The provision of malaria services in border districts of four countries in Southern Africa: results from a cross-sectional community assessment of malaria border health posts

Background The importation of parasites across borders remains a threat to malaria elimination. The Southern African Development Community Malaria Elimination Eight (E8) established 39 border health facilities on 5 key international borders between high and low-burden countries. These clinics aimed to improve access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of malaria for residents in border areas and for mobile and migrant populations who frequently cross borders. Studies were conducted in each of the four high-burden E8 countries (Angola, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) to evaluate malaria services in border areas. Methods Cross-sectional surveys were conducted within 30 km of recently established E8 Border Health Posts. Structured questionnaires were administered to randomly selected respondents to assess malaria-related knowledge and behavior, access to malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malaria, and risk factors for malaria associated with local and cross-border travel. Results Results showed that most providers followed appropriate guidelines performing blood tests when individuals presented with fever, and that nearly all those who reported a positive blood test received medication. Lack of access to health care due to distance, cost or mistrust of the provider was rare. A minority of respondents reported not receiving timely diagnosis either because they did not seek help, or because they were not ofered a blood test when presenting with fever. There was a high level of correct knowledge of causes, symptoms, and prevention of malaria. A majority, of border residents had access to primary prevention against malaria through either long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) or indoor residual spraying (IRS). Cross border travel was common with travellers reporting sleeping outside without protection against malaria. Conclusions The study demonstrated the importance of border health facilities in providing access to malaria services. Prevention needs to be improved for people who travel and sleep outdoors. Community health workers can play a key role in providing access to information, testing and treating malaria.

Telemedicine and Its Perceptions in a Border Community: A Review of How Health Care Technology Has Helped Increase Access.

Introduction: Telemedicine is a practical way of offering medical services to remote and underserved areas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has provided convenient access to health care and has overcome barriers such as distance that prevent patients from receiving care. Border populations are impacted by this change in health care delivery. The goal of this study was to investigate how a border patient population perceives their experiences with telemedicine. Methods: We utilized telephone surveys of patients who had a recent telehealth visit at the Texas Tech University Health Science Center (TTUHSC) Family Medicine Center clinic in El Paso, Texas. Survey measures included patients' demographics, a quality assessment of the patients' most recent telehealth visit and their experience, a comparison of the patients' telehealth visit to past in-person visits, and a rating of their telehealth visit. Result: Over 2,000 individuals (n = 2,040), primarily Hispanic females, older than the age of 44 years were identified for potential inclusion in the study. Of these, 928 had a contact attempt, of which 1,378 could not be contacted, 592 were invited, 70 declined leading to a response rate of 67.6% (number invited/completed the survey). Most patients agreed that during their most recent telehealth visit their clinician listened well (98.7%), spent adequate time with them (98.2%), was prompt (94.5%), explained things well (98.0%), and was someone they would recommend to others (97.2%). When comparing telehealth to in-person visits, patients reported the following: less wait time, easier convenience, and similar quality between virtual and in-person visits. Patients rated both their likelihood of using telehealth again and their likelihood of recommending telehealth to others as an 8.68 out of 10, on average. Patients 65 years old or older had 3.17 times greater likelihood of satisfaction with virtual visits when compared with patients younger than 45 years old (confidence interval [95% CI], 1.24-11.11). Patients also had less satisfaction with virtual visits if they had lower educational attainment (odds ratio = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.01-0.81). Conclusions: We found that individuals in a border community had a positive experience with telehealth primary care visits. This approach may improve access to health care.

The provision of malaria services in border districts of four countries in Southern Africa: results from a cross-sectional community assessment of malaria border health posts.

BACKGROUND: The importation of parasites across borders remains a threat to malaria elimination. The Southern African Development Community Malaria Elimination Eight (E8) established 39 border health facilities on 5 key international borders between high and low-burden countries. These clinics aimed to improve access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of malaria for residents in border areas and for mobile and migrant populations who frequently cross borders. Studies were conducted in each of the four high-burden E8 countries (Angola, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) to evaluate malaria services in border areas. METHODS: Cross-sectional surveys were conducted within 30 km of recently established E8 Border Health Posts. Structured questionnaires were administered to randomly selected respondents to assess malaria-related knowledge and behavior, access to malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malaria, and risk factors for malaria associated with local and cross-border travel. RESULTS: Results showed that most providers followed appropriate guidelines performing blood tests when individuals presented with fever, and that nearly all those who reported a positive blood test received medication. Lack of access to health care due to distance, cost or mistrust of the provider was rare. A minority of respondents reported not receiving timely diagnosis either because they did not seek help, or because they were not offered a blood test when presenting with fever. There was a high level of correct knowledge of causes, symptoms, and prevention of malaria. A majority, of border residents had access to primary prevention against malaria through either long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) or indoor residual spraying (IRS). Cross border travel was common with travellers reporting sleeping outside without protection against malaria. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated the importance of border health facilities in providing access to malaria services. Prevention needs to be improved for people who travel and sleep outdoors. Community health workers can play a key role in providing access to information, testing and treating malaria.

