magnitude of the pandemic has been documented, but little is known from the perspectives of health administrators. A rapid qualitative assessment of division-level capacity identified successes and bottlenecks in providing EHNS- and COVID-19-related services during the first months of the pandemic in Bangladesh. Semi-structured interviews were held with the Health and Family Planning Divisional Directors of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The Primary Health Care System Framework guided the content analysis, focusing on (i) service delivery, (ii) communication and community outreach, and (iii) surveillance and service monitoring. Our findings identified low care seeking due to fears of getting infected and unawareness that EHNS were still available. Adaptations to telemedicine were highly heterogeneous between divisions, but collaboration with NGOs were fruitful in reinstating outreach activities. Guidelines were centered on COVID-19 information and less so on EHNS. The inflexibility of spending capacities at divisional and clinic levels hindered service provision. Misinformation and information voids were difficult to handle all around the country. Community health workers were useful for outreach communication. EHNS must be guaranteed during sanitary emergencies, and Bangladesh presented with both significant efforts and areas of opportunity for improvement.

Red tape, slow emergency, and chronic disease management in post-María Puerto Rico.

This paper draws upon the notion of slow emergency as a framework to interpret ethnographic and qualitative findings on the challenges faced by Puerto Ricans with chronic conditions and health sector representatives throughout the island during and after Hurricane María. We conducted participant observation and qualitative interviews with chronic disease patients (n=20) health care providers and administrators (n=42), and policy makers (n=5) from across the island of Puerto Rico in 2018 and 2019. Many Puerto Ricans coping with chronic diseases during and after María experienced bureaucratic red tape as the manifestation of colonial legacies of disaster management and health care. They describe a precarious existence in perpetual "application pending" status, waiting for services that were not forthcoming. Drawing on ethnographically informed case examples, we discuss the effects of these bureaucratic barriers on persons with three chronic conditions: renal disease, opioid dependency, and HIV/AIDS. We argue that while emergency management approaches often presume a citizen-subject with autonomous capacity to prepare for presumably transient disasters and envision a 'post-disaster future' beyond the immediate crisis, Puerto Rican voices draw attention to the longer, sustained, slow emergency of colonial governance.

Fatores que influenciam a via de parto no Brasil / Factor influencing the mode of delivery in Brazil

Introdução: A prevalência de cesarianas cresceu no Brasil. Gestação e parto são influenciados por aspectos culturais e econômicos da sociedade em que a gestante está inserida. Objetivo: Analisar fatores que influenciam a escolha da via de parto pela gestante. Métodos: Trata-se de revisão narrativa da literatura incluindo artigos publicados entre 2009 e 2020. Foram feitas buscas nas bases de dados Pubmed, LILACS e SciELO, com descritores "Bioética", "Cesárea", "Comportamento de escolha", "Decisão", "Direitos da mulher", "Gravidez", "Parto", "Parto normal", "Sistema único de saúde". Resultados: Foram encontradas taxas de cesariana no setor privado maiores do que no público. Menor idade materna e escolaridade, raça negra, residência em meio rural e nas regiões Norte e Nordeste foram associados a menor prevalência de cesariana. Obesidade materna, cesariana prévia, intercorrências na gravidez, apresentação fetal não cefálica, macrossomia estiveram mais relacionados a cesariana. Dor, previsibilidade, relação da mãe com o recém-nascido, alta hospitalar, vida sexual e retorno às atividades foram relacionados a escolha do parto vaginal. Discussão: A disparidade de cesarianas no setor público e privado sugere o impacto de aspectos financeiros na escolha. Variáveis socioeconômicas são importantes nessa decisão. Conclusões: A escolha da via de parto é influenciada por vários fatores. [au]

Introduction: The prevalence of caesarean sections has grown in Brazil. Pregnancy and childbirth are influenced by cultural and economic aspects of the society in which the pregnant woman is inserted. Objective: To analyze factors that influence the choice of the mode of delivery by the pregnant woman. Methods:This is a narrative literature review including articles published between 2009 and 2020. Searches were made in Pubmed, LILACS and SciELO databases, with descriptors "Bioethics", "Caesarean section", "Choice behavior", "Decision", "Women's rights", "Pregnancy", "Childbirth", "Normal delivery" and "The Unified Brazilian Health Care System". Results: Caesarean section rates were found to be higher in the private sector than in the public sector. Lower maternal age and education, black race, residence in rural areas and in the North and Northeast regions were associated with lower prevalence of caesarean section. Maternal obesity, previous caesarean section, complications in pregnancy, non-cephalic fetal presentation and macrosomia were more related to caesarean section. Pain, predictability, mother's relationship with the newborn, hospital discharge, sexual life and return to activities were related to the choice of vaginal delivery. Discussion: The disparity of caesarean sections in the public and private sectors suggests the impact of financial aspects on the choice. Socioeconomic variables are important in this decision. Conclusions: The choice of mode of delivery is influenced by several factors. [au]

