Proportion of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in Peru

BACKGROUND

Limited evidence exists on the population attributable fraction (PAF) of cancer cases and deaths in Latin America. In Peru several studies have been published regarding the PAF of various risk factors and their associated diseases. The objective of this study was to estimate the fraction of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in Peru in 2018, before the COVID-19 pandemic in the population of 15 years old and older.

METHODS

An ecological study was conducted using the prevalence of exposure of the Peruvian population to modifiable risk factors for cancer, the relative risk associated with each factor, and the number of cancer cases and deaths in 2018 as inputs. We used the Parkin formula with a Montecarlo statistical simulation model to calculate the PAF and confidence intervals. The number of new cancer cases and deaths attributed to each risk factor was determined by multiplying the number of cases and deaths in each gender by the PAF of each risk factor.

FINDINGS

In Peru, 38.5% of new cases (34.5% in men and 42% in women) and 43.4% of cancer-related deaths (43.4% in men and 43.4% in women) were attributable to modifiable risk factors. The number of cancers attributable was 25,308 (10,439 in men and 14,869 in women) and the number of deaths attributable to cancer was 14,839 (6,953 in men and 7,886 in women). The predominant modifiable risk factors contributing to the highest number of cases and deaths were HPV infection (4,563 cases, 2,409 deaths), current tobacco use (3,348 cases, 2,180 deaths), and helicobacter pylori infection (2,677 cases, 1,873 deaths). Among the risk factors, oncogenic infections constituted the group with the highest PAF (16.6% for cases, 19.2% for deaths) followed by other unhealthy lifestyle factors (14.2% for cases, 16.7% for deaths), tobacco (7.2% for cases, 7.2% for deaths) and ultraviolet radiation (0.5% for cases, 0.3% for deaths).

CONCLUSIONS

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 38.5% of cancer cases and 43.4% of cancer-related deaths in Peru were linked to modifiable risk factors in the population of 15 years old and older. Most preventable cancer cases and deaths were related to oncogenic infections, primarily caused by HPV and helicobacter pylori, followed by tobacco and obesity.

Factors associated with the discontinuation of hormonal contraceptives in women of Lima, Peru

INTRODUCTION

Family planning is a right and a tool that offers the possibility of choosing how many children to have. Its importance lies in the possibility of avoiding an unwanted pregnancy and its consequences. Our objective was to determine the factors associated with discontinuing hormonal contraceptives in women of childbearing age who attended the La Libertad Health Center in January 2023.

METHODS

The study was observational, analytical, and cross-sectional. A total of 100 women of childbearing age who were users of hormonal contraceptives were included. Descriptive statistics were performed, frequency measurements and measures of central tendency were calculated, bivariate statistics were performed and the prevalence ratio (PR) was calculated, and a robust Poisson regression model was performed to assess the associated independent factors. All calculations were made with a confidence level of 95%.

RESULTS

The educational level (PR=1.74; 95% CI: 1.22-2.48, p=0.006), the distance to the health center (PR=7.32; 95% CI: 1.1-48.5, p=0.001), having presented adverse events (PR=26.38; 95% CI: 3.8-183, p=0.001), and that the health staff had not identified the need for contraception (PR=3.12; 95% CI: 0.87-11.10, p=0.01) were associated with stopping a hormonal contraceptive. After introducing the variables to the regression model, the only independently associated factor was having presented an adverse event with the use of hormonal contraceptives (adjusted prevalence ratio, APR=3.33; 95% CI: 2.1-5.2, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this population, the factors associated with the discontinuation of hormonal contraceptives were education level, distance to the health center, having presented some adverse event with its use, and that health staff had not identified the need for contraception. The only independently associated factor was having presented an adverse event.

Ultrastructural skin alterations of healthy subjects with anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies in endemic areas to pemphigus foliaceus: A case series

Background

Endemic pemphigus foliaceus and endemic pemphigus vulgaris are autoimmune dermatologic disorders endemic to the Peruvian Amazon.

Objective

To determine the ultrastructural skin alterations of three healthy subjects with anti DSG-1 antibodies in areas endemic to pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris in the Peruvian Amazon.

Patients and methods

Case series carried out from data of three clinically healthy subjects positive to anti DSG-1 antibodies, from Peru. This study consists of a sub-analysis of data gathered in a previous study.

Results

Ultrastructural results are presented from the skin biopsies of three clinically healthy patients positive to anti-desmoglein 1 (DSG-1) antibodies. High Resolution Optical Microscopy (HROM) showed the absence of acantholysis. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) showed the widening of intercellular space between keratinocytes, the presence of vacuoles in intercellular space with granular material and cytoplasmic vacuolization, loss of desmosome structure, loss of normal distribution among tonofilaments and lateral separation among cells in the stratum basale.

