Oral Health Service Use in Older Peruvians Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to analyse inequalities in oral health services utilisation (OHSU) in older Peruvian adults through comparative analysis of the years 2019 and 2021. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the 2019 and 2021 Demographic and Health Survey (ENDES). The outcome variable was OHSU by older Peruvian adults in the past year. We used Poisson generalised linear models adjusted for age and sex to assess changes in OHSU by sociodemographic characteristics. The Erreygers concentration index was used to describe the socioeconomic inequalities in OHSU. The contribution of each variable to inequalities was estimated by a decomposition analysis. RESULTS: In 2021, OHSU probability amongst older Peruvian adults decreased by 37% compared to 2019. The decline was greatest in those aged 80 or older (51%), the lowest wealth quintile (47%), those with functional limitations (53%), and those whose native language is Quechua or other indigenous languages (47%). Surprisingly, we observed a reduction in OHSU inequalities (difference: -0.1074; P = .003) during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly amongst rural residents (difference: -0.0771; P = .030), the lowest wealth quintile (difference: -0.0764; P = .020), and those with functional limitations (difference: -0.3665; P < .001). Poverty accounted for 73% of the inequality in 2021. CONCLUSIONS: The probability of OHSU has significantly decreased likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Paradoxically, we observed a reduction in OHSU inequalities during the pandemic, despite the known socioeconomic impact. However, further research is required to gain deeper understanding of this phenomenon.

Towards the integration of prevention and control of oral diseases within child primary healthcare: The case of Peru.

OBJECTIVES: The Peruvian public health norm of primary healthcare (PHC) for growth and development medical check-ups (CRED, Spanish acronym) of children under 5 years of age was updated in 2017 with the inclusion of interdisciplinary prevention and control actions for oral diseases, such as dentist referral. The aim of this study was to explore the association between CRED and oral health services utilization (OHSU), throughout the heterogeneous Peruvian territory. METHODS: A population-based cross sectional study was conducted using the 2021 Demographic and Family Health Survey of Peru and included data from 15 836 children aged 12-59 months. Poisson generalized linear models were used to evaluate the association between any CRED and OHSU, in the 6 months prior to the survey, including sociodemographic characteristics of the children and their mothers as confounding variables. A possible effect modification by natural region of residence (Metropolitan Lima/rest of the Coast/Highlands/Jungle) was evaluated. To examine the robustness of the regression model, a sensitivity analysis was performed using the cumulative number of CRED. RESULTS: Children who had at least one CRED were almost twice as likely to report OHSU (aPR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.73-2.21), which was greater in the regions of rest of the Coast (aPR: 2.56; 95% CI: 2.00-3.17) and Jungle (aPR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.64-2.56). The sensitivity analysis showed consistent results for the association CRED-OHSU. Nevertheless, within the last 6 months, attendance at CRED and OHSU were only achieved by 43.7% and 13.7% of the children respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating oral health into Peruvian Child PHC seems to be a promising public health intervention to increase children's OHSU. For a greater scope, it is crucial to drive greater attendance at CRED and continuous monitoring and strengthening of CRED-based oral health promotion in all Peruvian natural regions with an equity-focused approach.

[Spatial analysis of hypertension in Peruvian adults, 2022]. / Análisis espacial de la hipertensión arterial en adultos peruanos, 2022.

Objectives: To perform a spatial analysis of arterial hypertension in the Peruvian adult population to identify geographic patterns with a higher concentration of cases. Materials and methods: A spatial analysis was conducted using data from the Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) 2022. A sample of 29,422 adults was included, and the global Moran's index and Getis-Ord Gi* analysis were used to evaluate spatial autocorrelation and cluster concentration. Results: The age-standardized prevalence of arterial hypertension was 19.2%. Clusters with a high concentration of arterial hypertension were observed in departments along the Peruvian coast such as Tumbes, Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, Ancash, and Lima, as well as in the northern regions of the Highlands. Clusters were also found in the regions of Loreto and Madre de Dios in the Peruvian jungle. Conclusions: This study revealed geographic patterns of arterial hypertension in Peru, with a higher concentration of cases along the Peruvian coast and in certain regions of the Highlands and Jungle. These findings highlight the need to develop strategies for the prevention and control of the disease, especially in the areas identified as high-prevalence clusters.

