Estandarización de requerimientos mínimos para la formación de centro de detección temprana de cáncer de pulmón en América Latina / Standardization of Minimum Requirements for the Formation of an Early Detection Center for Lung Cancer in Latin America

Introducción: El cáncer de pulmón (CP) es una enfermedad con gran impacto a nivel mundial en el número de muertes y en costos en salud. La alta incidencia y mortalidad de esta enfermedad asociada al diagnóstico tardío, y la mejoría del pronóstico ante una detección temprana, determinan que sea una patología pasible de beneficiarse mediante detección temprana. La tomografía de baja dosis de radiación (TCBD) demostró ser un método que se pue- de realizar periódicamente a un grupo de personas con alto riesgo de desarrollar CP y así reducir la mortalidad por esta enfermedad. Sin embargo, este beneficio es tal cuan- do se encuentra desarrollado bajo un programa organizado y con participación multi- disciplinaria especializada en cáncer de pulmón. Métodos: Se plantea determinar lineamientos básicos para el desarrollo de la detección temprana de cáncer de pulmón en América Latina para que pueda ser realizada en forma uniforme, con el menor riesgo y el máximo beneficio esperado. Se analizaron las principales publicaciones referidas a este tema, contemplando la diversidad de atención y acceso de América Latina. Resultado: Se desarrollan requerimientos mínimos para la implementación de un pro- grama. Discusión: El número de programas en la región es escaso y depende más de esfuerzos individuales que de políticas generales de salud. Consideramos que estos lineamien- tos pueden servir de apoyo para el desarrollo de más programas en la región y de for- ma más homogénea.

Introduction: Lung cancer (LC) is a disease with a great impact worldwide in the number of deaths and health costs. The high incidence and mortality of this disease associated with late diagnosis and the improved prognosis with early detection determine that it is a pathology that can benefit from early detection. Low radiation dose tomography (LDCT) demonstrated a method that can be performed periodically to a group of people at high risk of developing CP and thus reduce mortality from this disease. However, this benefit is such when it is developed under an organized program with multidisciplinary participation specialized in lung cancer. Methods: It is proposed to determine basic guidelines for the development of early de- tection of lung cancer in Latin America so that it can be carried out uniformly, with the lowest risk and the maximum expected benefit. The main publications referring to this topic were analyzed, considering the diversity of care and access in Latin America. Result: Minimum requirements are developed for the implementation of a program. Discussion: The number of programs in the region is small and depends more on individual efforts than on general health policies. We consider that these guidelines can serve as support for the development of more programs in the region and in a more ho- mogeneous way.

Users' perception of the Community Centers for physical activity from two cities in Ceará, Brazil / Percepção de usuários sobre os Polos Comunitários de atividade física em duas cidades do Ceará, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: The practice of physical activity provides benefits to health and, consequently, to people´s quality of life, helping to promote health and prevent disease. OBJECTIVE: To understand the perception of users about the community center for physical activity with emphasis on the structure, operation and professional support in practices for health promotion. METHODS: This is an exploratory qualitative study. The loci of the study were two community centers for physical activity from different cities, one of them participating in a health promotion program (Programa Academia da Saúde - PAS). The sample consisted of 15 participants, 10 from the center included in the PAS program and 5 from the other. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and synthesized through thematic analysis. RESULTS: Disagreements were observed in relation to the statements of the participants about the two community centers. It was evidenced the absence of qualified professionals for assistance to exercise and for providing the necessary orientations regarding the practice of activities. It was also noted that the distance between the residence and the center can be a potential incentive or discouragement. The location of centers distant from homes are obstacles for the population to routinely adhere to physical activities. CONCLUSION: Prevailed among the interviewees' dissatisfaction about the organization and operation of the community centers for physical activity.

