Whoever wants better healthcare simply pays more: citizens' perception about voluntary private health insurance in Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the perceptions that Colombians have about voluntary private health insurance plans (VPHI) in the health system to identify the tensions that exist between the public and private systems. METHODS: A qualitative case study approach with 46 semi structured interviews of patients, healthcare workers, healthcare administrators, decision-makers, and citizens. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, anonymized, digitally stored, and analyzed following grounded theory guidelines. RESULTS: We developed a paradigmatic matrix that explores how, in a context mediated by both the commodification of health and social stratification, perceptions about the failures in the public health system related to lack of timely care, extensive administrative procedures, and the search for privileged care led to positioning VPHI as a solution to these failures. The interviewees identified three consequences of using VPHI: first, the worsening of problems of timely access to care in the public system; second, higher costs for citizens translated into double payment for technologies and services to which they are entitled; third, the widening of inequity gaps in access to health services between people with similar needs but different payment capacities. CONCLUSIONS: These findings can help decision makers to understand citizens´ perceptions about the implications that VPHI may have in worsening equity gaps in the Colombian health system. It also shows, how VPHI is perceived as a double payment for services covered within social security plans and suggests that the perceived lack of timely access to care in the public systems and the fear that citizens have for themselves or their family members when using suboptimal healthcare are important drivers to purchase these private insurances.

RESUMEN: OBJETIVOS: Explorar las percepciones que tienen los colombianos sobre los planes de seguro de salud privados voluntarios (VPHI) en el sistema de salud para identificar las tensiones que existen entre los sistemas público y privado. MéTODOS: Un estudio cualitativo de caso con 46 entrevistas semiestructuradas a pacientes, trabajadores de la salud, administradores de salud, tomadores de decisiones y ciudadanos. Las entrevistas se grabaron, transcribieron y almacenaron de manera anónima. El análisis se hizo siguiendo conceptos de la teoría fundamentada. RESULTADOS: Desarrollamos una matriz paradigmática que explora cómo, en un contexto mediado tanto por la mercantilización de la salud como por la estratificación social, las percepciones sobre las fallas en el sistema de salud público relacionadas con la falta de atención oportuna, procedimientos administrativos extensos y la búsqueda de atención privilegiada llevaron a posicionar los VPHI como una solución a estas fallas. Los entrevistados identificaron tres consecuencias del uso de los VPHI: primero, el empeoramiento de los problemas de acceso oportuno a la atención en el sistema público; segundo, mayores costos para los ciudadanos, traducidos en un pago doble por tecnologías y servicios a los que tienen derecho; tercero, el aumento de las brechas de equidad en el acceso a los servicios de salud entre personas con necesidades similares pero diferentes capacidades de pago. CONCLUSIONES: Estos hallazgos pueden ayudar a los tomadores de decisiones a comprender las percepciones de los ciudadanos sobre las implicaciones que el VPHI puede tener en el empeoramiento de las brechas de equidad en el sistema de salud colombiano. También muestra cómo el VPHI se percibe como un pago doble por servicios cubiertos dentro de los planes de seguridad social y sugiere que la falta percibida de acceso oportuno a la atención en los sistemas públicos y el miedo que los ciudadanos tienen por sí mismos o por sus familiares cuando utilizan una atención sanitaria subóptima son factores importantes para adquirir estos seguros privados.

Oral health policies and decision-making process in Brazil, Colombia and Chile.

Public health policies are crucial for the well-being of the general population; however, the health systems of developed countries still do not include oral health in its system. Thus, it is necessary to understand the process of decision-making in oral health policies to create opportunities for countries to achieve an overall positive health outcome, including oral health. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the inclusion of oral health on the political agenda in Brazil, Colombia, and Chile. The study sample involved decision-makers at political, technical, and academic levels. The extracted data were analyzed using the software Maxqda® and Kingdon´s theoretical model; defining interactive variables that produce a "window of opportunity" to define the agenda and the insertion of theme in formulating public policies. The decision-making process regarding oral health is influenced by many factors like the need to improve the overall oral health of the population, identified through national epidemiological studies, and the importance of individuals in positions involving political decision-making, who advocate for oral health. Strategies were developed in partnership with the academy that focused on the health rights of the population provided by law; territorial and national programs were also developed. The inclusion and creation of oral health policies depend on actors who advocate for thematic and scientific evidence to support decision-making. A close relationship between academia and stakeholders and knowledge translation is important for the development of public policies that can be effective for health systems.

