Acceptability and continuation of use of the subdermal contraceptive implant among adolescents and young women in Argentina: a retrospective cohort study.

A new public policy was instituted in Argentina for free distribution of subdermal contraceptive implants to women aged 15-24 years old in the public healthcare system. The objective of this study is to determine the extent to which this population adhered to the implant, as well as predictors of continuation. The retrospective cohort study was based on a telephone survey of a random sample of 1101 Ministry of Health-registered implant users concerning the continuation of use, satisfaction with the method and side-effects, and reasons for removal. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis were used to explore the association between adherence and having received contraceptive counselling, satisfaction, and side effects. We found high levels of adherence (87%) and satisfaction (94%). Common reported side effects were amenorrhoea or infrequent bleeding, perceived weight gain, increased menstrual bleeding and headaches. Multivariate regression analysis indicates that, among adolescents, having received contraceptive counselling increased comfort, while frequent bleeding at six months hindered trust. Participants who had a history of a prior delivery or who had themselves primarily chosen the method were less likely to request the removal of the implant. Our results support the public policy of free implant distribution in the public health sector. This is a sustainable public policy that contributes to equity and access to effective contraception. It is appropriate for adolescents and young women and will also reduce unintended pregnancies. Our results suggest that counselling patients is key prior to insertion of the implant, as it improves acceptability and continuation.

Bases para el desarrollo e implementación de un modelo de información en salud de la mujer y perinatal orientado a la gestión en Latinoamérica

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. El Sistema Informático Perinatal (SIP) ha marcado un hito en el uso de información sistematizada en la Región de las Américas. Lo que se ha aprendido ha contribuido al desarrollo de un modelo basado en un conjunto mínimo de indicadores (CMI). El objetivo del estudio fue describir el proceso histórico y metodológico de desarrollo, implementación y escalamiento territorial de un CMI para monitorizar y evaluar políticas, programas y servicios de salud de la mujer y perinatal orientado a la gestión (SIP-GESTIÓN). Métodos. El estudio se llevó a cabo en dos etapas: 1) validación en cuatro fases de un CMI en una red de hospitales: a) construcción del modelo teórico de indicadores, b) implementación de la investigación operativa, c) selección final de indicadores, y d) definición de patrones de referencia, y 2) escalamiento territorial. Resultados. Se identificaron 17 modelos de indicadores. El modelo inicial incluyó 177 indicadores agrupados en siete dimensiones (contexto, hábitos, accesibilidad, uso de servicios, calidad de cuidados, impacto materno-fetal, e impacto materno-neonatal) que se redujeron a 21 tras tres rondas Delphi. El modelo final (SIP-GESTIÓN) incluyó 40 indicadores. Se analizaron 240 021 partos (79,1%) de un total de 303 559 atendidos en las 122 maternidades seleccionadas en 24 Jurisdicciones (100%) de Argentina. La información se presenta a nivel nacional y desagregada por región sanitaria, provincia y hospital. Conclusiones. Este modelo permitió alcanzar altos niveles de cobertura y calidad de la información y escalamiento territorial y es útil para la gestión, la investigación y la reorientación de programas y políticas.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. The Perinatal Information System (SIP) represents a milestone in the use of systematized information in the Region of the Americas. What has been learned from the system has contributed to the development of a model based on a set of core indicators (SCI). The objective of the study was to describe the historical and methodological process involved in the development, implementation, and territorial scaling-up of an SCI to monitor and evaluate women’s and perinatal health policies, programs, and services geared to management (SIP-GESTIÓN). Methods. The study was conducted in two stages: 1) a four-phase validation of an SCI in a hospital network: a) construction of the theoretical indicator model, b) operations research, c) final selection of the indicators, and d) the definition of reference standards; and 2) territorial scaling-up. Results. A total of 17 indicator models were identified. The initial model included 177 indicators divided into seven dimensions (context, habits, accessibility, use of services, quality of care, maternal and fetal impact, and maternal and neonatal impact), with 21 indicators remaining after three Delphi rounds. The final model (SIPGESTIÓN), which included 40 indicators, was then used to study 240,021 (79.1%) of the 303,559 deliveries attended in 122 selected maternity facilities in 24 jurisdictions (100%) in Argentina. The information is presented in national terms and by health region, province, and hospital. Conclusions. This model has made it possible to achieve high levels of information coverage and quality and territorial scaling-up and is useful for management, research, and the reorientation of programs and policies.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. O Sistema de Informação Perinatal (SIP) é um marco no uso de informação sistematizada na Região das Américas. A experiência obtida contribuiu para o desenvolvimento de um modelo baseado em um conjunto mínimo de indicadores (CMI). O objetivo do estudo foi descrever o processo histórico e metodológico do desenvolvimento, implementação e dimensionamento territorial do CMI para monitorar e avaliar políticas, programas e serviços de saúde materna e perinatal orientado à gestão (SIP-gestão). Métodos. O estudo foi realizado em duas etapas. A primeira etapa consistiu da validação em quatro fases de um CMI em uma rede de hospitais: a) construção do modelo teórico de indicadores, b) implementação da pesquisa operacional, c) seleção final dos indicadores e d) definição dos padrões de referência. A segunda etapa consistiu da determinação da escala territorial. Resultados. Foram identificados 17 modelos de indicadores. O modelo inicial incluiu 177 indicadores agrupados em sete dimensões (contexto, hábitos, acessibilidade, utilização de serviços, qualidade do atendimento, impacto materno-fetal e impacto materno-neonatal) que foram reduzidas a 21 após três rodadas de aplicação da técnica Delphi. O modelo final (SIP-gestão) inclui 40 indicadores. Foram analisados 240.021 partos (79,1%) de um número total de 303.559 casos atendidos nas 122 maternidades selecionadas em 24 jurisdições (100%) da Argentina. Os dados são apresentados ao nível nacional e desagregados por região de saúde, província e hospital. Conclusões. O modelo desenvolvido atingiu altos níveis de cobertura e qualidade da informação e determinação da escala territorial, e pode ser usado na gestão, pesquisa e reorientação de programas e políticas.