INTRODUÇÃO: A realização da prática de atividade física proporciona benefícios para a saúde e, consequentemente, para a qualidade de vida das pessoas, auxiliando na promoção da saúde e na prevenção de doenças. OBJETIVO: Compreender a percepção dos usuários acerca dos polos de atividade física com ênfase na estrutura, funcionamento e suporte profissional nas práticas de promoção da saúde. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória de abordagem qualitativa. Os loci do estudo envolveram dois polos comunitários de atividade física, sendo um deles do Programa Academia da Saúde (PAS), em distintos municípios. A amostra contou com 15 participantes, sendo 5 de um polo e 10 do outro ao qual funciona o PAS. Os dados foram coletados através da entrevista semiestruturada e sintetizados por meio de análise temática. RESULTADOS: Observaram-se divergências em relação às falas da população sobre o polo comunitário de atividade física e sobre o polo do Programa Academia da Saúde. Foi evidenciada a ausência de profissionais para auxiliar nas práticas dos exercícios e para realizar orientações necessárias concernentes à prática da atividade. Registrou-se também que a distância entre a residência e o polo pode ser potencial incentivador ou desestimulador, uma vez que a localização dos polos distantes das residências dificulta a adesão rotineira da população à prática de atividades físicas. CONCLUSÃO: Prevalece entre os entrevistados a insatisfação sobre a organização e funcionamento dos polos comunitários de atividade física.

Linking primary care and community organizations to increase colorectal cancer screening rates: the HAPPI project / Promover una alianza entre la atención primaria y las organizaciones comunitarias para aumentar las pruebas de detección de cáncer colorrectal: el proyecto HAPPI

Abstract: Objective: The Healthy Aging Partnerships in Preven tion Initiative (HAPPI) aims to increase the use of clinical preventive services (CPS) among underserved Latinos and African Americans in South Los Angeles who are 50+ years old. Materials and methods: HAPPI uses an evidence-based model, SPARC, to leverage existing resources and link community resources. HAPPI's multi-sectoral partnerships include local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community health centers (CHCs), aging and public health agencies serving the City and County of Los Angeles, and a university. Activities include CHC capacity assessment and training, and community capacity-building that included a small grants program. Results: We engaged five CHCs in quality improvement activities and eight NGOs in networking and programming to increase awareness and receipt of CPS. We discuss barriers and facilitators including the success of trainings conducted with CHC providers and NGO re presentatives. Conclusion: Multi-sectoral collaborations hold promise for increasing awareness and use of CPS in underserved communities.

Resumen: Objetivo: HAPPI se propone aumentar el uso de servicios clínicos preventivos (SCP) en personas mayores de 50 años en Los Ángeles. Material y métodos: HAPPI es una colaboración intersectorial e incluye organizaciones no gu bernamentales (ONG) locales, centros de salud comunitarios (CSC), centros de servicios para personas mayores, agencias de salud pública que dan servicio a la ciudad y al condado de Los Ángeles, y una universidad pública para movilizar recur sos comunitarios y promover lazos entre las asociaciones. Sus actividades incluyen asesorar y aumentar la capacitación de CSC y la comunidad, además de un programa de becas. Resultados: Se colaboró con cinco CSC para la mejora de calidad y con ocho ONG para abrir conciencia de los SCP. Se presentaron barreras y facilitadores incluyendo el éxito de las enseñanzas con proveedores de CSC y representantes de las ONG. Conclusión: Las colaboraciones multi-sectoriales son prometedoras para amplificar conciencia del uso de SCP en personas mayores.