Oral health policies and decision-making process in Brazil, Colombia and Chile

Abstract Public health policies are crucial for the well-being of the general population; however, the health systems of developed countries still do not include oral health in its system. Thus, it is necessary to understand the process of decision-making in oral health policies to create opportunities for countries to achieve an overall positive health outcome, including oral health. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the inclusion of oral health on the political agenda in Brazil, Colombia, and Chile. The study sample involved decision-makers at political, technical, and academic levels. The extracted data were analyzed using the software Maxqda® and Kingdon´s theoretical model; defining interactive variables that produce a "window of opportunity" to define the agenda and the insertion of theme in formulating public policies. The decision-making process regarding oral health is influenced by many factors like the need to improve the overall oral health of the population, identified through national epidemiological studies, and the importance of individuals in positions involving political decision-making, who advocate for oral health. Strategies were developed in partnership with the academy that focused on the health rights of the population provided by law; territorial and national programs were also developed. The inclusion and creation of oral health policies depend on actors who advocate for thematic and scientific evidence to support decision-making. A close relationship between academia and stakeholders and knowledge translation is important for the development of public policies that can be effective for health systems.

Development of a Clinical Practice Guideline for Lower Limb Amputees. A Knowledge Translation Process in a Middle Income Country.

Background and Aim: Knowledge translation processes are necessary for improving patients' and communities' health outcomes. The aim of this study was to systematically develop evidence-based recommendations for people over 16 years of age who are in risk for or have suffered a lower limb amputation for medical reasons (vascular, diabetes mellitus) or trauma (civilian or military trauma) in order to improve function, quality of life, decrease complications and morbidity. Methods: Following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach we developed a Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for lower limb amputees with funding from the Ministry of Health in Colombia and participation of a multidisciplinary group. We included patients' preferences. Based on the scope, purposes and objectives the questions were elaborated with the PECOT strategy. The evidence search was performed for each question in the main databases: Cochrane Library, Embase and PubMed, without time limit or language restriction. Teams were formed with thematic experts and clinical epidemiologists to review the clinical studies, describe the evidence, and evaluate the quality of the body of evidence with the GRADE methodology. The recommendations were made according to the judgments proposed by the GRADE working group. We conducted a stakeholder's dialogue as a mechanism for the external validation of the guideline implementation. Results: The CPG included 43 recommendations related to the diagnosis, surgical treatment, rehabilitation, prescription and adaptation of the prosthesis. They were strong in favor 37.2, weak in favor 53.5, strong against 2.3, Weak against 7.0%. Quality of evidence was high in 0, moderate in 11.6, low in 58.1, and very low 30.2%. Discussion: In 93% of the recommendations, the quality of the evidence was between low and very low. This is why it was so important to validate and discuss each recommendation with an expanded multidisciplinary group. The research group identified 25 interventions and five milestones to be prioritized in the implementation and in the stakeholder's dialogue participants identified opportunities and barriers for implementation of recommendations. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop a national policy for implementation strategies of CPG recommendations that promotes the necessary arrangements for the provision of services for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals with amputations.

[Deliberative dialogue with Ibero-American universities on interventions in student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemicDiálogo deliberativo com universidades ibero-americanas sobre intervenções em saúde mental dos estudantes na pandemia de COVID-19]. / Diálogo deliberativo con universidades iberoamericanas sobre intervenciones en salud mental estudiantil durante la pandemia de COVID-19.

Objective: To contextualize a synthesis of evidence on interventions in student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic through a deliberative dialogue with Ibero-American universities. Methods: An evidence synthesis and synchronous dialogues were previously conducted, consisting of subgroup discussions about the design and implementation of mental health interventions. An analysis of dialogic data was conducted, then organized by topic. Results: Fifty-seven representatives of 17 public and private Ibero-American universities participated in the meeting. In terms of the design of interventions, mental health is perceived as neglected, although its profile was raised by the pandemic. Interventions are guided by detection of needs; scientific evidence is rarely used to design them. Importance was given to forming an interdisciplinary team with continuous training in order to design a specific program that also covers families and teaching/administrative staff. In terms of implementation, problems include saturation of services due to high demand and lack of basic resources among students. Regarding the provision of resources, the influence of the broader context, including the institutional context, is undeniable. The dialogues were perceived as an opportunity to build a new set of interventions. Conclusions: These dialogues enriched the description of interventions already described in the literature on student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, implementing such interventions in the region means addressing previous neglect and a high level of unmet basic needs.

