Exploring the "Urban Advantage" in Access to Immunization Services: A Comparison of Zero-Dose Prevalence Between Rural, and Poor and Non-poor Urban Households Across 97 Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Urban children are more likely to be vaccinated than rural children, but that advantage is not evenly distributed. Children living in poor urban areas face unique challenges, living far from health facilities and with lower-quality health services, which can impact their access to life-saving vaccines. Our goal was to compare the prevalence of zero-dose children in poor and non-poor urban and rural areas of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Zero-dose children were those who failed to receive any dose of a diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) containing vaccine. We used data from nationally representative household surveys of 97 LMICs to investigate 201,283 children aged 12-23 months. The pooled prevalence of zero-dose children was 6.5% among the urban non-poor, 12.6% for the urban poor, and 14.7% for the rural areas. There were significant differences between these areas in 43 countries. In most of these countries, the non-poor urban children were at an advantage compared to the urban poor, who were still better off or similar to rural children. Our results emphasize the inequalities between urban and rural areas, but also within urban areas, highlighting the challenges faced by poor urban and rural children. Outreach programs and community interventions that can reach poor urban and rural communities-along with strengthening of current vaccination programs and services-are important steps to reduce inequalities and ensure that no child is left unvaccinated.

Acesso físico às feiras de orgânicos municipais em favelas de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais / Physical access to municipal organic food fairs in favelas in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais

Introdução: Favelas são regiões que não foram priorizadas pelas políticas públicas, e isso se reflete no ambiente alimentar e, consequentemente, na dificuldade de acesso aos alimentos, sobretudo aqueles produzidos de forma sustentável. Objetivo: Caracterizar o acesso físico às feiras de orgânicos municipais em favelas de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, identificando desertos e pântanos alimentares e realizando uma comparação com a disponibilidade, distância e tempo de deslocamento de estabelecimentos que ofertam alimentos convencionais nessas áreas. Métodos: Foi analisada a distribuição das feiras de orgânicos municipais, dos equipamentos públicos de segurança alimentar e nutricional e dos estabelecimentos que ofertam alimentos cadastrados na Secretaria da Fazenda do Estado de Minas Gerais para o ano de 2019, nos 192 setores censitários localizados em favelas de Belo Horizonte. Para as análises closestfacility e distância de deslocamento, foi utilizado o buffer network de 500 metros. Também foi realizada a análise do tempo de deslocamento utilizando transporte público. Resultados: As feiras de orgânicos municipais estão em menor número e mais distantes dos centroides das favelas. E, além da maior distância para acessar as feiras caminhando, acessá-las por meio de transporte público leva, em geral, um tempo maior de deslocamento. Conclusões: São necessários programas e políticas públicas que incentivem a abertura de feiras de orgânicos e outros tipos de estabelecimentos que ofertam alimentos in natura e minimamente processados que adotem modelos de produção sustentáveis em áreas de favelas, a fim de reduzir as iniquidades de acesso aos alimentos saudáveis e sustentáveis nesse território.Introdução: Favelas são regiões que não foram priorizadas pelas políticas públicas, e isso se reflete no ambiente alimentar e, consequentemente, na dificuldade de acesso aos alimentos, sobretudo aqueles produzidos de forma sustentável. Objetivo: Caracterizar o acesso físico às feiras de orgânicos municipais em favelas de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, identificando desertos e pântanos alimentares e realizando uma comparação com a disponibilidade, distância e tempo de deslocamento de estabelecimentos que ofertam alimentos convencionais nessas áreas. Métodos: Foi analisada a distribuição das feiras de orgânicos municipais, dos equipamentos públicos de segurança alimentar e nutricional e dos estabelecimentos que ofertam alimentos cadastrados na Secretaria da Fazenda do Estado de Minas Gerais para o ano de 2019, nos 192 setores censitários localizados em favelas de Belo Horizonte. Para as análises closestfacility e distância de deslocamento, foi utilizado o buffer network de 500 metros. Também foi realizada a análise do tempo de deslocamento utilizando transporte público. Resultados: As feiras de orgânicos municipais estão em menor número e mais distantes dos centroides das favelas. E, além da maior distância para acessar as feiras caminhando, acessá-las por meio de transporte público leva, em geral, um tempo maior de deslocamento. Conclusões: São necessários programas e políticas públicas que incentivem a abertura de feiras de orgânicos e outros tipos de estabelecimentos que ofertam alimentos in natura e minimamente processados que adotem modelos de produção sustentáveis em áreas de favelas, a fim de reduzir as iniquidades de acesso aos alimentos saudáveis e sustentáveis nesse território.

