Pathways to strengthen the climate resilience of health systems in the Peruvian Amazon by working with Indigenous leaders, communities and health officers.

BACKGROUND: Indigenous knowledge and responses were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect health, showcasing how Indigenous communities participation in health systems could be a pathway to increase resilience to emergent hazards like climate change. This study aimed to inform efforts to enhance climate change resilience in a health context by: (1) examining if and how adaptation to climate change is taking place within health systems in the Peruvian Amazon, (2) understanding how Indigenous communities and leaders' responses to climatic hazards are being articulated within the official health system and (3) to provide recommendations to increase the climate change resilience of Amazon health systems. METHODS: This study was conducted among two Peruvian Amazon healthcare networks in Junin and Loreto regions. A mixed methodology design was performed using a cross-sectional survey (13 healthcare facilities), semistructured interviews (27 official health system participants and 17 Indigenous participants) and two in-person workshops to validate and select key priorities (32 participants). We used a climate-resilient health system framework linked to the WHO health systems building blocks. RESULTS: Indigenous and official health systems in the Peruvian Amazon are adapting to climate change. Indigenous responses included the use of Indigenous knowledge on weather variability, vegetal medicine to manage health risks and networks to share food and resources. Official health responses included strategies for climate change and response platforms that acted mainly after the occurrence of climate hazards. Key pathways to articulate Indigenous and official health systems encompass incorporating Indigenous representations in climate and health governance, training the health work force, improving service delivery and access, strengthening the evidence to support Indigenous responses and increasing the budget for climate emergency responses. CONCLUSIONS: Key resilience pathways call for a broader paradigm shift in health systems that recognises Indigenous resilience as valuable for health adaptation, moves towards a more participatory health system and broadens the vision of health as a dimension inherently tied to the environment.

Mental Health and Other Factors Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination Intention toward Children of Military Parents in Lambayeque, Peru.

There is evidence that vaccine acceptability is strongly associated with mental health. However, no studies assessing intention to vaccinate (ITV) intention toward children of military parents have been documented. The current research aimed to establish the prevalence and factors of ITV children against COVID-19 in military parents in Lambayeque-Peru, 2021. Analysis was conducted with the dependent variable ITV children reported by military parents. The independent variables were history of mental health, searching for mental health support, food insecurity, resilience, anxiety, depression, burnout, posttraumatic stress, and suicidal risk. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Of 201 military personnel evaluated, 92.5% were male, 82.5% were of the Catholic faith, and the median age was 40.9% of respondents reported seeking mental health help during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was reported anxiety (20.3%), depression (6.5%), and posttraumatic stress disorder (6.5%). Most reported ITV in children against COVID-19 (93%). In the multiple models, we found that Catholics had a 23% higher prevalence of ITV in the children where PR = prevalence ratios and CI = confidence intervals (PR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.01-1.50). Likewise, seeking mental health support increased the prevalence of ITV by 8% (PR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.00-1.15). Seeking mental health support and belonging to the Catholic faith had a higher ITV of children of Peruvian military personnel. Finding mental health support, experiencing burnout syndrome, having a relative who suffers from mental health problems, and being part of the Catholic religion were associated with a higher willingness to immunize the children of Peruvian military members.

Emotional Impact of COVID-19 and Emotional Eating and the Risk of Alcohol Use Disorder in Peruvian Healthcare Students.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the association between the emotional impact of COVID-19 and emotional eating and the risk of alcohol use disorder among Peruvian health science students. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study in which an online questionnaire was administered to 456 health science interns from four cities in Peru. We used the COVID-19 Emotional Impact Profile questionnaire, Mindful Eating Questionnaire, and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Spearman's correlations were calculated and two multiple linear regression models were developed. RESULTS: 68.4% of the participants were emotional eaters and 8.6% reported low-risk levels of alcohol use disorder. Based on the results of the first model, the overall emotional impact of COVID-19, being overweight or obese, depression and anxiety levels, and living with only one parent were factors associated with emotional eating. The results of the second model showed that the level of depression, living with just one parent, living alone, sex, and number of months as an intern were factors associated with the risk of alcohol use disorder. CONCLUSIONS: To reduce emotional eating and the risk of alcohol use disorder among interns, universities should implement interventions aimed at reducing the emotional impact of COVID-19 and provide nutritional counseling.

Mediating role of digital skills and mobile self-efficacy in the stress and academic engagement of Peruvian university students in postpandemic virtual environments.