Frequency, inequalities and spatial distribution of oral health services utilization in Peruvian children under twelve years of age: a population-based comparative analysis of the years 2017 and 2021.

BACKGROUND: Oral diseases pose a significant public health challenge among Peruvian children. However, oral health services utilization among them is marked by inequalities, which may have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective was to compare the frequency, inequalities, determinants of inequality, and spatial distribution in oral health services utilization in Peruvian children under 12 years of age in 2017 and 2021. METHODS: Comparative secondary data analysis from the Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) for the years 2017 (38,787 minors) and 2021 (36,729 minors). Age-adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess the change in oral health services utilization in the last 12 months between the years 2017 and 2021, stratifying by demographic and socioeconomic covariates. Inequality was assessed by decomposing the Erreygers Concentration Index (ECI) and calculating the percentage contribution to inequality of the independent variables. Spatial analysis was performed using spatial autocorrelation methods, Hot Spot Analysis, Cluster and Outlier analysis, Inverse Distance Weighting, ordinary Kriging, and Kulldorff analysis. RESULTS: The probability of Peruvian children under 12 years of age using oral health services in the last 12 months was reduced by 45% in 2021 compared to 2017. The ECI identified a significant reduction in oral health services utilization inequalities at the national level (Diff: -0.0963; p < 0.001). The main contributor to inequality was higher tutor education level (55.2% in 2017 and 82.7% in 2021). In the comparison of spatial distribution, there was a greater dispersion of the conglomerates in which the use of oral health services is concentrated in 2021. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of oral health services utilization in the Peruvian children under 12 years of age was halved between 2017 and 2021. This problem is transversal to the entire population at the demographic and socioeconomic level. The key factor contributing to inequalities in the utilization of oral health services was the higher educational attainment of caregivers or guardians. Despite the improvement observed in inequalities and spatial distribution of the concentration of oral health services utilization, it is necessary to keep monitoring these patterns to guide decision-making.

Socioeconomic Inequalities and Factors Associated with the Use of Modern Contraceptive Methods in Women of Childbearing Age in Ecuador, 2018.

The objective of this study was to determine the socioeconomic inequalities and factors associated with the use of modern contraceptive methods (MCM) in the population of sexually active women of childbearing age in Ecuador. This was an analytical observational study, based on a secondary data analysis of the 2018 National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT). Information on 19,106 sexually active, married, or cohabiting women between the ages of 15 and 49 were included. Concentration curves (CC) and Erreygers concentration indices (ECI) were calculated, taking into account the use of MCM as the dependent variable and the wealth index as the independent variable. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using generalized linear models of the Poisson family. We found that 92.8% of the women surveyed used some type of MCM in the last month. A higher educational level presented a significant pro-rich concentration in the use of MCM (EIC: 0.05; p = 0.004). On the other hand, women belonging to the age group of 20 to 29 years (ECI: -0.027; p = 0.027), women with no job (ECI: -0.025; p = 0.004), and non-indigenous women (EIC: -0.031; p < 0.001), presented a pro-poor concentration. Factors significantly associated with MCM use were age, marital status, occupation, parity, ethnicity, area of residence, and living on the coast. In Ecuador, there are socioeconomic inequalities at different levels of population subgroups in women of childbearing age. Measures to promote the use of MCM are required, focusing on groups that present inequality, taking into account the factors associated with their use.

Migration Status and Utilization of Healthcare Services Among Venezuelan Immigrants in Peru.