Programa de prevención de la enfermedad renal crónica basado en redes integradas de servicios en Colombia / Program for the prevention of chronic kidney disease based on integrated service networks in Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo Los programas de prevención de la Enfermedad Renal Crónica (ERC) permiten controlar la morbimortalidad y/o retrasar el ingreso a terapia de reemplazo renal. Se documenta el diseño de un programa de prevención de la ERC y se describe cómo se integran los niveles primario y secundario de atención mediante la caracterización de una población admitida para prevención secundaria. Métodos La descripción del programa se realizó con base en una revisión documental. Para la caracterización de los pacientes participantes en el programa se utilizaron herramientas de estadística descriptiva. Resultados El diseño e implementación del programa de prevención se basó en la integración de redes de servicios y niveles de atención. Se detallan las actividades fundamentales del programa según el nivel de atención en el que se realizan. Un total de 3 487 pacientes fueron admitidos para control en el segundo nivel de atención por presentar tasa de filtración glomerular estimada <60 mil/min; 87,81 % de los pacientes ingresó en estadio 3 de la ERC con mediana de Tasa de Filtración Glomerular de 46,21mil/min; las principales causas de ERC fueron la hipertensión arterial y la diabetes. Al ingreso, 2 129 pacientes (61.05 %) tuvieron tensión arterial sistólica <140 mmHg y 3 091(88,64 %) diastólica <90mmHg; de 620 diabéticos con hemoglobina glicosilada, 357 (57,58 %) tuvieron valores <7,5 %. Conclusión Se diseñó e implementó un programa de prevención que permitió la integración de los niveles de atención para una intervención multidisciplinaria que logró la captación oportuna de pacientes y la continuidad en la atención para el mejor control de la ERC.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) prevention programs allow to control morbidity and/or delay renal replacement therapy. The design of a CKD prevention program is described, including highlights on how the primary and secondary levels of care interact with each other through the characterization of the population admitted for secondary prevention. Methods The description of the program was based on a literature review. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the patients participating in the program. Results The design and implementation of the prevention program was based on the integration of service networks and care levels. The main activities for the program were detailed according to the care level in which they performed. 3 487 patients in total were admitted for control at the second care level due to an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mil/min; 87.81% of the patients were admitted with CKD stage 3 and a median glomerular filtration rate of 46.21mil/min. The main causes of CKD were hypertension and diabetes. On admission, 2 129 patients (61.05 %) had systolic blood pressure <140 mmHg and 3 091 (88.64 %) had diastolic blood pressure <90 mmHg; 357 (57.58 %), out of 620, diabetic patients with glycosylated hemoglobin presented values <7.5 %. Conclusion A prevention program was designed and implemented to allow the integration of care levels oriented to a multidisciplinary intervention, which ultimately managed to recognize patients and to give continuity to care provision for a better control of CKD.(AU)

Proposals for the prevention of lung cancer in the health system of Mexico / Propuestas para la prevención de cáncer de pulmón en el sistema de salud en México

Abstract The management of lung cancer is challenging. However, nowadays the main goal is to achieve a significant overall survival accompanied by a good quality of life. Because smoking is associated with up to 71% of cancer deaths, the first policy that should be established is one that promotes strategies for healthy lifestyles by providing information about lung cancer, risk factors, protection factors, and precautionary data. Furthermore, an effective screening method that would allow early diagnosis should be established. Following diagnosis, the patient should be genotyped to identify predisposing mutations to give personalized medicine to the patient. The health system policies should include information that affects the health of the population and simultaneously allows for early diagnoses, resulting in a higher survival rate.

Resumen El manejo del cáncer de pulmón es un reto que tiene como objetivo una supervivencia global significativa que se vea rodeada de una buena calidad de vida. Si se considera que el tabaquismo está asociado hasta con 71% de las muertes por cáncer, la primera política que debe establecerse es la de proporcionar información sobre el cáncer de pulmón, factores de riesgo, factores de protección y datos de alarma mediante una estrategia de salud de línea de vida, además del establecimiento de un método de tamizaje efectivo que permita un diagnóstico temprano. Después del diagnóstico, debe realizarse una genotipificación para identificar mutaciones sensibles y para proporcionar un tratamiento personalizado al paciente. Las políticas del sistema de salud deben incluir información para que la población incida en su salud y también se puedan realizar diagnósticos tempranos que permitan una mayor supervivencia.

Salas de consumo higiénico en España (2000-2013) / Drug consumption rooms in Spain (2000-2013)

El objetivo de esta revisión es presentar una nueva interpretación de los resultados de la bibliografía sobre las salas de consumo higiénico (SCH) de España publicados en el periodo 2000-2013. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos PubMed, Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud (IBECS), Índice Médico Español (IME), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) y SIIS Centro de Documentación y Estudios, en otras fuentes secundarias y solicitando información a los profesionales de las SCH. Se seleccionaron 21 artículos o informes de investigación, 17 presentaciones o comunicaciones en jornadas y/o congresos especializados, 5 reportajes y 2 memorias de actividad, para la realización de una metasíntesis desglosada en diferentes temáticas. La apertura de las SCH es una estrategia de salud pública con efectos positivos para los consumidores de drogas y todo el conjunto de la sociedad, pero esta revisión constata que son necesarias mejoras técnicas, estratégicas y de funcionalidad para aumentar su efectividad.

