Physical punishment and effective verbal communication in children aged 9-36 months, according to sex: secondary analysis of a national survey.

BACKGROUND: A substantial number of children in the world are regularly subjected to physical punishment by their parents as a method of upbringing. Evidence suggests that it has negative effects on the development of brain function. However, evidence regarding its association with verbal communication is limited and heterogeneous. It is also unknown whether the effects are the same in both boys and girls; especially in the contexts of developing countries, where the highest rates of physical punishment are found. OBJECTIVE: This investigation aimed at analyzing the association between physical punishment administered by both fathers and mothers and effective verbal communication among children aged 9-36 months according to sex. METHODS: A secondary analytical cross-sectional study was conducted based on the 2018-2019 Peruvian Demographic and Family Health Survey. Physical punishment, based on the mother's report of the use of hitting and/or slapping, was considered as a method to correct children by the father and/or mother. Effective verbal communication (EVC) was measured using the Battle scale which consists of age-appropriate questions included in the early childhood development module. A generalized linear model of the family and Log Poisson link option was used to identify the association between them, using the crude, general adjusted, and sex-stratified models. RESULTS: Of all the children, 16.31% received physical punishment from their father and/or mother, wherein 16.65% were boys and 15.97% were girls. Moreover, 36.48% exhibited EVC, wherein 32.55% were boys and 40.50% were girls. Adjusting for socioeconomic level, witnessing violence, mother's marital status, age, occupation, education level, language, number of children, and moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms, it was found that boys who received physical punishment from their father and/or mother have a 31% lower probability of EVC (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58-0.83, p < 0.001), whereas no association was found in girls who received physical punishment from their father and/or mother and EVC (aPR 0.93, 95% CI 0.81-1.06, p = 0.278). CONCLUSIONS: An association was found between physical punishment administered by father and/or mother and reduced EVC among boys, whereas no such association was found among girls. It is possible that even though a significant impact has not been observed in girls during this early stage, they may experience consequences in later stages of life, further research is needed.

Is There an Association between Being a Victim of Physical Violence by Intimate Partner and Binge Drinking in Men and Women? Secondary Analysis of a National Study, Peru 2020.

The relationship between being a victim of physical violence by an intimate partner and binge drinking (BD) is a poorly explored line of research, especially in men. To determine the association between being a victim of physical violence by an intimate partner and BD in men and women in Peru in 2020, a secondary analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using the Demographic Health Survey. BD was categorized according to the Center of Disease Control definition for men and women, based on the type and amount of alcoholic beverage ingested. Physical violence was based the report of being hit with any part of the body or an object, by their intimate partner. To identify the association, a multivariable general linear model of the family and link log Poisson was used. The results were presented as prevalence ratios (PRs). In the adjusted models stratified by sex, a 90% greater likelihood of BD was found in male victims and an 80% higher probability among female victims (PRa 1.9, 95%CI 1.3;2.7, p < 0.001 vs. PRa 1.8, CI95% 1.1; 2.8, p = 0.013, respectively). An association was found between physical violence by an intimate partner and BD in the Peruvian population older than 15 years, in both men and women.

Association of lifetime e-cigarette and/or tobacco use and last year cannabis use among university students: A cross-sectional secondary analysis of a national survey.

