Pandemic Grief and Suicidal Ideation in Latin American Countries: A Network Analysis.

This study aimed to characterize the network structure of pandemic grief symptoms and suicidal ideation in 2174 people from eight Latin American countries. Pandemic grief and suicidal ideation were measured using the Pandemic Grief Scale and a single item, respectively. Network analysis provides an in-depth characterization of symptom-symptom interactions within mental disorders. The results indicated that, "desire to die," "apathy" and "absence of sense of life" are the most central symptoms in a pandemic grief symptom network; therefore, these symptoms could be focal elements for preventive and treatment efforts. Suicidal ideation, the wish to die, and the absence of meaning in life had the strongest relationship. In general, the network structure did not differ among the participating countries. It identifies specific symptoms within the network that may increase the likelihood of their co-occurrence and is useful at the therapeutic level.

Network analysis of pandemic fatigue symptoms in samples from five South American countries.

BACKGROUND: Pandemic fatigue generates low motivation or the ability to comply with protective behaviors to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. AIMS: This study aimed to analyze the symptoms of pandemic fatigue through network analysis in individuals from five South American countries. METHOD: A total of 1,444 individuals from Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay participated and were evaluated using the Pandemic Fatigue Scale. The networks were estimated using the ggmModSelect estimation method and a polychoric correlation matrix was used. Stability assessment of the five networks was performed using the nonparametric resampling method based on the case bootstrap type. For the estimation of network centrality, a metric based on node strength was used, whereas network comparison was performed using a permutation-based approach. RESULTS: The results showed that the relationships between pandemic fatigue symptoms were strongest in the demotivation dimension. Variability in the centrality of pandemic fatigue symptoms was observed among participating countries. Finally, symptom networks were invariant and almost identical across participating countries. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to provide information on how pandemic fatigue symptoms were related during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Variations in the Prevalence of Childhood Anemia by Ethnicity Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Peru.

We aimed to determine the variations in the prevalence of childhood anemia according to the ethnic group before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru. Secondary analysis of the Demographic and Family Health Survey during 2016-2021. The outcome variable was anemia, and the exposure variable was maternal ethnicity. Also, we included sociodemographic and clinical confounding variables. We constructed generalized linear models of the Poisson family with a logarithmic link function. We evaluated 85,905 records; 30.34% had anemia, 50.83% were mestizo, 25.98% were Quechua, and 2% were Aymara. Compared with mestizos, Quechua children (PR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.07-1.15; p < 0.001), Aymara (PR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.27-1 .44; p < 0.001), natives of the Amazon (PR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.12-1.28; p < 0.001) and those who belonged to other indigenous peoples (PR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.05-1.57; p = 0.013) had a higher prevalence of childhood anemia. On the contrary, compared to mestizos, white children had a lower prevalence of anemia (PR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.89-0.99; p = 0.019). During the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to mestizos, only Quechua (PR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.08-1.23; p < 0.001) and Aymara (PR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.23-1.55; p < 0.001) had a higher prevalence of childhood anemia. Except for Afro-descendants, children from 6 to 59 months of age who belong to an ethnic minority had a higher probability of having childhood anemia than mestizos. However, only Quechua and Aymara children had higher odds of anemia during the COVID-19 pandemic than mestizos.

Mortality from COVID-19 in Amazonian and Andean original indigenous populations of Peru.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mortality rates from COVID-19 among indigenous populations of the Amazon and Andean regions of Peru during the years 2020, 2021 and 2022. METHODS: Secondary analysis of 33,567 data from the COVID-19 Notification System of the National Epidemiology Center, Prevention and Control of Diseases (CDC-Peru), from the years 2020-2022. The variables were age, sex, belonging to the Andean or Amazonian ethnic group, number and type of symptoms and risk conditions, abnormal findings in chest X-rays, year of data collection for hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Poisson family generalized linear regression models with logarithmic linkage and robust variance were used to establish differences in mortality between ethnic groups. Crude and adjusted risk ratio (RR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: 33,567 participants with an average age of 33.6 years were included, 44.4 % were men and 70.2 % belonged to the Amazonian ethnic group. Most of those affected by COVID-19 presented 2 symptoms (38.8 %), 4.8 % presented some risk condition, 1451 (4.3 %) were hospitalized, and 433 (1.3 %) died. The adjusted analysis showed that the Andean group, compared to the Amazonian, tended to have a higher probability of death, and this association was statistically significant, RR =7.6, 95 % CI (5.5-10.5). CONCLUSIONS: Patients from Andean indigenous communities had an almost 8 times higher risk of death from COVID-19.

