May Measurement Month 2021: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Venezuela.

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the main cause of death in Venezuela, and hypertension is the principal risk factor. The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign is a global initiative aimed to raising awareness of hypertension, which has been conducted in Venezuela since 2017. May Measurement Month 2021 included 46 732 participants with a mean age of 56.4 years (SD 14.4), 57.9% of whom were female. The percentage with hypertension was 60.3% (57.9% of females and 63.7% of males), 82.3% (84.8% of females and 79.2% of males) were aware, and 80.2% were taking antihypertensive medication. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 44.2% (41.2% of females and 48.2% of males) were not controlled [blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140/≥90 mmHg], with 61.3% receiving one drug, 30.0% two drugs, and 8.7% three or more drugs. 87.5% of those on treatment reported taking it regularly. Conditions associated with higher BP levels include fewer years of education, having a previous diagnosis of hypertension, and women who were hypertensive during a previous pregnancy. Physical activity and pregnancy were conditions associated with lower BP levels. A previous positive COVID-19 test was reported in 11.1%, and one or more COVID-19 vaccinations reported in 22.7% of participants. Of those on antihypertensive medication, 78.8% reported their treatment was not affected by COVID-19. Results are consistent with previous MMM campaigns and indicate that the screening campaign is feasible and useful to identify hypertension even in exceptional conditions such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quality of life of Venezuelan migrants in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The economic, social, and health crisis in Venezuela has resulted in the largest forced migration in recent Latin American history. The general scenario in host countries influence migrants' self-perception of quality of life, which can be understood as an indicator of their level of integration. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated socioeconomic and health vulnerabilities, especially for forced migrants. We hypothesized that the adverse circumstances faced by Venezuelan migrants during the pandemic have deepened their vulnerability, which may have influenced their perception of quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the quality of life of Venezuelan migrants in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. We assessed the quality of life of 312 adult Venezuelan migrants living in Brazil using the World Health Organization WHOQOL-BREF quality of life assessment, which was self-administered online from October 20, 2020, to May 10, 2021. The associations of quality of life and its domains with participants' characteristics were analyzed via multiple linear regression models. Mean quality of life score was 44.7 (±21.8) on a scale of 0 to 100. The best recorded mean was in the physical domain (66.2±17.8) and the worst in the environmental domain (51.1±14.6). The worst quality of life was associated with being a woman, not living with a partner, lower household income, and discrimination based on nationality. Factors associated with overall quality of life and respective domains, especially income and discrimination, were also observed in other studies as obstacles to Venezuelan migrants. The unsatisfactory quality of life among Venezuelans living in Brazil may have been worsened by the pandemic during the study period.

Access to Contraceptives among Venezuelan Migrant Women Residing in Peru: Analysis on a Population-Based Survey.

Introduction: The emigration of Venezuelans has seen a significant increase in recent years. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with access to contraceptives in migrant women from Venezuela residing in Peru. Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Second Survey of the Venezuelan Population Residing in Peru. Access to contraceptives (yes/no) was established as the dependent variable. A Poisson regression model was performed for complex samples, and crude (PRc) and adjusted (PRa) prevalence ratios were reported. Results: A total of 3617 migrant women were analyzed, with 50.12% reporting access to contraceptives. Factors associated with greater access to contraceptives included being between 20 to 29 years old, having a university education, the entry period after the declaration of COVID-19 quarantine was associated with lower access to contraceptives. Conclusions: Access to contraceptives for Venezuelan migrants should be provided to all, as it is a free service in Peru. Additionally, education and family planning should be provided from the basic or middle school level to prevent unintended pregnancies in the future. Complete coverage should be provided regardless of the time of entry into Peru.

Understanding the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Venezuela.

