Percutaneous coronary intervention versus optimal medical therapy for stable coronary artery disease: An umbrella review.

Background: Invasive management of stable coronary artery disease is still a controversial topic. The purpose of this umbrella review was to synthesize systematic reviews (SRs) that evaluate the benefits and harms of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus optimal medical therapy (OMT) in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL from 2018 to August 7, 2022. We included SRs with meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the question of interest. We assessed the methodological quality of the SRs with the AMSTAR-2 tool. We summarized the results of the outcomes for each SR. We calculated the degree of overlap of the RCTs included in the SRs using the corrected covered area (CCA). Results: We found 10 SRs with meta-analyses. The SRs included 3 to 15 RCTs. The degree of overlap among the SRs was very high (CCA > 15%). No SR evaluated the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE system and 9 out of 10 had critically low methodological quality. The SRs reported heterogeneous results for the outcomes of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, revascularization, and angina. On the other hand, for the outcomes of cardiovascular mortality and stroke, all SRs agreed that there were no differences between PCI and OMT alone. Conclusions: We found 10 SRs on the use of PCI compared to OMT alone for patients with stable coronary artery disease. However, none had high methodological quality, none evaluated the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach, and the results were inconsistent for several outcomes. This variability in evidence may result in divergent clinical decisions for the management of stable coronary artery disease among healthcare professionals. It is necessary to perform a high-quality SR using the GRADE approach to clarify the balance of benefits and harms of PCI.

Prevalence of computer vision syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose This review aimed to estimate the prevalence of computer vision syndrome (CVS) in the general population and subgroups. Methods A search was conducted in the following the databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Web of Science until February 13, 2023. We included studies that assessed the prevalence of CVS in any population. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality. A meta-analysis of the prevalence of CVS was done using a random-effects model, assessing the sources of heterogeneity using subgroup and meta-regression analyses. Results A total of 103 cross-sectional studies with 66 577 participants were included. The prevalence of CVS was 69.0% (95% CI: 62.3 to 75.3; I2: 99.7%), ranging from 12.1 to 97.3% across studies. Point prevalence was higher in women than in men (71.4 vs. 61.8%), university students (76.1%), Africa (71.2%), Asia (69.9%), contact lens wearers (73.1% vs. 63.8%) in studies conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic (72.8%), and in those that did not use the CVS-Q questionnaire (75.4%). In meta-regression, using the CVS-Q scale was associated with a lower prevalence of CVS. Conclusion Seven out of ten people suffer from CVS. Preventive strategies and interventions are needed to decrease the prevalence of this condition which can affect productivity and quality of life. Future studies should standardize a definition of CVS. (AU)

Prevalence of computer vision syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This review aimed to estimate the prevalence of computer vision syndrome (CVS) in the general population and subgroups. METHODS: A search was conducted in the following the databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Web of Science until February 13, 2023. We included studies that assessed the prevalence of CVS in any population. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality. A meta-analysis of the prevalence of CVS was done using a random-effects model, assessing the sources of heterogeneity using subgroup and meta-regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 103 cross-sectional studies with 66 577 participants were included. The prevalence of CVS was 69.0% (95% CI: 62.3 to 75.3; I2: 99.7%), ranging from 12.1 to 97.3% across studies. Point prevalence was higher in women than in men (71.4 vs. 61.8%), university students (76.1%), Africa (71.2%), Asia (69.9%), contact lens wearers (73.1% vs. 63.8%) in studies conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic (72.8%), and in those that did not use the CVS-Q questionnaire (75.4%). In meta-regression, using the CVS-Q scale was associated with a lower prevalence of CVS. CONCLUSION: Seven out of ten people suffer from CVS. Preventive strategies and interventions are needed to decrease the prevalence of this condition which can affect productivity and quality of life. Future studies should standardize a definition of CVS.

Prevalence of hypertension in adults living at altitude in Latin America and the Caribbean: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the prevalence of hypertension in populations living at altitude in Latin America and the Caribbean. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search from January 1, 2000 to January 10, 2023 in Web of Science (WoS)/Core Collection, WoS/Medline, WoS/Scielo, Scopus, PubMed and Embase databases. We included studies that assessed the prevalence of hypertension in altitude populations (>1500 m.a.s.l.) and these were meta-analyzed using a random-effects model. To assess the sources of heterogeneity, we performed subgroup and meta-regression analyses. RESULTS: Thirty cross-sectional studies (117 406 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Studies used different cut-off points. The prevalence of hypertension in the studies that considered the cut-off point of ≥ 140/90 mmHg in the general population was 19.1%, ≥ 130/85 mmHg was 13.1%, and ≥ 130/80 mmHg was 43.4%. There was a tendency for the prevalence of hypertension to be higher in men. In meta-regression analyses, no association was found between altitude, mean age, year of publication, risk of bias and prevalence of hypertension. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hypertension in the altitude population of Latin America and the Caribbean is lower than that reported in populations living at sea level and lower than other altitude populations such as Tibetans. PROSPERO: CRD42021275229.

