Depressão, ansiedade, estresse e apoio social: estudo transversal com cuidadores de crianças com deficiência visual no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil - Views-QoL Study / Depression, anxiety, stress, and social support: a cross-sectional study with caregivers of visually impaired children in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Views-QoL Study / Depresión, ansiedad, estrés y apoyo social: estudio transversal con cuidadores de niños con discapacidad visual en Río de Janeiro, Brasil - Views-QoL Study

Resumo: O objetivo foi identificar os relatos de sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse entre cuidadores de crianças sem deficiência visual, com baixa visão e com cegueira e sua relação com o grau de apoio social, emocional, material e afetivo. Estudo transversal e multicêntrico, realizado no Município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, entre 2019 e 2020. Aplicou-se um questionário para obter dados sociodemográficos e econômicos do cuidador. Foram utilizadas a Escala de Apoio Social (The Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale - MOS-SSS) e a Escala de Depressão, Ansiedade e Estresse (The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - DASS-21). Na comparação entre as escalas, foram utilizados testes para comparações múltiplas. Estimou-se a razão de prevalência de sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse. Do total de cuidadores (N = 355), mais de 90% eram mulheres-mães e a maior proporção de cuidadores sem instrução ou Ensino Fundamental incompleto e com menor renda média mensal foi daqueles de crianças com deficiência visual. A maioria dos cuidadores de crianças com cegueira relatou sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse (respectivamente, 66,7%, 73,3% e 80%), mesmo comportamento observado no grupo de cuidadores de crianças com baixa visão. Na avaliação da relação entre os resultados das escalas MOS-SSS e DASS-21, entre os cuidadores de crianças sem deficiência ou com menor comprometimento visual, observou-se maiores apoios e menores escores de relatos de depressão, ansiedade e estresse. Entre os cuidadores de crianças cegas, as maiores prevalências não dependeram dos apoios recebidos. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de uma política de cuidado com mecanismos de proteção à saúde mental dos cuidadores de crianças com deficiência visual.

Abstract: We aimed to identify the reports of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among caregivers of children without visual impairment, with low vision, and with blindness and their relationship with the degree of social, emotional, material, and affective support. This cross-sectional and multicenter study was conducted in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2019 to 2020. A questionnaire was applied to obtain caregivers' sociodemographic and economic data. The Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale (MOS-SSS) and The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used. Tests were used for multiple comparisons of these scales. The prevalence ratio of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress was estimated. Of all caregivers (N = 355), more than 90% were women-mothers. Caregivers of children with visual impairment show the highest proportion of no schooling, incomplete elementary education, or lower average monthly income. Most caregivers of children with blindness reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress (66.7%, 73.3%, and 80%, respectively) as did those of children with low vision. The evaluation of the relationship between MOS-SSS and DASS-21 results shows greater support and lower scores of reports of depression, anxiety, and stress for caregivers of children without disabilities or with less visual impairment. For caregivers of blind children, the highest prevalence of such reports was independent of the received support. Results indicate the need for a care policy with mechanisms to protect the mental health of caregivers of visually impaired children.

Resumen: El objetivo fue identificar los relatos de síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés entre cuidadores de niños sin discapacidad visual, con baja visión y con ceguera y su relación con el grado de apoyo social, emocional, material y afectivo. Estudio transversal y multicéntrico realizado en la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, Brasil, entre el 2019 y el 2020. Se aplicó un cuestionario para obtener datos sociodemográficos y económicos del cuidador. Se utilizaron la Escala de Apoyo Social (The Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale - MOS-SSS) y Escala de Depresión, Ansiedad y Estrés (The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - DASS-21). Al comparar las escalas, se utilizaron pruebas para comparaciones múltiples. Se estimó la razón de prevalencia de síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés. Del total de cuidadores (N = 355), más del 90% eran mujeres madres y la mayor proporción de cuidadores sin escolaridad o con primaria incompleta y con menor ingreso mensual promedio fueron los de niños con discapacidad visual. La mayoría de los cuidadores de niños con ceguera reportó síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés, respectivamente, 66,7%, 73,3% y 80%, mismo comportamiento observado en el grupo de cuidadores de niños con baja visión. Al evaluar la relación entre los resultados de las escalas MOS-SSS y DASS-21, entre los cuidadores de niños sin discapacidad o con menor compromiso visual, se observó mayor apoyo y menores puntajes de relatos de depresión, ansiedad y estrés. Entre los cuidadores de niños ciegos, la mayor prevalencia de tales relatos no dependió del apoyo recibido. Los resultados indican la necesidad de una Política de Cuidado con mecanismos para proteger la salud mental de los cuidadores de niños con discapacidad visual.

