Addressing childhood cancer: actions taken in the Dominican Republic / Abordaje del cáncer infantil: medidas adoptadas en República Dominicana / Enfrentamento do câncer infantil: medidas tomadas na República Dominicana

[ABSTRACT]. This report provides a summary of childhood cancer and the efforts made in the Dominican Republic to address child and adolescent cancer in line with the World Health Organization’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. Information was obtained by review of recent local and international literature on pediatric oncology. As a result of the Global Initiative, a meeting was held by the Council of Ministers of Health of Central America to support the development of national pediatric cancer plans for each country. The objectives of these plans are to improve overall survival and quality of care for children with cancer through early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. In the Dominican Republic, several steps have been taken in the past 5 years to enhance diagnosis and care of children with cancer. For example, the National Committee of Childhood Cancer, headed by the Ministry of Public Health and including relevant stakeholders, was established to develop the national childhood cancer plan. In addition, a campaign was launched to raise awareness of childhood cancer, and the first early detection manual and public policy on child and adolescent cancer were published. A government initiative has been working to improve the hospital infrastructure and expand the pediatric cancer center, and a national course on early detection of pediatric cancers has been held. In 2023, the National Strategic Childhood Cancer Plan 2023–2030 was launched in the Dominican Republic. The plan will help policy-makers, implementers, researchers, and advocates enhance diagnosis and care of children with cancer.

[RESUMEN]. En este informe se presenta un resumen del cáncer infantil y las medidas adoptadas por República Dominicana para abordar el cáncer en la población infantil y adolescente en consonancia con la Iniciativa Mundial contra el Cáncer Infantil de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. La información se obtuvo mediante el análisis de las publicaciones nacionales e internacionales recientes sobre oncología pediátrica. Como resultado de la Iniciativa Mundial, el Consejo de Ministros de Salud de Centroamérica celebró una reunión para brindar apoyo a la elaboración de planes nacionales sobre el cáncer infantil para cada país. Los objetivos de estos planes son mejorar la supervivencia general y la calidad de la atención que se presta a la población infantil con cáncer mediante la detección temprana, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento. En los últimos cinco años, República Dominicana ha adoptado varias medidas para mejorar el diagnóstico y la atención prestada a la población infantil con cáncer. Así, por ejemplo, se creó el Comité Nacional de Cáncer Infantil, encabezado por el Ministerio de Salud e integrado por las partes interesadas pertinentes, para elaborar el plan nacional sobre el cáncer infantil. Además, se puso en marcha una campaña de sensibilización sobre el cáncer infantil y se publicaron el primer manual de detección precoz y la primera política pública sobre el cáncer en la población infantil y adolescente. Mediante una iniciativa gubernamental se ha buscado mejorar la infraestructura hospitalaria y ampliar el centro de atención a pacientes oncológicos pediátricos, al tiempo que se ha impartido un curso nacional sobre detección precoz del cáncer infantil. En el 2023, República Dominicana puso en marcha el Plan Estratégico Nacional sobre Cáncer Infantil 2023-2030. Este plan será útil a los responsables de la formulación de políticas, las personas encargadas de su ejecución, los investigadores y los promotores para mejorar el diagnóstico y la atención prestada a la población infantil con cáncer.

[RESUMO]. Este relatório fornece um resumo sobre o câncer infantil e os esforços da República Dominicana para enfrentar a doença em crianças e adolescentes, em consonância com a Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil da Organização Mundial da Saúde. As informações foram obtidas por meio de uma revisão da literatura local e internacional recente sobre oncologia pediátrica. Em consequência da Iniciativa Global, o Conselho de Ministros da Saúde da América Central se reuniu para apoiar a elaboração de planos nacionais de câncer pediátrico para cada país. Os objetivos desses planos são melhorar a sobrevida global e a qualidade da atenção a crianças com câncer por meio de detecção, diagnóstico e tratamento precoces. Na República Dominicana, várias medidas foram tomadas nos últimos cinco anos para melhorar o diagnóstico e a atenção a crianças com câncer. Por exemplo, o Comitê Nacional de Câncer Infantil, que é chefiado pelo Ministério da Saúde e inclui as partes interessadas pertinentes, foi criado para elaborar o plano nacional de câncer infantil. Foi lançada uma campanha de conscientização sobre o câncer infantil no país. Além disso, foram publica- dos o primeiro manual de detecção precoce e a política pública de câncer infantojuvenil. Uma iniciativa do governo vem trabalhando para melhorar a infraestrutura hospitalar e ampliar o centro de câncer pediátrico e ministrou um curso nacional sobre a detecção precoce de cânceres pediátricos. Em 2023, foi lançado o Plano Estratégico Nacional de Câncer Infantil 2023–2030 na República Dominicana. O plano ajudará formuladores de políticas, implementadores, pesquisadores e defensores da causa a aprimorar o diagnóstico e a atenção a crianças com câncer.

