Cared and uncared populations: understanding unmet care needs of older adults (65+) across different social care systems in Europe.

Population care needs are dynamic. They change throughout individuals' life courses and are related to the population structure. These needs are particularly demanding during population ageing and may vary depending on how societies cope with them. In this study, we explored the unmet social care needs of individuals in twelve European countries with different social care systems. We used data from the seventh wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) to conduct a cross-sectional study of individuals aged 65 and over with care needs (n = 7136). Unmet care needs were measured from an absolute approach. We fitted binomial regression models to explain the relative importance of individuals' characteristics, health status and different social care systems on unmet needs. The absolute measure shows that 53.02% of the analytical sample faced unmet care needs as they reported limitations and did not receive help. The prevalence of unmet care needs is higher for men than women and for younger than older individuals. Furthermore, we found that individuals living in Mediterranean social care systems have the highest prevalence of these unmet needs. This analysis contributes to the ongoing debate about the challenges posed by ageing populations and their relationship with care.

Percepciones de niñas, niños y adolescentes sobre violencias en los entornos familiar y escolar en ocho municipios de Colombia / Children and adolescents' perception of violence in family and school settings from eight municipalities in Colombia / Percepções de crianças e adolescentes sobre violência nos ambientes familiar e escolar em oito municípios na Colômbia

Resumen Objetivo: Esta investigación explora las percepciones, actitudes y prácticas de niñas, niños y adolescentes sobre violencias en los entornos familiar y escolar. Metodología: Durante 2018, se aplicó una encuesta sobre sexualidad, convivencia familiar y entorno escolar a 16 558 niñas, niños y adolescentes escolarizados de entre 9 y 19 años de edad, habitantes de ocho municipios de Colombia, de las zonas Caribe y Pacífico. Resultados: Se encontraron porcentajes altos de violencia en el hogar y de actitudes violentas en el entorno escolar, además de bajos índices de educación sobre temas relacionados con la violencia de género. La violencia física fue ejercida en mayor frecuencia en los niños y adolescentes varones, entre los 15 y 19 años, y en los municipios de Bahía Solano y El Carmen de Atrato. En contraste, la violencia sexual fue principalmente ejercida a las niñas, entre los 9 y 11 años, y en los municipios de Uribía y Pivijay. Conclusiones: las normas de género y las expectativas sociales atribuidas a las personas en función de su sexo exponen a niñas, niños y adolescentes a violencias diferenciadas; a ello se suman la edad y el lugar en el que se habita.

Abstract Objective: The study explores children and adolescents'perceptions, attitudes and behaviors regarding violence in family and school settings. Methodology: A survey about sexuality, family life and the school setting was conducted in 2018 to 16,558 children and adolescents aged between 9 and 19 years, who were attending school and were residents of eight municipalities of the Caribbean and Pacific regions of Colombia. Results: High percentages of family violence and violent behavior in the school setting were found along with a low degree of knowledge about subjects related to gender-based violence. Young boys and male adolescents aged between 15 and 19 years from Bahía Solano and El Carmen de Atrato municipalities were exposed most frequently to physical violence while girls aged between 9 and 11 years from Uribía and Pivijay were exposed mostly to sexual violence. Conclusions: Gender norms and social expectations expose children and adolescents to different types of violence. Other contributing factors are age and place of residence.

Resumo Objetivo: Explorar percepções, atitudes e práticas de algumas crianças e adolescentes sobre a violência nos ambientes familiar e escolar. Metodologia: Em 2018, foi aplicada uma pesquisa sobre sexualidade, vida familiar e ambiente escolar em 16.558 meninas, meninos e adolescentes entre 9 e 19 anos, habitantes de oito municípios da Colômbia. Resultados: Foram encontrados altos percentuais de violência doméstica e atitudes violentas no ambiente escolar, além de baixos níveis de educação em questões relacionadas à violência de gênero. A violência física foi maior em meninos e adolescentes, entre 15 e 19 anos, e nos municípios de Bahía Solano e El Carmen de Atrato. Por outro lado, a violência sexual foi maior em meninas, entre 9 e 11 anos, e nos municípios de Uribía e Pivijay. Conclusões: as normas de gênero e as expectativas sociais atribuídas às pessoas com base no sexo, expõem meninas e meninos e adolescentes à violência diferenciada, agregando idade e local onde moram.