BACKGROUND: Despite nearly a quarter of Venezuelans remaining unvaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy in the country have not been thoroughly investigated. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 15th to 30th, 2022, using a knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) survey to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. RESULTS: The study analyzed data from 1,930 participants from all 24 states of Venezuela. The majority (93.4%) were vaccinated. The mean age was 40 years, predominantly female (67.3%), and held a university degree (70.6%). The mean KAP score was significantly higher among vaccinated individuals compared to unvaccinated ones (7.79 vs. 3.94 points for knowledge, 40 vs. 24 points for attitudes, and 16 vs. 10 points for practices, all p < 0.001). Increases in the scores for KAP were associated with increased odds of being vaccinated (84.6%, 25.6%, and 33% respectively for each one-point increase, all p < 0.001). Certain demographic factors such as marital status, occupation, religious beliefs, monthly income, and location influence COVID-19 vaccine knowledge. Higher income and certain occupations decrease the odds of low knowledge, while residing in specific states increases it. Attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine are influenced by age, health status, vaccination status, and location. Higher income and absence of certain health conditions decrease the odds of negative attitudes. Lastly, age, occupation, monthly income, and location affect vaccine practices. Advanced age and higher income decrease the odds of inappropriate practices, while residing in La Guaira state increases them. CONCLUSION: Factors such as age, education level, occupation, monthly income, and location were found to be associated with knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccine among the surveyed Venezuelans.

Estimating the incidence of Venezuelan migration and other socioeconomic factors on urban growth in Colombia.

This study investigates the intricate relationship between Venezuelan migration and urban growth in Colombia from 2018 to 2021. The study employs remote sensing data and social network metrics to uncover migration patterns and their impact on urban expansion. The methodology consists of three stages. Firstly, nighttime satellite imagery is used to analyze year-over-year urban growth in Colombia. Secondly, social network data estimates Venezuelan migration, overcoming challenges of underreporting and informal border crossings. Lastly, an econometric analysis explores the quantitative link between Venezuelan migration and urban growth, integrating socioeconomic variables to address endogeneity. The findings reveal the complex interplay of Venezuelan migration, socioeconomic factors, and urban growth. The study outlines remote sensing analysis, introducing the Anthropogenic Footprint Expansion Index (AFEI) to quantify urban growth. Facebook API data estimates migration trends and explores socioeconomic impacts on urban expansion. The analysis uncovers migration, poverty, aging, and urban population proportion as key factors affecting Colombia's urban landscape. Furthermore, the research underscores how Venezuelan migration affected short-term urban expansion pre- and post-COVID-19. Migration had a notable effect before the pandemic, but this influence waned afterward. The study highlights migration's short-term nature and emphasizes age demographics' role in medium-term dynamics.

The impact of policy and policy communication on COVID-19 vaccination inequalities among Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Colombia: a comparative cross-sectional interrupted time-series analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Equitable access to vaccines for migrants and refugees is necessary to ensure their right to health and to achieve public health goals of reducing vaccine-preventable illness. Public health policies require regulatory frameworks and communication to effect uptake of effective vaccines among the target population. In Colombia, the National COVID-19 Vaccination Plan implicitly included Venezuelan refugees and migrants; however, initial communication of the policy indicated that vaccine availability was restricted to people with regular migration status. We estimated the impact of a public announcement, which clarified access for refugees and migrants, on vaccination coverage among Venezuelans living in Colombia. METHODS: Between 30 July 2021 and 5 February 2022, 6221 adult Venezuelans participated in a cross-sectional, population-based health survey. We used a comparative cross-sectional time-series analysis to estimate the effect of the October 2021 announcement on the average biweekly change in COVID-19 vaccine coverage of Venezuelans with regular and irregular migration status. RESULTS: 71% of Venezuelans had an irregular status. The baseline (preannouncement) vaccine coverage was lower among people with an irregular status but increased at similar rates as those with a regular status. After the announcement, there was a level change of 14.49% (95% CI: 1.57 to 27.42, p=0.03) in vaccination rates among individuals with irregular migration status with a 4.61% increase in vaccination rate per biweekly period (95% CI: 1.71 to 7.51, p=0.004). By February 2022, there was a 26.2% relative increase in vaccinations among individuals with irregular migration status compared with what was expected without the announcement. CONCLUSION: While there was no policy change, communication clarifying the policy drastically reduced vaccination inequalities across migration status. Lessons can be translated from the COVID-19 pandemic into more effective global, regional and local public health emergency preparedness and response to displacement.

Task Sharing and Remote Delivery of Brief Interpersonal Counseling for Venezuelan Migrants and Refugees Living in Peru during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study.

