Assessing the prevalence and impact of preserved ratio impaired spirometry in low-income and middle-income countries: a post-hoc cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: More than 90% of the morbidity and mortality from chronic respiratory disease occurs in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), with substantial economic impact. Preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) is a prevalent lung function abnormality associated with increased mortality in high-income countries. We aimed to conduct a post-hoc analysis of a cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence of, the risk factors for, and the impact of PRISm in three diverse LMIC settings. METHODS: We recruited a random, age-stratified and sex-stratified sample of the population in semi-urban Bhaktapur, Nepal; urban Lima, Peru; and rural Nakaseke, Uganda. Quality-assured post-bronchodilator spirometry was performed to American Thoracic Society standards and PRISm was defined as a forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) of less than 80% predicted with a FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio of 0·70 or more. We used t tests and χ2 analyses to assess the relationships between demographic, biometric, and comorbidity variables with PRISm. Multivariable logistic models with random intercept by site were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs. FINDINGS: 10 664 participants were included in the analysis, with a mean (SD) age of 56·3 (11·7) years and an equal distribution by sex. The prevalence of PRISm was 2·5% in Peru, 9·1% in Nepal, and 16·0% in Uganda. In multivariable analysis, younger age (OR for each decile of age 0·87, 95% CI 0·82-0·92) and being female (1·37, 1·18-1·58) were associated with increased odds of having PRISm. Biomass exposure was not consistently associated with PRISm across sites. Individuals with PRISm had impairment in respiratory-related quality of life as measured by the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (OR by decile 1·18, 95% CI 1·10-1·25). INTERPRETATION: The prevalence of PRISm is heterogeneous across LMIC settings and associated with age, female sex, and biomass exposure, a common exposure in LMICs. A diagnosis of PRISm was associated with worse health status when compared with those with normal lung function. Health systems in LMICs should focus on all spirometric abnormalities as opposed to obstruction alone, given the disease burden, reduced quality of life, and size of the undiagnosed population at risk. FUNDING: Medical Research Council.

Pilot trial protocol: community intervention to improve depressive symptoms among Peruvian older adults.

BACKGROUND: Non-pharmacological interventions have proven effective at alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms in older adults. Methodological refinement and testing of these interventions in new contexts are needed on a small scale before their effectiveness and implementation can be evaluated. The purpose of this pilot study is to assess the feasibility of a future large-scale trial comparing an adapted mental health multi-component evidence-based intervention (VIDACTIVA) versus standard care for older adults experiencing depression symptoms in urban, resource-limited settings in Lima, Peru. Furthermore, this study will explore the acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity of implementing the intervention. METHODS: We will conduct an open-label, mixed methods pilot feasibility study with two parallel groups. A total of 64 older adults, stratified by sex, will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio to either the "intervention" or "control." Participants will be followed for 22 weeks after enrollment. Those in the intervention group will receive eight VIDACTIVA sessions administered by community health workers (CHWs) over 14 weeks, with an additional eight weeks of follow-up. Participants in the control group will receive two psychoeducation sessions from a study fieldworker and will be directed to health care centers. Standard care does not involve CHWs. We will evaluate screening rates, recruitment strategies, retention rates, the acceptability of randomization, and assessments. Additionally, we will assess preliminary implementation outcomes-acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity-from the perspectives of CHWs (interventionists), older adults (main participants), older adults' relatives, and healthcare professionals. DISCUSSION: If the findings from this feasibility trial are favorable, a fully powered randomized controlled trial will be conducted to evaluate `both the effectiveness and implementation of the intervention. This research will make a substantial contribution to the field of mental health in older adults, particularly by emphasizing a meticulous examination and documentation of the implementation process. By doing so, this study will offer valuable methodologies and metrics for adapting and assessing mental health interventions tailored to the unique needs of older adults in resource-constrained contexts and diverse cultural settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The current trial registration number is NCT06065020, which was registered on 26th September 2023.

Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity among community-dwelling Peruvian adults: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity (SO) have emerged as significant contributors to negative health outcomes in the past decade. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of probable sarcopenia, sarcopenia, and SO in a community-dwelling population of 1151 adults aged ≥55 years in Lima, Peru. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2018 and 2020. Sarcopenia was defined as the presence of low muscle strength (LMS) and low muscle mass (LMM) according to European (EWGSOP2), US (FNIH) and Asian (AWGS2) guidelines. We measured muscle strength by maximum handgrip strength and muscle mass using bioelectrical impedance analyzer. SO was defined as a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 and sarcopenia. RESULTS: The study participants had a mean age of 66.2 years (SD 7.1), age range between 60 to 92 years old, of which 621 (53.9%) were men. Among the sample, 41.7% were classified as obese (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m²). The prevalence of probable sarcopenia was estimated to be 22.7% (95%CI: 20.3-25.1) using the EWGSOP2 criteria and 27.8% (95%CI: 25.2-30.4) using the AWGS2 criteria. Sarcopenia prevalence, assessed using skeletal muscle index (SMI), was 5.7% (95%CI: 4.4-7.1) according to EWGSOP2 and 8.3% (95%CI: 6.7-9.9) using AWGS2 criteria. The prevalence of sarcopenia based on the FNIH criteria was 18.1% (95%CI: 15.8-20.3). The prevalence of SO, considering different sarcopenia definitions, ranged from 0.8% (95%CI: 0.3-1.3) to 5.0% (95%CI: 3.8-6.3). CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal substantial variation in the prevalence of sarcopenia and SO, underscoring the necessity for context-specific cut-off values. Although the prevalence of SO was relatively low, this result may be underestimated. Furthermore, the consistently high proportion of probable sarcopenia and sarcopenia point to a substantial public health burden.

Successes and challenges to implementing the Fondo de Inclusión Social Energético LPG access Program in Peru: novel insights from front-end implementers.

Background: Household air pollution due to the burning of solid fuels is one of the leading risk factors for disease and mortality worldwide, resulting in an estimated three million deaths annually. Peru's national LPG access program, FISE, aims to reduce the use of biomass fuels and increase access to cleaner fuels for cooking in low-income Peruvian households through public-private partnerships. Perspectives from front-end program implementers are needed to better understand barriers and facilitators to program implementation and to identify strategies to strengthen program reach, uptake, and health impact. Methods: We conducted fourteen 30-60-minute, semi-structured interviews with FISE-authorized LPG vendors (also known as agents) in Puno, Peru from November to December of 2019. Questions focused on barriers and facilitators to program enrollment and participation as an LPG agent, and agents' motivations for participating in the program. Results: Overall, agents expressed satisfaction with the FISE program and a willingness to continue participating in the program. Distance from main cities and the homes of program participants, knowledge of FISE and LPG stoves among community members, cell service, and lack of communication with FISE authorities were cited as barriers to implementation and LPG distribution. Agents' previous experience selling LPG, as well as their social networks and understanding of the health impacts of household air pollution, aided agents in more effectively navigating the system of FISE rules and regulations and in better serving their clients. Many agents were motivated to participate in FISE because they saw it as a service to their community and were willing to find ways to prioritize the needs of beneficiaries. Conclusion: The FISE program provides an example of how a large-scale national program can successfully partner with local private enterprises for program implementation. Building upon the strengths of community-based LPG agents, educating community members on the use and benefits of LPG, incentivizing, and supporting delivery services, and improving communication will be key for increasing program utilization and exclusive use of LPG, and improving health outcomes among Peru's most vulnerable populations.

