The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the refugee population: a rapid review.

AIMS: This is a rapid review examining the available evidence about the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the refugee population. METHODS: A search in the databases such as PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science was conducted and all relevant original articles, letters, and editorial and policy papers were included. RESULTS: From 208 publications matching the search criteria, 36 were included. These publications were categorized into three distinct domains: Public Health, Policies and Financing, and Technology. Our findings revealed that the situation of the refugee population has worsened during the pandemic. Difficulty accessing healthcare, violation of human rights, lack of access to technology devices, unfavorable government policies, and economic crisis were the most important aspects impacted by COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Governments, health managers, health professionals, and policy makers should be aware of refugees' problems during the pandemic to provide immediate solutions.

Opiniones de los profesionales sanitarios de Atención Primaria de Andalucía acerca del virus del papiloma humano y su vacuna / Opinions of Andalusian primary health care professionals about human papillomavirus and its vaccine

Fundamento: El virus del papiloma humano (VPH) es una de las enfermedades de transmisión sexual más comunes, pero su tasa de vacunación es de las más bajas en Andalucía. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer las opiniones de los profesionales sanitarios de Atención Primaria sobre la prevención en adolescentes de la infección por el VPH y la administración de su vacuna. Método: Investigación cualitativa mediante seis grupos focales con profesionales de centros de Atención Primaria de Sevilla, Granada y Jaén. Participaron 45 profesionales sanitarios. Se realizó un análisis de contenido de tipo semántico con categorización de respuestas en unidades temáticas. Resultados: Los profesionales reconocen las dificultades de llegar a la población adolescente en temas de prevención de conductas sexuales de riesgo, por falta de tiempo y poca preocupación de los adolescentes por las medidas preventivas. Aunque reconocen la sintomatología de la infección por el VPH, no todos tienen claro si el varón padece la enfermedad así como la asociación de la infección con canceres distintos al de cérvix. Dudan a la hora de recomendar la vacuna, dejando en manos de los progenitores la decisión de la vacunación de sus hijas. Conclusiones: Sería recomendable establecer estrategias que mejoren la información que tienen los profesionales acerca del VPH, así como de los beneficios de la vacuna, para que los trasmitan claramente y con asertividad a los padres; esto evitaría incertidumbre en los progenitores, mejoraría las tasas de vacunación y disminuiría las complicaciones de la infección (cáncer)

Background: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease, but its vaccination coverage is among the lowest in Andalusia. The aim of this study is to determine what primary health care professionals think and find out about the prevention of HPV infection among adolescents and the administration of the vaccine. Method: Qualitative study using six focus groups with professionals from Primary Health Care in Seville, Granada and Jaen. Fourty-five professionals participated. An analysis of the semantic content was made, and answers were categorized in thematic units. Results: Professionals recognize the difficulties in reaching the adolescent population concerning prevention of sexual risk behaviors, due to lack of time and little concern amongst adolescents about the preventive measures. Although the professionals recognize the symptoms of HPV infection, some did not know about the disease in men as well as the association with other cancers other than cervical cancer. They hesitate over whether to recommend the vaccine or not, leaving the decision to vaccinate their daughters in the hands of the parents. Conclusion: It would be advisable to establish strategies that improve the information that the professionals have about HPV as well as the benefits of the vaccine, so that they can transmit the benefits clearly and assertively to the parents. This would avoid parental uncertainty, improve vaccination rates, and decrease complications of infection (cancer)

[Opinions of Andalusian primary health care professionals]. / Opiniones de los profesionales sanitarios de Atención Primaria de Andalucía acerca del Virus del Papiloma Humano y su vacuna.

BACKGROUND: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease, but its vaccination coverage is among the lowest in Andalusia. The aim of this study is to determine what primary health care professionals think and find out about the prevention of HPV infection among adolescents and the administration of the vaccine Method. Qualitative study using six focus groups with professionals from Primary Health Care in Seville, Granada and Jaen. Fourty-five professionals participated. An analysis of the semantic content was made, and answers were categorized in thematic units. RESULTS: Professionals recognize the difficulties in reaching the adolescent population concerning prevention of sexual risk behaviors, due to lack of time and little concern amongst adolescents about the preventive measures. Although the professionals recognize the symptoms of HPV infection, some did not know about the disease in men as well as the association with other cancers other than cervical cancer. They hesitate over whether to recommend the vaccine or not, leaving the decision to vaccinate their daughters in the hands of the parents. CONCLUSION: It would be advisable to establish strategies that improve the information that the professionals have about HPV as well as the benefits of the vaccine, so that they can transmit the benefits clearly and assertively to the parents. This would avoid parental uncertainty, improve vaccination rates, and decrease complications of infection (cancer).