Epidemiological Characteristics of Overseas-Imported Infectious Diseases Identified through Airport Health-Screening Measures: A Case Study on Fuzhou, China.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the epidemiological characteristics of imported infections and assess the effectiveness of border health screening in detecting imported diseases. METHODS: We obtained infection data for 2016 to 2019 from the Fuzhou Changle International Airport Infection Reporting System. The demographic, temporal, and spatial characteristics of travel-related infections were analyzed using r×c contingency tables, the Cochran-Armitage trend test, and seasonal-trend decomposition using LOESS (STL). Detection rates were used as a proxy for the effectiveness of border health-screening measures. RESULTS: Overall, 559 travel-related infections were identified during the study period, with 94.3% being imported infections. Airport health screening demonstrated an overall effectiveness of 23.7% in identifying travel-associated infections. Imported infections were predominantly identified in males, with 55.8% of cases occurring in individuals aged 20-49. The peak periods of infection importation were from January to February and from May to August. The infectious diseases identified were imported from 25 different countries and regions. All dengue fever cases were imported from Southeast Asia. Most notifiable infections (76.0%) were identified through fever screening at the airport. CONCLUSION: The increasing number of imported infections poses a growing challenge for public health systems. Multifaceted efforts including surveillance, vaccination, international collaboration, and public awareness are required to mitigate the importation and spread of infectious diseases from overseas sources.

The association of cancer-preventive lifestyle with colonoscopy screening use in border Hispanic adults along the Texas-Mexico border.

PURPOSE: The relationship between engaging in two domains of cancer-preventive behaviors, lifestyle behaviors and colonoscopy screening, is unknown in Hispanic adults. Accordingly, the study examined the association between lifestyle and colonoscopy screening in Hispanic adults along the Texas-Mexico border, where there is suboptimal colorectal cancer prevention. METHODS: Lifestyle behavior adherence and compliance with colonoscopy screening schedules were assessed using 2013-2023 data from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohorta population-based sample of Hispanic adults living along the Texas-Mexico border. The 2018 World Cancer Research Fund scoring system characterized healthy lifestyle engagement. Multivariable logistic regression quantified the association between lifestyle behaviors and colonoscopy screening. RESULTS: Among 914 Hispanic adults, there was a mean adherence score of 2.5 out of 7 for recommended behaviors. Only 33.0% (95% CI 25.64-41.39%) were up-to-date with colonoscopy. Complete adherence to fruit and vegetable (AOR [adjusted odds ratio] 5.2, 95% CI 1.68-16.30; p = 0.004), fiber (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.06-4.37; p = 0.04), and ultra-processed foods (AOR 2.8, 95% CI 1.30-6.21; p = 0.01) consumption recommendations were associated with up-to-date colonoscopy screening. Having insurance versus being uninsured (AOR 10.8, 95% CI 3.83-30.62; p < 0.001) and having local medical care versus in Mexico (AOR 7.0, 95% CI 2.26-21.43; p < 0.001) were associated with up-to-date colonoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to dietary lifestyle recommendations was associated with being up-to-date with colonoscopy screenings. Those with poor dietary behavior are at risk for low-colonoscopy use. Improving lifestyle behaviors may complement colonoscopy promotion interventions. Healthcare accessibility influences up-to-date colonoscopy prevalence. Our findings can inform cancer prevention strategies for the Hispanic population.

Qualitative expert evaluation of an educational intervention outline aimed at developing a shared understanding of cross-border healthcare.

Objectives: Although cross-border healthcare benefits many patients and healthcare professionals, it also poses challenges. To develop a shared understanding of these opportunities and challenges among healthcare professionals, we designed an educational intervention outline and invited experts in healthcare and education to evaluate it. The proposed intervention was based on theoretical principles of authentic, team, and reflective learning. Methods: Experts (N=11) received a paper outline of the intervention, which was subsequently discussed in individual, semi-structured interviews. Results: Based on a thematic analysis of the interviews, we identified 4 themes: 1) using the experience you have, 2) learning with the people you work with, 3) taking the time to reflect on the past and future, and 4) adapting the intervention to its context. Conclusion: According to the experts, the proposed intervention and its three underlying principles can enhance a shared understanding of cross-border healthcare. To unlock its full potential, however, they suggested adjusting the application of learning principles to its specific context. By situating learning in landscapes of practice, the intervention could contribute to the continuous development of cross-border healthcare.

Examining Health Inequities in A1C Control over Time across Individual, Geospatial, and Geopolitical Factors among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Analyses of a Sample from One Commercial Insurer in a Southern State.