BACKGROUND: In general, migrants in illegal situations encounter a greater barrier to accessing medical care because of their migration status due to not having the required documentation to be able to obtain insurance in the receiving country. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between migration status and the use of health services in the Venezuelan population residing in Peru. METHODS: Data from the second Survey Directed to the Venezuelan Population Residing in Peru (ENPOVE) of 2022 were analyzed. The dependent variable was use of health services in the last month. The exposure variable was migration status (legal/illegal). Generalized linear models of the Poisson family with link log function were used to obtain crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR), for potential confounding variables. Additionally, we evaluated the association of interest, stratified by gender. FINDINGS: Data from 1569 migrants were analyzed. Participants with illegal migration status represented 32.4% (men: 24.3%; women: 36.7%); likewise, 58.1% did not use health services. Illegal migration status was associated with lower health care use (aPR: 0.75; 95%CI: 0.61-0.92). Likewise, after stratifying by sex, the association was maintained only in male migrants (aPR: 0.53; 95%CI: 0.39-0.82) but not in women (aPR: 0.84; 95%CI: 0.67-1.05). CONCLUSION: 58.1% of Venezuelan migrants in Peru did not seek medical attention despite having health problems. Having an illegal immigration status leads to a lower probability of using these services, especially in men.

Women's Autonomy and Anemia in Children under Five Years of Age: A Peruvian Population-Based Survey.

To determine the association between women's autonomy and the presence of childhood anemia in children under five years of age in Peru, a cross-sectional study utilizing data from the 2019 Demographic and Family Health Survey was carried out. The study employed generalized linear models with a Poisson distribution and log link function. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were calculated, along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), to assess the association of interest. A total of 15,815 women and their children under five years of age were analyzed. The prevalence of childhood anemia was 30.4% (95%CI: 29.5-31.3%), while the proportions of low, moderate and high autonomy of the mothers were 44.5%, 38.4% and 17.1%, respectively. Children under five years of age of women with a low level of autonomy were more likely to have anemia (aPR: 1.10; 95%CI: 1.00-1.21). Three out of ten children under five years of age suffer from anemia, and four out of ten mothers have a low level of autonomy. A low level of women's autonomy was associated with a higher probability of anemia in children under 5 years of age.

Food Insecurity and Mental Health among Venezuelan Migrants and Refugees Living in Peru: Secondary Data Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Survey.

The objective of this study was to analyze the association between food insecurity and mental health in Venezuelan migrants and refugees residing in Peru using data from the Survey Directed at the Venezuelan Population Residing in the Country (ENPOVE) conducted in 2022. The analysis included 7739 Venezuelan adults. The presence of mental health problems was self-reported, and household food insecurity was measured using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale. The study found that 4 out of 10 participants lived in households with moderate to severe food insecurity, and around 10% reported experiencing some mental health problem in the last month. The study identified a positive association between living in households with moderate to severe food insecurity and having some mental health problem compared to living in households without food insecurity. The findings suggest that food insecurity is a common problem among the Venezuelan migrant population residing in Peru, and measures are required to address this problem and mitigate its consequences on mental health and other health problems. The study highlights the need for international organizations to provide assistance and support to these populations and ensure adequate and sustainable follow-up of food insecurity at the national level. It is also necessary to implement early detection tests for mental health problems in the migrant population, especially in individuals exposed to food insecurity. This study provides relevant evidence for addressing public health in the Venezuelan migrant population residing in Peru.

Association between exposure to different sources of advertising and the use of conventional cigarettes in Peruvian adolescents, 2019.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between exposure to different sources of tobacco advertising and the consumption of conventional cigarettes in Peruvian adolescents. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analytical study of secondary data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2019 in Peru. The population consisted of adolescents aged 13-15 years. Generalized Linear Poisson family models were used to estimate prevalence ratios with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), which measured the strength of the association between exposure to advertising sources and conventional cigarette consumption. RESULTS: Data from 2083 adolescents who provided information on exposure to television advertising, 1092 on outdoor advertising, and 2008 about online advertising were analyzed. A higher probability of conventional cigarette consumption was noted in those exposed to ads via television (aPR=1.85; 95% CI: 1.28-2.69; p=0.002) and online (aPR=1.90; 95% CI: 1.40-2.58; p<0.001), in comparison with those not exposed. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS) through television and online media are significantly associated with an increase in the consumption of conventional cigarettes among adolescents aged 13-15 years. Therefore, it is necessary to implement comprehensive bans on TAPS in Peru focused on these media to prevent the tobacco industry from continuing to introduce advertising to encourage tobacco consumption.

