Desafios do HIV/AIDS em país de baixa renda: sobrevida e retenção de pacientes em TARV nos cuidados de HIV na 'Era' de "Testar e Iniciar" o tratamento no Município de Maputo, Moçambique / HIV/AIDS challenges in low-income country: survival and retention of patients on ART in the 'Era' of "Test and Treat" treatment in Maputo Municipality, Mozambique

Introdução: Considerando as evidências segundo as quais o início precoce do TARV, independentemente da contagem do CD4 ou do estágio clínico da OMS, aumenta a sobrevida e a retenção de pacientes em TARV; diminui a morbidade e mortalidade; e reduz a incidência do HIV, a OMS propôs a ETI para países de baixa renda fortemente afetados por HIV/AIDS, no entanto, estudos que avaliam o seu efeito sobre indicadores clínicos e programáticos ainda são escassos em Moçambique. Objetivos: (i) Estimar taxas de mortalidade e de perda no seguimento clínico e psicossocial nas coortes de pacientes submetidos à ETI (DTI) e não submetidos à estratégia (ATI), respectivamente, e compará-las; (ii) Estimar as medianas do tempo e as probabilidades de sobrevida e de retenção nos cuidados de HIV nas duas coortes (ATI e DTI) e compará-las; (iii) Analisar a influência da ETI na sobrevida e na retenção de pacientes em TARV nos cuidados de HIV, após ajuste para potenciais confundidores. Método: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo de pacientes em TARV, com idades entre 15 e 49 anos, inscritos nos serviços públicos de saúde do município de Maputo, Moçambique. As variáveis estudadas foram sociodemográficas (sexo, idade, escolaridade, região de residência); clínicas (data do diagnóstico de HIV; óbito; estádio clínico da OMS; contagem de CD4; carga viral; data de início do TARV; perda no seguimento; regime de tratamento; co-infecção HIV/TB; indice de massa corporal); programáticas (serviço de diagnóstico/testagem de HIV; participação nos grupos de apoio para a adesão comunitária; exposição à ETI) e os desfechos de interesse foram óbito e perda no seguimento clínico e psicossocial. Utilizou-se o estimador produto limite de Kaplan-Meier, o modelo de riscos proporcionais de Cox e as estimativas das razões de "Hazard" (HR), com respectivos intervalos de confiança a 95%. Estimou-se a FAP para a exposição à ETI, como medida de impacto da estratégia na população. Resultados: A taxa média de mortalidade na coorte ATI foi de 28,1/1000 pessoas-ano, enquanto na coorte DTI foi de 24,5/1000 pessoas-ano. A taxa média de perdas no seguimento clínico e psicossocial na coorte ATI foi de 17,3/1000 pessoas-ano e na coorte DTI de 15,0/1000 pessoas-ano. A MTS na coorte ATI foi de 43,1 meses e na coorte DTI de 50,6 meses. A MTR na coorte ATI foi de 39,8 meses e na coorte DTI de 49,0 meses. Mostraram-se associadas ao tempo de sobrevida, independentemente das demais covariáveis: pertencer à faixa etária de 25-39 (HR=1,52; IC 95% 1,37 - 1,69) e 40-49 (HR=2,16; IC 95% 1,94 - 2,41); ser residente de região suburbana (HR=1,45; IC 95% 1,36 - 1,54); ser do sexo masculino (HR=1,41; IC 95% 1,33 - 1,49); estar em TARV com a II linha (HR=1,19; IC 95% 1,13 - 1,26); estar co-infectado HIV/TB (HR=1,16; IC 95% 1,10 - 1,23); pertencer ao estágio clínico IV da OMS (HR=1,93; IC 95% 1,70 - 2,17), ter IMC <18,5 Kg/m2 (HR=1,18; IC 95% 1,07 - 1,29); não estar exposto à ETI (HR=1,16; IC 95% 1,10 - 1,22). Mostraram-se associadas ao tempo de retenção nos cuidados, independentemente das outras covariáveis: estar em regime de TARV da II linha (HR = 1,48; IC 95% 1,40 - 1,56); pertencer ao estágio III (HR = 1,28; IC 95% 1,19 - 1,36) e IV (HR = 3,51; IC 95% 3,17 - 3,88) da OMS; não estar exposto à ETI (HR = 1,75; IC 95% 1,65 - 1,85); estar co-infectado HIV/TB (HR = 1,18; IC 95% 11,11 - 1,24); ser do sexo masculino (HR = 1,17; IC 95% 1,11 - 1,24); pertencer aos GAAC (HR = 1,21; IC 95% 1,12 - 1,30). A fração atribuível na população para o grupo exposto à ETI (DTI) foi de 6,4% em relação à sobrevida e 20,0% para a retenção nos cuidados de HIV. Conclusões: No contexto de um país de baixa renda fortemente afetado por HIV/AIDS e situado na região Austral de África, a ETI mostrou impacto relevante no aumento da sobrevida e a retenção de pacientes em TARV nos cuidados de HIV, bem como na redução da mortalidade e das perdas no seguimento clínico e psicossocial. O estudo também confirmou o papel de fatores associados aos dois desfechos, também identificados em outras regiões da África Subsaariana e do mundo. Estes resultados fortalecem a importância da ETI para países de baixa e média renda fortemente afetados pelo HIV, para acelerar a resposta local e global do HIV/AIDS por via de intervenções nacionais.

