Risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes in Jamaica: a cross-sectional study of national surveillance data.

Objectives: To describe the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 cases in Jamaica and to explore the risk factors associated with severe COVID-19 from 9 March to 31 December 2020. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of national surveillance data was conducted using confirmed COVID-19 cases in Jamaica. Definitions of a confirmed case, disease severity, and death were based on World Health Organization guidelines. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to determine association with outcomes. Logistic regression models were used to determine predictors of severe COVID-19. Results: This analysis included 12 169 cases of COVID-19 (median age, 36 years; 6 744 females [ 55.4%]) of which 512 cases (4.2%) presented with severe disease, and of those, 318 patients (62.1%) died (median age at death, 71.5 years). Severe disease was associated with being male (OR 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.7) and 40 years or older (OR, 6.5; 95% CI, 5.1-8.2). COVID-19 death was also associated with being male (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7), age 40 years or older (OR, 17.9; 95% CI, 11.6-27.7), and in the Western versus South East Health Region (OR 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.3). Conclusions: The findings of this cross-sectional analysis indicate that confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Jamaica were more likely to be female and younger individuals, whereas COVID-19 deaths occurred more frequently in males and older individuals. There is increased risk of poor COVID-19 outcomes beginning at age 40, with males disproportionately affected. COVID-19 death also varied by geographic region. This evidence could be useful to other countries with similar settings and to policymakers charged with managing outbreaks and health.

Clinical outcomes and risk factors for immune recovery and all-cause mortality in Latin Americans living with HIV with virological success: a retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Immune reconstitution following antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation is crucial to prevent AIDS and non-AIDS-related comorbidities. Patients with suppressed viraemia who fail to restore cellular immunity are exposed to an increased risk of morbidity and mortality during long-term follow-up, although the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We aim to describe clinical outcomes and factors associated with the worse immune recovery and all-cause mortality in people living with HIV (PLWH) from Latin America following ART initiation. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study using the CCASAnet database: PLWH ≥18 years of age at ART initiation using a three drug-based combination therapy and with medical follow-up for ≥24 months after ART initiation and undetectable viral load were included. Patients were divided into four immune recovery groups based on rounded quartiles of increase in CD4 T-cell count at 2 years of treatment (<150, [150, 250), [250, 350] and >350 cells/mm3 ). Primary outcomes included all-cause mortality, AIDS-defining events and non-communicable diseases that occurred >2 years after ART initiation. Factors associated with an increase in CD4 T-cell count at 2 years of treatment were evaluated using a cumulative probability model with a logit link. RESULTS: In our cohort of 4496 Latin American PLWH, we found that patients with the lowest CD4 increase (<150) had the lowest survival probability at 10 years of follow-up. Lower increase in CD4 count following therapy initiation (and remarkably not a lower baseline CD4 T-cell count) and older age were risk factors for all-cause mortality. We also found that older age, male sex and higher baseline CD4 T-cell count were associated with lower CD4 count increase following therapy initiation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that PLWH with lower increases in CD4 count have lower survival probabilities. CD4 increase during follow-up might be a better predictor of mortality in undetectable PLWH than baseline CD4 count. Therefore, it should be included as a routine clinical variable to assess immune recovery and overall survival.

[Concordance between essential medicines lists and diabetes guidelines in Latin America and the CaribbeanConcordância entre as listas de medicamentos essenciais e diretrizes para diabetes na América Latina e no Caribe]. / Concordancia entre las listas de medicamentos esenciales y las guías para diabetes en América Latina y el Caribe.

Objective: Conduct an analysis to determine the existence and updating of national essential medicines lists (EMLs) and clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the treatment of diabetes in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC); and compare the medicines included in each country's list and guidelines both with each other and with those of the World Health Organization (WHO). Methods: Cross-sectional study. EMLs and CPGs for diabetes were found on the websites of the Pan American Health Organization and national health authorities. Medicines were noted and analyzed according to pharmacological group, based on the fourth level of nomenclature of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system. F1 scoring was used to assess the proximity of EMLs to the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (MLEM). Results: Of the total number of countries, 87.2% have EMLs, and 91% have CPGs (78% and 45% updated in the last five years, respectively). Compared to the six hypoglycemic groups of the MLEM, the EMLs had a median (range) of 6 (4-13) and an F1 score of 0.80; This indicates proper alignment. CPGs had a median (range) of 12 (1-12) hypoglycemic drugs compared to eight in the WHO guidelines. CPGs had a median of 15 more drugs than their respective EMLs. Conclusions: While most LAC countries have EMLs and CPGs for diabetes, the lack of concordance among them limits their effectiveness. It is necessary to align the processes and criteria for the development of these two tools for policymaking on medicines.

Objetivos: Analisar a existência e a atualização das listas nacionais de medicamentos (LNMs) e guias de prática clínica (GPCs) para o tratamento do diabetes na América Latina e no Caribe (ALC). Comparar os medicamentos incluídos nas listas e nas diretrizes de cada país entre si e com as da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Métodos: Estudo transversal. Foram identificadas LMNs e GPCs para o diabetes nos sites da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde e das autoridades sanitárias nacionais. Os medicamentos foram pesquisados e analisados por grupo farmacológico de acordo com o quarto nível da classificação ATC. A pontuação F1 foi utilizada para avaliar o grau de proximidade das LMNs com a lista-modelo de medicamentos essenciais (LMME) da OMS. Resultados: Do total de países, 87,2% dispõem de uma LNM e 91%, de GPCs (78% e 45%, respectivamente, atualizadas nos últimos 5 anos). Em comparação com os seis grupos de agentes hipoglicemiantes da LMME, as LMNs tinham uma mediana (intervalo) de 6 (4 a 13) e uma pontuação F1 de 0,80, o que indica uma conformidade adequada. As GPCs tinham uma mediana (intervalo) de 12 (1 a 12) agentes hipoglicemiantes, em comparação com 8 nos guias da OMS. As GPCs tinham uma mediana de 15 medicamentos a mais do que as respectivas LNMs. Conclusões: Embora a maioria dos países da América Latina e do Caribe disponha de LNMs e GPCs para o diabetes, a falta de concordância entre elas limita sua eficácia. É necessário alinhar os processos e os critérios de desenvolvimento dessas duas ferramentas da política de medicamentos.