Introduction: Favelas are usually in regions forgotten by public policies, and it reflects on their residents' food environment, as well as on their tough time accessing food, mainly produced through sustainable ways. Objective: Featuring the physical access to municipal organic-food fairs in Belo Horizonte City, Minas Gerais State, based on identifying food deserts and swamps and comparing food availability to distance and displacement time from shops that sell conventional food in these places. Methods: The distribution of organic food municipal fairs, as well as of both food security and nutrition public equipment, and shops selling food that was registered at Minas Gerais State Treasure Secretariat in 2019, located in the 192 census sectors set in Belo Horizonte favelas. The closest facility and displacement distance analyses were based on the 500m buffer network. Displacement time linked to public transportation usage was also analyzed. Results: The number of organic food municipal fairs in favelas is smaller, and favelas are located farther from fairs' centroids. The distance to be crossed to get to fairs on foot in favelas is also longer, and getting to them by public transportation often demands longer displacements. Conclusions: Public programs and policies are needed to encourage new organic fairs and other establishment types capable of providing fresh and minimally processed food in favela areas based on sustainable production models. It must be done to reduce inequities in access to healthy and sustainable food in these territories.

Práticas Avançadas de Enfermagem em cuidados paliativos na comunidade compassiva de favela: relato de experiência / Advanced Practice Nursing in palliative care within the compassionate favela community: an experience report

OBJETIVO: descrever a prática avançada do enfermeiro em cuidados paliativos que atua com a equipe Interdisciplinar em um projeto de extensão universitária nas favelas da Rocinha e Vidigal no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo do tipo relato de experiência, sobre a aplicabilidade de práticas avançadas de enfermagem, no contexto de cuidados paliativos em comunidades vulneráveis, Rocinha e Vidigal, 2019 e 2020. RESULTADOS: Enfermeiros líderes, por meio da micropolítica, buscam o alívio do sofrimento humano, mediante o controle de sinais e sintomas físicos, psicossociais e espirituais, através de raciocínio clínico, habilidade de resolução de problemas por intermédio da consulta de enfermagem e articulação junto a equipe interdisciplinar. CONCLUSÃO: A abordagem de cuidados paliativos sob a ótica do projeto de comunidade compassiva tem mostrado uma forte prática da autonomia do enfermeiro, assim como proporciona visibilidade para a vulnerabilidade social e fortalecimento da prática avançada do enfermeiro no Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the advanced practice of nurses in palliative care who work with the Interdisciplinary team in a university extension project in the favelas of Rocinha and Vidigal in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHOD: This descriptive research shows an experience report on the applicability of advanced practice nursing in palliative care in vulnerable communities, Rocinha and Vidigal, 2019 and 2020. RESULTS: Through micropolitics, leading nurses seek to relieve human suffering by controlling physical, psychosocial, and spiritual signs and symptoms through clinical reasoning, problem-solving skills in nursing appointments, and articulation with the interdisciplinary team. COONCLUSION: From the perspective of the compassionate community project, the palliative care approach has shown a strong practice of nurse autonomy, provided visibility for social vulnerability, and strengthened the advanced practice of nurses in Brazil.

Identifying, Measuring, and Ranking Social Determinants of Health for Health Promotion Interventions Targeting Informal Settlement Residents.

OBJECTIVES: Considering the importance of social determinants of health (SDHs) in promoting the health of residents of informal settlements and their diversity, abundance, and breadth, this study aimed to identify, measure, and rank SDHs for health promotion interventions targeting informal settlement residents in a metropolitan area in Iran. METHODS: Using a hybrid method, this study was conducted in 3 phases from 2019 to 2020. SDHs were identified by reviewing studies and using the Delphi method. To examine the SDHs among informal settlement residents, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted using researcher-made questionnaires. Multilayer perceptron analysis using an artificial neural network was used to rank the SDHs by priority. RESULTS: Of the 96 determinants identified in the first phase of the study, 43 were examined, and 15 were identified as high-priority SDHs for use in health-promotion interventions for informal settlement residents in the study area. They included individual health literacy, nutrition, occupational factors, housing-related factors, and access to public resources. CONCLUSIONS: Since identifying and addressing SDHs could improve health justice and mitigate the poor health status of settlement residents, ranking these determinants by priority using artificial intelligence will enable policymakers to improve the health of settlement residents through interventions targeting the most important SDHs.

Health care utilization and its association with sociodemographic factors among slum-dwellers with type 2 diabetes in Tabriz, Iran: A cross-sectional study.

