Depression in the workplace: screening and treatment

The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to assist the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided through this project must be assessed and criticized by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical status of each patient.

Obstacles in the detection and reporting of tuberculosis cases: a discursive analysis / Barreras en la detección y notificación de los casos de tuberculosis: un análisis discursivo / Barreiras na detecção e notificação dos casos da tuberculose: uma análise discursiva

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the discourses of health professionals about the obstacles in the process of detection and reporting of tuberculosis cases in Mozambique. Method: Qualitative exploratory study with a theoretical-methodological approach of Discourse Analysis of French matrix. The study was conducted in Mozambique in 2014 at three levels: central, provincial and district. The study included 15 health professionals, 4 physicians, 6 technicians and 5 nursing professionals, who worked in the National Tuberculosis Control Program, with more than 1 year of experience. Result: The following discursive blocks emerged: Detection of tuberculosis cases in laboratories; Underreporting of tuberculosis cases; Obstacles to detect cases of tuberculosis: long distances and lack of transport; and Reporting of cases for decision making. Final considerations: The discourses analyzed point to the ideological affiliation that includes the lack of investment policies in the health sector and the political commitment as basic obstacles in the detection and reporting of tuberculosis cases.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar los discursos de los profesionales de salud acerca de las barreras en el proceso de detección y notificación de los casos de tuberculosis en Mozambique. Método: Estudio exploratorio cualitativo con abordaje teórico-metodológico del Análisis de Discurso de matriz francesa. El estudio fue realizado en Mozambique, en el año 2014, en tres niveles: central, provincial y distrital. Quince profesionales de la salud participaron en el estudio, siendo 4 médicos, 6 técnicos y 5 profesionales de enfermería, que actuaban en el Programa Nacional de Control de la Tuberculosis, con más de 1 año de experiencia. Resultado: Los siguientes bloques discursivos emergieron: Detección de los casos de la tuberculosis en laboratorios; Subnotificación de los casos de la tuberculosis; Barreras para la detección de los casos de la tuberculosis: largas distancias y falta de transporte; Y notificación de los casos para la toma de decisión. Consideraciones finales: Los discursos analizados apuntan a la filiación ideológica que comprende la falta de políticas de inversión en el sector de la salud y del compromiso político como barreras básicas en la detección y notificación de los casos de la tuberculosis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar os discursos dos profissionais de saúde acerca das barreiras no processo de detecção e notificação dos casos de tuberculose em Moçambique. Método: Estudo exploratório qualitativo com abordagem teórico-metodológica da Análise de Discurso de matriz francesa. O estudo foi realizado em Moçambique, no ano de 2014, em três níveis: central, provincial e distrital. Fizeram parte do estudo 15 profissionais de saúde, sendo 4 médicos, 6 técnicos e 5 profissionais de enfermagem, que atuavam no Programa Nacional de Controle da Tuberculose, com mais de 1 ano de experiência. Resultado: Emergiram os seguintes blocos discursivos: Detecção dos casos da tuberculose em laboratórios; Subnotificação dos casos da tuberculose; Barreiras para detecção de casos de tuberculose: longas distâncias e falta de transporte; e Notificação dos casos para a tomada de decisão. Considerações finais: Os discursos analisados apontam para a filiação ideológica que compreende a falta de políticas de investimento no setor da saúde e do comprometimento político como barreiras basilares na detecção e notificação dos casos da tuberculose.

Breast cancer screening in Brazil. Barriers related to the health system / Rastreamento do câncer de mama no Brasil. Barreiras relacionadas ao sistema de saúde

Summary Objective: Identify factors related to the health system that lead to a late diagnosis of breast cancer in Brazil. Method: We performed a systematic review in the PubMed and LILACS databases using as keywords "Breast cancer," "system of health" and "Brazil or Brasil." We evaluated the content of the articles using the PRISMA methodology based on PICTOS. The final date was 12/16/2015. We were able to identify 94 publications in PubMed and 43 publications in LILACS. After assessing the title and summary, and excluding 21 repeated publications, we selected 51 publications for full evaluation. At this stage, we excluded 21 articles, with 30 publications remaining for study. Results: The population coverage is low, and there are problems related to the quality of mammography. Patients with lower income, nonwhite and less educated are more vulnerable. We observed punctual and initial experiences in breast cancer screening. Diagnosis and treatment flows must be improved. The inequality in mortality reflects the differences related to screening structure and treatment. Better results are observed in well-structured services. Conclusion: There are several barriers in the health system leading to advanced stage at diagnosis and limiting the survival outcomes. The establishment of a rapid and effective order for diagnosis and treatment, based on hierarchical flow, are important steps to be improved in the public health context.