Incidence of childhood cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean: coverage, patterns, and time trends.

Objective: To provide a comprehensive overview of geographical patterns (2001-2010) and time trends (1993-2012) of cancer incidence in children aged 0-19 years in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and interpret the findings in the context of global patterns. Methods: Geographical variations in 2001-2010 and incidence trends over 1993-2012 in the population of LAC younger than 20 years were described using the database of the third volume of the International Incidence of Childhood Cancer study containing comparable data. Age-specific incidence per million person-years (ASR) was calculated for population subgroups and age-standardized (WSR) using the world standard population. Results: Overall, 36 744 unique cases were included in this study. In 2001-2010 the overall WSR in age 0-14 years was 132.6. The most frequent were leukemia (WSR 48.7), central nervous system neoplasms (WSR 23.0), and lymphoma (WSR 16.6). The overall ASR in age group 15-19 years was 152.3 with lymphoma ranking first (ASR 30.2). Incidence was higher in males than in females, and higher in South America than in Central America and the Caribbean. Compared with global data LAC incidence was lower overall, except for leukemia and lymphoma at age 0-14 years and the other and unspecified tumors at any age. Overall incidence at age 0-19 years increased by 1.0% per year (95% CI [0.6, 1.3]) over 1993-2012. The included registries covered 16% of population aged 0-14 years and 10% of population aged 15-19 years. Conclusions: The observed patterns provide a baseline to assess the status and evolution of childhood cancer occurrence in the region. Extended and sustained support of cancer registration is required to improve representativeness and timeliness of data for childhood cancer control in LAC.

Concordancia entre las listas de medicamentos esenciales y las guías para diabetes en América Latina y el Caribe / Concordance between essential medicines lists and diabetes guidelines in Latin America and the Caribbean / Concordância entre as listas de medicamentos essenciais e diretrizes para diabetes na América Latina e no Caribe

RESUMEN Objetivo. Analizar la existencia y actualización de las listas de medicamentos nacionales (LMN) y guías de práctica clínica (GPC) para el tratamiento de la diabetes en América Latina y el Caribe (ALC). Comparar los fármacos incluidos en las listas y guías de cada país, entre sí y con los de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS). Métodos. Estudio de corte transversal. Se identificaron las LMN y GPC para diabetes en los sitios web de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud y de las autoridades sanitarias nacionales. Se relevaron los fármacos y se analizaron por grupo farmacológico según el cuarto nivel de la nomenclatura ATC. Se utilizó el puntaje F1 para evaluar la proximidad de las LMN con la lista modelo de medicamentos esenciales (LMME) de la OMS. Resultados. Del total de países, 87,2% cuentan con LMN, y 91% con GPC (78% y 45% actualizadas en los últimos 5 años, respectivamente). En comparación con los 6 grupos de hipoglucemiantes de la LMME, las LMN tenían una mediana (rango) de 6 (4-13) y un puntaje F1 de 0,80; esto indica una consonancia adecuada. Las GPC tenían una mediana (rango) de 12 (1-12) hipoglucemiantes frente a los 8 de las guías de la OMS. Las GPC tuvieron una mediana de 15 fármacos más que las respectivas LMN. Conclusiones. Si bien la mayoría de los países de ALC cuentan con LMN y GPC para diabetes, la falta de concordancia entre ellas limita su eficacia. Es necesario alinear los procesos y criterios de elaboración de estas dos herramientas de la política de medicamentos.

ABSTRACT Objective. Conduct an analysis to determine the existence and updating of national essential medicines lists (EMLs) and clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the treatment of diabetes in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC); and compare the medicines included in each country's list and guidelines both with each other and with those of the World Health Organization (WHO). Methods. Cross-sectional study. EMLs and CPGs for diabetes were found on the websites of the Pan American Health Organization and national health authorities. Medicines were noted and analyzed according to pharmacological group, based on the fourth level of nomenclature of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system. F1 scoring was used to assess the proximity of EMLs to the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (MLEM). Results. Of the total number of countries, 87.2% have EMLs, and 91% have CPGs (78% and 45% updated in the last five years, respectively). Compared to the six hypoglycemic groups of the MLEM, the EMLs had a median (range) of 6 (4-13) and an F1 score of 0.80; This indicates proper alignment. CPGs had a median (range) of 12 (1-12) hypoglycemic drugs compared to eight in the WHO guidelines. CPGs had a median of 15 more drugs than their respective EMLs. Conclusions. While most LAC countries have EMLs and CPGs for diabetes, the lack of concordance among them limits their effectiveness. It is necessary to align the processes and criteria for the development of these two tools for policymaking on medicines.

RESUMO Objetivos. Analisar a existência e a atualização das listas nacionais de medicamentos (LNMs) e guias de prática clínica (GPCs) para o tratamento do diabetes na América Latina e no Caribe (ALC). Comparar os medicamentos incluídos nas listas e nas diretrizes de cada país entre si e com as da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Métodos. Estudo transversal. Foram identificadas LMNs e GPCs para o diabetes nos sites da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde e das autoridades sanitárias nacionais. Os medicamentos foram pesquisados e analisados por grupo farmacológico de acordo com o quarto nível da classificação ATC. A pontuação F1 foi utilizada para avaliar o grau de proximidade das LMNs com a lista-modelo de medicamentos essenciais (LMME) da OMS. Resultados. Do total de países, 87,2% dispõem de uma LNM e 91%, de GPCs (78% e 45%, respectivamente, atualizadas nos últimos 5 anos). Em comparação com os seis grupos de agentes hipoglicemiantes da LMME, as LMNs tinham uma mediana (intervalo) de 6 (4 a 13) e uma pontuação F1 de 0,80, o que indica uma conformidade adequada. As GPCs tinham uma mediana (intervalo) de 12 (1 a 12) agentes hipoglicemiantes, em comparação com 8 nos guias da OMS. As GPCs tinham uma mediana de 15 medicamentos a mais do que as respectivas LNMs. Conclusões. Embora a maioria dos países da América Latina e do Caribe disponha de LNMs e GPCs para o diabetes, a falta de concordância entre elas limita sua eficácia. É necessário alinhar os processos e os critérios de desenvolvimento dessas duas ferramentas da política de medicamentos.