Pré-natal em região de fronteira na vigência da pandemia da Covid-19 / Prenatal care in a border region during the pandemic of COVID-19

RESUMO O estudo objetivou compreender a atenção pré-natal em uma região de fronteira na vigência da pandemia da Covid-19. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, realizado em serviços da atenção primária à saúde, com 27 participantes, entre mulheres e profissionais de saúde, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, remotas e presenciais, entre agosto de 2021 e janeiro de 2022, cujos dados foram averiguados por análise temática. Foram identificadas quatro categorias temáticas, quais sejam: Início do pré-natal adiado; Parcialidade nas ações em saúde no pré-natal; (Des)informação em saúde em período de pandemia; e Medidas de prevenção à Covid-19 na gestação. A pandemia da Covid-19 gerou retrocessos no pré-natal, como a restrição do acompanhante nas consultas e exames e suspensão de grupos de gestantes, com prejuízos na educação em saúde, adiamento do início do pré-natal e/ou comprometimento da sua realização, particularmente de brasileiras residentes no Paraguai. Teleatendimento, como estratégia para acompanhamento do pré-natal, apareceu timidamente. Os serviços de saúde se reorganizaram para manter as medidas para evitar a infecção e, assim, tentar garantir o seguimento pré-natal de forma presencial.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to understand prenatal care in a border region during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a qualitative study conducted between August 2021 and January 2022 in primary health care facilities with 27 participants from among women and health workers in semistructured, remote, and in-person interviews, whose data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four thematic categories were identified: delayed initiation of prenatal care, partiality in prenatal health measures, (in)health information in a pandemic period, and COVID-19 preventive measures in pregnancy. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to setbacks in prenatal care, such as limiting the presence of others than not the pregnant individual during consultations and examinations, exposing groups of pregnant women to health information losses, postponing the start of prenatal care, and or compromising their deliveries, especially among Brazilian women living in Paraguay. Telecare as a strategy for prenatal follow-up has been slow to be implemented. Health services have been reorganized to maintain infection prevention measures and provide prenatal follow-up in person.

Social and environmental determinants influencing injection drug use and HIV risk among two sister cities on the US-Mexico border: a comparative cross-sectional study, 2016-2018.

The economic, social, cultural and political milieus that influence injection drug-related HIV risk behaviors along the US-Mexico border in the previous decade have been studied comparing cities on an East-West axis. In an effort to inform interventions targeting factors beyond the individual level, we used a cross-sectional study design comparing people who inject drugs during 2016-2018, living on a North-South axis, in two cities-Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico and El Paso, Texas, USA-situated at the midpoint of the 2000 US-Mexico borderland stretch. We conceptualize injection drug use and its antecedents and consequences as influenced by factors operating at various levels of influence. Results of analysis comparing samples recruited from each border city indicated significant differences in demographic, socioeconomic, micro- and macro-level factors that affect risk. Similarities emerged in individual-level risk behaviors and some dynamics of risk at the drug use site most frequented to use drugs. In addition, analyses testing associations across samples indicated that different contextual factors such as characteristics of the drug use sites influenced syringe sharing. In this article, we reflect on the potential tailored interventions needed to target the context of HIV transmission risk among people who use drugs and reside in binational environment.

Perinatal Health in Amazon Triple Border Region: Cross-Sectional Analysis Comparing Outcomes in the Brazilian, Peruvian and Colombian Population.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the perinatal outcomes in Brazilian, Peruvian, and Colombian women in a Brazilian reference maternity hospital based at Amazon triple border region. METHOD: A cross-sectional case study of data from 3242 live birth certificates issued at the Tabatinga public maternity hospital, in the countryside of Amazonas, in the period between January 2015 and December 2017. Maternal and perinatal independent variables were analysed based on central tendency and variability, and frequency distribution for categorical variables. The Pearson's Chi-Square test and univariate analyses were performed to estimate probability ratios (Odds Ratio-OR). RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the education level in the three population groups, as well as in the number of previous pregnancies, antenatal consultations, month of initial prenatal care, and type of delivery. Brazilian pregnant women had more prenatal consultations, caesarean sections, and premature births. Peruvian and Colombian women started antenatal care later, and those with high-risk pregnancies tended to deliver in their home country. CONCLUSION FOR PRACTICE: Our findings show some singularities in the care of women and infants in the Amazonian triple border region. The Brazilian Unified Health Care System performs an important role in the guarantee of free access to health services, and ensures comprehensive care for women and infants, promoting human rights in border regions regardless of nationality.

Post-COVID19 strategies to support the health care interactions of U.S. Mexican immigrants and return migrants with the Mexican health system.

