Looking at maternal health of Asháninka communities from the conceptual framework of the accessibility of care.

BACKGROUND: Peru is one of the 20 countries that has significantly reduced maternal mortality before the pandemic due to implementing policies to strengthen maternal health care, mainly in rural areas with greater poverty. However, the implementation of these policies has been different across the territory; such is the case of the indigenous communities of the Peruvian Amazon that are characterized by the inaccessibility of their territory and continue to face severe problems in accessing maternity care in health services. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the main dimensions of accessibility for maternal care in public health services for women of the Asháninka community of Peru between 2016 and 2018. METHODS: Qualitative research was carried out in the Asháninka community of the Tambo River. Key informants involved in maternal health care were selected, and 60 in-depth interviews were conducted that explored geographical, financial, cultural, and organizational accessibility. The interviews were recorded and transcribed into a word processor; then, a content analysis was performed to classify the texts according to the dimensions of specified accessibility. RESULTS: Geographical accessibility: health units in the territory do not have the resolution capacity to attend maternal health problems. Financial accessibility: the programs implemented by the government have not been able to finance the indirect costs of care, such as transportation, which has high costs that a family cannot afford, given their subsistence economy. Cultural: there are efforts for cultural adaptation of maternal care, but its implementation needs to be improved, and the community cannot recognize it due to the lack of continuity of the model and the high personnel turnover. Organizational: health units are characterized by insufficient human resources, supplies, and medicines that fail to offer continuous and quality care. CONCLUSIONS: The poor geographical, financial, cultural, and organizational accessibility that women from the Asháninka community face for maternal care in public health services are evident. So, the Peruvian government must review the implementation processes of its models of care and maternal health programs in these communities and propose strategies to improve the coverage, quality and continuity of maternal care.

Barreras y facilitadores en la implementación de guías de práctica clínica en México: perspectiva del personal de salud / Barriers and facilitators in the implementation of clinical practice guidelines in Mexico: perspective of health workers

Resumen: Objetivo: Identificar barreras, facilitadores y propuestas de mejora en la implementación de Guías de Práctica Clínica (GPC) desde la perspectiva de los profesionales de la salud. Material y métodos: Estudio cualitativo a través de 85 entrevistas semiestructuradas a responsables de implementación, difusión y aplicación, y del personal operativo en centros de atención primaria y hospitales en siete estados de México. El contenido fue codificado y analizado con ATLAS.ti 7.0. Resultados: Las principales barreras encontradas fueron la no actualización de las GPC y baja alineación con otras normas, e imposibilidad de implementarlas debido a la sobrecarga de trabajo y los recursos limitados. Conclusiones: El esfuerzo por implementar GPC parece haber sido errático e insuficiente, y la evaluación de su utilización inexistente. Se propone crear estrategias integradas y contextualizadas que resulten ser más efectivas y eficientes para la implementación exitosa de GPC.

Abstract: Objective: To identify barriers, facilitators and proposals for improvement in the implementation of CPG from the perspective of health professionals. Materials and methods: Qualitative study through 85 semi-structured interviews with those responsible for the implementation, dissemination and application activities, and of the operational personnel in primary care centers and hospitals in seven states of Mexico. The content was coded and analyzed with ATLAS.ti 7.0. Results: The main barriers found were the failure to update the CPGs and low alignment with other standards, and the impossibility of implementing them due to work overload and limited resources. Conclusions: The effort to implement CPG seems to have been erratic and insufficient, and the evaluation of its use non-existent. It is proposed to create integrated and contextualized strategies that prove to be more effective and efficient for the successful implementation of the CPG.

Adaptation and validation of the Screening Questionnaire for Family Abuse of the Elderly in the sociocultural context of Colombia.