Incidence of childhood cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean: coverage, patterns, and time trends / Incidencia del cáncer infantil en América Latina y el Caribe: cobertura de los registros, patrones y tendencias a lo largo del tiempo / Incidência de câncer infantil na América Latina e no Caribe: cobertura, padrões e tendências temporais

ABSTRACT Objective. To provide a comprehensive overview of geographical patterns (2001-2010) and time trends (1993-2012) of cancer incidence in children aged 0-19 years in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and interpret the findings in the context of global patterns. Methods. Geographical variations in 2001-2010 and incidence trends over 1993-2012 in the population of LAC younger than 20 years were described using the database of the third volume of the International Incidence of Childhood Cancer study containing comparable data. Age-specific incidence per million person-years (ASR) was calculated for population subgroups and age-standardized (WSR) using the world standard population. Results. Overall, 36 744 unique cases were included in this study. In 2001-2010 the overall WSR in age 0-14 years was 132.6. The most frequent were leukemia (WSR 48.7), central nervous system neoplasms (WSR 23.0), and lymphoma (WSR 16.6). The overall ASR in age group 15-19 years was 152.3 with lymphoma ranking first (ASR 30.2). Incidence was higher in males than in females, and higher in South America than in Central America and the Caribbean. Compared with global data LAC incidence was lower overall, except for leukemia and lymphoma at age 0-14 years and the other and unspecified tumors at any age. Overall incidence at age 0-19 years increased by 1.0% per year (95% CI [0.6, 1.3]) over 1993-2012. The included registries covered 16% of population aged 0-14 years and 10% of population aged 15-19 years. Conclusions. The observed patterns provide a baseline to assess the status and evolution of childhood cancer occurrence in the region. Extended and sustained support of cancer registration is required to improve representativeness and timeliness of data for childhood cancer control in LAC.

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RESUMO Objetivo. Apresentar uma visão abrangente dos padrões geográficos (2001 a 2010) e das tendências temporais (1993 a 2012) da incidência de câncer em crianças e jovens de 0 a 19 anos na América Latina e no Caribe (ALC) e interpretar os resultados no contexto de padrões mundiais. Métodos. Foram descritas variações geográficas de 2001 a 2010 e tendências de incidência de 1993 a 2012 na população com menos de 20 anos da ALC usando informações comparáveis da base de dados do terceiro volume do estudo International Incidence of Childhood Cancer. Foram calculadas taxas de incidência específica por idade por milhão de pessoas-ano (ASR, na sigla em inglês) para subgrupos populacionais e taxas padronizadas por idade usando a população padrão mundial (WSR, na sigla em inglês). Resultados. No total, foram incluídos 36 744 casos únicos. No período de 2001 a 2010, a WSR para todos os tumores combinados na faixa etária de 0 a 14 anos foi de 132,6. Os diagnósticos mais frequentes foram leucemia (WSR de 48,7), neoplasias do sistema nervoso central (WSR de 23,0) e linfoma (WSR de 16,6). A ASR para todos os tumores combinados na faixa etária de 15 a 19 anos foi de 152,3, e a maior taxa foi a de linfoma (ASR de 30,2). A incidência foi maior no sexo masculino do que no sexo feminino e maior na América do Sul do que na América Central e no Caribe. De modo geral, em comparação com as estimativas mundiais, a incidência na ALC foi menor, exceto para leucemia e linfoma entre 0 e 14 anos e para outros tumores e tumores não especificados em qualquer idade. A taxa de incidência na faixa etária de 0 a 19 anos aumentou em 1,0% ao ano (IC de 95% [0,6, 1,3]) entre 1993 e 2012. Os registros incluídos cobriam 16% da população de 0 a 14 anos e 10% da população de 15 a 19 anos. Conclusões. Os padrões observados servem de referência para avaliar o status e a evolução da ocorrência de câncer infantil na região. É necessário garantir um apoio ampliado e consistente aos registros de câncer para aprimorar a representatividade e a disponibilidade das informações em tempo adequado para o controle do câncer infantil na ALC.

Risk factors for household food insecurity in the Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network cohort study.

Background: Globally, 1.3 billion people were considered food insecure as of 2022. In the Caribbean region, the prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity was 71.3% as of 2020, the highest of all subregions in Latin America. Experienced based measurement scales, like the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale, are efficient measurement tools of food insecurity used globally. The Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network (ECHORN) Cohort Study is a population-based longitudinal cohort study in the two Caribbean U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as in Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago. The purpose of this research was to examine the demographic, psychosocial, behavioral, and environmental risk factors associated with household food insecurity (HFI) among adults ≥40 years of age in the ECHORN cohort. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of baseline ECHORN cohort study data was conducted. The primary outcome was household food insecurity (none, mild, moderate/severe). A total of 16 known and potential risk factors were examined for their association with HFI. The ANOVA and chi-square statistics were used in bivariate analysis. Ordinal logistic regression was used for the multivariable and sex stratified analyses. Results: More than one-quarter of the sample (27.3%) experienced HFI. In bivariate analyses, all risk factors examined except for sex, were significantly associated with HFI status. In the multivariable analysis, all variables except sex, education, marital status, smoking status, and residing in Puerto Rico were significant predictors of HFI in the adjusted model. In sex stratified analysis, depression, food availability, self-rated physical health, and island site were significantly associated with increased odds of worsening HFI for women, but not for men. Source of potable water was an important risk factor for both men and women. Discussion: The prevalence of HFI in the ECHORN cohort study is comparable to other studies conducted in the region. While women did not have an increased risk of HFI compared to men, a different set of risk factors affected their vulnerability to HFI. More research is needed to understand how water and food security are interrelated in the ECHORN cohort.

Need for open data on COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant people in the Caribbean: a call to action.

Pregnant people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have a higher risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes compared with pregnant people without COVID-19. In 2021, large increases in maternal mortality were reported in Jamaica, almost half of which were attributable to COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccination has been shown to reduce these risks, but low- and middle-income countries lack free, publicly available data, known as open data, on COVID-19 vaccine uptake for their pregnant populations. The objectives of this paper were to: review how high-income countries use open data to detect trends in COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant people and develop vaccination distribution strategies; outline barriers to making open data available for maternal COVID-19 vaccination in the Caribbean; and propose a multipronged strategy that would increase the availability of open data on maternal COVID-19 vaccination in the Caribbean. A multipronged strategy to fill the data void would involve: (i) utilizing existing Caribbean maternal immunization data collection entities; (ii) adapting digital software tools to establish maternal electronic immunization registries; and (iii) collaborating with local partners skilled in data analytics. Making open data available for COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant people in the Caribbean could offer substantial benefits, including the development of measurable maternal COVID-19 vaccination goals and the facilitation of vaccine decision-making discussions between providers and pregnant people.