Background and Aims: Slums are known as growing underprivileged areas. One of the health adverse effects of slum-dwelling is health care underutilization. Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires an appropriate utilization. This study aimed to investigate the extent of health care utilization among slum-dwellers with T2DM in Tabriz, Iran, in 2022. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 400 patients with T2DM living in slum areas of Tabriz, Iran. Sampling was conducted using a systematic random sampling method. A researcher-made questionnaire was used for data collection. To develop the questionnaire, we used Iran's Package of Essential Noncommunicable (IraPEN) diseases, in which potential needs and essential health care for patients with diabetes and the appropriate time intervals for use are specified. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: Although 49.8% of patients needed outpatient services, only 38.3% were referred to health centers and utilized health services. The results of the binary logistic regression model showed that women (OR = 1.871, CI 1.170-2.993), those with higher income levels (OR = 1.984, CI 1.105-3.562), and those with diabetes complications (Adjusted OR = 1.7, CI 0.2-0.603) were almost 1.8 times more likely to utilize outpatient services. Additionally, those with diabetes complications (OR = 1.93, CI 0.189-2.031) and those taking oral medication (OR = 3.131, CI 1.825-5.369) were respectively 1.9 and 3.1 times more likely to utilize inpatient care services. Conclusions: Our study showed that, although slum-dwellers with type 2 diabetes needed outpatient services, a small percentage were referred to health centers and utilized health services. Multispectral cooperation is necessary for improving the status quo. There is a need to take appropriate interventions to strengthen health care utilization among residents with T2DM living in slum sites. Also, insurance organizations should cover more health expenditures and provide a more comprehensive benefits package for these patients.

Determinantes socioeconómicos en la dieta de mujeres embarazadas en zona marginal / Socioeconomic determinants in the diet of pregnant women in a marginal area

Fundamentos: La dieta habitual de embarazadas residentes de zonas con alto grado de marginación, no favorece el mantenimiento de un estado nutricio óptimo. Métodos: Estudio transversal, se analizaron factores socioeconómicos que determinaron la dieta habitual de 71 mujeres embarazadas de un municipio marginal de México. Se aplicaron cuestionarios: sociodemográfico, recordatorio de 24 horas de consumo de alimentos y actividades habituales. Resultados: Más del 80% tuvo consumo dietético insuficiente de múltiples micronutrientes. El ingreso mensual de las mujeres se correlacionó con el nivel educativo (r=0,42, p=0,039), éste se correlacionó con el porcentaje de adecuación de ingesta de energía (r=0.28, p=0,017), carbohidratos (r = -0,32, p = 0,006), proteínas (r= 0,34, p=0,004), lípidos (r=0,30, p =0,012) y vitamina C (r=0,34, p=0,003). El nivel educativo determinó el 8% en la variabilidad de la adecuación de ingesta de energía (r2=0,08, F=5,87, p=0.018). Los indicadores que se correlacionaron con el estado nutricio (p<0,05) fueron, nivel educativo de la pareja, afiliación a un seguro de salud gubernamental, existencia de tiendas de abarrotes y acceso de alimentos en su comunidad. Conclusiones: Las políticas públicas enfocadas en la reducción de la morbilidad materna, deberían considerar como esenciales, el nivel educativo y acceso de variedad de alimentos en estas comunidades. (AU)

Background: Diet of pregnant inhabitants of areas with high levels of marginalization does not favor an optimal nutritional status. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyze the socio-economic factors that determine the usual diet of 71 pregnant woman from a marginal municipality in Mexico. Socio-economic questionnaires, 24-hour diet record consumption and regular activities were applied. Results: More than 80% had insufficient dietary intake of multiple micronutrients. Women's monthly income was correlated with education level (r=0.42, p=0.039) which in turn was correlated with the percentage of intake adequacy of energy (r=0.28, p=0.017), carbohydrates (r = -0.32, p = 0.006), proteins (r= 0.34, p=0.004), lipids (r=0.30, p =0.012) and vitamin C (r=0.34, p=0.003). Education level was responsible for 8% of the variability of intake adequacy of energy (r2=0.08, F=5.87, p=0.018). Couple’s education level, enrollment in the government health insurance, presence of grocery stores and geographical access to food were correlated with indicators of nutritional status (p<0.05). Conclusions: Public policies focused to reduce maternal morbidity should consider the educational level and geographical access to a variety of foods in these communities. (AU)

Dentists Who Participate in Medicaid: Who They Are, Where They Locate, How They Practice.

Low utilization of dental services among low-income individuals and racial minorities reflects pervasive inequities in U.S. health care. There is limited research determining common characteristics among dentists who participate in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program. Using detailed Medicaid claims data and a provider database, we estimate that among dentists with 100 or more pediatric Medicaid patients, 48% practice in high-poverty areas, 10% practice in rural areas, and 29% work in large practices (11 or more dentists). Among those with zero Medicaid patients, 18% practice in high-poverty areas, 4% practice in rural areas, and 11% work in large practices. We found that dentist race/ethnicity has an independent effect on Medicaid participation even when adjusting for community characteristics, meaning non-White dentists are more likely to treat Medicaid patients, regardless of the median income or racial/ethnic profile of the community.