COVID-19's impact on type 1 diabetes management: A mixed-methods study exploring the Peruvian experience.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted health services, especially in low-and-middle-income countries, where care for chronic conditions such as diabetes was disrupted. Our study aims to describe the challenges faced by people living with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) to access care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru. METHODS: A sequential explanatory mixed-method study was conducted between May and September 2020 including health professionals involved in T1DM care, people with T1DM and their caregivers. The study consisted of a quantitative strand to gather general information through electronic surveys and a qualitative strand that involved in-depth interviews. RESULTS: For the quantitative study, we included 105 people with T1DM, 50 caregivers and 76 health professionals. The qualitative study included a total of 31 interviews; 16 people with T1DM, 14 health care professionals, and one representative from the Peruvian Ministry of Health (MoH). People with T1DM faced difficulties accessing consultations, insulin, monitoring devices and laboratory testing during the pandemic. Different phases of the Peruvian health system response were found. Firstly, an initial informal response to addressing T1DM care during the pandemic characterised by local initiatives to ensure continuity of care for people with T1DM. Following from this, a formal response was implemented by the MoH which focussed on reinforcing the primary level of care. Measures included teleconsultations and delivery of medicines, although these were not implemented in all health care establishments. Throughout the pandemic patient associations played an important role in organising and helping to counteract the impact of COVID-19 on people with T1DM. CONCLUSIONS: The Peruvian health care system slowly adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide care for people with T1DM. However, people with T1DM had difficulties to access care. Thus, reinforcement of interventions such as communication between levels of care, teleconsultations and delivery of medicines was urgently needed. Patient associations' capacity to respond should be considered by local authorities and civil society should be part of the health system response.

Cambio en la mortalidad intrahospitalaria durante el primer pico por SARS- COV-2 en Bogotá, Colombia / Change of in-hospital mortality during the first SARS-COV-2 surge in Bogotá, Colombia

Resumen Introducción: La mortalidad por SARS-COV-2 ha disminuido en diferentes países, pero no se ha evaluado si es igual en Colombia, o si se relaciona con las carac terísticas de los pacientes y tratamientos utilizados. Objetivo: Comparar la mortalidad por SARS-COV-2, en dos periodos de tiempo controlando por factores de riesgo asociados con mortalidad. Metodología: Estudio observacional, basado en una cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes con SARS-COV-2 atendidos en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá (Colombia), desde el 19 de marzo al 12 de noviembre, 2020. Se comparó la tasa de mortalidad intrahospitalaria de los pacientes egresados antes y después del 21 de agosto de 2020 (primer pico de mortalidad en Colombia) y se analizó el impacto del momento de atención controlando por comorbilidades, severidad al ingreso y tratamiento recibido, usando un modelo de regresión logística. Resultados: 1399 pacientes (944 antes y 455 después del primer pico de mortalidad) fueron analizados. La tasa de mortalidad intrahospitalaria global fue similar en ambos periodos (17.6% vs 16.3%, p=0.539). En el análisis multivariado se encontró que la atención en el segundo periodo de tiempo se asoció a menor mortalidad (OR 0.66 IC95% 0.47; 0.93, p=0.018), a diferencia del aumento de la misma asociado a la edad (OR 1.06 IC95% 1.05; 1.07, p<0.001), sexo masculino (OR 1.84 IC95% 1.33; 2.54 p<0.001), cirrosis (OR 1.89 IC95% 1.24; 2.88, p=0.003), enfermedad renal (OR 1.36 IC95% 1.00; 1.83, p=0.043) y el uso de dexametasona (OR 1.53 IC95% 1.03; 2.28, p=0.031). Conclusiones: La tasa de mortalidad intrahospitalaria se redujo después del 21 de agosto durante la primera ola de la pandemia en Bogotá, posiblemente asociado a la mejoría en la capacidad de respuesta del sistema de salud en ese momento, o a un menor inoculo viral de los pacientes infectados. Estos hallazgos pueden cambiar con la saturación del sistema de salud.