Las embarazadas con la enfermedad por coronavirus del 2019 (COVID-19) tienen un mayor riesgo de resultados maternos y fetales adversos que aquellas libres de la enfermedad. En el 2021, en Jamaica se notificó un gran aumento de la mortalidad materna, del cual casi la mitad fue atribuible a la COVID-19. Se ha demostrado que la vacunación contra la COVID-19 reduce tales riesgos, pero los países de ingresos bajos y medianos carecen de datos gratuitos y de carácter público, conocidos como datos abiertos, sobre la aceptación de la vacuna contra la COVID-19 por parte de las mujeres durante el embarazo. Los objetivos del presente artículo consistieron en examinar cómo los países de ingresos altos utilizan los datos abiertos para detectar las tendencias de aceptación de la vacuna contra la COVID-19 entre las mujeres durante el embarazo y formular estrategias de distribución de las vacunas; señalar los obstáculos que dificultan la disponibilidad de los datos abiertos sobre la vacunación materna contra la COVID-19 en el Caribe; y proponer una estrategia múltiple que permita aumentar la disponibilidad de datos abiertos sobre la vacunación materna contra la COVID-19 en el Caribe. Una estrategia múltiple para llenar este vacío de información implicaría: a) utilizar las entidades de recopilación de datos sobre inmunización materna ya existentes en el Caribe; b) adaptar las herramientas informáticas digitales para crear registros electrónicos de vacunación materna; y c) colaborar con asociados locales especializados en el análisis de datos. Facilitar el acceso a los datos abiertos sobre la aceptación de la vacuna contra la COVID-19 entre las mujeres durante el embarazo en el Caribe podría ofrecer beneficios considerables, tales como el establecimiento de objetivos cuantificables en materia de vacunación materna contra la COVID-19, y propiciar las deliberaciones sobre la toma de decisiones en materia de vacunación entre los prestadores de atención de salud y las embarazadas.

Gestantes com a doença pelo coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) têm maior risco de desfechos maternos e fetais adversos em comparação com gestantes sem COVID-19. Em 2021, foi registrado um aumento acentuado da mortalidade materna na Jamaica, e quase metade era atribuível à COVID-19. Foi demonstrado que a vacinação contra a COVID-19 reduz esses riscos, mas os países de baixa e média renda não dispõem de dados gratuitos e publicamente disponíveis (os chamados dados abertos) sobre a adesão à vacina contra a COVID-19 entre gestantes. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: analisar como os países de alta renda usam dados abertos para detectar tendências na adesão à vacina contra a COVID-19 entre gestantes e desenvolver estratégias de distribuição da vacina; descrever os obstáculos para disponibilizar dados abertos sobre a vacinação materna contra a COVID-19 no Caribe; e propor uma estratégia multifacetada que aumente a disponibilidade de dados abertos sobre a vacinação materna contra a COVID-19 no Caribe. Uma estratégia multifacetada para obter dados a fim de preencher essa lacuna envolveria: (i) utilização das entidades existentes que coletam dados de imunização materna no Caribe; (ii) adaptação de ferramentas de software para estabelecer registros eletrônicos de imunização materna; e (iii) colaboração com parceiros locais especializados em análise de dados. A disponibilização de dados abertos sobre a adesão de gestantes à vacinação contra a COVID-19 no Caribe poderia oferecer benefícios substanciais, incluindo o desenvolvimento de metas mensuráveis de vacinação materna contra a COVID-19, e facilitar discussões entre profissionais de saúde e gestantes para a tomada de decisões sobre vacinas.

Standards for psychosocial care in pediatric cancer: adapted proposal for Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Objective: To highlight the objectives, achievements, challenges, and next steps for the World Health Organization's Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) framework, a project designed to improve psychosocial care (PSC) in pediatric cancer centers across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Methods: The project was launched in Peru, the first GICC focal country, in November 2020. The diagnosis phase included a survey and a semistructured interview with health professionals to assess PSC practices in institutions, and a needs assessment survey for caregivers. In the second phase, a strategic plan was developed to address the identified needs, including the adaptation of PSC standards, the establishment of multicenter working groups, the expansion of the proposal, and the development of materials. Results: The study found that PSC was not being adequately provided in accordance with international standards. Six adapted standards were proposed and validated, and more than 50 regional health professionals participated in online activities to support the project. The implementation process is currently ongoing, with the establishment of five multidisciplinary working groups, one regional committee, and the production of 16 technical outputs. Conclusion: This project represents a substantial step forward to improve PSC for pediatric patients with cancer and their families in LAC countries. The establishment of working groups and evidence-based interventions strengthen the proposal and its implementation. Development of health policies that include PSC according to standards is needed to achieve sustainable results in the quality of life of children with cancer and their families.

Testicular cancer mortality in Latin America and the Caribbean: trend analysis from 1997 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: In the last decades, an increasing incidence of testicular cancer has been observed in several countries worldwide. Although mortality rates have been variable in many countries, little information is available from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Therefore, we examined mortality trends of testicular cancer in the last two decades. METHODS: Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) of testicular cancer per 100,000 men-years were estimated using the World Health Organization mortality database from 1997 to 2019. We examined the mortality trends and computed annual percent change (APC) for all ages and the following age groups, 15-29, 30-44, 15-44, and ≥ 45 years. RESULTS: Ten countries had mortality rates greater than 0.43 per 100,000 men, with the highest rates for Chile, Mexico, and Argentina. Significant increases in mortality rates were observed in Argentina, Brazil Colombia, and Mexico in all ages, and < 45 years, while Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru reported significant downward trends in males aged ≥ 45 years. Only Chile showed significant decreases for all ages and age groups studied. CONCLUSION: Mortality by testicular cancer increased among LAC countries in males of all ages and across age groups. A reduction in mortality rates was observed only in Chilean males of all ages and in men ≥ 45 years in several countries. Strengthening of early detection among symptomatic males may decrease the mortality by this neoplasm.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Deaths Attributable to Antimicrobial Resistance, Latin America.

