Search

Diabetes is a global health problem with a growing number of individuals with diabetes mellitus in the world. Information and communication technologies (ICT) could play an important role in this group of patients. Objective. To report the use and perceptions regarding ICT in patients with diabetes. Material and methods. During August 2008, previously validated surveys were applied to patients with diabetes attending a national hospital in Peru. Results. Two hundred patients with diabetes were surveyed (median: 60 years old, 78.5% women). Most of them never used a computer (89.5%), E-mail (90%), Internet (92%), or chat (91.5%). Most of the participants (91.5%) never sought health information on the Internet. Forty nine percent of participants make and/or receive calls using cell phones at least once a week. However, most of them (84.5% and 67%) never have sent or received text messages, respectively. Almost all of participants would like to receive information about diabetes care. Most of them (70.5% and 61.5%) expressed their interest to participate in a program to support their diabetes using cell phones and the Internet, respectively. Conclusions. Besides use of ICT was relatively low, the perception towards a system or a program using cell phones or the Internet for diabetes support is positive. It is necessary to further explore the reasons why patients do not use cell phones and/or the Internet, and to evaluate the feasibility of ICT interventions for better diabetes care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To identify factors associated to the probability of being the aggressor or the victim in cases of intimate partner physical violence. Materials and methods. A secondary data analysis was performed to an epidemiological survey done in seven cities in Peru (Lima, Arequipa, Huamanga, Trujillo, Cuzco, Callao and Maynas). 6399 men and women participated, of whom 3909 participants declared living together with an intimate partner at the time of the interview. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify associated factors to the roles of victim or aggressor. Results. The likelihood of being aggressor or victim in cases of intimate partner physical violence was independent of sex (p<0,01) and the couple's time living together. factors associated to a higher probability of both roles included a history of exposure to physical violence during childhood, having a favorable attitude towards violence, heavy alcohol drinking, and being younger than 45 years, as well as having a monthly family income of less than 750 USD or an educational attainment of less than complete tertiary school. Geographically, Cusco was the city where it was most likely to find an aggressor or a victim of intimate partner physical violence. Most of these associations obtained p-values of less than 0.001. Conclusions. In cases of intimate partner physical violence, the pattern of predictors is similar in both roles, i.e., aggressor and victim. Sex and the couple's span of time living together did not predict any of both roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives.: To determine the ratio of microcephaly in newborns in level II and III health facilities of the Ministry of Health (MINSA) of Peru for the period 2005-2013., Materials and Methods.: A secondary analysis of the databases of the Perinatal Information System was carried out during 2005-2013. Microcephaly was identified applying World Health Organization (WHO), Fenton, mixed (WHO-Fenton), and proportionality criteria. The ratios and indices of microcephaly were estimated per 10,000 live births (LB) by region and concordance was compared, using the WHO parameter as a reference., Results.: The ratio of microcephaly during 2005 to 2013 was 3.4%, the average rate of microcephaly was 335 per 10,000 LBs according to the WHO criterion. The mixed parameter showed a substantial concordance (Kappa of 0.635), while the proportionality parameter showed a reasonable concordance (Kappa of 0.298)., Conclusions.: The ratio of microcephaly in MINSA Level II and III health facilities was higher than that reported in other countries in the region before the appearance of Zika in the Americas. The frequency variations observed with those of other countries and among Peruvian regions could be explained by different factors, such as the technique for measuring head circumference, data capture, constitutional factors, and social determinants. We suggest standardizing measurements and their recording, harmonizing diagnostic criteria, and establishing health strategies to strengthen the epidemiological surveillance of the causes of microcephaly.

This article analyzes some examples about how the Ministry of Health of Peru has used evidence for policy and program formulation, implementation and evaluation. It describes the process by which health budget programs are based and strengthened with scientific evidence. Provides an overview about how the development of clinical guidelines methodology is facilitating the generation of high quality evidence based clinical guidelines.It presents some examples of specific information needs of the Ministry of Health to which the Instituto Nacional de Salud has responded, and the impact of that collaboration. Finally, the article proposes future directions for the use of research methodology especially relevant for the development and evaluation of policy and programs, as well as the development of networks of health technology assessment at the national and international level.

Objectives: To identify factors associated to the probability of being the aggressor or the victim in cases of intimate partner physical violence., Materials and Methods: A secondary data analysis was performed to an epidemiological survey done in seven cities in Peru (Lima, Arequipa, Huamanga, Trujillo, Cuzco, Callao and Maynas). 6399 men and women participated, of whom 3909 participants declared living together with an intimate partner at the time of the interview. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify associated factors to the roles of victim or aggressor., Results: The likelihood of being aggressor or victim in cases of intimate partner physical violence was independent of sex (p<0,01) and the couple's time living together. Factors associated to a higher probability of both roles included a history of exposure to physical violence during childhood, having a favorable attitude towards violence, heavy alcohol drinking, and being younger than 45 years, as well as having a monthly family income of less than 750 USD or an educational attainment of less than complete tertiary school. Geographically, Cusco was the city where it was most likely to find an aggressor or a victim of intimate partner physical violence. Most of these associations obtained p-values of less than 0.001., Conclusions: In cases of intimate partner physical violence, the pattern of predictors is similar in both roles, i.e., aggressor and victim. Sex and the couple's span of time living together did not predict any of both roles.