Abstract Introduction: Mortality secondary to SARS-COV 2 has decreases around the world, however this has not been evaluated in Colombia neither has the correlation between patient characteristics or treatments. Objective: To compare the mortality due to SARS-COV-2, in two periods of time, controlling risk factors associated with mortality. Methodology: Observational retrospective cohort study of patients with SARS- COV-2 treated at the San Ignacio University Hospital in Bogotá (Colombia), from March 19 to November 12, 2020. The in-hospital mortality rate of patients discharged before and after August 21, 2020 (surge mortality in Colombia) was com pared. The impact of the moment of attention was analyzed controlled by comorbidities, severity at admission and treatment received using a bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model. Results: 1399 patients (944 before and 455 after August 21) were analyzed. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was similar at both times (17.6%vs16.3percentage, p=0.539). In the multivariate analysis, it was found that the moment of attention was associated with lower mortality (OR 0.66 95% CI0.47;0.93,p=0.018), in contrast to its increase associated with age (OR 1.06 95% CI 1.05;1.07,p=<0.001), male sex (OR 1.84 95%CI 1.33;2.54,p=<0.001), cirrhosis (OR1.89 95%CI 1.24;2.88, p=0.003), kidney disease (OR 1.36 95% CI1.00;1.83,p=0.043) and the use of dexamethasone (OR1.53 95%CI 1.03;2.28,p=0.031). Conclusions: The in-hospital mortality rate fell after August 21 during the first wave of the pandemic in Bogotá-Colombia, possibly associated with an improvement in response capacity, or a lower viral inoculum of infected patients. These findings may change with the saturation of the health system

Composición y evolución del gasto en salud de Colombia y su financiamiento en el periodo 2013-2018 / Composition and evolution of Colombia's health expenditure and its financing in the period 2013-2018

RESUMEN Objetivo Examinar la magnitud, la composición y evolución del gasto en salud de Colombia y su forma de financiamiento durante el periodo 2013 2018, con el propósito de aportar evidencia reciente para el mejor conocimiento y seguimiento de los flujos de recursos del sistema de salud. Métodos El análisis se sustenta en los conceptos y clasificaciones de la metodología SHA-2011 adoptada en la actualidad por la mayoría de los países miembros de la Organización Mundial de la Salud para sus estimaciones anuales del gasto en salud. La fuente principal de información es la base de datos de gasto global en salud de la misma entidad, algunos de cuyos resultados se complementan con cálculos adicionales utilizando fuentes oficiales nacionales. Resultados Desde el lado del gasto, el componente más importante corresponde al gasto público en salud, el cual representa, en promedio, 76,4% del gasto corriente en salud para el periodo en referencia, cuyo financiamiento con recursos públicos fiscales y contribuciones a la seguridad social representa 70,6% del financiamiento total; en tanto que el restante 23,6% corresponde al financiamiento privado representado por los pagos de bolsillo de los hogares (15,8%) y los pagos de seguros voluntarios (7,8%) también como promedios del mismo periodo. Conclusiones Colombia, como la mayoría de los países latinoamericanos, sigue un modelo de financiamiento predominantemente público, cuya composición de fondos registró un cambio en favor de los recursos de origen fiscal, como resultado de un cambio en las políticas de financiamiento durante el periodo analizado.

ABSTRACT Objective Examine the magnitude, composition, and evolution of health spending in Colombia and its financing methodology between the period 2013-2018. The aim is to provide recent evidence for better understanding and monitoring the health system flows resources. Methods The analysis focuses on concepts and classifications of the SHA-2011 methodology, currently adopted by most World Health Organization member countries in their annual health spending estimates. The primary source of information is the global health expenditure database from the same entity, whose results are comple-mented with additional calculations using official national sources. Results Considering the spending side, the most relevant component refers to public spending on health, which represents, on average, 76.4% of the current health spending and whose financing with public fiscal resources and contributions to security social, represents 70.6% of total financing. The remaining 23.6% corresponds to private financing spending, representing average values for out-of-pocket household payments (15.8%) and voluntary insurance payments (7.8%). Conclusions Colombia, like most Latin American countries, follows a predominantly public financing model, in which funds composition registered a positive change in fiscal resources as a result of financing policies adopted during the analyzed period.