A path toward disability-inclusive health in Zimbabwe Part 2: A qualitative study on the national response to COVID-19

Background: People with disabilities are at higher risk of adverse coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes. Additionally, measures to mitigate COVID-19 transmission have impacted health service provision and access, which may particularly disadvantage people with disabilities. Objectives: To explore the perspectives and experiences of people with disabilities in accessing health services in Zimbabwe during the pandemic, to identify perceived challenges and facilitators to inclusive health and key actions to improve accessibility. Methods: We used in-depth interviews with 24 people with disabilities (identified through purposive sampling) and with 10 key informants (from expert recommendation) to explore the impact of COVID-19 on access to health care. Interviews were transcribed, coded and thematically analysed. We used the disability-inclusive health 'Missing Billion' framework to map and inform barriers to inclusive health care during COVID-19 and disparities in outcomes faced by people with disabilities. Results: People with disabilities demonstrated good awareness of COVID-19 mitigation strategies, but faced difficulties accessing COVID-19 information and health services. Challenges to the implementation of COVID-19 guidelines related to a person's functional impairment and financial ability to do so. A key supply-side constraint was the perceived de-prioritisation of rehabilitation services. Further restrictions on access to health services and rehabilitation decreased an individual's functional ability and exacerbated pre-existing conditions. Conclusion: The immediate health and financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with disabilities in Zimbabwe were severe. Government departments should include people with disabilities in all communications and activities related to the pandemic through a twin-track approach, meaning inclusion in mainstream activities and targeting with specific interventions where necessary.

Stigmas of congenital Zika syndrome: family perspectives / Estigmas da síndrome da Zika congênita: perspectivas das famílias / Estigmas del síndrome Zika congénito: perspectivas familiares

This article uses a socio-anthropological framework to explore the stigmas around interactions with children born with congenital Zika syndrome caused by the Zika virus epidemic in two Brazilian municipalities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents and other relatives. We reflected on the search for meaning when having a baby with unexpected body marks, the moral suffering, the societal ableism, the burden of care, and the need for support networks. We concluded that public policies, especially social policies (health, education, and social assistance), are essential for compensatory mechanisms, recognition, and social inclusion of these children and their families.

O artigo adota um referencial socioantropológico para explorar os estigmas subjacentes às interações com crianças que nascem com a síndrome congênita do vírus Zika provocada pela epidemia de Zika em duas cidades brasileiras. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com os pais e outros familiares. Os autores refletem sobre a busca de sentido ao ter um filho com marcas corporais inesperadas, sofrimento moral, capacitismo, o fardo pesado dos cuidados e a necessidade de redes de apoio. Concluem que políticas públicas, principalmente sociais (saúde, educação e assistência social) são essenciais para produzir mecanismos compensatórios, reconhecimento e inclusão social dessas crianças e de suas famílias.