BACKGROUND: Remote education emerged as an option during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, this modality continues to be used by various universities around the world in the postpandemic context. The aim of this study was to determine the mediating role of digital skills and mobile self-efficacy in the influence of stress on the academic engagement of Peruvian university students during remote teaching by COVID-19 using structural equation modeling (SEM). METHOD: This study involved 1,468 students from nine public and private universities in northern Peru who had undergraduate and graduate distance learning programs. RESULTS: The results showed that stress negatively influenced academic engagement (ß=-0.107*) and digital skills (ß=-0.328***). In addition, digital skills (ß = 0.470**) and mobile self-efficacy (ß = 0.684***) positively influence academic engagement. Similarly, digital skills mediate the relationship between stress and academic engagement (ß=-0.154**), and both variables act as sequential mediators in this relationship (ß=-0.348***). CONCLUSION: This study provides a deeper understanding of the factors that influence academic engagement during Remote education and lays the groundwork for the development of interventions and training programs tailored to hybrid learning contexts that promote the well-being and academic success of college students in postpandemic times.

Patient Engagement With and Perceptions of the COVIDA Project, a Volunteer-Led Telemonitoring and Teleorientation Service for COVID-19 Community Management: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: During the pandemic in Peru, the COVIDA (Collaboration Network of Volunteer Brigade Members for the Investigation, Detection, and Primary Management of Community Cases Affected by COVID-19) project proposed an innovative way to provide telemonitoring and teleorientation to COVID-19 patients, led by health care student volunteers. However, it has not been described how this interaction is perceived from the patient's perspective and which factors increase their engagement with this service. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe the perceptions of patients about COVIDA and identify factors associated with their engagement with this service. METHODS: A mixed methods study was conducted to evaluate perceptions of patients that participated in the COVIDA project. This telehealth intervention organized by the National University of San Marcos was implemented in Peru from August to December 2020. The service involved daily phone calls by volunteer students to monitor registered COVID-19 patients until the completion of the 14th day of the illness or if a warning sign was identified. The volunteers also provided teleorientation to address the patients' needs and concerns. Quantitative analysis was performed to describe the characteristics of the patients and to assess the factors related to their engagement with the service, which was defined by the percentage of participants who completed the follow-up according to their individual schedule. Qualitative analysis through semistructured interviews evaluated the patients' perceptions of the service regarding the aspects of communication, interaction, and technology. RESULTS: Of the 770 patients enrolled in COVIDA, 422 (55.7%) were female; the median age was 39 (IQR 28-52) years. During the monitoring, 380 patients (49.4%) developed symptoms, and 471 (61.2%) showed warning signs of COVID-19. The overall median for engagement was 93% (IQR 35.7%-100%). Among those patients who did not develop warning signs, engagement was associated with the presence of symptoms (OR 3.04, 95% CI 2.22-4.17), a positive COVID-19 test at the start of follow-up (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.48-2.61), and the presence of comorbidities (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.29-2.59). Patients reported that the volunteers provided clear and valuable information and emotional support. Communication via phone calls took place smoothly and without interruptions. CONCLUSIONS: COVIDA represents a well-accepted and well-perceived alternative model for student volunteers to provide telemonitoring, teleorientation, and emotional support to patients with COVID-19 in the context of overwhelmed demand for health care services. The deployment of this kind of intervention should be prioritized among patients with symptoms and comorbidities, as they show more engagement with these services.

Acceptance of a third COVID-19 vaccine dose, vaccine interchangeability, and clinical trial enrolment among parents of children 12-17 years in Lima, Perú.

Objectives: To characterize factors associated with parental willingness for their children participation in a COVID-19 vaccine trial, use of different COVID-19 vaccines and acceptance of a third vaccine dose. Methods: Parents of children aged 12-17 years in Lima, Perú were asked to complete an online questionnaire via social networks, from November 9, 2021, to April 23, 2022. We calculated crude and adjusted prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals to compare factors with the mentioned outcomes. Results: From 523 parents responding, 374 completed the survey. 90.4% would give their children a third vaccine dose, 36.6% would allow their children participation in a COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial, and 33.2% would accept different vaccine brands between doses. Parental belief that COVID-19 vaccine studies met quality standards was associated with acceptance of a third booster dose (adjusted PR 3.25; 95% CI1.57-6.74; p = 0.002), enrolment in a COVID-19 clinical trial (adjusted PR 4.49; 95% CI1.25-16.06; p = 0.02), and acceptance of different COVID-19 vaccine brands between doses (adjusted PR 10.02; 95% CI1.40-71.95; p = 0.02). Conclusion: Most parents would accept a third vaccine booster dose, approximately a third would participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials. Believing COVID-19 vaccines studies fulfilled quality standards was associated with the study outcomes. It is necessary to inform about the rigorous processes for the development of COVID-19 vaccines to generate confidence in parents to accept these vaccine-related outcomes.