Refugees and migrants experience an elevated risk for mental health problems and face significant barriers to receiving services. Interpersonal counseling (IPC-3) is a three-session intervention that can be delivered by non-specialists to provide psychological support and facilitate referrals for individuals in need of specialized care. We piloted IPC-3 delivered remotely by eight Venezuelan refugee and migrant women living in Peru. These counselors provided IPC-3 to Venezuelan refugee and migrant clients in Peru (n = 32) who reported psychological distress. Clients completed assessments of mental health symptoms at baseline and one-month post-intervention. A subset of clients (n = 15) and providers (n = 8) completed post-implementation qualitative interviews. Results showed that IPC-3 filled a gap in the system of mental health care for refugees and migrants in Peru. Some adaptations were made to IPC-3 to promote its relevance to the population and context. Non-specialist providers developed the skills and confidence to provide IPC-3 competently. Clients displayed large reductions in symptoms of depression (d = 1.1), anxiety (d = 1.4), post-traumatic stress (d = 1.0), and functional impairment (d = 0.8). Remote delivery of IPC-3 by non-specialists appears to be a feasible, acceptable, and appropriate strategy to address gaps and improve efficiency within the mental health system and warrants testing in a fully powered effectiveness study.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with HIV: a cross-sectional study in Caracas, Venezuela.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted multiple health services, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, care, and treatment services, jeopardizing the achievement of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 90-90-90 global target. While there are limited studies assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Latin America, there are none, to our knowledge, in Venezuela. This study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among PLHIV seen at the outpatient clinic of a reference hospital in Venezuela. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among PLHIV aged 18 years and over seen at the Infectious Diseases Department of the University Hospital of Caracas, Venezuela between March 2021 and February 2022. RESULTS: A total of 238 PLHIV were included in the study. The median age was 43 (IQR 31-55) years, and the majority were male (68.9%). Most patients (88.2%, n = 210) came for routine check-ups, while 28 (11.3%) were newly diagnosed. The majority of patients (96.1%) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), but only 67.8% had a viral load test, with almost all (95.6%) being undetectable. Among those who attended regular appointments, 11.9% reported missing at least one medical consultation, and 3.3% reported an interruption in their ART refill. More than half of the patients (55.5%) had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while the rest expressed hesitancy to get vaccinated. Most patients with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were male (65.1%), younger than 44 years (57.5%), employed (47.2%), and had been diagnosed with HIV for less than one year (33%). However, no statistically significant differences were found between vaccinated patients and those with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Older age was a risk factor for missing consultations, while not having an alcoholic habit was identified as a protective factor against missing consultations. CONCLUSION: This study found that the COVID-19 pandemic had a limited impact on adherence to medical consultations and interruptions in ART among PLHIV seen at the University Hospital of Caracas, Venezuela.

Forced displacement and the health workforce crisis: Venezuelan healthcare workers in Peru.

The migration of health workforces tends to be economically based benefiting high-income countries, while draining lower-income countries of workers and skills However, national instability or civil conflict may also have the effect of forcing out health workers. However, few articles focus on the experiences of these types of migrants. Peru has become the second largest Latin American destination for Venezuelan forced displaced migrants, a number of which are health workers. While the exact numbers of these workers is unknown, it is estimated that 4000 and 3000 doctors and about 2500 nurses and health technicians from Venezuela reside in Peru. These workers find entry into the heath system difficult due to bureaucratic and costly registration and qualification validation procedures. However, during Covid-19 these conditions were relaxed, and a large number of these heath workers entered the heath workforce. These workers were primarily doctors and worked in urban medical facilities, though there was some distribution across the country's departments. This avenue to the health workforce allowed the mobilisation of dormant health skills and lifted workforce density numbers. Nonetheless, it is too early to see if there have been sustainable improvements, and it remains uncertain how these policies have contributed to the country's UHC goals. Peru's experiences raise the issue of how to mobilise dormant displaced health worker migrants.

Detection and diversity of gastrointestinal viruses in wastewater from Caracas, Venezuela, 2021-2022.