Cross-cultural invariance of the Spanish version of the COVID-19 Assessment Scorecard to measure the perception of government actions against COVID-19 in Latin America.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the measurement invariance of a general measure of the perception of governmental responses to COVID-|19 (COVID-SCORE-10) in the general population of 13 Latin American countries. METHODS: A total of 5780 individuals from 13 Latin American and Caribbean countries selected by non-probabilistic snowball sampling participated. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed and the alignment method was used to evaluate invariance. Additionally, a graded response model was used for the assessment of item characteristics. RESULTS: The results indicate that there is approximate measurement invariance of the COVID-SCORE-10 among the participating countries. Furthermore, IRT results suggest that the COVID-SCORE-10 measures with good psychometric ability a broad spectrum of the construct assessed, especially around average levels. Comparison of COVID-SCORE-10 scores indicated that participants from Cuba, Uruguay and El Salvador had the most positive perceptions of government actions to address the pandemic. Thus, the underlying construct of perception of government actions was equivalent in all countries. CONCLUSION: The results show the importance of initially establishing the fundamental measurement properties and MI before inferring the cross-cultural universality of the construct to be measured.

Assessment of Obsessive Thoughts About COVID-19 in 7 Latin American Countries: Structure and Measurement Invariance of the Obsession With COVID-19 Scale.

The present study aimed to evaluate the measurement invariance of the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS) among seven Latin American countries: Bolivia, Brazil, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Although the OCS has been used in several countries and languages, there is a need for approaches that better integrate the cross-cultural equivalence of the scale. A total of 3185 people participated in the study. The results indicated the presence of a unidimensional structure and good reliability indices for the OCS in each country. The alignment method indicated that the OCS is an invariant measure of COVID-19 obsession among the populations of seven Latin American countries. The findings based on IRT analysis indicated that all OCS items had adequate discrimination and difficulty parameters. The findings contribute to the understanding of the internal structure of the scale in different countries at the same time, something that has been pending evaluation.

Relationship Between Fear of COVID-19, Conspiracy Beliefs About Vaccines and Intention to Vaccinate Against COVID-19: A Cross-National Indirect Effect Model in 13 Latin American Countries.

The present study explored the predictive capacity of fear of COVID-19 on the intention to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and the influence in this relationship of conspiracy beliefs as a possible mediating psychological variable, in 13 Latin American countries. A total of 5779 people recruited through non-probabilistic convenience sampling participated. To collect information, we used the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Vaccine conspiracy beliefs Scale-COVID-19 and a single item of intention to vaccinate. A full a priori Structural Equation Model was used; whereas, cross-country invariance was performed from increasingly restricted structural models. The results indicated that, fear of COVID-19 positively predicts intention to vaccinate and the presence of conspiracy beliefs about COVID-19 vaccines. The latter negatively predicted intention to vaccinate against COVID-19. Besides, conspiracy beliefs about COVID-19 vaccines had an indirect effect on the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 in the 13 countries assessed. Finally, the cross-national similarities of the mediational model among the 13 participating countries are strongly supported. The study is the first to test a cross-national mediational model across variables in a large number of Latin American countries. However, further studies with other countries in other regions of the world are needed.

Relationship Between Fear of Monkeypox and Intention to be Vaccinated Against Monkeypox in a Peruvian Sample. The Mediating Role of Conspiracy Beliefs About Monkeypox.

The present study evaluated the predictive capacity of fear of Monkeypox (MPX) on the intention to be vaccinated against MPX and the influence of conspiracy beliefs as a mediating variable in this relationship in 516 Peruvian sample with an average age of 27.10 years participated. Monkeypox Fear Scale, MPX Conspiracy Beliefs Scale and a single item of intention to be vaccinated against MPX were used. Statistical analyses have included estimation of descriptive statistics for all variables in the model tested and Structural Equation Modeling to predict intention to be vaccinated against monkeypox. It has been found that fear has a positive impact on conspiracy beliefs about MPX and intention to be vaccinated against MPX. Finally, conspiracy beliefs are negatively related to intention to be vaccinated. As for indirect effects, both are statistically significant. The model explains 11.4% of the variance in beliefs and 19.1% in intention to be vaccinated. It is concluded that fear of MPX played an important role, both directly and indirectly, in the intention to be vaccinated against MPX, having conspiratorial beliefs about MPX as a mediating variable. The results have important implications for public health practices aimed at combating doubts about MPX vaccination.