Inverse associations of cord blood mitochondrial DNA copy number with childhood adiposity.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine associations between umbilical cord mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and adiposity across childhood. METHODS: In a prospective birth cohort of Dominican and African American children from New York City, New York (1998-2006), mtDNAcn was measured in cord blood. Children (N = 336) were evaluated for their height, weight, and bioimpedance at age 5, 7, 9, and 11 years. We used linear mixed-effects models to assess associations of mtDNAcn tertiles in cord blood with child BMI, BMI z scores, fat mass index, and body fat percentage. Latent class growth models and interactions between mtDNAcn and child age or child age2 were used to assess associations between age and adiposity trajectories. RESULTS: BMI was, on average, 1.5 kg/m2 higher (95% CI: 0.58, 2.5) in individuals with mtDNAcn in the low- compared with the middle-mtDNAcn tertile. Results were similar for BMI z score, fat mass index, and body fat percentage. Moreover, children in the low-mtDNAcn group had increased odds of being in an "increasing" or "high-stable" adiposity class. CONCLUSIONS: Lower mtDNAcn at birth may predict greater childhood adiposity, highlighting the potential key role of perinatal mitochondrial function in adiposity during development.

The Folkloric Practices of Dominican Women in Managing Bacterial Vaginosis.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by changes in the vaginal flora caused by an elevated pH, resulting in symptoms of vaginal discharge, odor, and irritation. BV affects all women, including Dominican women who have specific cultural beliefs regarding vaginal health hygiene. Due to the prevalence of this condition and cultural norms that may influence how women respond to the diagnosis of BV, it is important to understand the factors that may promote the development of BV and that may influence women's choices of treatment options. Amsel's criteria are the most commonly used clinical approach for the diagnosis of BV. Recurrent BV is common and affects women's lives to varying degrees. Discussion about cultural norms and hygienic practices may provide information that may decrease the recurrence of BV. Nurses can provide support and evidence-based information in a culturally sensitive manner to help Dominican women manage BV.

[Diagnosis of neurocysticercosis in patients with epilepsy living in the south-western Dominican Republic]. / Diagnóstico de neurocisticercosis en pacientes con epilepsia residentes en el suroeste de la República Dominicana.

INTRODUCTION: Neurocysticercosis (NCC), a possible cause of epilepsy with limited epidemiological data in the Dominican Republic, is endemic in four provinces in the country's south-western region. This study aimed to determine the association between NCC and epilepsy among people living in these endemic regions, and to obtain preliminary data on the prevalence of NCC in these provinces. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A case-control design was used, consisting of 111 patients with epilepsy with unknown causes, and 60 controls without epilepsy or NCC. The diagnosis of NCC was based on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the skull, as well as Western immunoblotting for serum antibodies using Taenia solium, following the criteria of Del Brutto et al. RESULTS. NCC was found in 27% of the epileptic patients (n = 30/111) and in 5% of the controls (n = 3/60); the probability of the epileptic patients having NCC was seven times higher than the controls (odds ratio = 7.04, 95% confidence interval: 2.04-24.18; p < 0.001). The participants' sociodemographic characteristics, including their age, sex, level of education, occupation, and province of residence presented no statistical significance in terms of their association with NCC. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that NCC is strongly associated with epilepsy in the south-western region of the Dominican Republic, and highlights the need for public health measures to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of both diseases.

TITLE: Diagnóstico de neurocisticercosis en pacientes con epilepsia residentes en el suroeste de la República Dominicana.Introducción. La neurocisticercosis (NCC), una posible causa de epilepsia con datos epidemiológicos limitados en la República Dominicana, es endémica en cuatro provincias de la región suroeste. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la asociación entre la NCC y la epilepsia en personas que viven en estas regiones endémicas, así como obtener datos preliminares sobre la prevalencia de NCC en estas provincias. Sujetos y métodos. Se utilizó un diseño de casos y controles compuesto por 111 pacientes con epilepsia de causa desconocida y 60 controles sin epilepsia ni NCC. El diagnóstico de NCC se basó en la tomografía computarizada y la resonancia magnética del cráneo, así como en el inmunotransferencia de Western para anticuerpos séricos contra Taenia solium, siguiendo los criterios de Del Brutto et al. Resultados. Se encontró NCC en el 27% de los pacientes con epilepsia (n = 30/111) y en el 5% de los controles (n = 3/60); los casos de epilepsia tenían siete veces más probabilidades de tener NCC que los controles (odds ratio = 7,04, intervalo de confianza al 95%: 2,04-24,18; p < 0,001). Las características sociodemográficas de los participantes, como la edad, el sexo, el nivel de escolaridad, la ocupación y la provincia de residencia no mostraron significación estadística en cuanto a la asociación con NCC. Conclusiones. Este estudio sugiere que la NCC está fuertemente asociada con la epilepsia en la región suroeste de la República Dominicana, y destaca la necesidad de medidas de salud pública para mejorar la prevención, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de ambas enfermedades.

