Strengthening locally led research to respond to the sexual and reproductive health and rights of migrants from Venezuela and Central America

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Adolescent friendly services: quality assessment with simulated users / Servicios amigables para adolescentes: evaluación de la calidad con usuarios simulados

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To assess the quality of adolescent friendly health services. METHODS Qualitative assessment using the simulated user technique in first level clinics of Health Services of Morelos, Mexico, during 2018. Ten out of 17 facilities with non-exclusive adolescent friendly services were randomly selected. An additional facility with exclusive adolescent friendly services was included as an intensive subsample. Four adolescents served as simulated users interpreting different cases in the clinics. The total of 43 semi-structured exit interviews were conducted, and two nominal groups were made to assess the perceived quality from the adolescents' perception of friendliness and experience. Thematic analysis of the data obtained was performed. RESULTS Staff attitude was highlighted as a key element in the adolescents' experience. Failures were found, such as the existence of bureaucratic barriers to access, lack of signage in clinics, lack of privacy and confidentiality, failure of physical examination during the appointment and lack of monitoring of the reasons for appointment. The exclusive clinic for adolescents offered more appropriate friendly services compared with nonexclusive clinics. CONCLUSION Although the service is accessible in most of the clinics visited, it is still far from being friendly according to international recommendations. The exclusive clinic for adolescents stood out for having better structured mechanisms that can be implemented in nonexclusive clinics to improve the care process.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO Evaluar la calidad de los servicios de salud amigables para adolescentes. MÉTODOS Evaluación cualitativa utilizando la técnica de usuario simulado en clínicas de primer nivel de los Servicios de Salud de Morelos, México durante 2018. Se seleccionaron aleatoriamente 10 de 17 establecimientos con servicios amigables no exclusivos para adolescentes. Se incluyó adicionalmente un centro con servicios amigables exclusivo para adolescentes como submuestra de tipo intensivo. Cuatro adolescentes fungieron como usuarios simulados interpretando diferentes casos de consulta en las clínicas. Se realizaron 43 entrevistas semiestructuradas de salida y se hicieron dos grupos nominales para evaluar la calidad percibida a partir de la percepción de amigabilidad y la experiencia de los adolescentes. Se realizó análisis temático de los datos obtenidos. RESULTADOS La actitud del personal destacó como un elemento clave para la experiencia de los adolescentes. Se encontraron fallas como la existencia de barreras burocráticas para el acceso, falta de señalamientos en las clínicas, falta de privacidad y confidencialidad, fallas en la exploración física durante la consulta y falta de seguimiento de los motivos de consulta. La clínica exclusiva para adolescentes ofreció servicios amigables más adecuados en comparación con las clínicas no exclusivas. CONCLUSIÓN Aunque en la mayoría de los establecimientos visitados el servicio es accesible, aun distan de cumplir con las características de amigabilidad de acuerdo con las recomendaciones internacionales. La clínica exclusiva para adolescentes destacó al contar con mecanismos mejor estructurados que pueden ser implementados en clínicas no exclusivas para mejorar el proceso de atención.

Saúde sexual e reprodutiva para a população adolescente, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Sexual and reproductive health among young people, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Resumo Objetivamos analisar a distribuição geográfica, a estrutura de atendimento e os recursos humanos das unidades do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) que prestam serviços em saúde sexual e reprodutiva (SSR) à população adolescente, na segunda maior cidade do Brasil. Realizamos estudo transversal com mapeamento geográfico e coleta de dados por meio de questionário aplicado aos coordenadores, em todas as 147 unidades ambulatoriais do Rio de Janeiro, dispostas ao atendimento em SSR. Verificamos que todas as Regiões Administrativas (RA) desse município dispõem de unidades de atendimento para adolescentes, entretanto, em mais de 90% delas, eles são atendidos juntamente com a população adulta, sem turnos ou salas específicas. Em mais de 10% dos serviços, a assistência só é dada na presença do responsável. Em casos de violência sexual a proporção mostrou-se ainda maior, chegando a atingir 34% dos casos. Em apenas 12,9% das unidades são realizadas atividades educativas direcionadas a adolescentes e constatou-se que menos de 1/3 dos médicos estava capacitado para lidar com a saúde do adolescente. Em conclusão, apesar da larga distribuição geográfica das unidades de saúde, a estrutura do atendimento e os recursos humanos não atendem a contento as especificidades do público adolescente.