Intestinal parasitic infections: telephone health literacy with men in areas of poverty in the syndemic / Enteropatías parasitarias: alfabetización telefónica en salud con hombres de zonas de pobreza en la sindemia / Enteropatias parasitárias: literacia em saúde por telefonia com homens em áreas de pobreza na sindemia

ABSTRACT Objectives: to assess Popular Health Education practices on intestinal parasites, carried out by telephone contact with men living in urban communities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the COVID-19 syndemic. Method: a quasi-experimental, quantitative and descriptive study, carried out with men aged 20 to 59 years. Pre-test was applied, and participants were divided into two groups: control and experimental. Popular Education in Health practices were carried out with an experimental group, and post-test was applied for both. Results: health education practices were significant in the experimental group, with a reduction in incorrect answers. There was an increase in incorrect answers in the control group's post-test. Conclusions: the Brazilian National Policy for Popular Education in Health contributed to qualify men's health literacy on intestinal parasites. Practice by telephone contact proved to be a powerful strategy for nursing and public policies to access this group and promote health in Primary Health Care.

RESUMEN Objetivos: evaluar las prácticas de Educación Popular en Salud sobre parásitos intestinales, realizadas por contacto telefónico con hombres residentes en comunidades urbanas de Río de Janeiro, Brasil, durante la sindemia de la COVID-19. Métodos: estudio cuasiexperimental, cuantitativo y descriptivo, realizado con hombres de 20 a 59 años. Se aplicó la preprueba y se dividió a los participantes en dos grupos: control y experimental. Se realizaron prácticas de Educación Popular en Salud con un grupo experimental y a ambos se les aplicó la posprueba. Resultados: las prácticas de educación en salud fueron significativas en el grupo experimental, con reducción de respuestas incorrectas. Hubo un aumento de respuestas incorrectas en la posprueba del grupo control. Conclusiones: la Política Nacional de Educación Popular en Salud contribuyó a cualificar la alfabetización en salud de los hombres sobre parásitos intestinales. La práctica por contacto telefónico demostró ser una poderosa estrategia de enfermería y de políticas públicas para acceder a ese grupo y promover la salud en la Atención Primaria de Salud.

RESUMO Objetivos: avaliar práticas de Educação Popular em Saúde sobre parasitoses intestinais, realizadas por contato telefônico com homens residentes em comunidades urbanas do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, durante a sindemia de COVID-19. Métodos: estudo quase-experimental, quantitativo e descritivo, realizado com homens de 20 a 59 anos. Foi aplicado o pré-teste, e os participantes, distribuídos em dois grupos: controle e experimental. Foram realizadas práticas de Educação Popular em Saúde com grupo experimental e aplicado o pós-teste para ambos. Resultados: práticas de educação em saúde foram significativas no grupo experimental, com redução das respostas incorretas. Houve aumento de respostas incorretas no pós-teste do grupo controle. Conclusões: a Política Nacional de Educação Popular em Saúde contribuiu para qualificar a literacia em saúde de homens sobre parasitoses intestinais. A prática por contato telefônico mostrou-se uma potente estratégia para a enfermagem e as políticas públicas acessarem este grupo e promoverem saúde na Atenção Primária à Saúde.

Fatores associados à dislipidemia em adultos assistidos pela Estratégia Saúde da Família em favela do Nordeste brasileiro / Factors Associated with Dyslipidemia in Adults Assisted by the Family Health Strategy in a Slum in Northeast Brazil

Dentre os fatores associados à dislipidemia, destacam-se os determinantes sociodemográficos, como escolaridade e renda e, nessa perspectiva, as populações menos favorecidas economicamente, como por exemplo as residentes em favelas, apresentam mais chances de serem acometidas pelas doenças crônicas não transmissíveis quando comparadas as de renda mais alta. Nesse sentido, considerando a escassez de estudos relacionados à prevalência de dislipidemia e seus fatores associados em habitantes de áreas faveladas, objetivou-se analisar os fatores associados à dislipidemia em adultos assistidos pela Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF), residentes em área de favela, em Recife, Pernambuco. Estudo transversal, de base secundária. Analisaram-se possíveis associações da dislipidemia (hipercolesterolemia isolada ou hipertrigliceridemia isolada) com variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas, comportamentais, composição corporal e morbidades, por meio de Regressão de Poisson, considerando-se valor de p<0,05. Dos 491 adultos, 46,2% apresentaram dislipidemia, sendo maior nos homens em relação às mulheres (RP=1,70; IC95%:1,41-2,03), com aumento progressivo a partir dos 30 anos, estabilizando a partir da faixa dos 40 anos. A prevalência foi maior entre aqueles insuficientemente ativos (RP=1,21; IC95%:1,01-1,45), com circunferência de cintura muito aumentada (RP=1,78; IC95%:1,36-2,34) e com pressão arterial aumentada (RP=1,35; IC95%:1,11-1,63). É preciso reforçar atividades de promoção da saúde no âmbito da ESF para a população investigada, bem como incentivar a prática de atividade física nas academias da saúde, além de divulgar informações relativas ao combate dos fatores associados à dislipidemia.

