Association between early sexual initiation and sexually transmitted infections among Peruvian reproductive-age women.

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a serious public health problem worldwide, especially among reproductive-age women. The early sexual onset of sexual intercourse (EOSI) has been suggested as a risk factor, although there is no data at the national level. Objective: To evaluate the association between EOSI and STIs in Peruvian women of childbearing age. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study with secondary data analyzes of the Peruvian Demographic and Family Health Survey 2018. The outcome was the presence of STIs in the last 12 months and the exposure variable was EOSI (age < 15 years at the time of their first sexual experience). To evaluate the association of interest, crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) were calculated using generalized linear models with Poisson family and logarithmic link function. Results: We analyzed data from 31,028 women of childbearing age. The 11.3% reported having STIs in the last 12 months and 20.2% of the participants had an EOSI. After adjusting for potential confounders, we found that EOSI was associated with STIs (aPR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.08-1.50; p = 0.005). When conducting stratified analysis by area of residence and number of sexual partners, this association was maintained in women living in urban areas (aPR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.11-1.66; p = 0.003) those who did not report having a history of multiple sexual partners (aPR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.08-1.51; p = 0.005), and those in the middle (aPR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.03-1.97; p = 0.034) and highest (aPR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.33-3.39; p = 0.002) wealth quintiles. Conclusion: Among reproductive-age women from Peru, EOSI was associated with STIs, especially in women living in urban areas, with no history of multiple sexual partners, and belonging to the middle to higher wealth index. The implementation of measures to prevent EOSI and fostering appropriate sexual health counseling for women with EOSI is advised.

Methodological quality and recommendations of hemophilia clinical practice guidelines: A scoping review.

Background and Aims: Hemophilia clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) play a vital role in guiding healthcare professionals' decisions. However, the quality and recommendations of CPGs for hemophilia may vary. This study aimed to assess the methodological quality of hemophilia CPGs published between 2017 and 2021 and compare their recommendations for prophylaxis using clotting factor concentrate. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search for relevant CPGs in PubMed, TripDatabase, Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) International Guidelines Database, Google Scholar, and Google. We used the AGREE-II instrument to assess the methodological quality of each CPG and compared their recommendations for prophylaxis. Results: Of the 11 CPGs that met the inclusion criteria, 5/11 were developed in upper-middle-income countries, and 6/11 used the GRADE methodology. The primary prophylaxis dose recommendations varied among the CPGs, with 4/11 recommending a low dose, 6/11 recommending an intermediate or high dose, and 1/11 not issuing a recommendation. However, only 2/11 CPGs provided justification for their recommendations on initiation and dose, and no economic evaluations were conducted to support these recommendations. Conclusion: The quality of hemophilia CPGs is not optimal, with inconsistent recommendations for prophylaxis and a lack of justification for these recommendations. To ensure evidence-based and trustworthy recommendations, there is a need for transparency and improvement in the decision-making process of hemophilia CPGs.

Factors Associated with COVID-19 Death in a High-Altitude Peruvian Setting during the First 14 Months of the Pandemic: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study in Hospitalized Patients.

Risk factors for COVID-19 death in high-altitude populations have been scarcely described. This study aimed to describe risk factors for COVID-19 death in three referral hospitals located at 3399 m in Cusco, Peru, during the first 14 months of the pandemic. A retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted. A random sample of ~50% (1225/2674) of adult hospitalized patients who died between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021 was identified. Of those, 977 individuals met the definition of death by COVID-19. Demographic characteristics, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, invasive respiratory support (IRS), disease severity, comorbidities, and clinical manifestation at hospital admission were assessed as risk factors using Cox proportional-hazard models. In multivariable models adjusted by age, sex, and pandemic periods, critical disease (vs. moderate) was associated with a greater risk of death (aHR: 1.27; 95%CI: 1.14-1.142), whereas ICU admission (aHR: 0.39; 95%CI: 0.27-0.56), IRS (aHR: 0.37; 95%CI: 0.26-0.54), the ratio of oxygen saturation (ROX) index ≥ 5.3 (aHR: 0.87; 95%CI: 0.80-0.94), and the ratio of SatO2/FiO2 ≥ 122.6 (aHR: 0.96; 95%CI: 0.93-0.98) were associated with a lower risk of death. The risk factors described here may be useful in assisting decision making and resource allocation.

[Clinical practice guideline for Diagnosis and management of cholelithiasis, cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis for the Peruvian Social Security (EsSalud)]. / Guía de práctica clínica para el diagnóstico y manejo de la colelitiasis, colecistitis aguda y coledocolitiasis en el Seguro Social del Perú (EsSalud).