Evaluating the Diagnostic Performance of Hemoglobin in the Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency Anemia in High-Altitude Populations: A Scoping Review.

We evaluated the available literature on the diagnostic performance of hemoglobin (Hb) in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in high-altitude populations. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, Medline by Ovid, the Cochrane Library, and LILCAS until 3 May 2022. We included studies that evaluated the diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and accuracy) of Hb (with and without an altitude correction factor) compared to any iron deficiency (ID) marker (e.g., ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTFR), transferrin saturation, or total body iron (TBI)) in populations residing at altitudes (≥1000 m above sea level). We identified a total of 14 studies (with 4522 participants). We found disagreement in diagnostic performance test values between the studies, both in those comparing hemoglobin with and in those comparing hemoglobin without a correction factor for altitude. Sensitivity ranged from 7% to 100%, whereas specificity ranged from 30% to 100%. Three studies reported higher accuracy of uncorrected versus altitude-corrected hemoglobin. Similarly, two studies found that not correcting hemoglobin for altitude improved the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia. Available studies on high-altitude populations suggest that the diagnostic accuracy of Hb is higher when altitude correction is not used. In addition, the high prevalence of anemia in altitude regions could be due to diagnostic misclassification.

Green space exposure and type 2 diabetes mellitus incidence: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological studies have suggested that exposure to green spaces is associated with a lower prevalence of diabetes. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence on green spaces and diabetes mellitus II (T2DM) in longitudinal studies. METHODS: We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science (WoS)/Core Collection, WoS/MEDLINE, and EMBASE until February 2023. We included cohort studies that assessed the incidence of T2DM according to the level of exposure to green spaces. Two authors independently performed study selection, data extraction, and analysis of risk of bias. No meta-analysis was performed due to clinical heterogeneity between studies. RESULTS: We included 13 cohort studies with a sample size ranging from 1700 to 1 922 545 participants. Studies presented different ways of defining (quartiles, percentages) and measuring (tools, buffers) green spaces. Similarly, the definition of T2DM was heterogeneous (self-reports, medical records, clinical criteria). Twelve studies showed that individuals with higher exposure to green spaces had a decreased incidence of T2DM. Out of these 12 studies, 10 revealed statistically significant differences. All studies were of high methodological quality, except for one. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that exposure to green space could be a protective factor for the development of T2DM. Promoting policies to preserve and increase green space could help to reduce T2DM at the community level. More standardization of green space exposure definition is needed in studies on green space and T2DM.

Association between self-reported evidence-based medicine competencies and prescribing of drugs without scientific evidence against mild COVID-19 among recently graduated physicians in Peru.

Objective: To evaluate the association between self-rated evidence-based medicine (EBM) competencies and the prescription of drugs without scientific evidence against mild COVID-19 (present with any of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 but who do not have shortness of breath, dyspnea, or abnormal chest imaging) among recently graduated physicians in Peru. Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study where we evaluated a non-probability sample of recently graduated physicians during June and July 2021 (end of second wave of COVID-19 in Peru). Self-rated EBM competencies were assessed by four domains (formulation of a clinical question, search, analysis, and application) using a Likert scale with scores from zero to four ("Very inadequate" = 0, to "Very Adequate" = 4), it was considered as "Adequate" if the score was three or four. In addition, the variable "General competence on EBM" was rated as "Adequate" if in all domains evaluated it presented an adequate self-rating. For the outcome, drug prescription, we considered the use of ivermectin, azithromycin, other antibiotics, hydroxychloroquine, dexamethasone, and anticoagulants (drugs with no efficacy demonstrated for patients with mild COVID-19). To assess the association, we used Poisson regression models with robust variances and obtaining crude (cPR) and adjusted (aPR) prevalence ratios with their 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: Of a total of 239 physicians included 70.7% prescribed at least one drug without scientific evidence. A total of 51.1% reported adequate ratings in all evaluated domains of EBM. Self-rating the "Clinical Question Formulation" competency as adequate was associated with a lower frequency of prescribing medications for mild COVID-19 (aPR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.91-0.95). While self-rating as adequate the competency of "Identify possible implications of investigations" was associated with an increase in the prescription of such drugs (aPR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.09-1.20). Additionally, self-rating all domains as adequate were associated with less prescription (aPR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.90-0.96). Conclusion: Seven out of ten recently graduated physicians prescribed some type of medication without scientific evidence to treat patients with mild COVID-19. Having adequate self-perceived EBM competencies was associated with a lower frequency of prescribing medications without scientific evidence to manage patients with mild COVID-19.