[Foundations for the development and implementation of a women's and perinatal health information model for management in Latin AmericaFundamentos do desenvolvimento e implementação de um modelo de informação em saúde da materna e perinatal orientado à gestão na América Latina]. / Bases para el desarrollo e implementación de un modelo de información en salud de la mujer y perinatal orientado a la gestión en Latinoamérica.

OBJECTIVE: The Perinatal Information System (SIP) represents a milestone in the use of systematized information in the Region of the Americas. What has been learned from the system has contributed to the development of a model based on a set of core indicators (SCI). The objective of the study was to describe the historical and methodological process involved in the development, implementation, and territorial scaling-up of an SCI to monitor and evaluate women's and perinatal health policies, programs, and services geared to management (SIP-GESTIÓN). METHODS: The study was conducted in two stages: 1) a four-phase validation of an SCI in a hospital network: a) construction of the theoretical indicator model, b) operations research, c) final selection of the indicators, and d) the definition of reference standards; and 2) territorial scaling-up. RESULTS: A total of 17 indicator models were identified. The initial model included 177 indicators divided into seven dimensions (context, habits, accessibility, use of services, quality of care, maternal and fetal impact, and maternal and neonatal impact), with 21 indicators remaining after three Delphi rounds. The final model (SIP-GESTIÓN), which included 40 indicators, was then used to study 240,021 (79.1%) of the 303,559 deliveries attended in 122 selected maternity facilities in 24 jurisdictions (100%) in Argentina. The information is presented in national terms and by health region, province, and hospital. CONCLUSIONS: This model has made it possible to achieve high levels of information coverage and quality and territorial scaling-up and is useful for management, research, and the reorientation of programs and policies.

OBJETIVO: O Sistema de Informação Perinatal (SIP) é um marco no uso de informação sistematizada na Região das Américas. A experiência obtida contribuiu para o desenvolvimento de um modelo baseado em um conjunto mínimo de indicadores (CMI). O objetivo do estudo foi descrever o processo histórico e metodológico do desenvolvimento, implementação e dimensionamento territorial do CMI para monitorar e avaliar políticas, programas e serviços de saúde materna e perinatal orientado à gestão (SIP-gestão). MÉTODOS: O estudo foi realizado em duas etapas. A primeira etapa consistiu da validação em quatro fases de um CMI em uma rede de hospitais: a) construção do modelo teórico de indicadores, b) implementação da pesquisa operacional, c) seleção final dos indicadores e d) definição dos padrões de referência. A segunda etapa consistiu da determinação da escala territorial. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 17 modelos de indicadores. O modelo inicial incluiu 177 indicadores agrupados em sete dimensões (contexto, hábitos, acessibilidade, utilização de serviços, qualidade do atendimento, impacto materno-fetal e impacto materno-neonatal) que foram reduzidas a 21 após três rodadas de aplicação da técnica Delphi. O modelo final (SIP-gestão) inclui 40 indicadores. Foram analisados 240.021 partos (79,1%) de um número total de 303.559 casos atendidos nas 122 maternidades selecionadas em 24 jurisdições (100%) da Argentina. Os dados são apresentados ao nível nacional e desagregados por região de saúde, província e hospital. CONCLUSÕES: O modelo desenvolvido atingiu altos níveis de cobertura e qualidade da informação e determinação da escala territorial, e pode ser usado na gestão, pesquisa e reorientação de programas e políticas.