Bibliometric analysis of the scientific production on inguinal hernia surgery in the web of science.

Objectives: To describe the bibliometric characteristics of the world scientific production in inguinal hernia surgery using the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS) database. Materials and methods: A search for original articles published in the WoS up to December 2021 was carried out. Bibliometric analysis was performed using the Bibliometrix data package in R and VOSviewer, version 1.6.17. Results: A total of 3,795 articles were identified in the database, with an annual average of 81 published articles and sustained growth with the highest number of publications in 2021. The article "Wide Variation and Excessive Dosage of Opioid Prescriptions for Common General Surgical Procedures" published in 2017 was the most cited (517 citations). The United States was the country of the corresponding author with the highest number of published articles (725 articles). The author with the highest number of published articles was Rosenberg J., affiliated with the University of Copenhagen, with 52 articles and 765 citations. The journal "Hernia" had the highest number of articles published on inguinal hernias in the WoS, representing 18% of the total number of articles. Finally, the keywords most used were "herniorrhaphy" and "hernioplasty" in 2008, and more recently: "single incision" "society guidelines" and "single port". Conclusions: The scientific production of original articles on inguinal hernia surgery has increased. There is currently great interest in research on minimally invasive surgical methods and standardization of procedures based on clinical practice guidelines.

Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors Associated with the Influence of the Food Traffic Light Labeling on the Decision of the Adult Population of Ecuador to Purchase Processed Foods, 2018.

To determine the socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with the influence of the nutritional traffic light (NTL) on the decision to purchase processed foods using information from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) 2018 of Ecuador, a cross-sectional and analytical study based on a secondary analysis of the information from the ENSANUT 2018 was performed. We collected data from 25,932 participants 18 years of age or older who knew or had seen the NTL, and for whom complete information on the variables of interest for the study was available. The "Influence of the NTL on the purchase decision of processed foods" was the outcome variable of the study. Generalized linear models of the Poisson family, with log link, were used to assess the association between socioeconomic factors and outcome, using crude (PR) and adjusted (aPR) prevalence ratios, with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and a p-value < 0.05. Participants who understood the NTL (aPR: 2.49; 95% CI: 2.19-2.83), with a higher educational level (aPR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.09-1.61), women (aPR 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01-1.10), and who had a partner (aPR 1.09; 95% CI: 1.04-1.14) were more likely to be influenced by the NTL when deciding to purchase processed foods, compared to people who did not understand the NTL, who had no educational level or who only attended a literacy center, were men, and those without a partner. The inhabitants of the coastal region (aPR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.88-0.97), the Amazon (aPR 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88-0.98), and the insular region (aPR 0.76; 95% CI: 0.68-0.84) had few probabilities of being influenced by the NTL in the decision to purchase processed foods, in comparison with the residents of the highlands. Similarly, compared to non-poor people, poor people had a lower probability of being influenced by the NTL (aPR 0.89; 95% CI: 0.82-0.97). Factors associated with the influence of NTL on the decision to purchase processed foods were identified. It is recommended to reformulate and focus awareness strategies for using the NTL to purchase processed foods by taking into account the associated factors.

Research on HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 in Latin America and the Caribbean over the last ten years.

Worldwide, Human T-lymphtropic virus-1 and 2 (HTLV-1 and 2) infects approximately more than 10 million people, mostly occurring in hyperendemic areas such as the region of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). A comprehensive bibliographic exploration of original articles published on the Web of Science Core Collection database over the last 10 years was done. A bibliometric analysis was performed using the bibliometrix package in RStudio and VOSviewer. A total of 519 articles published in 194 journals were identified along the 10 years studied. In 2012 the peak number of publications was identified and the average number of citations per document was 1.33. Galvao-Castro B was the author with the greatest number of publications. Aids Research and Human Retroviruses was the most productive journal, and the study by Bangham CRM was the most cited. Brazil was the country with most corresponding authors that had the most publications and the most significant number of total citations. Infections and HTLV-1 were the most used keywords. In conclusion, according to the current quantitative analysis, there is a need for more significant promotion of research on HTLV-1 and 2 among the scientific community of LAC.