Background: Mexican migrants in the United States (U.S.) are twice more likely to underutilize health care and to experience low quality of care compared to the U.S.-born population. Current and former Mexican migrants in the U.S have used health services in Mexico due to lower cost, perceived quality, cultural familiarity, and the geographic proximity of the two countries. Objective: This study aims to characterize the different health care interactions of current and former U.S. Mexican migrants with public and private health care organizations of the Mexican health system and to identify strategies to improve health care interactions post-COVID19. Methods: We use a typology of cross-border patient mobility to analyze the facilitators and barriers to improve the health care interactions of current and former U.S. Mexican migrants with the Mexican health system. Our policy analysis framework examines how an outcome can be achieved by various configurations or combinations of independent variables. The main outcome variable is the improvement of health care interactions of U.S. Mexican migrants and return migrants with different government agencies and public and private health care providers in the Mexican health system. The main explanatory variables are availability, affordability, familiarity, perceived quality of health care and type of health coverage. Findings: As the Mexican health system emerges from the COVID19 pandemic, new strategies to integrate current and former U.S. Mexican migrants to the Mexican health system could be considered such as the expansion of telehealth services, a regulatory framework for health services used by transnational patients, making enrollment procedures more flexible for return migrants and guiding return migrants as they reintegrate to the Mexican health system. Conclusions: The health care interactions of U.S. Mexican migrants with the Mexican health system are likely to increase in the upcoming decades due to population ageing. Regulatory improvements and programs that address the unique needs of U.S. Mexican migrants and return migrants could substantially improve their health care interactions with the Mexican health system.

Breast cancer: essential attributes of Primary Health Care in a border region / Câncer de mama: atributos essenciais na atenção primária à saúde em região de fronteira

Introduction: Breast cancer in Brazil is considered a public health problem, as it represents one of the main causes of death in female population. Objective: To analyze the presence of essential attributes of Primary Health Care in border region in the context of care for women with breast cancer. Methods: This is a qualitative research based on the Complexity Paradigm, held in Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 women diagnosed with breast cancer. Thematic analysis was chosen as a technique to analyze the material produced. Results: The following categories emerged: Barriers to access services for women with breast cancer; (De)constructing the bond: women, professionals and health services; Fragmented care, focused on the biological: interference for comprehensiveness; and (Dis)coordination of care for women with breast cancer within the public health system. Conclusion: The essential attributes of Primary Health Care were not present in their entirety for care for women with breast cancer, as difficulties in accessing primary care services, weaknesses in the construction and strengthening of bonds due to discontinuity of care were reported, attributed to the incipient coordination within the public health system. It points to the need to implement care strategies, with behavioral, functional and structural changes in health services at the border.

Introdução: O câncer de mama no Brasil é considerado um problema de saúde pública, por representar uma das principais causas de mortes na população feminina. Objetivo: Analisar a presença dos atributos essenciais da atenção primária à saúde na região de fronteira no contexto do cuidado à mulher com câncer de mama. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa baseada no Paradigma da Complexidade, realizada em Foz do Iguaçu-PR. Conduziram-se entrevistas em profundidade com 13 mulheres com diagnóstico de câncer de mama. Elegeu-se a Análise Temática como técnica para analisar o material produzido. Resultados: Emergiram as categorias: Barreiras para o acesso aos serviços para atenção à mulher com câncer de mama; (Des)construindo o vínculo: mulheres, profissionais e serviços de saúde; Cuidado fragmentado, focado no biológico: interferência para a integralidade; e (Des)coordenação da atenção à mulher com câncer de mama no âmbito do sistema público de saúde. Conclusão: Os atributos essenciais da atenção primária não estiveram presentes em sua totalidade para o cuidado à mulher com câncer de mama, visto que foram reportadas dificuldades para o acesso nos serviços de atenção primária, fragilidades na construção e fortalecimento do vínculo pela descontinuidade do cuidado, atribuído à incipiência da coordenação no âmbito do sistema público de saúde. Aponta-se para a necessidade de implementar estratégias de cuidados, com transformações comportamentais, funcionais e estruturais nos serviços de saúde na fronteira.

Hispanic Survivors and Caregivers of Human Papillomavirus-Associated Cancers: Lived Experiences in a U.S.-Mexico Border Community.

Although human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers are preventable and treatable at early stages, health disparities in HPV-associated cancer outcomes continue to exist among Hispanic populations. Hispanics residing along the U.S.-Mexico border face barriers distinct from other geographically dispersed populations within the United States. The current research aimed to explore perspectives and lived experiences of survivors and caregivers of HPV-associated cancers in El Paso, Texas, to inform intervention development and health practices to increase preventive services among populations residing on the U.S.-Mexico border region. A mixed-method approach was employed using a semi-structured interview guide with Quality of Life (QOL) scales with (N = 29) survivors and caregivers of HPV-associated cancers. Content analysis was used to extract themes and descriptive statistics were reported for quality of life. Five major themes were identified: (1) barriers to preventive services and treatment; (2) role of health care providers in diagnosis and care; (3) treatment challenges, support systems, and challenges associated with caregiving; and (4) HPV prevention and health recommendations from survivors and caregivers. Finally, given the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, an additional theme was explored on accessibility to health and human services. QOL scales suggested better overall physical health and spiritual well-being in survivors and fear of reoccurrence among caregivers and survivors. The current research highlights the role of health care providers and human service professionals in the promotion of health practices of at-risk populations by increasing health literacy among cancer patients and caregivers, and exploring experiences, challenges, and messages caregivers and survivors had regarding HPV prevention.

