Quality, acceptability and usability of self-sampling kits used by non-healthcare professionals for STI diagnosis in Spain: a single-blind study.

OBJECTIVES: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have markedly increased over the last decade in Spain, calling for prevention and control innovative approaches. While there is evidence indicating the effectiveness of self-sampling for STI diagnosis, no kits for this purpose have been authorised in Spain. METHODS: A prospective single-blind cross-sectional study carried out between November and December 2022 in an STI clinic in Madrid, Spain, to determine the validity, feasibility and acceptability of self-sampling kits used by non-healthcare professionals from vagina, pharynx, rectum and urethra to diagnose Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG). Self-samples were compared with samples collected by healthcare professional (HC samples) and analysed by PCR. Frequency of CT and NG diagnosis by sample type was compared using McNemar's test for paired data. Sensitivity and specificity of self-samples for CT and NG diagnosis were also calculated. RESULTS: 306 self-samples from 51 participants were analysed. 80% were men with median age of 33 (IQR: 28-38) years. Self-samples and HC samples showed no significant statistical differences in CT and NG diagnosis. Self-samples had a sensitivity of 81% for CT and 93% for NG, with a specificity of 97% for CT and 95% for NG. More than 90% of participants had no difficulty understanding the kit instructions and 71% expressed high levels of satisfaction with the self-sampling kit. CONCLUSION: Self-sampling kits for CT and NG diagnosis can be safely and effectively used by non-healthcare professionals in Spain. National strategies for STI prevention and control should prioritise self-sampling strategies.

The importance of "one health approach" to the AMR study and surveillance in Angola and other African countries.

The dissemination of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial isolates in low- and middle-income countries, including several African countries, is a major concern. The poor sanitary conditions of rural and urban families observed in certain regions may favor the transmission of bacterial infections between animals and humans, including those promoted by strains resistant to practically all available antibiotics. In Angola, in particular, the presence of these strains in human hospitals has already been described. Nevertheless, the information on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) prevalence in Angola is still scarce, especially regarding veterinary isolates. This review aimed to synthesize data on antimicrobial resistance in African countries, with a special focus on Angola, from a One Health perspective. The main goals were to identify research gaps that may require further analysis, and to draw attention to the importance of the conscious use of antimicrobials and the establishment of preventive strategies, aiming to guarantee the safeguarding of public health. To understand these issues, the available literature on AMR in Africa was reviewed. We searched PubMed for articles pertinent to AMR in relevant pathogens in Angola and other African countries. In this review, we focused on AMR rates and surveillance capacity. The principal findings were that, in Africa, especially in sub-Saharan countries, AMR incidence is high due to the lack of legislation on antibiotics, to the close interaction of humans with animals and the environment, and to poverty. The information about current resistance patterns of common pathogenic bacteria is sparse, and the number of quality studies is limited in Angola and in some other Sub-Saharan African countries. Also, studies on the "One Health Approach" focusing on the environment, animals, and humans, are scarce in Africa. The surveillance capacity is minimal, and only a low number of AMR surveillance programs and national health programs are implemented. Most international and cooperative surveillance programs, when implemented, are not properly followed, concluded, nor reported. In Angola, the national health plan does not include AMR control, and there is a consistent omission of data submitted to international surveillance programs. By identifying One Health strengths of each country, AMR can be controlled with a multisectoral approach and governmental commitment.

[Development plan for palliative care and end-of-life support 2021-2024]. / Plan de développement des soins palliatifs et accompagnement de la fin de vie 2021-2024.

DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR PALLIATIVE CARE AND END-OF-LIFE SUPPORT 2021-2024. The 5th national Plan on palliative and end-of-life care aims to ensure universal access to palliative care in France. It is based on three axes: communication on palliative care and appropriation of end-of-life rights by each citizen and by each health professional; training professionals and supporting research; deployment of local care, strengthening of coordination, early integration of palliative care.

PLAN DE DÉVELOPPEMENT DES SOINS PALLIATIFS ET ACCOMPAGNEMENT DE LA FIN DE VIE 2021-2024. Le 5e Plan national sur les soins palliatifs et la fin de vie a pour objectif d'assurer un accès universel aux soins palliatifs en France. Il se décline autour de trois axes : la communication sur les soins palliatifs et l'appropriation des droits de la fin de vie par chaque citoyen et par chaque professionnel de santé ; la formation des professionnels et le soutien de la recherche ; le déploiement des prises en charge de proximité, le renforcement des coordinations, l'intégration précoce des soins palliatifs.