Gastrointestinal viruses (GIV) are an important cause of childhood morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. Their epidemiological impact in Venezuela during the COVID-19 pandemic remains unclear. GIV can also be detected in domestic sewage. Ninety-one wastewater samples from urban areas of Caracas collected over 12 months and concentrated by polyethylene-glycol-precipitation, were analyzed by multiplex reverse-transcription-PCR for rotavirus/calicivirus/astrovirus and enterovirus/klassevirus/cosavirus, and monoplex-PCR for adenovirus and Aichi virus. The overall frequency of virus detection was 46.2%, fluctuating over months, and peaking in the rainy season. Adenoviruses circulated throughout the year, especially type F41, and predominated (52.7%) over caliciviruses (29.1%) that peaked in the rainy months, rotaviruses (9.1%), cosaviruses (5.5%), astroviruses and enteroviruses (1.8%). Aichi-virus and klassevirus were absent. Rotavirus G9/G12, and P[4]/P[8]/P[14] predominated. The occurrence of GIV in wastewater reflects transmission within the population of Caracas and the persistence of a potential public health risk that needs to be adequately monitored.

Quality of life of Venezuelan migrants in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic / Calidad de vida de los inmigrantes venezolanos en Brasil durante la pandemia del COVID-19 / Qualidade de vida de imigrantes venezuelanos no Brasil durante a pandemia da COVID-19

The economic, social, and health crisis in Venezuela has resulted in the largest forced migration in recent Latin American history. The general scenario in host countries influence migrants' self-perception of quality of life, which can be understood as an indicator of their level of integration. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated socioeconomic and health vulnerabilities, especially for forced migrants. We hypothesized that the adverse circumstances faced by Venezuelan migrants during the pandemic have deepened their vulnerability, which may have influenced their perception of quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the quality of life of Venezuelan migrants in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. We assessed the quality of life of 312 adult Venezuelan migrants living in Brazil using the World Health Organization WHOQOL-BREF quality of life assessment, which was self-administered online from October 20, 2020, to May 10, 2021. The associations of quality of life and its domains with participants' characteristics were analyzed via multiple linear regression models. Mean quality of life score was 44.7 (±21.8) on a scale of 0 to 100. The best recorded mean was in the physical domain (66.2±17.8) and the worst in the environmental domain (51.1±14.6). The worst quality of life was associated with being a woman, not living with a partner, lower household income, and discrimination based on nationality. Factors associated with overall quality of life and respective domains, especially income and discrimination, were also observed in other studies as obstacles to Venezuelan migrants. The unsatisfactory quality of life among Venezuelans living in Brazil may have been worsened by the pandemic during the study period.

La crisis económica, social y sanitaria en Venezuela ha provocado la mayor emigración forzada en la historia reciente de América Latina. Las circunstancias imperantes en los países de acogida influyen en la calidad de vida autopercibida de los inmigrantes, lo que puede entenderse como un indicador de su nivel de integración. La pandemia del COVID-19 ha intensificado las vulnerabilidades socioeconómicas y sanitarias, especialmente para los inmigrantes forzados. Se plantea la hipótesis de que las circunstancias adversas que enfrentaron los inmigrantes venezolanos durante la pandemia profundizaron su vulnerabilidad, lo que puede haber influido en su percepción de la calidad de vida. Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la calidad de vida de los inmigrantes venezolanos en Brasil durante la pandemia del COVID-19. Se evaluó la calidad de vida de 312 inmigrantes venezolanos adultos viviendo en Brasil mediante una herramienta desarrollada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (WHOQOL-BREF), autollenada en línea del 20 de octubre de 2020 al 10 de mayo de 2021. Las asociaciones de la calidad de vida y sus dominios con las características de los participantes se analizaron mediante modelos de regresión lineal múltiple. La puntuación media de la calidad de vida fue de 44,7 (±21,8) en una escala de 0 a 100. La mejor media registrada fue en el dominio físico (66,2±17,8), y la peor en el dominio medio ambiente (51,1±14,6). La peor calidad de vida se asoció al sexo femenino, no convivir con pareja, menores ingresos y discriminación por nacionalidad. Los factores asociados con la calidad de vida general y sus respectivos dominios, especialmente ingresos y discriminación, coinciden con lo presentado por otros estudios como obstáculos para los inmigrantes venezolanos. La calidad de vida insatisfactoria entre los venezolanos que viven en Brasil debió de ser empeorada por la pandemia en el período estudiado.