Respuesta social a las medidas no farmacológicas para controlar la propagación del COVID-19 en Colombia / Social response to non-pharmacological measures to control the spread of COVID-19 in Colombia

Resumen Introducción: Los gobiernos al inicio de la pandemia, con el fin de mitigar y suprimir la propagación del virus implementaron medidas no farmacológicas ante la falta de vacunas y tratamientos farmacológicos efectivos. El gobierno colombiano emprendió acciones para controlar el contagio del COVID-19. Estas afectaron a la población y por ello el país requiere una evaluación profunda de la respuesta social ante la pandemia. Objetivo: Analizar la respuesta social a las medidas no farmacológicas para controlar la propagación del COVID-19 en Colombia. Metodología: Estudio exploratorio descriptivo transversal. El total de personas que respondieron la encuesta fue de 3549 adultos, entre el 8 y el 20 de abril de 2020. Resultados: En el país existen tres grupos de personas que han respondido a la pandemia de formas diferentes: quienes se resisten (34 %), quienes sufren (26 %) y quienes la aceptan (40 °%). En general, 90 % de las personas adoptó al menos una medida para protegerse, el 68 % adoptó más de tres medidas de higiene y autocuidado y un 60 °% implementó más de tres medidas de distanciamiento físico. Conclusiones: Al inicio de la pandemia, la ausencia de una vacuna hizo que las acciones individuales fueran tan importantes como las medidas implementadas por el gobierno. Sin embargo, pedagogía a nivel comunitario y el acceso a la información correcta, clara y concisa contribuyó con cambios de comportamientos positivos en la higiene, autocuidado y adherencia a medidas de distanciamiento, todo esto ha sido crucial para detener la propagación de COVID-19.

Abstract Introduction: At the beginning of the pandemic, governments implemented non-pharmacological measures to mitigate and suppress the spread of the virus in the absence of vaccines and effective pharmacological treatments. The Colombian government undertook actions to control the spread of COVID-19. These affected the population; therefore, the country requires a thorough evaluation of the social response to the pandemic. Objective: To analyze the social response to non-pharmacological measures to control the spread of COVID-19 in Colombia. Methodology: Cross-sectional descriptive exploratory study. The total number of people who responded to the survey was 3549 adults, between April 8 and 20, 2020. Results: There are three groups of people in the country who are responding to the pandemic in different ways: those who resist (34%), those who suffer (26%) and those who accept it (40%). Overall, 90% of people took at least one measure to protect themselves and others, 68% took more than three hygiene and self-care measures, 60% implemented more than three physical distancing measures. Conclusions: At the beginning of the pandemic, in the absence of a vaccine, individual actions are as important as measures implemented by the government. However, community-level education and access to correct, clear and concise information contributed to positive behavioral changes in hygiene, self-care and adherence to distancing measures, all of which are crucial to stop the spread of COVID-19.