Unmet Diagnostic and Therapeutic Opportunities for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Rationale: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent and burdensome condition in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Challenges to better care include more effective diagnosis and access to affordable interventions. There are no previous reports describing therapeutic needs of populations with COPD in LMICs who were identified through screening. Objectives: To describe unmet therapeutic need in screening-detected COPD in LMIC settings. Methods: We compared interventions recommended by the international Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease COPD strategy document, with that received in 1,000 people with COPD identified by population screening at three LMIC sites in Nepal, Peru, and Uganda. We calculated costs using data on the availability and affordability of medicines. Measurement and Main Results: The greatest unmet need for nonpharmacological interventions was for education and vaccinations (applicable to all), pulmonary rehabilitation (49%), smoking cessation (30%), and advice on biomass smoke exposure (26%). Ninety-five percent of the cases were previously undiagnosed, and few were receiving therapy (4.5% had short-acting ß-agonists). Only three of 47 people (6%) with a previous COPD diagnosis had access to drugs consistent with recommendations. None of those with more severe COPD were accessing appropriate maintenance inhalers. Even when available, maintenance treatments were unaffordable, with 30 days of treatment costing more than a low-skilled worker's daily average wage. Conclusions: We found a significant missed opportunity to reduce the burden of COPD in LMIC settings, with most cases undiagnosed. Although there is unmet need in developing novel therapies, in LMICs where the burden is greatest, better diagnosis combined with access to affordable interventions could translate to immediate benefit.

Agency and Mental Health Among Peruvian Older Adults During the COVID-19 Lockdown.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the experiences of older Peruvian adults living in urban areas of Lima under lockdown due to the National COVID-19 Emergency, this study analyzes how older adults (aged 60 and older) exercise agency while also living with the negative impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and related control measures. METHODS: Between August and December 2020, our research team conducted a telephone-based, qualitative study, in which we undertook semistructured interviews with a purposive sample of low-income older adults living with chronic multimorbidities and limited resources. Forty older adults, 24 women and 16 men, with a mean age of 72 years, participated in the study. For data analysis, we employed thematic analysis with a predominantly inductive approach. RESULTS: Older adults demonstrated several forms of agency to regulate emotions, maintain crucial bonds, foster social relationships, and seek economic and food security. Older adults experienced entertainment and support by caring for pets, undertaking farm work, and practicing their religious beliefs. For several participants and their families, quarantine was an opportunity to strengthen family relationships and learn new technologies. Older adults and their families reorganized themselves to assume new roles and perform activities that improved self-worth and confidence, thereby improving their well-being and mental health. DISCUSSION: Peruvian older adults exerted agency in different ways to respond to and sustain their mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown. Policymakers should value and recognize the agency of older adults when planning future health responses.

Discriminative Accuracy of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Screening Instruments in 3 Low- and Middle-Income Country Settings.

Importance: Most of the global morbidity and mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) occurs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with significant economic effects. Objective: To assess the discriminative accuracy of 3 instruments using questionnaires and peak expiratory flow (PEF) to screen for COPD in 3 LMIC settings. Design, Setting, and Participants: A cross-sectional analysis of discriminative accuracy, conducted between January 2018 and March 2020 in semiurban Bhaktapur, Nepal; urban Lima, Peru; and rural Nakaseke, Uganda, using a random age- and sex-stratified sample of the population 40 years or older. Exposures: Three screening tools, the COPD Assessment in Primary Care to Identify Undiagnosed Respiratory Disease and Exacerbation Risk (CAPTURE; range, 0-6; high risk indicated by a score of 5 or more or score 2-5 with low PEF [<250 L/min for females and <350 L/min for males]), the COPD in LMICs Assessment questionnaire (COLA-6; range, 0-5; high risk indicated by a score of 4 or more), and the Lung Function Questionnaire (LFQ; range, 0-25; high risk indicated by a score of 18 or less) were assessed against a reference standard diagnosis of COPD using quality-assured postbronchodilator spirometry. CAPTURE and COLA-6 include a measure of PEF. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was discriminative accuracy of the tools in identifying COPD as measured by area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) with 95% CIs. Secondary outcomes included sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Results: Among 10 709 adults who consented to participate in the study (mean age, 56.3 years (SD, 11.7); 50% female), 35% had ever smoked, and 30% were currently exposed to biomass smoke. The unweighted prevalence of COPD at the 3 sites was 18.2% (642/3534 participants) in Nepal, 2.7% (97/3550) in Peru, and 7.4% (264/3580) in Uganda. Among 1000 COPD cases, 49.3% had clinically important disease (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease classification B-D), 16.4% had severe or very severe airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in 1 second <50% predicted), and 95.3% of cases were previously undiagnosed. The AUC for the screening instruments ranged from 0.717 (95% CI, 0.677-0.774) for LFQ in Peru to 0.791 (95% CI, 0.770-0.809) for COLA-6 in Nepal. The sensitivity ranged from 34.8% (95% CI, 25.3%-45.2%) for COLA-6 in Nepal to 64.2% (95% CI, 60.3%-67.9%) for CAPTURE in Nepal. The mean time to administer the instruments was 7.6 minutes (SD 1.11), and data completeness was 99.5%. Conclusions and Relevance: This study demonstrated that screening instruments for COPD were feasible to administer in 3 low- and middle-income settings. Further research is needed to assess instrument performance in other low- and middle-income settings and to determine whether implementation is associated with improved clinical outcomes.