Digital health and the promise of equity in maternity care: A mixed methods multi-country assessment on the use of information and communication technologies in healthcare facilities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

INTRODUCTION: Timely access to maternity care is critical to saving lives. Digital health may serve to bridge the care chasm and advance health equity. Conducted in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, this cross-sectional mixed-methods study assessed the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in healthcare facilities in nine Latin American and Caribbean countries to understand the landscape of ICT use in maternity care and the barriers and facilitators to its adoption. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 2021 and September 2022, we disseminated an online survey in English and Spanish among, mainly public, healthcare institutions that provided maternity care in Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana, Honduras, Paraguay and Peru. We also interviewed 27 administrators and providers in ministries of health and healthcare institutions. RESULTS: Most of the 1877 institutions that answered the survey reported using ICTs in maternity care (N = 1536, 82%), ranging from 96% in Peru to 64% in the Dominican Republic. Of institutions that used ICTs, 59% reported using them more than before or for the first time since the pandemic began. ICTs were most commonly used to provide family planning (64%) and breastfeeding (58%) counseling, mainly by phone (82%). At the facility level, availability of equipment and internet coverage, coupled with skilled human resources, were the main factors associated with ICT use. At country level, government-led initiatives to develop digital health platforms, alongside national investments in the digital infrastructure, were the determining factors in the adoption of ICTs in healthcare provision. CONCLUSION: Digital health for maternity care provision relied on commonly available technology and did not necessitate highly sophisticated systems, making it a sustainable and replicable strategy. However, disparities in access to digital health remain and many facilities in rural and remote areas lacked connectivity. Use of ICTs in maternity care depended on countries' long-term commitments to achieving universal health and digital coverage.

Diagnóstico de neurocisticercosis en pacientes con epilepsia residentes en el suroeste de la República Dominicana / Diagnosis of neurocysticercosis in patients with epilepsy living in the south-western Dominican Republic

Introducción La neurocisticercosis (NCC), una posible causa de epilepsia con datos epidemiológicos limitados en la República Dominicana, es endémica en cuatro provincias de la región suroeste. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la asociación entre la NCC y la epilepsia en personas que viven en estas regiones endémicas, así como obtener datos preliminares sobre la prevalencia de NCC en estas provincias. Sujetos y métodos Se utilizó un diseño de casos y controles compuesto por 111 pacientes con epilepsia de causa desconocida y 60 controles sin epilepsia ni NCC. El diagnóstico de NCC se basó en la tomografía computarizada y la resonancia magnética del cráneo, así como en el inmunotransferencia de Western para anticuerpos séricos contra Taenia solium, siguiendo los criterios de Del Brutto et al. Resultados Se encontró NCC en el 27% de los pacientes con epilepsia (n = 30/111) y en el 5% de los controles (n = 3/60); los casos de epilepsia tenían siete veces más probabilidades de tener NCC que los controles (odds ratio = 7,04, intervalo de confianza al 95%: 2,04-24,18; p < 0,001). Las características sociodemográficas de los participantes, como la edad, el sexo, el nivel de escolaridad, la ocupación y la provincia de residencia no mostraron significación estadística en cuanto a la asociación con NCC. Conclusiones Este estudio sugiere que la NCC está fuertemente asociada con la epilepsia en la región suroeste de la República Dominicana, y destaca la necesidad de medidas de salud pública para mejorar la prevención, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de ambas enfermedades. (AU)

INTRODUCTION Neurocysticercosis (NCC), a possible cause of epilepsy with limited epidemiological data in the Dominican Republic, is endemic in four provinces in the country’s south-western region. This study aimed to determine the association between NCC and epilepsy among people living in these endemic regions, and to obtain preliminary data on the prevalence of NCC in these provinces. PATIENTS AND METHODS A case-control design was used, consisting of 111 patients with epilepsy with unknown causes, and 60 controls without epilepsy or NCC. The diagnosis of NCC was based on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the skull, as well as Western immunoblotting for serum antibodies using Taenia solium, following the criteria of Del Brutto et al. RESULTS NCC was found in 27% of the epileptic patients (n = 30/111) and in 5% of the controls (n = 3/60); the probability of the epileptic patients having NCC was seven times higher than the controls (odds ratio = 7.04, 95% confidence interval: 2.04-24.18; p < 0.001). The participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, including their age, sex, level of education, occupation, and province of residence presented no statistical significance in terms of their association with NCC. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that NCC is strongly associated with epilepsy in the south-western region of the Dominican Republic, and highlights the need for public health measures to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of both diseases. (AU)

Deaths of U.S. Citizens Undergoing Cosmetic Surgery - Dominican Republic, 2009-2022.

Although infections resulting from cosmetic surgery performed outside the United States have been regularly reported, deaths have rarely been identified. During 2009-2022, 93 U.S. citizens died after receiving cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic. The number of deaths increased from a mean of 4.1 per year during 2009-2018 to a mean of 13.0 during 2019-2022 with a peak in of 17 in 2020. A subset of post-cosmetic surgery deaths occurring during peak years was investigated, and most deaths were found to be the result of embolic events (fat emboli or venous thromboembolism) for which a high proportion of the patients who died had risk factors, including obesity and having multiple procedures performed during the same operation. These risk factors might have been mitigated or prevented with improved surgical protocols and postoperative medical care, including prophylactic measures against venous thromboembolism. U.S. citizens interested in receiving elective cosmetic surgery outside the United States should consult with their health care professionals regarding their risk for adverse outcomes. Public health authorities can support provider education on the importance of preoperative patient evaluation and the potential danger of performing multiple cosmetic procedures in one operation.

Etiologies of Mild and Moderate Diarrheal Illness among Children in Consuelo, Dominican Republic.