Importância e desafios da vigilância em saúde em uma região de fronteira internacional: um estudo de caso / The importance and challenges of health surveillance in an international border: a case study

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo foi identificar os principais desafios da promoção da vigilância em saúde em uma região de tríplice fronteira da Amazônia Legal brasileira. Foi realizado um estudo de caso único, explicativo, com abordagem qualitativa, que utilizou dados documentais e entrevistas. Os resultados demonstram que a vigilância em saúde é fundamental para o controle de doenças na região. Além disso, as diferenças dos sistemas de saúde dos três países que compõem a tríplice fronteira (Brasil, Colômbia e Peru) se mostraram o principal desafio para o estabelecimento de políticas sanitárias.

Abstract The objective of This article was to identify the main challenges of promoting health surveillance in a triple border region of the Brazilian legal Amazon. A single explanatory case study was carried out, with a qualitative approach, which used documentary data and interviews. The Results demonstrate that health surveillance is essential for disease control in the studied region. In addition, the differences between the health systems of the three countries that make up the triple border (Brazil, Colombia, and Peru) showed to be the main challenge for establishing health policies.

Distanciamento social na covid-19: análise dos casos de violência sexual em um municipio de triplice fronteira durante a pandemia / Social distancing in covid-19: analysis of sexual violence in a municipality of triplice border during the pandemic / Distancia social en covid-19: análisis de casos de violencia sexual en un municipio triplical transfronterizo durante pandemia

Durante a pandemia da COVID-19, o distanciamento social e a quarentena tiveram um impacto significativo no aumento do número de casos de violência sexual. Embora essas medidas tenham sido essenciais para conter a propagação do vírus, elas também criaram um ambiente propício para o aumento da violência doméstica e sexual. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar o perfil dos casos de violência sexual notificados no município de Foz do Iguaçu durante o período da pandemia da Covid-19 (2020 a 2022). Trata-se de uma pesquisa transversal, descritiva e exploratória de caráter quantitativo, realizado com as fichas de notificação compulsória dos casos de violência sexual, da vigilância epidemiológica do município de Foz do Iguaçu-PR, durante os anos de 2020 a 2022. Identificou-se predomínio de violência sexual no sexo feminino, com idade entre 1 a 15 anos. O primeiro trimestre de 2020 e 2021 tiveram maiores números de registros. Os agressores em sua maioria foram conhecidos, padrastos e o pai. A maioria dos casos ocorreram na própria residência. O distanciamento social e a quarentena criaram condições propícias para o aumento desses casos, colocando as vítimas em situações de maior vulnerabilidade e limitando seu acesso a recursos de apoio.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and quarantine have had a significant impact on the increase in the number of cases of sexual violence. While these measures have been essential to contain the spread of the virus, they have also created an environment conducive to increased domestic and sexual violence. This study aimed to identify the profile of cases of sexual violence reported in the municipality of Foz do Iguaçu during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020 to 2022). This is a cross- sectional, descriptive and exploratory survey of a quantitative nature, carried out with the compulsory notification sheets of cases of sexual violence, the epidemiological surveillance of the municipality of Foz do Iguaçu-PR, during the years 2020 to 2022. A predominance of sexual violence was identified in the female sex, aged between 1 and 15 years. The first quarter of 2020 and 2021 had higher numbers of registrations. The aggressors were mostly known, stepfathers and father. Most of the cases occurred at home. Social distancing and quarantine have created favorable conditions for the increase in such cases, placing victims in situations of greater vulnerability and limiting their access to support resources.

Durante la pandemia COVID-19, el distanciamiento social y la cuarentena tuvieron un impacto significativo en el aumento del número de casos de violencia sexual. Aunque estas medidas eran esenciales para contener la propagación del virus, también creaban un entorno favorable para el aumento de la violencia doméstica y sexual. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar el perfil de violencia sexual reportada en el municipio de Foz do Iguaçu durante el periodo de pandemia Covid-19 (2020-2022). Se trata de un estudio transversal, descriptivo y exploratorio de carácter cuantitativo, realizado con las fichas obligatorias de notificación de violencia sexual, la vigilancia epidemiológica del municipio de Foz do Iguaçu-PR durante los años 2020-22. El predominio de la violencia sexual se identificó en el sexo femenino, de edades comprendidas entre 1 y 15 años. El primer trimestre de 2020 y 2021 tuvo un mayor número de registros. Los agresores en su mayoría eran conocidos, padrastro y padre. La mayoría de los casos ocurrieron en casa. El distanciamiento social y la cuarentena han creado las condiciones para aumentar esos casos, situando a las víctimas en situaciones de mayor vulnerabilidad y limitando su acceso a los recursos de apoyo.