Conclusion

According to our results, healthy subjects that present anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies can develop ultrastructural alterations that are visible through transmission electron microscopy but not through conventional optical microscopy.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Variants and Disease Outcome of COVID-19 Patients in the Amazonas Region of Peru

Peru was severely affected by COVID-19 with a fatality rate that reached up to 6%. In this study, the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 variants and COVID-19 disease outcome in Amazonas, a region of northeastern Peru, was evaluated. The variants were determined by genomic sequencing, and clinical-epidemiological data were collected from 590 patients between April 2021 and February 2022. There was no association between mortality and hospitalization with any of the variants, but we did find that Omicron is more likely to infect vaccinated and nonvaccinated people. A significant association was also found between unvaccinated patients and hospitalization. Interestingly, in the indigenous population, there were fewer hospitalizations than in the general population. In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 variants were not associated with the disease outcome in the Amazonas region, and indigenous population were found to be less vulnerable to severe COVID-19 illness.

Factors associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet among medical students at a private university in Lima, Peru

<b>Introduction:</b> The Mediterranean diet (MedD)is a characteristic eating pattern of the countries of the Mediterranean region. Nonetheless, is unknown its adherence in medical students. We aimed to determine the prevalence of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (AMedD) and associated factors in medical students from Peru.<br /> <b>Material and methods</b>: Analytical cross-sectional study carried out by means of a virtual survey. PREDIMED scale was used to evaluate AMedD. The factors assessed were age, sex, academic year, body mass index (BMI), place of lunch consumption, cigarette smoking, and physical activity. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to present it in crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRa).<br /> <b>Results:</b> High AMedD was present in 38.50%. Statistically significant association was found for sex (PRa: 0.623; 95%CI 0.488-0.796); for overweight (PRa: 0.417; 95%CI 0.270-0.644), obesity (PRa: 0.591; 95%CI 0.400-0.874) versus normopese; cigarette smoking (PRa: 0.450; 95%CI 0.263-0.773); and high physical activity (PRa: 1.652; 95%CI 1.233-2.215).<br /> <b>Conclusions</b>: AMedD was low. The related factors were sex, BMI, consumption of lunch outside the home, cigarette smoking, and a high level of physical activity. If this is confirmed in future studies, it would be necessary to consider these elements to encourage greater consumption of MedD components by students, which would help to improve their long-term health.

Obesity indices as risk factor for colorectal cancer in patients at a national police hospital in Peru

<b>Introduction: </b>Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the third most diagnosed form of cancer around the world, accounting for 11% of all cancer diagnoses. It has been seen that obesity is closely linked to this disease.<br /> <b>Materials and methods: </b>This study is a non-paired case-control study. To measure obesity, the body mass index (BMI), new body mass index (NBMI), and the triponderal index (TPI) were used. Logistic regression was used to obtain the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) by age and sex, confidence interval (95%CI).<br /> <b>Results: </b>The sample was 246 patients. The prevalence of obesity according to BMI was 12.20%. The multivariable analysis found statistically significant association between CRC and obesity according to BMI (aOR: 3.23; 95% CI 1.26-8.30) compared to normal weight; NBMI tertile 3 (aOR: 4.02; 95% CI 1.95-8.30), compared to tertile 1; and TPI tertile 3 (aOR: 4.55; 95% CI 2.21-9.35) versus tertile 1.<br /> <b>Conclusions: </b>Obesity, is a risk factor for CRC. Future studies might consider useful different ways to measure obesity to define population strata with a higher-risk of CRC.

Factores asociados al cribado de Diabetes Mellitus en población Peruana ¿problema para la salud pública?