"We can't carry the weight of the whole world": illness experiences among Peruvian older adults with symptoms of depression and anxiety.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms in old age, the use of mental health services in this population is low. Help-seeking behaviors are shaped by how an individual perceives and experiences their illness. The objective of this study was to characterize the illness experiences of Peruvian older adults with depression and anxiety symptoms in order to lay the foundation for tailored community-based mental health interventions. METHODS: In this qualitative study, we conducted in-depth interviews with a purposively selected sample of older adults (≥ 60 years) from peri-urban areas of Lima, Peru. We included individuals with only depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 ≥ 10), only anxiety symptoms (Beck Anxiety Inventory ≥ 16), with depressive and anxiety symptoms, and older adults who mentioned they had received mental health treatment/care. The interview guide included the following topics: perceptions and experiences about depression and anxiety; perceptions about the relationship between physical chronic diseases and mental health; experiences with mental health professionals and treatments, and coping mechanisms. Data collection was conducted between October 2018 and February 2019. RESULTS: We interviewed 38 participants (23 women, 15 men) with a mean age of 67.9 years. Participants' ideas and perceptions of depression and anxiety showed considerable overlap. Participants attributed depression and anxiety mainly to familial and financial problems, loneliness, loss of independence and past traumatic experiences. Coping strategies used by older adults included 'self-reflection and adaptation' to circumstances, 'do your part', and seeking 'emotional support' mainly from non-professionals (relatives, friends, acquaintances, and religion). CONCLUSIONS: Illness experiences of depression and anxiety set the pathway for tailored community-based mental health interventions for older adults. Overlapping narratives and perceptions of depression and anxiety suggest that these conditions should be addressed together. Mental health interventions should incorporate addressing areas related to depression and anxiety such as prevention of loss of independence, trauma, and loneliness. Good acceptability of receiving emotional support for non-professionals might offer an opportunity to incorporate them when delivering mental health care to older adults.

Risk Factors for Physical Inactivity Among Children With and Without Asthma Living in Peri-Urban Communities of Lima, Peru.

BACKGROUND: The authors sought to examine physical activity patterns among children with and without asthma in 2 peri-urban communities in Lima, Peru, to identify socioeconomic and demographic risk factors for physical inactivity and examine the relationship between asthma and physical activity. METHODS: The authors measured mean steps per day in 114 children (49 with asthma and 65 without) using pedometers worn over a 1-week period. They also used the 3-day physical activity recall to determine the most common activities carried out by children. RESULTS: The authors found that 84.2% of the children did not meet the daily international physical activity recommendations. Girls took significantly fewer mean steps per day as compared with boys (2258 fewer steps, 95% confidence interval, 1042-3474), but no other factors, including asthma status, showed significant differences in the mean daily steps. Mean daily steps were positively associated with higher socioeconomic status among girls, and current asthma had a larger inverse effect on daily steps in boys when compared with girls. CONCLUSION: Physical activity levels were below recommended guidelines in all children. There is a need for policy and neighborhood-level interventions to address low physical activity levels among Peruvian youth. Special focus should be given to increasing the physical activity levels in girls.