The role of adjuvant radiotherapy for intracranial malignant meningiomas: analysis of a nationwide database.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effect of postoperative radiotherapy on survival outcomes in patients with malignant meningiomas. METHODS: We identified patients with malignant meningioma diagnosed between 2007 and 2018 using the Taiwan Cancer Registry and followed them up using the death registry. Survival was compared between patients with and without adjuvant radiotherapy. The potential confounding factors evaluated in this study included age, sex, comorbidities, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). RESULTS: The analysis included 204 patients; 94 (46%) received adjuvant radiotherapy. The two groups had similar sex distributions (p = 0.53), mean age (p = 0.33), histologic subtype (p = 0.13), and CCI (p = 0.62). The prognosis of malignant meningioma was poor, with a median overall survival (OS) of 2.4 years. The median OS was 3.0 years (interquartile range (IQR) [1.4-6.1], and 2.0 years (IQR [0.5-3.9]) in the radiotherapy and non-radiotherapy groups, respectively (p = 0.001). However, Kaplan-Meier curves with the log-rank test showed no significant difference in OS between the two groups (p = 0.999). Controlling for age group, sex, histologic subtype, treatment, comorbidities, and CCI, adjuvant radiotherapy did not impart a survival benefit (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6‒1.26); however, only factor of higher comorbidity score (HR = 2.03, 95%CI: 1.04‒3.94) was associated with unfavorable survival. CONCLUSION: This population-based retrospective analysis suggests that the role of radiotherapy remains unclear and underscores the need for randomized clinical trials to assess the usefulness of adjuvant radiotherapy in malignant meningioma.

Prevalence, incidence, and treatment trends of adenomyosis in South Korean women for 15 years: A national population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: Adenomyosis is associated with female infertility worldwide. With improvements in imaging methods, such as pelvic magnetic resonance imaging, the diagnosis and treatment of adenomyosis have changed. This study aimed to evaluate the overall prevalence, incidence, and treatment trends of adenomyosis in South Korea using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service Database (NHIS). METHODS: Data were collected from the Korean NHIS, a population-based complete enumeration database. A total of 678 641 women aged 11-55 years diagnosed with adenomyosis (N80.0 ICD-10 code) from the database from 2002 to 2016 were enrolled. After applying a one-year look-back method, 629 592 patients were analyzed to estimate the prevalence, incidence, and treatment trends of adenomyosis. RESULTS: The overall prevalence during the study period was 3.86 per 1000 people. The prevalence of adenomyosis has increased from 1.42 per 1000 individuals in 2002 to 7.50 per 1000 individuals in 2016. The crude annual incidence rate of adenomyosis was 1.62 per 1000 people in 2003, which increased to 4.12 per 1000 people in 2016. In addition, the proportion of uterus-preserving surgeries in adenomyosis treatments has increased from 7.51% to 21.29% over 15 years. CONCLUSION: The prevalence and incidence of adenomyosis in South Korea increased between 2002 and 2016. Furthermore, the proportion of uterus-preserving surgeries and progestin prescriptions for adenomyosis treatment has increased. We expect that our findings will raise awareness of the necessity for fertility preservation through earlier diagnosis and proper management of patients with adenomyosis.

Presupuesto por resultados y calidad del gasto del programa de cáncer en un hospital público / Budgeting for results and quality of cancer program spending in a public hospital / Orçamento para resultados e qualidade dos gastos com o programa de câncer em um hospital público

La implementación del Presupuesto por Resultados (PpR) requiere elementos como información oportuna, sistemas de monitoreo, incentivos y procedimientos normados. En el caso de Perú, su enfoque de PpR ha generado cambios significativos en resultados de salud, especialmente en programas como desnutrición y salud materna y neonatal, al priorizar actividades demostradas como más costo-eficaces a nivel mundial. Objetivo. Determinar la relación entre el presupuesto por resultados (PpR) y la Calidad del gasto del programa de cáncer en un hospital público del Ministerio de Salud, 2021. Materiales y Métodos. Se realizó un estudio de enfoque cuantitativo, tipo básico, diseño no experimental, descriptivo y nivel correlacional. La población fue de 131 trabajadores vinculados al ciclo del presupuesto, de los cuales se seleccionó una muestra de 32 trabajadores responsables directos del PpR. Se utilizó la técnica de encuesta y dos cuestionarios como instrumentos, sometidos a los coeficientes KR-20 y Alpha de Cronbach para evaluar la confiabilidad. Resultados. El coeficiente de Spearman fue de 0.387, indicando una relación positiva y media entre las variables. La significancia fue de 0.029 (< 0.05). Conclusiones. Se encontró una relación significativa entre el PpR y la Calidad del gasto del programa de Cáncer en el hospital del Ministerio de Salud, confirmando que un mejor manejo del PpR está asociado a una mejor calidad de gasto.