Objetivo: Contextualizar uma síntese de evidências sobre intervenções em saúde mental de estudantes universitários na pandemia de COVID-19, por meio do diálogo deliberativo com universidades ibero-americanas. Métodos: A partir de uma síntese de evidências previamente elaborada, o diálogo síncrono foi conduzido por meio de discussões em subgrupos sobre o planejamento e a implementação de intervenções em saúde mental. Os dados obtidos foram analisados e resumidos por área temática. Resultados: Cinquenta e sete integrantes de 17 universidades ibero-americanas públicas e privadas participaram do encontro. Os participantes indicaram que a saúde mental é negligenciada no planejamento das intervenções, mas ganhou visibilidade na pandemia. As intervenções são direcionadas às necessidades identificadas e raramente planejadas com base em evidências científicas. Disseram considerar importante formar uma equipe interdisciplinar com capacitação contínua para planejar um programa específico que englobe também familiares e o corpo docente e administrativo. Implementar intervenções é complicado porque os serviços estão sobrecarregados devido à grande demanda e à falta de recursos básicos para os estudantes. O contexto macro e institucional claramente influencia a disponibilização de recursos. O diálogo foi visto como uma oportunidade para consolidar um novo conjunto de intervenções. Conclusões: O presente diálogo contribuiu para enriquecer a literatura de intervenções de saúde mental para estudantes universitários na pandemia de COVID-19. Implementar intervenções no nosso contexto requer sanar as falhas por negligência passada e as enormes necessidades básicas não atendidas.

Diálogo deliberativo con universidades iberoamericanas sobre intervenciones en salud mental estudiantil durante la pandemia de COVID-19

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Contextualizar una síntesis de evidencia sobre intervenciones en salud mental estudiantil durante la pandemia de la enfermedad por el coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19, por su sigla en inglés) por medio de un diálogo deliberativo con universidades iberoamericanas. Métodos. Se realizó previamente una síntesis de evidencia y un diálogo sincrónico, que consistió en la discusión en subgrupos acerca del diseño y aplicación de las intervenciones en salud mental. Se realizó un análisis de datos dialógicos y se sintetizó por temas. Resultados. Cincuenta y siete miembros de 17 universidades iberoamericanas públicas y privadas participaron en el encuentro. En el diseño de las intervenciones, se percibe la salud mental como desatendida, y visibilizada con la pandemia. La detección de necesidades es la que orienta las intervenciones y rara vez se utiliza evidencia científica para diseñarlas. Se considera importante conformar un equipo interdisciplinario con capacitación continua para diseñar un programa específico, que cubra también familias y personal docente y administrativo. En la aplicación, existen problemas como la saturación de los servicios por la alta demanda y la falta de recursos básicos de los estudiantes. Es innegable la influencia del contexto macro e institucional por la disposición de recursos. El diálogo fue percibido como oportunidad para construir un consolidado nuevo de intervenciones. Conclusiones. Este diálogo permitió enriquecer la descripción de intervenciones en salud mental estudiantil durante la pandemia de COVID-19 ya descritas en la literatura, aunque llevarlas a la práctica en nuestro contexto supone hacer frente a la deuda por la desatención previa y las altas necesidades básicas insatisfechas.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To contextualize a synthesis of evidence on interventions in student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic through a deliberative dialogue with Ibero-American universities. Methods. An evidence synthesis and synchronous dialogues were previously conducted, consisting of subgroup discussions about the design and implementation of mental health interventions. An analysis of dialogic data was conducted, then organized by topic. Results. Fifty-seven representatives of 17 public and private Ibero-American universities participated in the meeting. In terms of the design of interventions, mental health is perceived as neglected, although its profile was raised by the pandemic. Interventions are guided by detection of needs; scientific evidence is rarely used to design them. Importance was given to forming an interdisciplinary team with continuous training in order to design a specific program that also covers families and teaching/administrative staff. In terms of implementation, problems include saturation of services due to high demand and lack of basic resources among students. Regarding the provision of resources, the influence of the broader context, including the institutional context, is undeniable. The dialogues were perceived as an opportunity to build a new set of interventions. Conclusions. These dialogues enriched the description of interventions already described in the literature on student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, implementing such interventions in the region means addressing previous neglect and a high level of unmet basic needs.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Contextualizar uma síntese de evidências sobre intervenções em saúde mental de estudantes universitários na pandemia de COVID-19, por meio do diálogo deliberativo com universidades ibero-americanas. Métodos. A partir de uma síntese de evidências previamente elaborada, o diálogo síncrono foi conduzido por meio de discussões em subgrupos sobre o planejamento e a implementação de intervenções em saúde mental. Os dados obtidos foram analisados e resumidos por área temática. Resultados. Cinquenta e sete integrantes de 17 universidades ibero-americanas públicas e privadas participaram do encontro. Os participantes indicaram que a saúde mental é negligenciada no planejamento das intervenções, mas ganhou visibilidade na pandemia. As intervenções são direcionadas às necessidades identificadas e raramente planejadas com base em evidências científicas. Disseram considerar importante formar uma equipe interdisciplinar com capacitação contínua para planejar um programa específico que englobe também familiares e o corpo docente e administrativo. Implementar intervenções é complicado porque os serviços estão sobrecarregados devido à grande demanda e à falta de recursos básicos para os estudantes. O contexto macro e institucional claramente influencia a disponibilização de recursos. O diálogo foi visto como uma oportunidade para consolidar um novo conjunto de intervenções. Conclusões. O presente diálogo contribuiu para enriquecer a literatura de intervenções de saúde mental para estudantes universitários na pandemia de COVID-19. Implementar intervenções no nosso contexto requer sanar as falhas por negligência passada e as enormes necessidades básicas não atendidas.