Implementation of an intervention to improve the adoption of asthma self-management practices in Peru: Asthma Implementation Research (AIRE) randomized trial study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children worldwide, with 80% of asthma-related deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). While evidence-based guidelines exist for asthma treatment and management, adoption of guideline-based practices is low in high-income country and LMIC settings alike. While asthma prevalence among children and adolescents in Lima, Peru is in the range of 13%-19.6%, our data suggest that < 5% of children in low-resource communities are currently taking guideline-based therapies. There is an urgent need for effective, locally tailored solutions to address the asthma treatment gap in low-income communities in Peru. METHODS: This study aims to develop and test a locally adapted intervention package to improve adoption of self-management practices and utilization of preventive health services for asthma among children in Lima Norte. The intervention package was designed using a systematic, theory-based framework (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation - Behavior Framework) and is rooted in a multi-phased formative research approach. The main study design is an individually randomized implementation-effectiveness hybrid trial enrolling 110 children aged 5-17 years with asthma and their caregivers. Families allocated to the treatment group receive the supported self-management intervention package, while families allocated to the control group receive the standard of care plus asthma education. We will follow participants monthly for six months and evaluate asthma control (Asthma Control Test), healthcare utilization, and medication adherence (Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale). Disease-specific quality of life for children (Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire) and caregivers (Pediatric Asthma Caregiver's Quality of Life Questionnaire) will be evaluated at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. We will also evaluate acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity of the intervention using mixed methods approaches. DISCUSSION: The long-term goal of this study is to disseminate locally appropriate asthma management strategies in LMIC settings. This study will contribute to the body of knowledge surrounding approaches for developing and evaluating intervention strategies for asthma using systematic, theory-based approaches grounded in local context. Such strategies have the potential to inform the development and adaptation of appropriate and scalable solutions for asthma management in LMIC settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03986177. Registered on 14 June 2019.

Older adults with disability in extreme poverty in Peru: How is their access to health care?

BACKGROUND: Disability rates increase with age. In 2012, Peruvian older adults (≥ 65 years) represented 9% of the population. Additionally, older population reported disabilities at about 5 times the rate of Peruvians between 36 and 64 years old, and 30% of older population lived in poverty. Peruvian seniors living in extreme poverty experience disabilities and the extent of their access to healthcare is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study assesses associations between disability and access to healthcare among Peruvians older individuals living in extreme poverty. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a national representative population based survey that utilizes information from Peru's 2012 survey Health and Wellbeing in Older Adults (ESBAM), which includes older adults living in extreme poverty. We define disability in terms of the Activities of Daily Living (ADL disability) framework. Healthcare access was assessed as having any of Peru's available health insurance schemes combined with preventive health services (vision assessment, influenza vaccination, blood pressure assessment, diabetes screening, and cholesterol assessment). Poisson robust regression models were used to evaluate the associations among relevant variables. Prevalence Ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were reported. RESULTS: Data from 3869 individuals (65 to 80 years old), of whom 1760 (45.5%) were females, were analyzed. The prevalence of ADL disability was 17.3% (95%CI: 16.0%-18.4%). In addition, more than 60% had never received any of the preventive measures evaluated, except for the blood pressure assessment. In the adjusted model, people with ADL disability had 63% less probability of having extensive insurance, compared to those without disability (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that this Peruvian older population living in extreme poverty has limited access to healthcare services. Although there was no consistent association between ADL disability and the healthcare access, there is an urgent need to reduce the inequitable access to healthcare of this poor Peruvian older population.