Highlights: El ser varón es un factor relevante asociado al no tamizaje de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). Un mayor nivel de educación y socioeconómico se asocian positivamente con la posibilidad de realizarse tamizaje para DM2 El fortalecimiento de los servicios de atención primaria es crucial en la prevención primaria de DM2 a través del tamizaje. Introducción: La Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 es una enfermedad que representa un reto para la salud pública por su tendencia al crecimiento e impacto sobre todo en países en desarrollo. Objetivo: determinar los factores asociados a la no realización del cribado de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 según la encuesta demográfica y de salud familiar del año 2020 (ENDES-2020). Materiales y métodos: Estudio analítico transversal secundario de la ENDES-2020. Resultados: Las variables que mostraron asociación estadísticamente significativa para cribado de DM2 fueron: sexo masculino (PR=1,06, IC95% 1,02–1,10; p<0,001), edad entre 30 a 59 años (0,92; IC95% 0,89–0,95; p<0,001) y 60 años a más (PR=0,72; IC95% 0,65–0,79; p<0,001), educación primaria (PR=0,94, IC 95% 0,92 - 0,99; p<0,020), secundaria (PR=0,93; IC 95% 0,88–0,97; p=0,008) y superior (PR=0,86, IC 95% 0,85–0,94; p<0,001), ser pobre (PR=0,96, IC95% 0,92–0,99; p=0,016), medio (PR=0,93; IC95% 0,88 – 0,96; p=0,001), rico (PR=0,89; IC95% 0,84 – 0,94; p<0,001), muy rico (PR=0,81; IC95% 0,75–0,86; p<0,001), e hipertensión (PR=0,91; IC 95% 0,867–0,969; p=0,002). Discusión: El sexo masculino fue el único factor asociado a la no realización del cribado de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, mientras que, pertenecer a un grupo de edad mayor, tener hipertensión arterial, mayor nivel educativo y socioeconómico aumentó la posibilidad de realizarlo. Conclusión: Es imprescindible reforzar las estrategias de cribado en el primer nivel de atención, mediante la implementación de medidas de prevención. Como citar este artículo: Fiorella Trujillo Minaya, Vera-Ponce Victor Juan, Torres-Malca Jenny Raquel, Zuzunaga-Montoya Fiorella E, Guerra Valencia Jamee, De la Cruz-Vargas Jhony A, Cruz Ausejo Liliana. Factores asociados al cribado de diabetes mellitus en población peruana ¿problema para la salud pública?. Revista Cuidarte. 2023;14(1):e2792. http://dx.doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.2792

Factors Associated with Symptoms of Depression among People with Obesity: Analysis of a 3-Year-Peruvian National Survey

INTRODUCTION

Obesity and depression contribute to the global burden of economic cost, morbidity, and mortality. Nevertheless, not all people with obesity develop depression.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the factors associated with depressive symptoms among people aged 15 or older with obesity from the National Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES in Spanish 2019-2021).

METHODS

Cross-sectional analytical study. The outcome of interest was the presence of depressive symptoms, assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Crude (cPR) and adjusted (aPR) prevalence ratios were estimated using GLM Poisson distribution with robust variance estimates.

RESULTS

The prevalence of depression symptoms was 6.97%. In the multivariate analysis, a statistically significant association was found between depressive symptoms and female sex (PRa: 2.59; 95% CI 1.95-3.43); mountain region (PRa: 1.51; 95% CI 1.18-1.92); wealth index poor (PRa: 1.37; 95% CI 1.05-1.79, medium (PRa: 1.49; 95% CI 1.11-2.02), and rich (PRa: 1.65; 95% CI 1.21-2.26); daily tobacco use (PRa: 2.05, 95% CI 1.09-3.87); physical disability (PRa: 1.96, 95% CI 1.07-3.57); and a history of arterial hypertension (PRa: 2.05; 95% CI 1.63-2.55).

CONCLUSION

There are several sociodemographic factors (such as being female and living in the Andean region) and individual factors (daily use of tobacco and history of hypertension) associated with depressive symptoms in Peruvian inhabitants aged 15 or older with obesity. In this study, the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an increase in depressive symptoms.

The Relationship Between Metabolic Syndrome and Benign Prostate Enlargement: A Case-Control Study in a Peruvian Military Hospital

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine how metabolic syndrome is related to benign prostatic enlargement in males under 60 years old in a national military hospital in Peru.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, quantitative, case-control study. By simple random sampling, 87 cases with benign prostatic enlargement and 174 controls were included, with a statistical power of 80%. The benign prostatic enlargement was evaluated by clinical picture and ultrasound and the metabolic syndrome was evaluated according to the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The statistical analysis was performed using the STATAv14 program, the chi-square statistical test was used and odds ratio was obtained, at a significance level of 5%.

RESULTS

The mean age of the cases and controls was 55 (51-58) and 52 (46-57), respectively. By multivariate analysis, the factors related to benign prostatic enlargement were the presence of benign prostatic enlargement (adjusted odds ratio: 2.71, 95% CI: 1.27-5.80; P=.010), waist circumference ≥102 cm (adjusted odds ratio: 6.51, 95% CI: 3.09-13.71; P < .001), elevated fasting glucose (adjusted odds ratio: 1.38, 95% CI: 0.65-2.91; P=.399), high triglycerides (adjusted odds ratio: 5.29, 95%: CI 2.40-11.64; P < .001), and arterial hypertension (adjusted odds ratio: 4.67, 95% CI 2.19-9.95; P < .001). Elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was a protective factor (adjusted odds ratio: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.04-0.20; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that metabolic syndrome and its components (waist circumference, hypertension, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) are factors related to benign prostatic enlargement in patients under 60 years old in a military hospital in Peruvian population. Waist circumference as an indicator of overweight/obesity is a practical anthropometric marker of interest in public health.