Background: Considering the evidence that early initiation of ART, regardless of CD4 count or WHO clinical stage, increases survival and retention of patients on ART, decreases morbidity and mortality, and reduces HIV incidence, WHO proposed the test-and-treat strategy for low-income countries with a high burden of HIV/AIDS, however, studies evaluating the effect of this strategy on survival and retention of patients on ART are still scarce in Mozambique. Objectives: (i) Estimate the mean rates of mortality and loss in clinical and psychosocial follow-up among the cohorts, respectively, of patients submitted to the strategy (DTI) and not submitted to the strategy (ATI) and compare them; (ii) Estimate the median time and probabilities of survival and retention in HIV care in the two cohorts (ATI and DTI) and compare them; (iii) Analyze the influence of the test-and-start strategy on survival and retention of patients on ART in HIV care, after adjusting for potential confounders. Method: Retrospective cohort study of patients on ART, aged between 15 and 49 years old, enrolled in public health services of Maputo municipality. Variables studied were: sociodemographic (gender, age, education, region of residence); clinical (date of HIV diagnosis; death; WHO clinical stage; CD4 count; viral load; ART initiation date; loss to follow-up; treatment regimen; HIV/TB co-infection; body mass index); programmatic (HIV diagnosis/testing service; participation in support groups for community adherence; exposure to the "test and treat" strategy) and the outcomes of interest were death and loss of clinical and psychosocial follow-up. Kaplan-Meier estimator, Cox proportional hazards model and Hazard ratio (HR) estimates were used, with 95% confidence intervals. Attributable fraction in the population for the exposure to the "test and treat" strategy was estimated as a measure of the strategy's impact on the population. Results: Mean mortality rate in ATI cohort was 28.1/1000 person-years, while in DTI cohort it was 24.5/1000 person-years. Mean rate of loss to clinical and psychosocial follow-up in ATI cohort was 17.3/1000 person-years and in DTI cohort was 15.0/1000 person-years. Median survival time (MTS) in ATI cohort was 43.1 months and in DTI cohort was 50.6 months. Median retention time (MTR) in ATI cohort was 39.8 months and in DTI cohort was 49.0 months. Regardless of the other covariates, the predictors of death were the following: belonging to the age group 25-39 (HR=1.52; CI 95% 1.37 - 1.69) and 40-49 (HR=2.16; CI 95% 1.94 - 2.41); be resident of a suburban region (HR=1.45; 95%CI 1.36 - 1.54); be male (HR=1.41; 95% CI 1.33 - 1.49); be on second-line ART regime (HR=1.19; 95% CI 1.13 - 1.26); be co-infected HIV/TB (HR=1.16; 95% CI 1.10 - 1.23); belonging to WHO clinical stage IV (HR=1.93; 95% CI 1.70 - 2.17), having a BMI <18.5 Kg/m2 (HR=1.18; 95% CI 1.07 - 1 ,29); not being exposed to the test-and-treat strategy (HR=1.16; 95% CI 1.10 - 1.22). Regardless of the other covariates, the predictors of the loss in clinical and psychosocial follow-up were: be on second-line ART regime (HR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.40 - 1.56); belonging to WHO stage III (HR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.19 - 1.36) and IV (HR = 3.51; 95% CI 3.17 - 3.88); not being exposed to the test-and-start strategy (HR = 1.75; 95% CI 1.65 - 1.85); be co-infected with HIV/TB (HR = 1.18; 95% CI 11.11 - 1.24); be male (HR = 1.17; 95% CI 1.11 - 1.24); belonging to the GAAC (HR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.12 - 1.30). Population attributable fraction for the group exposed to the test-and-treat (DTI) strategy was 6.4% for survival and 20.0% for retention in HIV care. Conclusions: In the context of a low-income country strongly affected by HIV/AIDS and located at southern Africa region, the test-and-treat strategy showed a relevant impact on increasing survival and retention time of patients on ART in HIV care, as well as on reducing of mortality and losses in clinical and psychosocial follow-up. The study confirmed, as well, the role of factors associated with the two studied outcomes, also identified in other regions of sub-Saharan Africa and worldwide. These results strengthen the importance of the test-and-treat strategy for low- and middle-income countries heavily affected by HIV, to accelerate local and global HIV/AIDS response through national interventions.