INTRODUCTION: This article summarizes the clinical practice guide (CPG) for the diagnosis and management of cholelithiasis, acute cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis in the Peruvian Social Security (EsSalud). OBJECTIVE: To provide clinical recommendations based on evidence for the management of patients with cholelithiasis, acute cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis in EsSalud. METHODS: a guideline task force (GTF) was formed with internists, general surgeons, gastroenterologists, and methodologists. The group proposed 10 clinical questions to be answered in this Clinical practice guideline (CPG). Systematic searches of preview reviews were performed and when it was necessary, primary studies from PubMed and CENTRAL during 2017 were reviewed. The evidence was selected aiming to answer each proposed question. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. In periodical work sessions, the group used GRADE methodology for reviewing the evidence and formulating recommendations, good clinical practice items and three flowcharts for diagnosis and treatment. Finally, the CPG was approved by Resolution Nº 046-IETSI-ESSALUD-2017. RESULTS: This CPG approached 10 clinical questions divided into two topics: diagnosis and management. Based on these questions; one strong recommendation, five weak recommendations, and 17 good clinical practice items and three flowcharts were formulated. CONCLUSION: This paper abstracts the methodology and evidence-based conclusions of the CPG for diagnosis and management of cholelithiasis, acute cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis in EsSalud.

Association between the Use of Biomass as Fuel for Cooking and Acute Respiratory Infections in Children under 5 Years of Age in Peru: An Analysis of a Population-Based Survey, 2019.

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are the most frequent respiratory diseases associated with the use of biomass as fuel within the home. ARIs are the main cause of mortality in children under 5 years of age. We aimed to evaluate the association between the use of biomass as cooking fuel and ARI in children under 5 years of age in Peru in 2019. Methods: A secondary data analysis of the 2019 Peru Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) has been performed. The outcome variable was a history of ARI. The exposure variable was the use of biomass as fuel for cooking food. To evaluate the association of interest, generalized linear models from the Poisson family with logarithmic link function considering complex sampling to estimate crude prevalence ratio (cPR) and adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals have been performed. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 16,043 children were included in the analysis. Of the total, biomass was used as fuel to cook food in the homes of 3,479 (20.0%) children. Likewise, 2,185 (14.3%) of the children had a history of ARI. In the adjusted model, it was found that children living in homes in which biomass was used as cooking fuel had a greater probability of presenting ARI (aPR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.01-1.28). Conclusions: It has been found that biomass was used to cook food in two of every 10 households. Likewise, almost one-seventh of children under 5 years old presented an ARI. The use of biomass as a source of energy for cooking in the home was associated with a higher probability of presenting ARIs.

Effects of replacement therapies with clotting factors in patients with hemophilia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Different prophylactic and episodic clotting factor treatments are used in the management of hemophilia. A summarize of the evidence is needed inform decision-making. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of factor replacement therapies in patients with hemophilia. METHODS: We performed a systematic search in PubMed, Central Cochrane Library, and Scopus. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to December 2020, which compared different factor replacement therapies in patients with hemophilia. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed whenever possible. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021225857). RESULTS: Nine RCTs were included in this review, of which six compared episodic with prophylactic treatment, all of them performed in patients with hemophilia A. Pooled results showed that, compared to the episodic treatment group, the annualized bleeding rate was lower in the low-dose prophylactic group (ratio of means [RM]: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.43), intermediate-dose prophylactic group (RM: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.36), and high-dose prophylactic group (RM: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.13). With significant difference between these subgroups (p = 0.003, I2 = 82.9%). In addition, compared to the episodic treatment group, the annualized joint bleeding rate was lower in the low-dose prophylactic group (RM: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.43), intermediate-dose prophylactic group (RM of 0.14, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.27), and high-dose prophylactic group (RM of 0.08, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.16). Without significant subgroup differences. The certainty of the evidence was very low for all outcomes according to GRADE methodology. The other studies compared different types of clotting factor concentrates (CFCs), assessed pharmacokinetic prophylaxis, or compared different frequencies of medication administration. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that prophylactic treatment (at either low, intermediate, or high doses) is superior to episodic treatment for bleeding prevention. In patients with hemophilia A, the bleeding rate seems to have a dose-response effect. However, no study compared different doses of prophylactic treatment, and all results had a very low certainty of the evidence. Thus, future studies are needed to confirm these results and inform decision making.