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes impacts millions and poor maintenance of diabetes can lead to preventable complications, which is why achieving and maintaining target A1C levels is critical. Thus, we aimed to examine inequities in A1C over time, place, and individual characteristics, given known inequities across these indicators and the need to provide continued surveillance. METHODS: Secondary de-identified data from medical claims from a single payer in Texas was merged with population health data. Generalized Estimating Equations were utilized to assess multiple years of data examining the likelihood of having non-target (>7% and ≥7%, two slightly different cut points based on different sources) and separately uncontrolled (>9%) A1C. Adults in Texas, with a Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) flag and with A1C reported in first quarter of the year using data from 2016 and 2019 were included in analyses. RESULTS: Approximately 50% had A1Cs within target ranges (<7% and ≤7%), with 50% considered having non-target (>7% and ≥7%) A1Cs; with 83% within the controlled ranges (≤9%) as compared to approximately 17% having uncontrolled (>9%) A1Cs. The likelihood of non-target A1C was higher among those individuals residing in rural (vs urban) areas (P < .0001); similar for the likelihood of reporting uncontrolled A1C, where those in rural areas were more likely to report uncontrolled A1C (P < .0001). In adjusted analysis, ACA enrollees in 2016 were approx. 5% more likely (OR = 1.049, 95% CI = 1.002-1.099) to have non-target A1C (≥7%) compared to 2019; in contrast non-ACA enrollees were approx. 4% more likely to have non-target A1C (≥7%) in 2019 compared to 2016 (OR = 1.039, 95% CI = 1.001-1.079). In adjusted analysis, ACA enrollees in 2016 were 9% more likely (OR = 1.093, 95% CI = 1.025-1.164) to have uncontrolled A1C compared to 2019; whereas there was no significant change among non-ACA enrollees. CONCLUSIONS: This study can inform health care interactions in diabetes care settings and help health policy makers explore strategies to reduce health inequities among patients with diabetes. Key partners should consider interventions to aid those enrolled in ACA plans, those in rural and border areas, and who may have coexisting health inequities.

Telemedicine and Its Perceptions in a Border Community: A Review of How Health Care Technology Has Helped Increase Access.

Introduction: Telemedicine is a practical way of offering medical services to remote and underserved areas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has provided convenient access to health care and has overcome barriers such as distance that prevent patients from receiving care. Border populations are impacted by this change in health care delivery. The goal of this study was to investigate how a border patient population perceives their experiences with telemedicine. Methods: We utilized telephone surveys of patients who had a recent telehealth visit at the Texas Tech University Health Science Center (TTUHSC) Family Medicine Center clinic in El Paso, Texas. Survey measures included patients' demographics, a quality assessment of the patients' most recent telehealth visit and their experience, a comparison of the patients' telehealth visit to past in-person visits, and a rating of their telehealth visit. Result: Over 2,000 individuals (n = 2,040), primarily Hispanic females, older than the age of 44 years were identified for potential inclusion in the study. Of these, 928 had a contact attempt, of which 1,378 could not be contacted, 592 were invited, 70 declined leading to a response rate of 67.6% (number invited/completed the survey). Most patients agreed that during their most recent telehealth visit their clinician listened well (98.7%), spent adequate time with them (98.2%), was prompt (94.5%), explained things well (98.0%), and was someone they would recommend to others (97.2%). When comparing telehealth to in-person visits, patients reported the following: less wait time, easier convenience, and similar quality between virtual and in-person visits. Patients rated both their likelihood of using telehealth again and their likelihood of recommending telehealth to others as an 8.68 out of 10, on average. Patients 65 years old or older had 3.17 times greater likelihood of satisfaction with virtual visits when compared with patients younger than 45 years old (confidence interval [95% CI], 1.24-11.11). Patients also had less satisfaction with virtual visits if they had lower educational attainment (odds ratio = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.01-0.81). Conclusions: We found that individuals in a border community had a positive experience with telehealth primary care visits. This approach may improve access to health care.

A proposal to evaluate the management of tuberculosis programs: a qualitative, evaluability assessment in the border region of Brazil and Venezuela / Uma proposta de avaliação da gestão de programas de controle da tuberculose: um estudo qualitativo de avaliabilidade na fronteira entre Brasil e Venezuela / Una propuesta de evaluación de la gestión de programas de control de la tuberculosis: un estudio cualitativo de evaluabilidad en la franja fronteriza entre Brasil y Venezuela

This study aims to analyze the feasibility of building an evaluative model for the management of the Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program in the State of Roraima, located on the border between Brazil and Venezuela. This is an evaluability assessment, a type of study used as a pre-evaluation of the development and implementation stages of a program, as well as throughout its execution. The study was developed in stages comprising the: (i) definition of the intervention to be analyzed and its objectives and goals; (ii) construction of the intervention logical model; (iii) screening of parties interested in the evaluation; (iv) definition of the evaluative questions; and (v) design of the evaluation matrix. Four priority components were defined for the evaluation: management of the organization and implementation of tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control policy; epidemiological surveillance management; care network management; and management of expected/achieved results. In this model, and based on theoretical references, we defined the necessary resources, activities, outputs, outcomes, and the expected impact for each of the policy management components. The management of the TB control program is feasible for evaluation based on the design of its components, the definition of structure and process indicators, and relevant results for the analysis of the management of TB prevention and control actions, as well as its influence on compliance with the agreed indicators and targets aiming at eradicating the disease by 2035.