[Educational environment in a Peruvian medical school. A negative trend over the academic years]. / Ambiente educativo en una facultad de medicina peruana: una tendencia negativa a lo largo de los años académicos.

BACKGROUND: Educational environment refers to the material resources and interpersonal relationships of an educational institution. AIM: To describe the educational environment of a Peruvian medical school and to explore a possible association between curricular years and the educational environment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) to evaluate the educational environment of a Peruvian medical school. Data collection consisted in online surveys completed voluntarily by 1st through 6th year medical students between April and October 2015. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 828 of 2,421 (34.2%) students. The mean DREEM score was 117 ± 25.6 of a maximum of 200. A poorer perception of the educational environment was associated with later years in the curriculum, when analysis was adjusted for gender, age and academic status (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The educational environment of this medical school scored positively (> 100 points). However, it was evident that medical students in later curricular years had a more negative perception of the educational environment compared to those in earlier academic years.

Ambiente educativo en una facultad de medicina peruana: una tendencia negativa a lo largo de los años académicos / Educational environment in a Peruvian medical school: a negative trend over the academic years

Background: Educational environment refers to the material resources and interpersonal relationships of an educational institution. Aim: To describe the educational environment of a Peruvian medical school and to explore a possible association between curricular years and the educational environment. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) to evaluate the educational environment of a Peruvian medical school. Data collection consisted in online surveys completed voluntarily by 1st through 6th year medical students between April and October 2015. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 828 of 2,421 (34.2%) students. The mean DREEM score was 117 ± 25.6 of a maximum of 200. A poorer perception of the educational environment was associated with later years in the curriculum, when analysis was adjusted for gender, age and academic status (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The educational environment of this medical school scored positively (> 100 points). However, it was evident that medical students in later curricular years had a more negative perception of the educational environment compared to those in earlier academic years.

[High frequency of dyslipidemia in VIH-infected patients in aa peruvian public hospital]. / Elevada frecuencia disclipidemia en pacientes infectados por VIH en un Hospital público peruano.

The objective of the study was to determine the frequency and characteristics of dyslipidemia in patients with HIV in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in a Peruvian public hospital. A cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with complete lipid profile after receiving at least six months of HAART. Dyslipidemia was defined according to the criteria of the NCEP-ATP III. We reviewed 2 975 clinical histories, and included 538 (18.1%) in the analysis. The frequency of dyslipidemia was 74.7%. HAART regimens which include protease inhibitors (PI) (odds ratio [OR]: 1.22; confidence interval at 95% [CI 95%]: 1.11-1.33) and to be older than 40 years (OR: 1.17; CI 95%: 1.05-1.28) were associated with dyslipidemia, adjusted by viral load, CD4 lymphocyte level and gender. In conclusion, dyslipidemia was very common in our sample and was mainly associated with the use of PI. It is necessary to promote the dyslipidemia control as part of the comprehensive care of the patient with HIV.

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la frecuencia y características de la dislipidemia en pacientes con VIH en terapia antirretroviral de gran actividad (TARGA) en un hospital público peruano. Se realizó un estudio transversal en pacientes que tuvieran un perfil lipídico completo luego de recibir al menos seis meses de TARGA. La dislipidemia se definió según los criterios NCEP-ATP III. Se revisaron 2975 historias clínicas, 538 (18.1%) fueron incluidas en el análisis. La frecuencia de dislipidemia fue 74.7%. Los esquemas de TARGA que incluían inhibidores de la proteasa (IP) (OR 1.22; IC95% 1,11-1,34) y la edad mayor de 40 años (OR 1.17; IC95% 1,06-1,29) mostraron asociación con dislipidemia, ajustado por carga viral, nivel de células CD4 y sexo. En conclusión, la dislipidemia fue muy frecuente en la muestra estudiada y estuvo asociada principalmente al uso de IP. Es necesario promover el control de la dislipidemia como parte de la atención integral del paciente con infección por VIH.