Guía de práctica clínica para el diagnóstico y manejo de la colelitiasis, colecistitis aguda y coledocolitiasis en el Seguro Social del Perú (EsSalud) / Clinical practice guideline for Diagnosis and management of cholelithiasis, cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis for the Peruvian Social Security (EsSalud)

RESUMEN Introducción: El presente artículo resume la guía de práctica clínica (GPC) para el diagnóstico y manejo de los pacientes con colelitiasis, colecistitis aguda y coledocolitiasis en el Seguro Social del Perú (EsSalud). Objetivo: Proveer recomendaciones clínicas basadas en evidencia para la evaluación y el manejo de pacientes con colelitiasis, colecistitis aguda y coledocolitiasis en EsSalud. Métodos: Se conformó un grupo elaborador de la guía (GEG) que incluyó médicos especialistas en gastroenterología, cirujanos generales y metodólogos. El GEG formuló 10 preguntas clínicas a ser respondidas por la presente GPC. En septiembre del 2017 se realizaron búsquedas de revisiones sistemáticas y -cuando fue considerado pertinente- estudios primarios en PubMed. Se seleccionó la evidencia para responder 10 preguntas clínicas. La certeza de la evidencia fue evaluada usando la metodología Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). En reuniones de trabajo periódicas, el GEG usó la metodología GRADE para revisar la evidencia y formular las recomendaciones, los puntos de buenas prácticas clínicas y el flujograma de evaluación y manejo. Finalmente, la GPC fue aprobada con Resolución N° 021-IETSIESSALUD-2018. Resultados: La presente GPC abordó 10 preguntas clínicas sobre el diagnóstico y manejo de colelitiasis, colecistitis aguda y coledocolitiasis. En base a dichas preguntas se formularon 6 recomendaciones (5 recomendaciones condicionales y 1 recomendación fuerte), 17 puntos de buena práctica clínica y 3 flujogramas. Conclusión: El presente artículo resume la metodología y las conclusiones de la GPC basadas en evidencias para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la colelitiasis, colecistitis aguda y coledocolitiasis de EsSalud.

ABSTRACT Introduction: This article summarizes the clinical practice guide (CPG) for the diagnosis and management of cholelithiasis, acute cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis in the Peruvian Social Security (EsSalud). Objective: To provide clinical recommendations based on evidence for the management of patients with cholelithiasis, acute cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis in EsSalud. Methods: a guideline task force (GTF) was formed with internists, general surgeons, gastroenterologists, and methodologists. The group proposed 10 clinical questions to be answered in this Clinical practice guideline (CPG). Systematic searches of preview reviews were performed and when it was necessary, primary studies from PubMed and CENTRAL during 2017 were reviewed. The evidence was selected aiming to answer each proposed question. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. In periodical work sessions, the group used GRADE methodology for reviewing the evidence and formulating recommendations, good clinical practice items and three flowcharts for diagnosis and treatment. Finally, the CPG was approved by Resolution Nº 046-IETSI-ESSALUD-2017. Results: This CPG approached 10 clinical questions divided into two topics: diagnosis and management. Based on these questions; one strong recommendation, five weak recommendations, and 17 good clinical practice items and three flowcharts were formulated. Conclusion: This paper abstracts the methodology and evidence-based conclusions of the CPG for diagnosis and management of cholelithiasis, acute cholecystitis and choledocholithiasis in EsSalud.

Guía de práctica clínica para el tratamiento farmacológico inicial de nefritis lúpica en el Seguro Social del Perú (EsSalud) / Clinical practice guideline for the initial pharmacological treatment of lupus nephritis in the Peruvian Social Security (EsSalud)

Introducción: El presente artículo resume la guía de práctica clínica (GPC) para el tratamiento farmacológico inicial nefritis lúpica en el Seguro Social del Perú (EsSalud). Objetivo: Proveer recomendaciones clínicas basadas en evidencia para tratamiento farmacológico inicial de adultos con nefritis lúpica clase I a V no refractarios en EsSalud. Material y Métodos: Se conformó un grupo elaborador de la guía (GEG) que incluyó médicos especialistas y metodólogos, el cual formuló preguntas clínicas. Se realizaron búsquedas sistemáticas de revisiones sistemáticas y ­cuando fue considerado pertinente­ estudios primarios en PubMed durante el 2021. Se seleccionó la evidencia para responder cada una de las preguntas clínicas planteadas. Se evaluó la certeza de evidencia usando la metodología Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). En reuniones de trabajo periódicas, el GEG usó la metodología GRADE para revisar la evidencia y formular las recomendaciones. La GPC fue revisada por expertos externos antes de su aprobación. Resultados: La GPC abordó 6 preguntas clínicas, divididas en 2 temas: tratamiento inicial de la fase de inducción y mantenimiento. En base a dichas preguntas se formularon 11 recomendaciones (todas condicionales), 22 puntos de buena práctica clínica, y 2 flujogramas. Conclusión: Se emitieron recomendaciones basadas en evidencia para el manejo de pacientes con esta patología.