The aim of this review is to provide a new interpretation of the results found in the scientific literature on drug consumption rooms (DCR) in Spain published from 2000-2013. A search was carried out using several data bases - PubMed, Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud (IBECS), Índice Médico Español (IME), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and SIIS Centro de Documentación y Estudios - as well as other secondary sources and information solicited from professionals of DCR. A total of 21 articles or research reports, 17 presentations or speeches in specialized conferences, 5 journalistic reports and 2 institutional records were included in a meta-synthesis divided into different thematic areas. The opening of DCR is a public health strategy with positive effects for drug consumers and society as a whole, but this review demonstrates that technical, strategic and functional improvements are necessary to increase their effectiveness.

Health care for women over 50: programmatic vulnerability in the Family Health Strategy / Atención a la salud de la mujer después de 50 años: la vulnerabilidad programática de la Estratégia de Salud de la Família / Atenção à saúde da mulher após os 50 anos: vulnerabilidade programática na Estratégia Saúde da Família

OBJECTIVE: To assess the health care process for women over 50 at a Family Health Unit based on the concept of programmatic vulnerability. METHOD: This study is inserted in the field of health care assessments. The framework proposed by Donabedian was used to analyze 90.5% of the 790 records of women registered at the unit. RESULTS: It was observed that none of the women that did not have a diagnosed pathology attended the recommended consultations or underwent the recommended tests. Of the total number of women with hypertension or diabetes, 20.7% were registered in the Hiperdia Programme and less than 1.0% had attended the consultations and undergone the necessary tests. Only 11.9% of the women had had a gynaecological examination, a clinical breast examination and a mammography the year before data collection. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that women over 50 are in a situation of programmatic vulnerability in terms of the indicators established in this study. Knowledge of this reality can help nurses provide care that is best suited for this group. .

OBJETIVO: evaluar el proceso de atención a las mujeres a partir de los 50 años de edad en la Unidad de Salud de la Familia, tomando como referencia el concepto de vulnerabilidad del programa. MÉTODO: Estudio insertado en la evaluación de programas de salud, tuvo Donabediam como referencia, siendo analizados el 90,5% de los 790 registros médicos de mujeres inscritas en la unidad. Fueran creados indicadores de evaluación. RESULTADOS: Ninguna mujer sin patología diagnosticada realizó consultas y exámenes recomendados. De todas las hipertensas y diabéticas, 20,7% estaban inscritas en el Programa Hiperdia y menos del 1,.0% había realizado consultas y exámenes necesarios. Sólo el 11.9% de las mujeres había realizado el examen ginecológico, examen clínico de los senos y la mamografía en el año anterior a la recolección de datos. CONCLUSIÓN: Concluye que las mujeres mayores de 50 años están en situación de vulnerabilidad programática en relación con los indicadores definidos en este estudio. Por lo tanto, conocer la realidad puede resultar en la atención de enfermería más adecuada para este grupo. .

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o processo de atenção prestada a mulheres, a partir dos 50 anos de idade, em Unidade de Saúde da Família, tomando-se como referência o conceito de vulnerabilidade programática. MÉTODO: Estudo inserido no campo da avaliação de programas de saúde; utilizou-se o referencial proposto por Donabediam, sendo analisados 90.5% dos 790 prontuários de mulheres matriculadas na Unidade. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que nenhuma mulher sem patologia diagnosticada realizou consultas e exames preconizados. Do total de hipertensas e diabéticas, 20.7% estavam inscritas no Programa Hiperdia e menos de 1.0% tinha realizado as consultas e exames necessários. Apenas 11.9% das mulheres tinham realizado exame ginecológico, exame clínico das mamas e mamografia, no ano que antecedeu a coleta de dados. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que as mulheres com mais de 50 anos estão em situação de vulnerabilidade programática, relacionada aos indicadores definidos neste estudo. Logo, conhecer a realidade poderá resultar no atendimento de enfermagem mais adequado para esse grupo. .

