Epidemiology of Dengue in patients with febrile syndrome at Saint Camille Hospital, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso from 2020 to 2

: Dengue is still a public health problem in tropical countries. This disease, which had almost disappeared in some areas of the world, has become re-emergent in certain parts of the world including Africa.The aim of this study is to determine the seroprevalence and evolution of Dengue virus (DENV) infection from 2020 to 2021 at the Hospital Saint Camille de Ouagadougou (HOSCO), Burkina Faso. Methodology: This was a descriptive analytical study of patients seen in general practice with febrile syndrome referred for serological diagnosis of Dengue at the HOSCO laboratory over a period of 2 years (January 1, 2020 ­ December 31, 2021). The "Dengue Duo (AgNS1/IgM/IgG)" kit from SD Bioline was used for the rapid diagnosis through the detection of NS1 antigen and IgM/IgG antibodies in plasma. Data were analysed with SPSS version 20.0 software. Association between demographic data and prevalence of DENV infection was determined by Chisquare test and odds ratio (with 95% confidence interval). P value less than 0.05 was considered statistical significance. Results: A total of 2957 patients aged 0-94 years were referred for serological diagnosis of DENV infection at the HOSCO laboratory over the period 2020-2021, comprising 56.3% females and 43.7% males. The overall prevalence of acute DENV infection (NS1Ag positive) was 5.4% (159/2957), with 2.4% (41/1700) in 2020 and 9.4% (118/1257) in 2021 (OR=4.192, 95% CI=2.915-6.028, p<0.0001). The prevalence of acute DENV infection of 7.0% (91/1292) in the males was significantly higher than 4.1% (68/1665) in the females (OR=1.779, 95% CI=1.288-2.458, p=0.0005), and also significantly higher in age groups 20-29 years (7.6%), 10-19 years (6.9%) and 40-49 years (5.8%) than other age groups (X 2=14.928, p=0.0107). The overall prevalence of DENV IgM and IgG antibodies was 3.2% and 37.3% respectively. The prevalence of DENV IgG antibodies was significantly higher in males (44.0%) than females (32.1%) (OR=1.667, 95%CI=1.434-1.938, p<0.0001) and in age groups 30-39 (43.4%), 40-49 (44.0%) and >50 years (49.3%) than other age groups (X2=121.0, p<0.0001), indicating that past exposure to DENV infection is higher among males and older age groups. The peak of DENV infection was between October and November with 84.3% (134/159) of NS1Ag positivity occurring during this period. Conclusion: The present study reports a high prevalence of acute Dengue virus infection in patients from October to November. To eradicate Dengue which has become a tropical silent epidemic, interventions such as vector control, availability of and accessibility to diagnostic tests, and good therapeutic management are of great importance

Outcomes of tuberculosis treatment in a tertiary health facility in north-central Nigeria

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern despite being a curable and preventable disease. The treatment of TB using a cocktail of drugs over a period of six months under the directly observed treatment short-course strategy has led to a reduction in cases but is plagued by some challenges that leads to unsuccessful or poor outcomes, which can ultimately result in spread of infections, development of drug resistance and increase in morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study are to determine outcomes of TB treatment in Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria and the factors that may be associated with the outcomes. Methodology: This was a retrospective study using the medical records of patients who were registered for TB treatment over a five-year period between 2016 to 2020. Data from TB registers including demographic and relevant clinical information, and treatment outcomes, were extracted into a structured data extraction format, and analysed with SPSS version 21.0 software package. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted, and Chi square test was used to determine association between TB outcomes and independent variables at 95% confidence interval and p<0.05 was considered as the significant value. Results: Records of 1,313 patients were studied, 744 (56.7%) were males while 569 (43.3%) were females. The age range of the patients was ≤ 1 year - 96 years, with a mean age of 30±16.7 years. Most were pulmonary TB cases (88.8%, n=1,166), newly diagnosed (95.5%, n=1254), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative at the time of TB diagnosis (63.7%, n=837). Eight hundred and seven (61.5%) patients had successful treatment, and 34% (n=446) had unsuccessful outcomes made of 'loss to follow-up' 25.8% (n=339), deaths 7.8% (n=102) and treatment failure 0.4% (n=5), while 2.3% (n=30) were transferred out and 2.3% (n=30) removed from TB register. Treatment success rate was significantly higher in patients with pulmonary TB (p=0.0024), residents in Lafia LGA (p=0.0005), those treated in 2016 (p=0.0006) and bacteriologically confirmed cases (p<0.0001), while death rate was significantly lower among patients who were HIV-negative at the time of TB diagnosis (p<0.0001). Conclusion: TB treatment success rate in this study fell short of the WHO average rate. High rates of 'loss to followup' and deaths in this study is a wake-up call to all stakeholders in the facility and the State to put in place measures to reduce poor outcomes of TB treatment.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood donations and transfusions in Nigeria ­ A multi-facility study of 34 tertiary hospitals