Psicologia, Conselho Federal de Psicologia e covid-19: enfrentamento às desigualdades psicossociais no Brasil / Psychology, FCP, and covid-19: facing the psychosocial inequalities in Brazil / Psicología, Consejo Federal de Psicología y covid-19: enfrentando las desigualdades psicosociales en Brasil

A pandemia da covid-19 impôs transformações no cotidiano mundial, em âmbito micro e macroestrutural. Seu impacto psicológico desestabiliza e evidencia desigualdades e vulnerabilidades psicossociais brasileiras. Configura-se como um estudo de perspectiva crítica, com base na Psicologia Sócio-histórica, com o objetivo de mapear os posicionamentos da Psicologia, vindos de diferentes campos, diante das ações de saúde mental. Para tanto, utiliza-se o site do Conselho Federal de Psicologia para a análise de 62 documentos, que resultaram em dois eixos de produção crítica: 1) a relação da Psicologia com o Conselho Federal de Psicologia; e 2) da Psicologia com a sociedade. Revela-se o abismo social entre segmentos da sociedade brasileira; formas de exclusão da população carcerária; violência doméstica contra as mulheres e as crianças; dificuldades de acesso a estratégias sociais, na educação e na saúde, e de superação dos impasses acirrados com a infecção global pelo novo coronavírus. Conclui-se que a diversidade de públicos, temáticas, áreas de atuação e referenciais teóricos materializa um compromisso crítico e científico da Psicologia.(AU)

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed transformations in the world daily life, at the micro and macrostructural levels. Its psychological impact destabilizes and highlights Brazilian inequalities and psychosocial vulnerabilities. This is a critical perspective study, based in socio-historical Psychology, aiming to map the positions of Psychology, from different fields, in the face of mental health actions. To this end, the Federal Council of Psychology website is utilized to analyze 62 documents, which resulted in two axes of critical production: 1) the relation between Psychology and the Federal Council of Psychology; and 2) Psychology with society. They reveal the social gap between segments of Brazilian society; ways of excluding prison po7pulation; domestic violence against women and children; and difficulties in accessing social strategies, in education and health, and in overcoming impasses aggravated by the global infection by the new coronavirus. In conclusion, the diversity of public, themes, areas of professional performance, and theoretical references materialize Psychology's critical and scientific commitment.(AU)

La pandemia del COVID-19 provocó transformaciones globales en lo cotidiano a nivel micro y macroestructural. Su impacto psicológico desestabiliza y destaca las desigualdades y vulnerabilidades psicosociales en Brasil. Esta es una investigación en la perspectiva crítica, basada en la psicología sociohistórica, con el objetivo de mapear las posiciones de la Psicología, procedentes de diferentes campos, frente a las acciones de salud mental. Para este fin, se utiliza el sitio web del Consejo Federal de Psicología para el análisis de 62 documentos, lo que resultó en dos ejes de producción crítica: 1) la relación de la Psicología con el Consejo Federal de Psicología; y 2) de la Psicología con la sociedad. Se revelan la brecha social entre los segmentos de la sociedad brasileña; las formas de exclusión de la población carcelaria; la violencia doméstica contra las mujeres y los niños; y las dificultades para acceder a las estrategias sociales, en la educación y la salud, para superar los impasses agravados por la infección global por el nuevo coronavirus. Se concluye que la diversidad de públicos, temáticas, áreas de actividad y referentes teóricos materializa un compromiso crítico y científico de la Psicología.(AU)

Ethiopian Health Extension Workers' Training Status and Perceived Competency

BACKGROUND: Training and work experience are critical inputs for delivering quality health services. However, no nationwide assessment has been conducted on the status of training and the competency of Health Extension Workers (HEWs). Therefore, this study aimed to assess HEWs' pre service training status and perceived competency in Ethiopia. METHODS: The study was conducted in all regions and all HEWs training institutions in Ethiopia. We used cross sectional study design with a mixed method approach that included 585 HEWs, 1,245 HEW trainees, 192 instructors, and 43 key informants. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse quantitative and quantitative data respectively. RESULT: Twenty-six percent of the HEWs said that they were competent to deliver all the HEP activities, and 73% of the HEWs said that they could confidently deliver 75% of the HEP activities. Receiving in-service training and having level III/IV qualifications are positively associated with the competency of HEWs. Similarly, HEP trainees perceived themselves as highly competent in executing their professional work, except in using computer and mobile health technology. Both instructors and trainees rated the quality of the curriculum and course materials positively. However, basic services and facilities in most training institutions were perceived to be inadequate. Additionally, individual learning, problem-solving, case-analysis, and assessment methods such as project work and portfolios were rarely practiced. CONCLUSIONS: Although the perceived competence of HEW trainees is high, the HEWs' training is not provided as per the curriculum because of limited resources. All the necessary resources should be made available to produce competent HEWs

Ascariasis errática biliar como causa exótica de ictericia obstructiva / Erratic Biliary Ascariasis as an Exotic Cause of Obstructive Jaundice