Objetivou-se examinar a viabilidade da construção de um modelo avaliativo para a gestão do Programa de Prevenção e Controle da Tuberculose no Estado de Roraima, localizado na fronteira entre Brasil e Venezuela. Trata-se de um estudo de avaliabilidade, um tipo de estudo utilizado como pré-avaliação na fase de desenvolvimento e implementação de um programa, bem como ao longo de sua execução. O estudo foi desenvolvido em etapas: (i) definição da intervenção a ser analisada e seus objetivos e metas; (ii) construção do modelo lógico da intervenção; (iii) mapeamento dos interessados na avaliação; (iv) definição das questões avaliativas e (v) delineamento da matriz de avaliação. Foram definidos quatro componentes prioritários para avaliação: gestão da organização e implementação da política de prevenção e controle da tuberculose (TB), gestão da vigilância epidemiológica, gestão da rede de atenção à saúde e gestão dos resultados esperados/obtidos. Nesse modelo, e com base em referenciais teóricos, definimos os recursos, atividades, produtos, resultados e o impacto esperado para cada um dos componentes de gestão de políticas. A gestão do programa de controle da TB é passível de avaliação a partir do delineamento de seus componentes e da definição de indicadores de estrutura e processo, assim como de resultados relevantes e sua influência para o cumprimento das metas pactuadas, visando erradicar a doença até 2035.

El objetivo fue analizar la viabilidad de elaborar un modelo de evaluación para la gestión del Programa de Prevención y Control de la Tuberculosis en el Estado de Roraima, que está en la frontera entre Brasil y Venezuela. Se trata de un estudio de evaluabilidad, un modelo de estudio que se utiliza como evaluación previa en la fase de desarrollo e implementación de un programa, así como a lo largo de su ejecución. El desarrollo del estudio se realizó en etapas: (i) definir la intervención a analizar y sus objetivos y metas; (ii) construir el modelo lógico de la intervención; (iii) mapear los interesados en la evaluación; (iv) definir las preguntas de la evaluación; y (v) trazar la matriz de evaluación. Se definieron cuatro componentes prioritarios para la evaluación: la gestión de la organización e implementación de la política de prevención y control de la tuberculosis (TB), la gestión de la vigilancia epidemiológica, la gestión de la red de atención a la salud y la gestión de los resultados esperados/obtenidos. En este modelo, y basándonos en referentes teóricos, definimos los recursos, actividades, productos, resultados y el impacto esperado para cada uno de los componentes de la gestión de políticas. La gestión del programa de control de la TB puede evaluarse a partir del diseño de sus componentes y de la definición de indicadores de estructura y proceso, así como de resultados relevantes y su influencia para el cumplimiento de las metas pactadas, con el fin de erradicar la enfermedad para 2035.

The provision of malaria services in border districts of four countries in Southern Africa: results from a cross-sectional community assessment of malaria border health posts

Background The importation of parasites across borders remains a threat to malaria elimination. The Southern African Development Community Malaria Elimination Eight (E8) established 39 border health facilities on 5 key international borders between high and low-burden countries. These clinics aimed to improve access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of malaria for residents in border areas and for mobile and migrant populations who frequently cross borders. Studies were conducted in each of the four high-burden E8 countries (Angola, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) to evaluate malaria services in border areas. Methods Cross-sectional surveys were conducted within 30 km of recently established E8 Border Health Posts. Structured questionnaires were administered to randomly selected respondents to assess malaria-related knowledge and behavior, access to malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malaria, and risk factors for malaria associated with local and cross-border travel. Results Results showed that most providers followed appropriate guidelines performing blood tests when individuals presented with fever, and that nearly all those who reported a positive blood test received medication. Lack of access to health care due to distance, cost or mistrust of the provider was rare. A minority of respondents reported not receiving timely diagnosis either because they did not seek help, or because they were not ofered a blood test when presenting with fever. There was a high level of correct knowledge of causes, symptoms, and prevention of malaria. A majority, of border residents had access to primary prevention against malaria through either long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) or indoor residual spraying (IRS). Cross border travel was common with travellers reporting sleeping outside without protection against malaria. Conclusions The study demonstrated the importance of border health facilities in providing access to malaria services. Prevention needs to be improved for people who travel and sleep outdoors. Community health workers can play a key role in providing access to information, testing and treating malaria.

The provision of malaria services in border districts of four countries in Southern Africa: results from a cross-sectional community assessment of malaria border health posts.