In Colombia, like many countries in the world, due to the increase in population of elderly people, mistreatment has increased, which has physical, psychological and social consequences for the individual and major repercussions on society. The detection of abuse is a complex task, among other aspects, due to the concealment of victims and the lack of valid, reliable detection instruments that are in keeping with the sociocultural context. Professionals responsible for dealing with these situations must have an instrument that allows early detection. The objective of this study was to adapt and validate the Family Abuse Screening Questionnaire for Elderly People in Colombia. A cross-sectional study with mixed methods was carried out in two stages from 2017 to 2018. In the first stage, linguistic and semantic adaptation was carried out using translation, synthesis, back translation, expert analysis and pilot testing with 30 abused and non-abused elderly people. In the second stage, the validity and reliability of the questionnaire were obtained by means of an exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's Alpha, using STATA 13. In the results, we provided a Socially and Culturally Adapted Family Abuse Screening Questionnaire for elderly people in Colombia with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.82, sensitivity value of 86.9% (p < 0.05) and a specificity value of 84% (p < 0.05), detecting abuse with 4 or more positive responses to abuse. The application of the screening questionnaire by health and social services professionals will prevent further damage to social and physical health in the elderly people in Colombia, as well as reduce the costs of care in institutions.

Los Grupos de Ayuda Mutua como posible estrategia de apoyo emocional para personas indígenas que padecen diabetes / Mutual Aid Groups as a possible emotional support strategy for indigenous people with diabetes

Resumen: Objetivo: Reflexionar sobre el apoyo emocional que los Grupos de Ayuda Mutua (GAM) dan a personas indígenas con diabetes y su importancia en el apego al tratamiento. Material y métodos: Estudio cualitativo: 25 entrevistas semiestructuradas; tres grupos focales (17 participantes); y observación no participante. Se realizó análisis de contenido con el apoyo del programa Atlas-ti. Resultados: Se identificaron expresiones emocionales relacionadas con el padecimiento. La opinión sobre el trabajo grupal fue positiva. El GAM es un espacio de catarsis, pero no funciona como soporte para enfrentar las restricciones del tratamiento y el impacto emocional en caso de complicaciones mayores. Conclusiones: Con la debida capacitación del personal de salud a cargo de los grupos, los GAM pueden llegar a ser espacios de soporte emocional para las personas indígenas y contribuir a su bienestar.

Abstract: Objective: To think about the emotional support that Mutual Aid Groups (MAG) offer up to indigenous people with diabetes and their importance in adherence to treatment. Materials and methods: Qualitative study: 25 semi-structured interviews; 3 focus groups (17 participants); and non-participant observation. Content analysis was carried out with the support of the Atlas-ti program. Results: We identified emotional expressions related to the disease. The opinion about MAGs and group work was positive. The MAG is a catharsis space, but it does not work as a support to face the restrictions of the treatment and the emotional impact in case of major complications. Conclusions: With proper training of the health personnel in charge of the groups, MAGs can become emotional support spaces for indigenous people and contribute to their well-being.

Barreras y facilitadores en la implementación de guías de práctica clínica en México: perspectiva del personal de salud.

Objetivo. Identificar barreras, facilitadores y propuestas de mejora en la implementación de Guías de Práctica Clínica (GPC) desde la perspectiva de los profesionales de la salud. Material y métodos. Estudio cualitativo a través de 85 entrevistas semiestructuradas a responsables de implementa-ción, difusión y aplicación, y del personal operativo en centros de atención primaria y hospitales en siete estados de México. El contenido fue codificado y analizado con ATLAS.ti 7.0. Resultados. Las principales barreras encontradas fueron la no actualización de las GPC y baja alineación con otras normas, e imposibilidad de implementarlas debido a la sobre-carga de trabajo y los recursos limitados. Conclusiones. El esfuerzo por implementar GPC parece haber sido errático e insuficiente, y la evaluación de su utilización inexistente. Se propone crear estrategias integradas y contextualizadas que resulten ser más efectivas y eficientes para la implementación exitosa de GPC.

Health needs of indigenous Mayan older adults in Mexico and health services available.