Ruta integral de atención en salud para personas con amputaciones de miembro inferior, para mejorar el funcionamiento y la calidad de vida / Integral pathway of health care for people with lower limb amputations, to improve the functioning and quality of life / Rota abrangente de cuidados de saúde de pessoas com amputações de membros inferiores, para melhorar o funcionamento e qualidade de vida

Resumen Objetivo: Presentar el estudio mediante el cual se construyó una ruta integral de atención en salud (RIAS) para la atención del paciente amputado de miembro inferior por causas traumática, vascular o diabetes mellitus, cuyo fin es implementar las recomendaciones de la Guía de práctica clínica del paciente amputado y garantizar la atención integral en salud de esta población en Colombia. Con la ruta se pretende orientar a los actores involucrados en la ejecución de intervenciones individuales para el diagnóstico, el tratamiento y la rehabilitación, e impactar en los desenlaces en salud y equidad de esta población. Metodología: Este estudio responde a una estrategia de mejoramiento de la atención en salud. Para esto, se revisó el Manual metodológico para la elaboración e implementación de las RIAS; se creó el grupo desarrollador de la ruta; se priorizaron y describieron las intervenciones en función del proceso continuo de atención en salud; se evaluó la práctica asistencial actual con grupos focales de pacientes y profesionales; se formularon los resultados esperados en el proceso de gestión y atención en salud (hitos), y se elaboró el diagrama de la ruta. Resultados: A partir de la Guía de práctica clínica se elaboraron 25 intervenciones individuales priorizadas y caracterizadas según el actor responsable, la población objetivo y el entorno. Para cada una de las intervenciones se presentan resultados esperados en salud, calidad de prestación de servicios, aspectos relacionados con la equidad, y la perspectiva de pacientes y actores involucrados con la atención. Se construyeron los indicadores para el seguimiento e implementación de la ruta. Conclusión: Se construyó la primera ruta integral de atención en salud del paciente con amputación de miembro inferior, de acuerdo con los lineamientos del manual del Ministerio de Salud y de la Protección Social.

Abstract Objective: Build an Integral Health Care Pathway for the care of patients with lower limb amputation due to traumatic, vascular or diabetes mellitus causes, in order to implement the recommendations of the cpg for amputee patients and guarantee comprehensive health care for this population in Colombia. Methodology: This study is a strategy to improve health care. Carried out by a review of the Methodological Manual for the Development and Implementation of Comprehensive Health Care Pathway, then the development group was created. A process of prioritization and description of required individual interventions was developed based on health care. Evaluation of current care practice with focus groups, formulation of milestones and development of the intervention diagram. Results: 25 individual interventions were prioritized and characterized according to the responsible actor, target population and environment. Expected results in health, quality of service delivery, issues related to equity, as well as the perspective of patients and actors involved with care are shown. Indicators were built for monitoring and implementation of the pathway. Conclusion: With the previous results, the first Integral Health Care Pathway for the Lower Limb Amputee Patient was developed. It intends to guide the actors involved, when executing individual interventions for the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, to impact outcomes in health and equity of this group .