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with end-stage renal disease in Latin America and the Caribbean: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational studies published in Spanish, Portuguese, and English language by November 25, 2021, in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO, and LILACS were selected by two reviewers according to predefined eligibility criteria. Study quality was assessed using the US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies. A meta-analysis of proportions was performed using a random-effects model based on the DerSimonian and Laird method, using R. PROSPERO N°: CRD42018107403. RESULTS: A total of 20 studies were included in the narrative synthesis (15 from Brazil, two from Cuba, two from Argentina, and one from Peru). Only 17 studies were included in the meta-analysis (13 from Brazil, two from Argentina, one from Cuba, and one from Peru). The overall prevalence of HCV in ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis in LAC was 11.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.9% - 13.9%; I2: 99 %). In Brazil and Argentina, the prevalence was 6% and 26.1%, respectively. Prevalence after excluding poor-quality studies was 10.7%. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HCV in ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis in LAC was 11.3%. The implementation of infection control measures in hemodialysis centers in LAC is required. It is also necessary to increase the number of studies on the subject in the ESRD population in most LAC countries.

Chronic disease relapses: A cross-sectional study of the associated factors and socioeconomic inequalities during the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence, associated factors and socioeconomic inequalities in chronic disease relapses (CDR) during 2020 in Peru. METHODS: A secondary analysis was made of the National Household Survey on Living Conditions and Poverty (ENAHO) 2020. Participants older than 18 years who suffered from a chronic disease and with information about the occurrence of a CDR in the last 4 weeks prior to the survey were included. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) were estimated to determine the associated factors. Socioeconomic inequality in CDR was estimated using concentration curves (CC) and the Erreygers concentration index (ECI). RESULTS: Data from 38,662 participants were analyzed; the prevalence of CDR in the last 4 weeks prior to the survey was 16.5% (95% CI: 15.8-17.2). Being female (aPR 1.29; 95% CI: 1.21-1.37), with regards to being male; being 30-39 (aPR 1.22; 95% CI: 1.05-1.42), 40-49 (aPR 1.29; 95% CI: 1.12-1.48), 50-59 (aPR 1.60; 95% CI: 1.41-1.82), and 60 years or older (aPR 1.80; 95% CI: 1.58-2.04), compared to 18-29; reaching up to primary (aPR 1.18; 95% CI: 1.07-1.31), or secondary education (aPR 1.13; 95% CI: 1.02-1.24), in contrast to tertiary education; presenting some physical, psychological or cognitive limitation (aPR 1.33; 95% CI: 1.21-1.46), with respect to experiencing no limitations; and being affiliated to a health insurance (aPR 1.18; CI 95%: 1.09-1.29), opposed to not having health insurance; were associated with a higher probability of CDR. Residing in the natural region of the coastal area (aPR 0.83; 95% CI: 0.74-0.92) was associated with a lower probability of relapse compared to residing in the jungle area. In people with limitations and residents of the jungle areas, the prevalence of CDR was concentrated in those with higher per capita spending. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 1 in 6 Peruvians with chronic diseases had a relapse within the last 4 weeks prior to the survey of 2020 and certain geographic and sociodemographic factors were found to be associated with CDR. It was also found that a higher concentration of CDR was observed in the population with the highest per capita spending with some limitations, as well as in residents of the jungle, implying the need for appropriate policy interventions that address CDR with a special focus on these populations.

The Association between Altitude and Waist-Height Ratio in Peruvian Adults: A Cross-Sectional Data Analysis of a Population-Based Survey.