Current data indicate that inequitable health service access is one of the major problems faced by indigenous people in Mexico and around the world. The aim of this study was to analyse the perceived health needs of indigenous older adults in a Mayan region of Mexico and the health services provided to address these needs. It used a qualitative design which explored health needs, perceptions of well-being, experiences with public health services and obstacles in accessing services through semi-structured interviews with 20 older adults, nine traditional healers and seven public healthcare providers from Mayan municipalities in southeastern Mexico during 2013-2014. We identified that cultural differences related to the language, values, beliefs and worldview of indigenous populations are ignored or incorporated only minimally by health services. The provision of services does not correspond to the health needs of indigenous Mayan older adults, and wide gaps still undermine their human rights and health status; despite the establishment of favourable regulations, healthcare services are organised for the non-indigenous population. The conditions of social vulnerability affecting indigenous older adults require that healthcare institutions incorporate an intercultural approach in order to improve the quality of care according to the necessities of the population.

Los Grupos de Ayuda Mutua como posible estrategia de apoyo emocional para personas indígenas que padecen diabetes.

Objetivo. Reflexionar sobre el apoyo emocional que los Grupos de Ayuda Mutua (GAM) dan a personas indígenas con diabetes y su importancia en el apego al tratamiento. Material y métodos. Estudio cualitativo: 25 entrevistas semiestructuradas; tres grupos focales (17 participantes); y observación no participante. Se realizó análisis de contenido con el apoyo del programa Atlas-ti. Resultados. Se identificaron expresiones emocionales relacionadas con el padecimiento. La opinión sobre el trabajo grupal fue positiva. El GAM es un espacio de catarsis, pero no funciona como soporte para enfrentar las restricciones del tratamiento y el impacto emocional en caso de complicaciones mayores. Conclusiones. Con la debida capacitación del personal de salud a cargo de los grupos, los GAM pueden llegar a ser espacios de soporte emocional para las personas indígenas y contribuir a su bienestar.

Development and validation of a Screening Questionnaire of Family Mistreatment against Older Adults for use in primary care settings in Mexico.

The abuse of older adults is a serious public health issue that can be difficult to identify at the first level of care. Medical and nursing personnel are sometimes unable to identify older adults who suffer family mistreatment. This can occur when victims feel shame or as a result of cultural factors. In the light of this, healthcare personnel require a screening tool that can be used to identify signs of mistreatment. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a screening tool for detecting the familial mistreatment of older adults in primary care settings. A mixed method cross-sectional study was carried out in three phases between 2009 and 2012 in Mexico. The formative phase involved using a qualitative methodology to identify terms that older adults use to identify practices defined as forms of mistreatment. On this basis, the second phase involved the design of a screening tool through the formation of items in collaboration with a panel of experts. These items were tested on older adults to ensure their intelligibility. Finally, validity and reliability levels were evaluated through the application of the screening tool to a sample of older adults at a primary care facility and at a legal centre. These findings were discussed with gerontologists, and the data were analysed through an exploratory factor analysis with orthogonal rotation and Cronbach's alpha using STATA v13. From the results, we generated a screening tool that is culturally and socially tailored to older adults in Mexico. The tool has a Cronbach's alpha of 0.89, a sensitivity value of 86% (p < .05) and a specificity value of 90% (p < .05) for positive answers to the tool's 15 items. Applying this tool at the first level of care could limit damage to older adults' health and could lower the frequency of emergency room use in hospitals.

Significado de salud: la vivencia del adulto mayor / Meaning of Health: The Experience of the Elderly / Significado de saúde: a vivência do idoso

RESUMEN Durante la vejez, el significado de salud se basa en alcanzar un estado de bienestar; por ello, es importante comprender los factores que benefician o afectan el logro de este propósito. Objetivo: analizar los significados de salud que los adultos mayores construyen a partir de sus vivencias y experiencias. Materiales y métodos: investigación cualitativa con técnica de análisis de contenido y entrevista semiestructurada. Participaron veinte adultos mayores, que acudieron a un centro de atención geriátrica, seleccionados de manera intencionada y determinada por índice de saturación. Resultados: el significado de salud se manifiesta en la capacidad de poder hacer cosas; así, la salud se concibe como un medio útil para obtener un beneficio, ya sea material, moral o físico. Los vínculos familiares son importantes, incluso los comparan con la salud; también, identifican la salud con la ausencia de dolor y enfermedad. Conclusión: la salud del adulto mayor es vivida en contexto familiar; el bienestar es percibido como la capacidad de hacer cosas, aunque el dolor y la enfermedad estén presentes.