Since the rotavirus vaccine was included in the Dominican Republic's national immunization schedule in 2012, the microbiologic etiologies of acute gastroenteritis have not been described. This study aimed to determine the contribution of rotavirus as an etiology of acute gastroenteritis over a 12-month period in children under 5 years of age in both an inpatient and an outpatient setting in Consuelo, Dominican Republic. All children who were seen at Niños Primeros en Salud clinic or admitted to Hospital Municipal Dr. Angel Ponce Pinedo for acute gastroenteritis during January 2021-April 2022 were enrolled in the study. Stools were evaluated for rotavirus, enteric parasites, and pathogenic bacteria. Pathogen detection was compared between outpatients and inpatients and on the basis of child's vaccination status. From 181 children enrolled, 170 stool samples were collected, 28 (16.5%) from inpatients and 142 (83.5%) from outpatients. Rotavirus was the most commonly detected pathogen and was proportionately more common among hospitalized children, with nine (32.1%) cases among hospitalized children and 16 (11.3%) among outpatient children. (Pearson χ2 = 8.1, P = 0.004). Among patients with a positive rotavirus result, vaccination rate was lower among moderate (hospitalized) (three of six; 50%) compared with mild (outpatient) diarrhea patients (12 of 15; 80%). Giardia lamblia (10%) was the next most prevalent pathogen detected in both inpatients and outpatients using standard laboratory measures. Despite the availability of rotavirus vaccination, rotavirus remains a common cause of gastrointestinal illness among children under 5 years of age in our cohort. Incomplete vaccination status was associated with hospitalization for gastrointestinal illness.

A probabilistic approach to compare the risk associated with heavy metals and bromine in honey from Dominican Republic, Mexico, Mozambique and Spain.

This study aims to analyse the risk to consumers given the presence of heavy metals and bromine in honey from different countries. A probabilistic approach was applied to assess carcinogenic risk. Concerning exposure, Al in Spain (3.3E-04 mg/kgBw/day), B in Dominican Republic and Mexico (2E-04 mg/kgBw/day in both cases) and Fe in Mexico and Mozambique had the highest values (5E-05 and 4.8E-05 mg/kgBw/day). In risk characterisation, the values were less than 1 for hazard index (HI), meaning that the consumption of honey represents a low level of concern for non-genotoxic effects. A combination of margin of exposure and probability of exceedance results that exposure to Pb pose no threat. The probability of suffering cancer for Br, Cd, Ni and Pb was lower than 1.0E-06 and, therefore, considered safe. However, the risk at the 95th percentile of Br in Dominican Republic was 1.18E-04 in adults and 2.45E-04 in children, exceeding 1.0E-04, and therefore, considered intolerable. Finally, the sensitivity analysis indicated that the most influential factor in the HI was the consumption in adults and the concentration of Ni in children, whereas for cancer risk, were the concentrations of Ni, Cd, Br and Pb, in both cases.

Individual and Collective Forms of Stigma Resistance: Pathways Between HIV and Sex Work Stigma and Viral Suppression Among Female Sex Workers in the Dominican Republic.

Intersecting forms of stigma including both HIV and sex work stigma have been known to impede HIV prevention and optimal treatment outcomes among FSW. Recent research has indicated that intersectional stigma can be resisted at the community and individual level. We assessed pathways between HIV stigma, sex work stigma, social cohesion and viral suppression among a cohort of 210 FSW living with HIV in the Dominican Republic. Through Poisson regression we explored the relationship between HIV outcomes and internalized, anticipated and enacted HIV and sex work stigma, and resisted sex work stigma. We employed structural equation modeling to explore the direct effect of various forms of stigma on HIV outcomes, and the mediating effects of multi-level stigma resistance including social cohesion at the community level and occupational dignity at the individual level. 76.2% of FSW were virally suppressed and 28.1% had stopped ART at least once in the last 6 months. ART interruption had a significant negative direct effect on viral suppression (OR = 0.26, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.13-0.51). Social cohesion had a significant positive direct effect on viral suppression (OR = 2.07, p = 0.046, 95% CI: 1.01-4.25). Anticipated HIV stigma had a significant negative effect on viral suppression (OR = 0.34, p = 0.055, 95% CI: 0.11-1.02). This effect was mediated by the interaction between cohesion and dignity which rendered the impact of HIV stigma on viral suppression not significant. Findings demonstrate that while HIV stigma has a negative impact on viral suppression among FSW, it can be resisted through individual and collective means. Results reinforce the importance of community-driven, multi-level interventions.

Central America and the Dominican Republic at Crossroads: The Importance of Regional Cooperation and Health Economic Research to Address Current Health Challenges.

OBJECTIVES: We discuss key health challenges currently faced by countries in the Central America and Dominican Republic region after the COVID-19 pandemic. We highlight the influence of socioeconomic determinants for the challenging public health dynamics observed and the crucial roles that regional cooperation and health economic research can have for tackling such challenges. METHODS: We present a descriptive overview of the current situation of public finances and its effect on government capacity to improve social expenditure. We also discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis on social dynamics and living conditions in the region. RESULTS: Our analysis suggests that the interplay between all these factors is likely to have important consequences for health systems and population health in the post-pandemic period. Previous examples of successful cross-country cooperation in the region indicate the great potential that these initiatives have for supporting health system resilience against current challenges. Technical cooperation must be informed by (currently unavailable) research evidence that can guide decision making, especially health economic research to support national health resource allocation policies. Areas identified as priorities for applied health economic research include both macro and microeconomic analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Central America and the Dominican Republic face significant health challenges post-pandemic. Our article emphasizes the great potential that regional technical cooperation, informed by further health economic research, has to improve public policies and health governance in the region.