Antimicrobial resistance is a pressing global health concern, leading to 4.95 million deaths in 2019. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the lethality attributed to infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in Latin America and the Caribbean. A comprehensive search of major databases retrieved relevant studies from 2000-2022. We included 54 observational studies, primarily from Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. The most commonly studied organism was methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The overall unadjusted case fatality rate related to MDROs was 45.0%; higher adjusted lethality was observed in persons infected with MDROs than in those infected with other pathogens (adjusted odds ratio 1.93, 95% CI 1.58-2.37). A higher lethality rate was seen in patients who did not receive appropriate empirical treatment (odds ratio 2.27, 95% CI 1.44-3.56). These findings underscore the increased lethality associated with antimicrobial resistance in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Collaboration for success: the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer in Latin America.

The Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) aims to increase the cure rate for children with cancer globally by improving healthcare access and quality. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (St. Jude), and collaborators have joined efforts to improve outcomes of children with cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) using the CureAll framework. In this article, we describe the process of developing regional resources aimed at accelerating the GICC implementation in LAC. In March 2021, PAHO formed regional working groups to develop core projects aligned with CureAll pillars and enablers. Seven working groups emerged from regional dialogues: early detection, nursing, psychosocial, nutrition, supportive care, treatment abandonment, and palliative care. PAHO arranged regular online meetings under the mentorship and support of St. Jude regional/transversal programs and international mentors. Between April and December 2021, 202 multidisciplinary experts attended 43 online meetings to promote the dialogue between stakeholders to improve childhood cancer outcomes. Fourteen technical outputs were produced: four regional snapshots, four technical documents, two virtual courses, one set of epidemiological country profiles, one educational content series for parents/caregivers, and two communication campaigns. The ongoing dialogue and commitment of PAHO, St. Jude, LAC working committees, and international collaborators are essential foundations to successfully accelerate GICC implementation. This is achievable through the development of materials of regional and global relevance. Further research and evaluation are needed to determine the impact of these strategies and resources on childhood cancer outcomes in LAC and other regions.

La Iniciativa Mundial contra el Cáncer Infantil tiene como objetivo aumentar a nivel mundial la tasa de curación del cáncer infantil mediante la mejora del acceso a la atención de salud y de su calidad. La Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), el St. Jude Children's Research Hospital y los colaboradores han aunado esfuerzos para mejorar los resultados en la población infantil con cáncer en América Latina y el Caribe valiéndose del marco CureAll. En este artículo describimos el proceso de elaboración de recursos regionales destinados a acelerar la aplicación de la Iniciativa Mundial en América Latina y el Caribe.En marzo del 2021, la OPS formó grupos de trabajo regionales para elaborar proyectos básicos que estuvieran en consonancia con los pilares y los elementos facilitadores del CureAll. De los diálogos regionales surgieron siete grupos de trabajo: detección temprana, enfermería, aspectos psicosociales, nutrición, tratamientos de apoyo, abandono del tratamiento y cuidados paliativos. La OPS organizó con regularidad reuniones virtuales en las que se contó con la tutoría y el apoyo de programas regionales o transversales del St. Jude Children's Research Hospital y de mentores internacionales.Entre abril y diciembre del 2021 hubo 43 reuniones virtuales a las que asistieron 202 expertos multidisciplinarios, con el objetivo de promover el diálogo entre las partes interesadas para mejorar los resultados en materia de cáncer infantil. Se elaboraron catorce productos técnicos: cuatro panoramas regionales, cuatro documentos técnicos, dos cursos virtuales, un conjunto de perfiles epidemiológicos de países, una serie con contenidos educativos para padres y cuidadores y dos campañas de comunicación.El diálogo y el compromiso constantes de la OPS, el St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, los comités de trabajo de América Latina y el Caribe y los colaboradores internacionales son las bases fundamentales para conseguir que se acelere la aplicación de la Iniciativa Mundial. Esto se puede lograr mediante la elaboración de materiales que resulten pertinentes a nivel regional y mundial. Son necesarias más investigaciones y evaluaciones para determinar el impacto que tienen estas estrategias y recursos en los resultados que se obtienen en el cáncer infantil en América Latina y el Caribe y en otras subregiones.

A Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil tem como objetivo aumentar a taxa de cura de crianças com câncer no mundo todo, melhorando o acesso a cuidados e a qualidade da assistência médica. A Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), o St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (St. Jude) e colaboradores uniram esforços para melhorar o desfecho de crianças com câncer na América Latina e no Caribe (ALC) no âmbito do marco CureAll. Neste artigo, descrevemos o processo de desenvolvimento de recursos regionais com o objetivo de acelerar a implementação da Iniciativa na ALC.Em março de 2021, a OPAS formou grupos de trabalho regionais para desenvolver projetos centrais alinhados com os pilares e facilitadores do CureAll. A partir das reuniões de diálogo regionais, foram criados sete grupos de trabalho: detecção precoce, enfermagem, atenção psicossocial, nutrição, cuidados de suporte, abandono do tratamento e cuidados paliativos. A OPAS organizou reuniões virtuais regulares sob a orientação e o apoio dos programas regionais e transversais do St. Jude e de mentores internacionais.Entre abril e dezembro de 2021, 202 especialistas multidisciplinares participaram de 43 reuniões virtuais para promover o diálogo entre as partes interessadas a fim de melhorar os desfechos do câncer infantil. Foram produzidos 14 materiais técnicos: quatro panoramas regionais, quatro documentos técnicos, dois cursos virtuais, um conjunto de perfis epidemiológicos nacionais, uma série de conteúdo educacional para pais e cuidadores e duas campanhas de comunicação.O diálogo e o compromisso contínuos da OPAS, do St. Jude, dos comitês de trabalho da ALC e dos colaboradores internacionais são bases essenciais para acelerar com sucesso a implementação da Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil. Isso é possível por meio do desenvolvimento de materiais de relevância regional e mundial. São necessárias mais pesquisas e avaliações para determinar o impacto dessas estratégias e recursos nos resultados do câncer infantil na ALC e em outras regiões.

Contexts motivating protective behaviours related to Aedes-borne infectious diseases in Curaçao.

