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Despite being classified as a high-income country, Panama still faces challenges in providing care for children and adolescents with cancer. Annually, 170 new cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed in Panama, and the survival rate is around 60%. To improve this, the establishment of a Pediatric Cancer Commission comprised of healthcare professionals and nonprofit organizations has been a critical step toward the objectives outlined in the CureAll framework of the World Health Organization Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC). To improve childhood cancer care in Panama, a workshop for cancer in children and adolescents was conducted with the support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Children’s Hospital Colorado, the Ministry of Health of Panama, and the Pan American Health Organization. The commissions established were on: Nursing, Palliative Care, Psychosocial, Hospital Registry, Early Diagnosis, and Health Services. Each commission has a specific project to be implemented in the period 2021–2029 to continue the progress toward improving childhood cancer care. Since the start of implementation of the GICC in Panama, important achievements have included the launch in 2021 of the Guide for the Diagnosis of Cancer in Children and Adolescents, and training programs for primary care health personnel. Through these programs, more than 1 000 health professionals have been trained on diagnosis of cancer in childhood and adolescence. Challenges remain, such as access to quality care, and it is essential to continue efforts to improve childhood cancer care.

The Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) aims to increase the cure rate for children with cancer globally by improving healthcare access and quality. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (St. Jude), and collaborators have joined efforts to improve outcomes of children with cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) using the CureAll framework. In this article, we describe the process of developing regional resources aimed at accelerating the GICC implementation in LAC. In March 2021, PAHO formed regional working groups to develop core projects aligned with CureAll pillars and enablers. Seven working groups emerged from regional dialogues: early detection, nursing, psychosocial, nutrition, supportive care, treatment abandonment, and palliative care. PAHO arranged regular online meetings under the mentorship and support of St. Jude regional/transversal programs and international mentors. Between April and December 2021, 202 multidisciplinary experts attended 43 online meetings to promote the dialogue between stakeholders to improve childhood cancer outcomes. Fourteen technical outputs were produced: four regional snapshots, four technical documents, two virtual courses, one set of epidemiological country profiles, one educational content series for parents/caregivers, and two communication campaigns. The ongoing dialogue and commitment of PAHO, St. Jude, LAC working committees, and international collaborators are essential foundations to successfully accelerate GICC implementation. This is achievable through the development of materials of regional and global relevance. Further research and evaluation are needed to determine the impact of these strategies and resources on childhood cancer outcomes in LAC and other regions.

This article aims to describe the activities conducted by the National Childhood Cancer Plan Working Group to support the development of national childhood cancer plans in Latin America and the Caribbean in the period 2019–2022, and to present the stage of plan development. The Working Group activities were supported by the Pan American Health Organization and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which is the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Childhood Cancer. Year after year, the workshops and activities developed with the Working Group mobilized key stakeholders: pediatric oncologists, representatives of the Ministry of Health, foundations supporting childhood cancer initiatives, and hospital administrators. As of February 2023, one regional framework is in place, approved by the Council of Ministries of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic, nine countries are currently implementing national plans or laws that include childhood cancer, and ten countries are writing new plans. The WHO three-step framework helped to guide the Working Group activities. All plans were supported by a situational analysis, which highlighted the importance of having systematized data for evidence-based policies. To increase implementation success, an accompanying budget and timeline help to ensure the adequate implementation of the interventions. More than anything, committed stakeholders remain the most fundamental element to successfully write and approve a national childhood cancer plan. This is an opportunity to share these countries’ experience so the strategy can be adapted to support other countries developing a childhood cancer plan and extended to other public health areas.

Objective. To report the progress in Peru, since June 2019, in the implementation of the World Health Organization Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer using the CureAll framework, which can be replicated in low- and middle-income countries. Methods. A mixed method was used of participatory and documentary evaluation. The participatory evaluation included stakeholders from various government institutions, nonprofit organizations, and international partners. The documentary aspect consisted of a review of data on the regulatory environment, national projects, and interventions implemented. The Ministry of Health engaged more than 150 participants to form working committees, which have developed policy and regulatory documents to strengthen care services. Results. Achievements include a decrease in the national treatment abandonment rate from 18.6% to 8.5%, the approval of the Childhood Cancer Law, improvements in the management of patients with febrile neutropenia, and a reduction in rates of events of clinical deterioration and mortality of hospitalized patients. The Cure All implementation framework allows local teams to implement specific strategies and monitor early outcomes in pediatric oncology. Conclusions. The results obtained reflect the teamwork, the leadership of the authorities, the technical support of professionals, and the support of involved organizations. Further actions will be needed to guarantee sustainability, and monitoring tools are needed to assure success in the planned activities.

The Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) aims to increase the cure rate for children with cancer globally by improving healthcare access and quality. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (St. Jude), and collaborators have joined efforts to improve outcomes of children with cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) using the CureAll framework. In this article, we describe the process of developing regional resources aimed at accelerating the GICC implementation in LAC. In March 2021, PAHO formed regional working groups to develop core projects aligned with CureAll pillars and enablers. Seven working groups emerged from regional dialogues: early detection, nursing, psychosocial, nutrition, supportive care, treatment abandonment, and palliative care. PAHO arranged regular online meetings under the mentorship and support of St. Jude regional/transversal programs and international mentors. Between April and December 2021, 202 multidisciplinary experts attended 43 online meetings to promote the dialogue between stakeholders to improve childhood cancer outcomes. Fourteen technical outputs were produced: four regional snapshots, four technical documents, two virtual courses, one set of epidemiological country profiles, one educational content series for parents/caregivers, and two communication campaigns. The ongoing dialogue and commitment of PAHO, St. Jude, LAC working committees, and international collaborators are essential foundations to successfully accelerate GICC implementation. This is achievable through the development of materials of regional and global relevance. Further research and evaluation are needed to determine the impact of these strategies and resources on childhood cancer outcomes in LAC and other regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite being classified as a high-income country, Panama still faces challenges in providing care for children and adolescents with cancer. Annually, 170 new cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed in Panama, and the survival rate is around 60%. To improve this, the establishment of a Pediatric Cancer Commission comprised of healthcare professionals and nonprofit organizations has been a critical step toward the objectives outlined in the CureAll framework of the World Health Organization Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC). To improve childhood cancer care in Panama, a workshop for cancer in children and adolescents was conducted with the support of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Children's Hospital Colorado, the Ministry of Health of Panama, and the Pan American Health Organization. The commissions established were on: Nursing, Palliative Care, Psychosocial, Hospital Registry, Early Diagnosis, and Health Services. Each commission has a specific project to be implemented in the period 2021--2029 to continue the progress toward improving childhood cancer care. Since the start of implementation of the GICC in Panama, important achievements have included the launch in 2021 of the Guide for the Diagnosis of Cancer in Children and Adolescents, and training programs for primary care health personnel. Through these programs, more than 1 000 health professionals have been trained on diagnosis of cancer in childhood and adolescence. Challenges remain, such as access to quality care, and it is essential to continue efforts to improve childhood cancer care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to describe the activities conducted by the National Childhood Cancer Plan Working Group to support the development of national childhood cancer plans in Latin America and the Caribbean in the period 2019--2022, and to present the stage of plan development. The Working Group activities were supported by the Pan American Health Organization and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which is the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Childhood Cancer. Year after year, the workshops and activities developed with the Working Group mobilized key stakeholders: pediatric oncologists, representatives of the Ministry of Health, foundations supporting childhood cancer initiatives, and hospital administrators. As of February 2023, one regional framework is in place, approved by the Council of Ministries of Health of Central America and the Dominican Republic, nine countries are currently implementing national plans or laws that include childhood cancer, and ten countries are writing new plans. The WHO three-step framework helped to guide the Working Group activities. All plans were supported by a situational analysis, which highlighted the importance of having systematized data for evidence-based policies. To increase implementation success, an accompanying budget and timeline help to ensure the adequate implementation of the interventions. More than anything, committed stakeholders remain the most fundamental element to successfully write and approve a national childhood cancer plan. This is an opportunity to share these countries' experience so the strategy can be adapted to support other countries developing a childhood cancer plan and extended to other public health areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To report the progress in Peru, since June 2019, in the implementation of the World Health Organization Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer using the CureAll framework, which can be replicated in low- and middle-income countries. Methods. A mixed method was used of participatory and documentary evaluation. The participatory evaluation included stakeholders from various government institutions, nonprofit organizations, and international partners. The documentary aspect consisted of a review of data on the regulatory environment, national projects, and interventions implemented. The Ministry of Health engaged more than 150 participants to form working committees, which have developed policy and regulatory documents to strengthen care services. Results. Achievements include a decrease in the national treatment abandonment rate from 18.6% to 8.5%, the approval of the Childhood Cancer Law, improvements in the management of patients with febrile neutropenia, and a reduction in rates of events of clinical deterioration and mortality of hospitalized patients. The Cure All implementation framework allows local teams to implement specific strategies and monitor early outcomes in pediatric oncology. Conclusions. The results obtained reflect the teamwork, the leadership of the authorities, the technical support of professionals, and the support of involved organizations. Further actions will be needed to guarantee sustainability, and monitoring tools are needed to assure success in the planned activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the 80th anniversary of the Mexican Institute for Social Security (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, IMSS), there are several health problems and challenges to be faced in relation to user population, which currently represents 42% of Mexico's population. Among these issues, once five waves of COVID-19 infections have passed and mortality rates have decreased, mental and behavioral disorders stand out as a reemerging problem that should be prioritized. In response to this, in 2022 the Mental Health Comprehensive Program (MHCP, 2021-2024) took place, which represents, for the first time, the opportunity to provide health services that address mental disorders and addictions of the user population of IMSS, under the Primary Health Care model, i.e., prioritizing health promotion, risk factors prevention, screening, timely diagnosis, and not just hospitalization and drug supply. Among the MHCP strategies, which motivated the writing of this document, we highlight the availability of reliable data, through the census of mental and behavioral disorders, related to important characteristics in terms of population, state, hospital, prevalence of disorders, in order to act accordingly through the infrastructure and human resources available at IMSS, with emphasis on the first level of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a public health problem worldwide, however, the incidence has remained relatively stable. In Mexico, around 10,000 new cases are reported each year. The Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) has been a pioneer in the care of people living with HIV (PLWHA), gradually incorporating the different antiretroviral drugs (ARV). The first ARV used at the institutional level was zidovudine, in the 1990s, and later other agents were incorporated, such as protease inhibitors, drugs from the group of non-nucleoside analogs, and integrase inhibitors. In 2020, the migration to ARV schemes coformulated in a single tablet based on integrase inhibitors, which constitute a highly effective option and timely supply of drugs has been achieved in 99% of the population. In the aspect of prevention, the IMSS has also been a pioneer by being the first institution to implement HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in 2021 at the national level and since 2022 universal post-exposure prophylaxis is available. The IMSS continues to be at the forefront incorporating the use of different management tools and instruments for the benefit of the population living with HIV. This document summarizes the history of HIV in the IMSS from the beginning of the epidemic to the present time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the time trend of monthly mortality rates from chronic respiratory diseases in Brazil from 1996 to 2017, with forecasts for 2022, besides analyzing the possibility of achieving the goal of the Plano de Ações Estratégicas para o Enfrentamento das Doenças Crônicas Não Transmissíveis no Brasil (Strategic Action Plan to Tackle Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases in Brazil) from 2011 to 2022. METHODS: This is an ecological study that uses data from Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM - Mortality Information System), Sistema de Informações Demográficas e Socioeconômicas (Demographic and Socioeconomic Information System) and Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios Contínua (PNAD Contínua - Continuous National Household Sample Survey). We established the age range between 30 and 69 years old and the evolution of the rates over time was made by autoregressive integrated moving average models in R statistical tool. RESULTS: Premature mortality rates from chronic respiratory diseases are decreasing in Brazil as a whole, mostly in state capitals. There is also a trend to reach the Ministry of Health's goal in most of the country. For capitals that tend not to reach the goal, there is an association between mortality and social indicators, healthcare network and frequency of smoking. CONCLUSION: This study intends to improve planning of the public health system for the control of chronic respiratory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT. The United Kingdom-Brazil Dementia Workshop took place in July 2019 in the city of Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, with an interdisciplinary group of health and care professionals from the United Kingdom and from Brazil to address challenges in diagnosis, public perception and care of dementia. The aim of this article is to present the results identified in relation to challenges in the care of dementia, including recommendations that could potentially guide local and State/Municipal authorities and care services for people with dementia in the future. Four key issues were prioritised to identify challenges and generate possible solutions in Brazil and the United Kingdom: I) limitations of current health systems; II) continuous and long-term support for family carers (pre-diagnosis, mourning); III) support for people with advanced dementia and end-of-life care; IV) support for people with young-onset dementia. In both countries, carers feel left without post-diagnostic support; information on the progression of dementia is lacking and some people do not even have a specific diagnosis; encouraging and providing training for carers best manage some of the symptoms is imperative; preparation for end of life care and support carers after the death of their loved ones remains highly needed; strengthening services and qualification of health professionals, also creating protocols to guide dementia-related services represent a common challenge to overcome. The authors outline recommendations according to the issues identified to assist future formulation of adequate policies and services for people with dementia and carers.