The implementation of results-based budgeting (RBB) requires elements such as timely information, monitoring systems, incentives and standardized procedures. In the case of Peru, its PfR approach has generated significant changes in health outcomes, especially in programs such as malnutrition and maternal and neonatal health, by prioritizing activities proven to be more cost-effective worldwide. Objective. To determine the relationship between the budget for results (BfR) and the Quality of cancer program spending in a public hospital of the Ministry of Health, 2021. Materials and Methods. A quantitative approach, basic type, non-experimental, descriptive and correlational study was carried out. The population was 131 workers linked to the budget cycle, from which a sample of 32 workers directly responsible for the PpR was selected. The survey technique and two questionnaires were used as instruments, subjected to Cronbach's KR-20 and Alpha coefficients to assess reliability. Results. Spearman's coefficient was 0.387, indicating a positive and average relationship between the variables. Significance was 0.029 (< 0.05). Conclusions. A significant relationship was found between PpR and Quality of expenditure of the Cancer program in the Ministry of Health hospital, confirming that better management of PpR is associated with better quality of expenditure.

A implementação do orçamento por desempenho (PfR) requer elementos como informações oportunas, sistemas de monitoramento, incentivos e procedimentos padronizados. No caso do Peru, sua abordagem de PfR gerou mudanças significativas nos resultados de saúde, especialmente em programas como desnutrição e saúde materna e neonatal, priorizando atividades comprovadamente mais econômicas em todo o mundo. Objetivo. Determinar a relação entre o orçamento por resultados (BfR) e a qualidade dos gastos com o programa de câncer em um hospital público do Ministério da Saúde, 2021. Materiais e métodos. Foi realizado um estudo de abordagem quantitativa, do tipo básico, não experimental, descritivo e correlacional. A população foi de 131 trabalhadores ligados ao ciclo orçamentário, dos quais foi selecionada uma amostra de 32 trabalhadores diretamente responsáveis pelo BfR. Como instrumentos, foram utilizados a técnica de survey e dois questionários, submetidos aos coeficientes KR-20 e Alfa de Cronbach para avaliar a confiabilidade. Resultados. O coeficiente de Spearman foi de 0,387, indicando uma relação positiva e média entre as variáveis. A significância foi de 0,029 (< 0,05). Conclusões. Foi encontrada uma relação significativa entre o PfR e a qualidade das despesas do programa de câncer no hospital do Ministério da Saúde, confirmando que uma melhor gestão do PfR está associada a uma melhor qualidade das despesas.

Researching big IT in the UK National Health Service: A systematic review of theory-based studies.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and discuss theory-based studies of large-scale health information technology programs in the UK National Health Service. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the PRISMA systematic review framework, we searched Scopus, PubMed and CINAHL databases from inception to March 2022 for theory-based studies of large-scale health IT implementations. We undertook detailed full-text analyses of papers meeting our inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Forty-six studies were included after assessment for eligibility, of which twenty-five applied theories from the information systems arena (socio-technical approaches, normalization process theory, user acceptance theories, diffusion of innovation), twelve from sociology (structuration theory, actor-network theory, institutional theory), while nine adopted other theories. Most investigated England's National Program for IT (2002-2011), exploring various technologies among which electronic records predominated. Research themes were categorized into user factors, program factors, process outcomes, clinical impact, technology, and organizational factors. Most research was qualitative, often using a case study strategy with a longitudinal or cross-sectional approach. Data were typically collected through interviews, observation, and document analysis; sampling was generally purposive; and most studies used thematic or related analyses. Theories were generally applied in a superficial or fragmentary manner; and articles frequently lacked detail on how theoretical constructs and relationships aided organization, analysis, and interpretation of data. CONCLUSION: Theory-based studies of large NHS IT programs are relatively uncommon. As large healthcare programs evolve over a long timeframe in complex and dynamic environments, wider adoption of theory-based methods could strengthen the explanatory and predictive utility of research findings across multiple evaluation studies. Our review has confirmed earlier suggestions for theory selection, and we suggest there is scope for more explicit use of such theoretical constructs to strengthen the conceptual foundations of health informatics research. Additionally, the challenges of large national health informatics programs afford wide-ranging opportunities to test, refine, and adapt sociological and information systems theories.

India Hypertension Control Initiative: Blood Pressure Control Using Drug and Dose-Specific Standard Treatment Protocol at Scale in Punjab and Maharashtra, India, 2022.

Background: Hypertension treatment coverage is low in India. A stepwise simple treatment protocol is one of the strategies to improve hypertension treatment in primary care. We estimated the effectiveness of various protocol steps to achieve blood pressure (BP) control in public sector health facilities in Punjab and Maharashtra, India, where the India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) was implemented. Methods: We analyzed the records of people enrolled for hypertension treatment and follow-up under IHCI between January 2018 and December 2021 in public sector primary and secondary care facilities across 23 districts from two states. Each state followed a different treatment protocol. We calculated the proportion with controlled BP at each step of the protocol. We also estimated the mean decline in BP pre- and post-treatment. Results: Of 281,209 patients initiated on amlodipine 5 mg, 159,292 continued on protocol drugs and came for a follow-up visit during the first quarter of 2022. Of 33,450 individuals who came for the follow-up in Punjab and 125,842 in Maharashtra, 70% and 76% had controlled BP, respectively, at the first step with amlodipine 5 mg. In Punjab, at the second step with amlodipine 10 mg, the cumulative BP control increased to 75%. A similar 5% (76%-81%) increase was seen in the second step after adding telmisartan 40 mg in Maharashtra. Overall, the mean (SD) systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased by 16 mmHg from 148 (15) mmHg at the baseline in Punjab. In Maharashtra, the decline in the mean (SD) SBP was about 15 mmHg from the 144 (18) mmHg baseline. Conclusion: Simple drug- and dose-specific protocols helped achieve a high control rate among patients retained in care under program conditions. We recommend treatment protocols starting with a single low-cost drug and escalating with the same or another antihypertensive drug depending on the cost and availability.