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected blood supplies globally. Mobile blood drive campaigns halted, and voluntary blood donations reduced, challenging available blood supplies. Furthermore, fears of virus transmission led to deferrals of elective surgeries and non-urgent clinical procedures with noticeable declines in blood donations and transfusions. Aims: We aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of blood donations and transfusions across the country by blood product type across various hospital departments. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on blood services in 34 tertiary hospitals in Nigeria, comparing January to July 2019 (pre-COVID-19) to January to July 2020 (peri-COVID-19). Data were collected from the country's web-based software District Health Information System, Version 2 (DHIS2). Results: A 17.1% decline in numbers of blood donations was observed over the study period, especially in April 2020 (44.3%), a 21.7% decline in numbers of blood transfusions, especially in April 2020 (44.3%). The largest declines in transfusion were noted in surgery department for fresh frozen plasma (80.1%) [p = 0.012] and accident and emergency department transfusion of platelets (78.3%) [p = 0.005]. The least decline of statistical significance was observed in internal medicine transfusions of whole blood (19.6%) [p = 0.011]. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the numbers of blood donations and transfusions in Nigeria. Strengthening blood services to provide various blood components and secure safe blood supplies during public health emergencies is therefore critical.

Daño pulmonar asociado al uso de cigarrillos electrónicos-vapeadores / Pulmonary damage associated with the use of electronic cigarettes or vapers

Ha habido mucha discusión sobre los efectos dañinos para la salud producidos por los cigarrillos electrónicos o vapeadores y su utilidad como ayuda para dejar de fumar. Cada vez aparecen más publicaciones con efectos deletéreos sobre la salud. Esta discusión se ha acentuado en los últimos años, por el importante aumento del uso de los vapeadores en todo el mundo, especialmente entre los adolescentes y adultos jóvenes. En septiembre de 2019 el Centro de Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) de los EE. UU. alertó sobre un importante número de casos de enfermedad pulmonar asociada al uso de cigarrillo electrónico (EVALI: e-cigarette or vaping associated lung injury). Epidemiológicamente se consideró un brote que al 17 de enero, 2020 ha presentado 2.668 pacientes hospitalizados, con 57 fallecidos. Durante la semana del 15 de septiembre 2019 ocurrió el 'peak' de hospitalizaciones por EVALI. La mayoría eran varones jóvenes. El 82% usó productos con Tetrahidrocanabinoides (THC) y el 14% productos con nicotina. En el lavado bronquio-alveolar de 51 casos de EVALI se encontró la presencia de acetato de Vitamina E, producto utilizado como espesante para la elaboración de productos de 'vapeo' que contienen THC, lo que lo hace un posible factor causal, pero no se puede descartar el papel de otros compuestos tóxicos. Las principales sociedades científicas del mundo y la OMS han advertido de los riesgos a largo plazo del uso de los cigarrillos electrónicos y recomiendan su control y regulación.