To evaluate the association between altitude and cardiometabolic risk calculated with the weight-height ratio (WHtR) in the Peruvian adult population via the cross-sectional data analysis of the Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey 2021. A total of 26,117 adults from 18 to 64 years of age were included in the analysis. The dependent variable was cardiometabolic risk, defined as "Yes" if the WHtR was ≥0.5 and "No" if the WHtR was <0.5. Exposure was altitude of residence categorized as: <1500 meters above sea level (masl); 1500 to 2499 masl; 2500 to 3499 masl; and ≥3500 masl. Crude and adjusted Poisson regression models were used to calculate prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The mean WHtR in the population was 0.59 (standard deviation: 0.08), and 87.6% (95% CI: 86.9-88.2) were classified as at risk. After adjusting for sex, age, education level, well-being index, and area of residence, living at altitudes between 2500 and 3499 masl (aPR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.96-1.00) and ≥3500 masl (aPR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.93-0.97) were associated with lower cardiometabolic risk in comparison with living at <1500 masl. An inverse association was identified between living at a higher altitude and the proportion of cardiometabolic risk in the Peruvian adult population. However, at least 8 out of 10 people were identified as at risk in all categories of altitude.

Global Research Trends in the Latarjet Procedure: A Bibliometric and Visualized Study.

Background and Objectives: Latarjet is among the procedures indicated to treat shoulder instability, producing excellent results, including low instability rates and high patient satisfaction. The aim of this study was to report the characteristics of scientific articles that address the subject of the Latarjet procedure through the use of bibliometric analysis. Materials and Methods: Bibliographic searches were performed for original articles published in journals indexed by the Web of Science database until 2021, with no language restrictions. Results: A total of 668 articles published in 87 journals were included. The first publication was in 1981; the most registered publications were in 2018 and 2021 (89 articles), with an annual percentage growth rate of 11.9. Provencher MT was the author with the most published articles, and the institutional affiliation with the most original articles was the Steadman Philippon Research Institute. The most cited article was a study by Burkhart and Beer, and the scientific journal with the most publications on the subject was the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. Most published studies included keywords such as dislocation, instability, and meta-analysis. Conclusion: There has been a sustained increase in original articles on the Latarjet procedure. However, the greatest growth in articles has occurred during the last decade, demonstrating the considerable interest among the world scientific community.

Impact of Cash Transfers on the Use of Oral Health Services and Oral Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to summarize the evidence available on the impact of cash transfers on the use of oral health services and oral health outcomes. Materials and Methods: 9 databases were searched for studies on cash transfers and oral health: PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EconLit, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS. We conducted a systematic review of studies that evaluated the impact of cash transfers on the use of oral health services and other oral health outcomes. Results: Three studies with more than 13,000 participants conducted in Brazil and Argentina were included. One study from Brazil found that participants in the Bolsa Familia Program (BFP) were more likely not to use oral health services (aPR: 6.18; 95% CI: 3.07-12.45; P < 0.001) and had a higher probability of presenting dental caries (aPR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.47-2.69) and severe caries (aRR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.18-2.00). Another study conducted in Brazil found that the BFP was associated with fewer dental caries among those enrolled in the first 2 years of the BFP as well as after six years. On the other hand, the Argentina study found that the Universal Child Allowance program did not have a statistically significant average treatment effect (ATE = -0.05; P > 0.05) on the use of dental health services. Conclusion: There is a lack of evidence about the impact of CT on the use of oral health services and oral health outcomes. The evidence suggests that cash transfers might not have a positive impact on the use of oral health services. The results regarding the impact of receiving cash transfers on dental caries are contradictory. However, more evidence is needed to draw stronger conclusions for policy taking. Registration: The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021268234).

A Web of Science-Based Bibliometric Analysis of Global Noma Publications.

The World Health Organization recognizes noma as a global health problem and has suggested prioritizing research into this disease. A bibliographic search of original articles published in the Web of Science database up to 2022 was performed. A bibliometric analysis was carried out with the bibliometrix package in R and VOSviewer. We identified 251 articles published in 130 journals. The first publication was in 1975, the highest number of publications was in 2003, and the average number of citations per document was 12.59. The author with the highest number of publications was Enwonwu CO, and the Noma Children's Hospital had the highest number of articles on this topic. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery was the journal with the most publications, and the study by Petersen PE was the most cited. The country of corresponding authors that had the most publications and the most significant number of total citations was the United States. "Children" and "Reconstruction" were the most used keywords. In conclusion, there are few publications on noma worldwide, confirming the neglected status of this disease. Urgent actions are needed to increase evidence in regard to the epidemiology of noma and public health interventions to mitigate the ravages of this disease.