Health insurance system fragmentation and COVID-19 mortality: Evidence from Peru.

Peru has a fragmented health insurance system in which most insureds can only access the providers in their insurer's network. The two largest sub-systems covered about 53% and 30% of the population at the start of the pandemic; however, some individuals have dual insurance and can thereby access both sets of providers. We use data on 24.7 million individuals who belonged to one or both sub-systems to investigate the effect of dual insurance on COVID-19 mortality. We estimate recursive bivariate probit models using the difference in the distance to the nearest hospital in the two insurance sub-systems as Instrumental Variable. The effect of dual insurance was to reduce COVID-19 mortality risk by 0.23% compared with the sample mean risk of 0.54%. This implies that the 133,128 COVID-19 deaths in the sample would have been reduced by 56,418 (95%CI: 34,894, 78,069) if all individuals in the sample had dual insurance.

Medical conditions, symptoms of anxiety, and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in a population sample of Lima, Peru.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to determine differences between the number of underlying medical conditions, depression, and anxiety, when controlling for the covariates of age, sex, and completed education. METHODS: Participants (n = 484) indicated the number of medical conditions present during the survey, also including the PHQ-9 and GAD-7, to assess depression and anxiety, respectively. RESULTS: Differences were found between groups of medical conditions and the combined values of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 after controlling for the covariates mentioned above (F4,954 = 5.78; Wilks' Λ = 0.95; P < 0.0005). The univariate tests showed differences for PHQ-9 (F2,478 = 8.70; P < 0.0005) and GAD-7 (F2,478 = 11.16; P < 0.0005) between the 3 groups. Finally, post-hoc analysis showed differences between participants with one medical condition and with no medical condition (PHQ-9: MD = 1.82; 95%CI, 0.25-3.40; GAD-7: MD = 1.73; 95%CI, 0.55-2.91), and between participants with more than one medical condition and participants with no medical condition (PHQ-9: MD = 3.10; 95%CI, 1.11-5.10; GAD-7: MD = 2.46; 95%CI, 0.97-3.95). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that people who had a medical condition during the COVID-19 pandemic were more prone to developing severe symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Occupational self-efficacy scale: Validity in teachers.

Occupational self-efficacy has gained attention because of its importance in understanding the effects of psychosocial factors at work, but because of its relevance, it is necessary to study it in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Occupational Self-Efficacy Short Scale Form (OSS-SF) is a measure of individual variability in self-efficacy within the work context and has been used in some studies in Latin America. The aim of this study was to obtain evidence of the validity of the OSS-SF for 214 Peruvian teachers and to evaluate its internal structure and associations with other constructs. The sample, composed of 214 teachers (Mage = 44, SDage = 10), was selected using nonprobabilistic convenience sampling and evaluated via online forms. Nonparametric item response theory was used. Among the results, a unidimensional structure and high scalability at the item and scale levels were obtained (>0.70). The reliability was approximately 0.90. There was moderate convergence with job satisfaction (0.39) and slight convergence with the perception of the management of virtual tools (0.18). The OSS-SF is a scale with adequate evidence of validity and reliability for Peruvian teachers who work remotely. Therefore, it can be used as a diagnostic measure of intervention and training needs to benefit teachers and students.

Predictors of high-flow nasal cannula failure in COVID-19 patients in a northern Peruvian hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To determine predictors of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) failure in COVID-19 patients in a hospital in northern Peru. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective cohort study was conducted during the months of March and May 2021. Data collection was based on a follow-up of 156 hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 who were users of HFNC. Epidemiological factors and clinical outcomes of treatment were analyzed from medical records. Epidemiological, analytical, and HFNC use-related characteristics were described using measures of absolute and relative frequencies, measures of central tendency, and dispersion. A multivariate Poisson regression analysis with robust variance and a 95% confidence interval was performed. RESULTS: We found that age, SpO2/FiO2, work of breathing (WOB scale) at admission, degree of involvement, type of infiltrate on CT scan, lymphocytes, c-reactive protein, and D-dimer were significantly associated with failure of HFNC (p < 0.05). In addition, the WOB scale, PaO2/FiO2, SaO2/FiO2, and ROX index were variables that presented statistical significance (p < 0.0001). In the multivariate analysis model, a risk of failure of HFNC was determined with age > = 60 years [RRa 1.39 (1.05-1.85)] and PaO2/FiO2 score less than 100 [Rra 1.65 (0.99-2.76)]. CONCLUSIONS: Predictors to failure of HFNC are age older than 60 years and minimally significantly lower PaO2/FiO2 than 100.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants in hospital wastewater in Peru, 2022. / Detección de variantes del SARS-CoV-2 en aguas residuales de hospitales en Perú, 2022.