Hospitalization, death, and probable reinfection in Peruvian healthcare workers infected with SARS-CoV-2: a national retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Peru has some of the worst outcomes worldwide as a result of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic; it is presumed that this has also affected healthcare workers. This study aimed to establish whether occupation and other non-occupational variables were risk factors for possible reinfection, hospitalization, and mortality from COVID-19 in cohorts of Peruvian healthcare workers infected with SARS-CoV-2.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study. Healthcare workers who presented SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 1, 2020, and August 6, 2021, were included. Occupational cohorts were reconstructed from the following sources of information: National Epidemiological Surveillance System, molecular tests (NETLAB), results of serology and antigen tests (SICOVID-19), National Registry of Health Personnel (INFORHUS), and National Information System of Deaths (SINADEF). The incidence of probable reinfection, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 was obtained in the cohorts of technicians and health assistants, nursing staff, midwives, dentists, doctors, and other healthcare workers. We evaluated whether the occupation and other non-occupational variables were risk factors for probable reinfection, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 using log-binomial and probit binomial models, obtaining the adjusted relative risk (RR_AJ).

RESULTS

90,398 healthcare workers were included in the study. Most cases were seen in technicians and health assistants (38.6%), and nursing staff (25.6%). 8.1% required hospitalization, 1.7% died from COVID-19, and 1.8% had probable reinfection. A similar incidence of probable reinfection was found in the six cohorts (1.7-1.9%). Doctors had a higher incidence of hospitalization (13.2%) and death (2.6%); however, they were also those who presented greater susceptibility linked to non-occupational variables (age and comorbidities). The multivariate analysis found that doctors (RR_AJ = 1.720; CI 95: 1.569-1.886) had a higher risk of hospitalization and that the occupation of technician and health assistant was the only one that constituted a risk factor for mortality from COVID-19 (RR_AJ = 1.256; 95% CI: 1.043-1.512).

CONCLUSIONS

Peruvian technicians and health assistants would have a higher risk of death from COVID-19 than other healthcare workers, while doctors have a higher incidence of death probably linked to the high frequency of non-occupational risk factors. Doctors present a higher risk of hospitalization independent of comorbidities and age; likewise, all occupations show a similar risk of probable reinfection.

Validez y confabilidad de un cuestionario de cambios en estilo de vida en estudiantes de seis universidades del continente americano

El propósito de este estudio es validar una escala para medir los cambios de estilo de vida de estudiantes universitarios durante la pandemia del COVID-19. El estudio utilizó una metodología transversal obteniendo información de 1.781 estudiantes universitarios de México, El Salvador, Colombia, República Dominicana, Perú y Estados Unidos utilizando la plataforma virtual de Qualtrics. Se realizó un análisis estadístico utilizando el Kaiser Meyer Olkin (KMO) como la prueba de esfericidad de Barlett. Ademas, se empleó la técnica estadística de análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE), y se extrajeron los posibles factores resultantes por medio del análisis de componentes principales, rotación Varimax. Resultados de este estudio demuestran que la Escala de Cambios en el Estilo de Vida (ECEV) durante la cuarentena es un instrumento fiable y valido.

Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre el consumo de sal en la población peruana: Estudio transversal

Introducción: La reducción del consumo de sal se ha identificado como una de las intervenciones prioritarias para prevenir las enfermedades no transmisibles a nivel mundial. Por ello, se recomienda que uno de los tres pilares para reducir su ingesta es reconocer el nivel de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas relacionadas con el consumo de sal (CAP-sal). Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de CAP-sal y los factores asociados a estos en la población peruana. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal analítico realizado mediante encuesta virtual en población adulta peruana. Resultados: Se trabajó con una muestra de 918 sujetos. La proporción de participantes con conocimiento, actitudes y prácticas suficientes, fue del 54,58 %; 50,22 % y 40,31 %, respectivamente. Las variables que aumentan la probabilidad de tener un nivel suficiente de CAP-sal fueron el sexo femenino, la presencia de obesidad e HTA. Mientras que los antecedentes familiares y área de residencia lo fueron únicamente para conocimientos, el grado de instrucción para conocimientos y prácticas, y la actividad física tanto para actitudes como prácticas. Conclusiones: Tanto el nivel de conocimiento y actitudes fueron suficientes en la mitad de la muestra, pero las prácticas se encuentran por debajo de esta. Existen brechas que varían según las características sociodemográficas, como la edad, sexo, antecedentes de HTA, obesidad y realización de actividad física. Resultados que podrían apoyar la inclusión de la promoción de una nutrición saludable en la población peruana.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Deaths from COVID-19 in Peru during the Initial Pandemic Response