Este artículo adopta un marco socioantropológico para investigar los estigmas subyacentes a las interacciones con niños, nacidos con el síndrome congénito del virus Zika, causado por la epidemia de Zika en dos ciudades brasileñas. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas con padres y otros parientes. Reflejamos en la investigación el significado de tener un bebé con marcas corporales inesperadas, sufrimiento moral, razón de la discapacidad social y carga de cuidado, así como la necesidad de redes de apoyo. Concluimos que las políticas públicas, especialmente las políticas sociales (salud, educación, y asistencia social), son cruciales produciendo mecanismos compensatorios, reconocimiento e inclusión social de estos niños y sus familias.

Gasto catastrófico na síndrome congênita do vírus Zika: resultados de um estudo transversal com cuidadores de crianças no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Catastrophic expenditure on congenital Zika syndrome: results of a cross-sectional study of caregivers of children in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Gasto catastrófico en el síndrome congénito del virus Zika: resultados de un estudio transversal con cuidadores de niños en Río de Janeiro, Brasil

Em 2015, houve um aumento de casos de más-formações congênitas entre recém-nascidos no Brasil associado ao vírus Zika, com repercussões sociais e econômicas para as famílias. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência de gasto catastrófico para famílias de crianças com síndrome congênita do vírus Zika (SCZ) grave, leve/moderada em comparação com famílias de crianças sem diagnóstico de SCZ, no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. O termo gasto catastrófico ocorre quando o gasto excede determinada proporção da renda da família devido à doença. Os cuidadores de crianças com SCZ grave eram mais jovens, com menor escolaridade e renda. A prevalência de gasto catastrófico foi maior em famílias de crianças com SCZ. Dentre os cuidadores de crianças com SCZ grave, identificou-se que a prevalência de gasto catastrófico foi mais elevada entre aqueles que apresentaram graus de depressão, ansiedade e estresse graves ou muito graves. O baixo apoio social entre os cuidadores também foi determinante para o aumento da prevalência do gasto. A carga que incide sobre os cuidadores de crianças com SCZ grave potencializa uma situação de vulnerabilidade que demanda a amplificação do acesso aos mecanismos de proteção financeira e social, através da articulação de diferentes políticas que sejam capazes de alcançar efetivamente esse grupo.

In 2015, there was an increase in cases of congenital malformations in newborns in Brazil, associated with maternal Zika virus infection, having serious social and economic repercussions for the families. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of catastrophic expenditure by families of children with severe or mild/moderate congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) in comparison to families of children without a diagnosis of CZS in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Catastrophic expenditure occurs when spending exceeds a given proportion of the family income due to a disease. Family caregivers of children with severe CZS were younger and had less schooling and lower income. Prevalence of catastrophic expenditure was higher in families of children with CZS. Among caregivers of children with severe CZS, the prevalence of catastrophic expenditure was higher in those with severe or very severe depression, anxiety, and stress. Low social support among caregivers was also a determinant factor for increased prevalence of catastrophic expenditure. The burden on caregivers of children with severe CZS exacerbates a situation of vulnerability that requires the expansion of mechanisms for financial and social protection, through linkage of various policies capable of effectively reaching this group.

En 2015, hubo un aumento de casos de malformaciones congénitas entre recién nacidos en Brasil, asociado al virus zika con repercusiones sociales y económicas para las familias. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de gasto catastrófico para las familias de niños con síndrome congénito del virus Zika (SCZ) grave, leve/moderado, en comparación con familias de niños sin diagnóstico de SCZ, en el estado de Río de Janeiro. El término gasto catastrófico se usa cuando el gasto excede una determinada proporción de la renta de la familia, debido a la enfermedad. Los cuidadores de niños con SCZ grave eran más jóvenes, con menor escolaridad y renta. La prevalencia de gasto catastrófico fue mayor en familias de niños con SCZ. Entre los cuidadores de niños con SCZ grave se identificó que la prevalencia de gasto catastrófico fue más elevada entre aquellos que presentaron grados de depresión, ansiedad y estrés grave o muy grave. El bajo apoyo social entre los cuidadores también fue determinante para el aumento de la prevalencia del gasto. La carga que incide sobre los cuidadores de niños con SCZ grave potencia una situación de vulnerabilidad que demanda la ampliación del acceso a los mecanismos de protección financiera y social, a través de la coordinación de diferentes políticas que sean capaces de alcanzar efectivamente a ese grupo.