Introducción: Áscaris lumbricoides es el helminto más frecuente en el tracto gastrointestinal humano; la mayor prevalencia se registra en países en desarrollo, tropicales y subtropicales. En Cuba constituye una causa exótica de ictericia obstructiva con pocos casos reportados. Objetivo: Describir el manejo terapéutico exitoso de un caso de un hombre con ictericia obstructiva secundaria a ascariasis coledociana. Caso clínico: Paciente de 74 años operado en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico "Lucía Íñiguez Landín" de la provincia Holguín por ictericia obstructiva por ascariasis coledociana, con evolución clínico-quirúrgica satisfactoria. Conclusiones: En países en desarrollo debe tomarse en cuenta la ascariasis como causa de enfermedad obstructiva biliar o pancreática. El conocimiento del cuadro clínico y sus complicaciones, además, de las diferentes opciones en el tratamiento, debe ser del dominio de todo médico. La ictericia obstructiva por áscaris lumbricoides constituye en Cuba una causa exótica de esta infestación por parásitos(AU)

Introduction: Ascaris lumbricoides is the most frequent helminthiasis in the human gastrointestinal tract; the highest prevalence is recorded in developing, tropical and subtropical countries. In Cuba, it constitutes an exotic cause of obstructive jaundice with few reported cases. Objective: To describe the successful therapeutic management of a case of a man with obstructive jaundice secondary to choledochal ascariasis. Clinical case report: We report the case of a 74-year-old patient operated on at Lucía Íñiguez Landín Surgical Clinical Hospital, in Holguín province, for obstructive jaundice due to choledochal ascariasis, with satisfactory clinical-surgical evolution. Conclusions: In developing countries, ascariasis should be taken into account as a cause of biliary or pancreatic obstructive disease. Knowledge of the clinical condition and its complications, in addition to the different treatment options, should be the domain of every physician. Obstructive jaundice due to ascaris lumbricoides constitutes an exotic cause of this parasite infestation in Cuba(AU)

Mudanças da prevalência de dentes permanentes cariados no Brasil e em países de renda média-alta nos anos 1990 e 2017 / Changes in the prevalence of decayed permanent teeth in Brazil and upper-middle income countries in the years 1990 and 2017

Resumo A distribuição da cárie é desigual e fortemente associada aos diferentes perfis socioeconômicos dos países. Objetivou-se descrever as mudanças da prevalência de dentes permanentes cariados no Brasil e em países de renda média-alta nos anos 1990 e 2017. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo realizado a partir de dados secundários extraídos do Global Burden of Disease. Foram incluídos os 53 países pertencentes ao grupo de renda média-alta. As estimativas de prevalência de cárie foram coletadas nos anos de 1990 e 2017. A variação percentual da prevalência foi calculada entre os dois anos. Também foram coletados os valores do Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDH) para cada país. Os resultados evidenciam tendência de redução da prevalência de dentes permanentes cariados no Brasil e na maioria dos países de renda média-alta. A prevalência de cárie não tratada no Brasil foi de 38,17%, em 1990, e de 37,46% em 2017. O Brasil ocupa a 41ª posição no ranking de redução na prevalência de cárie entre os 53 países avaliados. Os países que alcançaram as maiores reduções na prevalência de cárie foram os que melhoraram o seu IDH. Nesse sentido, considera-se a necessidade de rever as políticas públicas de saúde bucal, bem como uma reflexão acerca do enfrentamento das iniquidades presentes nos países pesquisados.

Abstract The distribution of caries is uneven and strongly associated with the different socioeconomic profiles of countries. The scope of this study was to describe the changes in the prevalence of decayed permanent teeth in Brazil and in upper-middle income countries for the years 1990 and 2017. It is a descriptive study based on secondary data extracted from the Global Burden of Disease. The 53 countries included in the upper-middle income group were included. Caries prevalence estimates were collected for the years 1990 and 2017. The percentage change in prevalence was calculated between the two years. The values of the Human Development Index (HDI) for each country were also collected. The results show the trend of a reduction in the prevalence of decayed permanent teeth in Brazil and in most upper-middle income countries. The prevalence of untreated caries in Brazil was 38.17% in 1990 and 37.46% in 2017. Brazil occupies the 41st position in the ranking of the reduction in the prevalence of caries among the 53 countries evaluated. The countries that achieved the greatest reductions in the prevalence of caries were those with an improvement in their HDI. In this respect, the need to review public oral health policies is revealed, as well as a reflection on addressing the inequities present in the countries surveyed.