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar fatores relacionados ao sistema de saúde que determinam atraso no diagnóstico do câncer de mama no Brasil. Método: Utilizou-se metodologia de revisão sistemática nas bases de dados PubMed e LILACS, pesquisando os termos "Breast cancer", "system of health" e "Brazil or Brasil". Não se avaliou a qualidade da publicação, mas seu conteúdo, sendo ele categorizado em função da metodologia PRISMA baseada no PICTOS. Na data limite de 16/12/2015, foi possível identificar 94 publicações na PubMed e 43 publicações na LILACS. Avaliando o título e resumo, e excluindo-se 21 publicações repetidas, foi possível identificar 51 publicações para avaliação completa, na qual foram excluídos 21 artigos, restando 30 publicações. Resultados: Observou-se que a base de mamógrafos é limitada, o tempo até o diagnóstico é elevado, e o estadio ao diagnóstico é avançado. A cobertura populacional é baixa, havendo problemas na qualidade da mamografia. As pacientes de menor renda, menor escolaridade e etnia não branca são as mais vulneráveis. Observam-se exemplos de mutirões e experiências iniciais de rastreamento. Necessita-se de aprimoramento do fluxo de diagnóstico e tratamento. A desigualdade na mortalidade é reflexo da estrutura para rastreamento e tratamento, observando-se melhores resultados em serviços públicos bem estruturados. Conclusão: Há diversas barreiras relacionadas ao sistema de saúde que refletem no estádio avançado ao diagnóstico e limitam os resultados na sobrevida. O estabelecimento de um fluxo de diagnóstico e tratamento rápidos e efetivos, dentro de um contexto hierarquizado, são importantes etapas a serem aprimoradas dentro do contexto da saúde pública.

Quality of cervical cancer screening in Brazil: external assessment of the PMAQ / Qualidade do rastreamento do câncer de colo uterino no Brasil: avaliação externa do PMAQ

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To examine whether demographic and socioeconomic variables and the variables of the organization of services are associated with the quality of cervical cancer screening. METHODS This is a survey carried out in the health services of the five Brazilian regions in 2012. The sample consisted of users of basic health units participating in the Program for Improving Access and Quality of the Primary Care. The independent variables analyzed were: socioeconomic characteristics (municipal context), demographic characteristics (user profile), and two domains related to the organization of basic services (work structure and process). The low quality of the screening was assessed from the lack of access, late examination, and lack of guidance. Crude and adjusted analyses by Poisson regression assessed the association between outcomes and independent variables. RESULTS The values of lack of access, late examination, and lack of guidance were 6.7%, 11.2%, and 19.2%, respectively. Problems of quality were lower according to the increase in Municipal Human Development Index and per capita household income, increasing with population size and municipal coverage of the Family Health Strategy. The Midwest region of the country presented the highest occurrences of low quality outcomes. Indigenous and yellow women had the highest prevalence of outcomes. Women with partner, who received the Bolsa Família Program, and who had paid work had less chances of having lack of access, late examination, and lack of guidance. The appropriate work process in health services decreased the likelihood of low quality in all indicators. CONCLUSIONS Investments in the work process of health teams, social cash transfer programs, and social conditions of the population are essential to improve the quality of the program of cervical cancer screening in Brazil.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar se as variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas e da organização dos serviços estão associadas à qualidade do rastreamento do câncer de colo uterino. MÉTODOS Inquérito realizado em serviços de saúde das cinco regiões brasileiras em 2012. A amostra foi composta por usuárias de unidades básicas de saúde participantes do Programa de Melhoria do Acesso e da Qualidade na Atenção Básica. As variáveis independentes analisadas foram: características socioeconômicas (contexto municipal); características demográficas (perfil de usuárias); e dois domínios relativos à organização dos serviços básicos (estrutura e processo de trabalho). A baixa qualidade do rastreamento foi avaliada por meio da falta de acesso, atraso na realização do exame e falta de recebimento de orientações. Análises bruta e ajustada por meio de regressão de Poisson avaliaram a associação entre os desfechos e as variáveis independentes. RESULTADOS A falta de acesso, atraso na realização do exame e falta de recebimento de orientações foram de 6,7%, 11,2% e 19,2%, respectivamente. Os problemas de qualidade foram menores de acordo com o aumento do Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano Municipal e da renda familiar per capita, aumentando com o porte populacional e a cobertura municipal da Estratégia Saúde da Família. A região Centro-Oeste do país apresentou as maiores ocorrências dos desfechos de baixa qualidade. As mulheres de raça indígena e amarela tiveram as maiores prevalências dos desfechos. As mulheres com companheiro, que recebiam o benefício do Programa Bolsa Família e tinham trabalho remunerado tiveram menos falta de acesso, menos atraso na realização do exame e menos falta de recebimento de orientações. O processo de trabalho adequado nos serviços de saúde diminuiu a probabilidade de baixa qualidade em todos os indicadores. CONCLUSÕES Investimentos em processo de trabalho das equipes de saúde, programas sociais de transferência de renda e condições sociais da população são essenciais para melhorar a qualidade do programa de rastreamento de colo de útero no Brasil.