There has been a lot of discussion about the harmful health effects caused by electronic cigarettes or vapers and their usefulness as a smoking cessation aid. More and more publications appear with deleterious effects on health. This discussion has been straightened in recent years, due to the significant increase in the use of vapers worldwide, especially among adolescents and young adults. In September 2019, the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention warned of a significant number of cases of lung disease associated with the use of electronic cigarettes (EVALI: e-cigarette or vaping associated lung injury). Epidemiologically it was considered an outbreak that as of January 17, 2020 presented 2668 hospitalized patients, with 57 deaths. During the week of September 15, 2019 the peak of hospitalizations for EVALI occurred. The majority were young men. 82% of them used products with Tetrahydrocanabinoids (THC) and 14% products with nicotine. In the bronchoalveolar lavage of 51 cases of EVALI, the presence of Vitamin E acetate was found, a product used as a thickener for the elaboration of vaping products containing THC, which makes it a possible causal factor, but it cannot be ruled out the contribution of other toxic compounds. The world's leading scientific societies and World Health Organization have warned of the long-term risks of using electronic cigarettes and recommend their control and regulation.

Productos de tabaco calentado con especial referencia a IQOS / Heated tobacco products with special reference to IQOS

Los Productos de Tabaco Calentado (PTC) son nuevos dispositivos de consumo de tabaco que se presentan como un producto de reducción del daño. El más difundido es IQOS de Philip Morris. En el aerosol de IQOS se detectan sustancias tóxicas en menor cantidad y concentración que las detectadas en el humo del cigarrillo convencional, a excepción de algunas. Estas sustancias son capaces de producir enfermedad, con alteración de las células del epitelio bronquial y del endotelio vascular y podría producir nuevos daños, como hepato-toxicidad. La cantidad de nicotina de IQOS es muy similar a los cigarrillos convencionales, por lo que es tan adictivo como el cigarrillo normal. La concentración de sustancias tóxicas emitidas al medio ambiente es menor que las del cigarrillo convencional, pero hay riesgo para la salud de los no fumadores expuestos. La mayoría de las personas usan los PTC como complemento a los cigarrillos convencionales, no como alternativa, transformándose en fumadores duales. IQOS puede crear nuevas generaciones adictas a la nicotina, además de renormalizar el consumo de tabaco en la sociedad. Muchas Sociedades Médicas de Enfermedades Respiratorias en el mundo se han manifestado en contra del uso de los PTC, y han propuesto que deben regirse bajo las mismas políticas regulatorias que se aplican a todos los productos de tabaco, en línea con lo establecido por el Convenio Marco de Control del Tabaco de la OMS.

Heated Tobacco Products (HTP) are new tobacco consumption devices that are presented as a harm reduction product. The most widespread is IQOS by Philip Morris. In the IQOS aerosol, toxic substances are detected in a smaller amount and concentration than those detected in conventional cigarettes, with the exception of some of them. These substances are able of inducing disease. They could modify bronchial epithelial cells and vascular endothelium and could cause additional damages, such as hepatotoxicity The amount of nicotine in IQOS is very similar to conventional cigarettes, so it is as addictive as a normal cigarette. The concentration of toxic substances emitted to the environment is lower than those of conventional cigarettes, but there is a health's risk of exposed non-smokers. Most people use HTP as a complement to conventional cigarettes, not as an alternative, becoming dual smokers. IQOS can create new generations addicted to nicotine, in addition to renormalize the tobacco's use in society. Many Medical Societies of Respiratory Diseases around the world have manifested against the use of HTP, and have proposed that they should be subject to the same regulatory policies that applied to all tobacco products, in line with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

HIV Infection among children aged two years to less than eighteen years admitted to the Emergency Pediatric Unit in a tertiary health facility in Lafia North-Central Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that impairs the immune system by attacking the body's natural defense from infections and diseases. Pediatric HIV continue to be a major public health problem despite the global decline in its seroprevalence rates. The decline in the incidence of new HIV infections is particularly lower in children with a 52% reduction in the last ten years. This is attributed to a wider coverage in the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programs. Several programs designed at curtailing mother to child transmission of HIV are yielding positive result. This is not unexpected since most of the HIV infections among children were acquired via maternal to child transmission. With this, the study sets out to determine the prevalence of new HIV infection among patients admitted to the Emergency Pediatrics Unit (EPU) using the provider-initiated testing and counseling approach. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the mini laboratory attached to the EPU of the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital Lafia Nasarawa State between 1st August 2017 to 31st July 2018. Using non-probability sampling, categorical variables were analyzed as frequencies and percentages. The association between categorical variables were analyzed using chi square.RESULTS: A total of 964 children ranging in age from two to less than eighteen years were screened. The total number of males was 550 (57.1%) while females was 414 (42.9%) with a male to female ratio of 1.3:1. Five (0.5%) children were newly diagnosed with HIV of the 964 children tested for the infection. CONCLUSION: The incidence of HIV infection among children admitted into our Emergency Pediatric Unit was 0.5%, comparable to some earlier reports