BACKGROUND: The importation of parasites across borders remains a threat to malaria elimination. The Southern African Development Community Malaria Elimination Eight (E8) established 39 border health facilities on 5 key international borders between high and low-burden countries. These clinics aimed to improve access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of malaria for residents in border areas and for mobile and migrant populations who frequently cross borders. Studies were conducted in each of the four high-burden E8 countries (Angola, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) to evaluate malaria services in border areas. METHODS: Cross-sectional surveys were conducted within 30 km of recently established E8 Border Health Posts. Structured questionnaires were administered to randomly selected respondents to assess malaria-related knowledge and behavior, access to malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malaria, and risk factors for malaria associated with local and cross-border travel. RESULTS: Results showed that most providers followed appropriate guidelines performing blood tests when individuals presented with fever, and that nearly all those who reported a positive blood test received medication. Lack of access to health care due to distance, cost or mistrust of the provider was rare. A minority of respondents reported not receiving timely diagnosis either because they did not seek help, or because they were not offered a blood test when presenting with fever. There was a high level of correct knowledge of causes, symptoms, and prevention of malaria. A majority, of border residents had access to primary prevention against malaria through either long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) or indoor residual spraying (IRS). Cross border travel was common with travellers reporting sleeping outside without protection against malaria. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated the importance of border health facilities in providing access to malaria services. Prevention needs to be improved for people who travel and sleep outdoors. Community health workers can play a key role in providing access to information, testing and treating malaria.

Pré-natal em região de fronteira na vigência da pandemia da Covid-19 / Prenatal care in a border region during the pandemic of COVID-19

RESUMO O estudo objetivou compreender a atenção pré-natal em uma região de fronteira na vigência da pandemia da Covid-19. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, realizado em serviços da atenção primária à saúde, com 27 participantes, entre mulheres e profissionais de saúde, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, remotas e presenciais, entre agosto de 2021 e janeiro de 2022, cujos dados foram averiguados por análise temática. Foram identificadas quatro categorias temáticas, quais sejam: Início do pré-natal adiado; Parcialidade nas ações em saúde no pré-natal; (Des)informação em saúde em período de pandemia; e Medidas de prevenção à Covid-19 na gestação. A pandemia da Covid-19 gerou retrocessos no pré-natal, como a restrição do acompanhante nas consultas e exames e suspensão de grupos de gestantes, com prejuízos na educação em saúde, adiamento do início do pré-natal e/ou comprometimento da sua realização, particularmente de brasileiras residentes no Paraguai. Teleatendimento, como estratégia para acompanhamento do pré-natal, apareceu timidamente. Os serviços de saúde se reorganizaram para manter as medidas para evitar a infecção e, assim, tentar garantir o seguimento pré-natal de forma presencial.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to understand prenatal care in a border region during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a qualitative study conducted between August 2021 and January 2022 in primary health care facilities with 27 participants from among women and health workers in semistructured, remote, and in-person interviews, whose data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four thematic categories were identified: delayed initiation of prenatal care, partiality in prenatal health measures, (in)health information in a pandemic period, and COVID-19 preventive measures in pregnancy. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to setbacks in prenatal care, such as limiting the presence of others than not the pregnant individual during consultations and examinations, exposing groups of pregnant women to health information losses, postponing the start of prenatal care, and or compromising their deliveries, especially among Brazilian women living in Paraguay. Telecare as a strategy for prenatal follow-up has been slow to be implemented. Health services have been reorganized to maintain infection prevention measures and provide prenatal follow-up in person.

Social and environmental determinants influencing injection drug use and HIV risk among two sister cities on the US-Mexico border: a comparative cross-sectional study, 2016-2018.

The economic, social, cultural and political milieus that influence injection drug-related HIV risk behaviors along the US-Mexico border in the previous decade have been studied comparing cities on an East-West axis. In an effort to inform interventions targeting factors beyond the individual level, we used a cross-sectional study design comparing people who inject drugs during 2016-2018, living on a North-South axis, in two cities-Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico and El Paso, Texas, USA-situated at the midpoint of the 2000 US-Mexico borderland stretch. We conceptualize injection drug use and its antecedents and consequences as influenced by factors operating at various levels of influence. Results of analysis comparing samples recruited from each border city indicated significant differences in demographic, socioeconomic, micro- and macro-level factors that affect risk. Similarities emerged in individual-level risk behaviors and some dynamics of risk at the drug use site most frequented to use drugs. In addition, analyses testing associations across samples indicated that different contextual factors such as characteristics of the drug use sites influenced syringe sharing. In this article, we reflect on the potential tailored interventions needed to target the context of HIV transmission risk among people who use drugs and reside in binational environment.

Perinatal Health in Amazon Triple Border Region: Cross-Sectional Analysis Comparing Outcomes in the Brazilian, Peruvian and Colombian Population.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the perinatal outcomes in Brazilian, Peruvian, and Colombian women in a Brazilian reference maternity hospital based at Amazon triple border region. METHOD: A cross-sectional case study of data from 3242 live birth certificates issued at the Tabatinga public maternity hospital, in the countryside of Amazonas, in the period between January 2015 and December 2017. Maternal and perinatal independent variables were analysed based on central tendency and variability, and frequency distribution for categorical variables. The Pearson's Chi-Square test and univariate analyses were performed to estimate probability ratios (Odds Ratio-OR). RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the education level in the three population groups, as well as in the number of previous pregnancies, antenatal consultations, month of initial prenatal care, and type of delivery. Brazilian pregnant women had more prenatal consultations, caesarean sections, and premature births. Peruvian and Colombian women started antenatal care later, and those with high-risk pregnancies tended to deliver in their home country. CONCLUSION FOR PRACTICE: Our findings show some singularities in the care of women and infants in the Amazonian triple border region. The Brazilian Unified Health Care System performs an important role in the guarantee of free access to health services, and ensures comprehensive care for women and infants, promoting human rights in border regions regardless of nationality.