Abstract We aimed to analyze the geographic distribution, the structure of healthcare services and the human resources of all units of the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS - the Unified Health System) that provide sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services to the adolescent population in the second largest city in Brazil. We conducted a cross-sectional study with geographical mapping and data collection through a questionnaire applied in person with coordinators of the units or their representatives in 147 outpatient clinics in Rio de Janeiro that have SSR services. We found that in over 90% of the units, adolescents are treated together with the adult population, without particular shifts or rooms for this age group. In more than 10% of services, treatment is only provided with the presence of the guardian. In cases of sexual violence, this proportion is 34%. Specific educational activities for this age group are only carried out in 12.9% of units and less than one third of doctors had received some kind of training to deal with adolescent health. In conclusion, despite the wide geographic distribution of health facilities, the structure of care and the human resources do not meet the specific needs of adolescents.

Plan nacional para la reducción de la mortalidad materna y neonatal: 2015 ­ 2020 / National plan for the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality: 2015 - 2020

El plan de reducción de muerte materna 2015-2020 establece acciones estratégicas técnicas/normativas que deben tomarse en cuenta en la prestación de servicios de salud y otros espacios afines, que deben redundar en pro de la salud reproductiva de mujeres y hombres. El plan de reducción de muerte materna 2015-2020 responde a cuatro áreas estratégicas del plan de acción para acelerar la reducción de muerte materna y la morbilidad materna grave 2012-2017 de la OPS/OMS, establece acciones estratégicas técnicas/normativas que deben tomarse en cuenta en la prestación de servicios de salud y otros espacios afines, que deben redundar en pro de la salud reproductiva de mujeres y hombres. El referido documento, orienta acerca de la implementación de acciones de promoción, prevención, atención, recuperación y rehabilitación, en cumplimiento al marco legal político y en respuesta a la sala situacional de salud reproductiva identificada en cada uno de los campos y niveles de intervención, entre los criterios para la implementación de dichas acciones se incluyen: facilitar la accesibilidad cultural, económica y geográfica que permitan superar, pero sobre todo, prevenir, las crisis por complicaciones; promover ambientes favorables y amigables en busca de la atención y resolución del evento obstétrico, en forma que la atención sea adecuada para la mujer y el recién nacido.

Guía nacional de planificación familiar / National Family Planning Guide

Esta guía, es una actualización de la edición del 2010, y es el resultado de una compilación de información basada en evidencia científica sobre los métodos anticonceptivos y el proceso de planificación familiar. Está dirigida a proveedores de salud en general y contiene lineamientos técnico normativos y científicos que deben tomarse en cuenta para la consejería balanceada en métodos de planificación familiar. Incluye una descripción detallada de métodos y dispositivos anticonceptivos.

Conocimiento, utilización y obtención de la anticoncepción hormonal de emergncia por adolescentes en Rauch, Provincia de Buenos Aires / Knowledge, Use and Access to Emergency Hormonal Contraception by Adolescent Population

En Argentina, existen escasos datos sobre el conocimiento, la disponibilidad y el uso de la anticoncepción hormonal de emergencia (AHE) por parte de los adolescentes. OBJETIVO: Establecer el grado de conocimiento, utilización y distribución de la AHE por parte de adolescentes de 15 a 18 años que concurren a centros de salud o están escolarizados en el partido de Rauch. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal durante 2009-2010. Se aplicó una encuesta autoadministrada y anónima a adolescentes. Se recurrió a las planillas del Programa de Salud Sexual y Procreación Responsable (PSSyPR) para determinar el número de AHE entregadas y se evaluó en forma similar la venta de AHE en las farmacias del partido. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 387 encuestas. El 77% de los encuestados sabía de la existencia del método anticonceptivo, el 28% poseía un conocimiento adecuado acerca de él y el 11% lo había utilizado. No hubo distribución del insumo a nivel público, y el total de unidades vendidas en las farmacias fue de 142, de las cuales el 20% fueron adquiridas por adolescentes (76% femenino, 17% masculino, 7% sin datos). CONCLUSIONES: Los adolescentes no conocen adecuadamentelas características de la AHE, aunque la utilizan y la obtienen principalmente a través de la compra en farmacias

In Argentina, there is scarce data on knowledge, availability and use of emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) by adolescents. OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of knowledge, use and supply of EHC among 15- to 18-year-old adolescents attending school or health care centers in Rauch jurisdiction. METHODS: Adescriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in 2009-2010, including an anonymous self-administered survey completed by adolescents. The forms of the Sexual Health and Responsible Procreation Program were used to determine the number of EHC supplied, while the sales in the pharmacies of Rauch were evaluated in a similar way. RESULTS: 387 surveys were analyzed. 77% of the surveyed adolescents were aware of the existence of this contraceptive method, but only 28% had an accurate knowledge about it, and 11% had actually used it. There was not any public provision, and the total of units sold in pharmacies was 142 - 20% of them were purchased by adolescents (76% female, 17% male, 7% no data). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents do not have an accurate knowledge of EHC features, although they use it and get itmainly through the pharmacies