ABSTRACT The meaning of health during old age is based on achieving a state of well-being. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors that benefit or affect accomplishing that goal. Objective: Analyze what health means to older adults, based on their experiences. Materials and methods: This is a qualitative study based on content analysis and semi-structured interviews. Twenty elderly adults who frequented a geriatric care center were selected intentionally and determined by means of a saturation index. Results: The meaning of health is manifest in the ability to do things. Accordingly, health is conceived as a useful means to obtain a benefit, be it material, moral or physical. Family ties are important and were even compared to health. The participants also equated health with the absence of pain and disease. Conclusion: Health is experienced by the elderly in a family context. Well-being is perceived as the ability to do things, even if pain and illness are present.

RESUMO Durante a velhice, o significado de saúde está baseado em atingir um estado de bem-estar; por isso, é importante compreender os fatores que beneficiam ou afetam conquistar esse propósito. Objetivo: analisar os significados de saúde que os idosos constroem a partir de suas vivências e experiências. Materiais e método: pesquisa qualitativa com técnica de análise de conteúdo e entrevista semiestruturada. Participaram vinte idosos que foram a um centro de atenção geriátrica, selecionados de maneira intencionada e determinada por índice de saturação. Resultados: o significado de saúde se manifesta na capacidade de poder fazer coisas; assim, a saúde é concebida como um meio útil para obter um benefício - material, moral ou físico. Os vínculos familiares são importantes, inclusive os comparam com a saúde; também identificam a saúde com a ausência de dor e doença. Conclusões: a saúde do idoso é vivida em contexto familiar; o bem-estar é percebido como a capacidade de fazer coisas, embora a dor e a doença estejam presentes.

Aging in rural, indigenous communities: an intercultural and participatory healthcare approach in Mexico.

From an ethno-gerontological perspective, new models are needed to fulfill the health needs of the indigenous older adult population in Mexico. In this paper we developed a comprehensive healthcare model, interculturally appropriate, designed to meet the needs of Mexican indigenous older adults. The model was constructed using a qualitative design with semi-structured interviews of older adults, health providers, and available health resources in three Mexican indigenous regions. An ethnographical review was carried out to contextually characterize these communities. At the same time, a comprehensive bibliographic revision was made to identify socio-demographic markers. Results pointed out that Mexican indigenous older adults are not covered by any type of social health insurance program. Their health problems tend in large part to be chronic in nature due to the lack of early diagnosis and treatment. There is a need for trained human resources in the field of gerontology encompassing the sociocultural context of the indigenous groups. The geographical location of these communities limits the permanent presence of healthcare givers and thus limits access to continuous care. Traditional healthcare givers, able to speak the native language, are a great asset allowing the invaluable possibility of direct verbal communication. Based upon the data gathered from indigenous older adults and service providers, in tandem with evidence from the literature, we identified key elements for successful intervention and designed an intervention model. We concluded that indigenous older adults are a more vulnerable group, given that aside from being elderly in a country where the health needs of these populations exceed the capacity of existing healthcare services, their ethnicity serves as an added barrier preventing their access to the limited available healthcare resources. To achieve uniformity in providing health care, today's health systems need to address intercultural and participative aspects of healthcare models.

Prevalence and factors associated with violence and abuse of older adults in Mexico's 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey.

BACKGROUND: Factors associated with violence and the abuse of older adults are understudied and its prevalence in Mexico has not been reported. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and factors associated with violence and abuse of older adults in Mexico. METHODS: We used Mexico's 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey, which included a sample of 8,894 individuals who are 60 years or older and who self-reported a negative health event related to robbery, aggression or violence in the previous 12 months. We used chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test to analyze the variables related to violence. Adjusted estimates were completed with multiple logistic regression models for complex surveys. RESULTS: The prevalence of violence was 1.7 % for both men and women. In 95 % of the cases, the aggression was from an unknown party. Verbal aggressions were the most prevalent (60 %). Among men, physical aggression was more common. Violence frequently occurred in the home (37.6 %); however, men were primarily assaulted in public places (42.4 %), in comparison to women (30.7 %). There were also differences in the risk factors for violence. Among men, risk was associated with younger age (60-64 years), higher education (secondary school or above) and higher socioeconomic status. Among women, risk was associated with depression, not being the head of the family, and region of the country. CONCLUSIONS: Violence against older adults presents differently for men and women, which means it is necessary to increase knowledge about the dynamics of the social determinants of violence, particularly in regards to the role of education among men. The relatively low prevalence found in this study may reflect the difficulty and fear of discussing the topic of violence. This may occur because of cultural factors, as well as by the perception of helplessness perpetuated by the scarce access to social programs that ensure protection and problem solving with regards to the complex social determinants of individual and family violence that this population group endures.