Post-COVID19 strategies to support the health care interactions of U.S. Mexican immigrants and return migrants with the Mexican health system.

Background: Mexican migrants in the United States (U.S.) are twice more likely to underutilize health care and to experience low quality of care compared to the U.S.-born population. Current and former Mexican migrants in the U.S have used health services in Mexico due to lower cost, perceived quality, cultural familiarity, and the geographic proximity of the two countries. Objective: This study aims to characterize the different health care interactions of current and former U.S. Mexican migrants with public and private health care organizations of the Mexican health system and to identify strategies to improve health care interactions post-COVID19. Methods: We use a typology of cross-border patient mobility to analyze the facilitators and barriers to improve the health care interactions of current and former U.S. Mexican migrants with the Mexican health system. Our policy analysis framework examines how an outcome can be achieved by various configurations or combinations of independent variables. The main outcome variable is the improvement of health care interactions of U.S. Mexican migrants and return migrants with different government agencies and public and private health care providers in the Mexican health system. The main explanatory variables are availability, affordability, familiarity, perceived quality of health care and type of health coverage. Findings: As the Mexican health system emerges from the COVID19 pandemic, new strategies to integrate current and former U.S. Mexican migrants to the Mexican health system could be considered such as the expansion of telehealth services, a regulatory framework for health services used by transnational patients, making enrollment procedures more flexible for return migrants and guiding return migrants as they reintegrate to the Mexican health system. Conclusions: The health care interactions of U.S. Mexican migrants with the Mexican health system are likely to increase in the upcoming decades due to population ageing. Regulatory improvements and programs that address the unique needs of U.S. Mexican migrants and return migrants could substantially improve their health care interactions with the Mexican health system.

Breast cancer: essential attributes of Primary Health Care in a border region / Câncer de mama: atributos essenciais na atenção primária à saúde em região de fronteira

Introduction: Breast cancer in Brazil is considered a public health problem, as it represents one of the main causes of death in female population. Objective: To analyze the presence of essential attributes of Primary Health Care in border region in the context of care for women with breast cancer. Methods: This is a qualitative research based on the Complexity Paradigm, held in Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13 women diagnosed with breast cancer. Thematic analysis was chosen as a technique to analyze the material produced. Results: The following categories emerged: Barriers to access services for women with breast cancer; (De)constructing the bond: women, professionals and health services; Fragmented care, focused on the biological: interference for comprehensiveness; and (Dis)coordination of care for women with breast cancer within the public health system. Conclusion: The essential attributes of Primary Health Care were not present in their entirety for care for women with breast cancer, as difficulties in accessing primary care services, weaknesses in the construction and strengthening of bonds due to discontinuity of care were reported, attributed to the incipient coordination within the public health system. It points to the need to implement care strategies, with behavioral, functional and structural changes in health services at the border.

Introdução: O câncer de mama no Brasil é considerado um problema de saúde pública, por representar uma das principais causas de mortes na população feminina. Objetivo: Analisar a presença dos atributos essenciais da atenção primária à saúde na região de fronteira no contexto do cuidado à mulher com câncer de mama. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa baseada no Paradigma da Complexidade, realizada em Foz do Iguaçu-PR. Conduziram-se entrevistas em profundidade com 13 mulheres com diagnóstico de câncer de mama. Elegeu-se a Análise Temática como técnica para analisar o material produzido. Resultados: Emergiram as categorias: Barreiras para o acesso aos serviços para atenção à mulher com câncer de mama; (Des)construindo o vínculo: mulheres, profissionais e serviços de saúde; Cuidado fragmentado, focado no biológico: interferência para a integralidade; e (Des)coordenação da atenção à mulher com câncer de mama no âmbito do sistema público de saúde. Conclusão: Os atributos essenciais da atenção primária não estiveram presentes em sua totalidade para o cuidado à mulher com câncer de mama, visto que foram reportadas dificuldades para o acesso nos serviços de atenção primária, fragilidades na construção e fortalecimento do vínculo pela descontinuidade do cuidado, atribuído à incipiência da coordenação no âmbito do sistema público de saúde. Aponta-se para a necessidade de implementar estratégias de cuidados, com transformações comportamentais, funcionais e estruturais nos serviços de saúde na fronteira.

Hispanic Survivors and Caregivers of Human Papillomavirus-Associated Cancers: Lived Experiences in a U.S.-Mexico Border Community.