Safety and immunogenicity of shorter interval schedules of the novel oral poliovirus vaccine type 2 in infants: a phase 3, randomised, controlled, non-inferiority study in the Dominican Republic.

BACKGROUND: The novel oral poliovirus vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) is now authorised by a WHO emergency use listing and widely distributed to interrupt outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2. As protection of vulnerable populations, particularly young infants, could be facilitated by shorter intervals between the two recommended doses, we aimed to assess safety and non-inferiority of immunogenicity of nOPV2 in 1-week, 2-week, and 4-week schedules. METHODS: In this phase 3, open-label, randomised trial, healthy, full-term, infants aged 6-8 weeks from a hospital or a clinic in the Dominican Republic were randomly allocated (1:1:1 ratio) using a pre-prepared, computer-generated randomisation schedule to three groups to receive two doses of nOPV2 immunisations with a 1-week interval (group A), 2-week interval (group B), or 4-week interval (group C). The nOPV2 vaccine was given at a 0·1 mL dose and contained at least 105 50% cell culture infective dose. Neutralising antibodies against poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3 were measured before each immunisation and 4 weeks after the second dose. The primary outcome was the type 2 seroconversion rate 28 days after the second dose, and the non-inferiority margin was defined as a lower bound 95% CI of greater than -10%. Safety and reactogenicity were assessed through diary cards completed by the parent or guardian. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05033561. FINDINGS: We enrolled 905 infants between Dec 16, 2021, and March 28, 2022. 872 infants were included in the per-protocol analyses: 289 in group A, 293 in group B, and 290 in group C. Type 2 seroconversion rates were 87·5% (95% CI 83·2 to 91·1) in group A (253 of 289 participants), 91·8% (88·1 to 94·7) in group B (269 of 293 participants), and 95·5% (92·5 to 97·6) in group C (277 of 290 participants). Non-inferiority was shown for group B compared with group C (difference in rates -3·7; 95% CI -7·9 to 0·3), but not for group A compared with group C (-8·0; -12·7 to -3·6). 4 weeks after the second nOPV2 dose, type 2 neutralising antibodies increased in all three groups such that over 95% of each group was seroprotected against polio type 2, although final geometric mean titres tended to be highest with longer intervals between doses. Immunisation with nOPV2 was well tolerated with no causal association to vaccination of any severe or serious adverse event; one death from septic shock during the study was unrelated to the vaccine. INTERPRETATION: Two nOPV2 doses administered 1 week or 2 weeks apart from age 6 weeks to 8 weeks were safe and immunogenic. Immune responses after a 2-week interval were non-inferior to those after the standard 4-week interval, but marked responses after a 1-week interval suggest that schedules with an over 1-week interval can be used to provide flexibility to campaigns to improve coverage and hasten protection during circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 outbreaks. FUNDING: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Salud mental en cuidadores de pacientes pediátricos con enfermedades crónicas en República Dominicana / Caregivers' mental health of pediatric patients with chronic health diseases in the Dominican Republic

Introducción: La enfermedad crónica infantil se refiere a condiciones en pacientes pediátricos que generalmente son de duración prolongada, no se resuelven por sí solas, y están asociadas con deficiencia o discapacidad. Esta condición usualmente afecta las actividades normales del niño y requiere hospitalizaciones frecuentes, atención médica domiciliaria y/o atención médica extensa, lo que suele afectar además de quien lo padece a sus cuidadores, quienes con frecuencia presentan características asociadas a estrés y agotamiento llegando a provocar enfermedades físicas y mentales como parte del "síndrome de sobrecarga del cuidador". Metodología: Se realizó una encuesta a cuidadores de pacientes pediátricos del Hospital Pediátrico Doctor Hugo Mendoza, el instrumento de recolección incluye 9 ítems que evalúa la presencia y gravedad de síntomas depresivos en las últimas 2 semanas previas a la entrevista, y los datos fueron analizados en el Programa estadístico SPSS. El estudio contó con la aprobación del comité de ética institucional del Hospital y los participantes otorgaron su consentimiento voluntario explícito antes de la recopilación de datos. Resultados: Al aplicar la clasificación de la escala del BAI, se evidencia que, del total de cuidadores encuestados, el 76.7% parecía sufrir de ansiedad muy baja, un 20.9% de ansiedad moderada y 2.3% de ansiedad severa. Se aplicó la la escala PHQ9, una escala que mide la presencia de síntomas depresivos y mostró que el 41.9 % presenta un nivel leve, 39.5% un nivel mínimo, 16.3% un nivel moderado y por último solo 2.3% un nivel moderado-grave de síntomas depresivos. Discusión: En nuestro estudio hubo igual distribución de hombres y de mujeres. Conclusión: El diagnóstico infantil no juega un papel determinante en la aparición de la ansiedad y la depresión.