Level of Knowledge Regarding Mpox among Peruvian Physicians during the 2022 Outbreak: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Due to the high incidence of mpox in Peru and the poor knowledge about this disease among healthcare workers in non-endemic countries, it is crucial to determine the knowledge status of Peruvian physicians. Methodology: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study based on an online survey from August to September 2022. Physicians who had a medical license and lived and practiced medicine in Peru were included. To evaluate the factors associated with a higher level of knowledge, we used crude (cPR) and adjusted (aPR) prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using Poisson regression. Results: We included 463 physicians. The mean age was 36.6 (SD: 10.3) years, and most were male (58.1%). Regarding knowledge, the median knowledge score was 14 [IQR: 13 to 15] out of 17 points. In terms of knowledge gaps, only 60.7% of the participants knew that there was an FDA-approved vaccine for mpox, 49.0% of participants knew about mpox proctitis and 33.3% acknowledged that it could be transmitted by the bite of an infected rodent. We found that taking care of patients with mpox (aPR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.72) was associated with higher knowledge (>p50), while living in the eastern macro-region (aPR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.93) was associated with lower knowledge (≤p50). Conclusions: Our study showed a high level of knowledge about mpox among Peruvian physicians. However, educational campaigns may be necessary, especially for physicians from the eastern region and those who do not have clinical experience with mpox.

[Environmental health: an educational need for Peruvian physicians] / Salud ambiental: una necesidad educativa para los médicos del Perú.

Introduction: The implementation of courses related to environmental health in undergraduate curricula favors the formation of physicians more committed to the impact of climate change on health. The aim of the study was to identify the prevalence of environmental health courses in Peruvian medical schools, as well as their comparison with air quality levels for each region of the country.Methods: A descriptive study was carried out. We searched the web page of the National Superintendence of University Higher Education (SUNEDU) of Peru and selected those universities with registered human medicine faculties. We analyzed whether they included in their curriculum a course related to environmental medicine and compared it with the levels of air quality (particulate matter) for each region. Results: Of 41 medical schools included, 26 (63.4%) of them included a course related to environmental health in their curriculum, and 2 (7.7%) of them included it as an optional course. Of the regions with a moderate/bad air quality index, 63% have medical schools with lecture courses on environmental medicine. Conclusions: It is necessary to standardize the methodology, contents and teaching resources, as well as the study of relevant topics such as climate change, in addition to its integration with the other courses of the medical career given the importance of environmental health in the different regions of Peru

Introducción: La implementación de cursos relacionados a la salud ambiental en las currículas de pregrado favorece la formación de médicos más comprometidos con el impacto del cambio climático sobre la salud. El objetivo del estudio fue identificar la prevalencia de cursos lectivos sobre salud ambiental en facultades de medicina del Perú, así como su comparación con los niveles de calidad de aire por cada región del país. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo. Se buscó en la página web de la Superintendencia Nacional de Educación Superior Universitaria (SUNEDU) del Perú y se seleccionó aquellas universidades con facultad de medicina humana registradas. Se analizó si estas incluían en su currículo un curso relacionado a medicina ambiental y se comparó con los niveles de calidad de aire (Material particulado) por cada región. Resultados: De 41 facultades de medicina incluidas, 26 (63,4%) de ellas incluyeron en su currículum un curso relacionado a salud ambiental, y 2 (7,7%) de ellas lo incluyeron como un curso opcional. De las regiones con un índice de calidad de aire moderado/malo, el 63% cuentan con facultades de medicina con cursos lectivos sobre medicina ambiental. Conclusiones: Es necesario estandarizar su metodología, contenidos y recursos de enseñanza, así como el estudio de temas relevantes como el cambio climático, además de su integración con los demás cursos de la carrera médica dada la importancia que cobra la salud ambiental en las diferentes regiones del Perú.