OBJECTIVE.: To identify the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in wastewater from hospitals in Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: Water samples were collected from the effluents of nine hospitals in Peru during March and September 2022. SARS-CoV-2 was identified by using Illumina sequencing. Variant, lineage and clade assignments were carried out using the Illumina and Nextclado tools. We verified whether the SARS-CoV-2 variants obtained from wastewater were similar to those reported by the National Institute of Health of Peru from patients during the same period and region. RESULTS.: Eighteen of the 20 hospital wastewater samples (90%) provided sequences of sufficient quality to be classified as the Omicron variant according to the WHO classification. Among them, six (30%) were assigned by Nextclade to clades 21K lineage BA.1.1 (n=1), 21L lineage BA.2 (n=2), and 22B lineages BA.5.1 (n=2) and BA .5.5 (n=1). CONCLUSIONS.: SARS-CoV-2 variants were found in hospital wastewater samples and were similar to those reported by the surveillance system in patients during the same weeks and geographic areas. Wastewater monitoring could provide information on the environmental and temporal variation of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2.Motivation for the study. To contribute to the surveillance of environmental samples from hospital effluents in order to achieve early warning of possible infectious disease outbreaks. Main findings. The Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus was detected in wastewater from hospitals in Puno, Cuzco and Cajamarca; these results are similar to the reports by the Peruvian National Institute of Health based on nasopharyngeal swab samples. Implications. The presence of the Omicron variant in hospital wastewater during the third wave of the pandemic should raise awareness of the treatment system before wastewater is discharged into the public sewer system.

SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy: clinical characteristics and vertical transmission in a referral hospital in Peru. / Infección por SARS-CoV-2 en el embarazo: características clínicas y trasmisión vertical en un hospital de referencia de Perú.

Motivation for the study. There is a gap in knowledge about vertical transmission of SARS- CoV-2 and its implications for maternal and neonatal health, despite evidence of multisystem involvement in pregnant women with COVID-19. Main findings. The study results suggest low incidence of vertical transmission during pregnancy, with only one PCR-positive case in the placenta and one asymptomatic neonate. Implications. Our results can inform strategies for prevention and management of COVID-19 in pregnant women, as well as guide the development of health policies aimed at protecting maternal and neonatal health during the pandemic. The aim of this study was to analyze the vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in pregnant women with COVID-19 in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of the Edgardo Rebagliati Martins National Hospital (HNERM). Twelve pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were included. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) tests for SARS-CoV-2 were performed when each woman was admitted to the hospital, placenta samples were collected for pathological evaluation as well. The results showed that vertical transmission of the virus was rare, with an overall low positivity rate in newborns. Although the study has limitations, such as the small number of cases and the lack of electron microscope analysis, it is the first attempt to evaluate vertical transmission in Peru. It is concluded that more research is needed to better understand the relationship between COVID-19 infection and complications during pregnancy.

Se realizó un estudio en el departamento de Ginecología y Obstetricia del Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins (HNERM) con el objetivo analizar la transmisión vertical del SARS-CoV-2 en mujeres embarazadas con COVID-19. Se incluyeron 12 gestantes que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. Se realizaron pruebas diagnósticas de PCR en tiempo real (RT-PCR) para SARS-CoV-2 durante la admisión de cada gestante y se recolectaron muestras de placenta para su evaluación anatomopatológica. Los resultados mostraron que la transmisión vertical del virus fue poco común, con una tasa general de positividad baja en los recién nacidos. Aunque el estudio presenta limitaciones, como el número reducido de casos y la falta de análisis con microscopio electrónico, constituye el primer intento en Perú de evaluar la transmisión vertical. Se concluye que se necesita más investigación para comprender mejor la relación entre la infección por la COVID-19 y las complicaciones durante el embarazo. Motivación para realizar el estudio. A pesar de la evidencia de una afectación multisistémica en mujeres embarazadas con la COVID-19, existe un vacío de conocimiento sobre la transmisión vertical del virus y sus implicancias en la salud materna y neonatal. Principales hallazgos. Los resultados del estudio sugieren una baja incidencia de transmisión vertical durante el embarazo, con solo un caso positivo de PCR en la placenta y un neonato asintomático. Implicancias. Este resultado pueden informar las estrategias de prevención y manejo de la COVID-19 en mujeres embarazadas, así como guiar el desarrollo de políticas sanitarias dirigidas a proteger la salud materna y neonatal durante la pandemia.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Treatment of Cancer Patients at a Hospital in Peru.