Impact of COVID-19 on quality of life in Peruvian older adults: construct validity, reliability and invariance of the COV19-Impact on Quality of Life (COV19-QoL) measurement.

The aim of the present study was to translate into Spanish and evaluate the psychometric evidence of the Impact on Quality of Life (COV19-QoL) applied to a sample of Peruvian older adults (N = 298; 58.1% women, 41.9% men, mean age 65.34 years [SD = 11.33]). The study used techniques from the Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT). The findings confirmed the single factor structure of the COV19-QoL, high internal consistency reliability, measurement invariance by gender, and all items demonstrated adequate discrimination and difficulty indices. In this sense, the items allow adequate discrimination between low, medium and high levels of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life. In addition, a greater perceived impact of the pandemic on quality of life is necessary to answer the higher response options of the COV19-QoL. In conclusion, the COV19-QoL is a valid measurement scale of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of Peruvian older adults.

Insuficientes políticas universitarias sobre integridad científica y su relación con la denegación de licenciamiento institucional

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la relación existente entre las políticas institucionales sobre integridad científica y la obtención de licenciamiento en universidades peruanas. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo de observación documental y análisis de la normativa peruana sobre evaluación de la calidad universitaria, licenciamiento de universidades, normativa de integridad científica y resoluciones de denegación de licencias de funcionamiento de universidades. Se encontró que, de las 48 universidades y 2 escuelas de postgrado que no demostraron en su evaluación el cumplimiento de las Condiciones Básicas de Calidad, bajo el Modelo de Licenciamiento Institucional, 32 universidades y 1 escuela de postgrado (66%) han sido observadas por presentar deficiencias en aspectos relacionados con políticas de integridad científica requisitas. El estudio concluye en que la política universitaria de integridad científica es un criterio importante para recibir el Licenciamiento Institucional en el sistema universitario peruano.

The aim of this study was to analyze the relation between institutional policies on scientific integrity and licensing of Peruvian universities. It is a descriptive study analyzing Peruvian regulations on university quality assessment, university licensing (accreditation), scientific integrity regulations and the denial of university operating licenses. It was found that, of the 48 universities and 2 graduate schools that did not meet the Basic Quality Conditions under the Peruvian Institutional Licensing Model, 32 universities and 1 graduate school (66%) had deficiencies related to required scientific integrity policies. The study concludes that universities' scientific integrity policies are an important criterion for receiving Institutional Licensing in the Peruvian university system.

Cross-cultural invariance of the Spanish version of the COVID-19 Assessment Scorecard to measure the perception of government actions against COVID-19 in Latin America

Abstract Objectives The present study aimed to evaluate the measurement invariance of a general measure of the perception of governmental responses to COVID--19 (COVID-SCORE-10) in the general population of 13 Latin American countries. Methods A total of 5780 individuals from 13 Latin American and Caribbean countries selected by non-probabilistic snowball sampling participated. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed and the alignment method was used to evaluate invariance. Additionally, a graded response model was used for the assessment of item characteristics. Results The results indicate that there is approximate measurement invariance of the COVID-SCORE-10 among the participating countries. Furthermore, IRT results suggest that the COVID-SCORE-10 measures with good psychometric ability a broad spectrum of the construct assessed, especially around average levels. Comparison of COVID-SCORE-10 scores indicated that participants from Cuba, Uruguay and El Salvador had the most positive perceptions of government actions to address the pandemic. Thus, the underlying construct of perception of government actions was equivalent in all countries. Conclusion The results show the importance of initially establishing the fundamental measurement properties and MI before inferring the cross-cultural universality of the construct to be measured.