[Psychometric analysis of a questionnaire to measure the educational environment in a sample of medical students in Peru]. / Análisis psicométrico de un cuestionario para medir el ambiente educativo en una muestra de estudiantes de medicina en Perú.

The objective of the study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire in students of a Peruvian medical school. Participants were first-to-sixth-year students, invited to participate through a web platform. In the analysis the alpha coefficient of Cronbach was used to evaluate internal consistency. In addition, a confirmatory factorial analysis was performed to evaluate the construct validity of the subscales of the DREEM. The adjustment quality indexes used were: Root Mean Square Error Approximation (RMSEA), the Index of Benchmarking (CFI), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI), and the Standardized Root Mean Residual (SRMR). The results showed that the social self-perception dimension had an alpha of Cronbach of less than 0.70. In addition, the quality indices did not support the five-dimensional structure of the DREEM. In conclusion, the DREEM questionnaire did not perform optimally in this Peruvian sample.

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar las propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) en estudiantes de una facultad de Medicina peruana. Los participantes fueron los alumnos de primero a sexto año, invitados a participar mediante una plataforma web. En el análisis se utilizó el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach para evaluar consistencia interna. Además, se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio para evaluar la validez de constructo de las subescalas del DREEM. Los índices de bondad de ajuste utilizados fueron: error cuadrático medio de aproximación (RMSEA), el índice de ajuste comparativo (CFI), índice Tucker-Lewis (TLI) y el residuo estandarizado cuadrático medio (SRMR). Los resultados mostraron que la dimensión Autopercepción Social tuvo un alfa de Cronbach menor a 0,70. Además, los índices de bondad no apoyaron la estructura de cinco dimensiones del DREEM. Como conclusión, el cuestionario DREEM no tuvo un desempeño óptimo en esta muestra peruana.

Análisis psicométrico de un cuestionario para medir el ambiente educativo en una muestra de estudiantes de medicina en Perú / Psychometric analysis of a questionnaire to measure the educational environment in a sample of medical students in Peru

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue determinar las propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) en estudiantes de una facultad de Medicina peruana. Los participantes fueron los alumnos de primero a sexto año, invitados a participar mediante una plataforma web. En el análisis se utilizó el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach para evaluar consistencia interna. Además, se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio para evaluar la validez de constructo de las subescalas del DREEM. Los índices de bondad de ajuste utilizados fueron: error cuadrático medio de aproximación (RMSEA), el índice de ajuste comparativo (CFI), índice Tucker-Lewis (TLI) y el residuo estandarizado cuadrático medio (SRMR). Los resultados mostraron que la dimensión Autopercepción Social tuvo un alfa de Cronbach menor a 0,70. Además, los índices de bondad no apoyaron la estructura de cinco dimensiones del DREEM. Como conclusión, el cuestionario DREEM no tuvo un desempeño óptimo en esta muestra peruana.

ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire in students of a Peruvian medical school. Participants were first-to-sixth-year students, invited to participate through a web platform. In the analysis the alpha coefficient of Cronbach was used to evaluate internal consistency. In addition, a confirmatory factorial analysis was performed to evaluate the construct validity of the subscales of the DREEM. The adjustment quality indexes used were: Root Mean Square Error Approximation (RMSEA), the Index of Benchmarking (CFI), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI), and the Standardized Root Mean Residual (SRMR). The results showed that the social self-perception dimension had an alpha of Cronbach of less than 0.70. In addition, the quality indices did not support the five-dimensional structure of the DREEM. In conclusion, the DREEM questionnaire did not perform optimally in this Peruvian sample.