BACKGROUND: The accelerated increase in the use of e-cigarette by university students in recent years has incremented nicotine use in addition to tobacco, but it is not known whether the use of cannabis is related to these alternatives. This study analyzes the association between the use of electronic cigarettes and/or tobacco and the use of cannabis in the last 12 months. An analytical cross-sectional study conducted based on the III Andean epidemiological study on drug consumption among university students in 2016. A multivariate analysis performed using a generalized linear family model and the log Poisson link option. The results were shown as Prevalence Ratios (PR) in raw (PRc) and adjusted (PRa) models, and the analysis also employed 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the percentages. SETTING: Ten Peruvian universities. PARTICIPANTS: University students' lifetime. EXPOSURE: Participants' e-cigarette and/or tobacco consumption, based on questions about consumption of tobacco and e-cigarettes. Participants were categorized into those consuming: only e-cigarettes, only tobacco, both, or neither. OUTCOME: The use of cannabis by participants in the last 12 months. Among the university students who met the inclusion criteria (n = 3981), the prevalence of using both e-cigarettes and tobacco (dual) throughout life was 11.6% (95% CI: 10.1 to 13.3), and only e-cigarettes was 1.2% (95% CI: 0.7 to 1.8). The use of cannabis in the last 12 months was 5.2% (95% CI: 4.1 to 6.5). Results of this study found a sequential probability gradient of cannabis use, where those with dual use had 58.5 times more probability of having used cannabis in the last 12 months (PRa 58.5, 95% CI: 20.9 to 163.7, p <0.001) compared to those who used none; whereas those who used only tobacco were 33.3 times more likely to have used cannabis in the last 12 months (PRa 33.3, 95% CI: 11.9 to 93.2, p <0.001), those who reported using only e-cigarette had 9.8 times more probability of having used cannabis in the last 12 months (PRa 9.8, 95% CI: 1.6 to 60.4, p = 0.014). We found an increase in the probability of having used cannabis in the last 12 months among university students who reported tobacco and/or e-cigarettes use. A sequential probability gradient was found and it showed that, in comparison to students who informed being nonusers of tobacco and/or e-cigarette, university students who were lifetime dual users were most likely to having used cannabis in the last 12 months, followed by those reporting an exclusive lifetime use of tobacco, as well as those students who reported an exclusive lifetime use of e-cigarettes. It is necessary to raise awareness of the association of tobacco and e-cigarette use with an increased possibility of using cannabis. Studies are needed in different cultural contexts to investigate the progression of electronic cigarette and/or tobacco use, as well as their dosage, intensity of use, concurrent use, and neurological and behavioral mechanisms that are related to the use of cannabis and other illegal drugs that may increase dependence and mental health problems.

Therapeutic Communities In Latin America: An International Descriptive Study In Different Countries Across Latin America / Comunidades terapéuticas en Latinoamérica: un estudio descriptivo en varios países de Latinoamérica

ABSTRACT Objective: In Latin America is not known for certain the quantity or quality of therapeutic communities (TCs) available in the region. The objective of this study is to describe and quantify the quantity and quality of the existing TCs in 5 different countries. Design: A multicenter quantitative description of the TCs was conducted in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. Methods: A survey was realized through the TCs regulatory entities of each country that accepted to participate in the study. Results: Of the 285 TCs identified in the 5 countries, 176 (62%) accepted to participate in this study. The TCs quality vas evaluated according to the scoring system stablished by De Leon, finding that 70% of the facilities have scores of 11/12 or 12/12 using these criteria. We also found that the majority of the De Leon criteria are known by more than 90% of the institutions, however, the dimensions of "separation of the community" and "encounter groups between residents" were the least known with 63 and 85% respectively. The main reasons for abandonment of TCs were "not accepting the rules of the institution", "lack of money" and "not feeling comfortable with the facilities". 98% of the TCs provided services to other substance abuse problems, 94% for alcohol and 40% for other types of substances. Conclusions: The majority of the TCs identified in our sample meet the quality criteria stablished by De Leon, mostly providing services for substance abuse. However, they should put in place additional policies to improve the unfulfilled conditions and investigate the reasons for the dissatisfaction and abandonment of these institutions.

RESUMEN Objetivo: En Latinoamérica no se conoce a ciencia cierta la cantidad o la calidad de las comunidades terapéuticas disponibles en los distintos países de la región. El objetivo de este estudio es identificar y describir la cantidad y la calidad de las comunidades terapéuticas existentes en 5 países de la región. Diseño: Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico descriptivo cuantitativo de las comunidades terapéuticas en Argentina, Brasil, Colombia, México y Perú. Métodos: Mediante las entidades reguladoras de las comunidades terapéuticas de cada país, se realizó una encuesta a las que aceptaran participar en el estudio. Resultados: De las 285 comunidades terapéuticas identificadas en los 5 países, 176 (62%) aceptaron participar en el estudio. La calidad de las comunidades terapéuticas se evaluó por las puntuaciones establecidas con los criterios de De León; se encontró que el 70% de las instituciones tienen puntuaciones de 11/12 o 12/12 según estos criterios. También se encontró que cumplen la mayoría de los criterios de De León más del 90% de las instituciones; sin embargo, las dimensiones «separación de la comunidad¼ y «grupos de encuentro entre residentes¼ fueron los menos cumplidos (el 63 y el 85% de las comunidades respectivamente). Las principales razones de abandono de las comunidades terapéuticas fueron no aceptar las normas de la institución, falta de recursos económicos y no sentirse a gusto con ella. El 98% de las comunidades terapéuticas prestaban servicios para problemas de abuso de otras sustancias, el 94% para abuso de alcohol y el 40% para otros tipos de abusos. Conclusiones: La mayoría de las comunidades terapéuticas identificadas en nuestra muestra cumplen los criterios de calidad establecidos por De León, y en su gran mayoría prestan servicios para abuso de sustancias, pero deben instaurarse políticas para mejorar las condiciones no cumplidas e indagar los motivos de las disconformidades y el abandono de estas instituciones.