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Peru is the country with the highest mortality rate from COVID-19 globally, so the analysis of the characteristics of deaths is of national and international interest. The aim was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of deaths from COVID-19 in Peru from 28 March to 21 May 2020.

METHODS

Deaths from various sources were investigated, including the COVID-19 Epidemiological Surveillance and the National System of Deaths (SINADEF). In all, 3851 deaths that met the definition of a confirmed case and had a positive result of RT-PCR or rapid test IgM/IgG, were considered for the analysis. We obtained the epidemiological variables and carried out an analysis of time defined as the pre-hospital time from the onset of symptoms to hospitalization, and hospital time from the date of hospitalization to death.

RESULTS

Deaths were more frequent in males (72.0%), seniors (68.8%) and residents of the region of Lima (42.7%). In 17.8% of cases, the death occurred out-of-hospital, and 31.4% had some comorbidity. The median of pre-hospital time was 7 days (IQR: 4.0-9.0) and for the hospital time was 5 days (IQR: 3.0-9.0). The multivariable analysis with Poisson regression with robust variance found that the age group, comorbidity diagnosis and the region of origin significantly influenced pre-hospital time; while sex, comorbidity diagnosis, healthcare provider and the region of origin significantly influenced hospital time.

CONCLUSION

Deaths occurred mainly in males, seniors and on the coast, with considerable out-of-hospital deaths. Pre-hospital time was affected by age group, the diagnosis of comorbidities and the region of origin; while, hospital time was influenced by gender, the diagnosis of comorbidities, healthcare provider and the region of origin.

Exposure to Atmospheric Ozone Disruption and Altitude Over 3500 m.a.s.l. are Associated with a Higher Prevalence of Photodermatoses in Pediatric Population of High-Altitude in Peru

Objective

To determine if exposure to atmospheric ozone disruption and other factors are associated with photodermatoses in the high-altitude pediatric population in Peru.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study based on data obtained from studies of dermatological diseases among the population exposed to mine tailings in Peru which included children under the age of 18 in 6 population centers located over 2500 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l). We evaluated the presence of photodermatoses and possible associated factors obtaining the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and confidence intervals (CI).

Results

594 children below the age of 18 participated in this study, 53.0% girls, the average age was 10.4 ± 4.1 years. 51.3% were exposed to a mini hole in the ozone layer, 60.1% resided at an altitude over 3500 m.a.s.l and 51.9% presented cutaneous manifestations of atopy upon physical examination. The prevalence of photodermatoses was 64.8%, of which the most frequent were actinic prurigo (49.3%), pityriasis alba (18.5%) and actinic cheilitis (4.4%). The multivariate analysis found that residing in a region exposed to the mini hole in the ozone layer (aOR = 4.23; CI 95%: 2.32–7.72) and residing at an altitude over 3500 m.a.s.l (aOR = 2.76; CI 95%: 1.57–4.86) were both independent associated factors to photodermatoses.

Conclusion

A high prevalence of photodermatoses exists among the pediatric population living at high-altitude in Peru. Residing in a region exposed to a mini hole in the ozone layer and residing over 3500 m.a.s.l constituted associated factors.

Correlation between stress and lifestyle in teachers at some schools in Lima, Peru, during telework in 2020

BACKGROUND: Stress and unhealthy lifestyle are serious problems in public health and education, particularly due to their significant relevance in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES: To determine the correlation between stress and lifestyle in teachers at some schools in Lima, Peru, during telework in 2020. METHODS: This observational, quantitative, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted in 217 school teachers from Lima. Lifestyle was measured using the FANTASTIC questionnaire; stress was measured using the Teaching Stress Scale (ED-6), comprised of the anxiety, depression, maladaptive beliefs, work pressure and poor coping dimensions. The Spearman correlation between numerical variables, and the difference of the FANTASTIC score according to the categorical variables, were analyzed with the Mann–Whitney U test or Kruskal–Wallis test, as necessary. Multivariable analysis was done with a multiple linear regression model to find raw and adjusted β (βa). RESULTS: The median of the ED-6 scale was 81 (RI: 64–105). Sixty-four percent of the teachers had a good-excellent lifestyle; 27.2%, regular; and 8.49%, bad-dangerous. The FANTASTIC score had an inverse correlation with ED-6 (βa: –0.16, 95%; CI: –0.20 to –0.12) adjusted for age and cohabitation with children. Likewise, teachers between 40 and 49 years old (βa: 2.89, 95%; CI: 0.17 to 5.62) had a better lifestyle; and teachers who lived with children (βa: –5.48, 95%; CI: –7.89 to –3.06), a worse lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS: As stress increased, the lifestyle quality worsened in teachers at some schools in Lima, Peru, during telework in 2020.