Although human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers are preventable and treatable at early stages, health disparities in HPV-associated cancer outcomes continue to exist among Hispanic populations. Hispanics residing along the U.S.-Mexico border face barriers distinct from other geographically dispersed populations within the United States. The current research aimed to explore perspectives and lived experiences of survivors and caregivers of HPV-associated cancers in El Paso, Texas, to inform intervention development and health practices to increase preventive services among populations residing on the U.S.-Mexico border region. A mixed-method approach was employed using a semi-structured interview guide with Quality of Life (QOL) scales with (N = 29) survivors and caregivers of HPV-associated cancers. Content analysis was used to extract themes and descriptive statistics were reported for quality of life. Five major themes were identified: (1) barriers to preventive services and treatment; (2) role of health care providers in diagnosis and care; (3) treatment challenges, support systems, and challenges associated with caregiving; and (4) HPV prevention and health recommendations from survivors and caregivers. Finally, given the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, an additional theme was explored on accessibility to health and human services. QOL scales suggested better overall physical health and spiritual well-being in survivors and fear of reoccurrence among caregivers and survivors. The current research highlights the role of health care providers and human service professionals in the promotion of health practices of at-risk populations by increasing health literacy among cancer patients and caregivers, and exploring experiences, challenges, and messages caregivers and survivors had regarding HPV prevention.

Representations of COVID-19: the pandemic in the context of international commuting migration from mining / Representaciones del COVID-19: la pandemia en el contexto de la migración pendular internacional desde la minería / Representations of COVID-19: the pandemic in the context of international commuting migration from mining

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the conceptions about COVID-19 among Brazilians who carry out commuting to work in clandestine mines located on the borders between Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname. Method: This is qualitative research, from an analytical perspective, based on Social Representation Theory. Semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews were carried out with 10 Brazilians who experience work routine in clandestine mining on the border between Brazil, French Guiana and Suriname. Results: Two analytical categories emerged: "The disease of otherness"; and "Health access dimension". Conclusion: Disease severity was attributed to another or a human body organ, and not to individuals as a whole. Access to health services was established on issues of inequity, violence and illegal practices. The nature of a transient population, which carries out commuting and informal and clandestine work, demonstrates vulnerability to COVID-19 and a lower propensity to receive care.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar las concepciones sobre el COVID-19 entre los brasileños que realizan desplazamientos para trabajar en minas clandestinas ubicadas en las fronteras entre Brasil, Guayana Francesa y Surinam. Método: Investigación cualitativa, desde una perspectiva analítica, basada en la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas y grabadas en audio a 10 brasileños que viven la rutina de trabajo en minas clandestinas en la frontera entre Brasil, Guayana Francesa y Surinam. Resultados: Se designaron dos categorías analíticas: "La enfermedad de la alteridad"; y "Dimensiones del acceso a la salud". Conclusión: La gravedad de la enfermedad se atribuyó a otro o a un órgano del cuerpo humano, y no al individuo en su conjunto. El acceso a los servicios de salud se estableció sobre temas de inequidad, violencia y prácticas ilegales. La naturaleza de la población transitoria, que realiza desplazamientos y trabajos informales y clandestinos, demuestra vulnerabilidad al COVID-19 y una menor propensión a recibir atención.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar as concepções acerca da covid-19 entre brasileiros que realizam migração pendular para trabalhar em garimpos clandestinos situados nas fronteiras entre Brasil, Guiana Francesa e Suriname. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa, em uma perspectiva analítica, alicerçada na Teoria das Representações Sociais. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, áudiogravadas com 10 brasileiros que vivenciam a rotina de trabalho em garimpos clandestinos na fronteira entre Brasil, Guiana Francesa e Suriname. Resultados: Foram designadas duas categorias analíticas: "A doença da alteridade"; e "Dimensão do acesso à saúde". Conclusão: A gravidade da doença foi atribuída ao outro ou a um órgão do corpo humano, e não ao indivíduo como um todo. O acesso aos serviços de saúde instituiu-se em questões de iniquidade, violência e práticas ilegais. O caráter de população transitória, que realiza migração pendular e de trabalho informal e clandestino, demonstra vulnerabilidade à covid-19 e menor propensão a receber cuidados.

Importância e desafios da vigilância em saúde em uma região de fronteira internacional: um estudo de caso / The importance and challenges of health surveillance in an international border: a case study

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo foi identificar os principais desafios da promoção da vigilância em saúde em uma região de tríplice fronteira da Amazônia Legal brasileira. Foi realizado um estudo de caso único, explicativo, com abordagem qualitativa, que utilizou dados documentais e entrevistas. Os resultados demonstram que a vigilância em saúde é fundamental para o controle de doenças na região. Além disso, as diferenças dos sistemas de saúde dos três países que compõem a tríplice fronteira (Brasil, Colômbia e Peru) se mostraram o principal desafio para o estabelecimento de políticas sanitárias.

Abstract The objective of This article was to identify the main challenges of promoting health surveillance in a triple border region of the Brazilian legal Amazon. A single explanatory case study was carried out, with a qualitative approach, which used documentary data and interviews. The Results demonstrate that health surveillance is essential for disease control in the studied region. In addition, the differences between the health systems of the three countries that make up the triple border (Brazil, Colombia, and Peru) showed to be the main challenge for establishing health policies.