Children with hearing impairment in Malawi, a cohort study

To assess the outcomes of children diagnosed with hearing impairment 3 years earlier in terms of referral uptake, treatment received and satisfaction with this treatment, and social participation.Methods: We conducted a population-based longitudinal analysis of children with a hearing impairment in two rural districts of Malawi. Key informants within the community identified the cohort in 2013 (baseline). Informants clinically screened children at baseline, and by questionnaires at baseline and follow-up in 2016. We investigated associations between sociodemographic characteristics and outcomes by multivariate logistic regression. Results : We diagnosed 752 children in 2013 as having a hearing impairment and traced 307 (40.8%) children of these for follow-up in 2016. Referral uptake was low (102/184; 55.4%), more likely among older children (odds ratio, OR: 3.5; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.2­10.2) and less likely for those with an illiterate caregiver (OR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.2­0.9). Few of the children who attended hospital received any treatment (33/102; 32.4%) and 63.6% (21/33) of caregivers reported satisfaction with treatment. Difficulty making friends and communicating needs was reported for 10.0% (30/299) and 35.6% (107/301) of the children, respectively. Lack of school enrolment was observed for 29.5% (72/244) of children, and was more likely for older children (OR: 28.6; 95% CI: 10.3­79.6), girls (OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.2­4.8) and those with an illiterate caregiver (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.0­4.1).Conclusion More widespread and holistic services are required to improve the outcomes of children with a hearing impairment in Malawi

Hearing and vision screening for preschool children using mobile technology, South Africa

Objective:To implement and evaluate a community-based hearing and vision screening programme for preschool children in the Western Cape, South Africa, supported by mobile health technology (mHealth) and delivered by community health workers (CHWs).Methods:We trained four CHWs to provide dual sensory screening in preschool centres of Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain during September 2017­December 2018. CHWs screened children aged 4­7 years using mHealth software applications on smartphones. We used logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association between screening results and age, sex and test duration, and, for hearing, excessive background noise levels.Results:CHWs screened 94.4% (8023/10 362) of eligible children at 271 centres at a cost of 5.63 United States dollars per child. The number of children who failed an initial hearing and visual test was 435 (5.4%) and 170 (2.1%), respectively. Hearing test failure was associated with longer test times (odds ratio, OR: 1.022; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.021­1.024) and excessive background noise levels at 1 kilohertz (kHz) (e.g. OR for left ear: 1.688; 95% CI: 1.198­2.377). Visual screening failure was associated with longer test duration (OR: 1.003; 95% CI: 1.002­1.005) and younger age (OR: 0.629; 95% CI: 0.520­0.761). Of the total screened, 111 (1.4%) children were diagnosed with a hearing and/or visual impairment.Conclusion:Health-supported CHW-delivered hearing and vision screening in preschool centres provided a low-cost, acceptable and accessible service, contributing to lower referral numbers to resource-constrained public health institutions

De toda maneira tem que andar junto: ações intersetoriais entre saúde e educação para crianças vivendo com a síndrome congênita do vírus Zika / The need to act together in every way possible: inter-sector action in health and education for children living with the congenital Zika syndrome / De todas formas deben ir juntas de la mano: acciones intersectoriales entre salud y educación para niños que viven con el síndrome congénito del virus Zika