Objective: To find a model of prediction of the medical cost of a Health Benefits Management Company (EAPB) with adequate statistical criteria. Methods: A Cross-sectional study with retrospective follow-up of the use of health services in an EAPB during a one-year period. The sampling frame consisted of a population of 1,529,188 affiliates who were assigned to a primary care IPS group. By simple random sampling size was estimated at 190,917 users. The dependent variable was the cost of the services used deflated to the year 2013. As independent variables besides the traditional sociodemographic variables chosen in this type of prediction models, variables of the insurance were added; Variables of risk management (inclusion or not in promotion and prevention program) and of comorbidities. Results: Simple Linear Regression modeling showed errors of inappropriate statistical criteria such as violating the principle of normality in cost errors. The Generalized Linear Models, proposed to estimate POS average costs, have an appropriate goodness of fit and evaluated with small Deviations and minimum Akaike criterion (AIC) compared to other models of the exponential family Conclusions: The appropriate statistical model to predict medical costs was the Generalized Linear Model with two parts segmented by age groups and gender. This research suggests that to estimate the benefit premium of any EAPB, besides socio-demographic variables, insurance variables, membership or not in promotion programs and risk prevention and/or management and the burden of disease of that population should be used.

Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem, particularly in low and middle-income countries. The aim of this study is to consensualise improvement actions for the Tuberculosis Control Programme of the Pernambuco state (SPTC), Brazil. Methods: Firstly, a preliminary workshop was conducted with experts (n = 8), including key stakeholders and health professionals, to select structure and process indicators pertaining to the tuberculosis control programme. Then, an e-Delphi was carried out with a purposive sample of 11 local TB experts. The first-round questionnaire was comprised of 19 open-ended questions on possible improvement actions, based on programme indicators obtained in the previous stage. In the second-round experts rated each action for relevance and feasibility, using a four-point scale. In the last round the participants rated the actions again, in the light of group’s answers. We used published criteria to define consensus at the outset of the study. Key findings: Eighty-nine improvement actions achieved a high degree of consensus in both feasibility and relevance in round three. Eighty-six actions were grouped under 19 structure and process indicators, while three were consideredcross-sectional in scope (i.e. related to more than one indicator). Ten out of the 86 actions obtained at least 70% of ratings on the highest score of the scale both for relevance and feasibility. These included: “Request and availability of sputum pots can be made by any health professional in the health unit”. Conclusions: The wide array of actions obtained in this Delphi represent a resource from which local SPTC services can select the actions most suitable for each context. The ten most relevant and feasible actions represent a particularly useful starting point to streamline change and potentially improve programme indicators.

ABSTRACT Objective: to characterize speech-language pathologists/audiologists and their interventions in the occupational health area, regarding the Hearing Prevention Program (HPP). Methods: a cross-sectional, quantitative study with 74 speech-language pathologists/audiologists from several regions of Brazil, working in the areas of Occupational Health and Audiology. The participants answered a questionnaire on their professional and educational profile, as well as on their work related to the HCP components. For data analysis, statistical procedures were used (Chi-Square Test and the test of difference in proportions, at the significance level of 0.05 - 5%), in relation to the variables of gender, age, job position, time since their graduation and academic training in occupational safety and health. Results: the speech-language pathologists/audiologists, mostly women, who reported performing the HPP, were older than 30 years, had specific postgraduate courses, but still had doubts about the Program implementation, they worked for companies with over 1,000 employees, disregarding their employment status, performing interventions, such as: hearing management and guidance on the correct use of ear protectors. Conclusion: a high number of speech-language pathologists in the Occupational Health area have not developed a complete hearing conservation program to this date.

ABSTRACT Chronic kidney disease is a pathology with exponential increasing prevalence worldwide. This trend derives mainly from population aging and the growth of chronic conditions, making prevention a priority in public health. Thus, this observation instigates debates on the advances and challenges in public policies aimed at facing the progression of this disease and its risk factors in a contemporary reality that requires changes in the management models of chronic conditions. Brazilian and international experiences show that actions to prevent chronic kidney disease in risk groups remain incipient, especially in low-income countries. This area requires investment, supporting planning individualized, interdisciplinary and shared care with primary health care, as well as the user’s responsibility for their care, with proactivity and establishment and monitoring of goals to achieve satisfactory results.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to analyze cases of complicated varicella and the impact of varicella vaccination in Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: This was a time series study of a territorial basis using data on varicella cases from 2010 to 2016, which was provided by the State Health Department of Minas Gerais on . Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis, and the generalized linear regression model proposed by Prais-Winsten was used for the time tendency, adopting a significance level of 5% and the integrated autoregressive modeling of moving averages. RESULTS: There were 1,635 cases of varicella; out of which cellulitis (44%) was the predominant complication. The home-acquired cases were 38.9% and 464 cases (40.6%) were not previously vaccinated. There was a significant decrease in the incidence coefficient when comparing the pre- and post- immunization periods, from 1.95 cases/100,000 inhabitants in 2010 to 0.24 cases/100.000 inhabitants in 2016 (p