Satisfacción del personal de salud y pacientes sobre un servicio de telesalud de un hospital de Perú / Satisfaction of healthcare workers and patients regarding telehealth service in a hospital in Peru

Objetivos. Evaluar el nivel de satisfacción con el servicio de telesalud del Hospital III Regional Honorio Delgado (HRHD) por parte del personal de salud y los pacientes atendidos, así como el nivel de madurez de implementación de dicho servicio. Materiales y métodos. Estudio observacional transversal llevado a cabo desde octubre a diciembre del 2021. La satisfacción del personal de salud y de los pacientes fueron evaluadas con la encuesta de Glaser et al. y el cuestionario Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ), respectivamente. El nivel de madurez del servicio se evaluó mediante la herramienta de medición del nivel de madurez de las instituciones de salud para implementar servicios de telemedicina de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud. Resultados. Se obtuvieron 129 respuestas del personal de salud. El número de profesionales no médicos satisfechos con el servicio de telesalud fue mayor al de médicos (72,5% vs 18,3%). De los 377 pacientes, el 77,6% manifestó estar satisfecho con el servicio. Con respecto al nivel de madurez, el servicio de telemedicina del HRHD cuenta con 32% de ítems en estado nulo, 40,8% en iniciado, 25,2% en avanzado y 2% en listo. Conclusiones. La satisfacción de los médicos fue menor a la de los otros profesionales de la salud. Los pacientes reportaron una satisfacción moderadamente alta. La implementación del servicio de telesalud en el HRHD se orienta hacia un nivel nulo o iniciado. Es importante que los tomadores de decisiones consideren la satisfacción de usuarios durante la implementación y seguimiento de los servicios de telesalud.

Objectives. To evaluate the level of satisfaction of healthcare workers and patients with the telehealth service of the Hospital III Regional Honorio Delgado (HRHD), as well as the maturity level of the telehealth service implementation. Materials and methods. Cross-sectional, observational study conducted from October to December 2021. The satisfaction of healthcare workers and patients was assessed with the Glaser et al. survey and the Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ), respectively. The level of service maturity was assessed using the Pan American Health Organization's instrument for measuring the maturity level of healthcare institutions implementing telemedicine service. Results. A total of 129 responses were obtained from healthcare workers. Non-physician professionals' satisfaction with the telehealth service was higher than that of physicians (72.5% vs. 18.3%). Of 377 patients, 77.6% stated they were satisfied with the service. Regarding the maturity level, the HRHD telemedicine service had 32% of items in null status, 40.8% in started, 25.2% in advanced, and 2% in ready conditions. Conclusions. Physician satisfaction was lower than that of other health professionals. Patients had a moderate-high satisfaction. The maturity level of telehealth implementation in HRHD was oriented towards a null or initiated level. Decision-makers need to consider user satisfaction for the telehealth implementation and the follow-up.

Factors Associated With Drug Consumption Without Scientific Evidence in Patients With Mild COVID-19 in Peru.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with the consumption of drugs without scientific evidence in patients with mild COVID-19 infection in Peru. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out including 372 adult patients with a history of mild COVID-19 disease. Factors associated with drug consumption were evaluated by Poisson regressions with robust variance adjustment using the bootstrapping resampling method. RESULTS: Seventy-two percent consumed some medication without scientific evidence, with antibiotics (71%) and ivermectin for human use (68%) being the most commonly used. Factors associated with the consumption of drugs to treat mild COVID-19 infection were thinking that the drugs are not effective (adjusted prevalence ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.41-0.74) and not being informed about the efficacy of the drugs (adjusted prevalence ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.65). CONCLUSIONS: Education of the population seems to be the main factor that increases the consumption of drugs without scientific evidence in the Peruvian population to treat mild COVID-19.

Adherence to Mediterranean diet associated with health-related quality of life in children and adolescents: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become a significant outcome in assessing interventions in the pediatric population and could be influenced by diet patterns. The Mediterranean diet (MD) pattern has been related to multiple positive health outcomes, including decreased cardiovascular risk and better mental health. We aimed to evaluate the association between MD adherence and HRQoL in children and adolescents. METHODS: The literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Ovid-MEDLINE databases from inception to May 2022. Two researchers independently checked titles and abstracts, evaluated full-text studies, extracted data, and appraised the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). RESULTS: Eleven studies (1 longitudinal and 10 cross-sectional), totaling 6,796 subjects, were included. Ten studies assessed MD adherence with KIDMED index, and one assessed MD adherence with Krece Plus test, while all included studies assessed HRQoL with a KIDSCREEN test. All studies analyzed the association between MD adherence and HRQoL with linear regression, and eight used adjusted models. Five studies found a significant positive association of MD adherence with HRQoL, with ß-values ranging from 0.13 to 0.26. Two found a nonsignificant positive relationship, while one found a negative association. According to the NOS criteria, the risk of bias assessment showed four studies with a low risk of bias and seven with a high risk of bias. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a positive correlation of MD adherence with HRQoL in children and adolescents. However, future research is needed to strengthen the evidence of this relationship. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CRD42021236188 (PROSPERO).