BACKGROUND: The appearance of the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, in Wuhan - China, in 2019 led to the declaration of a COVID-19 pandemic by the World Health Organization. Peru confirmed its first case on March 6, 2020, prompting a significant change in medical care. PURPOSE: Our objective was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer treatment in Peru. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of hospital data from the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases revealed substantial decreases in oncological treatments in 2020 compared to 2019. RESULTS: Oncological treatments involving bone marrow transplantation had a greater impact between the months of April and September, at -100% (p=0.003). However, treatments involving surgery in April (-95% [p≤0.001]), radiotherapy in May (-76% [p=0.002]) and chemotherapy in June (-71% [p≤0.001]) also showed significant impacts. Comparative analysis with international data revealed similar trends in cancer care interruptions in different countries. However, variations in the magnitude of the impact were observed, influenced by regional health policies and the severity of the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the challenges cancer care providers face during public health crises, requiring adaptive strategies to ensure continued access to essential treatments. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive public health responses to mitigate the impact of future crises on cancer care systems.

Rehabilitación respiratoria en pacientes post COVID-19 con tres tratamientos; experiencia en un hospital militar peruano / Respiratory rehabilitation in post-COVID-19 patients with three treatments; experience in a Peruvian military hospital / Reabilitação respiratória em pacientes pós-COVID-19 com três tratamentos; experiência em um hospital militar peruano

La pandemia de COVID-19 ha destacado la importancia de la rehabilitación en pacientes con COVID prolongado. Objetivo: describir los efectos de tres tratamientos en un programa de rehabilitación respiratoria en pacientes post COVID-19 en un hospital militar peruano. Materiales y métodos: se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo y observacional. La muestra se dividió en tres grupos con diferentes tratamientos: RR+VNI+O2, Oxigenoterapia convencional y RR+CNAF+O2. Se evaluaron 348, 151 y 113 pacientes respectivamente en cada grupo. Se utilizó la Escala de Borg, mMRC, el cuestionario específico de Saint George y el genérico SF-12 para medir la percepción de falta de aire, fatiga y calidad de vida post pandemia. Resultados: tras los tratamientos, se observó un aumento significativo en la saturación de oxígeno, disminución en la frecuencia cardíaca, disnea y fatiga percibida. Conclusión: esto indica una mejora notable en la intensidad del cansancio y una significativa recuperación en la calidad de vida de los pacientes evaluados.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of rehabilitation in patients with long COVID. objective: Describe the effects of three treatments in a respiratory rehabilitation program in post-COVID-19 patients in a Peruvian military hospital. Materials and methods: a descriptive and observational study was carried out. The sample was divided into three groups with different treatments: RR+NIV+O2, conventional oxygen therapy and RR+CNAF+O2. 348, 151 and 113 patients were evaluated respectively in each group. The Borg Scale, mMRC, the specific Saint George questionnaire and the generic SF-12 were used to measure the perception of shortness of breath, fatigue and post-pandemic quality of life. Results: after the treatments, a significant increase in oxygen saturation, decrease in heart rate, dyspnea and perceived fatigue was observed. Conclusion: this indicates a notable improvement in the intensity of fatigue and a significant recovery in the quality of life of the patients evaluated.

A pandemia de COVID-19 destacou a importância da reabilitação em pacientes com COVID longa. Objetivo: descrever os efeitos de três tratamentos em um programa de reabilitação respiratória em pacientes pós-COVID-19 em um hospital militar peruano. Materiais e métodos: foi realizado um estudo descritivo e observacional. A amostra foi dividida em três grupos com diferentes tratamentos: FR+VNI+O2, oxigenoterapia convencional e FR+CNAF+O2. Foram avaliados 348, 151 e 113 pacientes respectivamente em cada grupo. A Escala de Borg, mMRC, o questionário específico de Saint George e o SF-12 genérico foram utilizados para mensurar a percepção de falta de ar, fadiga e qualidade de vida pós-pandemia. Resultados: após os tratamentos foi observado aumento significativo da saturação de oxigênio, diminuição da frequência cardíaca, dispneia e fadiga percebida. Conclusão: isto indica uma melhora notável na intensidade da fadiga e uma recuperação significativa na qualidade de vida dos pacientes avaliados.