Introduction: This article summarizes the clinical practice guideline (CPG) for initial pharmacological treatment of lupus nephritis in the Peruvian Social Security (EsSalud). Objective: To provide evidence-based clinical recommendations for initial pharmacological treatment of adults with non-refractory class I to V lupus nephritis in EsSalud. Material and Methods: A guideline development group (GDG) was formed that included medical specialists and methodologists, which formulated clinical questions. Systematic searches of systematic reviews and -when considered pertinent- primary studies were performed in PubMed during 2021. Evidence was selected to answer each of the clinical questions posed. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. In periodic working meetings, the GEG used the GRADE methodology to review the evidence and formulate recommendations. The CPG was reviewed by external experts before approval. Results: The CPG addressed 6 clinical questions, divided into 2 topics: initial treatment of the induction phase and maintenance. Based on these questions, 11 recommendations (all conditional), 22 points of good clinical practice, and 2 flowcharts were formulated. Conclusion: Evidence-based recommendations were issued for the management of patients with this pathology.

Guía de práctica clínica para diagnóstico y tratamiento de Hemofilia en el Seguro Social del Perú (EsSalud) / Clinical practice guideline for diagnosis and treatment of Hemophilia in the Peruvian Social Security (EsSalud)

Introducción: El presente artículo resume la guía de práctica clínica (GPC) para diagnóstico y tratamiento de hemofilia en el Seguro Social del Perú (EsSalud). Objetivo: Proveer recomendaciones clínicas basadas en evidencia para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la hemofilia en EsSalud. Material y Métodos: Se conformó un grupo elaborador de la guía (GEG) que incluyó médicos especialistas y metodólogos, el cual formuló preguntas clínicas. Se realizaron búsquedas sistemáticas de revisiones sistemáticas y ­cuando fue considerado pertinente­ estudios primarios en PubMed durante el 2020 y 2021. Se seleccionó la evidencia para responder cada una de las preguntas clínicasformuladas. Se evaluó la certeza de la evidencia usando la metodología Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). En reuniones de trabajo periódicas, el GEG usó la metodología GRADE para revisar la evidencia y formular las recomendaciones. La GPC fue revisada por expertos externos previa a su aprobación. Resultados: La GPC abordó 09 preguntas clínicas de diagnóstico y tratamiento. En base a dichas preguntas se formularon 05 recomendaciones (01 fuerte y 04 condicionales), 51 puntos de buena práctica clínica, y 02 flujogramas. Conclusión: Se emitieron recomendaciones basadas en evidencia para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de personas con hemofilia.

Introduction: This article summarizes the clinical practice guideline (CPG) for diagnosis and treatment of hemophilia in the Social Security of Peru (EsSalud). Objective: To provide evidence-based clinical recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of hemophilia in EsSalud. Material and Methods: A guideline development group (GDG) was formed, including medical specialists and methodologists, which formulated clinical questions. Systematic searches of systematic reviews and -when considered relevant- primary studies were performed in PubMed during 2020 and 2021. Evidence was selected to answer each of the clinical questions formulated. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. In periodic working meetings, the GEG used the GRADE methodology to review the evidence and formulate recommendations. The CPG was reviewed by external experts prior to approval. Results: The CPG addressed 09 clinical diagnostic and treatment questions. Based on these questions, 05 recommendations (01 strong and 04 conditional), 51 points of good clinical practice, and 02 flowcharts were formulated. Conclusion: Evidence-based recommendations were issued for the diagnosis and treatment of persons with hemophilia.

Guía de práctica clínica para el tamizaje, diagnóstico y tratamiento inicial de cáncer de próstata localizado y localmente avanzado en el Seguro Social del Perú (EsSalud) / Clinical practice guideline for screening, diagnosis and initial treatment of localized and locally advanced prostate cancer in the Peruvian Social Security (EsSalud)