La prevención del cáncer de cuello de útero y de mama en servicios de salud y organizaciones no gubernamentales de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires / Prevention of cervical and breast cancer in health services and non-governmental organizations in the city of Buenos Aires

Este artículo analiza las acciones de prevención del cáncer de cuello de útero y de mama en servicios de salud públicos, privados y de la seguridad social y en organizaciones no gubernamentales de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Su propósito es reflexionar acerca de los alcances y las limitaciones de los enfoques preventivos implementados en los tres subsectores del sistema de salud y la comunidad para evitar que las mujeres se enfermen y se mueran por causa de esas enfermedades, en un contexto fragmentado del sistema de salud con fuertes heterogeneidades en el acceso y agudas desigualdades sociales en el ejercicio de la prevención. La investigación parte de una definición amplia de prevención, que integra la educación, la concientización y la detección temprana de lesiones precancerosas y de cáncer, entre otros componentes médicos y no médicos. Los resultados obtenidos a partir de entrevistas semiestructuradas a referentes de hospitales públicos, obras sociales, empresas de medicina privada y organizaciones sociales que trabajan en el tema del cáncer muestran que, en contraposición a un abordaje integral, cada institución recorta su accionar en torno a un eje de la prevención, y predominan respuestas aisladas y desarticuladas que no alcanzan a generar en las mujeres una demanda por cuidados y asistencia de manera autónoma e informada.

The article analyzes actions for the prevention of cervical and breast cancer in public, private, and employment-based health services and in non-governmental organizations in the city of Buenos Aires. The article seeks to reflect on the reach and limitations of the approaches implemented in the three subsectors of the health care system and the community to prevent women from suffering or eventually dying as a consequence of these diseases, in the fragmented context of a health system with great heterogeneity in access and deep social inequalities in the use of preventive actions. The study utilizes a broad definition of prevention which integrates education, awareness-building and early detection of pre-carcinogenic and carcinogenic lesions, among other medical and non-medical components. The results were obtained using semi-structured interviews with subjects from public hospitals, employment-based health care services, private medical companies and non-governmental organizations with work in cancer prevention. These results show that contrary to a comprehensive approach, each institution limits its actions to only one aspect of prevention, implementing predominately isolated or disconnected actions inadequate to generate an autonomous and well-informed demand for treatment and health care among women.

Costo-efectividad de prácticas en salud pública: revisión bibliográfica de las intervenciones de la Iniciativa Mesoamericana de Salud / Cost-effectiveness of public health practices: A literature review of public health interventions from the Mesoamerican Health Initiative

OBJETIVO: Presentar y analizar información de costo-efectividad de intervenciones propuestas por la Iniciativa Mesoamericana de Salud (IMS) en las áreas de nutrición infantil, inmunizaciones, paludismo, dengue y salud materno-infantil y reproductiva. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática de la literatura de evaluaciones económicas publicadas entre el año 2000 y agosto 2009 sobre intervenciones en las áreas de la salud mencionadas, en los idiomas inglés y español. RESULTADOS: Las intervenciones en nutrición y de salud materno-infantil mostraron ser altamente costo-efectivas (con rangos menores a US$200 por año de vida ajustado por discapacidad [AVAD] evitado para nutrición y US$100 para materno-infantil). En dengue sólo se encontró información sobre la aplicación de larvicidas, cuya razón de costo efectividad estimada fue de US$40.79 a US$345.06 por AVAD evitado. Respecto al paludismo, las intervenciones estudiadas resultaron costo-efectivas (