Experiencia laboral y percepción del personal sanitario de Perú durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Work experience and perception of health personnel in Peru during the COVID-19 pandemic / Experiência de trabalho e percepção do pessoal de saúde no Peru durante a pandemia de COVID-19

La pandemia de COVID-19 representó un gran desafío para los profesionales de la salud de Perú, debido al riesgo elevado de contagio, la sobrecarga laboral y afectación de la salud mental. Objetivo: describir las experiencias laborales y percepciones del personal sanitario de este país durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Materiales y Métodos: se llevó a cabo un estudio cualitativo fenomenológico, en el que se realizaron ocho entrevistas semiestructuradas a profesionales de la salud pública en Perú entre mayo y diciembre del año 2020. Las mismas fueron grabadas y transcritas para la recolección de la información, las cuales se analizaron en categorías. Resultados: en las entrevistas realizadas se destacaron los desafíos organizativos y de recursos, como la escasez de equipos de protección personal y gestión burocrática. Se resaltó el impacto humano y social en términos de comunicación, empatía y reevaluación de valores personales. Se observó adaptaciones significativas en la práctica médica, con énfasis en el manejo de pacientes y la capacitación. Conclusiones: las experiencias clínicas y emocionales reflejaron los retos y motivaciones del personal sanitario durante la pandemia; en el que se demostró la necesidad de una mayor adaptabilidad y preparación, así como la importancia del bienestar emocional y social.

The COVID-19 pandemic represented a great challenge for health professionals in Peru, due to the high risk of contagion, work overload, and impact on mental health. Objective: describe the work experiences and perceptions of health personnel in this country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: a qualitative phenomenological study was carried out, in which eight semi-structured interviews were carried out with public health professionals in Peru between May and December 2020. They were recorded and transcribed for the collection of information, which were analyzed in categories. Results: organizational and resource challenges were highlighted in the interviews conducted, such as the shortage of personal protective equipment and bureaucratic management. The human and social impact was highlighted in terms of communication, empathy and reevaluation of personal values. Significant adaptations were observed in medical practice, with emphasis on patient management and training. Conclusions: the clinical and emotional experiences reflected the challenges and motivations of healthcare personnel during the pandemic; in which the need for greater adaptability and preparation was demonstrated, as well as the importance of emotional and social well-being

A pandemia da COVID-19 representou um grande desafio para os profissionais de saúde no Peru, devido ao alto risco de contágio, sobrecarga de trabalho e impacto na saúde mental. Objetivo: descrever as experiências de trabalho e percepções do pessoal de saúde neste país durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Materiais e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo fenomenológico qualitativo, no qual foram realizadas oito entrevistas semiestruturadas com profissionais de saúde pública no Peru entre maio e dezembro de 2020. Elas foram gravadas e transcritas para a coleta de informações. Resultados: os desafios organizacionais e de recursos foram destacados nas entrevistas realizadas, como a escassez de equipamentos de proteção individual e a gestão burocrática. O impacto humano e social foi destacado em termos de comunicação, empatia e reavaliação de valores pessoais. Adaptações significativas foram observadas na prática médica, com ênfase no manejo e treinamento dos pacientes. Conclusões: as experiências clínicas e emocionais refletiram os desafios e motivações dos profissionais de saúde durante a pandemia; em que foi demonstrada a necessidade de maior adaptabilidade e preparação, bem como a importância do bem-estar emocional e social

Experiencia laboral y percepción del personal sanitario de Perú durante la pandemia de COVID-19

La pandemia de COVID-19 representó un gran desafío para los profesionales de la salud de Perú, debido al riesgo elevado de contagio, la sobrecarga laboral y afectación de la salud mental. Objetivo: Describir las experiencias laborales y percepciones del personal sanitario de este país durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Materiales y Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio cualitativo fenomenológico, en el que se realizaron ocho entrevistas semiestructuradas a profesionales de la salud pública en Perú entre mayo y diciembre del año 2020. Las mismas fueron grabadas y transcritas para la recolección de la información, las cuales se analizaron en categorías. Resultados: En las entrevistas realizadas se destacaron los desafíos organizativos y de recursos, como la escasez de equipos de protección personal y gestión burocrática. Se resaltó el impacto humano y social en términos de comunicación, empatía y reevaluación de valores personales. Se observó adaptaciones significativas en la práctica médica, con énfasis en el manejo de pacientes y la capacitación. Conclusiones: Las experiencias clínicas y emocionales reflejaron los retos y motivaciones del personal sanitario durante la pandemia; en el que se demostró la necesidad de una mayor adaptabilidad y preparación, así como la importancia del bienestar emocional y social.