Introducción: El presente artículo resume la guía de práctica clínica (GPC) para el tamizaje, diagnóstico, y tratamiento inicial del cáncer de próstata localizado y localmente avanzado en el Seguro Social del Perú (EsSalud). Objetivo: Proveer recomendaciones clínicas basadas en evidencia para el tamizaje, diagnóstico, y tratamiento inicial de adultos con cáncer de próstata localizado y localmente avanzado en EsSalud. Material y Métodos: Se conformó un grupo elaborador de la guía (GEG) que incluyó médicos especialistas y metodólogos, el cual formuló preguntas clínicas. Se realizaron búsquedas sistemáticas de revisiones sistemáticas y ­cuando fue considerado pertinente­ estudios primarios en PubMed durante el 2020 y 2021. Se seleccionó la evidencia para responder cada una de las preguntas clínicas planteadas. Se evaluó la certeza de evidencia usando la metodología Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). En reuniones de trabajo periódicas, el GEG usó la metodología GRADE para revisar la evidencia y formular las recomendaciones. La GPC fue revisada por expertos externos antes de su aprobación. Resultados: La GPC abordó 06 preguntas clínicas, divididas en 03 temas: tamizaje, diagnóstico, y tratamiento inicial. En base a dichas preguntas se formularon 08 recomendaciones (04 fuertes y 04 condicionales), 10 puntos de buena práctica clínica, y 04 flujogramas. Conclusión: Se emitieron recomendaciones basadas en evidencia para el manejo de pacientes con esta patología.

Background:This article summarizes the clinical practice guide (CPG) for the screening, diagnosis, and initial treatment of localized and locally advanced prostate cancer in the Social Security of Peru (EsSalud). To provide evidence-Objective:based clinical recommendations for the screening, diagnosis, and initial treatment of adults with localized and locally advanced prostate cancer in EsSalud. Methods: Aguideline developmentgroup(GDG)wasformed,whichincluded specialist physicians and methodologists, who formulated clinical questions. Systematic searches of systematic reviews were conducted and - when deemed relevant - primary studies in PubMed during 2020 and 2021. Evidence was selected to answer each of the proposed clinical questions. The certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. In periodic working meetings, the GEG used the GRADE methodology to review the evidence and formulate recommendations. The CPG was reviewed by external experts before its approval. The CPG Results: addressed 06 clinical questions, divided into 03 topics: screening, diagnosis, and initial treatment. Based on these questions, 08 recommendations were formulated (04 strong and 04 conditional), 10 points of good clinical practice, and 04 flow charts. Conclusion: Evidence-based recommendations were issued for the management of patients with this pathology

Socioeconomic determinants of hypertension and prehypertension in Peru: Evidence from the Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: Peru is a Latin American country with a significant burden of hypertension that presents worrying rates of disparities in socioeconomic determinants. However, there is a lack of studies exploring the association between those determinants, hypertension and prehypertension in Peruvian population. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the association betwgeen socioeconomic determinants, hypertension and prehypertension using a nationally representative survey of Peruvians. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey (2018), which is a two-staged regional-level representative survey. We used data from 33,336 people aged 15 and older. The dependent variable was blood pressure classification (normal, prehypertension and hypertension) following the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee (JNC-7) on hypertension management. Independent variables were socioeconomic: age, sex, marital status, wealth index, health insurance, education, region and area of residence. Due to the nature of the dependent variable (more than two categories), we opted to use the multinomial regression model, adjusting the effect of the multistage sample using the svy command. We tested interactions with the adjusted Wald test. RESULTS: The prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension was 33.68% and 19.77%, respectively. Awareness was higher in urban than in rural areas (9.61% vs. 8.31%, p = 0.008). Factors associated with a higher prevalence ratio of both prehypertension and hypertension were age (ratios rose with each age group), male sex (prehypertension aRPR 5.15, 95%CI 4.63-5.73; hypertension aRPR 3.85, 95% CI 3.37-4.40) and abdominal obesity (prehypertension aRPR 2.11, 95%CI 1.92-2.31; hypertension aRPR 3.04, 95% CI 2.69-3.43). Factors with a lower prevalence ratio of both diseases were secondary education (prehypertension aRPR 0.76, 95%CI 0.60-0.95; hypertension aRPR 0.75, 95% CI 0.58-0.97), higher education (prehypertension aRPR 0.78, 95%CI 0.61-0.99; hypertension aRPR 0.62, 95% CI 0.46-0.82), being married/cohabiting (prehypertension aRPR 0.87, 95%CI 0.79-0.95; hypertension aRPR 0.77, 95% CI 0.68-0.87), richest wealth index (only prehypertension aRPR 0.76, 95%CI 0.63-0.92) and living in cities different to Lima (rest of the Coastline, Highlands and Jungle). Having health insurance (only hypertension aRPR 1.26, 95%CI 1.03-1.53) and current drinking (only prehypertension aRPR 1.15, 95%CI 1.01-1.32) became significant factors in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: We evidenced socioeconomic disparities among people with hypertension and prehypertension. Better health policies on reducing the burden of risk factors are needed, besides, policy decision makers should focus on hypertension preventive strategies in Peru.