Local attributable burden disease to PM 2.5 ambient air pollution in Medellín, Colombia, 2010-2016.

Background: Exposure to 2.5-micron diameter air pollutants (PM 2.5) has been associated with an increased risk of illness and death worldwide; however, in Latin American health impacts assessment of this risk factor is scarce. Medellín is one of the most polluted cities in the region, with a population growth rate that is twice as high as that of other Colombian cities, which implies a growing population at risk. Methods: A descriptive study of the disease burden was carried out using the city as the unit of observation. Health events were selected based on epidemiologic evidence and the availability of the population attributable fraction associated with PM 2.5. The mortality records were taken from the module of deceased of the Single Registry of Affiliates of the Health System; the morbidity records were taken from the Individual Health Services Registries. For the estimation of the burden of disease, the current Global Burden of Disease guidelines were followed. Results: Attributable disability-adjusted life years to exposure to ambient PM 2.5 pollution (DALYs PM2.5) constituted 13.8% of total burden of the city. Males showed the greatest loss of DALYs PM2.5 due to acute events, while in women the greatest loss was due to chronic events. Ischemic heart disease, chronic diseases of the lower respiratory tract, and influenza and pneumonia were the events that contributed the most to DALYs PM2.5. 71.4% of the DALYs PM2.5 corresponded to mortality, mainly in the population over 65 years of age. Regarding attributable morbidity, acute events were more prevalent in both sexes, especially due to respiratory diseases Conclusion: Premature death among the elderly population has the greatest weight on burden of disease attributable to ambient PM 2.5 pollution, mainly due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, without significant differences according to gender.

Loss of years of healthy life due to road incidents of motorcyclists in the city of Medellin, 2012 to 2015.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the loss of years of healthy life due to road incidents of motorcyclists in the city of Medellin from 2012 to 2015. METHODS: Descriptive study with data on health care of injured motorcyclists and deaths adjusted with the Preston and Coale method, and OPS proportional distribution for the period 2012-2015. The years of life lost due to premature death (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were calculated according to the new methodology designed for that purpose. RESULTS: The loss of years of healthy life due to road incidents of motorcyclists in the four-year period was 80,046 DALYs (823.8 per 100,000 inhabitants), with a higher proportion in men (81.3% and a ratio of 5 to 1 compared to women); the YLDs was 66.6% with marked differences in favor of men. There was nearly a 38% difference in the ages of 15 to 19 as well as a 19% difference from 30 to 49, compared to women. Premature death (YLLs) contributed to 33.4% of DALYs, with significant presentation in the above-mentioned age groups. CONCLUSIONS: The greatest loss of years of healthy life due to road incidents of motorcyclists in Medellin was due to non-fatal injuries and was concentrated in young men. If the trend of motorcycle road incidents continues, both local and national road safety plans will fail to accomplish the expected results, especially among motorcycle users.

Telepsychiatry: A Successful Experience in Antioquia, Colombia. / Telepsiquiatría: una experiencia exitosa en Antioquia, Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience of physicians and patients in the Telepsychiatry programme at the University of Antioquia's Faculty of Medicine in the first 12 months after its implementation in eight towns across Antioquia. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive study involving the evaluation of 111 patients during the programme's first year. An instrument was designed to evaluate patients' satisfaction and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used to evaluate the health professionals' satisfaction. RESULTS: 111 patients were seen on 340 occasions. 70 out of the 111 patients (63.1%) were seen by Telepsychiatry at least twice in the first year of implementation. A sample of 38 patients (34%) was used to evaluate their experience, of which 94.7% said their problem had been solved and 100% were highly satisfied. Nine health professionals took part in the programme, who agreed that the technology was useful and easy to use. They also stated that they wanted to continue using it. CONCLUSION: Health systems across the globe have failed to provide an adequate response to the mental health burden. Therefore, strategies such as telepsychiatry are considered an ideal treatment modality to give patients living in remote locations the specialised attention that they need.

Telepsiquiatría: una experiencia exitosa en Antioquia, Colombia

Objetivo: Describir la experiencia que han tenido los médicos y pacientes del programa de Telepsiquiatría de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Antioquia en los primeros 12 meses de su implementación en 8 municipios del departamento. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, que incluyó a 111 pacientes atendidos durante el primer año. Se diseñó un instrumento para evaluar la satisfacción de los pacientes y se empleó el instrumento de aceptación de tecnología para evaluar la de los profesionales de la salud. Resultados: Se realizaron 340 atenciones durante ese periodo a 111 pacientes; 70 (63,1%) de ellos recibieron al menos 2 atenciones por telepsiquiatría en el primer año. Se evaluó la experiencia en una muestra de 38 pacientes (34%), quienes manifestaron la resolución del problema (94,7%) y una satisfacción alta (100%). En el programa participaron 9 profesionales de la salud, que estuvieron de acuerdo en que la tecnología es útil y fácil de usar y tienen la intención de seguir usándola. Conclusiones: Los sistemas de salud de todo el mundo no han dado una respuesta adecuada a la carga de trastornos mentales; por esto, estrategias como la telepsiquiatría se consideran una modalidad de atención ideal para personas que viven en lugares remotos y tienen dificultad de acceso a los servicios de salud especializados, con adecuada aceptación.

Objective: To describe the experience of physicians and patients in the Telepsychiatry pro gramme at the University of Antioquia's Faculty of Medicine in the first 12 months after its implementation in eight towns across Antioquia. Methodology: A descriptive study involving the evaluation of 111 patients during the programme's first year. An instrument was designed to evaluate patients' satisfaction and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used to evaluate the health professionals' satisfaction. Results: 111 patients were seen on 340 occasions. 70 out of the 111 patients (63.1%) were seen by Telepsychiatry at least twice in the first year of implementation. A sample of 38 patients (34%) was used to evaluate their experience, of which 94.7% said their problem had been solved and 100% were highly satisfied. Nine health professionals took part in the programme, who agreed that the technology was useful and easy to use. They also stated that they wanted to continue using it. Conclusion: Health systems across the globe have failed to provide an adequate response to the mental health burden. Therefore, strategies such as telepsychiatry are considered an ideal treatment modality to give patients living in remote locations the specialised attention that they need.