Anemia, estado nutricional y parasitosis intestinales en niños de hogares de Guayas / Anemia, nutritional status and intestinal parasites in children from homes in Guayas

Las parasitosis intestinales afectan principalmente a países subdesarrollados, donde se presentan condiciones socioeconómicas y geográficas propicias para desarrollarse, con mayor prevalencia en la población infantil. Dichas infecciones se han asociado a desnutrición y anemia, consideradas las alteraciones nutricionales más graves a nivel global. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en 87 niños de la provincia de Guayas, Ecuador, con edades entre 24 y 59 meses, para determinar anemia, evaluar el estado nutricional y parasitosis intestinal. Se determinaron parámetros antropométricos, valores de hemoglobina y hematocrito, y se identificó las especies parasitarias. Se obtuvo mayor proporción de infantes eutróficos para talla e IMC según el género y grupo etáreo; los niños presentaron mayor prevalencia de sobrepeso, obesidad, retardo en la talla y delgadez, respecto las niñas; además el grupo etáreo entre 4 -5 años presentó mayor retardo en crecimiento y delgadez. Asimismo, 24,14% de niños presentaron anemia y los individuos parasitados significativamente presentaron anemia, mayor retardo en la talla y delgadez, frente a los no parasitados; siendo los protozoarios Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli y Giardia intestinalis los más frecuentes, mientras que, Enterobius vermicularis y Ascaris lumbricoides fueron los helmintos predominantes. El presente estudio evidencia deficiencias nutricionales asociadas a anemia e infección por parásitos intestinales en niños menores de 5 años de la provincia de Guayas; cuya población requiere adecuados servicios de salud y saneamiento, acceso a los alimentos, apropiadas prácticas de higiene y educación sanitaria, que contribuyan a aminorar los efectos de estas patologías y sus complicaciones(AU)

Intestinal parasites mainly affect underdeveloped countries, where socioeconomic and geographical conditions are conducive to development, with a higher prevalence in the child population. These infections have been associated with malnutrition and anemia, considered the most serious nutritional disorders globally. A descriptive study was carried out in 87 children from the province of Guayas, Ecuador, aged between 24 and 59 months, to determine anemia, evaluate nutritional status and intestinal parasitosis. A higher proportion of eutrophic infants was obtained for height and BMI according to gender and age group; boys had a higher prevalence of overweight, obesity, delayed height and thinness, compared to girls; In addition, the age group between 4 -5 years presented greater retardation in growth and thinness. Likewise, 24.14% of children presented anemia and significantly parasitized individuals presented anemia, greater delay in height and thinness, compared to those without parasitization; being the protozoa Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba coli and Giardia intestinalis the most frequent, while Enterobius vermicularis and Ascaris lumbricoides were the predominant helminths. The present study shows nutritional deficiencies associated with anemia and infection by intestinal parasites in children under 5 years of age in the province of Guayas; whose population requires adequate health and sanitation services, access to food, appropriate hygiene practices and health education, which contribute to lessen the effects of these pathologies and their complications(AU)

Trends in non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Mortality in Brazil and its Macroregions / Tendências na Mortalidade por Câncer de Pele não Melanoma no Brasil e suas Macrorregiões / Tendencias de la Mortalidade por Cáncer de Piel no Melanoma em Brasil y sus Macrorregiones

Introduction: Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common among all malignancies. Objective: To describe trends in NMSC mortality rates in Brazil and its macroregions from 2001 to 2018. Method: Adjusted mortality rates stratified by sex were estimated and presented per 100,000 person-years. An autoregressive analysis was implemented to assess temporal trends, annual percent change (APC) and 95% Confidence Intervals (95% CI). Results: There were 27,550 NMSC deaths in Brazil with higher frequency in males (58.1%) and among individuals aged ≥70 years (64.3%). The overall rates were 2.25 (males) and 1.22 (females) per 100,000 person-years. The trends followed an upward direction in Brazil for males (APC: 2.91%; 95% CI: 1.96%; 3.86%) and females (APC: 3.51%; 95% CI: 2.68%; 4.34%). The same occurred in the North Region, in males (APC: 9.75%; 95% CI: 7.68%; 11.86%) and in females (APC: 10.38; 95% CI: 5.77%; 15.21%), as well as in Northeast Region, in males (APC: 9.98%; 95% CI: 5.59%; 14.57%) and in females (APC: 8.34%; 95% CI: 3.29%; 13.64%). Conclusion: NMSC deaths are not rare in Brazil. Upward mortality trends were observed for the whole country and in the North and Northeast regions, which are the closest to the Equator line and also the least developed socioeconomically. A synergism between different types of inequalities and environmental exposure in these macroregions may be promoting an increase in the number of NMSC deaths, a type of cancer which is considered completely preventable