Introduction: Chronic childhood disease refers to conditions in pediatric patients that are generally of prolonged duration, do not resolve on their own, and are associated with deficiency or disability. This condition normally affects the normal activities of the child and requires frequent hospitalizations, home health care and/or extensive medical care, which will affect, in addition to those who will usually suffer from it, their caregivers, who often have characteristics associated with stress and exhaustion, reaching causing physical and mental illness as part of "caregiver overload syndrome". Methodology: A survey was conducted on caregivers of pediatric patients at the Doctor Hugo Mendoza Pediatric Hospital, the collection instrument includes 9 items that assess the presence and severity of depressive symptoms in the last 2 weeks prior to the interview, and the data were analyzed in the statistical program SPSS. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee of the Hospital and the participants gave their explicit voluntary consent before data collection. Results: When applying the classification of the BAI scale, it is evident that, of the total number of caregivers surveyed, 76.7% seemed to suffer from very low anxiety, 20.9% from moderate anxiety and 2.3% from severe anxiety. The PHQ9 scale was applied, a scale that measures the presence of depressive symptoms and showed that 41.9% present a mild level, 39.5% a minimum level, 16.3% a moderate level and finally only 2.3% a moderate-severe level of depressive symptoms. Discussion: In our study there was equal distribution of men and women. Conclusion: Childhood diagnosis does not play a determining role in the appearance of anxiety and depression.

Asociación del riesgo a desarrollar diabetes mellitus tipo 2 según la calculadora de la asociación americana de diabetes (ADA) y los hábitos tóxicos no ilícitos en pacientes que residen en una comunidad rural de Peravia, República Dominicana / Association of the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) calculator and non-illicit toxic habits in patients residing in a rural community in Peravia, Dominican Republic

Introducción: la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) se define como un trastorno metabólico caracterizado por niveles de glucosa en sangre crónicamente elevados. La DM2 representa el paradigma de las enfermedades crónicas en las que existe una estrecha asociación entre factores familiares y ambientales. Por este motivo, este estudio tiene como finalidad determinar la asociación del riesgo a desarrollar DM2 y los hábitos tóxicos no ilícitos en pacientes que residen en una comunidad rural de Peravia, República Dominicana. Tales incluyen: alcohol, café y té. Metodología: Estudio observacional, transversal, analítico y prospectivo. Se aplicó cuestionario, recolectaron datos antropométricos y se determinó glucosa capilar a la muestra (n=304). Resultados: la prevalencia a presentar un alto riesgo a desarrollar DM2 en la población es de 35.5%, mientras que la prevalencia a presentar riesgo bajo es de 64.5%. En cuanto a hábitos tóxicos, no existió correlación positiva entre consumo de té y desarrollo de DM2. Sin embargo, sí entre el consumo de café y alcohol. Conclusiones: los habitantes de salinas presentan un bajo riesgo a desarrollar DM2, pero utilizan factores de riesgos modificables que aumentan la prevalencia a DM2.

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is defined as a metabolic disorder characterized by chronically elevated blood glucose levels. DM2 represents the paradigm of chronic diseases in which there is a close association between family and environmental factors. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the association of the risk of developing DM2 and non-illicit toxic habits in patients residing in a rural community in Peravia, Dominican Republic. Such habits include alcohol, coffee and tea. Methodology: Observational, cross-sectional, analytical and prospective study. A questionnaire was applied, anthropometric data was collected, and capillary glucose was determined in the study sample (n=304). Results: the prevalence of presenting a high risk of developing DM2 in the population is 35.5%, while the prevalence of presenting low risk is 64.5%. Regarding toxic habits, there was no positive correlation between tea consumption and the development of DM2. However, this result differed between consumption of coffee and alcohol. Conclusions: the inhabitants of Salinas have a low risk of developing DM2 but are subject to modifiable risk factors that increase said prevalence.

Impacto de las clases virtuales en la salud mental de la población pediátrica durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en septiembre-diciembre 2021 / Impact of Virtual Classes on the Mental Health of the Pediatric Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introducción: El COVID-19 ha afectado la salud mental de la población pediátrica. Con la transición a la virtualidad, se han identificado posturas positivas y negativas. Debido a la diferencia de características sociodemográficas que posee la República Dominicana, es necesario describir el efecto de dichos cambios en la salud mental dentro de este contexto. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de las clases virtuales en la salud mental de los pacientes pediátricos. Metodología: Se utilizó el cuestionario de capacidades y dificultades en los pacientes que asistieron a consulta general. Se asignó una puntuación con la escala de puntuación estandarizada y se analizaron los resultados en gráficos de frecuencia y pruebas de correlación de spearman. Resultados: Existe una frecuencia del 10,4% (n=34) de alto riesgo de desarrollar algún trastorno psiquiátrico. Se observaron correlaciones débiles entre menor edad y trastorno de conducta, r(365) = -0,111, p = 0,034, y sexo masculino y cualquier trastorno pediátrico, r(365) = -0,131, p = 0,012. Hay una incidencia de 51,5% de síntomas físicos. Un 45.5% y un 30.2% identificó mejores e iguales calificaciones. Conclusión: Es necesario investigar los efectos identificados agregando la evaluación de especialistas para mayor precisión de los hallazgos observados.