Guías técnicas para la atención, diagnóstico y tratamiento de 10 condiciones obstétricas en el marco del plan esencial de aseguramiento universal / Technical guidance for the care, diagnosis and treatment of 10 obstetric conditions in the context of essential plan of universal

La presente publicación es producto de una exhaustiva revisión de protocolos de atención del nivel nacional e internacional, revisada por expertos de los principales hospitales nacionales del país, así como representantes de las regiones de diferentes niveles de atención. Asimismo, se estandariza los procedimientos de atención de las condiciones obstétricas con la finalidad de contribuir a una atención con calidad y por ende disminuir los problemas de morbilidad y mortalidad materna y perinatal

Instituto Mesoamericano de Salud Pública: órgano de apoyo técnico y fortalecimiento del Sistema Mesoamericano de Salud Pública / Mesoamerican Public Health Institute: Technical support and capacity strengthening arm of the Mesoamerican Public Health System

OBJETIVO: El Instituto Mesoamericano de Salud Pública (IMSP) se constituyó en 2009 como órgano técnico del Sistema Mesoamericano de Salud Pública (SMSP) y la Red Virtual de Instituciones Académicas. En la primera fase se identificaron las necesidades de fortalecimiento de sistemas de salud y se evaluaron los primeros resultados de capacitación. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un análisis de contenido de los Planes Maestros del SMSP para cada prioridad y se encuestó a los integrantes del Grupo de Trabajo en Malaria y Dengue. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron los temas de capacitación requeridos por áreas de prioridad del SMSP y las necesidades de gestión de conocimiento para control y eliminación de la malaria y dengue. Se elaboró un mapeo de competencias a desarrollar con el personal estratégico, táctico y operativo. El IMSP capacitó a 91 funcionarios de ocho países en su primer año. Estas actividades se desarrollaron de julio 2009 a junio 2010, en consulta a directivos de servicios de salud de países integrantes del Sistema Mesoamericano de Salud Pública, Colombia y México. CONCLUSIONES: El IMSP está respondiendo a las necesidades de salud pública en la región mesoamericana.

OBJECTIVE: The Mesoamerican Public Health Institute (IMSP) was constituted in 2009 as the technical organ of the Mesoamerican Public Health System (SMSP) and the Virtual Network of Academic Institutions. Health system capacity strengthening needs and preliminary training results were assessed in the first phase. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The SMSP Master Plans were content-analyzed for each priority and members of the Malaria and Dengue Working Group were surveyed. RESULTS: The training needs required for each SMSP priority area were identified and knowledge management needs for malaria and dengue analyzed. Competencies were mapped across strategic, tactical and operative personnel that will be requiring them. IMSP trained in its first year 91 persons in eight countries. CONCLUSIONS: IMSP is responding to the Mesoamerican region's public health needs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vinculación de programas y servicios de salud sexual y reproductiva, género y de prevención de VIH y ITS / Linking programs and sexual and reproductive health, gender and HIV and STI prevention

Este documento, dirigido a tomadores de decisiones en el sector de la salud, así como a gerentes de programas de VIH e ITS, es el producto de una serie de consultas de expertos convocadas por la OPS, con participación de otras agencias del sistema de Naciones Unidas, llevadas a cabo a lo largo de meses de trabajo intensivo.

Avaliação da implantação de serviços de saúde reprodutiva no Município de Maringá, Paraná, Brasil / Evaluation of the implementation of reproductive health services in Maringá, Paraná State, Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver um instrumento para avaliar a implantação da assistência em contracepção em serviços de saúde, bem como aplicá-lo nas 23 unidades básicas de saúde no Município de Maringá, Paraná, Brasil. Elaborou-se o modelo teórico-lógico, correspondente a uma "imagem-objetivo" do programa de planejamento familiar. Por meio da técnica Delphi e conferência de consenso, seis especialistas validaram a imagem-objetivo do programa, que contemplou três dimensões e 60 critérios de avaliação. Elaborou-se um instrumento para coleta de dados e uma planilha para avaliar o grau de implantação do programa de planejamento familiar, que constituíram o Questionário de Avaliação de Serviços de Saúde Reprodutiva (QASAR). A grande maioria das unidades básicas de saúde (91,3 por cento) recebeu a classificação "intermediária" na implantação do programa de planejamento familiar, 8,7 por cento foram categorizadas "incipientes" e nenhuma obteve escore para ser considerada "avançada". O grau de implantação "avançado" na dimensão estrutural contrastou com as dimensões organizacional e assistencial. O instrumento constitui ferramenta para avaliar programas de saúde reprodutiva, aplicável aos processos de planejamento e gestão dos serviços de saúde.