Bases para el desarrollo e implementación de un modelo de información en salud de la mujer y perinatal orientado a la gestión en Latinoamérica / Foundations for the development and implementation of a women's and perinatal health information model for management in Latin America / Fundamentos do desenvolvimento e implementação de um modelo de informação em saúde da materna e perinatal orientado à gestão na América Latina

RESUMEN Objetivo El Sistema Informático Perinatal (SIP) ha marcado un hito en el uso de información sistematizada en la Región de las Américas. Lo que se ha aprendido ha contribuido al desarrollo de un modelo basado en un conjunto mínimo de indicadores (CMI). El objetivo del estudio fue describir el proceso histórico y metodológico de desarrollo, implementación y escalamiento territorial de un CMI para monitorizar y evaluar políticas, programas y servicios de salud de la mujer y perinatal orientado a la gestión (SIP-GESTIÓN). Métodos El estudio se llevó a cabo en dos etapas: 1) validación en cuatro fases de un CMI en una red de hospitales: a) construcción del modelo teórico de indicadores, b) implementación de la investigación operativa, c) selección final de indicadores, y d) definición de patrones de referencia, y 2) escalamiento territorial. Resultados Se identificaron 17 modelos de indicadores. El modelo inicial incluyó 177 indicadores agrupados en siete dimensiones (contexto, hábitos, accesibilidad, uso de servicios, calidad de cuidados, impacto materno-fetal, e impacto materno-neonatal) que se redujeron a 21 tras tres rondas Delphi. El modelo final (SIP-GESTIÓN) incluyó 40 indicadores. Se analizaron 240 021 partos (79,1%) de un total de 303 559 atendidos en las 122 maternidades seleccionadas en 24 Jurisdicciones (100%) de Argentina. La información se presenta a nivel nacional y desagregada por región sanitaria, provincia y hospital. Conclusiones Este modelo permitió alcanzar altos niveles de cobertura y calidad de la información y escalamiento territorial y es útil para la gestión, la investigación y la reorientación de programas y políticas.

ABSTRACT Objective The Perinatal Information System (SIP) represents a milestone in the use of systematized information in the Region of the Americas. What has been learned from the system has contributed to the development of a model based on a set of core indicators (SCI). The objective of the study was to describe the historical and methodological process involved in the development, implementation, and territorial scaling-up of an SCI to monitor and evaluate women's and perinatal health policies, programs, and services geared to management (SIP-GESTIÓN). Methods The study was conducted in two stages: 1) a four-phase validation of an SCI in a hospital network: a) construction of the theoretical indicator model, b) operations research, c) final selection of the indicators, and d) the definition of reference standards; and 2) territorial scaling-up. Results A total of 17 indicator models were identified. The initial model included 177 indicators divided into seven dimensions (context, habits, accessibility, use of services, quality of care, maternal and fetal impact, and maternal and neonatal impact), with 21 indicators remaining after three Delphi rounds. The final model (SIP-GESTIÓN), which included 40 indicators, was then used to study 240,021 (79.1%) of the 303,559 deliveries attended in 122 selected maternity facilities in 24 jurisdictions (100%) in Argentina. The information is presented in national terms and by health region, province, and hospital. Conclusions This model has made it possible to achieve high levels of information coverage and quality and territorial scaling-up and is useful for management, research, and the reorientation of programs and policies.