Preferred approach to performance improvement among stakeholders in the health insurance industry in Southwest Region of Nigeria: Implications for Universal Health Coverage

Background: Population coverage of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) of Nigeria is low. This study aimed to assess the capacity gaps of personnel in the health insurance industry in southwest Nigeria as well determined the approach to improvement. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted in the health insurance industry in southwest Nigeria. Survey tool adapted was the World Health Organization adopted Hennessy-Hicks Training Needs Analysis Questionnaire with a set of 30 tasks which are important to the job performance of personnel in the health insurance industry. From the register made available by stakeholders, there were a total of 275 personnel in the industry in the zone. A total population of all available personnel in all the organizations were recruited into the study. Data analysis was done using the guideline provided in the Hennessy-Hicks Training Needs Analysis Questionnaire. Results: Only 32 (13.7%) reported having a training background in health-related degrees, 119 (50.9%) had work-related (actuarial science) training while 148 (63.3%) has had a form of on-the-job actuarial science and related training. The training course approach was generally preferred to organisational change in all items. Conclusion: This study showed that there were gaps in the capacity of personnel in the health insurance industry. Training course was the preferred approach to addressing these. While not neglecting organizational change, stakeholders in Nigeria and in similar settings are advised to pay more attention to personnel training to improve performance

Intelligence quotient of neurologically impaired children attending neurology clinic in a nigerian tertiary institution

Background: The need to identify the intellectual capability of neurologically impaired children dictates their educability which can be estimated through their intelligence quotient (IQ). Draw-a-man test for IQ estimation is available, easy and has been validated in Nigeria. Method: Through a prospective, cross-sectional study that lasted 12 months (January-December, 2011), children aged 4 years and above attending neurology clinic were recruited once they have no severe motor or sensory limitations affecting their upper limbs and can obey the instruction to draw a person. Anthropometry was carried out on them and they were comfortably seated to draw a person. The parents or caregivers were instructed not to make any suggestion or hint to them and no time limit was given. Their drawings were assessed using the 52 parameters of Ziler and interpreted accordingly. Ethical procedures were adhered to. The analysis was done using SPSS version 16 and an interactive calculation tool for chi-square tests of goodness of fit and independence. Results: Seventy-five (45 male, 30 female) children met the inclusion criteria. Their clinical conditions were Epilepsy 48 (64%), Cerebral Palsy 6 (8%), ADHD 5 (6.7%), Down Syndrome 4 (5.3%), Speech/Hearing impairment 3 (4.0%), Hypothyroidism 2 (2.7%) and 7 (9.3%) others. Their ages ranged from 4 years to 16 years (mean±SD = 9.7± 3.8 years). Their IQ distribution were Normal 4 (5.3%), Borderline 12 (16.0%), Mild Mental Retardation 16 (21.3%), Moderate Mental Retardation 19 (25.3%), Severe and Profound Mental Retardation 24 (32.0%) with no significant difference in relation to their birth order. Conclusions: Ninety-six per cent of the study population had IQ below normal. Epilepsy was the commonest condition seen in the Paediatric Neurology clinic and all categories of IQ are seen among children with epilepsy

Tratamiento Grupal Intensivo del Tabaquismo / Intensive Smoking Cessation Group Therapy

Resumen Se describe la metodología utilizada en el Instituto Nacional del Tórax para el tratamiento del tabaquismo, modalidad grupal. Se realizan 7 sesiones semanales, donde se utilizan los principios de la Entrevista Motivacional. Hay una primera etapa de preparación (3 sesiones), se fija día D y luego 4 sesiones de acompañamiento, manejo del síndrome de privación, prevención de recaídas y mantención de la abstinencia.