Medical treatment in pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objectives: to determine the effectiveness of medical therapy in reducing complications associated with subclinical hypothyroidism during pregnancy. Methods: in 2021, a systematic review of available cohort studies was carried out in three databases, with no publication date limit. Study selection and data extraction were performed in duplicate. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed, and odds ratios were calculated, with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Cohort risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE methodology. Results: five studies were included for qualitative and quantitative synthesis. A statistically significant relationship was found between medical treatment in pregnant women with subclinical hypothyroidism with respect to spontaneous abortion (p=0.03; OR=0.77; CI95%=0.61-0.97), and no statistically significant relationship was found for delivery preterm (p=0.46; OR=1.11; CI95%=0.85-1.44), nor for abrupt placentae (p=0.56; OR=1.60; CI95%=0.33-7.66). Three studies were at moderate risk of bias, and two were at low risk of bias. In all the results the certainty was very low. Conclusions: medical treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism during pregnancy can have a beneficial effect in reducing cases of spontaneous abortion.

Perception of risk to COVID-19 and mental health indicators in workers of a Peruvian hospital: An analytical cross-sectional study

Introduction

COVID-19 has caused great fear on health professionals and could affect their mental health, therefore it is important to determine the association between the perception of risk to COVID-19 and mental health in workers of a Peruvian hospital.

Methods

Analytical cross-sectional study, through virtual survey. The dependent variables were: depression, anxiety and stress; The independent variable was perception of risk to COVID-19 and the covariates: sociodemographic, family, work and clinical data. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were found with a 95% confidence interval and a significance level of 5%.

Results

There was no association between risk perception and depression (adjusted prevalence ratio: 0.98 95% confidence interval: 0.89 to 1.08), anxiety (adjusted prevalence ratio: 0.94 95% confidence interval: 0.89 to 1.00), stress (adjusted prevalence ratio: 0.89 95% confidence interval 0.76 to 1.04). In the multivariate analysis, an association was found between depression with direct contact with the COVID-19 patient (adjusted prevalence ratio: 2.06, 95% confidence interval: 1.14 to 3.70) and with having a comorbidity (adjusted prevalence ratio: 2.56 95% confidence interval: 1.52 to 4.30); likewise, between anxiety with number of children (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.09 95% confidence interval: 1.00 to 1.18), with direct contact with COVID-19 patient (adjusted prevalence ratio: 2.67 95% confidence interval 1.46 to 4.85) and having comorbidity (adjusted prevalence ratio: 2.00 95% confidence interval: 1.40 to 2.86); finally, between stress with direct contact with the COVID-19 patient (adjusted prevalence ratio: 2.86, 95% confidence interval: 1.20 to 6.83).

Conclusions

No statistically significant association was found between risk perception and depression, anxiety, or stress. However, there was an association between depression, anxiety, and stress, each with direct contact with COVID-19 patients; between anxiety and depression, each with having comorbidities and, finally, anxiety with the number of children.

Roll-Over Test as PredictiveValue of Pre-eclampsia

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the roll-over test as a predictor of pre-eclampsia.Methodology: The studied population had a size of 272, with a sample of 262 pregnant women, between 28 and 32 weeks of gestational age, who obtained pre-natal care at the Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen National Hospital, between January and September of 2017. The ROC curve, and the sensitivity and specificity of the roll-over test to predict pre-eclamp-sia, were calculated.Results: The prevalence of the roll-over test in this study was 9%, with a 95% confidence interval (5.43 - 12.22). In this study, the ROC curve was determined (0.725 and 0.734, for the first and second measurements, respectively) and found to be statistically significant at the p <0.05 level. The sensitivity of the roll-over test for a cutoff point of 20 mmHg was 60%, and the specificity of 95% also had a PPV of 37% and a NPV of 98%. Differences be-tween the first and second measurements suggest that the second measurement is more sensitive than the first one.Conclusions: The roll-over test is a simple, cost-effective test with potential application in initial evaluation of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women with a history of pre-eclampsia and/or other risk factors.