Objective. To analyze the validity of the official vaccination figures according to the available information and to identify opportunities for improvement. Materials and methods. We estimated vaccination coverage and dropout rates (for multi-dose vaccines) for one-year-old children, based on public information from the dynamic cubes of the Ministry of Health, for the years 2015 to 2017. Results. We observed variations in the vaccination monthly reports, which indicate low rates of vaccination, as well as high dropout rates when comparing first and third doses applied. For children 1 year of age, the national complete coverage was estimated at 48.9%. Conclusion. There is no reliable information to estimate the actual vaccination coverage. Government documents report a constant overestimation of vaccination coverage that creates a "false sense of security". This has become a barrier for the critical analysis of the Universal Vaccination Program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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RESUMO Objetivo Caracterizar a indicação e analisar a percepção dos usuários quanto a queixas e benefícios do uso de próteses auditivas concedidas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Métodos Estudo transversal, quantitativo, que analisou 100 usuários de próteses auditivas no retorno inicial após adaptação, em um serviço de média e alta complexidade em saúde auditiva. Foram coletados dados dos prontuários relativos às características da perda auditiva, da seleção e adaptação da prótese auditiva, e do tempo de uso. Foi realizada entrevista para investigar a percepção de queixas e benefícios com o uso da prótese auditiva. Resultados Houve predomínio dos seguintes aspectos: a faixa etária de 66 a 90 anos; Ensino Fundamental incompleto; perda auditiva sensorioneural de graus leve e moderado; ligeira/discreta dificuldade de compreensão da fala. Foram adaptadas 184 próteses, sendo a maioria retroauricular e de Tipo A; o tempo de espera entre a indicação e a adaptação foi entre 33 e 88 dias; o principal benefício da prótese auditiva foi a melhora da compreensão/interação social, e a queixa principal referiu-se a problemas de regulagem. Conclusão A maior parte dos usuários relatou benefícios com a utilização da prótese para a compreensão de fala e a interação social, e a queixa mais referida foi a regulagem.

Objectives : Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health problem, particularly in low and middle-income countries. The aim of this study is to consensualise improvement actions for the Tuberculosis Control Programme of the Pernambuco state (SPTC), Brazil. Methods : Firstly, a preliminary workshop was conducted with experts (n = 8), including key stakeholders and health professionals, to select structure and process indicators pertaining to the tuberculosis control programme. Then, an e-Delphi was carried out with a purposive sample of 11 local TB experts. The first-round questionnaire was comprised of 19 open-ended questions on possible improvement actions, based on programme indicators obtained in the previous stage. In the second-round experts rated each action for relevance and feasibility, using a four-point scale. In the last round the participants rated the actions again, in the light of group's answers. We used published criteria to define consensus at the outset of the study. Key findings : Eighty-nine improvement actions achieved a high degree of consensus in both feasibility and relevance in round three. Eighty-six actions were grouped under 19 structure and process indicators, while three were consideredcross-sectional in scope (i.e. related to more than one indicator). Ten out of the 86 actions obtained at least 70% of ratings on the highest score of the scale both for relevance and feasibility. These included: "Request and availability of sputum pots can be made by any health professional in the health unit". Conclusions : The wide array of actions obtained in this Delphi represent a resource from which local SPTC services can select the actions most suitable for each context. The ten most relevant and feasible actions represent a particularly useful starting point to streamline change and potentially improve programme indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Cuba, health research is based on the priorities of national scientific policy, derived from the health status of the population. The objective of this article is to describe the characteristics of the System of Science and Technological Innovation and how the results of its research benefit the health of the population groups. To this end, research related to the generation of products and technologies, diabetes, dengue and disability was selected. This system follows a methodology outlined by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment and has 37 research entities. It is organized into programs and projects that favor basic and applied research, with a multidisciplinary and intersectoral approach; these programs and projects are funded mostly by the State and are organized in self-contained cycles, i.e., the same entity is responsible for the entire process, from research to marketing, including market studies and post-marketing surveillance. The selected research shows an alignment between the research, the generalization of the results and its effect in improving health and universal access to health in the population. Positive results were obtained in diagnostic methods, preventive and therapeutic vaccines, warning signs for the prognosis and treatment of dengue, prevention of congenital malformations, and policies and programs that have benefited people with disabilities and their families. The will of the State to develop and fund scientific research, intersectoral action, the definition of research priorities, and the systematic training and attention to human resources have been key factors for the fulfillment of the objectives of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumen Objetivo: estimar la prevalencia de anticuerpos IgM contra Leptospira spp., mediante el Ensayo de Inmunoabsorción Ligado a Enzimas (elisa), en la población de riesgo laboral de 8 municipios del Tolima. Metodología: se obtuvieron muestras de sangre de 261 empleados, las cuales fueron analizadas mediante la técnica de elisa para la detección de anticuerpos IgM anti-Leptospira spp., seguido de mat y serotipificación. Resultado: se estimó una seroprevalencia del 25,29%, con una seroreactividad mayor en trabajadores de plantas de beneficio animal (34,2%), recolección de residuos sólidos (27,1%) y trabajadores de acueducto y alcantarillado (14,8%). La actividad en plantas de beneficio animal se identificó como factor de riesgo de Leptospira spp. (OR=1,86). Los serovares identificados fueron L. Bratislava (16), Ballum (5), Tarassovi (3), Hebdomadis (2), Sejroe (2) y Icterhemorragiae (1). El municipio de Libano presento el mayor porcentaje de positividad (36,96%), seguido de Espinal y Guamo con 28,57% cada uno. Discusión: la evaluación del sistema de vigilancia indicó deficiencia en recursos y debilidades de los profesionales de la salud al desconocer los procedimientos, investigación, diagnóstico y notificación de la enfermedad. Conclusiones: la leptospirosis está presente en poblaciones de riesgo laboral en el Tolima y se hace necesario abordar esta problemática en la población de otros municipios y los animales transmisores de la enfermedad. / Abstract Objective: to estimate the prevalence of IgM antibodies against Leptospira spp. Using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (elisa) in a population at occupational risk from 8 municipalities of the Tolima department, Colombia. Methodology: blood samples were collected from 261 employees and analyzed with the elisa technique to detect IgM and anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies. This was followed by mat and serotyping. Results: a seroprevalence of 25.29% was estimated, with higher seroreactivity for individuals working at slaughter plants (34.2%), collecting solid waste (27.1%) and those in contact with water and sewage waste (14.8%). Activity in slaughter plants was identified as a risk factor for Leptospira spp. (OR = 1.86). The serovars identified were L. Bratislava (16), Ballum (5), Tarassovi (3), Hebdomadis (2), Sejroe (2), and Icterhemorragiae (1). The municipality of Libano had the highest percentage of positivity (36.96%), followed by Espinal and Guamo with 28.57% each. Discussion: assessment of the current surveillance system for leptospirosis indicated deficient resources and health professionals who are lacking in terms of knowledge regarding appropriate procedures, research on, diagnosis and reporting mechanisms for the disease. Conclusions: leptospirosis is present in public workers with occupational hazard in Tolima. In addition, this issue should be approached while taking into account the population from other municipalities as well as the animals associated with its transmission.