Factors associated with prevention practices against COVID-19 in the Peruvian population: Disparities between rural and urban areas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors associated with prevention practices against COVID-19 in the Peruvian population according to rural vs. urban locations. METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional study, secondary analysis based on a previously collected database. A sample of individuals over 18 years of age, residing in Peru and with no history of COVID-19was evaluated. Factors associated with prevention practices were evaluated using Poisson regressions with variance adjustment by region cluster and stratified by rurality. RESULTS: Of 3231 participants included, 2741 (84.8%) were from urban areas and 490 (15.2%) from rural areas. The frequency of good prevention practices against COVID-19 was 27.8% in our total sample. In urban areas the frequency of good prevention practices was 28.8% and in rural areas it was 22.5%. Factors associated with prevention practices against COVID-19 in both urban and rural areas were male sex (urban: aPR 0.64, 95%CI 0.55-0.75; rural: aPR 0.66, 95%CI 0.54-0.80) and self-considering adequately carrying out prevention practices (urban: aPR 2.48, 95%CI 2.13-2.89; rural: aPR 2.70, 95%CI 2.27-3.19). CONCLUSION: The frequency of good prevention practices against COVID-19 was less than 30% in both urban and rural areas. There are differences in the factors associated with good preventive practice against COVID-19. Only sex and considering that preventive measures were adequately carried out were associated with good prevention practices in both areas. In view of this, prevention measures should be promoted taking into account cultural principles and considering geographical location in the face of present and future outbreaks or pandemics.

Recommendations for nutritional assessment across clinical practice guidelines: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: CPGs propose several methods and criteria to perform nutritional assessment, a key process to determine the type and severity of malnutrition, which generates variability in clinical practice and outcomes. The aim of the study was to describe the criteria considered by clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for nutritional assessment. METHODS: We performed a scoping review systematically searching in PubMed, Trip Database, Google Scholar, and Google, until November 5, 2021. We included all CPGs mentioning tools or criteria for nutritional assessment in adults from the general population or with any specific pathology or condition. Two authors independently reviewed and decided on study selection and data extraction. RESULTS: We included 18 CPGs (12 elaborated in Europe). The CPGs recommended heterogeneous criteria for nutritional assessment: 16/18 CPGs included at least one body composition parameter (e.g., loss of muscle mass, loss of subcutaneous fat), 15/18 included history related to dietary intake, 15/18 included clinical history (e.g., weight loss), 10/18 included anthropometric measurement (e.g., low body mass index [BMI]), 11/18 included biochemical criteria (e.g., albumin, C-reactive protein), 8/18 included physical examination (e.g., fluid retention, sarcopenia, loss of subcutaneous fat), 8/18 included functional test (e.g., decreased handgrip strength), and 1/18 included catabolic state. Also, 9/18 CPGs mentioned a tool for nutritional assessment, the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) the most common (8/18). None of the CPGs justified the inclusion of any of the tools or criteria they mentioned. CONCLUSIONS: The CPGs mentioned heterogeneous criteria for nutritional assessment. The most commonly mentioned criteria were decreased food intake, loss of muscle mass, weight loss, and low BMI. The most mentioned tool was the SGA. None of the CPGs provided a clear rationale for using certain criteria or tools for nutritional assessment.

Satisfaction of healthcare workers and patients regarding telehealth service in a hospital in Peru. / Satisfacción del personal de salud y pacientes sobre un servicio de telesalud de un hospital de Perú.

OBJECTIVES.: To evaluate the level of satisfaction of healthcare workers and patients with the telehealth service of the Hospital III Regional Honorio Delgado (HRHD), as well as the maturity level of the telehealth service implementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: Cross-sectional, observational study conducted from October to December 2021. The satisfaction of healthcare workers and patients was assessed with the Glaser et al. survey and the Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ), respectively. The level of service maturity was assessed using the Pan American Health Organization's instrument for measuring the maturity level of healthcare institutions implementing telemedicine service. RESULTS.: A total of 129 responses were obtained from healthcare workers. Non-physician professionals' satisfaction with the telehealth service was higher than that of physicians (72.5% vs. 18.3%). Of 377 patients, 77.6% stated they were satisfied with the service. Regarding the maturity level, the HRHD telemedicine service had 32% of items in null status, 40.8% in started, 25.2% in advanced, and 2% in ready conditions. CONCLUSIONS.: Physician satisfaction was lower than that of other health professionals. Patients had a moderate-high satisfaction. The maturity level of telehealth implementation in HRHD was oriented towards a null or initiated level. Decision-makers need to consider user satisfaction for the telehealth implementation and the follow-up.