Resumo Objetivo: Construir uma Rota de Atenção Integral à Saúde do Paciente Amputado do Membro Inferior por causas traumáticas, vasculares ou diabetes mellitus, com a finalização de implementar as recomendações do gpc do paciente amputado e garantir a atenção integral na saúde desta población em Colômbia. Metodologia: Este estudo responde a uma estratégia para melhorar os cuidados de saúde. Foi realizada uma revisão do Manual Metodológico para o Desenvolvimento e Implementação de Rotas Integrais de Atenção à Saúde, criação do grupo de desenvolvimento da rota. Um processo de priorização e descrição das intervenções individuais necessárias foi desenvolvido com base na continuidade dos cuidados de saúde. Avaliação da prática assistencial atual com grupos focais, formulação de marcos e desenvolvimento do diagrama de intervenção. Resultados: 25 intervenções individuais foram priorizadas e caracterizadas de acordo com o ator responsável, população-alvo e ambiente. Determinação dos resultados esperados em saúde, qualidade da prestação de serviços, questões relacionadas a equidade, bem como a perspectiva de pacientes e atores envolvidos no atendimento. Foram construídos indicadores para o monitoramento e implementação da rota. Conclusão: Com os resultados anteriores, foi construída a primeira Rota de Atenção Integral à Saúde do paciente com amputação de membros inferiores por causas traumáticas e neurovasculares, com sua implementação, visando orientar os atores envolvidos na execução de intervenções individuais para a diagnóstico, tratamento e reabilitação, impactar os resultados em saúde e eqüidade dessa população.

Diálogo deliberativo con universidades iberoamericanas sobre intervenciones en salud mental estudiantil durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Deliberative dialogue with Ibero-American universities on interventions in student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic / Diálogo deliberativo com universidades ibero-americanas sobre intervenções em saúde mental dos estudantes na pandemia de COVID-19

RESUMEN Objetivo. Contextualizar una síntesis de evidencia sobre intervenciones en salud mental estudiantil durante la pandemia de la enfermedad por el coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19, por su sigla en inglés) por medio de un diálogo deliberativo con universidades iberoamericanas. Métodos. Se realizó previamente una síntesis de evidencia y un diálogo sincrónico, que consistió en la discusión en subgrupos acerca del diseño y aplicación de las intervenciones en salud mental. Se realizó un análisis de datos dialógicos y se sintetizó por temas. Resultados. Cincuenta y siete miembros de 17 universidades iberoamericanas públicas y privadas participaron en el encuentro. En el diseño de las intervenciones, se percibe la salud mental como desatendida, y visibilizada con la pandemia. La detección de necesidades es la que orienta las intervenciones y rara vez se utiliza evidencia científica para diseñarlas. Se considera importante conformar un equipo interdisciplinario con capacitación continua para diseñar un programa específico, que cubra también familias y personal docente y administrativo. En la aplicación, existen problemas como la saturación de los servicios por la alta demanda y la falta de recursos básicos de los estudiantes. Es innegable la influencia del contexto macro e institucional por la disposición de recursos. El diálogo fue percibido como oportunidad para construir un consolidado nuevo de intervenciones. Conclusiones. Este diálogo permitió enriquecer la descripción de intervenciones en salud mental estudiantil durante la pandemia de COVID-19 ya descritas en la literatura, aunque llevarlas a la práctica en nuestro contexto supone hacer frente a la deuda por la desatención previa y las altas necesidades básicas insatisfechas.

ABSTRACT Objective. To contextualize a synthesis of evidence on interventions in student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic through a deliberative dialogue with Ibero-American universities. Methods. An evidence synthesis and synchronous dialogues were previously conducted, consisting of subgroup discussions about the design and implementation of mental health interventions. An analysis of dialogic data was conducted, then organized by topic. Results. Fifty-seven representatives of 17 public and private Ibero-American universities participated in the meeting. In terms of the design of interventions, mental health is perceived as neglected, although its profile was raised by the pandemic. Interventions are guided by detection of needs; scientific evidence is rarely used to design them. Importance was given to forming an interdisciplinary team with continuous training in order to design a specific program that also covers families and teaching/administrative staff. In terms of implementation, problems include saturation of services due to high demand and lack of basic resources among students. Regarding the provision of resources, the influence of the broader context, including the institutional context, is undeniable. The dialogues were perceived as an opportunity to build a new set of interventions. Conclusions. These dialogues enriched the description of interventions already described in the literature on student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, implementing such interventions in the region means addressing previous neglect and a high level of unmet basic needs.