Among the factors associated with dyslipidemia, sociodemographic characteristics stand out, such as education and income and, from this perspective, less economically favored populations, such as those living in slums, are more likely to be affected by chronic non-communicable diseases when compared higher income populations. Therefore, considering the scarcity of studies related to the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its associated factors in inhabitants of slum areas, the objective of this study was to analyze the factors associated with dyslipidemia in adults assisted by the Family Health Strategy (FHS), living in slum areas, in Recife, Pernambuco. This is a cross-sectional, secondary-based study. Possible associations of dyslipidemia (isolated hypercholesterolemia or isolated hypertriglyceridemia) with demographic, socioeconomic and behavioral variables, body composition, and morbidities were analyzed using Poisson Regression, considering p<0.05. Of the 491 adults, 46.2% had dyslipidemia, which was higher in men compared to women (PR=1.70; 95%CI:1.41-2.03), with a progressive increase from the age of 30 and stabilizing around the 40-year-old range. Prevalence was higher among those who were insufficiently active (PR=1.21; 95%CI:1.01-1.45), with greatly increased waist circumference (PR=1.78; 95%CI:1.36-2.34), and with increased blood pressure (PR=1.35; 95%CI:1.11-1.63). It is necessary to reinforce health promotion activities within the scope of the FHS for the investigated population, as well as to encourage the practice of physical activity in health academies, in addition to disseminating information regarding the fight against factors associated with dyslipidemia.

The Effectiveness Assessment of Agricultural Subsidy Policies on Food Security: Evidence from China's Poverty-Stricken Villages.

This paper builds a theoretical model based on a representative peasant household in the neoclassical model, comprehensively considers three types of farmer households in China, and evaluates the effects of the agricultural subsidy policy under equilibrium conditions. Based on the two bottom lines of guaranteeing China's grain security and ensuring no large-scale return to poverty, this paper uses 2010, 2012, and 2014 tracking survey data from the Mutual Aid Fund for Poverty-Stricken Villages in China to construct an econometric model to evaluate agricultural subsidy effectiveness from the three aspects of farmers' total sown area, total grain output, and total income. The research draws the following conclusions: (1) Agricultural subsidies can significantly increase the sown area, grain production, and total income of farmers in poverty-stricken areas, which is conducive to improving the farmers' comprehensive capacity for grain production as well as income, and this conclusion remains valid after performing a series of robustness tests and solving endogeneity problems. (2) The effects of the agricultural subsidy policy are affected by natural conditions, economic development levels, and functional orientation of grain production in different regions, and they have divergent influences on farmers' total sown area, total output, and total income. (3) Agricultural subsidies boost farmers' willingness to cultivate grain, reduce land abandonment, and increase the total sown area, total output, and total grain income. The willingness to cultivate grain is an important mechanism that affects the effectiveness of the agricultural subsidy policy.

Tobacco Use Pattern, Dependence, Oral Cancer Awareness and Health Education needs Among Urban Slum Dwellers of Jodhpur City.

Background: The rapid migration from rural to urban region results in mushrooming of slums in India. Urban-slums are comparatively poor vulnerable groups which are mostly affected with oral cancer due to higher exposure to risk factors like tobacco use. Aims: To assess pattern of tobacco consumption, awareness about oral cancer and related health education needs in urban slums of Jodhpur city. Methods: Study was conducted during July 2018Nov 2018 in slum of Jodhpur city. On the basis of cluster sampling strategy data were collected from 1200 participants regarding tobacco use and perception regarding oral cancer to identify health education needs in urban slums. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, multivariate logistics analysis were used and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 1200 participants were surveyed, out of which 48.5% were males. Among the study population, 58.5% (n = 462/789) males and 41.45% (n = 327/789) females were consuming tobacco in one or more forms. The statistical association between: age and bidi, gutka, zarda consumption; gender and bidi, cigarette, gutka consumption was found to be significant (P < 0.001). The younger population (1530 years) has more willingness to quit tobacco than the older population. (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.092.11). Almost 56% were aware of oral cancer. Conclusions: An effective information, education and communication (IEC) strategy for tobacco cessation should be designed with focus on different education needs according to age, gender, and education status of slum population.

A cross-sectional, face-to-face, community survey of mental health and deprivation in post-recession Ireland: a rising tide lifts all boats?