A crise econômica, social e sanitária na Venezuela resultou na maior emigração forçada da história recente da América Latina. As circunstâncias prevalentes nos países de acolhimento influenciam a autopercepção da qualidade de vida dos imigrantes, o que pode ser entendido como um indicador do seu nível de integração. A pandemia da COVID-19 exacerbou as vulnerabilidades socioeconômicas e de saúde, especialmente para imigrantes forçados. Levantamos a hipótese de que as circunstâncias adversas enfrentadas pelos imigrantes venezuelanos durante a pandemia aprofundaram sua vulnerabilidade, o que pode ter influenciado sua percepção de qualidade de vida. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a qualidade de vida de imigrantes venezuelanos no Brasil durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Avaliamos a qualidade de vida de 312 imigrantes venezuelanos adultos vivendo no Brasil por meio de um instrumento desenvolvido pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (WHOQOL-BREF), autoadministrado online de 20 de outubro de 2020 a 10 de maio de 2021. As associações da qualidade de vida e seus domínios com as características dos participantes foram analisadas por meio de modelos de regressão linear múltipla. O escore médio de qualidade de vida foi de 44,7 (±21,8) em uma escala de 0 a 100. A melhor média registrada foi no domínio físico (66,2±17,8) e a pior no domínio do meio ambiente (51,1±14,6). A pior qualidade de vida associou-se ao sexo feminino, não viver com companheiro, menor renda familiar e discriminação por nacionalidade. Fatores associados à qualidade de vida geral e seus respectivos domínios, especialmente renda e discriminação, também foram observados em outros estudos como obstáculos aos imigrantes venezuelanos. A qualidade de vida insatisfatória entre os venezuelanos residentes no Brasil pode ter sido agravada pela pandemia no período estudado.

"Border closure only increased precariousness": a qualitative analysis of the effects of restrictive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic on Venezuelan's health and human rights in South America.

BACKGROUND: In 2010, a political and social crisis pushed thousands of Venezuelans out of their country; today, seven million Venezuelans live abroad. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, border closure increased and affected specific vulnerable migration flows, such as Venezuelans trying to migrate to Chile through the Northern borders. In this context, there is little evidence of migrants' health status and needs, their access to health services, and other basic needs (e.g., housing) from a human rights perspective. Therefore, we qualitatively explored the effects of border closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic on Venezuelan migrants' health and human rights, focusing on access to healthcare in the Northern Chilean border that adjoins Peru and Bolivia. METHODS: Following a case-study qualitative design, we conducted an ethnography that included participatory observation of relevant sites (e.g., hospitals, main squares, migrant shelters) in Antofagasta, Iquique, and Arica and 30 in-depth interviews with actors in the health sector (n = 7), experts from the non-governmental sector (n = 16), and governmental actors (n = 7) in three large cities close to the Northern border. RESULTS: We found four main dimensions: (i) border and migration processes, (ii) specific groups and intersectionality, (iii) barriers to healthcare services, and (iv) regional and local responses to the crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs characterized by the presence of healthcare providers in the field were essential to attend to migrants' health needs at borders. CONCLUSIONS: Coordination between actors is crucial to implement regional protocols that respond to current migration phenomena and migrants' health needs. Health policies using a human rights approach are urgently required to respond to migrants' healthcare needs at borders in South America.

Non-vaccination Against COVID-19 Among Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants Adults in Peru: A Cross-sectional Study, 2022.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with non-vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among the Venezuelan immigrant population residing in Peru. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data obtained from the Second Survey of the Venezuelan Population Residing in Peru in 2022. The dependent variable was vaccination status against COVID-19. The independent variables included socio-demographic, economic, and migratory characteristics of the included population. Crude and adjusted generalized linear Poisson-family models were used to calculate prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: A total of 7739 Venezuelan migrants aged 18 years or older were included. The proportion of non-vaccination against COVID-19 was 5.7%. Regarding associated factors, unemployment (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.31; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.65) was linked to an increased likelihood of not being vaccinated against COVID-19. In contrast, women (aPR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.61 to 0.95), possessing a migration permit (aPR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.54), and having health insurance (aPR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.81) were associated with a decreased likelihood of being unvaccinated. CONCLUSIONS: The primary governmental and non-governmental institutions responsible for supporting and protecting the Venezuelan migrant and refugee population should improve vaccination access by issuing migration permits and providing health insurance.

Dissemination of the Omicron Variant and Its Sub-Lineages among Residents and Travelers in Its First Year of Emergence in Venezuela.