We describe the methodology used at the Instituto Nacional del Tórax for smoking cessation, group therapy. We carried out 7 weekly sessions, where the principles of the Motivational Interview are used. There is a first stage of preparation (3 sessions), fixed D-day and then 4 sessions of follow up, for the management of deprivation syndrome, relapse prevention and maintenance of abstinence.

Consejeria en alimentación, actividad fÍsica y tabaco: Instrumento fundamental en la practica profesional / Counseling in feeding, physical activity and tobacco: Basic instrument in professional practice

The aim of this article was to present an update of the theorical and methodological foundations of counseling and evidence of their effectiveness, relating to the practice of health teams and analyzing future challenges. It is described, the theorical basis, the policy directions of the Chilean Ministry of Health, the international recommended strategies and the contributions of the participants in a training program conducted by INTA with 312 professionals (nutritionists, physiotherapists and dentists mostly). The analysis of the conditions in the Primary Health Care, to implement systematically nutrition, physical activity and tobacco counseling is presented. The need to improve the practice and its contribution to a preventive approach to serious problems of physical inactivity, obesity and smoking in the Chilean population is discussed.

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar una actualización de los fundamentos teóricos y metodológicos de la consejería y la evidencia sobre su eficacia, relacionándola con la práctica de los equipos de salud y analizando los desafíos futuros. Se describen las bases teóricas, las orientaciones de política del Ministerio de Salud de Chile, las estrategias recomendadas a nivel internacional y los aportes de los participantes de un programa de capacitación realizado por el INTA con 312 profesionales (nutricionistas, kinesiólogos y odontólogos en su mayoría). Se presenta el análisis de las condiciones en la Atención Primaria de Salud para implementar la consejería en alimentación, actividad física y tabaco en forma sistemática. Se discute la necesidad de adoptar medidas para el mejoramiento de la práctica y su contribución a un abordaje preventivo de los graves problemas de sedentarismo, obesidad y tabaquismo en la población chilena.

Experiencia de un programa de cesación del tabaquismo en el Instituto Nacional del Tórax / Experience of a smoking cessation program from a Chilean chest hospital

Background: Tobacco use is one of the main preventable causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. This report presents the experience of the smoking cessation team from the National Thorax Institute (Instituto Nacional del Tórax-Chile). Patients and Method: A clinical series of patients treated between April 2013 and March 2014, with one-year follow-up was studied. Intervention was based on seven group sessions, with a cognitive behavioral viewpoint and pharmacological treatment (mainly varenicline). Follow-up was done through telephone calls at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Descriptive statistics and X² test were used. Results: Eighty-seven patients were treated, mean age 54 years, 63% women; 79% had a pack year index over 20; 28% had depression and 16% had COPD. 59% received varenicline. Self-reported abstinence for 12 months was 37%. No significant differences between high risk groups were found. Conclusion: The smoking cessation program done at the National Thorax Institute shows that it is feasible to implement this type of programs in the public health system of Chile with results comparable to those internationally published.

Introducción: El tabaco es uno de los principales factores de morbimortalidad prevenible en el mundo. En este artículo se presenta la experiencia del equipo de tratamiento del tabaquismo en el Instituto Nacional del Tórax (INT). Método: Se analizaron los pacientes tratados entre abril de 2013 y marzo de 2014, con seguimiento a un año. La intervención consistió en 7 sesiones grupales con enfoque cognitivo conductual y terapia farmacológica (principalmente vareniclina). El seguimiento fue telefónico al mes 1, 3, 6 y 12. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva y test de X². Resultados: Se sometieron a tratamiento 87pacientes, edad promedio 54 años, 63% mujeres; tienen índice paquete año sobre 20 el 79%, depresión 28% y Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica 16%. El 59% recibió vareniclina. La abstinencia autoreportada a 12 meses fue de 37%. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en grupos de riesgo. Conclusión: La experiencia de tratamiento anti-tabaco realizada en el INT muestra que es factible implementar este tipo de programas en el sistema público de salud chileno con resultados comparables a las publicaciones internacionales.