OBJETIVOS.: Evaluar el nivel de satisfacción con el servicio de telesalud del Hospital III Regional Honorio Delgado (HRHD) por parte del personal de salud y los pacientes atendidos, así como el nivel de madurez de implementación de dicho servicio. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Estudio observacional transversal llevado a cabo desde octubre a diciembre del 2021. La satisfacción del personal de salud y de los pacientes fueron evaluadas con la encuesta de Glaser et al. y el cuestionario Telemedicine Satisfaction Questionnaire (TSQ), respectivamente. El nivel de madurez del servicio se evaluó mediante la herramienta de medición del nivel de madurez de las instituciones de salud para implementar servicios de telemedicina de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud. RESULTADOS.: Se obtuvieron 129 respuestas del personal de salud. El número de profesionales no médicos satisfechos con el servicio de telesalud fue mayor al de médicos (72,5% vs 18,3%). De los 377 pacientes, el 77,6% manifestó estar satisfecho con el servicio. Con respecto al nivel de madurez, el servicio de telemedicina del HRHD cuenta con 32% de ítems en estado nulo, 40,8% en iniciado, 25,2% en avanzado y 2% en listo. CONCLUSIONES.: La satisfacción de los médicos fue menor a la de los otros profesionales de la salud. Los pacientes reportaron una satisfacción moderadamente alta. La implementación del servicio de telesalud en el HRHD se orienta hacia un nivel nulo o iniciado. Es importante que los tomadores de decisiones consideren la satisfacción de usuarios durante la implementación y seguimiento de los servicios de telesalud.

Factors associated with the consumption of chlorine dioxide to prevent and treat COVID-19 in the Peruvian population: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Chlorine dioxide has been promoted as an alternative for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, especially in Peru, despite the lack of evidence to support its efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the factors associated with chlorine dioxide consumption in the Peruvian population. METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional study. An adult Peruvian population was evaluated where chlorine dioxide consumption was divided into two groups according to the purpose of use: as prevention (individuals without COVID-19 history) and as treatment (individuals with COVID-19 history). The associated factors in each group were evaluated using Poisson regressions with the bootstrapping resampling method. RESULTS: Of 3610 participants included, 3213 reported no history of COVID-19, and 397 had been infected. The prevalence of chlorine dioxide consumption to prevent or treat COVID-19 was 8 and 16%, respectively. Factors either positively or negatively associated with chlorine dioxide consumption for prevention were male sex (aPR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.09-1.71), being an adult or older adult (aPR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.35-0.82), having a health sciences student within the family unit (aPR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.02-1.87), using medical information as the main source of information of COVID-19 (aPR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.40-0.80), having comorbidities for COVID-19 (aPR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.01-1.82), considering COVID-19 dangerous and deadly (aPR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.45-0.74), using medications (aPR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.25-2.06) and plants to prevent COVID-19 (aPR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.21-2.36), considering chlorine dioxide ineffective (aPR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.18-0.24), and being uninformed of its efficacy (aPR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.16-0.28). In addition, factors associated with chlorine dioxide consumption for treatment were considering COVID-19 dangerous and deadly (aPR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.33-0.96), considering chlorine dioxide ineffective (aPR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.12-0.42), and being uninformed of its efficacy (aPR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.07-0.32). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of chlorine dioxide consumption to treat COVID-19 was higher than prevent. It is important to apply information strategies, prioritizing population groups with certain characteristics that are associated with a higher consumption pattern.

Prácticas de prevención y control frente a la infección por Sars-Cov2 en la población peruana / Prevention and control practices against Sars-Cov2 infection in the peruvian population