Impact of COVID-19 on quality of life in Peruvian older adults: construct validity, reliability and invariance of the COV19-Impact on Quality of Life (COV19-QoL) measurement

Abstract The aim of the present study was to translate into Spanish and evaluate the psychometric evidence of the Impact on Quality of Life (COV19-QoL) applied to a sample of Peruvian older adults ( N = 298; 58.1% women, 41.9% men, mean age 65.34 years [SD = 11.33]). The study used techniques from the Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT). The findings confirmed the single factor structure of the COV19-QoL, high internal consistency reliability, measurement invariance by gender, and all items demonstrated adequate discrimination and difficulty indices. In this sense, the items allow adequate discrimination between low, medium and high levels of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on quality of life. In addition, a greater perceived impact of the pandemic on quality of life is necessary to answer the higher response options of the COV19-QoL. In conclusion, the COV19-QoL is a valid measurement scale of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of Peruvian older adults.

Anemia in pregnant women residing at different geographical altitudes in Arequipa, Peru

Purpose: To identify the frequency of anemia in pregnant women at different geographical altitudes in the Arequipa region of Peru. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, and retrospective study was carried out. The study population consisted of 35,725 pregnant women living in the Arequipa Region at different altitudes. Data on age, gestational age, weight, height, province of residence, altitude, hemoglobin were collected. Results: Using World Health Organization altitude adjusted hemoglobin values, anemia prevalence in pregnant women between 2018-2019 was 13.7 % in the Arequipa Region, while using unadjusted hemoglobin, the overall prevalence was 4.1 %. When analyzed by altitudes, the frequency of anemia was 9.77 % below 1 000 m 13.1 % between 1 000-1 999 m, 13.1 % between 2.000-2.999 m, 31.5 % between 3.000-3.999 and 47.1 % between 4.000-4.999. Nevertheless, when using unadjusted hemoglobin values rates were 6.67 % for the 1.000-1.999 range, 2.39 % for ranges between 2.000-2.999 m and 3.000-3.999 m, and 5.19 % for altitudes above 4.000 m. Conclusions: There is a directly proportional correlation in the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women and higher altitude (p<0.01) as well as levels of anemia during the last trimester of pregnancy. Adjusting the hemoglobin values by altitude results in triple the prevalence of anemia. A throughout revision of the suitability of current guidelines to diagnose and prevent anemia at high altitude is recommended.

Objetivo: Identificar la frecuencia de anemia en gestantes de diferentes altitudes geográficas en la región Arequipa, Perú. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo y retrospectivo. La población de estudio estuvo constituida por 35 725 gestantes residentes en la Región Arequipa a diferentes altitudes. Se recogieron datos de edad, edad gestacional, peso, talla, provincia de residencia, altitud, hemoglobina. Resultados: Utilizando los valores de hemoglobina ajustados por altitud de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, la prevalencia de anemia en gestantes entre 2018-2019 fue de 13,7 % en la Región Arequipa, mientras que utilizando la hemoglobina no ajustada, la prevalencia global fue de 4,1 %. Al analizar por altitudes, la frecuencia de anemia fue de 9,77 % por debajo de 1 000 m 13,1 % entre 1 000-1 999 m, 13,1 % entre 2 000-2 999 m, 31,5 % entre 3 000-3 999 y 47,1 % entre 4 000-4 999. Sin embargo, cuando se utilizaron valores de hemoglobina no ajustados, las tasas fueron del 6,67 % para el intervalo de 1 000-1 999, del 2,39 % para los intervalos entre 2 000-2 999 m y 3 000-3 999 m, y del 5,19 % para altitudes superiores a 4 000 m. Conclusiones: Existe una correlación directamente proporcional en la prevalencia de anemia en embarazadas y mayor altitud (p<0,01), así como niveles de anemia durante el último trimestre del embarazo. Ajustando los valores de hemoglobina por la altitud se triplica la prevalencia de anemia. Se recomienda una revisión en profundidad de la idoneidad de las directrices actuales para diagnosticar y prevenir la anemia a gran altitud.