BACKGROUND: Aedes aegypti, the vector of arboviral diseases such as dengue and Zika virus infections, is difficult to control. Effective interventions must be practicable, comprehensive, and sustained. There is evidence that community participation can enhance mosquito control. Therefore, countries are encouraged to develop and integrate community-based approaches to mosquito control to mitigate Aedes-borne infectious diseases (ABIDs). Health professionals must understand the contexts motivating individuals' behaviour to improve community participation and promote behavioural change. Therefore, this study aimed to determine how contexts shaped individuals' protective behaviours related to ABIDs in Curaçao. METHODS: From April 2019 to September 2020, a multi-method qualitative study applying seven (n = 54) focus group discussions and twenty-five in-depth interviews with locals was performed in CuraÒ«ao. The study was designed based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). Two cycles of inductive and deductive coding were employed, and Nvivo software was used to manage and analyse the data. RESULTS: In this study, low media coverage (external cue to action) and limited experience with the symptoms of ABIDs (internal cue to action) were linked with a low perceived susceptibility and severity of ABIDs (low perceived threat). The low perceived threat was linked with reduced health-seeking behaviour (HSB) to prevent and control ABIDs. We also found that the perceived barriers outweigh the perceived benefits of ABID prevention and control interventions, obstructing HSB. On the one hand, insufficient knowledge reduced self-efficacy but contrary to expected, having good knowledge did not promote HSB. Lastly, we found that our participants believe that they are responsible for preventing ABIDs (internal locus of control) but at the same time indicated that their success depends on the efforts of the community and the health system (external locus of control). CONCLUSIONS: This study used the HBM to explain individual changes in HSB concerning ABIDs prevention and control in Curaçao. We can conclude that the perceived threat (perceived susceptibility and severity) and perceived barriers played an essential role in changing HSB. Health professionals must consider these two concepts' implications when designing a bottom-up approach for ABIDs control; otherwise, community participation will remain minimal.

Regional collaboration for the development of national childhood cancer plans in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This article aims to describe the activities conducted by the National Childhood Cancer Plan Working Group to support the development of national childhood cancer plans in Latin America and the Caribbean in the period 2019-2022, and to present the stage of plan development. The Working Group activities were supported by the Pan American Health Organization and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which is the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Childhood Cancer. Year after year, the workshops and activities developed with the Working Group mobilized key stakeholders: pediatric oncologists, representatives of the Ministry of Health, foundations supporting childhood cancer initiatives, and hospital administrators. As of February 2023, one regional framework is in place, approved by the Council of Ministries of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic, nine countries are currently implementing national plans or laws that include childhood cancer, and ten countries are writing new plans. The WHO three-step framework helped to guide the Working Group activities. All plans were supported by a situational analysis, which highlighted the importance of having systematized data for evidence-based policies. To increase implementation success, an accompanying budget and timeline help to ensure the adequate implementation of the interventions. More than anything, committed stakeholders remain the most fundamental element to successfully write and approve a national childhood cancer plan. This is an opportunity to share these countries' experience so the strategy can be adapted to support other countries developing a childhood cancer plan and extended to other public health areas.

En este artículo se describen las actividades realizadas por el grupo de trabajo del plan nacional contra el cáncer infantil dirigidas a brindar apoyo para la formulación de planes nacionales contra el cáncer infantil en América Latina y el Caribe en el período 2019-2022, así como la presentación de la etapa de formulación de los planes. Las actividades del Grupo de Trabajo contaron con el apoyo de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud y el St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, que es el centro colaborador de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) contra el cáncer infantil. Año tras año, los talleres y actividades llevados a cabo con el grupo de trabajo han logrado convocar a las principales partes interesadas: especialistas en oncología pediátrica, representantes del Ministerio de Salud, fundaciones que apoyan iniciativas contra el cáncer infantil y gerentes de los hospitales. Desde febrero del 2023, existe un marco regional, aprobado por el Consejo de Ministerios de Salud de Centroamérica y República Dominicana; nueve países ya están aplicando planes o leyes nacionales en los que se incluye el cáncer infantil, y diez países están redactando nuevos planes. Para orientar las actividades del Grupo de Trabajo, se recurrió al marco en tres pasos de la OMS. Todos los planes se sustentaron en un análisis de situación lo que subraya la importancia de contar con datos sistematizados para que las políticas puedan estar basadas en evidencias. Asimismo, si se pretende aumentar el éxito de la aplicación, sería conveniente contar con un presupuesto y un cronograma que aseguren la aplicación adecuada de las intervenciones. Las partes interesadas implicadas siguen siendo, ante todo, el componente más trascendente en la redacción y aprobación exitosa de un plan nacional contra el cáncer infantil. Esta es una oportunidad para transmitir la experiencia de estos países, con el fin de que la estrategia pueda adaptarse para brindar apoyo a otros países que estén elaborando un plan contra el cáncer infantil y que puede hacerse extensiva a otros ámbitos de la salud pública.

Este artigo visa a descrever as atividades realizadas pelo Grupo de Trabalho para Planos Nacionais de Combate ao Câncer infantil a fim de prestar apoio ao desenvolvimento de planos nacionais de combate ao câncer infantil na América Latina e no Caribe no período de 2019 a 2022 e apresentar a atual fase de desenvolvimento dos planos. As atividades do Grupo de Trabalho receberam apoio da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde e do St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, o Centro Colaborador em Câncer infantil da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Ano após ano, as oficinas e atividades desenvolvidas com o Grupo de Trabalho mobilizaram as principais partes interessadas: oncologistas pediátricos, representantes dos ministérios da saúde, fundações que apoiam iniciativas de combate ao câncer infantil e administradores de hospitais. Até fevereiro de 2023, havia uma estrutura regional em vigor aprovada pelo Conselho de Ministros da Saúde da América Central e da República Dominicana, nove países estavam implementando planos ou leis nacionais que incluíam o câncer infantil e dez países estavam elaborando novos planos. A estrutura de três etapas da OMS ajudou a orientar as atividades do Grupo de Trabalho. Todos os planos estavam embasados em uma análise situacional, o que destacou a importância de dispor de dados sistematizados para políticas baseadas em evidências. Para aumentar o sucesso da implementação, um orçamento e um cronograma correspondentes ajudam a garantir a implementação adequada das intervenções. Acima de tudo, o compromisso das partes interessadas continua sendo o elemento mais fundamental para elaborar e aprovar com sucesso um plano nacional de combate ao câncer infantil. Esta é uma oportunidade de compartilhar a experiência desses países para que a estratégia possa ser adaptada a fim de apoiar outros países na elaboração de um plano de combate ao câncer infantil e possa ser estendida a outras áreas de saúde pública.