Therapeutic Communities In Latin America: An International Descriptive Study In Different Countries Across Latin America.

OBJECTIVE: In Latin America is not known for certain the quantity or quality of therapeutic communities (TCs) available in the region. The objective of this study is to describe and quantify the quantity and quality of the existing TCs in 5 different countries. DESIGN: A multicenter quantitative description of the TCs was conducted in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. METHODS: A survey was realized through the TCs regulatory entities of each country that accepted to participate in the study. RESULTS: Of the 285 TCs identified in the 5 countries, 176 (62%) accepted to participate in this study. The TCs quality vas evaluated according to the scoring system stablished by De Leon, finding that 70% of the facilities have scores of 11/12 or 12/12 using these criteria. We also found that the majority of the De Leon criteria are known by more than 90% of the institutions, however, the dimensions of "separation of the community" and "encounter groups between residents" were the least known with 63 and 85% respectively. The main reasons for abandonment of TCs were "not accepting the rules of the institution", "lack of money" and "not feeling comfortable with the facilities". 98% of the TCs provided services to other substance abuse problems, 94% for alcohol and 40% for other types of substances. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the TCs identified in our sample meet the quality criteria stablished by De Leon, mostly providing services for substance abuse. However, they should put in place additional policies to improve the unfulfilled conditions and investigate the reasons for the dissatisfaction and abandonment of these institutions.

Quality measurers of therapeutic communities for substance dependence: an international collaborative study survey in Latin America.

BACKGROUND: In Latin America, substance related disorders are highly prevalent and one of the treatment strategies is the Therapeutic Communities (TCs), however, in Latin America there is scarce data about this treatment strategies, their quality, drop-out rates and patient satisfaction. METHODS: Based on a previous study in 5 Latin American countries, the TCs who had a score equal or higher than 9 according to the De Leon criteria which are some fundamental items that the TCs should meet, were selected to carry out a descriptive and retrospective study of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the TCs. RESULTS: Data from 58 TCs in 5 countries were included, with a sample of 1414 patients interviewed, of which most were single men, with no hospitalization history in a therapeutic community. Marijuana was the most commonly substance used in the 30 days prior to hospitalization, with 78% of interviewees referring alcohol consumption in the last 6 months and an average onset of psychoactive substances at 16 years of age. A 79% of the patients interviewed perceived some improvement during their stay in the TCs. The less fulfilled Quality Indicators by the TCs were "Requesting a professional qualification to former addicts that belonged to the program" and "Work as part of the therapeutic program". Among the reasons for discharge found in the database, 44% were due to therapeutic discharge with fulfillment of the treatment plan and 44% withdraws. CONCLUSION: The user satisfaction with TCs, in terms of infrastructure and quality are quite high, as the fulfillment of essential quality items, however, the follow up information to evaluate effectiveness of the treatment is poor or in some cases unknown.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Text Message-Based Smoking Cessation Program for Young Adults in Lima, Peru: Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: In Peru's urban communities, tobacco smoking generally starts during adolescence and smoking prevalence is highest among young adults. Each year, many attempt to quit, but access to smoking cessation programs is limited. Evidence-based text messaging smoking cessation programs are an alternative that has been successfully implemented in high-income countries, but not yet in middle- and low-income countries with limited tobacco control policies. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an short message service (SMS) text message-based cognitive behavioral smoking cessation program for young adults in Lima, Peru. METHODS: Recruitment included using flyers and social media ads to direct young adults interested in quitting smoking to a website where interested participants completed a Google Drive survey. Inclusion criteria were being between ages 18 and 25 years, smoking at least four cigarettes per day at least 6 days per week, willing to quit in the next 30 days, owning a mobile phone, using SMS text messaging at least once in past year, and residing in Lima. Participants joined one of three phases: (1) focus groups and in-depth interviews whose feedback was used to develop the SMS text messages, (2) validating the SMS text messages, and (3) a pilot of the SMS text message-based smoking cessation program to test its feasibility and acceptability among young adults in Lima. The outcome measures included adherence to the SMS text message-based program, acceptability of content, and smoking abstinence self-report on days 2, 7, and 30 after quitting. RESULTS: Of 639 participants who completed initial online surveys, 42 met the inclusion criteria and 35 agreed to participate (focus groups and interviews: n=12; validate SMS text messages: n=8; program pilot: n=15). Common quit practices and beliefs emerged from participants in the focus groups and interviews informed the content, tone, and delivery schedule of the messages used in the SMS text message smoking cessation program. A small randomized controlled pilot trial was performed to test the program's feasibility and acceptability; nine smokers were assigned to the SMS text message smoking cessation program and six to a SMS text message nutrition program. Participant retention was high: 93% (14/15) remained until day 30 after quit day. In all, 56% of participants (5/9) in the SMS text message smoking cessation program reported remaining smoke-free until day 30 after quit day and 17% of participants (1/6) in the SMS text message nutrition program reported remaining smoke-free during the entire program. The 14 participants who completed the pilot reported that they received valuable health information and approved the delivery schedule of the SMS text messages. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides initial evidence that a SMS text message smoking cessation program is feasible and acceptable for young adults residing in Lima.