The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern (VOC), Omicron, has been characterized by an explosive number of cases in almost every part of the world. The dissemination of different sub-lineages and recombinant genomes also led to several posterior waves in many countries. The circulation of this VOC and its major sub-lineages (BA.1 to BA.5) was monitored in community cases and in international travelers returning to Venezuela by a rapid partial sequencing method. The specific sub-lineage assignment was performed by complete genome sequencing. Epidemic waves of SARS-CoV-2 cases were observed among international travelers during 2022, a situation not seen before December 2021. The succession of the Omicron VOC sub-lineages BA.1 to BA.5 occurred sequentially, except for BA.3, which was almost not detected. However, the sub-lineages generally circulated two months earlier in international travelers than in community cases. The diversity of Omicron sub-lineages found in international travelers was related to the one found in the USA, consistent with the most frequent destination of international travel from Venezuela this year. These differences are compatible with the delay observed sometimes in Latin American countries in the circulation of the different lineages of the Omicron VOC. Once the sub-lineages were introduced in the country, community transmission was responsible for generating a characteristic distribution of them, with a predominance of sub-lineages not necessarily similar to the one observed in travelers or neighboring countries.

¡Mujeres al borde! Acoso laboral y violencia doméstica se juntan en la pandemia / Women on the edge, workplace harassment and domestic violence come together in the pandemic

Se explora el panorama general de la percepción y experiencias de mujeres venezolanas, en medio de la pandemia de COVID-19, a partir de una investigación situada, por medio de una encuesta aplicada vía online entre septiembre y diciembre de 2020, dando lugar a 523 encuestas respondidas, provenientes de todas las regiones del país. Se emplearon 70 preguntas de tipo cerrada y abierta. Se recurrió a una metodología de levantamiento de información y análisis cuanticualitativo, con enfoque interpretativo, desde la epidemiologia crítica y la epistemología feminista. Como consecuencia de la pandemia y las medidas de prevención y contención, a partir de 2020, se relocalizan algunas actividades de producción y reproducción social. El distanciamiento y confinamiento de las personas en sus hogares, generó gran impacto. El peso del afrontamiento a la pandemia tiene un costo más alto para las mujeres, siendo estas la mayoría entre los trabajadores de la salud y quienes experimentan situaciones extremas, con alto impacto en su propia salud. De la investigación en línea, se extrae que las mujeres tenían una alta tasa de actividad económicoproductiva, con importante participación directa como suministradoras de cuidados en salud y con gran concentración de responsabilidades domésticas y de cuidados familiares, invadiéndolas sentimientos de agotamiento, incertidumbre y esperanzas por el avenir. Ante ello, está en juego el logro de justicia de género en los procesos de reproducción social, atendiendo las áreas de trabajo, cuidados y seguridad social, en favor de la dignidad y el bienestar de las personas, en particular de las mujeres(AU)

The general panorama of the perception and experiences of Venezuelan women, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, is explored from research situated, through a survey applied online between September and December 2020, resulting in 523 surveys answered, from all regions of the country. 70 closed-ended and open-ended questions were used. A methodology of information gathering and quantitative analysis was used, with an interpretative approach, from critical epidemiology and feminist epistemology. As a result of the pandemic and prevention and containment measures, as of 2020, some production and social reproduction activities are relocated. The distancing and confinement of people in their homes generated great impact. The burden of coping with the pandemic has a higher cost for women, who are the majority among health workers and those who experience extreme situations, with a high impact on their own health. the online research, it is extracted that women had a high rate of economic-productive activity, with important direct participation as providers of health care and with a high concentration of domestic and family care responsibilities, invading feelings of exhaustion, uncertainty and hopes for the future. Given this, the achievement of gender justice in the processes of social reproduction is at stake, attending to the areas of work, care and social security, in favor of the dignity and well-being of people, particularly women(AU)

LA SINDEMIA ASOCIADA A COVID-19 Y LOS DERECHOS DE NIÑAS, NIÑOS Y ADOLESCENTES EN LATINOAMÉRICA: ANÁLISIS A PARTIR DE SEIS PAÍSES DE LA REGIÓN, 2023 / The syndemic associated with Covid-19 and the rights of children and adolescents in Latin America: Analysis from six countries in the region, 2023