Background: the uses of images in the dental practice are numerous, for the diagnosis, planning, management of the treatment of oral diseases and the progress of the patients.Objective: to devise a didactic syllabus to contribute to the teaching-learning process of medical imaging in the specialty of Dentistry, through an optional subject.Methods: a development research was carried out in the specialty of Dentistry of "Dr. Zoilo E. Marinello Vidaurreta" Faculty of Medical Sciences of University of Medical Sciences of Las Tunas, from September to November 2017, to design the didactic syllabus declared in the objective. Theoretical and empirical methods were used in the study.Results: the syllabus was developed with five thematic units that deal with different knowledge systems. The first unit explains the basic aspects of the historical background, nature and properties of X-rays. The second unit deals with the harmful action of X-rays, the clinical manifestations of harmful effects, somatic and genetic effects, physical means of protection for the patient and the professional and radiological principles. The third unit contains the main intraoral and extraoral methods, indications, limitations and contraindications. The fourth unit covers the radiographic interpretation. Finally, the syllabus includes an update on imaging techniques. A fist version of the subject was taught.Conclusions: a didactic syllabus on the use of medical imaging was developed to be implemented as an optional course in the major of Dentistry.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Evaluate the effectiveness of a diabetes mellitus educational program in primary health care. METHODS This cluster randomized trial was conducted in a sample of 470 people with type 2 diabetes mellitus from eight health units, randomly assigned to two groups: intervention (n = 231) and control (n = 239). The intervention group participated in the educational program composed of three strategies: group education, home visit, and telephone intervention. Simultaneously, the control group was monitored individually. Group monitoring took place over nine months in the year 2012. Clinical evaluations were performed at the initial time (T0), three (T3), six (T6) and nine (T9) months after the beginning of the intervention. RESULTS After nine months of follow-up, 341 users remained in the study, 171 in the control group and 170 in the intervention group. The average age of users was 60.6 years. In both groups, statistically significant differences were observed in mean HbA1c levels over the follow-up time (p < 0.05). However, the mean HbA1c level at T3, T6 and T9 times were significantly lower among the people in the intervention group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The educational program model developed was effective to improve the glycemic control of the intervention group participants.

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Diabetes mellitus has become a public health problem worldwide, due to the burden it supposes for health services. In this article, some aspects which influence the increasing of the disease incidence, some related to not modifiable risk factors as age, sex, skin color and other which are modifiable such as socio-economical conditions schooling, obesity, physical inactivity and diet. In addition, the role of the programs for the diabetic patient attention, as a strength for preventing secondary complications of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foundation: Along the years, in the National Program of Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis of Cuba several changes have been done as those related to its evaluation, including new synthetic indicators. Objective: to evaluate the synthetic indicators for the location and detection of new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods: descriptive research in health services and systems realized in health areas I and II of the Cienfuegos Municipality in the years 2013. The information was taken from the Department of Statistics of the Health Areas. The processing of the data to calculate the indicators was done with the program CALIND designed in Access, used with purpose in the Institute Pedro Kouri. Percentage and incidence rate were used as a Mathematical measures for the quantitative data analysis. Results: the application of the synthetic indicator was used to assess the quality of location of the tuberculosis cases in Area I. It was evaluated as deficient in this area and acceptable in Area II. The synthetic indicator was evaluated as deplorable in Area I and poor in Area II. Conclusion: the application of synthetic indicators for locating and detecting cases of Tuberculosis is coherent with the reality about the quality of case detection. It is corroborated its effectiveness to assess the process in the Program of Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cadernos de Saude Publica is the property of Escola Nacional de Saude Publica Sergio Arouca and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Saúde Pública is the property of Faculdade de Educacao da Universidade de Sao Paulo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: to know the perceptions of health professionals and managers about the routine of examinations in prenatal care after the implantation of the Rede Mãe Paranaense Program. Method: qualitative research, conducted in the first semester of 2015, through interviews with 19 professionals working in Primary Health Care services in municipalities of the ninth Regional Health Service of Paraná, Brazil. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the results. Results: the nurse is primarily responsible for requesting the exams, the pregnant women have access to the laboratory exams, but the challenge remains in the release of the imaging exams. The difficulties were centered in the attention to brasiguaias, in the counter reference on the part of the high risk hospital, cost of the examinations, medical resistance in requesting some examinations, lack of resources and organization of the work. Final considerations: the program enabled improvements in the routine of exams. However, the difficulties that were highlighted may compromise attention to prenatal care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2008, the evaluation of budget design and execution (EDEP for its acronym in Spanish) - one of the evaluations tools developed by the Peruvian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) as part of the implementation of Performance Budgeting- seek to provide reliable information about design coherence and progress in the implementation of public interventions, in order to improve their management and make informed budget decisions. The EDEP methodology includes preparing an evaluation report and defining a matrix of commitments to improve performance. Commitments are defined based on the recommendation of the EDEP. The EDEP seeks to correct exiting problems in public programs and optimize their results. MEF tracks the fulfillment of these commitments and links together the analysis of public budget requests and the progress of these commitments. Now, almost 10 years after its implementation, 57 EDEP have been carried out in different sectors and 07 of them are related to health interventions such as: the comprehensive health system, vaccination service, normal births, acute respiratory infections and acute diarrheal diseases, among others. Beyond the discrepancies in the application of this tool, the EDEP and its matrix of commitments have allowed the use of the results of the evaluations and have become a mechanism to generate useful information to improve the public services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumo: A expansão das áreas de transmissão de leishmaniose visceral (LV) traz questionamentos sobre as estratégias de controle empregadas no Brasil. As diretrizes do Programa de Vigilância e Controle da Leishmaniose Visceral (PVCLV) estão centradas na diminuição da morbidade e letalidade, controle do reservatório e dos vetores e na educação em saúde. Este artigo buscou avaliar as dificuldades na execução das ações preconizadas pelo PVCLC, segundo os seus coordenadores em municípios brasileiros de grande porte com transmissão canina e/ou humana (Campinas, Bauru, Goiânia, Campo Grande, Fortaleza e Belo Horizonte). Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas, sendo os principais problemas identificados: descontinuidade das atividades de controle, resistência dos proprietários de cães com indicação de eutanásia e baixa cobertura do controle químico. Como conclusão, as entrevistas mostraram que inúmeros fatores impedem o cumprimento das atividades propostas pelo PVCLC, ficando clara a necessidade de reavaliação da política brasileira de controle de LV.