Morphological Variation of Third Ventricle Using Computerized Tomography among Different Gender and Age Groups: A 5-Year Retrospective Study in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital; Sokoto; North - West Nigeria

Background: Many methods have been described for measurements of the third ventricle as a means of evaluating brain atrophy during the normal aging process and disease. Enlargement of the cerebral ventricles is one of the most frequently replicated neurobiological findings in schizophrenia. The aim of this morphological study was to examine the range in the normal size of the third ventricle of individuals living in Sokoto and to assess its association with gender and age. Materials and Methods: All available brain CT in the Radiology Department of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto; Nigeria; from 2007 to 2012 (a 5-year period) and reported as normal by the radiologist were recruited for the study. Films were viewed on the computer monitor. Measurements were made with Dragon V 3.1.1 Philips and Neusoft Medical System Company Limited software; the software provides a meter rule with which measurements were done. Results: A total of 252 CT scan images where used in the study. Of this number; 156 (61.9) were CT scan images of males and 96 (38.1) were CT scan images of females. The mean width was 8.38 mm and mean anteroposterior length was 12.16 mm. These differences were statistically significant; P = 0.0209 (0.05). Conclusion: Our findings provide a base line data for the measurement of the third ventricles using CT scans in our environment and this may be applied in various clinical conditions involving the third ventricle

Cavitary pneumonia caused by nocardia otitidiscaviarum

We report a case of cavitary pneumonia caused by N. otitidiscaviarum in a man with diabetes mellitus and thrombocytopenia treated with systemic corticosteroid. Taxonomic identification involved phenotypic testing and molecular identification that was carried out by DNA sequencing of the 16SrRNA gene.

Footcare practices among Nigerian diabetic patients presenting with foot gangrene

Diabetic foot ulceration and gangrene is a major cause of morbidity andmortality. This study has examined potential preventive footcare practices in a cohort of diabetic patients presenting with foot gangrene. One hundred and two (102) diabetic emergencies presented during the study period. Diabetic foot gangrene accounted for 27 (26%) of these cases. There were 18 males and 9 females (M:F = 2:1), with a mean age of 52+13 years. The mean duration of ulceration was 4±3 weeks and mean ulcer­gangrene interval was 1.2±0.5 weeks. Only 9 patients (33%) had been exposed to any form of footcare education, 15 patients (55%) treated their ulcers by unorthodox means, and 63% of the patients practiced no significant footcare. More widespread education and awareness is needed to prevent the continuing and serious problem of diabetic foot gangrene and consequent lower limb amputation

Estudio de las percepciones y actitudes del personal de una unidad hospitalaria frente a enfermos terminales / Perceptions and attitudes of a respiratory unit staff facing terminal ill patients

In order to promote the humanization of health at the National Institute of Thorax, this work is proposed to make a descriptive and exploratory study of qualitative type with the intention of knowing the functions, perceptions, values and attitudes of the staff of the Respiratory Medical Surgical Unit to faced of the patients who live their process of death in hospital. We are also interested in to identifying strengths, weaknesses and needs felt by the team in caring for these terminal ill patients and the treatment use with the body of the deceased. This information will implement measures that will help to dignify the death in this Unit. It is based on 26 interviews (65 percent) of the staff who work in this unit. Interviewees described her/his work as "good" especially in the control of physical symptoms of the patient and family care issues. They admit, however, there are other needs, especially the psychological and spiritual, that they not serve very well. This is the result of a poor training received to resolve high emotional situations and to establish a therapeutic communication with the patient.