Impact of national commissioning of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) on equity of access in England: a PrEP-to-need ratio investigation.

OBJECTIVES: HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in preventing HIV acquisition. In England, NHS availability was limited to participants of the PrEP Impact Trial until late 2020. Some key populations at greater risk of HIV were under-represented in the trial suggesting inequities in trial PrEP access. We used the PrEP-to-need ratio (PnR; number of PrEP users divided by new HIV diagnoses) to investigate whether PrEP access improved following routine commissioning in October 2020 and identify populations most underserved by PrEP. METHODS: Aggregated numbers of people receiving ≥1 PrEP prescription and non-late new HIV diagnoses (epidemiological proxy for PrEP need) were taken from national surveillance data sets. We calculated the PnR across socio-demographics during Impact (October 2017 to February 2020; pre-COVID-19 pandemic) and post-commissioning PrEP era (2021) in England. RESULTS: PnR increased >11 fold, from 4.2 precommissioning to 48.9 in 2021, due to a fourfold reduction in non-late new HIV diagnoses and near threefold increase in PrEP users. PnR increased across genders, however, the men's PnR increased 12-fold (from 5.4 precommissioning to 63.9 postcommissioning) while the women's increased sevenfold (0.5 to 3.5). This increasing gender-based inequity was observed across age, ethnicity and region of residence: white men had the highest PnR, increasing >13 fold (7.1 to 96.0), while Black African women consistently had the lowest PnR, only increasing slightly (0.1 to 0.3) postcommissioning, suggesting they were the most underserved group. Precommissioning, the PnR was 78-fold higher among white men than Black women, increasing to 278-fold postcommissioning. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the overall increase in PrEP use, substantial PrEP Impact trial inequities widened postcommissioning in England, particularly across gender, ethnicity and region of residence. This study emphasises the need to guide HIV combination prevention based on equity metrics relative to the HIV epidemic. The PnR could support the optimisation of combination prevention to achieve zero new HIV infections in England by 2030.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease increases the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in young Korean adults.

AIMS: To investigate the impact of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) on the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in young Korean adults. METHODS: Data were sourced from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort, comprising adults aged 20-39 who underwent health examinations between 2009 and 2012. Participants were grouped based on the presence of MAFLD and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), both individually and in combination. The categorizations included Neither-FLD, NAFLD-only, MAFLD-only, or Both-FLD. Incident diabetes was identified through claims data during the follow-up period. RESULTS: Among 6,232,656 participants, 676,747 (10.8 %) had MAFLD. During a median follow-up of 9.5 years, 182,291 incident diabetes cases were identified. Multivariate analysis revealed a significantly higher diabetes risk in the MAFLD group compared to those in the Non-MAFLD group (HR = 6.148, 95 % CI, 6.084-6.212). Notably, diabetes incidence was highest in FLI ≥ 60 subgroup with BMI ≥ 23 and metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: MAFLD is associated with a 6.1-fold increased diabetes risk in young adults, underscoring the urgent need for early intervention to mitigate this risk.

Income-Related Inequality Changes in Osteoarthritis First-Line Interventions: A Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine income-related inequality changes in the outcomes of an osteoarthritis (OA) first-line intervention. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Swedish health care system. PARTICIPANTS: We included 115,403 people (age: 66.2±9.7 years; females 67.8%; N=115,403) with knee (67.8%) or hip OA (32.4%) recorded in the "Swedish Osteoarthritis Registry" (SOAR). INTERVENTIONS: Exercise and education. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Erreygers' concentration index (E) measured income-related inequalities in "Pain intensity," "Self-efficacy," "Use of NSAIDs," and "Desire for surgery" at baseline, 3-month, and 12-month follow-ups and their differences over time. E-values range from -1 to +1 if the health variables are more concentrated among people with lower or higher income. Zero represents perfect equality. We used entropy balancing to address demographic and outcome imbalances and bootstrap replications to estimate confidence intervals for E differences over time. RESULTS: Comparing baseline to 3 months, "pain" concentrated more among individuals with lower income initially (E=-0.027), intensifying at 3 months (difference with baseline: E=-0.011 [95% CI: -0.014; -0.008]). Similarly, the "Desire for surgery" concentrated more among individuals with lower income initially (E=-0.009), intensifying at 3 months (difference with baseline: E=-0.012 [-0.018; -0.005]). Conversely, "Self-efficacy" concentrated more among individuals with higher income initially (E=0.058), intensifying at 3 months (difference with baseline: E=0.008 [0.004; 0.012]). Lastly, the "Use of NSAIDs" concentrated more among individuals with higher income initially (E=0.068) but narrowed at 3 months (difference with baseline: E=-0.029 [-0.038; -0.021]). Comparing baseline with 12 months, "pain" concentrated more among individuals with lower income initially (E=-0.024), intensifying at 12 months (difference with baseline: E=-0.017 [-0.022; -0.012]). Similarly, the "Desire for surgery" concentrated more among individuals with lower income initially (E=-0.016), intensifying at 12 months (difference with baseline: E=-0.012 [-0.022; -0.002]). Conversely, "Self-efficacy" concentrated more among individuals with higher income initially (E=0.059), intensifying at 12 months (difference with baseline: E=0.016 [0.011; 0.021]). The variable 'Use of NSAIDs' was not recorded in the SOAR at 12-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the increase of income-related inequalities in the SOAR over time.