[Factors associated to recent intimate partner physical violence against women in Peru, 2004-2007]. / Factores asociados a violencia física reciente de pareja hacia la mujer en el Perú, 2004-2007.

OBJECTIVES: To identify factors associated to recent (during the last year) intimate partner physical violence against women in Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the demographic and Family Health National Survey (ENDES) 2004- 2007 a secondary analysis was performed. 12,257 women married or living with a couple who answered the violence module were included, with this information they were assigned to a category according to the history of having been physically assaulted by their couples. Descriptive analysis and univariate and multivariate logistical regression for complex samples were done. RESULTS: Prevalence of physical violence at the national level was 14,5%, with variations according to the geographical areas (9,7% to 18,9%). The factor associated to a higher risk is having a couple who frequently gets drunk (OR: 7,2; 95%CI: 5,4-9,6) and having a couple controlling or limiting the woman's visits to family or friends (OR: 4,1; 95%CI: 3,3-5,0); other associated factors are history of physical aggression of the father to the mother, having had previous partners, be cohabiting, having a higher educational level than the partner and having a disbalanced decision taking in the couple. Among the factors associated with a lower risk are the communication and respect inside the couple (OR: 0,3; 95%CI: 0,2-0,3), and the fact that the woman has health insurance. CONCLUSIONS: Many individual factors, as well as factors of the couple relationship and others are associated with a higher probability of violence against the woman. Other agents, such as the communication and the respect in the couple, could have a protective character.

Factores asociados a violencia física reciente de pareja hacia la mujer en el Perú, 2004-2007 / Factors associated to recent intimate partner physical violence against women in Peru, 2004-2007

Objetivos. Identificar los factores asociados de violencia física reciente (en el último año) de pareja, hacia la mujer en el Perú. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un análisis secundario de la encuesta demográfica y de salud familiar (ENDES) 2004-2007. Se incluyó a 12 257 mujeres unidas o casadas que respondieron al módulo de violencia, con esta información se realizó la categorización de antecedente de violencia física infringida por la pareja. Se llevaron a cabo análisis descriptivos y regresiones logísticas univariadas y multivariadas para muestras complejas. Resultados. La prevalencia de violencia física a nivel nacional fue de 14,5%, con variación entre regiones geográficas (9,7 a 18,9%). El factor asociado con un mayor riesgo es que la pareja se embriague con frecuencia (OR: 7,2; IC 95%: 5,4-9,6) y que la pareja controle o limite las visitas de la mujer a familiares o amigos (OR: 4,1; IC 95%: 3,3-5,0); otros factores asociados son el antecedente de agresión física del padre hacia la madre, el haber tenido uniones previas de pareja, ser conviviente, tener mayor nivel de educación que la pareja o el desbalance en la toma de decisiones en la pareja. Entre los factores asociados con un menor riesgo, estuvieron la comunicación y respeto dentro de la pareja (OR: 0,3; IC 95%: 0,2-0,3) y el que la mujer tenga algún tipo de seguro de salud. Conclusiones. Diversos factores individuales, de relaciones de pareja u otros factores, están asociadas con una mayor probabilidad de violencia de pareja contra la mujer. Otros factores, como la comunicación y el respeto en la parej a, podrían tener carácter protector.