Factores de riesgo por exposición al SARS-COV-2 durante la pandemia en Perú en profesionales de la Salud Ocupacional / Risk factors for exposure to SARS-COV-2 during the pandemic in Peru in Occupational Health professional

Introducción: Los profesionales de la salud ocupacional (SO) han tenido un rol importante en la vigilancia, prevención y control frente al COVID-19 en los lugares de trabajo. Objetivo: Determinar los factores de riesgo asociados a la exposición al SARS-CoV-2 durante la pandemia en Perú durante la primera y segunda ola. Material y Métodos: Estudio transversal analítico, de análisis secundario de datos. Se preguntó a diversos profesionales de la SO acerca de su exposición a trabajadores con COVID-19 durante su labor, esto a través de una encuesta virtual; a ello se asoció diversos factores sociales, educativos y laborales. Resultados: De los 2 863 encuestados, en el análisis multivariado hubo más frecuencia de exposición a pacientes COVID-19 en los sectores de minería (p=0,046), alimentación (p=0,009), en el sector público (p<0,001), manufactura (p<0,001), si el profesional realiza labor asistencial (p<0,001), si realiza evaluaciones médicas (p=0,001), que sean técnicos de enfermería (p=0,016) y que sean tecnólogos médicos (p<0,001); en cambio, hubo menos exposición a pacientes COVID-19 conforme se tenía más edad (p=0,006) y entre los que tenían especialidad en salud ocupacional (p=0,025). Discusión: Se encontraron importantes factores que se asocian a la exposición laboral de los profesionales de la SO, los que pueden servir para priorizar a los profesionales que deban cuidarse y acceder oportunamente al esquema de vacunación. (AU)

Introduction: Occupational health professionals (OHP) have played an important role in surveillance, prevention and control against COVID-19 at the workplace. Objective: To determine the risk factors associated with exposure to SARS-CoV-2 during the first and second waves of the Pandemic in Peru. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study and secondary data analysis were made. OHP were virtually asked about exposed to COVID-19 at work and its social, educational and labor factors. Results: Of the 2,863 answers, we found in the multivariate analysis: there was more frequency of exposure to COVID-19 in the mining (p value=0.046); nutrition sector (p value=0.009); in the public sector (p value <0.001), manufacturing (p value<0.001); if the professional performs care work (p value<0.001); if they perform occupational medical evaluations (p value=0.001), who are nursing technicians (p value=0.016) and who are medical technologists (p value<0.001); On the other hand, there were less exposure when they were older (p value=0.006) and among those who had a specialty in occupational health (p value=0.025). Discussion: Important factors were associated with occupational exposure of OHP professionals, which can serve to prioritize professionals who should take care of themselves and to include into complete vaccination schedule. (AU)

Frequency of Correct Mask Use Among Pedestrians in High-Flow Indoor Public Spaces: A Multicenter Analysis in the First and Second Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Peru.

BACKGROUND: Our study aimed to describe the variation in the frequency of correct mask use among pedestrians in the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in high-flow indoor public spaces from different geographic and social settings in Peru. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional exploratory study among pedestrians in Lima (the capital city) and other coastal and highland cities in Peru. Pedestrians were directly observed by trained medical students in 2 high-flow indoor areas at different times in November 2020 (first wave) and October 2021 (second wave). Primary outcomes included the frequencies of mask use and correct use. We applied multinomial logistic models and estimated crude and adjusted relative prevalence ratios for sex, age, obesity, and location. Additionally, we used binomial generalized linear models to estimate prevalence ratios in crude and adjusted models. RESULTS: We included 1996 participants. The frequency of mask use was similar in both years: 96.9% in 2020 and 95.5% in 2021. However, the frequency of correct mask use significantly decreased from 81.9% (95% CI, 79.4-84.3) in 2020 to 60.3% (95% CI, 57.2-67.3) in 2021. In 2020, we observed an increase in the probability of misuse in the cities of Lima (aRP: 1.42; P = .021) and Chiclayo (aPR: 1.62, P = .001), whereas, in 2021, we noted an increase in the probability of misuse in the cities of Lima (aRP: 1.72; P < .001) and Piura (aPR: 1.44; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The correct mask use decreased during the second wave, although no significant overall variations were observed in mask use in pedestrians between both periods. Also, we found regional differences in correct mask use in both periods.

The Monkeypox Fear Scale: development and initial validation in a Peruvian sample.