RESUMO Objetivo O Sistema de Informação Perinatal (SIP) é um marco no uso de informação sistematizada na Região das Américas. A experiência obtida contribuiu para o desenvolvimento de um modelo baseado em um conjunto mínimo de indicadores (CMI). O objetivo do estudo foi descrever o processo histórico e metodológico do desenvolvimento, implementação e dimensionamento territorial do CMI para monitorar e avaliar políticas, programas e serviços de saúde materna e perinatal orientado à gestão (SIP-gestão). Métodos O estudo foi realizado em duas etapas. A primeira etapa consistiu da validação em quatro fases de um CMI em uma rede de hospitais: a) construção do modelo teórico de indicadores, b) implementação da pesquisa operacional, c) seleção final dos indicadores e d) definição dos padrões de referência. A segunda etapa consistiu da determinação da escala territorial. Resultados Foram identificados 17 modelos de indicadores. O modelo inicial incluiu 177 indicadores agrupados em sete dimensões (contexto, hábitos, acessibilidade, utilização de serviços, qualidade do atendimento, impacto materno-fetal e impacto materno-neonatal) que foram reduzidas a 21 após três rodadas de aplicação da técnica Delphi. O modelo final (SIP-gestão) inclui 40 indicadores. Foram analisados 240.021 partos (79,1%) de um número total de 303.559 casos atendidos nas 122 maternidades selecionadas em 24 jurisdições (100%) da Argentina. Os dados são apresentados ao nível nacional e desagregados por região de saúde, província e hospital. Conclusões O modelo desenvolvido atingiu altos níveis de cobertura e qualidade da informação e determinação da escala territorial, e pode ser usado na gestão, pesquisa e reorientação de programas e políticas.

Population differences and the effect of vaginal progesterone on preterm birth in women with threatened preterm labor (.).

OBJECTIVE: Threatened preterm labor (tPTL) is a complication of pregnancy. Identification of women and clinical definition differs between countries. This study investigated differences in tPTL and effectiveness of vaginal progesterone to prevent preterm birth (PTB) between two countries. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) from Argentina and Switzerland comparing vaginal progesterone to placebo in women with tPTL (n = 379). Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to compare placebo groups of both countries and to compare progesterone to placebo within each country. We adjusted for baseline differences. Iatrogenic onset of labor or pregnancy beyond gestational age of interest was censored. RESULTS: Swiss and Argentinian women were different on baseline. Risks for delivery <14 days and PTB < 34 and < 37 weeks were increased in Argentina compared to Switzerland, HR 3.3 (95% CI 0.62-18), 54 (95% CI 5.1-569) and 3.1 (95% CI 1.1-8.4). In Switzerland, progesterone increased the risk for delivery <14 days [HR 4.4 (95% CI 1.3-15.7)] and PTB <37 weeks [HR 2.5 (95% CI 1.4-4.8)], in Argentina there was no such effect. CONCLUSION: In women with tPTL, the effect of progesterone may vary due to population differences. Differences in populations should be considered in multicenter RCTs.

[Model for a comprehensive approach to maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity]. / Modelo para abordar integralmente la mortalidad materna y la morbilidad materna grave.

Maternal mortality is an important public health and human rights problem and reflects the effects of social determinants on women's health. Understanding the extent and causes of maternal death has been insufficient to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. This article proposes a model for a comprehensive approach to maternal mortality, covering seven areas: prioritization and definition of the problem, contextual description, methodological scope, knowledge management, innovation, implementation, and a monitoring and evaluation system. This model helps address problems associated with maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity through early monitoring of potentially fatal complications in the reproductive process. Knowledge management is important for the reorientation of policies, programs, and health care. Interaction and synergies among people, communities, and actors in the health system should be strengthened in order to improve the results of health programs. More validated scientific information is needed on how actions should be implemented in different environments. It is essential to strengthen communication among research centers, cooperation agencies, and government organizations and to include them in programs and in the definition of a new women's health agenda in the Region of the Americas.

Bases para establecer un sistema de vigilancia activa y respuesta rápida para el manejo de la morbilidad materna severa / Basis for establishing a system of active surveillance and rapid response for the management of severe maternal morbidity