Enmarcado en el objetivo de promover la humanización de la salud en el Instituto Nacional del Tórax, este trabajo se propuso realizar un estudio descriptivo exploratorio de tipo cualitativo con la finalidad de conocer las funciones, percepciones, valores y actitudes del personal de la Unidad Médico Quirúrgico Respiratorio ante los pacientes que viven su proceso de muerte en el hospital. Nos interesaba también, identificar las fortalezas, carencias y necesidades sentidas por el equipo de trabajo en la atención de estos pacientes terminales y en el tratamiento que se realiza con el cuerpo del fallecido. Esta información permitirá implementar medidas que ayuden a dignificar la muerte en esta Unidad. Se realizaron un total de 26 entrevistas semiestructuradas, correspondientes a un 65 por ciento de los funcionarios que laboran en esta Unidad. Los participantes califican su trabajo como "bueno" especialmente en el control de síntomas físicos del paciente y atención a la familia. Reconocen sin embargo, que hay otras necesidades, especialmente las psicológicas y espirituales que no se atienden con excelencia, como consecuencia de la escasa preparación recibida para enfrentar y resolver situaciones de alto contenido emocional y establecer una comunicación terapéutica con el paciente.

Diagnóstico y tratamiento psicosocial del tabaquismo / Smoking cessation: Diagnosis and psychosocial intervention

Tobacco dependence is an addictive chronic disease, characterized by its trend to the recurrence, in which the relapses are part of the process of smoking cessation. It is recommended a complete clinical evaluation, including the application of certain tests that can allow level of dependence, motivation and psychiatric comorbidities evaluation. The current treatment of smoking has two pillars: psycho-social intervention and pharmacological therapy. The current interventions are based on two theoretical models that try to understand changes of smoking behavior: The Stages of Change and PRIME Theory. Brief intervention is a strategy internationally approved because of its population impact on smoking cessation. The methodology used is named "5A's": Ask, Advise, Asses, Assist and Arrange follow-up. For not motivated patients at the intervention time it can be used the "5R 's" methodology: Relevance, Risks, Rewards, Roadblocks and Repetition. The actual approach used in smokers management, is Motivational Interview, which tries to produce the behavioral change from inside and not imposing it. Its four tools are: express empathy, develop discrepancy, roll with resistance and support self efficacy. The useful psychosocial strategies, in which exists consensus, are: 1) Give practical counseling of problem solving and skills training to face risky situations; 2) Intra-treatment support, encouraging attempts of smoking cessation and communicate caring and concern.

El tabaquismo es una enfermedad crónica adictiva, caracterizada por su tendencia a la recurrencia, en que las recaídas son parte del proceso de dejar de fumar. Se recomienda una evaluación clínica completa de los fumadores, incluyendo la aplicación de algunos tests que permitan evaluar nivel de adicción, motivación y comorbilidad psiquiátrica. El tratamiento actual del tabaquismo tiene dos pilares: intervención psicosocial y terapia farmacológica. las intervenciones actuales, se basan en dos modelos teóricos que intentan comprender los cambios de la conducta de fumar de las personas: las Etapas de Cambio y la Teoría PRIME. la Consejería Breve es una estrategia aprobada internacionalmente por su impacto poblacional en dejar de fumar. la metodología que utiliza se denomina las 5 A: Averiguar, Aconsejar, Acordar, Ayudar y Acompañar. Para los pacientes no motivados al momento de la intervención se utiliza la metodología de las 5 R: Relevancia, Riesgos, Recompensas, Resistencias y Repetición. El enfoque actualmente utilizado en el manejo de los fumadores, es la Entrevista Motivacional, que intenta producir el cambio conductual desde dentro y no imponiéndolo. Sus cuatro herramientas son: expresar empatia, desarrollar las discrepancias, lidiar con las resistencias y mejorar la autoeficacia. Hay consenso en que las estrategias psicosociales útiles son: 1) la entrega de consejos prácticos para resolución de problemas y desarrollo de habilidades para enfrentar situaciones de riesgo; 2) el apoyo intratratamiento, incentivando los intentos por dejar de fumar y trasmitiendo preocupación y apoyo.