BACKGROUND: Fear is one of the basic emotions generated during periods of infectious diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and validate a scale that assesses monkeypox fear, the Monkeypox Fear Scale (MFS). METHODS: A total of 451 Peruvians participated (61% women and 39% men), with a mean age of 28.31 years (SD = 9.72). based on procedures from classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT). Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Item Response Theory (IRT) procedures were used. RESULTS: The results showed that MFS has a two-factor structure related to emotional and physiological fear factors (χ2 = 41.87; df = 12; p < .001; CFI = .99; TLI = .99; RMSEA = .074 [IC90% .051-.100]). In addition, the physiological and emotional factors showed good reliability. Measurement invariance analysis showed that the factor structure of the MFS is strictly invariant between male and female groups. Finally, the discrimination and difficulty parameters of the items show adequacy. In addition, the scale seems to be more accurate in measuring high levels of fear of monkeypox. CONCLUSION: The MFS has adequate psychometric evidence to assess fear of monkeypox in the Peruvian population. These findings may guide future studies related to the consequences of monkeypox on mental health.

Síndrome de Burnout en trabajadores de salud del Hospital de Arequipa (Perú) durante la pandemia / Burnout syndrome in health care workers of the Hospital Arequipa (Peru) during the pandemic

RESUMEN: Introducción: a finales del año 2019, la comunidad global era sorprendida con la aparición de un brote de coronavirus en China. Se plantea que la exposición crónica a factores de riesgo psicosocial durante varios meses y de manera constante, podrían desencadenar el síndrome de burnout en el personal de salud que atiende pacientes con COVID-19. Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia y severidad del síndrome de burnout en personal de salud que labora en el Hospital II Goyeneche del Ministerio de Salud en Arequipa en el contexto durante la pandemia. Material y Métodos: estudio descriptivo transeccional, en el que se registraron las características sociodemográficas de 147 trabajadores de salud del Hospital II Goyeneche un hospital del Ministerio de Salud y se aplicó el Inventario de Burnout de Maslach. Resultados: el 70,7% del personal de salud del Hospital II Goyeneche de Arequipa presenta síndrome de burnout, y de este porcentaje, la mayoría tiene preocupación por atender pacientes con COVID-19, no se siente capacitado para ello, le preocupa no contar con Equipos de Protección Personal y desconoce los protocolos de seguridad. Conclusión: existe una asociación significativa entre la presencia de síndrome de burnout y la atención de pacientes con COVID-19.

ABSTRACT Introduction: At the end of 2019, the global community was surprised by the new outbreak of coronavirus in China. We argued that the chronic exposure to psychosocial risk factors during four months, could precipitate the burnout syndrome among the healthcare workers who attend patients with COVID-19. Objective: To determine the frequency and severity of burnout syndrome in healthcare personnel who working Goyeneche Hospital from Ministry of Health Hospital from Arequipa City along the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: Descriptive transectional study, in which there were registered the sociodemographic characteristics of 147 healthcare workers in Goyeneche Hospital and there was applied the Burnout Maslach Inventory. Results: The 70.7% of the Goyeneche Hospital health care personnel presents burnout syndrome, and major part of the percentage have concerns about the attention of patients with COVID-19, also they don't feel trained enough for this, they also are concern because don´t have the Personal protective equipment and they don't know the safety attention protocols. Conclusion: There is a significant association among the burnout syndrome punctuation and the attention of patients with COVID-19.

Ethic Policy Forum: Inclusión de minorías étnicas latinoamericanas en los ensayos clínicos

Objetivo: Analizar los aspectos normativos y éticos relacionados a la inclusión de las minorías étnicas en los ensayos clínicos en Latinoamérica y el Caribe. Material y Métodos : Se presentan resultados del análisis ético y normativo realizado por el grupo de investigadores en bioética, del Ethic Policy Forum; foro de análisis, discusión y formulación de propuestas en políticas y normativas relacionadas con aspectos de ética en investigación en los países de Latinoamérica y el Caribe, constituido por el Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación del Seguro Social de Salud del Perú, la Universidad Católica Santa María de Arequipa, Perú y la Red Internacional de Salud Colectiva y salud Intercultural de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. Resultados: Se evidencia que las minorías étnicas no están adecuadamente representadas en los ensayos clínicos en Latinoamérica y el Caribe y la normativa al respecto no está estandarizada, o no existe en todos los países de la Región. Los ensayos con minorías étnicas, pueden tener beneficios, pero también potenciales riesgos y conflictos éticos, que requieren una adecuada evaluación de las vulnerabilidades, acompañamiento efectivo en el consentimiento informado y proceso de investigación, por Comités de ética de investigación capacitados salud intercultural y en ética de la investigación con pueblos indígenas y afrodescendientes. Conclusión : Los ensayos clínicos deben incluir a minorías étnicas, con potencial beneficio de los productos de investigación. La investigación debe desarrollarse bajo principios éticos y normativas que protejan a estas minorías.