INTRODUCCIÓN: la razón de mortalidad materna (RMM) se ha utilizado como indicador de salud sin considerar los eventos precedentes. La morbilidad materna severa (MMS) incluye a mujeres con morbilidad asociada a un embarazo, que amenaza sus vidas pero que finalmente permite la sobrevida. OBJETIVOS: Investigar la situación de la mortalidad materna (MM) y la MMS en Misiones, Jujuy y LaRioja. Establecer bases para un sistema de vigilancia y manejo de casos.MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico de prevalencia con uncomponente de implementación. Mujeres embarazadas, tratadas enel subsector público entre el 1 de octubre de 2013 y el 31 de marzode 2014, fueron tamizadas para detectar condiciones potencialmentefatales (CPF) y notificar MMS y MM. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 9.921nacimientos. Ingresaron 294 mujeres, y hubo 219 (74,5%) casos de CPF, 67 (22,8%) de MMS y 8 (2,7%) de MM. Criterios de identificación por tamizaje: clínicos 78,1% de CPF, basados en enfermedad 94% de MMS, y 100% de MM presentó algún criterio clínico. Las principales causas de MMS fueron hipertensión (35,8%), hemorragias (29,9%) y complicaciones de abortos (13,4%). La incidencia global deCPF fue 2,21%, la de MMS 0,68% y la de MM 0,08%. El índice demorbimortalidad global fue de 8,4 (4,0-7,4), la tasa de letalidad globalfue del 10,7%, y el uso global de intervenciones beneficiosas para elmanejo de MMS fue del 54,8%. CONCLUSIONES: El estudio permitióconocer la MM y la MMS en las tres provincias y sentar las bases paraimplementar un sistema de vigilancia activa y respuesta rápida para elmanejo de la MMS, consistente con el Plan Operativo Nacional.

INTRODUCTION: maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has been used as an indicator of maternal health regardless of the previous events. Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) refers to women with life-threatening pregnancy-associated morbidity, who ultimately survive. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the status of maternal mortality (MM) and SMM in Misiones, Jujuy and La Rioja. To establish the basis for a system of surveillance and case management. METHODS: Amulticenter prevalence study was conducted, with an implementationcomponent. Pregnant women assisted from October 1, 2013 to March31, 2014 in the public sub-sector were screened for potentially fatalconditions (PFC) and SMM and MM notification. RESULTS: A total of 9921 births were analyzed. From 294 women participating in the study, there were 219 (74.5%) cases of PFC, 67 (22.8%) of SMM and 8 (2.7%) of MM. Clinical screening criteria identified 78.1% of cases of PFC, disease criteria identified SMM 94%, and 100% of MM showedsome clinical criterion. The main causes of SMM were hypertensivedisorders (35.8%), hemorrhagic disorders (29.9%) and abortioncomplications (13.4%). Global incidence of PFC was 2.21%, andfor SMM and MM was 0.68% and 0.08%, respectively. The overallmorbidity index was 8.4 (4.0-7.4), the overall mortality rate was 10.7%,and the overall use of beneficial interventions for the managementof SMM was 54.8%. CONCLUSIONS: The study yielded information on MM and SMM in the three provinces and laid the groundwork for implementing a system of active surveillance and rapid response to handle SMM consistently with the National Operational Plan.

Modelo para abordar integralmente la mortalidad materna y la morbilidad materna grave / Model for a comprehensive approach to maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity

La mortalidad materna es un importante problema de salud pública y de derechos humanos y refleja los efectos de los determinantes sociales sobre la salud de las mujeres. El conocimiento de la magnitud y las causas de las muertes maternas ha sido insuficiente para intervenir efectivamente en el alcance de los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio. Por ello, se plantea un modelo para abordar integralmente la mortalidad materna, con siete campos: priorización y definición del problema, caracterización contextual, amplitud metodológica, gestión del conocimiento, innovación, implementación, y un sistema de monitoreo y evaluación. Este modelo permite abordar los problemas asociados con la mortalidad materna y la morbilidad materna grave mediante la integración, desde una perspectiva anticipatoria, de las complicaciones potencialmente fatales asociadas con el proceso reproductivo y su vigilancia. Se destaca la importancia de la gestión del conocimiento para la reorientación de políticas, programas y la atención sanitaria. Se debe mejorar la interacción y explotar las sinergias entre las personas, las comunidades y los actores del sistema de salud para potenciar los resultados de los programas sanitarios. Se requiere más información científica validada sobre la forma en que las intervenciones deben aplicarse en diferentes entornos. Para ello, es esencial fortalecer la articulación entre los centros de investigación, las agencias de cooperación y los organismos del Estado y su incorporación a las acciones programáticas y a la definición de una nueva agenda de salud de la mujer para la Región de las Américas.

Maternal mortality is an important public health and human rights problem and reflects the effects of social determinants on women's health. Understanding the extent and causes of maternal death has been insufficient to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. This article proposes a model for a comprehensive approach to maternal mortality, covering seven areas: prioritization and definition of the problem, contextual description, methodological scope, knowledge management, innovation, implementation, and a monitoring and evaluation system. This model helps address problems associated with maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity through early monitoring of potentially fatal complications in the reproductive process. Knowledge management is important for the reorientation of policies, programs, and health care. Interaction and synergies among people, communities, and actors in the health system should be strengthened in order to improve the results of health programs. More validated scientific information is needed on how actions should be implemented in different environments. It is essential to strengthen communication among research centers, cooperation agencies, and government organizations and to include them in programs and in the definition of a new women's health agenda in the Region of the Americas.