Associated factors with mammographic changes in women undergoing breast cancer screening / Fatores associados a alterações mamográficas em mulheres submetidas ao rastreamento do câncer de mama

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate association of sociodemographic, anthropometric, and epidemiological factors with result of mammogram in women undergoing breast cancer screening. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with data obtained through interviews, anthropometric measurements, and mammography of 600 women aged 40 to 69 years at the Preventive Medicine Department of Hospital de Câncer de Barretos, Brazil, in 2014. The results of these examinations in the BI-RADS categories 1 and 2 were grouped and classified in this study as normal mammogram outcome, and those of BI-RADS categories 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, and 5 were grouped and classified as altered mammogram outcome. The statistical analysis included the Student's t-test to compare means, as well as odds ratios (OR), with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CI), to verify an association by means of the multivariate analysis. Results: Of 600 women evaluated, 45% belonged to the age group of 40–49 years-old and 60.2% were classified as BI-RADS category 2. The multivariate analysis showed that women with blood hypertension (OR: 2.64; 95%CI: 1.07–6.49; p<0.05) were more likely to present changes in the mammography, while physical activity was associated with lower chances (OR: 0.30; 95%CI: 0.11–0.81; p<0.05). Conclusion: Hypertensive women undergoing screening mammography are more likely to present mammographic changes, whereas women practicing physical activity have lower chances (70%) of presenting changes in the breast compared with sedentary individuals.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a associação de fatores sociodemográficos, antropométricos e epidemiológicos com o resultado das mamografias de mulheres submetidas ao rastreamento. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com dados obtidos por meio de entrevistas, avaliação antropométrica e mamografia de 600 mulheres entre 40 a 69 anos, atendidas no Departamento de Prevenção do Hospital de Câncer de Barretos, em 2014. Os resultados de tais exames nas categorias BI-RADS 1 e 2 foram agrupados e classificados neste estudo como achado mamográfico normal, e aqueles das categorias BI-RADS 3, 4A, 4B, 4C e 5 como achado mamográfico alterado. Na análise estatística, utilizou-se o teste t de Student para comparar as médias, bem como odds ratio (OR), com seus respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%), na verificação de associação por análise multivariada. Resultados: Das 600 mulheres avaliadas, 45% pertenciam à faixa etária dos 40 a 49 anos e 60,2% foram classificadas na categoria BI-RADS 2. Na análise multivariada, verificou-se que as mulheres com hipertensão arterial (OR: 2,64; IC95%: 1,07–6,49; p<0,05) apresentaram maiores chances de alteração na mamografia, enquanto que atividade física foi associada à menor chance (OR: 0,30; IC95%: 0,11–0,81; p<0,05). Conclusão: Mulheres hipertensas submetidas à mamografia de rastreamento tiveram maiores chances de apresentarem alterações mamográficas, ao passo que mulheres praticantes de atividade física apresentaram uma chance menor (70%) de terem alteração na mama em relação às sedentárias.