OBJECTIVE: To assess community mental health in suburban Dublin in 2018, 5 years after Ireland's economic recession ended. METHODS: A cross-sectional, face-to-face, household survey was conducted in a random cluster sample of 351 households in Tallaght, a deprived suburb of Dublin. RESULTS: A majority of respondents (61.3%) reported stress over the previous 12 months, with a higher rate in areas of high (66.9%) compared to lower deprivation (55.5%). Deprivation was not related to rates of loneliness (20.2%), feeling depressed (20.2%), loss of interest (19.7%) or anxiety (22.5%). Mean score for positive mental health (59.3/100, with a higher score indicating better mental health) was lower than that reported in a national sample in 2007 (68/100); positive mental health was associated with not living with a person with chronic illness, self-identifying as 'non-Irish' and greater age. Mean score for psychological distress (76.7/100, with a higher score indicating less distress) was also lower than that in 2007 (82/100); less psychological distress was associated with not living with a person with chronic illness or disability, greater age and identifying as non-Irish. The rate of 'probable mental illness' over the previous 4 weeks (13.1%) was higher than in 2007 (7%). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings emphasise the high prevalence of stress, especially in deprived suburban areas; the centrality of carer burden in determining mental wellbeing; and associations between positive mental health on the one hand and greater age and identifying as non-Irish on the other.

Ambient ozone effects on respiratory outcomes among smokers modified by neighborhood poverty: An analysis of SPIROMICS AIR.

BACKGROUND: Neighborhood poverty has been associated with poor health outcomes. Previous studies have also identified adverse respiratory effects of long-term ambient ozone. Factors associated with neighborhood poverty may accentuate the adverse impact of ozone on respiratory health. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether neighborhood poverty modifies the association between ambient ozone exposure and respiratory morbidity including symptoms, exacerbation risk, and radiologic parameters, among participants of the SPIROMICS AIR cohort study. METHODS: Spatiotemporal models incorporating cohort-specific monitoring estimated 10-year average outdoor ozone concentrations at participants' homes. Adjusted regression models were used to determine the association of ozone exposure with respiratory outcomes, accounting for demographic factors, education, individual income, body mass index (BMI), and study site. Neighborhood poverty rate was defined by percentage of families living below federal poverty level per census tract. Interaction terms for neighborhood poverty rate with ozone were included in covariate-adjusted models to evaluate for effect modification. RESULTS: 1874 participants were included in the analysis, with mean (± SD) age 64 (± 8.8) years and FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second) 74.7% (±25.8) predicted. Participants resided in neighborhoods with mean poverty rate of 9.9% (±10.3) of families below the federal poverty level and mean 10-year ambient ozone concentration of 24.7 (±5.2) ppb. There was an interaction between neighborhood poverty rate and ozone concentration for numerous respiratory outcomes, including COPD Assessment Test score, modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale, six-minute walk test, and odds of COPD exacerbation in the year prior to enrollment, such that adverse effects of ozone were greater among participants in higher poverty neighborhoods. CONCLUSION: Individuals with COPD in high poverty neighborhoods have higher susceptibility to adverse respiratory effects of ambient ozone exposure, after adjusting for individual factors. These findings highlight the interaction between exposures associated with poverty and their effect on respiratory health.

The "trial within cohort design" was a pragmatic model for low-resourced settings.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility of using a trial within cohort (TWIC) design as a model to study pragmatic interventions in a low-resource setting to ensure that (i) ethical concerns raised with the conventional clinical trial design could be alleviated, (ii) key parameters could be obtained that may promote implementation of interventions in low-resource settings, although retaining the methodological rigor required to assess real-world efficacy. METHODS: A TWIC design was adopted to evaluate the feasibility of a community-based, patient-centered rehabilitation program, in an underprivileged South African community. Procedural aspects of the trial in relation to recruitment, retention, acceptance, and methodological rigor were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 74 eligible participants, 36% of those who were identified as potential participants, agreed to participate and were randomized. Acceptance of the intervention (56%) was in line with previous research, and no reports of cross-contamination were received. Key lessons were learnt in the conduct of a TWIC design in low-resource settings, among others, related to blinding of the assessor, missing data, timing of recruitment, and various resource constraints. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study support further exploration for the use of this design in low-resource settings, particularly in settings where the conventional randomized clinical trial is ethically challenging or where detailed information on nonacceptance is paramount.

Influence of Social Determinants of Health on COVID-19 Infection in Socially Vulnerable Groups.