The Impact of Training on Malaria Treatment Practices: a Study of Patent Medicine Vendors in Birnin-kebbi

Background: Patent medicine vendors are major providers antimalaria treatment in Nigeria. The management of malaria by this informal sector of healthcare delivery is however dominated by negative practices. This study determines the influence of training on antimalaria treatment practices of patent medicine vendors. Methods: Fifty-five patent medicine vendors selected through a multistage sampling technique in Birnin-Kebbi were recruited into the study. Their baseline treatment practices were determined and the negative ones identified. Intervention training was instituted and its impact assessed using a interviewer-administered questionnaire. Simulated visit mystery client survey which involved direct observation of patent medicine vendors practice was conducted after the intervention and the results compared with self reported post intervention practices. Results: The negative practices identified included inappropriate dosage regimen; frequent unnecessary use of injectables and alteration of physicians' prescriptions. Following the intervention training of the patent medicine vendors; the overall appropriate treatment practice score rose from baseline value of 3.6to 45.5(p0.05) and significantly lower than the post training values (p0.05) and was significantly lower than the post intervention values (p

Tratamiento farmacológico del tabaquismo / Pharmacotherapy for tobbaco dependence

Currently, tobacco smoking is considered to be a chronic systemic disease that belongs to the group of addictions. Nicotine is the responsible substance of this dependence, producing a variety of disorders at the central nervous system, mainly through a raise of the dopamine levels. Tobacco dependence treatment has two main branches: psychosocial and pharmacological. Nicotine replacement therapy, Bupropion and Varenicline have been approved by the FDA as first-line treatments for nicotine dependence. There are some second-line drugs, such as Clonidine and Nortriptyline that have shown less efficacy and more adverse effects. Currently there are many other drugs in research, such as antinicotine vaccine and Rimonobant, that will probably be available for its use in the coming years. The current review analyzes the pharmacological choices existing today for treating tobacco dependence and those coming in the future.

Actualmente se considera que el tabaquismo es una enfermedad crónica sistémica, perteneciente al grupo de las adicciones. La nicotina es la sustancia responsable de esta dependencia, produciendo una serie de alteraciones en el SNC, principalmente mediante el aumento de dopamina. El tratamiento del tabaquismo incluye dos componentes: psicosocial y farmacológico. Hasta la actualidad, la FDA ha aprobado 3 medicamentos que han demostrado ser eficaces: Terapia de reemplazo de Nicotina, Bupropión y Vareniclina. Además existen drogas de segunda línea, como la Clonidina y Nortriptilina, menos eficaces y con mayores efectos adversos. Actualmente, hay muchos otros medicamentos en investigación, entre otros la Vacuna antinicotina y el Rimonobant, que probablemente estarán disponibles para su uso en los próximos años. En este artículo se analizan las alternativas farmacológicas existentes hoy en día para el tratamiento del tabaquismo y lo que podría venir en el futuro.

Tabaquismo y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica: determinación de fracciones atribuibles / Smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: attributable risk determination

Background: Smoking is the main risk factor for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Aim: To estimate smoking attributable risk and population attributable risk in COPD patients attended in Public Health Services of Santiago. Materials and methods: A case control study matched by sex and age was carried out. Crude and adjusted attributable risks as well as population attributable risk were estimated, controlled by potential confounders and by interaction variables. Results: Mean ages for cases and controls were 68 and 67 years respectively. When compared to the control group, COPD patients had a higher smoking prevalence (at least 100 cigarettes in their life span: 89.7 percent vs 60.3 percent; p <0.01). Among COPD patients, heavy smokers proportion was 4 times higher than in controls, they smoked for more years (43 vs 31; p <0.01) and more cigarettes per day (18 vs 5; p <0.01). Adjusted attributable risk was 87 percent (95 percent Confidence Interval (CI): 63.7-94.8). If a patient smoked at least 100 cigarettes in his/her life span and this risk was 92.7 percent (CI: 82.4-96.9) for heavy smokers. Projecting this index to Santiago inhabitants, about 87,000 individuals older than 40 years would be suffering COPD due to smoking. Conclusions: This article confirms the strong association between smoking and COPD. Attributable risks are high and significant, even when they are adjusted by confounding variables. Women had a higher risk than men, at lower levels of tobacco consumption.