How to adapt sexual and reproductive health services to the needs and circumstances of trans people- a qualitative study in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: People living a trans-life require access to equitable healthcare services, policies and research that address their needs. However, trans people have experienced different forms of violence, discrimination, stigma, and unfair access barriers when dealing with healthcare providers. Therefore, adapting sexual and reproductive health services with the purpose of providing more equitable, inclusive and discrimination-free healthcare services is an urgent need. The article presents an example of how operative research can be used in order to adjust sexual and reproductive healthcare services to trans people's needs, identities and circumstances. METHODS: This is a qualitative study written from a constructivist perspective, and it is based on the voices and experiences of trans people in four major cities in Colombia. The research used a combination of focus groups of discussion (n = 6) and in-depth interviews with trans people (n = 13) in Barranquilla, Bogota, Cali and Medellin. This research had two specific objectives: i) identifying the main sexual and reproductive health needs of people living a trans-life; and ii) generating new evidence in order to guide the adaptation of sexual and reproductive health services centered to trans people's needs, identities, and circumstances. Qualitative data codification and analysis was using NVivo. RESULTS: Once access barriers to sexual and reproductive health services, unmet sexual and reproductive health needs were identified, the research helped define strategies to adapt sexual and reproductive health services to the needs, identities, and circumstances of people living a trans-life in Colombia. Amongst the main barriers found were healthcare costs, lack of insurance, stigmatization, discrimination and abuse by health care providers. Perhaps among the most notable sexual and reproductive health needs presented were trans-specific services such as sensitive assistance for the transition process, endocrinology appointments, and sex reaffirmation surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence obtained from this research allowed Profamilia, a Colombian healthcare provider, to adapt the sexual and reproductive health services it provides to people living a trans-life in Colombia. Furthermore, it was possible for Profamilia to design and implement an inclusive sexual and reproductive health program that specifically addresses trans people's needs, identities, and circumstances.

Uso de servicios de salud y enfermedades transmisibles de la población migrante y refugiada venezolana / Use of health services and communicable diseases of the Venezuelan migrant and refugee population

Resumen Introducción: Colombia es el principal país receptor de población migrante venezolana. Esto ha implicado identificar las necesidades en salud de esta población, como la atención y tratamiento de enfermedades infecciosas. Objetivo: Analizar el uso de servicios de salud relacionados con VIH/SIDA, malaria y hepatitis virales en migrantes y refugiados venezolanos en Colombia durante 2018 y 2019. Metodología: Estudio de investigación mixto. Se desarrollaron 12 grupos focales con mujeres y hombres venezolanos y se realizó un análisis del uso de servicios de salud por diagnósticos de VIH/SIDA, malaria y hepatitis virales, durante 2018 y 2019, en seis ciudades con un alto flujo de migración: Barranquilla, Bogotá, Cartagena, Cúcuta, Santa Marta y Riohacha. Resultados: El uso de servicios de salud por enfermedades infecciosas en migrantes venezolanos aumentó de 2018 (n=1,519) a 2019 (n=3,988). Los hombres fueron los que más usaron los servicios de salud por estas enfermedades. Aun así, la situación irregular migratoria, deficiencias en la atención primaria y acceso limitado a protección y detección temprana de enfermedades transmisibles, constituyen las principales barreras para migrantes y refugiados respecto a la atención en salud. Conclusiones: La migración expone a las personas al riesgo de contraer enfermedades infecciosas, así como a desigualdades y exclusión social en el acceso a servicios de salud para el control y tratamiento de estas enfermedades. Por ello, en contextos de migración se debe fortalecer la equidad en los servicios de salud con el fin de asegurar el acceso de las personas a la atención primaria, insumos, pruebas diagnósticas y tratamiento de enfermedades infecciosas.

Abstract Introduction: Colombia is the main receiving country of the Venezuelan migrant population. This has involved identifying the health needs of this population, such as the care and treatment of infectious diseases. Objective: To analyze the use of health services related to HIV/AIDS, malaria and viral hepatitis in Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Colombia during 2018 and 2019. Methodology: Mixed research study. Twelve focus groups were held with Venezuelan women and men and an analysis was made of the use of health services for HIV/AIDS, malaria, and viral hepatitis diagnoses during 2018 and 2019 in six cities with a high migration flow: Barranquilla, Bogotá, Cartagena, Cúcuta, Santa Marta, and Riohacha. Results: The use of health services for infectious diseases among Venezuelan migrants increased from 2018 (n=1.519) to 2019 (n=3.988). Men were the greatest users of health services for these diseases. Even so, irregular migration status, deficiencies in primary care, and limited access to protection and early detection of communicable diseases are the main barriers to health care for migrants and refugees. Conclusions: Migration exposes people to the risk of infectious diseases, as well as to inequalities and social exclusion in access to health services for the control and treatment of these diseases. Therefore, in migration contexts, equity in health services should be strengthened by ensuring people's access to primary care, inputs, diagnostic tests and treatment of infectious diseases.