El presente trabajo constituye un puntal de evidencia científica que queda disponible a los tomadores de decisiones en políticas nacionales y regionales relativas a la población de niñas, niños y adolescentes, y eso por sí solo es una muy buena contribución a la relevancia que debe tener esta población. Este estudio reconoce que vivimos un momento histórico, una ventana de oportunidad para tomar las decisiones adecuadas. Es prioridad contribuir para lograr que las políticas públicas sean eficaces en la garantía de los derechos humanos, esto requiere avanzar en consolidar Estados Sociales de Derecho y Bienestar con sistemas de salud y protección social universales. Asimismo, es fundamental fortalecer las capacidades de trabajo intersectorial y transdisciplinar, la integración regional y la cooperación internacional para hacer realidad la justicia social y ambiental, así como entender que las niñas, niños y adolescentes no son el futuro, son el presente. De lo que hagamos ahora depende el desarrollo y bienestar de nuestros pueblos. En este sentido el análisis se realiza a partir de un marco conceptual que abarca los siguientes aspectos:: Más allá de la pandemia, una sindemia; desigualdades múltiples: una manera de trascender a las desigualdades de ingreso; Derechos Humanos y su operacionalización en el contexto sindémico; Convención sobre los Derechos del Niño; sindemia COVID-19 y los derechos de niñas, niños y adolescentes; sindemia y políticas públicas, sindemia por COVID-19 y un llamado a la acción.

Emociones, resiliencia y salud autopercibida en trabajadores venezolanos en tiempos de pandemia por COVID-19 / Emotions, resilience and self-perceived health in Venezuelan workers in times of the COVID-19 pandemic

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la relación entre las emociones, resiliencia y la salud autopercibida en trabajadores venezolanos del sector salud y educación. Investigación de tipo no experimental con un diseño transversal, se recolectó una muestra de 374 trabajadores (70.5% mujeres, 29.5% hombres), con una edad promedio de 42.13 años (D.S. 12.99), quienes fueron escogidos por un muestreo no probabilístico. Para la medición de las variables se emplearon tres instrumentos: Escala de Resiliencia para Adultos de Hernández y Lezama (2016), Escala PANAS de Watson, Clark y Tellegen (1988) y el Cuestionario de Salud General de Goldberg y Hillier (1979). Los resultados permitieron identificar elevados niveles de resiliencia, una autopercepción favorable de salud y presencia de afectos positivos, asimismo, se encontró que, a menor edad, mayor fue el reporte de emociones negativas, ansiedad, somatizaciones. Aquellos trabajadores que reportaron el fallecimiento de amigos y familiares por COVID-19, experimentaron emociones negativas, ansiedad, somatizaciones y búsqueda de apoyo social. Se identificaron tres grupos de trabajadores: en el primero predominaron mayores niveles de ansiedad, somatizaciones y afectos negativos, en el segundo, poca perseverancia, bajo interés en la búsqueda de apoyo social y mayores afectos positivos y en el tercero, perseverancia, búsqueda de apoyo social y afectos positivos, siendo este último el de mayor proporción al superar y adaptarse a las situaciones adversas y percibir de manera positiva su salud(AU)

This study aimed to determine the relationship between emotions, resilience and self-perceived health in venezuelan workers in the health and education sectors. This research was nonexperimental with a cross-sectional design, and a sample of 374 workers (70.5% women, 29.5% men), with a mean age of 42.13 years (S.D. 12.99), who were chosen by non-probabilistic sampling. Three instruments were used to measure the variables: the Adult Resilience Scale by Hernandez and Lezama (2016), the PANAS Scale by Watson, Clark and Tellegen (1988) and the General Health Questionnaire by Goldberg and Hillier (1979). The results allowed identifying high levels of resilience, a favorable self-perception of health and the presence of positive affects, it was found that the younger the age, the greater the report of negative emotions, anxiety and somatizations. Those workers who reported the death of friends and family due to COVID-19 tended to experience negative emotions, anxiety, somatizations and seeking social support. Three groups of workers were identified; in the first one: higher levels of anxiety, somatizations and negative affects predominated; in the second low perseverance, limited interest in seeking social support and higher positive affects; and in the third one: perseverance, seeking of social support and positive affections. The latest group was the one with the highest proportion of overcoming and adapting to adverse situations, and perceiving their health in a positive way(AU)