Introduction: COVID-19 has affected the mental health of the pediatric population. With the transition to virtuality, positive and negative positions have been identified. Due to the difference in sociodemographic characteristics that the Dominican Republic has, it is necessary to describe the effect of these changes on mental health within this context. Objective: To assess the effect of virtual classes on the mental health of pediatric patients. Methodology: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used in the patients who attended the general consultation. A score was assigned using the standardized scoring scale and the results were analyzed in frequency plots and spearman correlation tests. Results: There is a frequency of 10.4% (n=34) of high risk of developing some psychiatric disorder. Weak correlations were observed between younger age and conduct disorder, r(365) = -0.111, p = 0.034, and male gender and any pediatric disorder, r(365) = -0.131, p = 0.012. There is a 51.5% incidence of physical symptoms. 45.5% and 30.2% identified better and equal qualifications. Conclusion: It is necessary to investigate the effects identified adding the evaluation of specialists for greater precision of the observed findings.

Tabla de la normalidad de las pruebas psicométricas para el diagnóstico de encefalopatía hepática subclínica en la población Dominicana / Score of normality psychometric tests for the diagnosis of subclinical hepatic encephalopathy in the Dominican Population

Introducción: La encefalopatía hepática mínima (EHM), es una enfermedad definida por la existencia de varias alteraciones neurofisiológicas, indetectables a la exploración neurológica y el examen clínico. Dentro de las estrategias diagnosticas para la EHM se contemplan las pruebas psicométricas (PHE), pero para su aplicación es indispensable la estandarización previamente en la población de estudio. Objetivo: El estudio se propuso determinar la tabla de la normalidad de las PHE para diagnosticar la encefalopatía hepática subclínica en una muestra de la población dominicana. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal en un hospital de referencia nacional. Se analizaron 134 personas clasificados por grupos de edades (18-70 años de edad) y años de escolaridad. Se diseñó una tabla de 5x5. Se estudió la influencia de la edad, sexo, uso de espejuelo y de los años de escolarización en el rendimiento de cada uno de las PHE, para lo cual se utilizaron las siguientes pruebas estadísticas: análisis de varianza (ANOVA), prueba t de Student y regresión lineal. Resultado: La escolaridad y la edad fueron variables determinantes en el desempeño de las 5 pruebas psicométricas. Pero, la correlación univariable de la edad con el desempeño de la prueba TMS no hubo diferencias intra e inter grupos estadísticamente significativas (p>0.171). Conclusión: se confecciono la fórmula de predicción de resultados de los test psicométricos. Ninguno sobrepasó el punto de corte de la puntuación que oscila entre los -4 y los +2 puntos.

Introduction: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a disease defined by the existence of several neurophysiological alterations, undetectable by neurological examination and clinical examination. Among the diagnostic strategies for EHM, psychometric tests (PHE) are contemplated, but for their application, prior standardization in the study population is essential. Objective: The study will need to determine the normality table of PHE to detect subclinical hepatic encephalopathy in a sample of the Dominican population. Method: A descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional study was carried out in a national reference hospital. 134 people classified by age groups (18-70 years of age) and years of schooling were analyzed. A 5x5 board is recommended. The influence of age, sex, use of glasses and years of schooling on the performance of each one of the PHEs was studied, for which the following statistical tests were used: analysis of variance (ANOVA), Student's t test and linear regression. Result: Schooling and age were determining variables in the performance of the 5 psychometric tests. But, the univariate coincidence of age with the performance of the TMS test, there were no statistically significant intra and inter group differences (p>0.171). Conclusion: the formula for predicting the results of the psychometric tests was made. None exceeded the cut-off point of the score that oscillates between -4 and +2 points.

Determinantes del estado de vacunación infantil: abordando la brecha de equidad en República Dominicana-2019 / Determinants of childhood immunization status: addressing the equity gap in the Dominican Republic­2019

Introducción: Las desigualdades amenazan el progreso del país hacia la equidad y la cobertura de vacunación infantil. Siendo la cobertura inferior a la meta del 90% de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Objetivo: Identificar los determinantes sociales y las desigualdades en el estado de vacunación infantil en República Dominicana, 2019. Métodos: Se realiza un análisis basado en la Encuesta de Indicadores Múltiples por Conglomerados. Incluyendo una muestra ponderada de 1674 niños de 12-23 meses. Se calcula la regresión logística multinomial para identificar factores asociados a la vacunación. Adoptando p<0,05 para significación estadística. Utilizando una razón de probabilidades ajustada con intervalo de confianza del 95%. Empleando HEAT 4.0 para medir desigualdades y SPSS.23 para gestión y análisis de datos. Resultados: La edad media de los niños fue 17,4±3,5 meses. El 33% de ellos estaban completamente vacunados. La cobertura fue significativamente menor entre hijos de madre sin educación [AOR= 7,27; IC95%= 2,98­17,74]. La mayor cobertura se concentra en niños con altos niveles de educación y riqueza. Conclusión: Para lograr una cobertura de vacunación completa y equitativa, las intervenciones de salud pública deben diseñarse para satisfacer las necesidades de grupos de alto riesgo.