Introdução: O câncer de pele não melanoma (CPNM) é o mais comum entre todas as malignidades. Objetivo: Descrever as tendências da mortalidade por CPNM no Brasil e nas suas Macrorregiões, de 2001 a 2018. Método: As taxas de mortalidade ajustadas por idade e estratificadas por sexo foram apresentadas por 100 mil pessoas-ano. Uma análise autorregressiva foi implementada para avaliar tendências, Mudança Percentual Anual (MPA) e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC 95%). Resultados: Houve 27.550 óbitos por CPNM no Brasil com maior frequência em homens (58,1%) e entre pessoas de 70 anos e mais (64,3%). As taxas globais foram de 2,25 (homens) e 1,22 (mulheres) por 100 mil pessoas-ano. As tendências seguiram em elevação no Brasil, em homens (MPA: 2,91%; IC95%: 1,96%; 3,86%) e em mulheres (MPA: 3,51%; IC95%: 2,68%; 4,34%). O mesmo ocorreu na Região Norte, em homens (MPA: 9,75%; IC95%: 7,68%; 11,86%) e em mulheres (MPA: 10,38%; IC95%: 5,77%; 15,21%), bem como na Região Nordeste, em homens (MPA: 9,98%; IC95%: 5,59%; 14,57%) e em mulheres (MPA: 8,34%; IC95%: 3,29%; 13,64%). Conclusão: Os óbitos por CPNM não são raridade no Brasil. O país e as Regiões Norte e Nordeste experimentaram taxas com tendência em elevação. Norte e Nordeste são as Regiões mais próximas da Linha do Equador e as menos desenvolvidas socioeconomicamente. Nessas Macrorregiões, um sinergismo entre diferentes tipos de desigualdades e exposições ambientais pode estar promovendo um aumento dos óbitos por esse tipo de câncer considerado totalmente evitável

Introducción: El carcinoma de piel no melanoma (CPNM) es el más común dentre todas las neoplasias malignas. Objetivo: Describir las tendencias de la mortalidad por CPNM en Brasil y sus macrorregiones, de 2001 a 2018. Método: Las tasas de mortalidad ajustadas por edad y estratificadas según sexo fueron presentadas por 100.000 personas-año. Se implementó una análisis autoregresiva para evaluar las tendencias, el porcentaje estimado de cambio anual (PECA) y sus intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC 95%). Resultados: Hubo 27.550 muertes por CPNM en Brasil con mayor frecuencia en hombres (58,1%) y entre personas de edad ≥70 años (64,3%). Las tasas generales fueron 2,25 (hombres) y 1,22 (mujeres) por 100.000 personas-año. Las tendencias continuaron aumentando en Brasil, en hombres (PECA: 2,91%; IC 95%: 1,96%; 3,86%) y en mujeres (PECA: 3,51%; IC 95%: 2,68%; 4,34%). Lo mismo ocurrió en el Norte, en hombres (PECA: 9,75%; IC 95%: 7,68%; 11,86%) y en mujeres (PECA: 10,38%; IC 95%: 5,77%; 15,21%), así como en el Nordeste, en hombres (PECA: 9,98%; IC 95%: 5,59%; 14,57%) y en mujeres (PECA: 8,34%; IC 95%: 3, 29%; 13,64%). Conclusión: Las muertes por CPNM no son una rareza en Brasil. El país y las regiones Norte y Nordeste experimentaron tasas con tendencia ascendente. Las regiones Norte y Nordeste son las más cercanas al Ecuador y también las menos desarrolladas socioeconómicamente. En estas regiones, una sinergia dentre diferentes tipos de desigualdades y exposiciones ambientales puede estar promoviendo un aumento de las muertes por este tipo de cáncer considerado totalmente prevenible. Palabras clave: neoplasias cutáneas/mortalidad

An audit of CT brain findings in adults with new-onset seizures in a resource restricted setting in South Africa

Background: Globally, adults presenting with seizures account for 1% ­ 2% of visits to emergency departments (EDs), of which 25% are new-onset seizures. Neuroimaging is essential as part of the initial workup. Multiple studies have demonstrated abnormal CT brain (CTB) findings in these patients. Objectives: To review the CTB findings in adults presenting with new-onset seizures in a resource restricted setting. Method: A retrospective review of 531 CTBs was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Gauteng on adults presenting to the ED with new-onset seizures. Results: The mean age of the patients was 45.6 ± 17.1 years, and the male to female ratio was 1.2:1. Generalised and focal seizure types were almost equally represented. Of the total 531 patients, 168 (31.6%) were HIV positive. The CTB findings were abnormal in 257 (48.4%) patients, albeit vascular pathology accounted for 21.9%. Infective pathology accounted for 14.1% with a statistically significant association with HIV (p = 0.003). Trauma related pathology was 2.4%, whilst neoplastic pathology was seen in 3.0%. Other causes included congenital pathology, calcifications, atrophy and gliosis. Clinical factors associated with abnormal CTB findings were age ≥ 40 years, HIV infection, hypertension, focal seizures, low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), raised cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein and presence of lymphocytes. Conclusion: A high yield of abnormal CTB findings was noted in adult patients who presented with new-onset seizures, supporting the use of urgent CTB in patients with certain clinical risk factors. Patients without these risk factors can be scanned within 24­48 h in a resource restricted setting.