Polymicrobial Infection in an Immigrant Female at the United States-Mexico Border.

Malaria is a highly infectious disease transmitted through the bite of the Anopheles mosquito carrying the parasite of the Plasmodium genus; it presents with cyclical fevers, myalgias, and headaches. In the United States, the vast majority of malaria cases are reported in people who travel abroad, mainly to Africa. These cases are predominantly linked to Plasmodium falciparum or ovale and can be medically treated with artemisinin, chloroquine, or atovaquone-proguanil. We discuss a case of a 38-year-old female immigrant from Venezuela living at an immigration facility who presented to a hospital located on the United States-Mexico border with a two-day history of watery diarrhea, headache, and subjective fever. She had experienced mosquito bites and likely contracted the illness in Chiapas, Mexico during her trek from Peru to the United States. Her case was unique as she tested positive for dengue fever antibodies acquired from a previous infection and also contracted rhinovirus during her clinical course. Her diagnosis of malaria was confirmed with a peripheral blood smear that revealed ring forms with no gametocytes. This in tandem with her route of travel suggested infection with Plasmodium vivax. She was treated with chloroquine while the malaria culture was pending and continued to spike fevers every 24-36 hours while on medication. Once the culture was confirmed, she was treated with atovaquone-proguanil as maintenance therapy. She was subsequently discharged on primaquine for 14 days to prevent relapse.

Vulnerabilities to illnesses in women living on the border of the Guiana Shield mines / Vulnerabilidades por la enfermedad de las mujeres en las minerías fronterizas del Escudo Guayanés* / Vulnerabilidades para o adoecimento de mulheres em garimpos na fronteira do Escudo das Guianas

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the the vulnerabilities to illnesses in women living on the border of the Guiana Shield mines: Brazil, French Guiana, and Suriname. Method: Descriptive, exploratory field study with a qualitative approach. Data collection took place with 19 women who were living in the mining context, in April 2018. The interviews were recorded and transcribed in full and subsequently analyzed in the light of the concept of vulnerability. Results: Women aged between 30 and 39 years, predominantly black and brown, on a common-law marriage, multiparous, of low level of education, and with work activities related to mining. Three empirical categories emerged: Exposure to environmental and life conditions in the mines: vulnerabilities to illnesses in women; Sexual and reproductive health in the context of borders: the invisibility between legality and illegality; Gendered facets of violence in the mines on the border of the Guiana Shield. Conclusion: Vulnerability is marked in the three dimensions of the concept: in the difficult access to health services, in the discontinued treatment, and in the disparity in health policies within countries, which are important aspects of vulnerability and health conditions.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar las vulnerabilidades por la enfermedad de las mujeres en zonas mineras en la frontera del Escudo Guayanés: Brasil, Guayana Francesa y Surinam. Método: Investigación de campo, descriptiva, exploratoria, con enfoque cualitativo. La recolección de datos se realizó con 19 mujeres que vivían el contexto de las minerías, en abril de 2018. Las entrevistas fueron grabadas y transcritas en su totalidad y posteriormente analizadas a la luz del concepto de vulnerabilidad. Resultados: Mujeres de 30 a 39 años, predominantemente negras y pardas, unión estable, multíparas, baja escolaridad y con actividades laborales afines a la minería. Surgieron tres categorías empíricas: Exposición a las condiciones ambientales y de vida en las minerías: vulnerabilidades de las mujeres a enfermarse; salud sexual y reproductiva en el contexto de las fronteras: la invisibilidad entre la legalidad y la ilegalidad; facetas de género de la violencia en las minerías de la frontera del escudo guayanés. Conclusión: La vulnerabilidad se acentúa en las tres dimensiones del concepto, a saber, el difícil acceso a los servicios de salud, la interrupción del tratamiento y la disparidad en las políticas de salud entre países, son aspectos importantes para la vulnerabilidad y las condiciones de salud.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar as vulnerabilidades para o adoecimento de mulheres em áreas de garimpos da fronteira do Escudo das Guianas: Brasil, Guiana Francesa e Suriname. Método: Pesquisa de campo, descritiva, exploratória, de abordagem qualitativa. A coleta de dados ocorreu com 19 mulheres que vivenciavam o contexto de garimpagem, em abril de 2018. As entrevistas foram gravadas e transcritas na íntegra e posteriormente analisadas à luz do conceito de vulnerabilidade. Resultados: Mulheres com idade entre 30 e 39 anos, predominantemente pretas e pardas, união estável, multíparas, baixa escolaridade e com atividades de trabalho relacionadas à garimpagem. Emergiram três categorias empíricas: Exposição às condições ambientais e de vida nos garimpos: vulnerabilidades para o adoecimento de mulheres; Saúde sexual e reprodutiva no contexto de fronteiras: a invisibilidade entre a legalidade e a ilegalidade; Facetas gendradas da violência nos garimpos da fronteira do escudo das Guianas. Conclusão: A vulnerabilidade é acentuada nas três dimensões do conceito, quais sejam: a dificuldade de acesso aos serviços de saúde, tratamento descontinuado e disparidade nas políticas de saúde entre os países, que são aspectos importantes à vulnerabilidade e condições de saúde.