Vulnerabilities to illnesses in women living on the border of the Guiana Shield mines / Vulnerabilidades por la enfermedad de las mujeres en las minerías fronterizas del Escudo Guayanés* / Vulnerabilidades para o adoecimento de mulheres em garimpos na fronteira do Escudo das Guianas

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the the vulnerabilities to illnesses in women living on the border of the Guiana Shield mines: Brazil, French Guiana, and Suriname. Method: Descriptive, exploratory field study with a qualitative approach. Data collection took place with 19 women who were living in the mining context, in April 2018. The interviews were recorded and transcribed in full and subsequently analyzed in the light of the concept of vulnerability. Results: Women aged between 30 and 39 years, predominantly black and brown, on a common-law marriage, multiparous, of low level of education, and with work activities related to mining. Three empirical categories emerged: Exposure to environmental and life conditions in the mines: vulnerabilities to illnesses in women; Sexual and reproductive health in the context of borders: the invisibility between legality and illegality; Gendered facets of violence in the mines on the border of the Guiana Shield. Conclusion: Vulnerability is marked in the three dimensions of the concept: in the difficult access to health services, in the discontinued treatment, and in the disparity in health policies within countries, which are important aspects of vulnerability and health conditions.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar las vulnerabilidades por la enfermedad de las mujeres en zonas mineras en la frontera del Escudo Guayanés: Brasil, Guayana Francesa y Surinam. Método: Investigación de campo, descriptiva, exploratoria, con enfoque cualitativo. La recolección de datos se realizó con 19 mujeres que vivían el contexto de las minerías, en abril de 2018. Las entrevistas fueron grabadas y transcritas en su totalidad y posteriormente analizadas a la luz del concepto de vulnerabilidad. Resultados: Mujeres de 30 a 39 años, predominantemente negras y pardas, unión estable, multíparas, baja escolaridad y con actividades laborales afines a la minería. Surgieron tres categorías empíricas: Exposición a las condiciones ambientales y de vida en las minerías: vulnerabilidades de las mujeres a enfermarse; salud sexual y reproductiva en el contexto de las fronteras: la invisibilidad entre la legalidad y la ilegalidad; facetas de género de la violencia en las minerías de la frontera del escudo guayanés. Conclusión: La vulnerabilidad se acentúa en las tres dimensiones del concepto, a saber, el difícil acceso a los servicios de salud, la interrupción del tratamiento y la disparidad en las políticas de salud entre países, son aspectos importantes para la vulnerabilidad y las condiciones de salud.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar as vulnerabilidades para o adoecimento de mulheres em áreas de garimpos da fronteira do Escudo das Guianas: Brasil, Guiana Francesa e Suriname. Método: Pesquisa de campo, descritiva, exploratória, de abordagem qualitativa. A coleta de dados ocorreu com 19 mulheres que vivenciavam o contexto de garimpagem, em abril de 2018. As entrevistas foram gravadas e transcritas na íntegra e posteriormente analisadas à luz do conceito de vulnerabilidade. Resultados: Mulheres com idade entre 30 e 39 anos, predominantemente pretas e pardas, união estável, multíparas, baixa escolaridade e com atividades de trabalho relacionadas à garimpagem. Emergiram três categorias empíricas: Exposição às condições ambientais e de vida nos garimpos: vulnerabilidades para o adoecimento de mulheres; Saúde sexual e reprodutiva no contexto de fronteiras: a invisibilidade entre a legalidade e a ilegalidade; Facetas gendradas da violência nos garimpos da fronteira do escudo das Guianas. Conclusão: A vulnerabilidade é acentuada nas três dimensões do conceito, quais sejam: a dificuldade de acesso aos serviços de saúde, tratamento descontinuado e disparidade nas políticas de saúde entre os países, que são aspectos importantes à vulnerabilidade e condições de saúde.

Representations of COVID-19: the pandemic in the context of international commuting migration from mining / Representaciones del COVID-19: la pandemia en el contexto de la migración pendular internacional desde la minería / Representations of COVID-19: the pandemic in the context of international commuting migration from mining

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the conceptions about COVID-19 among Brazilians who carry out commuting to work in clandestine mines located on the borders between Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname. Method: This is qualitative research, from an analytical perspective, based on Social Representation Theory. Semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews were carried out with 10 Brazilians who experience work routine in clandestine mining on the border between Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname. Results: Two analytical categories emerged: "The disease of otherness"; and "Health access dimension". Conclusion: Disease severity was attributed to another or a human body organ, and not to individuals as a whole. Access to health services was established on issues of inequity, violence and illegal practices. The nature of a transient population, which carries out commuting and informal and clandestine work, demonstrates vulnerability to COVID-19 and a lower propensity to receive care.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar las concepciones sobre el COVID-19 entre los brasileños que realizan desplazamientos para trabajar en minas clandestinas ubicadas en las fronteras entre Brasil, Guayana Francesa y Surinam. Método: Investigación cualitativa, desde una perspectiva analítica, basada en la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas y grabadas en audio a 10 brasileños que viven la rutina de trabajo en minas clandestinas en la frontera entre Brasil, Guayana Francesa y Surinam. Resultados: Se designaron dos categorías analíticas: "La enfermedad de la alteridad"; y "Dimensiones del acceso a la salud". Conclusión: La gravedad de la enfermedad se atribuyó a otro o a un órgano del cuerpo humano, y no al individuo en su conjunto. El acceso a los servicios de salud se estableció sobre temas de inequidad, violencia y prácticas ilegales. La naturaleza de la población transitoria, que realiza desplazamientos y trabajos informales y clandestinos, demuestra vulnerabilidad al COVID-19 y una menor propensión a recibir atención.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar as concepções acerca da covid-19 entre brasileiros que realizam migração pendular para trabalhar em garimpos clandestinos situados nas fronteiras entre Brasil, Guiana Francesa e Suriname. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa, em uma perspectiva analítica, alicerçada na Teoria das Representações Sociais. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, áudiogravadas com 10 brasileiros que vivenciam a rotina de trabalho em garimpos clandestinos na fronteira entre Brasil, Guiana Francesa e Suriname. Resultados: Foram designadas duas categorias analíticas: "A doença da alteridade"; e "Dimensão do acesso à saúde". Conclusão: A gravidade da doença foi atribuída ao outro ou a um órgão do corpo humano, e não ao indivíduo como um todo. O acesso aos serviços de saúde instituiu-se em questões de iniquidade, violência e práticas ilegais. O caráter de população transitória, que realiza migração pendular e de trabalho informal e clandestino, demonstra vulnerabilidade à covid-19 e menor propensão a receber cuidados.