Primer informe nacional de relevamiento epidemiológico SIP-Gestión: desarrollo e implementación a escala nacional de un sistema de información en salud de la mujer y perinatal en Argentina

Presenta los antecedentes, justificación, marco de referencia y desarrollo del SIP-G (Sistema Informático Perinatal); difunde los resultados principales de la implementación y relevamiento epidemiológico del SIP-G a escala nacional; destaca la importancia de la cooperación técnica con OPS/OMS Argentina y CLAP-SMR; y, establece lineamientos sobre el seguimiento de la actual propuesta

Primer informe nacional de relevamiento epidemiológico SIP-Gestión: desarrollo e implementación a escala nacional de un sistema de información en salud de la mujer y perinatal en Argentina

Presenta los antecedentes, justificación, marco de referencia y desarrollo del SIP-G (Sistema Informático Perinatal); difunde los resultados principales de la implementación y relevamiento epidemiológico del SIP-G a escala nacional; destaca la importancia de la cooperación técnica con OPS/OMS Argentina y CLAP-SMR; y, establece lineamientos sobre el seguimiento de la actual propuesta

Políticas en salud pública basadas en la evidencia para mejorar la atención perinatal en el Area Metropolitana de Buenos Aires / Evidence-based public health policies to improve quality of maternal and child care in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires

INTRODUCCION: La mortalidad materna (MM) y la morbilidad materna severa (MMS) constituyen importantes problemas de salud pública en Argentina.OBJETIVO: Estimular la articulación entre investigadores y gestores para reducir la MM y MMS mediante políticas públicas basadas en la evidencia. Abordar la dimensión cualitativa de la MMS.METODOS: Cuantitativo: Estudio no aleatorizado, cuasi-experimental, de tipo serie temporal. Cualitativo: Entrevistas a mujeres (n=16) que padecieron MMS, a profesionales de la salud, gestores (Provincia de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires y Ministerio de Salud de la Nación) e investigadores (n=18). Participaron 8 hospitales del Sur y del Oeste del Area Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Se usó la base de datos del SIP (Sistema Informático Perinatal) del Centro de Investigación en Salud Poblacional. La unidad de análisis fue el hospital. Las entrevistas fueron procesadas según criterios de categorización predefinidos. Se evaluó la mesa de investigadores-gestores mediante observación no participante. Se tomaron los resguardos éticos correspondientes. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 43.308 nacimientos (84,1% del total). La tasa mediana de uso de los tres indicadores seleccionados (acompañamiento durante el parto, manejo activo del alumbramiento, corticoides prenatales) fue < 25%, con gradientes interinstitucionales. Existe una diversidad de barreras caracterizadas en la calidad de atención percibida.CONCLUSIONES: El estudio aporta nuevos conocimientos para mejorar la gestión de políticas, programas y servicios de salud tendientes a reducir la MMS y MM en Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Maternal mortality (MM) and severe maternal morbidity (SMM) represent relevant public health problems in Argentina.OBJECTIVE: To encourage the development of bridges between researchers and policy makers for the formulation of informed puiblic policies and use of effective interventions to reduce MM and SMM; and to understand qualitative dimensions of SMM.METHODS: Quantitative: Non-randomized, quasi-experimental, temporal-series study. Qualitative: Interviews to women (n=16) who experienced SMM, professionals, health managers (Province of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires City and national levels) and researchers (n=18). 8 hospitals from southwest of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area participated in the study. The analysis was based on the SIP (Perinatal Information System) of the CISAP (Population Health Research Center). The unit of analysis was the hospital. Interviews were processed according to predefined categories. The board of researchers and policy-makers was evaluated through non-participatory observation. All ethical safeguards were met.RESULTS: 43.308 births were analyzed (84.1% of the total). The median rate for the 3 selected indicators (support during labor and delivery, active management of third stage of labor, antenatal corticosteroids) was < 25% with significant inter-hospital gaps. There was a diversity of barriers in quality of care perception.CONCLUSIONS: This project contributes with important information oriented to improve the policy making process, program managing and service delivery to reduce SMM and MM in Argentina.