Introduction: In the Dominican Republic, inequalities threaten progress towards childhood vaccination equity and coverage, the latter being inferior to the World Health Organization's 90% goal. Objective: Identify the social determinants and inequalities in the state of childhood vaccination in the Dominican Republic, 2019. Methods: An analysis based on the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys is conducted. Including a weighted sample of 1674 children aged 12-23 months. The multinomial logistic regression is calculated to identify factors associated with vaccination. Using p<0,05 for statistical significance and an adjusted probability ratio with a 95% confidence interval. Employing HEAT 4.0 to measure inequalities and SPSS.23 for data management and analysis. Results: The children's mean age was 17,4±3,5 months. 33% of them were completely vaccinated. Coverage was significantly lower in children of mothers without education [AOR= 7,27; CI95%= 2,98­17,74]. Coverage was the highest in kids with high levels of education and wealth. Conclusion: To achieve complete and equitable vaccine coverage, public health interventions should be designed to satisfy the needs of high-risk groups.

Shedding light on the Ophel biome: the trans-Tethyan phylogeography of the sulfide shrimp Tethysbaena (Peracarida: Thermosbaenacea) in the Levant.

Background: Tethysbaena are small peracarid crustaceans inhabiting extreme environments such as subterranean lakes and thermal springs, represented by endemic species found around the ancient Tethys, including the Mediterranean, Arabian Sea, Mid-East Atlantic, and the Caribbean Sea. Two Tethysbaena species are known from the Levant: T. relicta, found along the Dead Sea-Jordan Rift Valley, and T. ophelicola, found in the Ayyalon cave complex in the Israeli coastal plain, both belonging to the same species-group based on morphological cladistics. Along the biospeleological research of the Levantine subterranean fauna, three biogeographic hypotheses determining their origins were proposed: (1) Pliocenic transgression, (2) Mid-late Miocenic transgression, and (3) The Ophel Paradigm, according to which these are inhabitants of a chemosynthetic biome as old as the Cambrian. Methods: Tethysbaena specimens of the two Levantine species were collected from subterranean groundwaters. We used the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and the nuclear ribosomal 28S (28S rRNA) gene to establish the phylogeny of the Levantine Tethysbaena species, and applied a molecular clock approach for inferring their divergence times. Results: Contrary to the morphological cladistic-based classification, we found that T. relicta shares an ancestor with Tethysbaena species from Oman and the Dominican Republic, whereas the circum-Mediterranean species (including T. ophelicola) share another ancestor. The mean age of the node linking T. relicta from the Dead Sea-Jordan Rift Valley and Tethysbaena from Oman was 20.13 MYA. The mean estimate for the divergence of T. ophelicola from the Mediterranean Tethysbaena clade dated to 9.46 MYA. Conclusions: Our results indicate a two-stage colonization of Tethysbaena in the Levant: a late Oligocene transgression, through a marine gulf extending from the Arabian Sea, leading to the colonization of T. relicta in the Dead Sea-Jordan Rift Valley, whereas T. ophelicola, originating from the Mesogean ancestor, inhabited anchialine caves in the coastal plain of Israel during the Mid-Miocene.

Evaluación del control del Asma en República Dominicana: una perspectiva clínica / Evaluation of Asthma Control in the Dominican Republic: a Clinical Perspective

Introducción: El asma es una patología respiratoria caracterizada por inflamación cró-nica y reversible de las vías aéreas. Esta se asocia con factores de riesgo modificables y no modificables que influyen sobre su control y exacerbaciones. En países como Puer-to Rico y Cuba, la prevalencia del asma es significativamente mayor a la global (22,8%, 23% y 6,6%, respectivamente).

Introduction: Asthma is a respiratory pathology characterized by chronic and reversible airway inflammation. It is associated with modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that influence its control and exacerbations. In countries such as Puerto Rico (22.8 %) and Cuba (23 %), the prevalence of asthma is significantly higher than the global prevalence (6.6 %).

Exploring feasibility and acceptability of an integrated urban gardens and peer nutritional counselling intervention for people with HIV in the Dominican Republic.

OBJECTIVE: Food security interventions with people living with HIV (PLHIV) are needed to improve HIV outcomes. This process evaluation of a pilot intervention involving urban gardening and peer nutritional counselling with PLHIV assesses feasibility, acceptability and implementation challenges to inform scale-up. DESIGN: Mixed methods were used, including quantitative data on intervention participation and feasibility and acceptability among participants (n 45) and qualitative data from a purposive sample of participants (n 21). Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and coded using a codebook developed iteratively. SETTING: An HIV clinic in the northwest-central part of the Dominican Republic. RESULTS: The intervention was feasible for most participants: 84 % attended a garden workshop and 71 % established an urban garden; 91 % received all three core nutritional counselling sessions; and 73 % attended the cooking workshop. The intervention was also highly acceptable: nearly, all participants (93-96 %) rated the gardening as 'helpful' or 'very helpful' for taking HIV medications, their mental/emotional well-being and staying healthy; similarly, high percentages (89-97 %) rated the nutrition counselling 'helpful' or 'very helpful' for following a healthy diet, reducing unhealthy foods and increasing fruit/vegetable intake. Garden barriers included lack of space and animals/pests. Transportation barriers impeded nutritional counselling. Harvested veggies were consumed by participants' households, shared with neighbours and family, and sold in the community. Many emphasised that comradery with other PLHIV helped them cope with HIV-related marginalisation. CONCLUSION: An urban gardens and peer nutritional counselling intervention with PLHIV was feasible and acceptable; however, addressing issues of transportation, pests and space is necessary for equitable participation and benefit.