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on the economy and health, especially for the most vulnerable social groups. The social determinants of health are one of the most relevant risks for becoming infected with COVID-19, due to the health consequences for those who are exposed to it. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of social determinants in health on COVID-19 infection in vulnerable social groups. A transversal epidemiological study was carried out on 746 individuals in vulnerable situations living in conditions of extreme poverty in disadvantaged areas in the province of Almeria (southeast of Spain). Social determinants of health such access to drinking water (p < 0.001) and economic income (p = 0.04) influenced the infection of COVID-19. A binary logistic regression model showed that the significant predictors of COVID-19 infection were the lack of economic income and inaccessible drinking water. The government and social health services must be aware of this problem in order to play an active role in searching for solutions and implementing public health prevention measures to eliminate social inequalities in health.

Feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions against infectious diseases among crisis-affected populations: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are a crucial suite of measures to prevent and control infectious disease outbreaks. Despite being particularly important for crisis-affected populations and those living in informal settlements, who typically reside in overcrowded and resource limited settings with inadequate access to healthcare, guidance on NPI implementation rarely takes the specific needs of such populations into account. We therefore conducted a systematic scoping review of the published evidence to describe the landscape of research and identify evidence gaps concerning the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of NPIs among crisis-affected populations and informal settlements. METHODS: We systematically reviewed peer-reviewed articles published between 1970 and 2020 to collate available evidence on the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of NPIs in crisis-affected populations and informal settlements. We performed quality assessments of each study using a standardised questionnaire. We analysed the data to produce descriptive summaries according to a number of categories: date of publication; geographical region of intervention; typology of crisis, shelter, modes of transmission, NPI, research design; study design; and study quality. RESULTS: Our review included 158 studies published in 85 peer-reviewed articles. Most research used low quality study designs. The acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of NPIs was highly context dependent. In general, simple and cost-effective interventions such as community-level environmental cleaning and provision of water, sanitation and hygiene services, and distribution of items for personal protection such as insecticide-treated nets, were both highly feasible and acceptable. Logistical, financial, and human resource constraints affected both the implementation and sustainability of measures. Community engagement emerged as a strong factor contributing to the effectiveness of NPIs. Conversely, measures that involve potential restriction on personal liberty such as case isolation and patient care and burial restrictions were found to be less acceptable, despite apparent effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the evidence base was variable, with substantial knowledge gaps which varied between settings and pathogens. Based on the current landscape, robust evidence-based guidance is not possible, and a research agenda is urgently required that focusses on these specific vulnerable populations. Although implementation of NPIs presents unique practical challenges in these settings, it is critical that such an agenda is put in place, and that the lessons learned from historical and present experiences are documented to build a firm evidence base.

The Slums in the Mirror of Health: A Systematic Review Analysis from Iran.

Background: One billion worldwide population is living in slum areas that mostly accompanied with high rates of poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, unhealthy situation, and inappropriate health-care services. The prediction of enormous growth of slums by 2030 led to a raise to address the "plight of slums" in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Methods: To address evidence-based health-related priorities, we conducted a systematic review to summarizing evidences on health situations of slums population in Iran. Six electronic databases were systematically searched for published studies without any restriction on age, sex, and language to assess health situations of slums in Iran reported by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. All identified articles were screened, quality assessed, and data extracted by two authors independently. Results: The finding of this systematic review in addition to overall view categorized in five categories: health system, reproductive health, infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors, social issues besides overall situation of Slums. Conclusions: Community-based participatory interventions with socioeconomic approach on modifiable risk factors; active response of health system; establishment new health care centers in slum areas; augmenting the quality of care; active case finding; and elevating health knowledge, attitude, and practice is crucial to achieve SDG's in Slum area.

Direito humano à alimentação adequada e objetivos do desenvolvimento sustentável: interferências coletivas com crianças em periferias vulnerabilizadas / The human right to adequate food and sustainable development goals: collective interferences with children in vulnerable urban peripheries