OBJECTIVE: Present and analyze cost-effectiveness information of public health interventions proposed by the Mesoamerican Health Initiative in child nutrition, vaccination, malaria, dengue, and maternal, neonatal, and reproductive health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted on cost-effectiveness studies published between January 2000 and August 2009 on interventions related to the health areas previously mentioned. Studies were included if they measured effectiveness in terms of Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) or death averted. RESULTS: Child nutrition and maternal and neonatal health interventions were found to be highly cost-effective (most of them below US$200 per DALY averted for nutritional interventions and US$100 for maternal and neonatal health). For dengue, information on cost-effectiveness was found just for application of larvicides, which resulted in a cost per DALY averted ranking from US$40.79 to US$345.06. Malarial interventions were found to be cost-effective (below US$150 per DALY averted or US$4,000 per death averted within Africa). In the case of pneumococcus and rotavirus vaccination, cost-effectiveness estimates were always above one GDP per capita per DALY averted. CONCLUSIONS: In Mesoamerica there are still important challenges in child nutrition, vaccination, malaria, dengue and maternal, neonatal, and reproductive health, challenges that could be addressed by scaling-up technically feasible and cost-effective interventions.

Diseño mixto de evaluación de la iniciativa Salud Mesoamérica 2015 / Mixed design for the evaluation of the Mesoamerica Health 2015 initiative

El propósito de la iniciativa Salud Mesoamérica 2015 (SM-2015) es mejorar el estado de salud y nutrición de la población con mayor grado de vulnerabilidad en Mesoamérica. El objetivo de la evaluación es generar evidencia sobre la efectividad conjunta de un paquete de intervenciones diseñadas para mejorar las condiciones de salud en la región. Se propone una evaluación de impacto con métodos mixtos, para conocer la magnitud de los cambios atribuibles a la SM-2015, e identificar los significados de estos cambios para la población objetivo, en el contexto de cada país. El eje conductor es un panel de localidades con el que se colectará información de individuos, hogares y unidades de salud de primero y segundo nivel de atención. El diseño que se describe en este documento fue desarrollado entre junio y diciembre de 2009, y su articulación se llevó a cabo en talleres realizados en Cuernavaca (México), Managua (Nicaragua), y San José (Costa Rica). El diseño propuesto permitirá generar evidencia sobre la efectividad conjunta del paquete de intervenciones propuesto en los planes maestros mesoamericanos. El éxito de este diseño radica en la voluntad y en el compromiso político de los países y los donantes.

Since the Salud Mesoamerica 2015 initiative (SM-2015) aim is to improve health and nutrition conditions of those most vulnerable in Mesoamerica, the goal of the evaluation is to generate evidence of the joint effectiveness of a package of interventions designed to improve the health conditions. We propose a mix design for the evaluation, which will allow to know the magnitude of changes attributable to the interventions, as well as the meanings of these changes for the target population, taking into account the specificities of each country. The main axis of this design is a locality panel where information about individuals, households, and health facilities (first and second level) will also be collected. The evaluation design described in this paper was developed between June and December, 2009, and it was integrated during workshops in Cuernavaca (Mexico), Managua (Nicaragua), and San Jose (Costa Rica). The proposed design will allow to generate evidence about the joint effectiveness of the package of interventions proposed for the SM-2015. The success of this design rests on the political commitment of countries and donors.

Challenges faced by cervical cancer prevention programs in developing countries: a situational analysis of program organization in Argentina / Retos de los programas de prevención de cáncer cervicouterino en países en desarrollo: análisis de situación de la organización del programa en Argentina

OBJECTIVE: To carry out a situational analysis of cervical cancer prevention activities in Argentina, specifically regarding (a) the organizational framework of cervical cancer prevention activities; (b) Pap-smear coverage; (c) cytology laboratory organization; and (d) follow-up/treatment of women with abnormal lesions. METHODS: A situational analysis of provincial cervical cancer programs using data from an ad-hoc questionnaire sent to the leaders of cervical cancer prevention programs in Argentina's 24 provinces. In addition, the provinces' program guidelines, statistical reports, laws, and program regulations were reviewed and certain key leaders were personally interviewed. RESULTS: Data were obtained for 19 of Argentina's 24 provinces. Four of the 19 provinces had no formal program framework. Conventional cytology was the most commonly used screening test. Screening was mainly opportunistic. The recommended interval between normal tests was 3 years in most provinces. The eligible age for screening ranged from 10-70 years of age; however, annual or biannual screening was the usual practice after becoming sexually active. None of the provincial programs had data available regarding Pap-smear coverage. Most of the cytology laboratories did not have a quality control policy. The number of smears read varied greatly by laboratory (650-24 000 per year). A log of events related to screening and treatment did not exist in most provinces. CONCLUSIONS: Screening in Argentina is mainly opportunistic, characterized by an estimated low coverage, coexisting with over-screening of women with access to health services, and an absence of quality control procedures. Policies for cervical cancer screening in the provinces vary and, most often, deviate from the national recommendation of one Pap smear every 3 years for women 35-64 years of age. Ensuring compliance with national program guidelines is an essential step toward significantly reducing the burden of cervical cancer.