Prover informações, promover melhoria dos programas e determinar o mérito e o valor do avaliando são os propósitos da avaliação. Porem, o desafio para os avaliadores não é apenas promover, mas documentar a utilidade dos estudos. Face ao desafio, o artigo objetivou sistematizar os usos e influência do processo e resultados de duas avaliações sobre o Programa Nacional de Controle da Dengue, para tomada de decisão de gestores e profissionais envolvidos. Com base em um modelo teórico de análise, realizou-se um estudo exploratório com a análise documental para identificação dos eventos e inscrições das avaliações e sua circulação quanto aos possíveis usos e influência, entre 2007-2010. Observou-se que o modo de produção de conhecimento contextual e a definição das avaliações com foco na utilidade mostraram-se favoráveis à utilização das avaliações. Os resultados indicando maior uso instrumental, influência imediata, do processo e coletiva, podem indicar a pertinência dos estudos para os interessados e sua utilidade na gestão do programa, em diferentes níveis do sistema de saúde.Evaluation aims to provide information, promote improvement in programs, and determine the merit and value of the object of evaluation. However, the challenge for evaluators is not only to promote, but also to document the usefulness of studies. Given this challenge, the article aimed to systematize the uses and influence of the process and findings in two evaluations on Brazilian National Dengue Fever Control Program, for decision-making by the respective public health administrators and professionals. Based on a theoretical analytical model, an exploratory study was performed with documental analysis for identification of events and registrations in the evaluations and their circulation in terms of possible uses and influence, from 2007 to 2010. Favorable factors for the use of evaluations were the mode of production of contextual knowledge and definition of evaluations with a focus on utility. The results, indicating greater instrumental use and immediate process and collective use may indicate the studies' pertinence to stakeholders and their usefulness to program management at different levels in the health system.

En la región de las Américas, Cuba cuenta con una de las menores tasas de morbimortalidad en tuberculosis; por lo que surgió la iniciativa de generar una estrategia común hacia la eliminación de esta enfermedad como problema de salud pública. Se realizó una investigación en sistemas y servicios de Salud, con un diseño epidemiológico observacional descriptivo transversal, en el municipio de Matanzas, en el período 2000-2006, basado en una evaluación del Programa de Control y Eliminación de la Tuberculosis como Problema de Salud, para un mejor conocimiento y, por tanto, un mayor control de esta entidad, así como discutir con los afectados la solución de cada una de las deficiencias, como parte de los estudios que se están realizando sobre el tema. Se estudiaron el total de los casos de tuberculosis diagnosticados en el municipio, llegándose a la conclusión de que hubo una reducción del número de casos en el 2006. La forma de diagnóstico que predominó fue la pulmonar, presentándose superior número de casos con baciloscopía positiva. Los grupos de edad más afectados fueron los menores de 65 años, existiendo una supremacía en el sexo masculino. Las áreas de salud de Contreras y Playa fueron las de mayor incidencia. Se concluyó que 3 áreas de salud alcanzaron la meta de tasas menores de 5 x 100 000 habitantes, 3 reportaron tasas entre 5 y 10 casos por 100 000 habitantes, y solo una tuvo tasas superiores a 10, lo que permite afirmar que la iniciativa de eliminación de la tuberculosis se cumple en el municipio.In the region of the Americas, Cuba has one of the smallest rates of morbimortality in tuberculosis, for what the initiative arose of generating a common strategy toward the elimination of this disease like a health problem. We carried out an investigation in Health systems and services, with a cross-sectional descriptive observational epidemiologic design, in the municipality of Matanzas, in the period 2000-2006, based on an evaluation of the Program for Controlling and Eliminating the Tuberculosis like a Health Problem, for a better knowledge and, therefore, a bigger control of this entity, and also for discussing with the affected patients, the solution of each one of the deficiencies, as a part of the researches that are being carried out on the topic. The most affected age group was the one formed by persons that are less than 65 years old, with the supremacy of the male sex. The health areas of Contreras and Playa were the ones with more incidences. We arrived to the conclusion that 3 health areas reached the goal of rates smaller than 5 x 100 000 inhabitants, 3 reported rates between 5 and 10 cases per 100 000 inhabitants, and only one had rates higher than 10, what allows to affirm that the initiative of eliminating the tuberculosis is completed in the municipality.

BACKGROUND: Based on the necessity of detailed information that supports effective strategies to improve cancer outcomes in the different regions of Brazil, the aims of this study were to report demographic aspects and to calculate the prevalence and incidence rates of oncohematological diseases in the region of Vale do Paraíba. METHODS: This is a multicentric prospective study carried out from October 2009 to March 2010. A total of 500 over 19-year-old patients were enrolled. Data such as type of healthcare insurance, gender, age, ethnic classification, place of residence, schooling, income, body mass index, new cases and the period between the first symptoms and a definite diagnosis were collected. The prevalence and incidence rates were calculated according to an estimated number of 1,319,800 inhabitants. RESULTS: The prevalence and incidence rates per 100,000 inhabitants in the period of six months were, respectively: acute myeloid leukemia 1.5 and 0.7; acute lymphoblastic leukemia 0.5 and 0.1; chronic lymphocytic leukemia 2.4 and 0.4; chronic myeloid leukemia 6.2 and 0.8; Hodgkin's lymphoma 2.9 and 0.9; non-Hodgkin lymphoma 9.8 and 4.3; multiple myeloma 5.7 and 0.7; myelodysplastic syndromes 2.1 and 0.2 and myeloproliferative syndromes 5.1 and 0.3. CONCLUSION: Giving the paucity of data in this field of investigation, our data may be useful for comparisons with those of other regions of Brazil and will assist in the implementation of treatment programs of oncohematological diseases in this region.