Associations of HIV testing and late diagnosis at a Japanese university hospital

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to clarify the rate of late diagnosis of HIV infection and to identify relationships between the reasons for HIV testing and a late diagnosis. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted among HIV-positive patients at the Jikei University Hospital between 2001 and 2014. Patient characteristics from medical records, including age, sex, sexuality, the reason for HIV testing and the number of CD4-positive lymphocytes at HIV diagnosis, were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 459 patients (men, n=437; 95.2%) were included in this study and the median age at HIV diagnosis was 36 years (range, 18-71 years). Late (CD4 cell count <350/mm3) and very late (CD4 cell count <200/mm3) diagnoses were observed in 61.4% (282/459) and 36.6% (168/459) of patients, respectively. The most common reason for HIV diagnosis was voluntary testing (38.6%, 177/459 patients), followed by AIDS-defining illness (18.3%, 84/459 patients). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association of voluntary HIV testing with non-late and non-very-late diagnoses and there was a high proportion of AIDS-defining illness in the late and very late diagnosis groups compared with other groups. Men who have sex with men was a relative factor for non-late diagnosis, whereas nonspecific abnormal blood test results, such as hypergammaglobulinemia and thrombocytopenia, were risk factors for very late diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Voluntary HIV testing should be encouraged and physicians should screen all patients who have symptoms or signs and particularly hypergammaglobulinemia and thrombocytopenia, that may nonspecifically indicate HIV infection.

Rastreamento de problemas de idosos na atenção primária e proposta de roteiro de triagem com uma abordagem multidimensional / Primary care screening of problems in the elderly and a proposal for a screening protocol with a multidimensional approach / Localización de problemas de ancianos en la atención primaria y propuesta de guión en la sala de evaluación diagnóstica preliminar con un enfoque multidimensional

Resumo: O objetivo foi examinar as caraterísticas psicométricas de testes de triagem para idosos e propor um roteiro para a atenção primária. Etapas: (1) confiabilidade interaferidores para testes de desempenho e perguntas de autoavaliação para 8 funções; (2) sensibilidade e especificidade de questões para depressão e apoio social; (3) encontro de especialistas para seleção das atividades instrumentais da vida diária (AIVD); (4) elaboração do roteiro. A triagem durou 16 minutos. A confiabilidade interaferidores para os testes de desempenho foi excelente, mas pobre para perguntas. Depressão e apoio social apresentaram sensibilidade e especificidade satisfatórias (0,74/0,77 e 0,77/0,96). Quatro AIVD foram selecionadas por mais de 55% dos especialistas. Após os resultados, elaborou-se um roteiro que priorizou o uso de testes de desempenho, mantendo questões para humor, apoio social e AIVD. O estudo sugere maior reprodutibilidade de testes de performance em relação a perguntas. Para humor e apoio social, as questões podem constituir uma primeira etapa de triagem. O roteiro proposto possibilita o rápido rastreamento de problemas.

Abstract: The objectives were to examine psychometric properties of a screening test for the elderly and to propose a protocol for use in primary care. The method consisted of four stages: (1) inter-evaluator reliability for performance tests and self-assessment questions for eight functions; (2) sensitivity and specificity of questions on depression and social support; (3) meeting of experts to select instrumental activities of daily living (IADL); and (4) elaboration of the protocol. Screening lasted 16 minutes. Inter-evaluator reliability was excellent for performance tests but poor for questions. Depression and social support showed satisfactory sensitivity and specificity (0.74/0.77 and 0.77/0.96). Four IADL were selected by more than 55% of the experts. Following the results, a screening protocol was elaborated that prioritized the use of performance tests, maintaining questions on mood, social support, and IADL. The study suggests better reproducibility of performance tests when compared to questions. For mood and social support, the questions may provide a first screening stage. The proposed protocol allows rapid screening of problems.