RESUMO Objetivo. Contextualizar uma síntese de evidências sobre intervenções em saúde mental de estudantes universitários na pandemia de COVID-19, por meio do diálogo deliberativo com universidades ibero-americanas. Métodos. A partir de uma síntese de evidências previamente elaborada, o diálogo síncrono foi conduzido por meio de discussões em subgrupos sobre o planejamento e a implementação de intervenções em saúde mental. Os dados obtidos foram analisados e resumidos por área temática. Resultados. Cinquenta e sete integrantes de 17 universidades ibero-americanas públicas e privadas participaram do encontro. Os participantes indicaram que a saúde mental é negligenciada no planejamento das intervenções, mas ganhou visibilidade na pandemia. As intervenções são direcionadas às necessidades identificadas e raramente planejadas com base em evidências científicas. Disseram considerar importante formar uma equipe interdisciplinar com capacitação contínua para planejar um programa específico que englobe também familiares e o corpo docente e administrativo. Implementar intervenções é complicado porque os serviços estão sobrecarregados devido à grande demanda e à falta de recursos básicos para os estudantes. O contexto macro e institucional claramente influencia a disponibilização de recursos. O diálogo foi visto como uma oportunidade para consolidar um novo conjunto de intervenções. Conclusões. O presente diálogo contribuiu para enriquecer a literatura de intervenções de saúde mental para estudantes universitários na pandemia de COVID-19. Implementar intervenções no nosso contexto requer sanar as falhas por negligência passada e as enormes necessidades básicas não atendidas.

Mental health interventions for college and university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A critical synthesis of the literature.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to compare the emotional effects of COVID-19 among three different groups, namely: health personnel, medical students, and a sample of the general population. METHODS: 375 participants were recruited for this study, of which 125 were medical students (preclinical studies, 59; clinical studies, 66), 125 were health personnel (COVID-19 frontline personnel, 59; personnel not related with COVID-19, 66), and 125 belonged to the general population. The PHQ-9, GAD-7, and CPDI scales were used to assess the emotional impact. A multinomial logistic regression was performed to measure differences between groups, considering potential confounding factors. RESULTS: Regarding CPDI values, all other groups showed reduced values compared to COVID-19 frontline personnel. However, the general population, preclinical and clinical medical students showed increased PHQ-9 values compared to COVID-19 frontline personnel. Finally, confounding factors, gender and age correlated negatively with higher CPDI and PHQ-9 scores. CONCLUSIONS: Being frontline personnel is associated with increased COVID-19-related stress. Depression is associated, however, with other groups not directly involved with the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Female gender and younger age correlated with COVID-19-related depression and stress.

[Mental health interventions for college and university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a critical synthesis of the literature]. / Intervenciones para la salud mental de estudiantes universitarios durante la pandemia por COVID-19: una síntesis crítica de la literatura.