Polymicrobial Infection in an Immigrant Female at the United States-Mexico Border.

Malaria is a highly infectious disease transmitted through the bite of the Anopheles mosquito carrying the parasite of the Plasmodium genus; it presents with cyclical fevers, myalgias, and headaches. In the United States, the vast majority of malaria cases are reported in people who travel abroad, mainly to Africa. These cases are predominantly linked to Plasmodium falciparum or ovale and can be medically treated with artemisinin, chloroquine, or atovaquone-proguanil. We discuss a case of a 38-year-old female immigrant from Venezuela living at an immigration facility who presented to a hospital located on the United States-Mexico border with a two-day history of watery diarrhea, headache, and subjective fever. She had experienced mosquito bites and likely contracted the illness in Chiapas, Mexico during her trek from Peru to the United States. Her case was unique as she tested positive for dengue fever antibodies acquired from a previous infection and also contracted rhinovirus during her clinical course. Her diagnosis of malaria was confirmed with a peripheral blood smear that revealed ring forms with no gametocytes. This in tandem with her route of travel suggested infection with Plasmodium vivax. She was treated with chloroquine while the malaria culture was pending and continued to spike fevers every 24-36 hours while on medication. Once the culture was confirmed, she was treated with atovaquone-proguanil as maintenance therapy. She was subsequently discharged on primaquine for 14 days to prevent relapse.

Competências do enfermeiro de saúde pública em região fronteira: revisão de escopo / Competencias de enfermeros de salud pública en regiones fronterizas: revisión de alcance / Competencies of the public health nurse in a frontier region: a scoping review

Resumo Objetivo Identificar as evidências científicas sobre as competências específicas para a prática profissional do enfermeiro de saúde pública em região de fronteira. Métodos Scoping Review , conforme Instituto Joanna Briggs, por meio da questão norteadora: "Qual a produção de conhecimento sobre as competências necessárias para prática profissional de enfermeiros de saúde pública em região de fronteira?" Foram realizadas buscas em cinco bases de dados, com inclusão de estudos originais em inglês, espanhol, português e francês, publicados ou disponibilizados até junho de 2020, utilizando os descritores: enfermeiro, competência e áreas de fronteira. Resultados Dos 941 estudos encontrados, 58 foram selecionados para leitura na íntegra, resultando em uma amostra final de oito estudos de países distintos, sendo: Brasil, México, Suécia, Tailândia, Taiwan e Estados Unidos da América. A partir da análise de cada estudo, emergiram cinco competências específicas do enfermeiro de saúde pública que atua em regiões de fronteira, sendo Competência para: 1) Abordagem cultural 2) Competência para o cuidado integral e coletivo de enfermagem em região de fronteira; 3) Política para assistência em comunidades fronteiriças; 4) Linguística-comunicativa; 5) Atendimento transnacional. Conclusão Apesar de ambientes fronteiriços diversificados, os estudos selecionados apontaram competências de natureza cultural e social. O papel do enfermeiro em região de fronteira muda na medida em que a sociedade moderna se configura e se reorienta em direção a novas possibilidades identitárias. Tais mudanças refletem a necessidade de efetivar o cuidado em saúde que promova a proximidade das diferenças culturais.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar las evidencias científicas sobre las competencias específicas para la práctica profesional de los enfermeros de salud pública en regiones de frontera. Métodos Scoping Review , de acuerdo con el Instituto Joanna Briggs, mediante la siguiente pregunta orientadora: "¿Cuál es la producción de conocimientos sobre las competencias necesarias para la práctica profesional de los enfermeros de salud pública en regiones de frontera?". Se realizaron búsquedas en cinco bases de datos, que incluyeron estudios originales en inglés, español, portugués y francés, publicados o colocados a disposición hasta junio de 2020 y que utilizaron los descriptores: enfermero, competencia y áreas de frontera. Resultados De los 941 estudios encontrados, se seleccionaron 58 para lectura completa, que dio como resultado una muestra final de ocho estudios de diferentes países, a saber: Brasil, México, Suecia, Tailandia y Estados Unidos de América. A partir del análisis de cada estudio, surgieron cinco competencias específicas de los enfermeros de salud pública que actúan en regiones de frontera: 1) Enfoque cultural, 2) Competencia para el cuidado integral y colectivo de enfermería en regiones de frontera, 3) Política para la atención en comunidades fronterizas, 4) Lingüística comunicativa y 5) Atención transnacional. Conclusión A pesar de haber diversos ambientes fronterizos, los estudios seleccionados indicaron competencias de naturaleza cultural y social. El papel de los enfermeros en regiones de frontera cambia en la medida en que la sociedad moderna se configura y se reorienta hacia nuevas posibilidades identitarias. Estos cambios reflejan la necesidad de materializar los cuidados de la salud que promuevan la proximidad de las diferencias culturales.