En los últimos cinco años las políticas sanitarias en las unidades penitenciarias del Servicio Penitenciario Federal Argentino (SPF) fueron desarrolladas a través de la anterior División Asistencia Médica de esta institución con el objetivo de mejorar la atención primaria de la salud, y eran aplicadas con criterios heterogéneos respecto de los establecidos por el Ministerio de Salud de la Nación. Quizá por ello es que me interesa indagar en la experiencia argentina de convertir en efectivos los derechos y garantías declamados, en lo referido especialmente, al derecho a la salud de las personas detenidas en el SPF. Estos cambios se iniciaron a partir de reformas que se llevaron a cabo en materia penitenciaria, tales como la reducción de la sobrepoblación y del hacinamiento existentes; el aumento del número de internos trabajadores y estudiantes; el incremento de las actividades socio-culturales, y la puesta en marcha de programas de tratamiento penitenciario diferenciados -para internos primarios, mayores adultos, internos con patologías mentales con antecedentes de adicciones, entre otros-, los que representaron un gran avance en el cumplimiento de la obligación estatal. Lo novedoso del abordaje integral en materia de políticas sanitarias para los privados de su libertad radica, en especial, en la responsabilidad asumida en forma conjunta por los Ministerios de Justicia y Salud, que permitió la equiparación de la atención médica comunitaria en un medio cerrado como es la prisión. La reforma en políticas sanitarias puesta en marcha en las cárceles federales, nos lleva a reflexionar sobre la revolucionaria modificación en gestión de políticas públicas que en tiempo precedente no se adoptó y que representa un cambio de dirección que el Estado Argentino tomó para garantizar el efectivo cumplimiento de los derechos humanos de las personas privadas de su libertad.In the last five years, medical care policies for prisons in the Argentine Federal Penitentiary Service were developed by the previous Medical Care Assistance Office of this Institution to improve primary medical healthcare. Policies were applied with heterogeneous criteria in comparison to the ones established by the Ministry of Health. This may be why I am interested in taking a deeper look at the Argentine experience in order to guarantee human rights, especially access to health for inmates based in the Federal Penitentiary Service. These changes could only be brought about by penal reforms such as reductions in overpopulation, the increase of the number of workers and students among inmates, including socio - cultural activities, the creation of penitentiary treatment programmes for first time inmates, adults, and mental disabilities programmes for inmates with a background of drug abuse, which have represented a great step forward towards the fulfilment of the duties of the state. This novel, integrated approach to medical care policies for imprisoned people is based on the assumed responsibility of the Ministry of Justice together with the Health Ministry, enabling equal access to community health assistance in a closed environment like prison. The reform of medical care policies in federal prisons, leads us to us reflect on the revolutionary changes in public policy management that had not been presented up till now, and that now show a change in direction that the Argentine State has taken towards effective guarantees of human rights for prison inmates.

Desde la salud pública, los programas de detección para diabetes mellitus tipo 2 son un recurso para su vigilancia. La Secretaría de Salud Nacional implementó como estrategia de tamizaje el Programa de Acción Diabetes Mellitus (PADM-2), el cual se basa en dos pruebas secuenciales: Cuestionario de Factores de Riesgo y medición de glucemia capilar. En este trabajo, se exploró la capacidad del PADM-2 como estrategia de tamizaje. El estudio se efectuó en el año 2005, participaron 1.562 individuos que asistieron a seis unidades del primer nivel de atención de la Secretaría de Salud del Gobierno del Distrito. Se consideró como el estándar de oro a la glucosa sérica en ayuno. Al valorar las dos pruebas en serie, la sensibilidad fue de 98%, la especificidad de 58,7%, y el valor predictivo positivo de 16,6%. El valor predictivo positivo apunta a que una alta proporción del gasto se destina a detectar falsos positivos, lo cual hace necesario replantearse los criterios utilizados en el PADM-2, de tal manera que se obtenga un mayor beneficio económico y social.From the public health perspective, programs to detect type 2 diabetes mellitus are a prime resource for surveillance of the disease. As a screening strategy, the Mexican Ministry of Health implemented the Diabetes Mellitus Action Program (PADM-2), based on two sequential tests: the Risk Factor Questionnaire and capillary blood glucose test. This study explored the Program's capacity as a screening strategy. The study was carried out in the year 2005, with a sample of 1,562 that attended six primary care units under the Health Secretariat of the Federal District. Fasting serum glucose was defined as the gold standard. When assessing the two tests sequentially, sensitivity was 98%, specificity 58.7%, and positive predictive value 16.6%. The positive predictive values indicates that a high proportion of the expenditure still goes to detecting false-positives, thus requiring reconsideration of the Program's criteria to obtain a greater economic and social benefit.

O objetivo foi descrever usuários e não-usuários do Programa Academia da Cidade de Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram selecionados quatro dos 19 pólos do programa. Para cada usuário sorteado, foi selecionado um não-usuário, que foi pareado ao usuário em termos de sexo, idade (±5 anos) e local de residência. A amostra foi composta por 277 usuários e 277 não-usuários. Entre os não-usuários, 22% referiram nunca ter ouvido falar do programa. Entre os que já ouviram falar do programa, 54,3% o conhecem por terem visto um pólo. Entre os usuários, o principal motivo para a participação no programa foi "melhorar a saúde"; o tempo médio de participação no programa foi de 27,5 meses (DP = 23,1) e 72,8% relataram grau elevado de satisfação. O percentual de pessoas com percepção de saúde regular ou ruim foi significativamente maior entre os não-usuários (45,4%) em comparação aos usuários (28,5%). Os usuários do Programa Academia da Cidade parecem estar satisfeitos. Estratégias de divulgação devem ser priorizadas para que o programa seja conhecido por um maior percentual de residentes de Recife.The aim of this study was to describe the profile of users and non-users of the Academia da Cidade Program to promote physical activity in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil. Four of the program's 19 units were sampled. Users (n=277) and non-users (n=277) were matched for gender, age (±5 years), and place of residence. Among non-users, 22% had never heard of the program. Among those who knew of the program, 54.3% learned about it by actually having seen one of the units. Among users, the main reason for participating in the program was to improve their health; mean participation time was 27.5 months (SD = 23.1); and 72.8% reported high satisfaction. The proportion of individuals with fair or poor self-rated health was significantly higher among non-users (45.4%) than users (28.5%). Users of the program appeared to be satisfied. Strategies to further publicize the program should be prioritized to make it known to a larger proportion of the city's population.