The SickKids Caribbean Initiative to improve care for children with cancer and blood disorders.

To improve pediatric hematology and oncology outcomes, there is a recognized potential for partnerships between low- and high-resource institutions within health care systems. The SickKids Caribbean Initiative is a partnership between health care professionals at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, and seven Caribbean institutions across six countries (Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago). The primary aim of the SickKids Caribbean Initiative has been to improve the outcomes and the quality of life of children in the Caribbean aged <18 years who have cancer and blood disorders. This article describes five key activities undertaken within the SickKids Caribbean Initiative, including providing education and training, assisting with case consultations and diagnostic services, developing local oncology databases, engaging in advocacy and ensuring stakeholder engagement, and coordinating administration and project management.

Las colaboraciones de instituciones de recursos bajos y altos dentro de los sistemas de atención de salud tienen un potencial reconocido para mejorar las respuestas a los tratamientos hematológicos y oncológicos pediátricos. La iniciativa SickKids para el Caribe es una asociación entre profesionales de la salud del Hospital for Sick Children de Toronto (Canadá) y siete instituciones de seis países del Caribe (Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Santa Lucía, San Vicente y las Granadinas y Trinidad y Tabago). El objetivo principal de la iniciativa SickKids para el Caribe ha sido mejorar la respuesta a los tratamientos y la calidad de vida de los menores de 18 años del Caribe con cáncer o trastornos hematológicos. En este artículo se describen cinco actividades clave emprendidas en el marco de la iniciativa SickKids para el Caribe, consistentes en impartir formación y capacitación, prestar asistencia en materia de consultas de pacientes y servicios de diagnóstico, crear bases de datos locales en el área de la oncología, participar en actividades de promoción y garantizar la participación de las partes interesadas, y coordinar la administración y gestión de proyectos.

Há um potencial reconhecido para parcerias entre instituições com poucos e muitos recursos dentro dos sistemas de saúde para melhorar os resultados de hematologia e oncologia pediátricas. A iniciativa SickKids no Caribe é uma parceria entre profissionais de saúde do Hospital for Sick Children em Toronto, Canadá, e sete instituições em seis países do Caribe (Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Santa Lúcia, São Vicente e Granadinas e Trinidad e Tobago). O objetivo principal da iniciativa SickKids no Caribe tem sido melhorar os desfechos e a qualidade de vida das crianças caribenhas com menos de 18 anos que têm câncer e doenças hematológicas. Este artigo descreve cinco atividades principais realizadas no âmbito da iniciativa SickKids no Caribe: oferecimento de educação e capacitação; assistência em consultas de casos e serviços diagnósticos; desenvolvimento de bancos de dados locais em oncologia; promoção da causa, assegurando o envolvimento das partes interessadas; e coordenação da administração e da gestão de projetos.

Advances in the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer: implementation in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This report describes the status of childhood cancer control initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Progress between 2017 and 2023 is measured using the outcome indicators from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) childhood cancer logic model aligned with the World Health Organization Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC). This report also describes the advances, barriers, and facilitators for the implementation of the GICC at the Regional level. Methods used in this report encompassed a comprehensive approach, incorporating a literature review, interviews, surveys, and a Delphi study developed by the technical team of the PAHO Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Department and by the GICC LAC working group. Since 2017, there has been a substantial increase in the number of countries that have included childhood cancer in their national regulations. Currently, 21 LAC countries are involved in the GICC implementation, activities, and dialogues. However, the objectives for 2030 will only be achieved if Member States overcome the barriers to accelerating the pace of initiative implementation. There is an urgent need to increase the efforts in childhood cancer control in LAC, especially regarding the prioritization of timely detection, essential diagnostics, access to cancer treatment, palliative care, and close follow-up of children and adolescents with cancer.

En este artículo se describe la situación de las iniciativas para el control del cáncer infantil en América Latina y el Caribe. Para medir los progresos entre el 2017 y el 2023, se utilizan los indicadores de resultados del modelo lógico del cáncer infantil de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS) que es coherente con la Iniciativa Mundial contra el Cáncer Infantil de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. También se describen los avances, los obstáculos y los elementos que han facilitado la aplicación de esa iniciativa en la Región Los métodos utilizados en este trabajo incluyeron un enfoque integral que incorporó una revisión bibliográfica, entrevistas, encuestas y un estudio de tipo Delfos llevado a cabo por el equipo técnico del Departamento de Enfermedades No Transmisibles y Salud Mental de la OPS y por el grupo de trabajo de América Latina y el Caribe de la Iniciativa Mundial contra el Cáncer Infantil de la Organización Mundial de la Salud.Desde el 2017 ha habido un incremento considerable en el número de países que incorporan el cáncer infantil en sus regulaciones nacionales. En la actualidad, 21 países de América Latina y el Caribe participan en la puesta en práctica, las actividades y las deliberaciones de la Iniciativa Mundial contra el Cáncer Infantil de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. No obstante, los objetivos para el 2030 solo podrán alcanzarse si los Estados Miembros son capaces de superar los obstáculos que dificultan la aceleración del ritmo de aplicación de esta iniciativa. Existe una necesidad urgente de aumentar las actividades dirigidas al control del cáncer infantil en América Latina y el Caribe, en especial en lo que respecta a priorizar la detección temprana, los medios de diagnóstico esenciales, el acceso a los tratamientos oncológicos, los cuidados paliativos y el seguimiento estricto de la población infantil y adolescente con cáncer.