Objetivo: Describir las prácticas de prevención y control para la infección por SARS-CoV2 en la población peruana. Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional de tipo descriptivo. Se evaluó una muestra no probabilística de adultos residentes en algún departamento de Perú. Las prácticas preventivas fueron evaluadas en personas sin antecedente de COVID-19 y las prácticas de control en personas que lo habían padecido. Resultados: Se evaluó un total de 3630 peruanos (edad media 25,4 ± 9,5) de los cuales el 3231 no indicaban el antecedente de COVID-19 y 399 refirieron haberlo padecido. Las medidas de prevención y control que se realizaron a menudo o siempre con mayor frecuencia fueron el utilizar mascarilla al salir de casa (97,9% vs 87,7), cubrirse su nariz y boca al estornudar o toser (95,4% vs 89,9%), guardar distancia de los demás en la calle (91,4% vs 74,7%), realizar el lavado de manos con agua y jabón al volver a casa (92,5% vs 88,7%), y desinfectar las superficies de objetos y lugares personales (82,6% vs 77,4%). El 22,1% y 83,7%, el 59,7% y 80,2, y el 8,0% y 16,8% consumieron algún tipo de medicamento, planta medicinal y dióxido de cloro para la prevención y control de la infección de COVID-19, respectivamente. Conclusiones: En general, menos del 50% de los participantes realizaron prácticas de prevención y control frente a la COVID-19 a menudo o siempre.

Objective: To describe prevention and control practices for SARS-CoV2 infection in the Peruvian population. Material and Methods: Observational descriptive study. A non-probabilistic sample of adults residing in a Peruvian department was evaluated. Preventive practices were evaluated in people with no history of COVID-19 and control practices in people who had had COVID-19. Results: A total of 3630 Peruvians were evaluated (mean age 25.4 ± 9.5) of whom 3231 did not indicate a history of COVID-19 and 399 reported having suffered from it. The prevention and control measures most frequently or always performed were using a mask when leaving home (97.9% vs 87.7%), covering their nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing (95.4% vs 89.9%), keeping their distance from others in the street (91.4% vs 74.7%), washing hands with soap and water when returning home (92.5% vs 88.7%), and disinfecting surfaces of objects and personal places (82.6% vs 77.4%). 22.1% and 83.7%, 59.7% and 80.2, and 8.0% and 16.8% consumed some type of medication, medicinal plant, and chlorine dioxide for prevention and control of COVID-19 infection, respectively. Conclusions: Overall, less than 50% of the participants performed prevention and control practices against COVID-19 often or always.

Riesgo de aerolización como limitante para el uso de cánulas de alto flujo en pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria por Covid-19 de hospitales de recursos limitados / Risk of aerolization as a limitation for the use of high flow cannulas in patients with respiratory insufficiency due to Covid-19 in limited resource hospitals

Señor Editor: Ha pasado más de un año desde la aparición de la COVID-19, se han desarrollado diferentes tipos de vacunas sin embargo a pesar de ello, debido a las demoras logísticas del proceso de vacunación y las mutaciones del virus, esta continúa propagándose. Ahora que está terminando la segunda ola, los sistemas de salud de hospitales públicos y privados de países subdesarrollados están colapsando nuevamente y agotando el uso de los ventiladores mecánicos invasivos en las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI)

Mr. Editor: It has been more than a year since the appearance of COVID-19, different types of vaccines have been developed however despite this, due to logistical delays in the vaccination process and mutations of the virus, it continues to spread. Now that the second wave is ending, public and private hospital health systems in underdeveloped countries are again collapsing and exhausting the use of invasive mechanical ventilators in Intensive Care Units (ICUs).

Características de las cartas al editor de las revistas biomédicas indizadas en SciELO-Perú / Characteristics of letters to the editor published in biomedical journals indexed in SciELO-Peru

Este artículo tuvo como objetivo describir las características de las cartas al editor publicadas durante el período 2014-2018 en las revistas biomédicas indizadas en SciELO-Perú en el año 2020. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de las publicaciones ubicadas en la sección Cartas al editor de cada una de las revistas biomédicas indizadas en SciELO-Perú desde el año 2014 al 2018. Las variables fueron: frecuencia anual, colaboración académica, grado académico, filiación institucional, número de citaciones y de autores, así como propósito general y específico. Se hizo un análisis de las frecuencias en Google Sheets y STATA 14. El 12,40 por ciento del total de las publicaciones eran cartas al editor (9,95 por ciento en el año 2014 y 12,18 por ciento en el 2018). La participación estudiantil individual representó el 9,47 por ciento y las publicaciones realizadas en colaboración con profesionales fue del 18,68 por ciento. Predominaron las cartas de comentarios generales (38,68 por ciento), seguidas de hallazgos propios (34,74 por ciento) y comentarios sobre un artículo previo (26,58 por ciento). Aumentaron las publicaciones de hallazgos propios, las cuales resultaron las más citadas (media: 3,15). Las críticas sobre cuestiones metodológicas fueron del 9,21 por ciento, de las que solamente el 60 por ciento presentó réplica de los autores. Aquellas que denunciaban faltas éticas eran solo del 1,05 por ciento y ninguna comentaba la política editorial de la revista. La publicación de cartas al editor aumentó en los últimos años; sin embargo, su empleo como medio de revisión crítico y ético pospublicación es bajo, y la presentación de hallazgos propios fue uno de sus principales usos(AU)