Public health challenges of restorative dental practice in low resource settings during the Covid-19 pandemic

Background: COVID-19 remains a major public health threat globally, and has challenged healthcare systems and services including oral health Objective: This study examines the key public health challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in low resource settings. While healthcare services are learning to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, dental care services, in particular restorative dental practice have been adversely impacted because of the closeness of caregivers to the patient's mouth as well as the generation of aerosols during most restorative procedures. This presents a challenge for low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) such as Nigeria where weak and poor governance structures characterize healthcare systems in addition to paucity of economic resources. Another challenge in the form of COVID-19 conspiracy theories has threatened to undermine public health efforts designed to control the pandemic. Conclusion: The implementation of optimal guidelines and safety protocols for effective COVID -19 infection prevention and control is a major challenge for restorative dental care practice in low resource settings owing to paucity of key material resources and inappropriate behaviour associated with lingering doubts about COVID-19 reality among the majority of the populace. The Safer Aerosol-Free Emergent Dentistry concept offers a viable practical approach for restorative dental practice in LMICs during and in the post COVID-19 pandemic era. There is a need to deploy all resources, human and material, in the education and enlightenment of the populace regarding the reality of COVID-19.

Morbidity and mortality of tetanus at Kenyatta National Hospital: a ten-year case audit

Introduction: Tetanus is a major health problem in developing countries, and is associated with high a morbidity and mortality. There are no recent local data in Kenya on the impact of the disease in terms of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to describe the type, severity, risk factors, immunization history and outcome of tetanus patients at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Method: This was a retrospective descriptive study of patients with a clinical diagnosis of tetanus admitted to KNH over ten years, who were aged 13 years and above. All available files with tetanus diagnosis were selected, and the patients' data were retrieved and analysed using SPSS Software version 21.0. Results: Out of 53 patients with tetanus, 50 (94.3%) were males and 3 (5.7%) were females. The mean age at presentation was 33.2 years (SD= 15.6). Only 4 (7.5%) patients had prior tetanus immunization. The commonest risk factor was acute injury - seen in 37 (69.8%) patients. The common site of injury was the lower limb - seen in 26 (49.1%) patients. The incubation period ranged from 3 to 90 days (IQR 7-17). Generalized tetanus was the commonest form found in 50 (94.3%) patients. Only 16 (30.2%) patients were managed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The overall mortality was 49.1%. Conclusion: Tetanus mortality is still high as reported in many other studies. Most patients were males without prior immunization history. Only few patients were managed in Intensive Care Unit. We recommend advocacy on tetanus immunization and booster dosing

The impact of public health interventions in a developing nation: an overview

Introduction: Around 80% of factors that determine population health sit outside the control of health services. It is essential we influence these factors in addition to those within the remit of health services in order to improve and protect the health of population in a developing country. Public health functions encompass working across the domains that constitute population health systems with various partners. The objective of this article is to give an overview of public health interventions that can improve the health of the population of a developing nation. Method: A descriptive study, based on a review of the literature of key public health frameworks and interventions that are likely to have significant impacts on population health. Some selected public health interventions and case studies are highlighted to illustrate the importance of priority areas in developing countries. Results: Various public health frameworks recognise the importance of wider determinants of health (socio-economic factors), effective healthcare, healthy behaviours, working with communities as critical to securing population health. Another framework adopts a life-course model of intervention starting from public health interventions during preconception period and childhood, adolescence, working life and older age. For many developing countries, the author identified some examples of priority areas for interventions such as stopping and preventing wars; improving child health, including free school meals; achieving universal healthcare through integrated primary health care; addressing commercial determinants of health; embracing new technologies; and measuring and monitoring population health. Conclusion: In order to improve the health of a population in a developing country, attention needs to go beyond health services to influence the wider determinants of health, health behaviours and adopting the World Health Organisation's roadmap on essential public health functions.

A pandemic triad: HIV, COVID-19 and debt in low- and middle-income countries

This article assesses the impact of the HIV and COVID-19 pandemics and debt dynamics on health, HIV and pandemic preparedness and response-related financing in developing countries. Using a novel dataset, we did a cross-national systematic analysis of all data sources available for government expenditures on health, HIV, COVID-19 and debt servicing in selected developing countries. We found an inadequate multilateral response with the ensuing gaps allowing both pandemics to thrive. The G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative and the Common Framework only covered countries with a third of the global population of people living with HIV. Rising and unsustainable debt levels are limiting the capacity of governments to protect the health of their populations. Government spending is already falling in response to high debt payments. Specifically, debt servicing is crowding out lifesaving investments. In 2020, for every USD 5 available, USD 4 was spent on debt servicing. Only USD 1 was invested in health. This is a binding constraint on countries' efforts to control COVID-19. Even with a gargantuan effort to increase health expenditure, the outlook for health financing remains negative. Fiscal consolidation, with a heavy emphasis on expenditure cuts, is expected to take place across 139 countries in the coming years. These findings suggest that fiscal policymakers should be concerned about the crowding-out and constraining effects of public debt. To this end, pragmatic recommendations are made to treat and cancel debt as a critical policy lever to accelerate the end of the HIV and COVID-19 pandemics in developing countries as a key condition to addressing the growing inequalities and to ensure debt can be a benefit, not a burden.