The aim of this study was to develop a tool to evaluate the implementation of a contraceptive program in health services and apply it to the 23 public health services in Maringá, Paraná State, Brazil. A theoretical-logical model was developed, corresponding to a "target image" for the family planning program. Using the Delphi technique and consensus conference, six experts validated the program's target image, which included three dimensions and 60 evaluation criteria. A data collection instrument was prepared, in addition to a spreadsheet to evaluate the degree of the family planning program's implementation, constituting the Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Reproductive Health Services. The vast majority of the primary health units (91.3 percent) received an "intermediate" score on implementation of the family planning program, while 8.7 percent were classified as "incipient" and none were scored as "advanced". The "advanced" degree of implementation in the structural dimension contrasted with the organizational and patient care dimensions. The instrument can be useful for evaluating reproductive health programs and is applicable to the health services planning and management processes.

Sexual and reproductive health needs of vulnerable youth in Myanmar.

A cross-sectional survey of 56 youth, using participatory research methods, was conducted with the objective to identify the sexual and reproductive health needs among vulnerable youth in Pyin Oo Lwin town in terms of their livelihoods, perceptions about health and health risks, sex practices, perceived health information needs and preferred channels for health information, and visions for their future generation. The results indicated that a majority of young people of both sexes were deficient in knowledge of the locations and functions of reproductive organs. The majority of respondents of both sexes said that their main health concern was AIDS. Pre-marital sex among youth, 16-20 years of age, was identified in our study. Malaria and AIDS were mentioned as information needed by young people. TV and magazines/journals were prioritized as preferred channels of disseminating health messages. Almost all reported that education was the one thing that they wanted for their own children.

Changes in STI services following a community based STI-intervention project in Cambodia.

The aim of this study was to assess changes in sexually transmitted infections (STI) related care following a STI project with a particular focus on registered brothel-based (direct) female sex workers (DFSWs) in four border provinces of Cambodia. A survey of health care facilities providing STI care was undertaken and the results compared with a baseline survey done two years previously. The main components of the project were: renovation of the STI clinics, STI training, formation of mobile teams, provision of STI drugs, and the introduction of basic laboratory tests at STI clinics. Interviews were held with health care providers and STI patients and a manual check was made of the STI register and special forms for DFSWs. Clinical management of STI cases was assessed for DFSWs, women with vaginal discharge and men with urethral discharge. Advice given to clients about condom use, partner notification and STI education was assessed and availability of STI drugs was reviewed. STI clinic attendance by DFSWs each month increased from 72% (296/412) to 93% (459/496). The proportion of DFSWs diagnosed with presumed STIs decreased from 86.5% (256/296) to 25.5% (117/459) and cervicitis from 32.8% (135/412) to 12.6% (58/459). The percentage of men attending STI clinics decreased from 26.9% (251/933) to 9.4% (102/1,080). The proportion of presumed STI cases/all cases attending health centers decreased from 7.0% (934/13,177) to 4.3% (739/17,224). The introduction of laboratory tests coincided with a marked reduction in DFSWs diagnosed with cervicitis. Further validation studies are required to determine whether this reduction was accompanied by a real decrease in gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Women, reproductive rights, and HIV/AIDS: issues on which research and interventions are still needed.

From 2002 to 2005, two literature reviews identified a number of reproductive health issues that appeared to be relatively neglected in relation to HIV/AIDS: contraceptive information tailored to the needs of HIV-positive people; voluntary HIV counselling and testing during antenatal care, labour, and delivery; parenting options for HIV-positive people besides pregnancy through unprotected intercourse (i.e. assisted conception and legal adoption or foster care); unwanted pregnancy; and abortion-related care. An additional finding was that stigma and discrimination were frequently cited as barriers to enjoyment of reproductive rights by HIV-positive women. Subsequently, a pilot project was initiated in which non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in developing countries used benchmarks to ascertain whether these neglected issues were addressed in local programmes and interventions serving women affected by HIV and AIDS. The benchmarks also assessed whether policies and programmes paid attention to the human and reproductive rights of HIV-positive women. This paper describes the main findings from the two exercises in relation to contraception for women living with HIV or AIDS, abortion-related care, legal adoption by HIV-positive parents, and reproductive rights. It concludes with a number of recommendations on topics to be incorporated into the international research agenda, policies, and programmes in the field of HIV/AIDS.