BACKGROUND: College and university students are a population vulnerable to mental disorders, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their mental health has been affected by confinement, difficulties in the development of academic activities, and the demands of new pedagogical modalities. We aimed to respond to the question: what are the actions around a) promotion and prevention, b) mental symptoms care, and c) pedagogical adaptations that can be developed in order to improve the mental health of college and university students? METHODS: We conducted a critical synthesis from a systematic review of the literature. A search was made for scientific articles with descriptive, analytical, empirical or evaluative designs, as well as web resources of organisations related to the topic. A synthesis was carried out based on the three aspects of the question by means of a constant comparative method, until the aggregation of actions by similarity in the actors. We anticipated low evidence quality; therefore, a standardised evaluation was not performed. RESULTS: We explored 68 articles and 99 web resources. After reviewing the full text, 12 scientific articles and 11 web resources were included. As general guidelines, we found that the most frequent suggestion is the design of a specific structured mental health programme within universities, one that should be multidisciplinary, inclusive, dynamic and culturally sensitive. All actions taken by the university should be reported and published periodically so that students and other members of the university community are clear about them. Ideally, it is suggested to keep them until the post-pandemic period and include alumni. Regarding a) promotion and prevention, digital psychoeducation was recommended, with information about healthy lifestyles, common emotional reactions to epidemics, coping strategies and warning signs. Peer participation is suggested as a support strategy, as well as spaces for social interaction that focus not only on academic aspects but also on leisure. Screening for mental symptoms is suggested through frequent submission of online forms or mobile applications. In addition to mental health, it is important to inquire about the degree of satisfaction of basic and technology-related needs. For b) the care of mental symptoms, one of the actions commonly identified was a consulting centre that can provide mental health care by telephone, by technology, and even in person --if required --, with permanent availability with rapid response teams for crisis situations, such as suicidal behaviour and domestic violence. For c) pedagogical adaptations, fluent communication is an indispensable requirement; having clear instructions on academic activities can reduce uncertainty and therefore anxiety. The teaching and pedagogical staff at the institution can offer direct advice (via video calls or online group meetings) to provide support in study habits, degree-specific material and mental health. CONCLUSIONS: Included resources suggest the creation of a programme that specifically addresses the mental health of students. This synthesis can provide guidelines that facilitate decision-making by the university, without losing sight of the fact that the institution and the student are immersed in a complex context, with circumstances and other actors at various levels that also intervene in mental health. Research is required on the evolution of the mental health situation and the effect of the actions that are being taken.

Derechos de las personas con discapacidad en la pandemia por Covid-19. Síntesis rápida / The rights of people with disabilities in the Covid-19 pandemic Rapidreview

La pandemia por Coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) ha profundizado las desigualdades preexistentes de las personas con discapacidad. Los afectados por Covid-19 se encuentran entre los grupos más vulnerables al ser uno de los grupos más excluidos de la sociedad. El objetivo del presente estudio esidentificarlas declaraciones y recomendaciones que las organizaciones supranacionales han emitido para garantizar los derechos de las personas con discapacidad en la actual pandemia. Se realizó una búsqueda amplia y sistemática; fueron consultadas 20 organizaciones y analizados 58 documentos en esta síntesis rápida. Los documentos encontrados fueron asignados en cuatro categorías dependiendo de su enfoque principal: principio de igualdad y no discriminación (25,8%), derecho al respeto de la dignidad inherente (10,3%), derecho a la accesibilidad (36,2%) y derecho a la salud (27,6%). Las organizaciones supranacionales hacen un llamado a los gobiernos a garantizar la protección y promoción de los derechos de las personas con discapacidad y a implementar medidas y estrategias razonables que aborden las necesidades especiales de esta población en la actual pandemia.

The Coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has deepened pre-existing inequalities for people with disabilities. Those affected by Covid-19 are among the most vulnerable groups as one of the most excluded groups in society. The objective of this study is to identify the declarations and recommendations that supranational organizations have issued to guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities in the current pandemic. A broad and systematic search was carried out; 20 organizations were consulted and 58 documents were analyzed in this rapid synthesis. The documents found were assigned into four categories depending on their main focus: principle of equality and non-discrimination (25.8%), right to respect for inherent dignity (10.3%), right to accessibility (36.2%) and right to health (27.6%). The supranational organizations call on governments to ensure the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities and to implement reasonable measures and strategies to address the special needs of this population in the current pandemic.

Diseño y construcción de un prototipo de micromanipulador / Design and construction of a micromanipulator prototype

Este proyecto se hizo con el fin de proveer a la comunidad científica de un micromanipulador de alta calidad, de bajo costo y útil para manipular células con fines de investigación y aplicación biológica. Los procedimientos que se llevaron acabo fueron: - Diseño del prototipo del micromanipulador, de fácil manejo para ser utilizado en técnicas de reproducción asistida.- Estudio de los posibles materiales, su disponibilidad, su durabilidad y su resistencia.- Análisis del costo de los materiales, del diseño, de la mano de obra y su relación costo beneficio.- Construcción del micromanipulador y realización de diferentes pruebas de su utilidad y aplicación en animales, u otros experimentos biológicos no humanos. Se logro obtener una herramienta para técnicas de reproducción asistida al que, además, puedan integrársele posteriormente nuevos dispositivos para las múltiples aplicaciones...