Políticas en salud pública basadas en la evidencia para mejorar la atención perinatal en el Area Metropolitana de Buenos Aires / Evidence-based public health policies to improve quality of maternal and child care in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires

INTRODUCCION: La mortalidad materna (MM) y la morbilidad materna severa (MMS) constituyen importantes problemas de salud pública en Argentina.OBJETIVO: Estimular la articulación entre investigadores y gestores para reducir la MM y MMS mediante políticas públicas basadas en la evidencia. Abordar la dimensión cualitativa de la MMS.METODOS: Cuantitativo: Estudio no aleatorizado, cuasi-experimental, de tipo serie temporal. Cualitativo: Entrevistas a mujeres (n=16) que padecieron MMS, a profesionales de la salud, gestores (Provincia de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires y Ministerio de Salud de la Nación) e investigadores (n=18). Participaron 8 hospitales del Sur y del Oeste del Area Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Se usó la base de datos del SIP (Sistema Informático Perinatal) del Centro de Investigación en Salud Poblacional. La unidad de análisis fue el hospital. Las entrevistas fueron procesadas según criterios de categorización predefinidos. Se evaluó la mesa de investigadores-gestores mediante observación no participante. Se tomaron los resguardos éticos correspondientes. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 43.308 nacimientos (84,1% del total). La tasa mediana de uso de los tres indicadores seleccionados (acompañamiento durante el parto, manejo activo del alumbramiento, corticoides prenatales) fue < 25%, con gradientes interinstitucionales. Existe una diversidad de barreras caracterizadas en la calidad de atención percibida.CONCLUSIONES: El estudio aporta nuevos conocimientos para mejorar la gestión de políticas, programas y servicios de salud tendientes a reducir la MMS y MM en Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Maternal mortality (MM) and severe maternal morbidity (SMM) represent relevant public health problems in Argentina.OBJECTIVE: To encourage the development of bridges between researchers and policy makers for the formulation of informed puiblic policies and use of effective interventions to reduce MM and SMM; and to understand qualitative dimensions of SMM.METHODS: Quantitative: Non-randomized, quasi-experimental, temporal-series study. Qualitative: Interviews to women (n=16) who experienced SMM, professionals, health managers (Province of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires City and national levels) and researchers (n=18). 8 hospitals from southwest of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area participated in the study. The analysis was based on the SIP (Perinatal Information System) of the CISAP (Population Health Research Center). The unit of analysis was the hospital. Interviews were processed according to predefined categories. The board of researchers and policy-makers was evaluated through non-participatory observation. All ethical safeguards were met.RESULTS: 43.308 births were analyzed (84.1% of the total). The median rate for the 3 selected indicators (support during labor and delivery, active management of third stage of labor, antenatal corticosteroids) was < 25% with significant inter-hospital gaps. There was a diversity of barriers in quality of care perception.CONCLUSIONS: This project contributes with important information oriented to improve the policy making process, program managing and service delivery to reduce SMM and MM in Argentina.

Using Uniject to increase the use of prophylactic oxytocin for management of the third stage of labor in Latin America.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a multifaceted intervention for effectiveness in increasing the use of prophylactic oxytocin by birth attendants (obstetricians, midwives, and nurses) working in small maternity hospitals in Argentina. METHODS: A before-and-after quasi-experimental study was conducted in 5 small maternity hospitals. The study intervention consisted of training birth attendants in the active management of the third stage of labor, distributing oxytocin in Uniject (Hipofisina BIOL Uniject; Laboratorios BIOL, Buenos Aires, Argentina), and using posters as reminders. The primary outcome was the rate of prophylactic oxytocin use in the 6 months before and the 6 months of the intervention period. Secondary outcomes included use of controlled cord traction and uterine massage, and birth attendants' acceptance of the use of oxytocin in Uniject. RESULTS: The use of prophylactic oxytocin showed a median rate of 14.6% at baseline and 85.6% during the intervention period. 96% of birth attendants reported that the Uniject device facilitated oxytocin 1 administration. DISCUSSION: Prophylactic oxytocin in the third stage of labor is a beneficial intervention with current low use, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. If the results shown in the present study were further replicated, this strategy could be an effective method for improving prophylactic oxytocin use in other similar Latin American hospitals.

Lost opportunities for effective management of obstetric conditions to reduce maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity in Argentina and Uruguay.