Effects of decision aids for depression treatment in adults: systematic review

AIM AND METHOD

To determine the effect on decisional-related and clinical outcomes of decision aids for depression treatment in adults in randomised clinical trials. In January 2019, a systematic search was conducted in five databases. Study selection and data extraction were performed in duplicate. Meta-analyses were performed, and standardised and weighted mean differences were calculated, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated with GRADE methodology.

RESULTS

Six randomised clinical trials were included. The pooled estimates showed that decision aids for depression treatment had a beneficial effect on patients' decisional conflict, patient knowledge and information exchange between patient and health professional. However, no statistically significant effect was found for doctor facilitation, treatment adherence or depressive symptoms. The certainty of the evidence was very low for all outcomes.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Using decision aids to choose treatment in patients with depression may have a a beneficial effect on decisional-related outcomes, but it may not translate into an improvement in clinical outcomes.

Factors associated with excessive daytime sleepiness in informal drivers of buses on a high-altitude road

Objective

To determine the factors associated with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in informal interprovincial transport drivers of the Lima-Huancayo central highway (Peru) from January to March 2018.

Methods

Cross-sectional study. The drivers were weighed and measured, then individual, sociodemographic, and occupational data were obtained which were recorded in a data collection form, then the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) was applied to the drivers. The prevalence and EDS-associated factors in drivers were obtained from this data. The multivariate analysis of the possible associated factors for EDS was performed with binary logistic regression, obtaining the adjusted odds ratio (AOR).

Results

162 drivers participated in the study. The average age was 42.0 ± 10.2 years (Range of 21-62 years), all the participants were male. 55. 6% had a technical degree, 42.0% were married and 55.6% had two to three children. The mean time of experience as a driver was 17.0 ± 6.8 years, 54.9% were overweight, and 32.1% were obese. 27.8% of drivers had EDS, the multivariate analysis found that the EDS-associated factors of the drivers were obesity (AOR=3.8, 95% CI: 1.422- 10.233), having 10 or more years of experience as a driver (AOR=3.1, 95% CI: 1.342-7.189) and overweight (AOR=2.9 CI 95%: 1.216-7.096).

Conclusion

There is a high prevalence of EDS in informal drivers of interprovincial transport of the central high-altitude highway studied. Obesity was the main factor associated with EDS, along with being overweight and having 10 or more years of experience as a driver.

Clinical and laboratory factors associated with nosocomial pneumonia in adult patients in the internal medicine department of a national hospital in Peru: A case-control study

Objective

To determine how clinical and laboratory factors were associated with nosocomial pneumonia in adult patients hospitalized in an internal medicine department.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective unmatched case-control study. We recorded clinical and epidemiological data from patients discharged from an internal medicine department of a Peruvian reference hospital, the Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza, between 2016 and 2018. Bivariate and multivariate analyses (using logistic regression models) were performed to obtain crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. A P value < 0.05 was considered significant. We calculated the population attributable fraction of the significant variables.

Results

We analyzed 138 cases and 200 controls, with a mean age of 72.6 ± 17.8 years (21 to 104) for cases and 71.7 ± 15.3 years (19 to 98) for controls. The multivariate analysis indicated that severe anemia (adjusted odds ratio 9.0, confidence interval 95% 1.9 to 43.1, P = 0.01), severe hypoalbuminemia (adjusted odds ratio 4.0, confidence interval 95% 1.2 to 13.8, P = 0.03), altered state of consciousness (adjusted odds ratio 3.6, confidence interval 95% 1.6 to 8.2, P = 0.00), and prior use of antibiotics (adjusted odds ratio 6.3, confidence interval 95% 2.7 to 14.5, P = 0.00) were significantly associated with nosocomial pneumonia. The population attributable fraction found were 41.8% for altered state of consciousness, 33.2% for severe anemia, and 36.3% for severe hypoalbuminemia.

Conclusion

Clinical and laboratory risk factors associated with nosocomial pneumonia development in adult patients hospitalized in an internal medicine department were severe anemia, severe hypoalbuminemia, altered consciousness, and previous use of antibiotics.

[Cancer care challenges during COVID -19 pandemic]

-

Publication and associated factors of clinical trials registered in Peru

OBJECTIVE

We aim to determine the percentage of publication and its associated factors of clinical trials (CTs) registered in Peru.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional study design, we assessed CTs registered at the CT's Peruvian Registry (REPEC) during the 2011-2016 period, and evaluated its percentage of publication and associated factors. We used a bibliographic search algorithm to determine if the CTs were published and assessed the associated factors by using a Cox regression to estimate the adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) as the magnitude of association of interest.