The purpose of the present study was to describe the characteristics of letters to the editor published in the period 2014-2018 in biomedical journals indexed in SciELO-Peru in the year 2020. A descriptive study was conducted of publications included in the section Letters to the editor of each one of the biomedical journals indexed in SciELO-Peru in the period 2014-2018. The variables studied were yearly frequency, academic collaboration, academic degree, institutional affiliation, number of citations and authors, and general and specific purpose. Frequency analysis was based on Google Sheets and STATA 14. Of the total publications, 12.40 percent were letters to the editor (9.95 percent in the year 2014 and 12.18 percent in 2018). Contributions by individual students accounted for 9.47 percent, whereas publications developed in collaboration with professionals represented 18.68 percent. A predominance was found of general comments letters (38.68 percent), followed by personal findings (34.74 percent) and comments on a previous paper (26.58 percent). An increase was observed in personal findings publications, which were the most commonly cited (mean: 3.15). Critiques about methodological questions were 9.21 percent, of which only 60 percent received a reply from the authors. Letters denouncing ethical breaches were only 1.05 percent and none commented on the journal's editorial policy. Publication of letters to the editor has increased in recent years. However, their use as a critical and ethical post-publication review is low, and the presentation of personal findings was one of their main uses(AU)

Consumo de hierro y prevalencia de anemia en niños y adolescentes en una comunidad a gran altitud en Perú / Iron consumption and prevalence of anemia in children and adolescents in a high altitude community in Peru

FUNDAMENTOS: Los niños y adolescentes que residen a gran altitud, 3.000 o más metros sobre el nivel del mar (m.s.n.m.) representan un grupo vulnerable que puede tener anemia. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la relación entre los valores de hemoglobina y los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre el consumo de hierro en niños y adolescentes de la comunidad de Ayroca, Arequipa, Perú. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo. Se midieron los niveles de hemoglobina en 65 niños y adolescentes de Ayroca, ubicada a 3515 m.s.n.m. Se evaluó el diagnóstico de anemia tanto usando las recomendaciones de corrección por altitud del Ministerio de Salud del Perú (MINSA) como sin corregir. Para determinar los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas respecto al consumo de hierro, aplicamos el cuestionario KAP de la Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) para deficiencia de hierro, en los responsables del cuidado de la población de estudio. RESULTADOS: Usando la recomendación del MINSA, del total de niños y adolescentes, el 30,8% tenía anemia leve, 12,3% anemia moderada y 56,9% no tenía anemia. Cuando no se realizó la corrección por altitud el 93,8% no tenía anemia. En cuanto al consumo de hierro no fue diferente entre los menores con anemia y sin anemia. La principal fuente de hierro con la que se preparan los alimentos fue el pollo 28 (60,9%) y la res 18 (39,1%). No se encontró diferencias entre actitudes y prácticas entre los grupos estudiados. CONCLUSIONES: Utilizando el factor de corrección por altitud, no se encontró relación entre la prevalencia de anemia y los conocimientos, prácticas y actitudes con respecto al consumo de hierro, por lo que vemos necesario considerar factores de corrección por altitud exclusivos para la población peruana

BACKGROUND: Children and adolescents residing at high altitudes, 3,000 or more meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.) represent a vulnerable group that may have anemia. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between hemoglobin values and knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding iron consumption in children and adolescents from the Ayroca community, Arequipa, Peru. METHODS: Descriptive study. Hemoglobin levels were measured in 65 children and adolescents from Ayroca, located at 3,515 m.a.s.l. The diagnosis of anemia was evaluated both using the altitude correction recommendations of the Peruvian Ministry of Health (MINSA) and uncorrected. To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding iron consumption, we applied the KAP questionnaire of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for iron deficiency, in those responsible for the care of the study population. RESULTS: Using the MINSA recommendation, of all children and adolescents, 30.8% had mild anemia, 12.3% moderate anemia and 56.9% had no anemia. When the altitude correction was not performed, 93.8% did not have anemia. As for iron consumption, it was not different between children with anemia and without anemia. The main source of iron with which food is prepared was chicken 28 (60.9%) and beef 18 (39.1%). No differences were found between attitudes and practices between the groups studied. CONCLUSIONS: Using the altitude correction factor, no relationship was found between the prevalence of anemia and the knowledge, practices and attitudes regarding iron consumption, so we consider it necessary to consider exclusive altitude correction factors for the Peruvian population