OBJETIVO: Realizar un análisis de la situación actual de las actividades de prevención del cáncer cervicouterino en Argentina, específicamente con respecto a los siguientes aspectos: a) el marco organizativo de las actividades de prevención del cáncer cervicouterino; b) la cobertura de la prueba de Papanicolaou; c) la organización de los laboratorios de citología; y d) el seguimiento y el tratamiento de las mujeres que presentan lesiones anómalas. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un análisis de la situación actual de los programas provinciales de prevención del cáncer cervicouterino a partir de los datos de un cuestionario ad hoc enviado a los directivos de los programas en las 24 provincias de Argentina. Además, en cada provincia se examinaron las directrices del programa provincial, los informes estadísticos, las leyes y los reglamentos de los programas, y se entrevistaron algunos directivos clave. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron datos de 19 de las 24 provincias argentinas. Cuatro de las 19 provincias no tienen instaurado ningún marco programático formal. La citología convencional es la prueba de tamizaje que más se utiliza y, en general, el tamizaje es oportunista. El intervalo recomendado entre las pruebas de resultado normal es de 3 años en la mayoría de las provincias y la edad a la que se indica efectuar el tamizaje en las distintas provincias se ubica entre los 10 y los 70 años; sin embargo, el tamizaje anual o bianual es la práctica habitual una vez que la mujer comienza a mantener relaciones sexuales. Ninguno de los programas provinciales pudo aportar datos acerca de la cobertura de la prueba de Papanicolaou. La mayoría de los laboratorios de citología no disponen de una política de control de calidad. Es muy variable el número de pruebas de citología cervical que llega a cada laboratorio (entre 650 y 24 000 por año). La mayoría de las provincias carece de un registro de acontecimientos relacionados con la detección y el tratamiento del cáncer cervicouterino. CONCLUSIONES: En Argentina, el tamizaje suele ser oportunista, tiene baja cobertura, se realiza con una frecuencia excesiva en las mujeres que tienen acceso a los servicios de salud y carece de procedimientos de control de calidad. Cada provincia aplica políticas diferentes en relación con el tamizaje del cáncer cervicouterino y, lo más habitual, es que no se atenga a la recomendación nacional de efectuar una prueba de Papanicolaou cada 3 años a las mujeres de entre 35 y 64 años de edad. A fin de reducir significativamente la carga del cáncer cervicouterino, es esencial garantizar el cumplimiento de las directrices del programa nacional de prevención.

Mapeando programas de redução de danos da Região Metropolitana de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Mapping harm reduction programs in Greater Metropolitan Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

Neste estudo mapeamos e descrevemos 11 programas/ações em redução de danos vigentes nos anos de 2004 a 2006, na Região Metropolitana de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. A descrição e análise se construíram por meio de entrevistas com as coordenações dos programas, de análise documental e da comparação com um mapeamento realizado em 2003. Buscou-se discutir a sustentabilidade (política, financeira e administrativa) e as características de funcionamento dos programas. A análise utilizou as seguintes categorias: tipo de vínculo do programa/ação; formas de inserção nos municípios; histórico, financiamento; ações típicas; forma de contratação da equipe; existência de trabalho voluntário; recursos (humanos e financeiros); parcerias; existência de legislação municipal; e participação em espaços de representação política. Apesar da diversidade de vínculos e formas de organização dos locais analisados, algumas características são comuns, como: inserção profissional precária; dependência do trabalho voluntário para a execução das atividades; influência das mudanças de gestão municipal e estadual para a continuidade de projetos e de parcerias, assim como para a manutenção de recursos humanos e financeiros dos programas. Concluímos que estes elementos geram descontinuidade no atendimento à população.