Effect of COVID-19 on older adults 50 years and above living with HIV in a less-developed country

Introduction: Globally, control measures have been communicated to reverse the COVID-19 pandemic. In Uganda, as soon as the first case of COVID-19 was identified, strict lockdown measures were enforced, including a ban on all public and private transport, night curfew, closure of schools, and suspension of religious and social gatherings and closure of non-essential shops and markets. These measures affected access to health services, which could have been worse for older people living with HIV (PLHIV). In this study, we explored how COVID-19 affected the health and social life of older PLHIV. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study in HIV clinics of two hospitals in Uganda. We completed 40 in-depth interviews with adults above 50 years who had lived with HIV for more than 10 years. The interviews explored the effect of COVID-19 on their health and social life during the lockdown. We analysed data thematically. Results: The overarching themes regarding the effects of COVID-19 on older adults living with HIV were fear and anxiety during the lockdown, lack of access to health care leading to missing HIV clinic appointments and not taking their ART medicines, financial burden, loss of loved ones, and effect on children's education. Some patients overcame health-related challenges by sending motorcycles to their health facilities with their identifying documents to get the medicines refilled. Some health care providers took the ART medicines to their patients' homes. Conclusion: The COVID-19 lockdown negatively affected the health and social well-being of older PLHIV. This calls for strategies to improve HIV care and treatment access during the lockdown to sustain the HIV program gains in this vulnerable population.

Trombólisis intravenosa para ataque cerebrovascular isquémico en un hospital de referencia en Nariño - Colombia / Thrombolysis for ischemic stroke in a reference hospital in Nariño - Colombia

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: El ataque cerebrovascular (ACV) es la segunda causa de muerte y tercera causa de discapacidad en el mundo. La trombólisis intravenosa, como tratamiento agudo del ACV isquémico ha demostrado reducir discapacidad y mortalidad; sin embargo, está directamente ligado al tiempo de administración y un adecuado programa hospitalario. Mediante este trabajo se evalúan los tiempos de atención en trombólisis intravenosa en el Hospital Universitario Departamental de Nariño E.S.E, como institución de referencia departamental en Colombia. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo transversal retrospectivo, incluyó pacientes con ACV isquémico que recibieron trombólisis intravenosa entre 2014 y 2019. El análisis se realizó mediante estadísticos descriptivos, y frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Para evaluar las diferencias se dividió en tres periodos de atención. RESULTADOS: Se evaluaron 50 pacientes, con edad promedio 67,6 años, 58% hombres. En 70% se observó una disminución mayor a 3 puntos NIHSS post-trombólisis. El 58 % tuvo escala modificada Rankin (mRS) 0 a 1. Hubo una diferencia significativa entre las medianas del tiempo Puerta-TAC con 36,5 (n=10, 2014-2015 ), 34,5 (n=16, 2016-2017) y 16 minutos (n=24, 2018-2019). Y en el tiempo Puerta-Aguja fue de 154,8; 98,2 y 79,9 minutos en los mismos periodos. En 45,8% el tiempo Puerta-Aguja fue menor a 60 minutos en el tercer periodo. CONCLUSIONES: Se evidencia aumento del número de pacientes que reciben trombólisis intravenosa a través de los años evaluados, así como disminución en tiempo Puerta-TAC y Puerta-Aguja, como marcadores de mejoría en la atención clínica.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Stroke is the second leading cause of death and third of disability in the world. Intravenous Thrombolysis as a treatment for acute ischemic stroke has been shown to reduce disability and mortality; however, it is directly linked to administration time and adequate stroke care attention. Through this work, the times of attention in thrombolysis are evaluated at the Hospital Universitario Departamental de Narino E.S.E, as a local reference institution in Colombia. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study included patients with ischemic stroke who received intravenous thrombolysis between 2014 and 2019. The analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and absolute and relative frequencies. To assess the differences, it was divided into three attention periods. RESULTS: 50 patients were evaluated, with an average age of 67.6 years, 58% men. In 70% a decrease greater than 3 NIHSS points was observed post-thrombolysis. The 58% had mRS 0-1. There was a difference between the medians in the Door-CT time with 36.5 (n = 10, 2014-2015), 34.5 (n = 16, 2016-2017) and 16 minutes (n = 24, 2018-2019). And in the Door-Needle time was 154.8; 98.2 and 79.9 minutes in the same periods. In 45.8%, the Door-Needle time was less than 60 minutes in the third period. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence of an increase in the number of patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis throughout the years evaluated, as well as a decrease in Door-CT and Door-Needle times, as markers of improvement in clinical care.