The COVID-19 pandemic represented a great challenge for health professionals in Peru, due to the high risk of contagion, work overload, and impact on mental health. Objective: Describe the work experiences and perceptions of health personnel in this country during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was carried out, in which eight semi-structured interviews were carried out with public health professionals in Peru between May and December 2020. They were recorded and transcribed for the collection of information, which were analyzed in categories. Results: Organizational and resource challenges were highlighted in the interviews conducted, such as the shortage of personal protective equipment and bureaucratic management. The human and social impact was highlighted in terms of communication, empathy and reevaluation of personal values. Significant adaptations were observed in medical practice, with emphasis on patient management and training. Conclusions: The clinical and emotional experiences reflected the challenges and motivations of healthcare personnel during the pandemic; in which the need for greater adaptability and preparation was demonstrated, as well as the importance of emotional and social well-being.

A pandemia da COVID-19 representou um grande desafio para os profissionais de saúde no Peru, devido ao alto risco de contágio, sobrecarga de trabalho e impacto na saúde mental. Objetivo: Descrever as experiências de trabalho e percepções do pessoal de saúde neste país durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Materiais e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo fenomenológico qualitativo, no qual foram realizadas oito entrevistas semiestruturadas com profissionais de saúde pública no Peru entre maio e dezembro de 2020. Elas foram gravadas e transcritas para a coleta de informações. Resultados: Os desafios organizacionais e de recursos foram destacados nas entrevistas realizadas, como a escassez de equipamentos de proteção individual e a gestão burocrática. O impacto humano e social foi destacado em termos de comunicação, empatia e reavaliação de valores pessoais. Adaptações significativas foram observadas na prática médica, com ênfase no manejo e treinamento dos pacientes. Conclusões: As experiências clínicas e emocionais refletiram os desafios e motivações dos profissionais de saúde durante a pandemia; em que foi demonstrada a necessidade de maior adaptabilidade e preparação, bem como a importância do bem-estar emocional e social.

In-Person and Teleconsultation Services at a National Hospital in Peru: Time Series Analysis of General and Psychiatric Care Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a global reduction in health care accessibility for both infected and noninfected patients, posing a particular burden on those with chronic conditions, including mental health issues. Peru experienced significant devastation from the pandemic, resulting in a collapsed health care system and leading to the world's highest per capita mortality rate as a result of COVID-19. Understanding the trends in health care utilization, particularly in mental health care, is crucial for informing pandemic response efforts and guiding future recovery strategies. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the trends of outpatient medical and psychiatric consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic in a national hospital in Peru. METHODS: This observational study was conducted at a national hospital in Lima, Peru. We analyzed data on user care across all services, including psychiatric services, from May 2019 to December 2022. The data were calculated for users served per month, including the number of users seen monthly in mental health services. Sociodemographic variables such as sex (female or male), age (≥0 years), type of medical appointment (regular or additional), and modality of care (in-person or teleconsultations) were taken into account. An interrupted time series regression model was conducted to assess the number of outpatient medical and psychiatric consultations. Subgroup analyses were performed based on service modality, including overall consultations, telemonitoring/teleconsultations only, or face-to-face only, for all service users and for mental health service users. RESULTS: A total of 1,515,439 participants were included, with females comprising 275,444/484,994 (56.80%) of the samples. Only 345,605/1,515,439 (22.81%) visits involved telemedicine. The total monthly outpatient visits were significantly reduced compared with the expected projection (P<.001) at the beginning of the pandemic, followed by a later monthly increment of 298.7 users. Face-to-face interventions experienced a significant reduction at the beginning of the pandemic (P<.001), gradually recovering in the following months. By contrast, telemedicine use initially increased but subsequently declined toward the end of the pandemic. A similar trend was observed in mental health units. CONCLUSIONS: During the pandemic years, health care utilization in both general and psychiatric services experienced a significant decrease, particularly at the beginning of the pandemic (March 2020). However, no significant trends were observed in either case throughout the pandemic period. Telemedicine consultations witnessed a significant increase overall during this period, particularly among mental health users.

Clinical and microbiological characteristics of a hospital outbreak of Candida auris in a referral hospital in Lima, Peru.