Objectives. To identify factors associated to recent (during the last year) intimate partner physical violence against women in Peru. Materials and methods. Using the demographic and Family Health National Survey (ENDES) 2004- 2007 a secondary analysis was performed. 12,257 women married or living with a couple who answered the violence module were included, with this information they were assigned to a category according to the history of having been physically assaulted by their couples. Descriptive analysis and univariate and multivariate logistical regression for complex samples were done. Results. Prevalence of physical violence at the national level was 14,5%, with variations according to the geographical areas (9,7% to 18,9%). The factor associated to a higher risk is having a couple who frequently gets drunk (OR: 7,2; 95%CI: 5,4-9,6) and having a couple controlling or limiting the woman’s visits to family or friends (OR: 4,1; 95%CI: 3,3-5,0); other associated factors are history of physical aggression of the father to the mother, having had previous partners, be cohabiting, having a higher educational level than the partner and having a disbalanced decision taking in the couple. Among the factors associated with a lower risk are the communication and respect inside the couple (OR: 0,3; 95%CI: 0,2-0,3), and the fact that the woman has health insurance. Conclusions. Many individual factors, as well as factors of the couple relationship and others are associated with a higher probability of violence against the woman. Other agents, such as the communication and the respect in the couple, could have a protective character.

Lineamientos de gestión de la estrategia sanitaria de alimentación y nutrición saludable: Documento técnico / Guidelines for the management of the health strategy of healthy food and nutrition: Technical document

La publicación contiene un diagnóstico de la situación nutricional, los objetivos estratégicos, las estrategias, los resultados esperados, las líneas de acción e indicadores, que serán considerados como referentes para las intervenciones sobre los problemas de alimentación y nutrición en el ámbito nacional.

Estudio basal de prevalencia de sífilis y vih y comportamientos asociados en población privada de libertad, Perú 1999 / Basal studies on syphilis and HIV prevalence and associated behaviors related to imprisoned population, Peru 1999

Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de sifilis y vih e identificar los comportamientos de riesgos asociados en personas privadas de libertad (PPL). Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal realizado durante el año 1999 en 22 establecimientos penitenciarios peruanos. Se realizó RPR para la detección de sífilis (datos ligados) y ELISA para tamizaje de vih (datos no ligados), confirmándose con IFI o Western Blot. Se realizó una encuesta estructurada y se analizaron los datos mediante los programas SPSS 9,0 y AMOS 4. Resutados: Particparon 6 963 PPL. La prevalencia de vih fue 1,1 por ciento y de sífilis 4,1 por ciento. Los comportamiento de riesgo asociados a vih más significativos fueron: consumo de drogas (OR:2,7), infecciones de transmisión sexual (OR:2,3), relaciones sexuales entre hombres (OR:2,2), uso de cocaína (OR: 2,1), úlcera genital (OR: 2,1), haber sido encarcelado previamente (OR: 2) y tener tatuajes (OR: 1,99). Mientras los asociados a sífilis fueron: tener relaciones sexuaqles entre hombres (OR: 2,8), infecciones de transmisión sexual (OR:2,4), úlcera genital (OR 1,8), haber tenido relaciones sexuales con trabajadora sexual (OR:1,5) y tener más de dos parejas sexuales (OR: 1,5). Utilizando un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales se asoció VIH con el reporte de tener tatuaje, más de dos parejas sexuales, mós de un encarcelamiento previo y úlcera genital. Conclusiones: Se encontraron importantes valores de prevalencia de VIH y sífilis en este grupo de personas, siendo necesario continuar realizando estudios similares que nos permitan conocer las tendencias (vigilancia de segunda generación) y conocer el impacto de posibles intervenciones

Percepción y comportamientos de riesgo de ITS/VIH, en mujeres adolescentes inscritas para obtener su libreta militar en Lima y Callao 2001 / STD/HIV risk perception and behaviour in adolescent women inscribed to obtain military identification card at Lima and Callao 2001