Este relatório descreve a situação das iniciativas de controle do câncer infantil na Região da América Latina e do Caribe (ALC). O progresso alcançado entre 2017 e 2023 foi medido usando os indicadores de resultados intermediários do modelo lógico de câncer infantil da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS), em linha com a Iniciativa Global para o Câncer Infantil (GICC) da Organização Mundial da Saúde. O relatório também descreve os avanços, as barreiras e os facilitadores para a implementação da iniciativa em nível regional. Os métodos utilizados neste relatório aplicaram uma abordagem abrangente que incluiu revisão da literatura, entrevistas, levantamentos e um estudo Delphi desenvolvido pela equipe técnica do Departamento de Doenças Não Transmissíveis e Saúde Mental da OPAS e pelo grupo de trabalho da GICC para a ALC.Desde 2017, houve um aumento significativo no número de países que passaram a incluir o câncer infantil em regulamentações nacionais. Atualmente, 21 países da América Latina e do Caribe estão envolvidos na implementação da GICC, bem como em atividades e diálogos relacionados. No entanto, os objetivos para 2030 só serão alcançados se os Estados Membros superarem as barreiras ao aceleramento do ritmo de implementação da iniciativa. Existe uma necessidade urgente de intensificar os esforços de controle do câncer infantil na ALC, especialmente no tocante à priorização da detecção em tempo hábil, diagnósticos essenciais, acesso a tratamentos oncológicos, cuidados paliativos e acompanhamento cuidadoso de crianças e adolescentes com câncer.

Development of an HIV/STI and partner violence health promotion intervention for abused US Virgin Islands women.

Women in the US Virgin Islands (USVI) experience intimate partner violence (IPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at disproportionate rates compared to women on the US mainland. Women in violent relationships report experiencing controlling behaviours that decrease their ability to negotiate for sex using condoms or to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Though several evidence-based interventions exist to prevent either IPV or HIV, few address them through an integrated health promotion approach or attend to particular USVI cultural mores. This article describes the systematic development of a theory based, culturally tailored, integrated health promotion intervention that addresses IPV and HIV among USVI women experiencing abuse. The process included: (i) identifying and integrating evidence-based health promotion interventions, (ii) conducting formative research using focus groups, (iii) synthesizing focus group data to inform intervention development and (iv) developing a culturally and linguistically appropriate intervention specific to the needs and concerns of USVI women. The Empowered Sisters Project: Making Choices Reducing Risks (ESP) was developed through this research. ESP is a three-session health promotion curriculum focussed on enhancing sexual health and safety among women experiencing abuse. The ESP intervention components included promoting condom use, increasing IPV and HIV knowledge and developing a personalized safety plan. Health professionals facilitated individual intervention sessions using culturally tailored visual media and scripts. This program focussed on experiences of women living in the USVI and has implications for utility across the Caribbean diaspora.

Clinical, paraclinical, and genetic profile of patients with cystic fibrosis from Colombian Caribbean.

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a serious autosomal recessive disorder. Early diagnosis, comorbidity prevention, and control are cornerstones for a quality life and for improving life expectancy. In Colombian Caribbean, where there is a genetically admixed population, CF is an orphan disease affecting children and adults, and it remains a challenging issue to be addressed carefully. This work describes the genetic, clinical, and paraclinical profiles of CF patients from Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. Methods: Thirty-six patients were included in the study. The subjects were identified and evaluated through the Regional Program for CF patients. CFTR gene mutations, anthropometric parameters, microbiological infections, and pulmonary function were analyzed. Data on demographic parameters, pharmacological treatments, and comorbidities were reported. Frequency and percentages were established for the categorical variables and mean or median for the quantitative variables. In addition, comparisons were made by sex. Results: The average age of the patients was 11.9 ± 5.3 years and the median age at diagnosis was 14 months. 55.5% were women and 44.5% were men. The mean values for weight, height, and body mass index were 35 ± 17.6 kg, 139.9 ± 28 cm, and 16.5 ± 2.9 kg/m2, respectively. The clinical manifestations that occurred more frequently were steatorrhea (65.4%) and recurrent pneumonia (46.2%). Chronic airway infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified in 71.4% of the cases and the p.F508del mutation was found in 47.2% of the subjects. Conclusion: The current profile of CF patients from the Colombian Caribbean showed some concerning features, such as nutritional status; however, progress in early diagnosis and clinical follow-up could contribute to improve the general conditions of patients. It is necessary to continue efforts to increase the life expectancy and quality of life of the patients.

A task force for diagnosis and treatment of people with Alzheimer's disease in Latin America.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) represents a substantial burden to patients, their caregivers, health systems, and society in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). This impact is exacerbated by limited access to diagnosis, specialized care, and therapies for AD within and among nations. The region has varied geographic, ethnic, cultural, and economic conditions, which create unique challenges to AD diagnosis and management. To address these issues, the Americas Health Foundation convened a panel of eight neurologists, geriatricians, and psychiatrists from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru who are experts in AD for a three-day virtual meeting to discuss best practices for AD diagnosis and treatment in LAC and create a manuscript offering recommendations to address identified barriers. In LAC, several barriers hamper diagnosing and treating people with dementia. These barriers include access to healthcare, fragmented healthcare systems, limited research funding, unstandardized diagnosis and treatment, genetic heterogeneity, and varying social determinants of health. Additional training for physicians and other healthcare workers at the primary care level, region-specific or adequately adapted cognitive tests, increased public healthcare insurance coverage of testing and treatment, and dedicated search strategies to detect populations with gene variants associated with AD are among the recommendations to improve the landscape of AD.

Disparities in breast cancer mortality among Latin American women: trends and predictions for 2030.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is among the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) women, but a comprehensive and updated analysis of mortality trends is lacking. The objective of this study was to determine the breast cancer mortality rates between 1997 and 2017 for LAC countries and predict mortality until 2030. METHODS: We retrieved breast cancer deaths across 17 LAC countries from the World Health Organization mortality database. Age-standardized mortality rates per 100,000 women-years were estimated. Mortality trends were evaluated with Joinpoint regression analyses by country and age group (all ages, < 50 years, and ≥ 50 years). By 2030, we predict number of deaths, mortality rates, changes in population structure and size, and the risk of death from breast cancer. RESULTS: Argentina, Uruguay, and Venezuela reported the highest mortality rates throughout the study period. Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua reported the largest increases (from 2.4 to 2.8% annually), whereas Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay reported downward trends (from - 1.0 to - 1.6% annually). In women < 50y, six countries presented downward trends and five countries showed increasing trends. In women ≥ 50y, three countries had decreased trends and ten showed increased trends. In 2030, increases in mortality are expected in the LAC region, mainly in Guatemala (+ 63.0%), Nicaragua (+ 47.3), El Salvador (+ 46.2%), Ecuador (+ 38.5%) and Venezuela (+ 29.9%). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest considerable differences in breast cancer mortality across LAC countries by age group. To achieve the 2030 sustainable developmental goals, LAC countries should implement public health strategies to reduce mortality by breast cancer.