Abstract Objective To identify the scientific evidence on the specific competencies for the professional practice of public health nurses in a frontier region. Methods Scoping Review , according to Joanna Briggs Institute, through the guiding question: "What is the knowledge production about the competencies necessary for the professional practice of public health nurses in a frontier region?" Searches were conducted in five databases, with original English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French studies published or made available by June 2020, using the descriptors: nurse, competence, and border areas. Results Among the 941 studies found, 58 were selected for full-text reading, resulting in a final sample of eight studies from different countries: Brazil, Mexico, Sweden, Thailand, Taiwan, and the United States of America. From the analysis of each study, five specific competencies of the public health nurse who works in frontier regions emerged, being Competence for: 1) Cultural approach; 2) Competence for integral and collective nursing care in a frontier region; 3) Policy for assistance in frontier communities; 4) Linguistic-communicative; 5) Transnational care. Conclusion The selected studies pointed out cultural and social competencies despite diversified frontier environments. The nurse's role in a frontier region changes as modern society configures itself and reorients itself toward new identity possibilities. Such changes reflect the need for effective health care that promotes proximity to cultural differences.

[Reregistration of the population residing in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, in compliance with the Primary Health Care PolicyReinscripción de la población residente en Foz do Iguaçu, Brasil, en cumplimiento de la Política de atención primaria de salud]. / Recadastramento da população residente em Foz do Iguaçu, Brasil, em atendimento à Política de Atenção Primária à Saúde.

Objective: To present the experience and results of the reregistration of residents in Foz do Iguaçu, a border town located in the state of Paraná, Brazil, to meet the guidelines of the national Primary Health Care (PHC) Policy and its new financing model (Programa Previne Brasil). Method: A scanning strategy (convenience sample) was used for data collection, with 52 263 households visited and 22 710 interviews conducted from September to November 2019. The interviews were conducted face-to-face by 54 community health workers. Data were collected on the household (ownership status, urban or rural location, type of household, construction material, availability of electrical and sewage networks, water supply and waste disposal). Demographic and health information on the residents was also collected. Results: The reregistration process revealed that most residents were home owners and lived in well-constructed homes, located mostly in urban areas, served by electricity, with access to water supply and garbage collection. Of the reregistered population, 52.8% were women, 62.5% were aged between 15 and 59 years and 60.0% declared themselves white. Among respondents aged 15 or over, 90.0% had completed elementary school. The main occupation was "formal salaried job". Additionally, 18.6% of the interviewees declared themselves to be hypertensive and 7.0%, diabetic. Conclusions: The reregistration process uncovered relevant information to support both PHC planning as well as social assistance, work and housing initiatives; it was also fundamental to define health care strategies in this border town during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objetivo: Presentar la experiencia y los resultados de la reinscripción de la población residente en Foz do Iguaçu, un municipio fronterizo ubicado en el estado de Paraná (Brasil), en cumplimiento de las directrices de la Política de atención primaria de salud y su nuevo modelo de financiamiento (Programa Previne Brasil). Métodos: Utilizando una estrategia de barrido (muestreo de conveniencia) para la recolección de datos, se visitaron 52 263 hogares y se realizaron 22 710 entrevistas entre septiembre y noviembre de 2019. Las entrevistas fueron presenciales y estuvieron a cargo de 54 trabajadores comunitarios de salud. Se recopilaron datos sobre el hogar (régimen de propiedad de la vivienda, ubicación en una zona urbana o rural, tipo de vivienda, material de construcción, disponibilidad de redes de energía eléctrica y alcantarillado, abastecimiento de agua y eliminación de desechos) e información sobre la composición demográfica y la salud de los residentes. Resultados: La reinscripción reveló que los residentes eran propietarios de sus viviendas y que estas se encontraban ubicadas en zonas urbanas, estaban bien construidas y tenían servicios de energía eléctrica, abastecimiento de agua y recolección de basura. El 52,8% de la población registrada correspondió a mujeres, el 62,5% tenía entre 15 y 59 años y el 60,0% declaró que era de raza blanca. El 90,0% de los entrevistados mayores de 15 años había terminado la escuela primaria. La ocupación principal era "persona asalariada con carnet de trabajo". Además, el 18,6% de los entrevistados indicó que tenía hipertensión y el 7,0%, diabetes. Conclusiones: La reinscripción aportó información relevante para apoyar la planificación de la atención primaria de salud , así como las iniciativas en materia de asistencia social, trabajo y vivienda; también fue fundamental para definir las estrategias de atención de salud en ese municipio fronterizo durante la pandemia de COVID-19.