Health Inequities in Cancer Incidence According to Economic Status and Regions Are Still Existed Even under Universal Health Coverage System in Korea: A Nationwide Population Based Study Using the National Health Insurance Database.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the level of health equity in relation to cancer incidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the National Health Insurance claims data of the National Health Insurance Service between 2005 and 2022 and annual health insurance and medical aid beneficiaries between 2011 and 2021 to investigate the disparities of cancer incidence. We calculated age-sex standardized cancer incidence rates by cancer and year according to the type of insurance and the trend over time using the annual percentage change. We also compared the hospital type of the first diagnosis by cancer type and year and cancer incidence rates by cancer type and region in 2021 according to the type of insurance. RESULTS: The total cancer incidence increased from 255,971 in 2011 to 325,772 cases in 2021. The absolute difference of total cancer incidence rate between the NHI beneficiaries and the medical aid (MA) recipients increased from 510.1 cases per 100,000 population to 536.9 cases per 100,000 population. The odds ratio of total cancer incidence for the MA recipients increased from 1.79 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.77 to 1.82) to 1.90 (95% CI, 1.88 to 1.93). Disparities in access to hospitals and regional cancer incidence were profound. CONCLUSION: This study examined health inequities in relation to cancer incidence over the last decade. Cancer incidence was higher in the MA recipients, and the gap was widening. We also found that regional differences in cancer incidence still exist and are getting worse. Investigating these disparities between the NHI beneficiaries and the MA recipients is crucial for implementing of public health policies to reduce health inequities.

Implementation rate and related factors of confirmatory tests following an abnormal Pap smear: a nationwide study from the National Health Insurance.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the implementation rate and influencing factors of confirmatory tests for women with abnormal cervical cytology results in the Korean nationwide cervical cancer screening program. METHODS: The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database was utilized to identify all Korean women who have participated in the Korean nationwide cervical cancer screening program from January 2011 and December 2021 using the NHIS database. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the multivariate odds ratio and evaluate the patients' characteristics. RESULTS: The rate of abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) smears showed an initial increase from 2011 to 2015 and subsequently reached a plateau after 2016. When examining specific subcategories, cases of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) increased from 28,546 cases (1.1%) in 2011 to 62,850 cases (1.7%) in 2021. In contrast, cases of HSIL and SCC declined from 3,535 cases (0.14%) to 2,763 cases (0.07%) and from 383 cases (0.01%) to 179 cases (0.005%), respectively. Furthermore, the implementation rate of confirmatory tests for women with abnormal cytology increased from 8,865 cases (21.0%) in 2011 to 39,045 cases (51.2%) in 2021. Regarding the specific subcategory of ASC-US, the number of confirmatory tests exhibited a substantial increase from 4,101 cases (14.4%) in 2011 to 30,482 cases (48.5%) in 2021. For SCC, there was no significant change, with 216 cases (56.4%) in 2011 and 102 cases (57.0%) in 2021. The implementation rate of confirmatory tests was found to be significantly associated with results of abnormal Pap smear, age, and residence. Notably, economic status did not emerge as a significant factor affecting the likelihood of undergoing confirmatory tests. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of abnormal Pap smear results is a reliable indicator of the probability of undergoing a confirmatory test. Additional endeavors are required to improve the implementation rate among women who have received abnormal Pap smear results.