Effects of the Pedernales Earthquake on Ecuador's Health Care System.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzes the effects of the Pedernales earthquake (April 2016) on Ecuador's health care system. METHODS: A research was carried out in Chone Canton, which combined documentary, quantitative, and qualitative techniques. Epidemiological and service production information taken from official documents was analyzed systematically. In-depth interviews and surveys were conducted with health care program directors and technicians from the Health Centres of the Ministry of Public Health and the users. RESULTS: Deficiencies in the health care system were already observed in Chone Canton prior to the earthquake mainly due to the lack of doctors, nurses, and hospital beds. According to the interviewees, the health district was not prepared for an emergency like the earthquake. Some buildings fell after the earthquake, and Chone Hospital was disabled. These problems coupled with preventive action failures at the community level led to an increase in diseases after the earthquake. CONCLUSIONS: The shortage of personnel and physical infrastructure, weaknesses in primary health care in the Ecuadorian health system, the lack of preparation, and limited availability of information on health indicators were the causes of the sharp increase in pre-existing diseases in the area, and of new epidemic outbreaks after the earthquake.

El Psicólogo en el Primer Nivel de Atención de Salud: desafíos para Uruguay

Resumen: En Uruguay cada vez más se reconoce la importancia del profesional psicólogo en el Primer Nivel de Atención (PNA). En la actualidad se transita una oportunidad única ya que el Plan Nacional de Salud Mental 2020-2027 (PNSM) recientemente aprobado, plantea su incorporación en forma expresa. El presente artículo analiza el rol del psicólogo en el PNA, realiza un recorrido internacional seleccionando algunos países en los que se muestran diversos modos de incorporación de los psicólogos en este rol. Se aborda a continuación cuál es la situación del psicólogo en el PNA en Uruguay. Por último, se plantean algunos de los desafíos que implica renovar el trabajo tradicional del psicólogo clínico, e incorporar las competencias y prácticas profesionales características del PNA.

Abstract: In Uruguay, the importance of the professional psychologist in the First Level of Health Care (PNA) is increasingly recognized, and currently there is a unique opportunity since the recently approved National Mental Health Plan 2020-2027 (PNSM), raises its incorporation expressly. This article analyzes the role of the psychologist in PNA, makes an international review selecting some countries in which the various ways in which psychologists have been incorporated into this role are shown. The situation of the psychologist in the PNA in Uruguay is discussed below. Finally, some of the challenges faced are raised, which implies renewing the traditional role of the clinical psychologist, and incorporating the competencies and professional practices characteristic of the PNA.

Resumo: No Uruguai, a importância do psicólogo profissional no Primeiro Nível de Atenção de Saúde (PNA) é cada vez mais reconhecida, e atualmente existe uma oportunidade única desde o recém-aprovado Plano Nacional de Saúde Mental 2020-2027 (PNSM), levanta expressamente a sua incorporação. Este artigo faz análise do papel do psicólogo na PNA, faz uma revisão internacional selecionando alguns países nos quais são mostradas as diversas formas pelas quais os psicólogos foram incorporados a essa função. A seguir se discute a situação do psicólogo na PNA do Uruguai. Por fim, são apresentados alguns dos desafios que implica a renovação do papel tradicional do psicólogo clínico e incorporar as competências e práticas profissionais próprias da PNA.

«Living with rheumatoid arthritis¼ in an indigenous qom population in Argentina. A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease which impacts patients' quality of life. The prevalence of RA in the qom population was 2.4% and represented an aggressive and disabling disease. The study goal was to describe the experience of the indigenous qom community individual suffering from RA, along with their experience with the local health care system in the city of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. METHODS: Qualitative Study using techniques of participant observation and semi-structured interviews; following a guideline developed by a multidisciplinary research group comprising anthropologists, rheumatologists, nurses, and psychologists. A triangulation strategy was implemented for the analysis. RESULTS: A total of 33 interviews were conducted in 29 individuals with RA. The results showed a "normalization" of their symptoms and of their limitations in performing daily tasks. The individuals' relationship with the local health care system was complex and limited in several aspects (e.g. access to health care, continuity of treatment, complexity of medical care pathway and lack of cultural competence). CONCLUSIONS: RA is a disease that has a negative impact on the daily lives of the qom people living in Rosario. Improving the relationship between this population and the local health care system as well as the implementation of multidisciplinary work should be priorities.