O Programa de Triagem Neonatal do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil, instituído em 1994 diagnosticou, até 2005, 76 crianças com hipotireoidismo congênito, 10 com fenilcetonúria e 25 com hemoglobinopatias, o que representou uma incidência de 1:2.595, 1:19.409, 1:4.120, respectivamente. Foram diagnosticadas 2.747 crianças com traço falciforme (1:37,5 nascidos vivos). A cobertura média do programa foi de 94,5%. Houve uma considerável melhora nos parâmetros de avaliação da qualidade do programa no período, porém, sem atingir os índices ideais. Campanhas visando à maior divulgação da importância da triagem neonatal são necessárias para aumentar a cobertura e a instituição do 3º dia de vida do recém-nascido como sendo o Dia do Teste do Pezinho poderia contribuir para que idades mais precoces de tratamento fossem atingidas, melhorando o prognóstico das crianças acometidas.The Neonatal Screening Program at the University Hospital of the Ribeirao Preto School of Medicine, São Paulo University, Brazil, was introduced in 1994. As of December 2005, congenital hypothyroidism had been diagnosed in 76 infants, phenylketonuria in 10, and hemoglobinopathies in 25, representing incidence rates of 1:2,595, 1:19,409, and 1:4,120, respectively. A total of 2,747 newborns had the sickle cell trait, i.e., were heterozygous for the sickle mutation (1:37.5 live births). The program's mean coverage during this period was 94.5%. There was major improvement in the parameters for evaluating the program's quality, although they were still far from ideal. Public-awareness campaigns on the importance of neonatal screening are needed to increase the program's coverage. Setting postnatal day 3 as the standard Day for the Heel Stick Test would help ensure treatment at earlier ages, thus improving prognosis for affected infants.

O objetivo deste artigo é demonstrar alguns desafios para a implementação de ações programáticas visando ao controle do câncer do colo do útero no Estado do Amazonas, Brasil. Foram analisados os relatórios do Programa Viva Mulher do Amazonas referentes à coleta e qualidade das lâminas e os dados de mortalidade por esta causa registrados no DATASUS para os períodos 2001 a 2005. Os resultados apresentam que no período não houve o aumento na cobertura da coleta de exames de Papanicolaou, embora tenha havido uma discreta melhora na qualidade das lâminas; as taxas de mortalidade por câncer de colo de útero estão aumentando, e situam-se em patamares acima dos encontrados no país e na região norte. A análise desses resultados sugere a necessidade de haver um esforço, por parte da gestão do Programa no Amazonas, na capacitação de profissionais e dos gerentes dos serviços, visando aumentar a captação das mulheres sob maior risco.The purpose of this study is to present a number of challenges facing the implementation of program actions regarding the control of cervical cancer in the State of Amazonas, Brazil. Reports of the Viva Mulher program in Amazonas on Papanicolaou screening tests and the quality of cervical samples and mortality rates from this disease taken from DATASUS were analyzed for the 2001 to 2005 period. The results show no increase in the population covered by the Papanicolaou screening test in this period, although there was a small improvement in the quality of cervical samples. However, mortality rates for cervical cancer are increasing in this reason, and are higher than the rates for Brazil as a whole and for the North region of the country. Analysis of these results suggests the need for local program managers, to make efforts to build the capacity of health-care professionals and service managers, with a view to increasing Papanicolaou screening test coverage for high-risk women.

The study had the objective to analyze the performance of the health services that implement the Directly Observed Therapy at home for tuberculosis control. This study analyzed four Tuberculosis Control Programs, referred to as A, B, C, and D, using the following indicators: Resource use; Performance quickness; Monitoring medication administration; Time spent per home visit. Data were collected during visits to 47 patients receiving DOT at home. Resource use was higher in program B (91.3%); program A showed quicker performance (5.8) and more visits during which medication administration was monitored (77.4%); program C had the longest time spent per home visit (14.7 minutes) and program A the shortest (10.4 minutes). The best or worst performance numerically expresses how resources are being used and whether the observation of medication intake is being achieved.La finalidad del estudio fue analizar el desempeño de los servicios de salud que brindan Tratamientos por observación en domicilio para el control de la tuberculosis. Se estudiaron cuatro Programas de Controle da Tuberculosis identificados como A, B, C y D a partir de los indicadores de Aprovechamiento de recursos; Agilidad en el desempeño; Supervisión de la administración del medicamento y Tiempo utilizado por visita domiciliaria. Los datos fueron recolectados durante la visita a 47 enfermos. Se observó que el aprovechamiento de recursos fue mayor en el programa B (91,3%); en el programa A fue observada mayor agilidad (5,8) y mayor porcentaje de visitas con supervisión en la administración del medicamento (77,4%); en el programa C fue mayor el tiempo utilizado por visita (14,7 minutos), siendo este menor para el programa A (10,4 minutos). El mayor o menor desempeño expresa numéricamente la forma cómo los recursos están siendo utilizados, así como el alcance de las metas al respecto de la observación durante la ingestión de medicamentos.O estudo teve como objetivo analisar o desempenho dos serviços de saúde que executam a Terapia Diretamente Observada (DOT) no domicílio para o controle da tuberculose. Foram estudados quatro Programas de Controle da Tuberculose nomeados como A, B, C e D a partir dos seguintes indicadores: aproveitamento dos recursos; agilidade do desempenho; monitoração da administração da medicação; tempo gasto por visita domiciliar. Os dados foram coletados durante a visita a 47 doentes em DOT no domicílio. Observou-se que o aproveitamento dos recursos foi maior no programa B (91,3%); maior agilidade (5,8) e maior porcentagem de visitas com monitoração da administração da medicação (77,4%) no programa A; maior tempo gasto por visita no programa C (14,7 minutos) e menor no programa A (10,4 minutos). O maior ou menor desempenho expressa numericamente a forma como os recursos estão sendo utilizados e se a observação da ingestão medicamentosa está sendo alcançada.