Zika and women's sexual and reproductive health: Critical first steps to understand the role of gender in the Colombian epidemic.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the mechanisms of implementation of Zika virus diagnosis, prevention, and management guidelines in Colombia, and to characterize their influence on efforts to defend sexual and reproductive rights. METHODS: A qualitative study performed between February and April 2018 in three municipalities in Colombia. We conducted 30 semistructured interviews and five focus groups with key informants who played a role during the epidemic. These included decision-makers, program coordinators, healthcare providers, pregnant women diagnosed with Zika virus, and members of affected communities. RESULTS: We identified barriers to and facilitators for the implementation of the national Zika virus response plan. Barriers included a lack of coordination between vector control efforts and in the realms of sexual and reproductive rights. Facilitators included healthcare providers' response to the epidemic, the development of technical skills, and the establishment of coordination and referral networks across different institutions. CONCLUSION: A multidimensional approach that considers healthcare services, gender issues, and the environment is crucial. We highlight the epidemic's effects on women's sexual and reproductive rights, mainly related to inequalities in sexual and reproductive health such as the increased risk of sexually transmitted infections experienced by the poorest and most vulnerable women.

Migrant women and sexual and gender-based violence at the Colombia-Venezuela border: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) affects women and girls in multiple ways. During migration and within humanitarian settings, migrant women and girls are exposed to different forms of SGBV and to higher vulnerabilities compared with those men encounter. Survivors of this kind of violence face challenges in accessing healthcare for reasons that not only include legal status, language barriers, discrimination, misinformation on the availability of healthcare services, but also the growing spread of conservative views regarding sexual and reproductive health which pose a considerable threat to human rights. This study was guided by the question of how humanitarian emergency preparedness and response initiatives within four cities at the Colombo-Venezuelan border are addressing SGBV. The goal of this research was threefold: first, to explain the level of implementation of the second goal of the MISP, which is to prevent and respond to the consequences of sexual violence; second, to assess the availability of services for migrants who have experienced some type of sexual violence; and third, to understand the perceptions of migrants regarding sexual and gender-based violence. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This study assessed the degree of implementation of the Minimal Initial Service Package (MISP) using a set of tools developed by the Inter-Agency Working Group on Reproductive Health in Crises. This study combined the use of different qualitative methods: i) a literature review; ii) 23 interviews with key informants on sexual and reproductive health; iii) an assessment of 21 health institutions which provide services to migrants; and iv) 24 focus groups with migrants between the ages of 14 to 49 years old (241 participants, of which 121 were women and 120 were men). This research was conducted in four cities at the Colombo-Venezuelan border where there was the highest concentration of migrants. Ethical approval was granted by Profamilia´s Advisory Committee on Research Ethics. Although preventing and managing the consequences of sexual violence is the second objective of the MISP, this study found several barriers for the guarantee of comprehensive healthcare for survivors: Venezuelan migrants do not usually consider that healthcare is a need for them after they have survived sexual violence; SGBV during migration is a common occurrence according to key informants; in three out of four cities there were existing organizations working on SGBV, but not all of them could offer comprehensive healthcare services in response to sexual violence. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we observed that migrants tend to be more exposed to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence due to the normalization of such forms of violence in the Colombian and Venezuelan cultures. Findings suggest that Venezuelan migrants are facing complex SGBV issues during the humanitarian emergency at the Colombia-Venezuela border. Recommendations include local health systems response teams, governments and host communities working together to address early access to prevention, healthcare, and protection services for the survivors of SGBV; eliminating barriers in access to essential and comprehensive equity-oriented healthcare services; developing the skills and capacities of healthcare services professionals around the proper management of SGBV; and countering misinformation, lowering the stigma associated with migrants in host communities, and broadening migrant´s perceptions of SGBV, gender roles, and xenophobia.