This study mapped and described 11 harm reduction interventions/programs in Greater Metropolitan Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, in 2004-2006. Mapping was based on interviews and analysis of available documents and comparison with a previous study with data from 2003. We aimed to discuss the programs' sustainability (political, financial, and administrative) and operational characteristics, based on the following categories: type of links in the program or intervention; forms of inclusion in the municipalities; background, financing; typical activities; team hiring practices; volunteer work, if any; resources (human and financial); partnerships; municipal legislation, if any; and participation in forums for political representation. Despite the diversity of links and organizational formats, there were some common characteristics: precarious professional status; dependence on volunteer work to implement activities; influence of turnover in Municipal and State administration on the continuity of projects and partnerships, as well as on the maintenance of human and financial resources. We conclude that such factors lead to lack of continuity in the services provided to the target population.

Saúde e meio ambiente / Health and environment

A sustentabilidade ambiental está diretamente relacionada à falta de informação e cuidados com a higiene. Veja o que o Dr. Dráuzio Varella diz sobre a prevenção e o tratamento da dengue, muitos meses antes da epidemia carioca.

O processo de trabalho da vigilância em saúde: módulo 2 / Process of working on health monitoring: module 2

Analisa os momentos distintos do processo de trabalho que compõem as práticas de saúde. O texto destaca Vigilância em Saúde, no papel do AVISA - Agentes Locais de Vigilância da Saúde para o uso de técnicas e de tecnologias, a integração de atividades e a interação entre as pessoas que necessitam e as que prestam serviços de saúde.

A strategic supportive model for health prevention in the elderly: profile of a Puerto Rican geriatric population in a public health sector

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the ASSUME study with the presentation of a clinical, socio-demographic, preventive and psychological profile of a geriatric population of patients who receive their health care in the General Internal Medicine Ambulatory Sector of our institution. METHODS: The Assume study is a prospective, randomized trial which is directed at increasing the participation of patients in preventive health care strategies at a primary, secondary and tertiary level. In this paper we focus on the initial stage of the process which aims to define and synthesize predisposing risk factors in the geriatric patient which would be amenable to primary, secondary and tertiary preventive strategies. Through a process of patient interview profiles of a physical, social and psychological nature are have been constructed. With the availability of this profile a clearer definition of the potential benefit of preventive strategies could be established. In this paper we present the initial profile of patients of all patients randomized to the study as of Sept. 01, 1997. RESULTS: A total of 123 patients have been enrolled with 48(39) males and 75(61) females. The mean age of patients is 70 years with a median of 68 years. Cardiovascular disorders establish the leading disease events in our population of patients with Hypertension in 85, Ischemic heart disease in 50, Myocardial Infarction in 19 and 40 with a history of Congestive Heart failure. Diabetes and Heart Failure were seen in 40. An average of 4.4 prescribed drugs per patient was documented. A minority of patients took more than 7 drugs and none took more than 9 medications. Most patients (67 or 55) had not required hospitalizations in the preceding 12 months and none of the patients required more than 4 hospitalizations. The average LOS was 8.60 days. The Preventive Medicine profile reveals a large number of un-vaccinated adults. Regular cigarette smoking was seen in 12. We have used the body mass index as a measure of adequacy of weight. We highlight the number of patients who have a BMI equivalent to an obese, severely obese or morbidly obese category (41). The number of patients who follow a prescribed diet was found to be 54 patients for 44 of the study group. With regards to the interventions primarily designed for early cancer detecting, approximately half of the patients undergo the recommended annual screening interventions. The screening of visual accuracy was reported in 54, dental

Prevenindo e curando as doenças dos adultos / Preventing and curing the adult diseases

Descreve a implantaçäo dos Programas de Controle da Hipertensäo Arterial e do Diabetes na rede básica de serviços municipais de saúde de Bauru (AMSB)