Objetive: To analyze the normative and ethical aspects related to the inclusion of ethnic minorities in clinical trials in Latin America and the Caribbean. Material and Methods : The results of the ethical and normative analysis carried out by the group of researchers in bioethics of the Ethic Policy Forum are presented; forum for analysis, discussion and formulation of proposals in policies and regulations related to aspects of ethics in research in the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, constituted by the "Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación" from Peru, the Universidad Católica Santa María de Arequipa, Peru and the International Network of Collective Health and Intercultural Health of the "Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México". Results : It is evident that ethnic minorities are not adequately represented in clinical trials in Latin America and the Caribbean and the regulations in this regard are not standardized, or do not exist in all the countries of the Region. Trials with ethnic minorities can have benefits but also potential risks and ethical conflicts, which require an adequate assessment of vulnerabilities, effective support in informed consent and the research process, by Research Ethics Committees trained in intercultural health and ethics of research with indigenous peoples and Afro-descendants. Conclusion : Clinical trials should include ethnic minorities, with potential benefit from research products. Research must be developed under ethical and regulatory principles that protect these minorities.

Diagnóstico situacional de los Comités Institucionales de Ética en Investigación de la Seguridad Social en Perú / Situational diagnosis of the Institutional Research Ethics Committees in Social Security in Peru

Introducción: Aunque el Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación (IETSI) ha impulsado la conformación de Comités Institucionales de Ética en Investigación (CIEI) en la Seguridad Social de Salud del Perú (EsSalud), pueden existir aspectos perfectibles. Se describen las características de los CIEI de EsSalud y sus miembros durante el 2021. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y observacional que empleó una base de datos secundaria. Se encuestó a los miembros de los CIEI de EsSalud mediante un formulario virtual confeccionado por IETSI. Resultados: Se incluyó a 114 miembros pertenecientes a 18 redes prestacionales de EsSalud. El 52,6% de los participantes era de sexo masculino, la media de edad fue de 50,6 ± 11,9 años y el 42,1% tenía función científica. El 38,8% de los CIEI evaluó más de cinco ensayos clínicos en los últimos dos años y el 72,2% más de cinco estudios observacionales en el mismo periodo de tiempo. Los miembros refirieron limitaciones para la realización de reuniones o supervisiones virtuales, falta de tiempo para la realización de sus labores debido a la alta carga laboral y necesidad de capacitaciones sobre metodología de la investigación y bioestadística. Conclusión: Es necesario mejorar el soporte administrativo y el plan de capacitaciones a los miembros de los CIEI de EsSalud, para el logro de competencias metodológicas, éticas y regulatorias que aseguren una mejora en los procesos de evaluación y monitoreo ético de las investigaciones con seres humanos a su cargo.

Background:Although the Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías e Investigaciones en Salud (IETSI) has promoted the formation of Institutional Research Ethics Committees (IRECs) in the social security of Peru (EsSalud), there may be perfectible aspects. The characteristics of the IREC of EsSalud and its members during 2021 are described. : Adescriptive and observational study was Material and Methodscarried out using a secondary database. IREC members were surveyed using a virtual form created by IETSI. 114 members belonging to 18 EsSalud networks were included. Results:52.6% of the participants were male, the mean age was 50.6 ± 11.9 years, and 42.1% had a scientific role. In 38.8% of the IREC were evaluated more than five clinical trials in the last two years and 72.2% more than five observational studies in the same period. The members reported limitations for holding virtual meetings or supervisions, lack of time to carry out their tasks due to the high workload and the need for training on research methodology and biostatistics. it is Conclusion:necessary to improve the administrative support and the training plan for the members of the IREC of EsSalud, to achieve methodological, ethical, and regulatory competencies that ensure an improvement in the processes of evaluation and ethical monitoring of human research.