OBJECTIVE: To review the use of evidence-based practices in the care of mothers who died or had severe morbidity attending public hospitals in two Latin American countries. METHODS: This study is part of a multicenter intervention to increase the use of evidence-based obstetric practice. Data on maternal deaths and women admitted to intensive care units whose deliveries occurred in 24 hospitals in Argentina and Uruguay were analyzed. Primary outcomes were use rates of effective interventions to reduce maternal mortality (MM) and severe maternal morbidity (SMM). RESULTS: A total of 106 women were included: 26 maternal deaths and 80 women with SMM. Some effective interventions for severe acute hemorrhage had a high use rate, such as blood transfusion (91%) and timely cesarean delivery (75%), while active management of the third stage of labor (25%) showed a lower rate. The overall use rate of effective interventions was 58% (95% CI, 49%-67%). This implies that 42% of the women did not receive one of the effective interventions to reduce MM and SMM. CONCLUSION: This study shows a low use of effective interventions to reduce MM and SMM in public hospitals in Argentina and Uruguay. Dissemination and implementation of evidence-based practices must be guaranteed to effectively achieve progress on maternal health.

Pediatric hospitalizations associated with 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in Argentina.

BACKGROUND: While the Northern Hemisphere experiences the effects of the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus, data from the recent influenza season in the Southern Hemisphere can provide important information on the burden of disease in children. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case series involving children with acute infection of the lower respiratory tract or fever in whom 2009 H1N1 influenza was diagnosed on reverse-transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction assay and who were admitted to one of six pediatric hospitals serving a catchment area of 1.2 million children. We compared rates of admission and death with those among age-matched children who had been infected with seasonal influenza strains in previous years. RESULTS: Between May and July 2009, a total of 251 children were hospitalized with 2009 H1N1 influenza. Rates of hospitalization were double those for seasonal influenza in 2008. Of the children who were hospitalized, 47 (19%) were admitted to an intensive care unit, 42 (17%) required mechanical ventilation, and 13 (5%) died. The overall rate of death was 1.1 per 100,000 children, as compared with 0.1 per 100,000 children for seasonal influenza in 2007. (No pediatric deaths associated with seasonal influenza were reported in 2008.) Most deaths were caused by refractory hypoxemia in infants under 1 year of age (death rate, 7.6 per 100,000). CONCLUSIONS: Pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza was associated with pediatric death rates that were 10 times the rates for seasonal influenza in previous years.

Evidence-based maternal and perinatal healthcare practices in public hospitals in Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the use of beneficial maternal and perinatal healthcare practices in a network of public maternity hospitals in Argentina. METHOD: A multicenter, prospective, descriptive study of 6661 deliveries in 9 hospitals. The use of 5 obstetric care practices that reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality was evaluated. RESULTS: Median use rates for the selected practices were: continuous support for women during childbirth (17.9%); corticosteroids for preterm birth (35.3%); avoidance of episiotomy in primiparous women (41.2%); iron and folate supplementation (52.5%); active management of third stage of labor (93.5%). CONCLUSION: There is limited use of the selected evidence-based maternal and perinatal practices in public hospitals in Argentina and a large variation in their use among and within hospitals. Efforts should be made to increase the use of these evidence-based practices.

A comprehensive assessment of maternal deaths in Argentina: translating multicentre collaborative research into action.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a comprehensive assessment of maternal mortality in Argentina, the ultimate purpose being to strengthen the surveillance system and reorient reproductive health policies to prevent maternal deaths. METHODS: Our multicentre population-based study combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies included a descriptive analysis of under-registration and distribution of causes of death, a case-control study to identify risk factors in health-care delivery and verbal autopsies to analyse social determinants associated with maternal deaths. FINDINGS: A total of 121 maternal deaths occurred during 2002. The most common causes were abortion complications (27.4%), haemorrhage (22.1%), infection/sepsis (9.5%), hypertensive disorders (8.4%) and other causes (32.6%). Under-registration was 9.5% for maternal deaths (n = 95) and 15.4% for late maternal deaths (n = 26). The probability of dying was 10 times greater in the absence of essential obstetric care, active emergency care and qualified staff, and doubled with every 10-year increase in age. Other contributing factors included delays in recognizing "alarm signals"; reluctance in seeking care owing to desire to hide an induced abortion; delays in receiving timely treatment due to misdiagnosis or lack of supplies; and delays in referral/transportation in rural areas. CONCLUSION: A combination of methodologies is required to improve research on and understanding of maternal mortality via the systematic collection of health surveillance data. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive intervention to address public health and human rights issues in maternal mortality, and our results contribute to the consensus-building necessary to improve the existing surveillance system and prevention strategies.