Resumen: El objetivo fue examinar características psicométricas de test de evaluación diagnóstica preliminar para ancianos y proponer un guión para la atención primaria. Etapas: (1) fiabilidad entre evaluadores para el test de desempeño y preguntas de autoevaluación para 8 funciones; (2) sensibilidad y especificidad de cuestiones para depresión y apoyo social; (3) encuentro de especialistas para selección de las actividades instrumentales de vida diaria (AIVD); (4) elaboración del guión. La evaluación preliminar diagnóstica duró 16 minutos. La fiabilidad entre evaluadores para los test de desempeño fue excelente, pero pobre en preguntas. Depresión y apoyo social tuvieron sensibilidad y especificidad satisfactorias (0,74/0,77 y 0,77/0,96). Cuatro AIVD fueron seleccionadas por más de un 55% de los especialistas. Tras los resultados, se elaboró un guión que priorizó el uso de test de desempeño, manteniendo preguntas sobre humor, apoyo social y AIVD. El estudio sugiere mayor reproductibilidad de pruebas de rendimiento en relación con las preguntas. Para humor y apoyo social, las preguntas pueden constituir una primera etapa de evaluación preliminar diagnóstica. El guión propuesto posibilita la rápida localización de problemas.

Characterization of a thermostable endoglucanase produced by Isoptericola variabilis sp. IDAH9

Abstract This study aimed to isolate and evaluate the cellulase activity of cellulolytic bacteria in hot springs of Dehloran, Ilam province, Iran. Water and sludge samples were collected from the hot springs and the bacterial enrichment was performed in a medium containing rice barn and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The cultures were incubated at 50 °C in aerobic conditions. The bacteria were isolated on CMC agar (1%) medium. Cellulase assay of the isolates was measured by the evaluation of endoglucanase enzyme activity, which is also called as carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase). The isolated thermotolerant bacteria were then identified and optimized for the production of CMCase. Moreover, stabilizing elements of the enzyme were identified with in silico approach. The chosen isolate was identified as Isoptericola variabilis sp. IDAH9. The identified strain produced the most thermostable CMCase at a concentration of 5.6 g/L of ammonium sulfate, 9 g/L CMCase or 12 g/L rice bran, 0/6% Tween-80, and 0.2% sucrose. The produced enzyme showed 80% of the residual activity after 1 h of incubation at 65 °C. In silico data indicated that the remaining residual activity was due to the redundant stabilizing elements in the protein structure. Consequently, I. variabilis can be isolated from the extreme environment and has a thermostable endoglucanase which may be used for various applications after studying them.

Predictive capacity of anthropometric indicators for dyslipidemia screening in children and adolescents / Capacidade preditiva de indicadores antropométricos para o rastreamento da dislipidemia em crianças e adolescentes

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To analyze the predictive capacity of anthropometric indicators and their cut-off values for dyslipidemia screening in children and adolescents. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 1139 children and adolescents, of both sexes, aged 6-18 years. Body weight, height, waist circumference, subscapular, and triceps skinfold thickness were measured. The body mass index and waist-to-height ratio were calculated. Children and adolescents exhibiting at least one of the following lipid alterations were defined as having dyslipidemia: elevated total cholesterol, low high-density lipoprotein, elevated low-density lipoprotein, and high triglyceride concentration. A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed and the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity was calculated for the parameters analyzed. RESULTS: The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 62.1%. The waist-to-height ratio, waist circumference, subscapular, body mass index, and triceps skinfold thickness, in this order, presented the largest number of significant accuracies, ranging from 0.59 to 0.78. The associations of the anthropometric indicators with dyslipidemia were stronger among adolescents than among children. Significant differences between accuracies of the anthropometric indicators were only observed by the end of adolescence; the accuracy of waist-to-height ratio was higher than that of subscapular (p = 0.048) for females, and the accuracy of waist circumference was higher than that of subscapular (p = 0.029) and body mass index (p = 0.012) for males. In general, the cut-off values of the anthropometric predictors of dyslipidemia increased with age, except for waist-to-height ratio. Sensitivity and specificity varied substantially between anthropometric indicators, ranging from 75.6 to 53.5 and from 75.0 to 50.0, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The anthropometric indicators studied had little utility as screening tools for dyslipidemia, especially in children.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Analisar a capacidade preditiva dos indicadores antropométricos e os seus valores de corte para a triagem da dislipidemia em crianças e adolescentes. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de 1.139 crianças e adolescentes de ambos os sexos entre 6 e 18 anos. Peso corporal, estatura, circunferência da cintura (CC) e prega cutânea subescapular (PCSE) e prega cutânea tricipital (PCT) foram medidos. O índice de massa corporal (IMC) e a relação cintura-estatura (RCE) foram calculados. As crianças e os adolescentes que tinham pelo menos uma das seguintes alterações lipídicas foram definidos como tendo dislipidemia: elevados níveis de colesterol total, HDL-C baixo, LDL-C elevado e concentração elevada de triglicérides. Uma curva ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristics) foi construída e a área sob a curva, a sensibilidade e a especificidade foram calculadas para os parâmetros analisados. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de dislipidemia foi de 62,1%. RCE, CC, PCSE, IMC e PCT, nessa ordem, apresentaram o maior número de precisões significativas e variaram de 0,59-0,78. As associações dos indicadores antropométricos com dislipidemia foram mais fortes nos adolescentes do que nas crianças. Diferenças significativas entre precisões dos indicadores antropométricos só foram observadas no fim da adolescência. A precisão da RCE foi maior do que a da PCSE (p = 0,048) para meninas e a precisão de CC foi maior do que a PCSE (p = 0,029) e IMC (p = 0,012) para os meninos. Em geral, os valores de corte dos preditores antropométricos de dislipidemia aumentaram com a idade, exceto para RCE. Sensibilidade e especificidade variaram substancialmente entre os indicadores antropométricos, de 75,6-53,5 e 75,0-50,0, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: Os indicadores antropométricos estudados mostraram pouca utilidade como ferramentas de rastreamento para dislipidemia, especialmente em crianças.