RESULTS

We analyzed 228 CTs, of which 63% were published. The regression analysis identified the year of registration (aHR 2012 = 1.15 [0.58-2.27]; aHR 2013 = 0.45 [0.21-0.95]; aHR 2014 = 0.89 [0.43-1.82]; aHR 2015-2016 = 0.16 [0.05-0.58]), total number of participants (aHR = 1.12; 1.05-1.18), and phase III-IV (aHR = 2.15; 0.1.16-4.03) as factors associated with the publication of the CTs.

CONCLUSIONS

The percentage of publication of CTs executed in Peru is insufficient, and it increases the older the year of its registration in the REPEC, mayor of the number of participating countries, and if it is a phase III or IV study.

Association between the altitude of residential areas and clinical diagnosis of chronic gastritis in ambulatory patients of Peru: A cross-sectional analytic study

Introduction

Chronic gastritis is one of the most common diseases in the population. Several factors influence its appearance; however, the effect of high altitude has not been studied thoroughly.

Objective

To determine the association between the altitude of the residential area and chronic gastritis in outpatients of Peru.

Methods

Observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study. Secondary data analysis was conducted. The dependent variable was chronic gastritis, obtained from patient references, and verified in the medical history according to the pathological history mentioned during medical consultation. The independent variable was the altitude of the residential areas (categorized into low altitude, intermediate altitude, high and very high), and the secondary co-variables were age, sex, and time living at altitude. Generalized linear models were used to estimate prevalence ratios using Poisson family and city as a cluster.

Results

Of the 4263 patients studied, 63% were female; the median age was 42 years. The overall prevalence of chronic gastritis was 12,9%. There was an association with chronic gastritis and altitude of residence at the intermediate and high levels, but not at the very high; with an adjusted prevalence ratio of 1.52 (95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 2.23); 2.01 (1.55 to 2.60) and 1.12 (0.84 to 1.48), respectively.

Conclusions

We found a significant association between chronic gastritis and intermediate and high altitude but not at very high, which could be explained by hypobaric hypoxia in altitude that could lead to gastric wall lesions and other socio-demographic variables.

[Factors associated with stress fracture: A case-control study in a Peruvian navy medical center]

Introduction

Stress fractures are injuries produced by the overuse of certain extremities, generating repetitive fatigue in the bone with insufficient rest periods and hormonal disorders, among others. High osteoclastic activity and lower activity of the osteoblasts at the cortical level occurs.

Objective

To determine the factors associated with a stress fracture in a single medical center of the Peruvian navy.

Methods

We conducted an observational, analytical case-control study. The dependent variable was stress fracture confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging of the patients; the independent variables were age, sex, calcemia, socioeconomic status, and time of daily physical activity. All data were extracted from the medical records. Crude and adjusted odds ratios were calculated with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

The sample was comprised of 238 patients (119 cases and 119 controls), of which 79.8% were male, and 20.2% were female; the average age was 20.25. In the bivariate analysis, stress fractures were associated with male sex (odds ratio 3.00; 95% confidence interval 1.51 to 5.95), hypocalcemia (2.83; 2.32 to 3.44), more than two hours of daily physical activity (24.7; 12.51 to 48.95) and socioeconomic level C (6.66; 2.82 to 15.74). Time dedicated to physical activity (adjusted odds ratio 44.46; 95% confidence interval 17.93 to 110.22) and socioeconomic level C (adjusted odds ratio 22.57; 95% confidence interval 7.03 to 72.74) were associated in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

We found that stress fractures were associated with physical activity time and a lower socioeconomic level. Further studies are needed to evaluate the relationship with other factors in the military population of Peru.

La salud sexual y reproductiva como reflejo de inequidad en mujeres indígenas de la Región de la Montaña de Guerrero, México

  Señor editor: Las transformaciones sociales que en décadas recientes se han registrado en América Latina han impactado en las condiciones de vida de la población y, en especial, en la salud de las mujeres, incluyendo la salud sexual y reproductiva. Según el Fondo de Desarrollo de las Naciones Unidas para la Mujer, el Fondo de Población de las Naciones Unidas, la Comisión Económica para América Latina, la Organización Mundial de la Salud y otros, los problemas relacionados con la salud reproductiva siguen siendo la principal causa de morbimortalidad de las mujeres en edad reproductiva en todo el mundo.