Competências do enfermeiro de saúde pública em região fronteira: revisão de escopo / Competencias de enfermeros de salud pública en regiones fronterizas: revisión de alcance / Competencies of the public health nurse in a frontier region: a scoping review

Resumo Objetivo Identificar as evidências científicas sobre as competências específicas para a prática profissional do enfermeiro de saúde pública em região de fronteira. Métodos Scoping Review , conforme Instituto Joanna Briggs, por meio da questão norteadora: "Qual a produção de conhecimento sobre as competências necessárias para prática profissional de enfermeiros de saúde pública em região de fronteira?" Foram realizadas buscas em cinco bases de dados, com inclusão de estudos originais em inglês, espanhol, português e francês, publicados ou disponibilizados até junho de 2020, utilizando os descritores: enfermeiro, competência e áreas de fronteira. Resultados Dos 941 estudos encontrados, 58 foram selecionados para leitura na íntegra, resultando em uma amostra final de oito estudos de países distintos, sendo: Brasil, México, Suécia, Tailândia, Taiwan e Estados Unidos da América. A partir da análise de cada estudo, emergiram cinco competências específicas do enfermeiro de saúde pública que atua em regiões de fronteira, sendo Competência para: 1) Abordagem cultural 2) Competência para o cuidado integral e coletivo de enfermagem em região de fronteira; 3) Política para assistência em comunidades fronteiriças; 4) Linguística-comunicativa; 5) Atendimento transnacional. Conclusão Apesar de ambientes fronteiriços diversificados, os estudos selecionados apontaram competências de natureza cultural e social. O papel do enfermeiro em região de fronteira muda na medida em que a sociedade moderna se configura e se reorienta em direção a novas possibilidades identitárias. Tais mudanças refletem a necessidade de efetivar o cuidado em saúde que promova a proximidade das diferenças culturais.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar las evidencias científicas sobre las competencias específicas para la práctica profesional de los enfermeros de salud pública en regiones de frontera. Métodos Scoping Review , de acuerdo con el Instituto Joanna Briggs, mediante la siguiente pregunta orientadora: "¿Cuál es la producción de conocimientos sobre las competencias necesarias para la práctica profesional de los enfermeros de salud pública en regiones de frontera?". Se realizaron búsquedas en cinco bases de datos, que incluyeron estudios originales en inglés, español, portugués y francés, publicados o colocados a disposición hasta junio de 2020 y que utilizaron los descriptores: enfermero, competencia y áreas de frontera. Resultados De los 941 estudios encontrados, se seleccionaron 58 para lectura completa, que dio como resultado una muestra final de ocho estudios de diferentes países, a saber: Brasil, México, Suecia, Tailandia y Estados Unidos de América. A partir del análisis de cada estudio, surgieron cinco competencias específicas de los enfermeros de salud pública que actúan en regiones de frontera: 1) Enfoque cultural, 2) Competencia para el cuidado integral y colectivo de enfermería en regiones de frontera, 3) Política para la atención en comunidades fronterizas, 4) Lingüística comunicativa y 5) Atención transnacional. Conclusión A pesar de haber diversos ambientes fronterizos, los estudios seleccionados indicaron competencias de naturaleza cultural y social. El papel de los enfermeros en regiones de frontera cambia en la medida en que la sociedad moderna se configura y se reorienta hacia nuevas posibilidades identitarias. Estos cambios reflejan la necesidad de materializar los cuidados de la salud que promuevan la proximidad de las diferencias culturales.

Abstract Objective To identify the scientific evidence on the specific competencies for the professional practice of public health nurses in a frontier region. Methods Scoping Review , according to Joanna Briggs Institute, through the guiding question: "What is the knowledge production about the competencies necessary for the professional practice of public health nurses in a frontier region?" Searches were conducted in five databases, with original English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French studies published or made available by June 2020, using the descriptors: nurse, competence, and border areas. Results Among the 941 studies found, 58 were selected for full-text reading, resulting in a final sample of eight studies from different countries: Brazil, Mexico, Sweden, Thailand, Taiwan, and the United States of America. From the analysis of each study, five specific competencies of the public health nurse who works in frontier regions emerged, being Competence for: 1) Cultural approach; 2) Competence for integral and collective nursing care in a frontier region; 3) Policy for assistance in frontier communities; 4) Linguistic-communicative; 5) Transnational care. Conclusion The selected studies pointed out cultural and social competencies despite diversified frontier environments. The nurse's role in a frontier region changes as modern society configures itself and reorients itself toward new identity possibilities. Such changes reflect the need for effective health care that promotes proximity to cultural differences.