Resumo Este artigo teve como objetivo analisar as relações entre o Direito Humano à Alimentação Adequada (DHAA) e os Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) que emergem de ações dialógicas com crianças e adolescentes em periferias urbanas vulnerabilizadas de São Vicente, São Paulo. Utilizando referencial metodológico das pesquisas participativas, a observação e registros de assembleias comunitárias e da parceria entre universidade pública e movimento social apontam para espaços de acolhimento às crianças e adolescentes que viabilizam leituras diagnósticas coletivas sobre a alimentação. Esses processos dialógicos permitem problematizar as dimensões do DHAA a partir da cadeia de produção, comercialização e consumo de alimentos, além da instabilidade a que essas crianças e adolescentes estão submetidos, em uma complexa rede de determinantes que produzem má-nutrição nos territórios onde vivem. Os resultados apontam que estas dimensões dialogam com todos os ODS, na medida em que demandam a sustentabilidade cultural, econômica, social e ambiental da alimentação. A parceria e a integração entre universidade e sociedade fortalece e potencializa os espaços de controle social e formação dos atores para a luta pelo DHAA, e pode também produzir efeitos de transformação nas desigualdades nos territórios e reconhecer a criança como sujeito de direitos com profundo rigor ético na construção de escutas inclusivas e de práticas qualificadas.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze the relation between the Human Right to Adequate Food (HRAF) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) resulting from a dialogic experience with children and adolescents in the periphery of São Vicente, São Paulo. Using the methodological framework of participatory research, community assemblies observation, and the partnership between the university and social movements point to a caring place for children/adolescents that enable collective diagnostic readings on food. Dialogical processes enable us to problematize HRAF dimensions based on the chain of food production, trading and consumption, and the instability to which those children/adolescents are subjected in a complex network of determinants that produce hunger and malnutrition in the territories in which they live. Results show that these dimensions dialogue with all the SDGs, as they demand cultural, economic, social, and environmental sustainability of food. The partnership and integration between university and society strengthens and enhances the spaces of social control and training of actors to advocate for the HRAF. It can also change inequalities in the territories and acknowledge children as subjects of rights with deep ethical commitment in the construction of inclusive listening and qualified practices.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections versus knowledge, attitudes and practices of male residents in Brazilian urban slums: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are neglected diseases caused by helminths and protozoa, with the relationships between parasite, host and environment having the potential to produce high morbidity and incapacity to work and mortality in vulnerable areas. This study assessed the prevalence of IPIs concerning socio-environmental conditions and analyzed the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to these diseases among men living in the slums of Rio de Janeiro city, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted in an agglomeration of urban slums between 2018 and 2019, with men aged between 20 and 59 years. A socioeconomic status questionnaire and an IPIs knowledge, attitudes and practices questionnaire (KAPQ) were applied. Coproparasitological diagnoses (n=454) were performed using four methods and samples of water for household consumption (n=392) were subjected to microbiological and physicochemical analysis. A total of 624 participants were enrolled. About 40% of the households had "water unsuitable for consumption". Only one Major Area, MA 3 was not statistically significant for IPIs (AOR=0.75; 95% CI: 0.30-1.88; p=0.55). The overall prevalence of IPIs was 23.8%. Endolimax nana (n=65, 14.3%) and hookworm (n=8, 1.7%) were the most frequently identified parasites. The analysis of the frequency of responses to the KAPQ has shown that men reported to seeking medical care if they were suspicious of IPIs, and around 35% would self-medicate. The results have shown the need to adopt integrated health education practices targeting male residents in urban slums to qualify the care with water for human consumption and promote self-care about IPIs. The household can be considered strategic for Primary Health Care activities for men.

Concessão privatista do saneamento e a incidência da Covid-19 em favelas do Rio de Janeiro / Privatizing sanitation concessions and the incidence of COVID-19 in slums in Rio de Janeiro

RESUMO O objetivo foi avaliar a relação espacial dos indicadores de saneamento (acesso à água e ao esgoto), considerando a modelagem da concessão da Companhia Estadual de Águas e Esgotos do Rio de Janeiro (Cedae), e a sua possível relação com a incidência da Covid-19, nos bairros com e sem áreas de favelas. Os dados de casos confirmados da Covid-19 analisados foram obtidos no Painel Saúde do Rio de Janeiro. Foi considerado o fracionamento do município em quatro blocos regionais. Nos 163 bairros da cidade, a taxa de incidência média foi de 9,78 casos/1.000 hab. Os bairros com as menores taxa de incidência foram aqueles com predominância de aglomerados subnormais (favelas), baixa renda per capita e cobertura de saneamento, sugerindo maior lacuna de testagem e subnotificação de casos. Reduzir a inequidade e o racismo estrutural deveria ser prioritário. A sindemia da Covid-19 contribuiu fortemente para perdas socioeconômicas e de saúde pública significativas. Em um cenário de reconstrução, é imprescindível retomar o compromisso para com os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável da Agenda 2030 das Nações Unidas.

ABSTRACT This assessment aimed to evaluate the putative spatial relationship between sanitation indicators (access to water and sewage) considering the Rio de Janeiro State Water and Sewage Company (CEDAE) parameters and the COVID-19 incidence among districts with and without slum areas. The data of confirmed COVID-19 cases analyzed were obtained from the Rio de Janeiro Health Panel. We considered the division of the municipality into four regional blocks. The mean COVID-19 incidence was 9.78 cases/1,000 inhabitants in the 163 city districts. The lowest COVID-19 incidence rate was most reported in slum regions, with lower per capita income and sanitation coverage, suggesting a significant gap in testing and case underreporting. Reducing inequality and structural racism should be a priority. The COVID-19 syndemic strongly contributed to significant socioeconomic and public health losses. Our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 agenda of the United Nations is pivotal in a backdrop of reconstruction.