Objetivo: Obtener información acerca de comportamientos y percepción de riesgo de adquirir infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS-VIH-SIDA) en mujeres adolescentes de 16 y 17 años que se inscriben al servicio militar. Diseño: Estudio aleatorio transversal anónimo, realizado en Lima y Callao en el año 2001. Material y Métodos: Muestreo por conglomerados en tres etapas, con probabilidades proporcionales al tamaño; la muestra para el estudio resultó 755 adolescentes. Se utilizó un cuestionario autoaplicado. El análisis estadístico se desarrolló en tres etapas, descriptivo univariado, bivariado y se desarrolló un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales. Resultados: La media de la edad de las adolescentes encuestadas fue 16,4ñ0,49 años, y la media de inicio de relaciones sexuales 15,4 años. La proporción global de uso de condón fue 23,4 por ciento; 16 por ciento refirió haber tenido dos o más parejas sexuales en el último año, 33 por ciento haber tenido síntomas sugestivos de ITS, mientras que 88,3 por ciento percibió no tener algún riesgo de adquirir una enfermedad de transmisión sexual con su vida sexual actual. Del total de adolescentes, 26 por ciento no reconoció el condón como una forma de prevención del SIDA. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos de baja percepción de riesgo de ITS/VIH/SIDA y la alta referencia de signos de ITS, señalan la necesidad de priorizar esta población para realizar estrategias de prevención. El resultado del análisis de senderos subraya la importancia de considerar factores racionales (nivel de información, número de parejas sexuales) y no racionales (emociones y percepciones) en el desarrollo de estrategias de intervención para disminuir comportamiento de riesgo.

Síndrome de rubéola congénita en diecisiete hospitales del Perú, 1998-2000 / Congenital rubella syndrome prevalence at seventeen peruvian hospitals, 1998-2000

Objetivo: Determinar la presencia de casos de síndrome de rubéola congénita (SRC) en Hospitales Nacionales e Institutos Especializados del Perú. Diseño: Transversal, descriptivo. Material y Métodos: Se revisó historias clínicas de niños hospitalizados entre enero de 1998 y junio de 2000 en 17 hospitales ubicados en 7 departamentos del Perú, niños que presentaron cuando menos alguno de los siguientes diagnósticos: catarata o glaucoma congénitos, retinitis pigmentosa, malformación cardíaca congénita o sordera neurosensorial. Resultados: De 91 102 diagnósticos de egresos hospitalarios en niños menores de 12 años, 361 cumplían con los criterios de inclusión para el estudio; de ellos, 187 (51,8 por ciento) tuvieron sospecha de síndrome de rubéola congénita (SRC), 35 (9,7 por ciento) fueron casos probables y 5 (1,4 por ciento) confirmados. Las principales manifestaciones clínicas fueron cardiovasculares (93,6 por ciento), del sistema nervioso central (29,6 por ciento) y oculares (18,6 por ciento); 11 por ciento de los niños tuvo más de una manifestación clínica. Conclusión: Existe evidencia de niños con SRC que han sido hospitalizados en 17 hospitales en el Perú.

Síndrome de rubéola congénita en 6 colegios para niños con sordera y7o ceguera, en Lima, Cusco y Arequipa, Perú, 1998-2000 / Congenital rubella syndrome in 6 schools for deaf and7or blind children in Lima, Cusco and Arequipa, Peru, 1998-2000

OBJETIVO: Deteminar la presencia de casos de síndrome de rubéola congénita (SRC) en tres ciudades del Perú. Diseño: Transversal, descriptivo. Material y Métodos: En 6 colegios de educación especial para niños sordos y/o ciegos, ubicados en Lima (tres), Cusco (dos) y Arequipa (uno), se analizó la información contenida en registros médicos de niños menores de 12 años. Se incluyó los casos con criterios mayores de la definición de SRC. Resultados: De 364 registros de niños que estudian en colegios especiales, se incluyó 105; de ellos, 64,7 por ciento (75) tuvo manifestaciones del sistema nervioso, 31 por ciento oculares. Utilizando una ficha validada para el estudio, 61,9 por ciento correspondió a casos sospechosos, 21 por ciento probables y dos fueron casos confirmados (1,9 por ciento). Conclusiones: Debido a que 6,6 por ciento (24) del total de niños que estudian en colegios especiales son casos probables y confirmados de SRC, se evidencia que éste es un problema que existe en el país, por lo cual se fundamenta la necesidad de iniciar la vacunación antirubéolica en el país.