The impact of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico's health system: post-disaster perceptions and experiences of health care providers and administrators.

BACKGROUND: After its landfall in Puerto Rico in 2017, Hurricane Maria caused the longest blackout in United States history, producing cascading effects on a health care system that had already been weakened by decades of public sector austerity and neoliberal health reforms. This article addresses how health care professionals and administrators experienced the health care system's collapse and the strategies used by them to meet their communities' health needs. METHODS: Data were collected between September 2018 and February 2020. Ethnographic observations in health care facilities and semi-structured qualitative interviews with representatives of the health care system were conducted. This paper focuses on data from interviews with health care providers (n = 10) and administrators (n = 10), and an ethnographic visit to a pop-up community clinic. The analysis consisted of systematic thematic coding of the interview transcripts and ethnographic field notes. RESULTS: Results provide insight on how participants, who witnessed first-hand the collapse of Puerto Rico's health care system, responded to the crisis after Maria. The prolonged power outage and lack of a disaster management plan were partly responsible for the death of 3,052 individuals who experienced extended interruptions in access to medical care. Participants reported a sense of abandonment by the government and feelings of mistrust. They also described the health sector as chaotic and lacking clear guidelines on how to provide services or cope with personal crises while working under extreme conditions. In such circumstances, they developed resilient responses to meet communities' health needs (e.g., itinerant acupuncture services, re-locating physicians to local pharmacies). CONCLUSIONS: Participants' narratives emphasize that the management of Hurricane Maria was fraught with political and economic constraints affecting Puerto Rico. Ineffective planning and post-Maria responses of the local and federal governments were determinants of the disaster's impact. The findings contribute to a growing scientific literature indicating that Hurricane Maria revealed 'the collapse before the collapse,' alluding to the structural deficiencies that presaged the catastrophic event. In the context of governmental abandonment, the authors argue for the importance of developing alternative strategies in post-disaster health care provision among health professionals and administrators who work at the front lines of recovery.

A qualitative study on the elderly and accessibility to health services during the COVID-19 lockdown in Buenos Aires, Argentina - Part 2. / Estudio cualitativo sobre los adultos mayores y la accesibilidad a los servicios de salud durante el confinamiento por COVID-19 en Buenos Aires, Argentina - parte 2.

INTRODUCTION: On March 19, 2020, a mandatory lockdown was imposed in Argentina due to the global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. OBJECTIVES: To explore the elderlys healthcare experiences during the lockdown and the problems that may have arisen regarding accessibility to the healthcare system and emerging adaptations to medical care. METHODS: We coded the data using Atlas.ti 8 software and then triangled the analysis among researchers from different backgrounds. Finally, concept maps were developed and themes arising from these were described. RESULTS: Thirty-nine participants were interviewed from the metropolitan area in Buenos Aires from April to July of 2020. The main emerging themes were: 1) access to regularly scheduled consults, 2) access to chronic medication, 3) emergency consultations, and 4) the role of information and communication technologies. Accessibility to the healthcare system was compromised due to reduced outpatient consultations, affecting health checkups, diagnosis, and treatment. However, participants tried to keep their immunizations up to date. Information and communication technologies were used to fill digital prescriptions and online medical consultations. While this was a solution to many, others did not have access to these technologies or had trouble using them. CONCLUSIONS: The global pandemic caused a reduction in outpatient medical consultations. Emerging needs originated new ways of carrying out medical consultations, mainly through information and communication technologies, which was a solution for many but led to the exclusion of others because of the preexisting technology gap.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El 19 marzo de 2020 se decretó el aislamiento social preventivo y obligatorio en Argentina como respuesta a la pandemia por el virus SARS-CoV-2 y la enfermedad que causa, COVID-19. OBJETIVOS: Explorar las experiencias de los adultos mayores con relación al cuidado de su salud durante el confinamiento por COVID-19, los problemas en la accesibilidad al sistema de salud y las adaptaciones emergentes. MÉTODOS: Investigación con abordaje cualitativo. Los participantes fueron adultos mayores de 60 años. Mediante un muestreo en bola de nieve, el equipo investigador contactó telefónicamente a los participantes donde se realizó una entrevista semiestructurada. Se trianguló el análisis de los hallazgos entre los investigadores con distinta formación académica. Se realizaron mapas conceptuales a través de los cuales se eligieron los ejes temáticos a abordar. RESULTADOS: Se entrevistaron a 39 participantes de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires y Gran Buenos Aires en el período de abril y julio del año 2020. Los principales temas emergentes fueron: acceso a consultas programadas habituales, acceso a la medicación crónica, consultas agudas y emergentes, y el rol de las tecnologías de información y comunicación. La accesibilidad al sistema de salud se vio comprometida por la disminución de oferta de consultas presenciales, afectando los controles de salud, el diagnóstico y tratamiento de enfermedades. Sin embargo, los participantes intentaron mantener al día sus inmunizaciones. Las tecnologías de la información y comunicación permitieron la emisión de recetas virtuales y las teleconsultas. Si bien esto representó una solución para muchos adultos mayores, también generó un problema para otros que no tenían acceso o no sabían utilizarlas. CONCLUSIÓN: La pandemia afectó la accesibilidad al sistema de salud, principalmente a expensas de un menor acceso a consultas de modalidad presencial. Las necesidades emergentes forzaron la aparición de nuevas estrategias de atención, como las tecnologías de información y comunicación. Esto, si bien significó una solución, también generó nuevos excluidos debido a la brecha tecnológica preexistente.