Resumo: Com base na experiência de um programa de intervenção para famílias de crianças com a síndrome congênita do vírus Zika, que inclui múltiplas deficiências, em uma instituição de educação, foram observados os desafios e conquistas encontrados com a entrada dessas famílias no sistema escolar. O objetivo deste artigo foi explorar os achados de pesquisa realizada após a conclusão de um programa de intervenção mediante entrevistas semiabertas com profissionais da instituição, e as possíveis contribuições para a construção das relações intersetoriais visando à inclusão escolar de crianças com deficiência. É possível constatar uma mudança provocada pelo programa na relação entre as famílias e os profissionais da instituição de educação; as famílias tiveram espaço para elaborar seus receios e discutir o papel da escola na vida de crianças com deficiência. Dessa forma, os profissionais passaram a vê-las em uma posição mais ativa. Acredita-se que esta experiência possa favorecer outros serviços e municípios que busquem a inclusão escolar de crianças e adolescentes com deficiência assim como sua inclusão social e de suas famílias.

Abstract: The experience with an intervention program conducted in an educational institution and targeted to families of children with congenital Zika syndrome, which includes multiple disabilities, revealed the challenges and strides with the entry of these families in the school system. This article aimed to explore the findings from a study conducted after the conclusion of an intervention program, using semi-open interviews with professional staff at the institution and the possible contributions towards establishing inter-sector relations aimed at school inclusion of children with disabilities. A change was seen, as a result of the program, in the relationship between the families and the professionals at the educational institution, whereby the families had room to voice their fears and discuss the school's role in the lives of their children with disabilities. The professionals thus came to see the families taking a more active stance. This experience can favor other services and municipalities that seek school inclusion for children and adolescents with disabilities, as well as their social inclusion and that of their families.

Resumen: A partir de la experiencia de un programa de intervención para familias de niños con el síndrome congénito del virus Zika, que incluye múltiples discapacidades, en una institución educativa se observaron los desafíos y logros que se consiguieron tras la entrada de esas familias en el sistema escolar. El objetivo de este artículo fue analizar los resultados de la investigación realizada, tras la conclusión de un programa de intervención, a través de entrevistas semiabiertas con profesionales de la institución, así como las posibles contribuciones en la construcción de relaciones intersectoriales, con el fin de la inclusión escolar de niños con discapacidad. Es posible observar el cambio provocado por el programa en la relación entre las familias y los profesionales de la institución educativa, debido a que las familias contaron con un espacio para exponer sus recelos y discutir el papel de la escuela en la vida de niños con discapacidad. De esta forma, los profesionales pasaron a ser vistos desde una posición más activa. Se cree que esta experiencia puede favorecer a otros servicios y municipios que busquen la inclusión escolar de niños y adolescentes con discapacidad, así como su inclusión social y la de sus familias.

Relationship of Vitamin D Status with Muscle Mass and Muscle Strength in Young Indian Adults – Evidence from Andhra Pradesh Children and Parents Study Cohort.

Objectives: Positive relationship of vitamin D status with muscle mass and strength has been observed in studies from the developed countries but evidence from the developing countries is sparse. This study assessed the relationship of vitamin D status with muscle mass and muscle strength in rural young adults from Hyderabad, India. Methods: The study participants (n=956; age 18-20 years; 42% women) were a part of Andhra Pradesh Children and Parents Study cohort which was established to assess the long term impact of early nutrition supplementation provided through a government programme. Their serum 25- hydroxyvitamin D was assessed using HPLC, appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and grip strength was assessed using grip dynamometer. Results: The participants were lean with average body mass index of 19.5 kg/m2. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH) vitamin D3 < 20 ng/ml) was 33.6% in men and 51.4% in women. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with lower ASM (β (95% CI): - 0.38 (-0.72 to -0.05) kg; p = 0.02) with a trend of lower muscle strength in unadjusted analyses. After adjustment for relevant confounders, the relationship of vitamin D deficiency with lower ASM (β (95% CI): -0.21 (- 0.37 to - 0.05) kg; p =0.01) persisted but not with lower grip strength. Conclusions: Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was high in these rural young adults. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with lower muscle mass but not with lower muscle strength in this cohort. Alleviation of vitamin D deficiency may improve muscle mass.