Evaluation of newborn screening in the state of Mato Grosso from 2005 to 2019 / Avaliação da triagem neonatal no Estado de Mato Grosso no período de 2005 a 2019

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate quality indicators of the Neonatal Screening Referral Service of the state of Mato Grosso (NSRS-MT) from 2005 to 2019. Methods: Cross-sectional, retrospective, exploratory, descriptive, and observational study from 2005 to 2019. The following parameters were analyzed: age of newborns at the first collection, time between sample collection and arrival at the laboratory, time between the arrival and release of results and time between requesting the second sample and arrival at the NSRS. The population coverage of the program and the incidence of each clinical situation screened were also analyzed. Results: NSRS-MT coverage was analyzed and recorded as 76%. The incidence was analyzed for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) 1:1867, phenylketonuria (PKU) 1:33,311, sickle cell disease (SCD) 1:2004, cystic fibrosis (CF) 1:12,663, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) 1:15,843, and biotinidase deficiency (DB) 1:25,349. The median age (days) at the first consultation was: 44 for HC, 22 for PKU, 60 for DF, 52 for FC, 79 for HAC and 79 for DB. The mean time between exam collection and delivery to the NSRS was 8.4 days; between the arrival and release of results, 9 days; and for the return of recalls, 59 days. Conclusions: Regarding the coverage of the target population and collection at the ideal age, the NSRS-MT presents values below the national average. However, regarding the mean age at the time of the first consultation, the state's performance is better than the national.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar indicadores de qualidade do Serviço de Referência em Triagem Neonatal do Estado de Mato Grosso (SRTN/MT) no período de 2005 a 2019. Métodos: Estudo transversal, retrospectivo, exploratório, descritivo e observacional, que utilizou dados do formulário FormSUS nos anos de 2005 a 2019. Foram analisados os seguintes parâmetros: idade dos recém-nascidos na primeira coleta, tempo entre coleta da amostra e chegada ao laboratório, tempo entre a chegada e a liberação dos resultados e tempo entre a solicitação da segunda amostra até a chegada ao SRTN. Foram analisadas, também, a cobertura populacional do programa e a incidência de cada situação clínica triada. Resultados: Cobertura do SRTN-MT: 76%. Incidências: hipotireoidismo congênito (HC) 1:1.867, fenilcetonúria (PKU) 1:33.311, doença falciforme (DF) 1:2.004, fibrose cística (FC) 1:12.663, hiperplasia adrenal congênita (HAC) 1:15.843 e deficiência de biotinidase (DB) 1:25.349. A mediana da idade (dias) na primeira consulta foi: 44 para HC, 22 para PKU, 60 para DF, 52 para FC, 79 para HAC e 79 para DB. A média entre a coleta do exame e a entrega no SRTN foi de 8,4 dias; entre a chegada e liberação dos resultados, de 9 dias; e para o retorno de reconvocados, de 59 dias. Conclusões: Com relação à cobertura da população alvo e a coleta na idade ideal, o SRTN apresenta valores abaixo da média nacional. Contudo, quanto à idade média no momento da primeira consulta, o desempenho de MT é melhor que a média nacional.

Trends in the prescription of opioids and gabapentinoids in patients with failed back surgery syndrome in Korea: a population-based study.

Background: Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) is a chronic condition that is characterized by persistent back pain following one or more spinal surgeries. Pharmacological interventions, such as the use of opioids and gabapentinoids, are frequently used in the treatment of FBSS. However, prolonged and excessive use of these medications can lead to dependence and adverse effects. This study investigates trends in opioid and gabapentinoid prescriptions among patients with FBSS in Korea from 2016 to 2020. Methods: Data from the Health Insurance and Review Agency were analyzed, and claims listing FBSS were selected for the study. Prescription patterns of opioids and gabapentinoids were classified based on the number of days prescribed per year. Results: Of the 390,095 patients diagnosed with FBSS, 41.6% of the patients were prescribed gabapentinoids, and 42.0% of them were prescribed opioids, while 10.6% of the patients were classified as long-term gabapentinoid users, 11.4% as long-term opioid users, and 7.4% of the patients were found to have long-term prescriptions for both drugs. The proportion of patients who received both gabapentinoid and opioid prescriptions increased annually. The doses of opioids prescribed have also increased along with the increase in the number of patients receiving opioid prescriptions. Conclusions: The prescription rates of opioids and gabapentinoids among patients with FBSS in Korea continue to increase steadily, posing potential risks of addiction and adverse effects. Further research is needed to better understand the actual status of addiction in patients with FBSS.

Contextual inequalities in specialized dental public health care in Brazil

Abstract The present study aimed to investigate the contextual inequalities of specialized public dental care (SPDC) in Brazil. The outcome was the trajectory of dental specialized production in municipalities with SPDC (from 2015 to 2017) obtained by group-based trajectory modeling. A Poisson regression model was used to analyze the factors associated with the high trajectory of SPDC production. The inequality indicators for SPDC production were the slope index and the concentration index according to contextual factors. The study included 954 SPDC units distributed across 893 municipalities. Among the municipalities evaluated, 62.9% had a low trajectory of SPDC. Large-sized municipalities had the highest production (IRR = 2.84, 95%CI: 1.94-4.14) and the southern region had the lowest production (IRR = 0.73, 95%CI: 0.58-0.92). Municipalities presenting a very high human development index (HDI) showed the greatest SPDC production (IRR = 3.34, 95%CI: 1.09-10.24), as well as municipalities with the highest tertile of schooling rate (IRR = 1.23, 95%CI: 1.00-1.50). The absolute inequality was 52.1 percentage points for the average monthly wage (p < 0.001), 61.0 percentage points for the HDI (p < 0.001), -22.1 for infant mortality rate (p <0.001), and 14.8 for the schooling rate (p = 0.012). Thus, there are contextual inequalities in the Brazilian SPDC. Higher scores for social indicators were associated with better SPDC performance.