Comprehensive evaluation of cervical cancer screening programs: the case of Colombia

OBJECTIVE: To identify critical screening program factors for reducing cervical cancer mortality in Colombia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Coverage, quality, and screening follow-up were evaluated in four Colombian states with different mortality rates. A case-control study (invasive cancer and healthy controls) evaluating screening history was performed. RESULTS: 3-year cytology coverage was 72.7 percent, false negative rate 49 percent, positive cytology follow-up 64.2 percent. There was no association between screening history and invasive cancer in two states having high cytology coverage but high false negative rates. Two states revealed association between deficient screening history and invasive cancer as well as lower positive-cytology follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced number of visits between screening and treatment is more relevant when low access to health care is present. Improved quality is a priority if access to screening is available. Suitable interventions for specific scenarios and proper appraisal of new technologies are compulsory to improve cervical cancer screening. Comprehensive process-failure audits among invasive cancer cases could improve program evaluation since mortality is a late outcome.

OBJETIVO: Identificar factores críticos para reducir la mortalidad por cáncer cervical en Colombia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se evaluó cobertura, calidad y seguimiento del tamizaje en cuatro departamentos con tasas de mortalidad diferenciales. Un estudio de casos (cáncer invasor) y controles (sanos) evaluó historia de tamizaje. RESULTADOS: Cobertura 72,7 por ciento; falsos negativos 49 por ciento; acceso a diagnóstico-tratamiento de HSIL 64,2 por ciento. La historia de tamizaje no se asoció con cáncer invasor en dos departamentos con elevada cobertura pero elevada proporción de falsos negativos. Dos departamentos con asociación entre historia de tamizaje deficiente y cáncer invasor tuvieron cobertura aceptable pero bajo acceso a diagnóstico-tratamiento. No hubo relación entre mortalidad y desempeño del programa. CONCLUSIONES: Reducir visitas entre tamizaje y tratamiento es prioritario ante bajo acceso a los servicios. Incrementar calidad es prioritario si hay adecuado acceso al tamizaje. Intervenciones y tecnologías apropiadas a cada contexto son indispensables para obtener mejores resultados. Vigilar integralmente el cáncer invasor contribuye a la evaluación de los programas por ser un desenlace más temprano que la mortalidad.

Hemoglobin screening: response of a Brazilian community to optional programs

The efficiency and the viability of three hemoglobin screening programs were investigated. They were offered on a voluntary basis to a Brazilian population and started with the analysis of blood donors, pregnant women and students. The hemoglobin screening was done through optional exams which included electrophoresis of hemoglobin and complementary hematological tests. A total of 13,670 people were tested over a period of 39 months and a total of 644 individuals with hereditary hemoglobin disorders were detected - 4.7 por cento of the samples examined. The programs showed satisfactory indicators of viability and efficiency, expressed by the significative proportion of exams performed among the probands and their relatives