[Health inequality among vulnerable groups in Mexico: older adults, indigenous people, and migrants]. / La desigualdad en salud de grupos vulnerables de México: adultos mayores, indígenas y migrantes.

Health vulnerability refers to a lack of protection for specific population groups with specific health problems, as well as the disadvantages they face in solving them in comparison with other population groups. This major public health problem has multiple and diverse causes, including a shortage of trained health care personnel and the lack of family, social, economic, and institutional support in obtaining care and minimizing health risks. Health vulnerability is a dynamic condition arising from the confluence of multiple social determinants. This article attempts to describe the health situation of three vulnerable groups in Mexico-older adults, indigenous people, and migrants-and, after defining the needs of each, explore measures that could contribute to the design and implementation of public health policies better tailored to their respective needs.

La desigualdad en salud de grupos vulnerables de México: adultos mayores, indígenas y migrantes / Health inequality among vulnerable groups in Mexico: older adults, indigenous people, and migrants

La vulnerabilidad en salud se refiere a la falta de protección de grupos poblacionales específicos que presentan problemas de salud particulares, así como a las desventajas que enfrentan para resolverlos, en comparación con otros grupos de población. Las causas de este importante problema de salud pública son muchas y de diversa índole, incluidas la insuficiencia de personal de salud capacitado y la falta de apoyo familiar, social, económico e institucional para obtener atención y minimizar los riesgos de salud. La vulnerabilidad en salud es una condición dinámica que resulta de la conjunción de varios determinantes sociales. En el presente trabajo se busca describir la situación de salud de tres grupos vulnerables (GV) de México -adultos mayores, indígenas y migrantes- y analizar las medidas que podrían contribuir al diseño e implementación de políticas públicas de salud más acordes a sus necesidades, partiendo de reconocer e identificar las necesidades propias de cada GV.

Health vulnerability refers to a lack of protection for specific population groups with specific health problems, as well as the disadvantages they face in solving them in comparison with other population groups. This major public health problem has multiple and diverse causes, including a shortage of trained health care personnel and the lack of family, social, economic, and institutional support in obtaining care and minimizing health risks. Health vulnerability is a dynamic condition arising from the confluence of multiple social determinants. This article attempts to describe the health situation of three vulnerable groups in Mexico-older adults, indigenous people, and migrants-and, after defining the needs of each, explore measures that could contribute to the design and implementation of public health policies better tailored to their respective needs.

[Accidental injuries in older adults: a challenge for the health systems]. / Lesiones accidentales en adultos mayores: un reto para los sistemas de salud.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors (sociodemographic, health, and social support) associated with the presence of accidental injuries in older adults living in deprived urban neighborhoods in four Mexican municipalities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional survey carried out in 2004-2005, with a non-probabilistic, intentional sample of 799 male and female elderly living in deprived urban areas in four Mexican municipalities. For the statistical analysis, non-parametric tests and multivariate logistic regression models were used. RESULTS: More than a third (37%) of the sample reported injuries; with falls being the main cause. Home was the venue where most accidents took place (52%). Risk factors for accidental injuries were: advanced age, working, greater number of illnesses, consumption of more medicines and remedies, self-perception of "poor" health , consumption of alcoholic beverages, inadequate family support and being a caretaker of others. CONCLUSIONS: The multi-causality of accidental injuries in older adults demands the participation of all sectors of society, and particularly public health interventions.