Asthma in the Brazilian Unified Health Care System: an epidemiological analysis from 2008 to 2021

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the number of hospitalizations, the length of hospital stay, and mortality due to asthma, as well as the costs to the Unified Health Care System in Brazil between 2008 and 2021. Methods: This was a cross-sectional epidemiological study using data from the Information Technology Department of the Brazilian Unified Health Care System. Proportional hospitalization and death rates were estimated per 100,000 population by age, microregion, and year. Results: The number of hospitalizations and deaths due to asthma decreased from 2008 to 2021 (205,392 vs. 55,009 and 822 vs. 327, respectively). In addition, a between-sex difference was observed in asthma-related hospitalizations in 2008, and more men were hospitalized in 2021 (51.8%). Asthma mortality rates were similar for both sexes (50.0% each) in 2008, and a slight increase was observed in women's deaths in 2021 (52.9%). Even so, approximately one death/day and more than 55,000 hospitalizations were observed yearly, with a mean length of hospital stay of three days. Additionally, the Southeast region allocated more financial resources to asthma-related hospitalizations. Conclusions: Our results showed that the number of deaths and hospitalizations due to asthma substantially declined during the study period.

IRT/IRT as a newborn cystic fibrosis screening method: optimal cutoff points for a mixed population / Protocolo TIR/TIR como método de triagem neonatal para fibrose cística: pontos de corte ideais para populações com baixa incidência da doença e poucos recursos / Protocolo TIR/TIR como método de tamizaje neonatal de fibrosis quística: puntos de corte ideales para poblaciones con baja incidencia de la enfermedad y pocos recursos

Abstract: The Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) has incorporated newborn screening for cystic fibrosis since 2001. The protocol involves two samples of immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT1/IRT2). This study aims to analyze fixed and floating values at the first and second IRT (IRT1/IRT2) cutoff points and assess the accuracy of the IRT/IRT methodology in a population from Northeastern Brazil. Descriptive, individual-level data from the newborn screening reference service data system (2013-2017) were used in this observational population study. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values (PPV) for the protocol were calculated. The best cutoff point was determined using the Youden's index. The previous year's cut-off values for the IRT1 and IRT2 99.4-, 99.5-, 99.6-, and 99.7-percentiles were utilized for the floating cutoff. During the studied period, 840,832 newborns underwent screening for cystic fibrosis, obtaining 49 cystic fibrosis diagnoses: 39 by newborn screening (79.6%) and 10 (20.4%) by clinical suspicion (false negative). The sensitivity, specificity, and PPV of the protocol totaled 79.6%, 99.9%, and 6.1%, respectively. No proposed cutoff for IRT1 performed better than the current one. IRT2 performed similarly to the current protocol at a cutoff point of 90ng/mL, showing the appropriate sensitivity and specificity while reducing the frequency of false positives. The protocol to screen newborns for cystic fibrosis had low sensitivity, a predictive positive value, and a high number of false positives and negatives. A floating cut point for IRT1 or IRT2 seems to constitute no viable option. However, changing the IRT2 cut point from 70ng/mL to 90ng/mL seems to have advantages and should undergo consideration.

Resumo: A triagem neonatal para fibrose cística oi incorporada ao Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) em 2001. O protocolo envolve duas amostras de tripsinogênio imunorreativo (TIR/TIR). O objetivo foi analisar os valores fixos e flutuantes no primeiro e segundo pontos de corte da TIR (TIR1/TIR2) e avaliar a acurácia da metodologia TIR/TIR em uma população do nordeste brasileiro. Trata-se de um estudo observacional de base populacional que inclui dados descritivos em nível individual obtidos retrospectivamente do Serviço de Referência em Triagem Neonatal (2013-2017). Foram calculados a sensibilidade, a especificidade e o valor preditivo positivo (VPP) do protocolo. O melhor ponto de corte foi determinado pelo índice de Youden. Os pontos de corte do ano anterior para os percentis TIR1 e TIR2 de 99,4, 99,5, 99,6 e 99,7 foram utilizados para o ponto de corte flutuante. No período do estudo, 840.832 recém-nascidos foram submetidos à triagem neonatal para fibrose cística, com 49 diagnósticos de fibrose cística, sendo 39 pela triagem neonatal (79,6%) e 10 (20,4%) por suspeita clínica (falso-negativos). A sensibilidade, a especificidade e o VPP do protocolo de triagem neonatal para fibrose cística foram de 79,6%, 99,9% e 6,1%, respectivamente. Nenhum dos pontos de corte propostos para a TIR1 mostrou-se melhor do que o atual. A TIR2 teve desempenho semelhante ao atual no ponto de corte de 90ng/mL, demonstrando sensibilidade e especificidade adequadas, ao mesmo tempo que reduziu a frequência de falsos positivos. A triagem neonatal para fibrose cística apresentou valores baixos de sensibilidade e VPP, e número elevado de falso-positivos e negativos. Um ponto de corte flutuante para TIR1 ou TIR2 não parece ser uma opção viável. No entanto, a mudança do ponto de corte da TIR2 de 70ng/mL para 90ng/mL parece ter vantagens e deve ser considerada.