The right of access to healthcare: an analysis of how legal and institutional frameworks constrain or facilitate access to healthcare for residents in border areas in the East African Community.

BACKGROUND: Despite many countries working hard to attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Health-related Sustainable Development Goals, access to healthcare services has remained a challenge for communities residing along national borders in the East Africa Community (EAC). Unlike the communities in the interior, those along national borders are more likely to face access barriers and exclusion due to low health investments and inter-state rules for non-citizens. This study explored the legal and institutional frameworks that facilitate or constrain access to healthcare services for communities residing along the national borders in EAC. METHODS: This study is part of a broader research implemented in East Africa (2018-2020), employing mixed methods. For this paper, we report data from a literature review, key informant interviews and sub-national dialogues with officials involved in planning and implementing health and migration services in EAC. The documents reviewed included regional and national treaties, conventions, policies and access rules, regulations and guidelines that affect border crossing and access to healthcare services. These were retrieved from official online and physical libraries and archives. RESULTS: Overall, the existing laws, policies and guidelines at all levels do not explicitly deal with cross border healthcare access especially for border residents, but address citizen rights and entitlements including health within national frameworks. There is no clarity on whether these rights can be enjoyed beyond one's country of citizenship. The review found examples of investments in shared health infrastructure to benefit all EAC member countries - a signal of closer cooperation for specialized health care, this had not been accompanied by access rule for citizens outside the host country. The focus on specialized care is unlikely to contribute to the every-day health care needs of border resident communities in remote areas of EAC. Nevertheless, the establishment of the EAC entail opportunities for increased collaboration and integration beyond the trade and customs union to included health care and other social services. The study established active cooperation aimed at disease surveillance and epidemic control among sub-national officials responsible for health and migration services across borders. Health insurance cards, national identification cards and official travel documents were found to constrain access to health services across the borders in EAC. CONCLUSION: In the era of UHC, there is need to take advantage of the EAC integration to revise legal and policy frameworks to leverage existing investments and facilitate cross-border access to healthcare services for communities residing along EAC borders.

Changes in the Infant Mortality Rate in Twin Towns of Brazil: An Ecological Study.

BACKGROUND: The infant mortality rate (IMR) is a proxy of the living and health conditions of a given population, which allows us to assess the risk of death for children under one year. Although there is, in general, a reduction in infant mortality in Brazil little is known about this indicator in the regions and cities located on the international borders of the Brazilian territory and the changes that occurred in the face of the migratory impact of the Americas in the period from 1996 to 2020. The objectives of this study are to assess IMR in Brazilian Twin Cities (municipalities that are located on the border with a large influx of people) and its social determinants over time. METHODS: This is an ecological study, whose units of analysis were the Brazilian Twin Cities, between 1996 and 2020, based on data on births and deaths in children under one year, available in the public vital information system in Brazil. Data were identified by the city in which the infant death occurred in addition to the mother's primary city of residence. Correlation measurements were performed to test the associations of the IMR means between the independent variables. RESULTS: The Twin Cities (Bonfim, Tabatinga, Pacaraima, Porto Murtinho, Cáceres, Foz do Iguaçu, Santo Antônio do Sudoeste e Dionísio Cerqueira) had higher numbers of infant deaths per place of occurrence than the number of deaths per place of maternal residence. The Northern Twin Cities exhibited the highest IMRs. Cities in the Midwest region showed variability. In the South region, most cities showed low rates. A positive correlation was identified with the Gini index with r = 0.67 and a negative correlation with the Municipal Human Development Index indicator of r= -0.70. CONCLUSIONS: The averages of IMRs in the Twin Cities were higher than in their States. In recent years, there has been an upward trend in infant mortality in these cities.

The impact of the Mexico-San Diego border wall extension on spine injuries: a retrospective cohort review.

BACKGROUND: The recent San Diego-Mexico border wall height extension has resulted in an increased injury risk for unauthorized immigrants falling from greater heights. However, the effects of the border wall extension on frequency and morbidity of spinal injuries and related economic costs have yet to be highlighted. METHODS: We retrospectively compared two cohorts who presented to the UC San Diego Health Trauma Center for border wall falls: pre-height extension (12 patients; January 2016-May 2018), and post-height extension (102 patients; January 2020-December 2021). Patients presented during border wall construction (June 2018-December 2019) were excluded. Demographics, clinical data and hospital costs were collected. Spinal injuries were normalized using Customs and Border Protection apprehensions. Costs were adjusted for inflation using the 2021 medical care price index. RESULTS: The increase in spine injuries per month (0.8-4.25) and operative spine injuries per month (0.3- 1.7) was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Increase in median length of stay from 6 [interquartile range (IQR) 2-7] to 9 days (IQR 6-13) was statistically significant (P = 0.006). Median total hospital charges increased from $174 660 to $294 421 and was also significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The data support that the recent San Diego-Mexico border wall extension is correlated with more frequent, severe and costly spinal injuries. This current infrastructure should be re-evaluated as border-related injuries represent a humanitarian and public health crisis.