Elevada frecuencia de dislipidemia en pacientes infectados por VIH en un hospital público peruano / High frequency of dyslipidemia in HIV-infected patients in a peruvian public hospital

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la frecuencia y características de la dislipidemia en pacientes con VIH en terapia antirretroviral de gran actividad (TARGA) en un hospital público peruano. Se realizó un estudio transversal en pacientes que tuvieran un perfil lipídico completo luego de recibir al menos seis meses de TARGA. La dislipidemia se definió según los criterios NCEP-ATP III. Se revisaron 2975 historias clínicas, 538 (18.1%) fueron incluidas en el análisis. La frecuencia de dislipidemia fue 74.7%. Los esquemas de TARGA que incluían inhibidores de la proteasa (IP) (OR 1.22; IC95% 1,11-1,34) y la edad mayor de 40 años (OR 1.17; IC95% 1,06-1,29) mostraron asociación con dislipidemia, ajustado por carga viral, nivel de células CD4 y sexo. En conclusión, la dislipidemia fue muy frecuente en la muestra estudiada y estuvo asociada principalmente al uso de IP. Es necesario promover el control de la dislipidemia como parte de la atención integral del paciente con infección por VIH.

The objective of the study was to determine the frequency and characteristics of dyslipidemia in patients with HIV in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in a Peruvian public hospital. A cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with complete lipid profile after receiving at least six months of HAART. Dyslipidemia was defined according to the criteria of the NCEP-ATP III. We reviewed 2 975 clinical histories, and included 538 (18.1%) in the analysis. The frequency of dyslipidemia was 74.7%. HAART regimens which include protease inhibitors (PI) (odds ratio [OR]: 1.22; confidence interval at 95% [CI 95%]: 1.11-1.33) and to be older than 40 years (OR: 1.17; CI 95%: 1.05-1.28) were associated with dyslipidemia, adjusted by viral load, CD4 lymphocyte level and gender. In conclusion, dyslipidemia was very common in our sample and was mainly associated with the use of PI. It is necessary to promote the dyslipidemia control as part of the comprehensive care of the patient with HIV.

Perfil lipídico, índice HOMA y perímetroabdominal en niños obesos pre púberes de 5 a 12 años del Instituto de Salud del Niño, Lima-Perú / Profile lipídico, index HOMA and perímetroabdominal in obese children adolescent pre from 5 to 12 years of the Institute of Health of the Child, Lima - Peru

Introducción: La obesidad infantil ha sido considerada como una epidemia según Organización Mundial de la Salud. La obesidad infantil puede llevar en un futuro cercano a problemas metabólicos importantes. Por eso es importante la detección precoz. Eso nos lleva a ver las características de obesidad en los niños más pequeños y empezar a explorar algunas relaciones que nos permitan a futuro mejores estudios para delinear nuevos enfoques de diagnóstico precoz. Objetivo: Describir el perfil lipídico, el índice de HOMA y perímetro abdominal en niños obesos pre púberes de 5 a 12 años atendidos por el servicio de endocrinología en el Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño en el periodo comprendido entre Enero y Diciembre del 2010. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo- retrospectivo. La recolección de datos se realizó a partir de las historias clínicas. Nuestras variables principales fueron perfil Lipídico (Colesterol Total, HDL, LDL, Triglicéridos), Perímetro abdominal e índice Homa para evaluar la resistencia a la Insulina. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante el programa SPSS v.18. Población: niños obesos pre púberes de 5 a12 años atendidos en el servicio de Endocrinología del Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño(INSN) durante el periodo comprendido entre Enero y Diciembre del año 2010...

Introduction: Childhood obesity has been regarded as an epidemic by the World Health Organization. Childhood obesity can lead in the near future important metabolic problems. That's why early detection is important. That brings us to see the feature of obesity in young children and begin to explore some relationships that will enable future studies to delineate best new approaches for early diagnosis. Objective: To describe the lipid profile, HOMA index and waist circumference in obese prepubertal children of 5-12 years who attended the service of endocrinology at the National lnstitute of Child Health in the period between January and December 2010. Materials