Resumen: El tamizaje neonatal de fibrosis quística fue incorporado al Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) en el 2001. El protocolo implica dos muestras de tripsinógeno inmunorreactivo (TIR/TIR). El objetivo fue analizar los valores fijos y flotantes en el primer y segundo puntos de corte de la TIR (TIR1/TIR2) y evaluar la precisión de la metodología TIR/TIR en una población del Nordeste brasileño. Se trata de un estudio observacional de base poblacional que incluye datos descriptivos a nivel individual obtenidos retrospectivamente del Servicio de Referencia en Tamizaje Neonatal (2013-2017). Se calcularon la sensibilidad, la especificidad y el valor predictivo positivo (VPP) del protocolo. El mejor punto de corte lo determinó el índice de Youden. Para el punto de corte flotante, se utilizaron los puntos de corte del año anterior para los percentiles TIR1 y TIR2 de 99,4, 99,5, 99,6 y 99,7. Durante el período de estudio, 840.832 recién nacidos fueron sometidos a tamizaje neonatal para fibrosis quística, con 49 diagnósticos de fibrosis quística, 39 de los cuales por la tamizaje neonatal (79,6%) y 10 (20,4%) por sospecha clínica (falsos negativos). La sensibilidad, la especificidad y el VPP del protocolo tamizaje neonatal para fibrosis quística fueron del 79,6%, 99,9% y 6,1%, respectivamente. Ninguno de los puntos de corte propuestos para la TIR1 resultó ser mejor que el actual. La TIR2 tuvo un desempeño similar al actual en el punto de corte de 90ng/mL, lo que demuestra sensibilidad y especificidad adecuadas, a la vez que redujo la frecuencia de falsos positivos. El tamizaje neonatal para fibrosis quística presentó valores bajos de sensibilidad y VPP, y un elevado número de falsos positivos y negativos. Un punto de corte flotante para TIR1 o TIR2 no parece ser una opción viable. Sin embargo, cambiar el punto de corte de la TIR2 de 70ng/mL a 90ng/mL parece tener ventajas y debe tenerse en cuenta.

Collaboration with medical colleges and public health institutions for implementation of national health programs: The way forward.

Health system strengthening is a much-needed priority to achieve the major public health goals of control, elimination, and eradication of various diseases. It depends on improving the country's ability to successfully perform essential functions while focusing on sustainability, equity, effectiveness, and efficiency. Medical colleges and public health institutions play an integral role in health system strengthening by educating and training the current and the future generations of health-care workforce with a vision to achieve the global standards in public health. This discussion focuses on the role of medical colleges and public health institutions in the success of various national health programs with a focus on challenges and improvement areas for the same.

[Analysis of the internal coherence of the Mental Health and Addictions Program of Mexico 2020-2024]. / Análisis de la coherencia interna del Programa de Salud Mental y Adicciones de México 2020-2024.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the internal coherence of the Specific Mental Health and Addictions Program 2020-2024 (PAE-SM20-24) of the Health Secretary of Mexico. METHOD: Qualitative descriptive analysis of the logic connection and causal articulation between the objectives, the strategies, and the specific actions of the PAE-SM20-24. RESULTS: PAE-SM20-24 formulates 3 priority objectives, 9 priority strategies, and 49 specific actions. The formulation of the objectives, strategies and actions lacks the necessary structure to define the who, how, where, and when. Neither does it establish financing sources, the mechanisms for resource administration, nor the strategies and actions that are needed to restructure the functions of the participating institutions. It does not define the mechanisms for social participation nor any clear actions for intersectoral work. The actions that are presented are limited to rhetoric proposals to promote, encourage, support, strengthen, and foster, which do not allow us to determine tangible effects due to their implementation. In general terms, the formulation of the program is ambiguous. CONCLUSIONS: PAE-SM20-24 lacks internal coherence, which means that there is only a medium connection between its objectives, strategies, and specific actions. This jeopardizes its implementation and, therefore, its potential to contribute to the improvement of public policy related to mental health and addictions in the country.