COVID-19 en trabajadores activos durante la cuarentena. Realidad de un sector urbano de Caracas, Venezuela / COVID-19 in active workers during quarantine. Reality of an urban sector of Caracas, Venezuela

La pandemia por COVID-19 resultó un problema para la salud pública mundial, que impactó particularmente al sector de trabajadores que debían trabajar y estar expuestos durante el periodo de cuarentena. Objetivo, analizar la incidencia de COVID-19 y sus características en trabajadores(as) activos(as) durante 34 semanas. Investigación descriptiva y transversal. Población constituida por todos los trabajadores(as) activos de sectores priorizados, con diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19. De los 1.186 casos confirmados, 658 casos (55%) correspondió a trabajadores activos, una incidencia de 1,7 casos x 1000 (mayor a la esperada), con predominio en trabajadores(as) del sector salud (267casos), choferes del transporte y trabajadores de funerarias (253 casos). El 68,7% menor de 40 años y predominio del sexo masculino (61,2%). En el personal de salud, el 30% correspondió a personal de enfermería y 22% en médicos. La tasa de mortalidad en la población de trabajadores activos fue de 0,07 x cada 1000, con un índice de mortalidad de 0,05 y un índice de recuperación del 95,5%, comportamiento similar al de la población general. Sin embargo, la tasa de letalidad (trabajadores activos positivos fallecidos) fue del 4,4% (29 casos), donde el 75% (22/29) fueron enfermeras y médicos, lo que confirmó al sector salud y trabajadores(as) de servicios, como población trabajadora altamente expuesta y vulnerable, lo que justificó priorizar las medidas de prevención en estos trabajadores, al iniciar el sistema de vigilancia epidemiológica, la vacunación y la dotación con uso adecuado de la protección personal(AU)

The COVID-19 Pandemic was a problem for global public health, which particularly impacted the sector of workers who had to work and were exposed during the quarantine period. The objective was to analyze the incidence of COVID- 19 and its characteristics in active workers during 34 weeks. Descriptive and cross-sectional research. Population made up of all active workers in prioritized sectors, with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. Of the 1,186 confirmed cases, 658 cases (55%) corresponded to active workers, an incidence of 1.7 cases per 1,000 (higher than expected), with a predominance of workers in the health sector (267 cases), transport drivers and funeral home workers (253 cases). 68.7% under 40 years of age and predominance of the male sex (61.2%). In health personnel, 30% corresponded to nursing personnel and 22% to doctors. The mortality rate in the population of active workers was 0.07 x every 1000, with a mortality rate of 0.05 and a recovery rate of 95.5%, behavior similar to that of the general population. However, the fatality rate (deceased positive active workers) was 4.4% (29 cases), where 75% (22/29) were nurses and doctors, which confirmed the health sector and service workers, as a highly exposed and vulnerable working population, which justified prioritizing prevention measures in these workers, by initiating the epidemiological surveillance system, vaccination and provision with adequate use of personal protection(AU)

SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Venezuelan Pediatric Patients-A Single Center Prospective Observational Study.

Several studies suggest that children infected with SARS-CoV-2 have fewer clinical manifestations than adults; when they develop symptoms, they rarely progress to severe disease. Different immunological theories have been proposed to explain this phenomenon. In September 2020, 16% of the active COVID-19 cases in Venezuela were children under 19 years. We conducted a cross-sectional study of pediatric patients' immune response and clinical conditions with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patients were admitted to the COVID-19 area of the emergency department of Dr José Manuel de los Ríos Children's Hospital (2021-2022). The lymphocyte subpopulations were analyzed by flow cytometry, and IFNγ, IL-6, and IL-10 serum concentrations were quantified using commercial ELISA assays. The analysis was conducted on 72 patients aged one month to 18 years. The majority, 52.8%, had mild disease, and 30.6% of the patients were diagnosed with MIS-C. The main symptoms reported were fever, cough, and diarrhea. A correlation was found between IL-10 and IL-6 concentrations and age group, lymphocyte subpopulations and nutritional status and steroid use, and IL-6 concentrations and clinical severity. The results suggest a different immune response depending on age and nutritional status that should be considered for treating pediatric COVID-19 patients.