The Impact of Internalized Stigma on LGBT Parenting and the Importance of Health Care Structures: A Qualitative Study.

Research on LGBTIQ+ families has focused on the effects of being in a diverse family on the development of children. We seek to show the experience of parenthood from the perspective of LGBTIQ+ people, considering its particularities and the role that health care services play as a potential support network. We used the biographical method through open-ended interviews, participants were LGBT people, and key informants from Chile, Colombia, and Mexico were selected based on a sociostructural sampling. We found that internalized stigma impacts LGBTIQ+ parenting in five ways: the impossibility of thinking of oneself as a parent, fear of violating children's rights, fear of passing on the stigma, fear of introducing their LGBTIQ+ partner, and the greater discrimination that trans and intersex people suffer. We identified gaps in health care perceptions: the need to guarantee universal access to health care, the need to include a gender perspective and inclusive treatment by health personnel, mental health programs with a community approach, access to assisted fertilization programs, and the generation of collaborative alliances between health services, civil society organizations, and the LGBTIQ+ community. We conclude that the health system is a crucial space from which to enable guarantees for the exercise of rights and overcome internalized stigma.

Cutaneous melanoma: cost of illness under Brazilian health system perspectives.

BACKGROUND: The landscape of cutaneous melanoma (CM) diagnosis, staging, prognosis, and treatment has undergone fundamental changes in the past decade. While the benefits of new health resources are recognized, there is a distinct lack of accurate cost-of-illness information to aid healthcare decision makers. METHODS: The cost-of-illness study for CM was conducted from the perspective of two health systems in Brazil: the public health system (Unified Health System, SUS) and the private health system (Health Management Organization, HMO). The study considered the direct medical cost in a bottom-up analysis, using melanoma incidence, knowledge of the disease's progression, and the overall survival rates. The executional costs for the complete healthcare delivery cycle were investigated considering different disease stages and possible clinical course variations. The structural cost was assessed qualitatively considering the health value chain in Brazil. RESULTS: CM represents a critical financial burden in Brazil, and the cost of illness varied according to the health system and by stage at diagnosis. HMO patient costs are approximately 10-fold and 90-fold more than a SUS patient in the early-stage and advanced disease, respectively. Overall, spending on advanced disease patients can be up to 34-fold (SUS) or 270-fold (HMO) higher than that required for the early-stage disease. Given the massive amount of resources spent by the SUS and HMO, significant efforts must be made to improve the health value chain to deliver the right mix of medical care goods and services using available resources. CONCLUSION: The cost-of-illness study for CM has the potential to inform policymakers and decision-makers regarding the economic burden that melanoma impose on a society in terms of the use of health care services, assisting them in making projections of future health care costs and resource allocation decisions. We believe that cost-of-illness analysis from a strategic perspective could be of help in assessing executional costs and be used to support the change in structural costs required for long-term strategies related to the health value chain.