BACKGROUND: Candida auris, a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen, has received considerable attention owing to its recent surge, especially in South America, which coincides with the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the clinical and microbiological characteristics of outbreaks is crucial for their effective management and control. OBJECTIVE: This retrospective observational study aimed to characterize a C. auris outbreak at a Peruvian referral hospital between January 2021 and July 2023. METHODS: Data were collected from hospitalized patients with positive C. auris culture results. Microbiological data and antifungal susceptibility test results were analysed. Additionally, infection prevention and control measures have been described. Statistical analysis was used to compare the characteristics between the infected and colonized patients. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were identified, mostly male (66.7%), with a median age of 53 years. Among them, 18 (54.5%) were colonized, and 15 (45.5%) were infected. Fungemia was the predominant presentation (80%), with notable cases of fungemia in tuberculosis patients with long-stay devices for parenteral anti-tuberculosis therapy. Seventy-five percent of the isolates exhibited fluconazole resistance. Echinocandins were the primary treatment, preventing fungemia recurrence within 30 days. Infected patients had significantly longer hospital stays than colonized patients (100 vs. 45 days; p = .023). Hospital mortality rates were 46.7% and 25% in the infected and fungemia patients, respectively. Simultaneous outbreaks of multidrug-resistant bacteria were documented. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the severity of a C. auris outbreak at a referral hospital in Peru, highlighting its significant impact on patient outcomes and healthcare resources. The high prevalence of fluconazole-resistant isolates, leading to prolonged hospital stay and high mortality rates, particularly in cases of fungemia, underscores the critical need for effective infection prevention and control strategies.

The impact of COVID-19 post-infection on the cognition of adults from Peru.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic, with over 83 million confirmed cases and 1.8 million deaths, has raised concerns about long-term cognitive issues, especially in populations facing disparities. Despite a few years since Peru's first COVID-19 wave, the cognitive effects on adults remain unclear. This study is the first in Peru to explore COVID-19's impact on general cognition and executive function. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study compared individuals with COVID-19 history to controls, assessing general cognition, verbal fluency, attention, and executive function. Among 240 assessed, 154 met the study inclusion criteria, with about 60% female and an average age of 38.89 ± 16.001 years. Groups included controls (n = 42), acute phase (AP, n = 74) (1-14 days of symptoms), and hyperinflammatory phase (HP, n = 38) (>14 days of symptoms). Results: Significant cognitive differences were observed. The HP group exhibited lower general cognitive performance (p = 0.02), working memory (p = 0.01), and executive function (planning; p < 0.001; flexibility; p = 0.03) than controls. Those with <14 days of illness (AP vs. HP) had deficits in general cognitive performance (p = 0.02), working memory (p = 0.02), and planning (p < 0.001), mainly during the hyperinflammatory phase, showing differences in working memory (p = 0.003) and planning (p = 0.01). Gender differences emerged, with males in the HP phase having poorer working memory (p = 0.003) and planning (p = 0.01). Discussion: This study underscores COVID-19's negative impact on cognitive function, even in mild cases, with potential heightened effects in men during acute or hyperinflammatory phases. The findings provide Peru's first evidence, highlighting the vulnerability of populations facing socioeconomic disparities.

Association between HTLV-1/2 infection and COVID-19 severity in a migrant Shipibo-Konibo population in Lima, Peru.

OBJECTIVES: The migrant community of the Shipibo-Konibo indigenous people in Lima, Peru were extremely vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, infection with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) is endemic in this population causing immunosuppression. The aim of the study was to describe the association between HTLV-1/2 infection and the clinical severity of COVID-19. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study involving a survey of adult Shipibo-Konibo indigenous migrants residing in Cantagallo-Rímac who were identified as suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19. Blood samples were collected for SARS-CoV-2 antibody and HTLV-1/2 ELISA testing. A confirmatory Western Blot test was performed for those with a positive ELISA test. RESULTS: A total of 182 individuals were surveyed and sampled. No significant association was found between HTLV-1/2 infection and the clinical severity of COVID-19. The prevalence of HTLV-1/2 was 8.8% (95%CI: 5.0-14.1) with Western Blot. Age was the only statistically significant risk factor for developing a more severe form of COVID-19 (OR: 1.03; 95%CI: 1.00-1.06; p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: There was no association found between HTLV-1/2 infection and the clinical severity of COVID-19. The prevalence of HTLV-1/2 infection in the Shipibo-Konibo population is high and warrants continuous monitoring in the advent of other infectious disease outbreaks and the development of HTLV-associated comorbidities.