BACKGROUND: High-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer, leading to over 311 000 global deaths, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. Kenyan women living with HIV (WLHIV) face a disproportionate burden of HR-HPV. OBJECTIVES: We determined the prevalence of HR-HPV infections and their association with cervical cytology findings among Kenyan WLHIV. METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional study among WLHIV attending the HIV care and treatment clinic at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Kenya's national referral hospital. Study nurses collected a cervical sample with a cytobrush for HR-HPV genotyping using Gene Xpert® assays and HPV Genotypes 14 Real-TM Quant V67-100FRT. Bivariate analysis explored the associations. RESULTS: We enrolled 647 WLHIV (mean age of 42.8 years), with 97.2% on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 79% with a suppressed viral load (< 50 copies/mL plasma). The prevalence of any and vaccine-preventable HR-HPV was 34.6% and 29.4%, respectively, with HPV 52 being the most common genotype (13.4%). Among WLHIV with HR-HPV infections, 21.4% had abnormal cervical cytology. Women with multiple HR-HPV infections were more likely to have abnormal cytology compared to those with single HR-HPV infections (34.9 vs 9.3%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 6.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7-14.1, P = 0.001). Women with HR-HPV infection (single or multiple) were more likely to be on the second-line ART regimen compared to those without HR-HPV infections (53.1% vs 46.7%, aOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.3-4.1, P = 0.005. CONCLUSION: Among WLHIV at KNH, abnormal cytology was common and more frequent among women with multiple HR-HPV infections.

BACKGROUND: In 2009, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) integrated cervical cancer screening within HIV care using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and Pap smear cytology. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated utilisation of cervical cancer screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among women living with HIV (WLHIV) receiving HIV care at KNH. METHOD: From November 2019 to February 2020, WLHIV aged ≥ 14 years were invited to participate in a survey following receipt of routine HIV services. We assessed awareness of cervical cancer, uptake of cervical cancer screening, uptake of the HPV vaccine, and barriers to utilisation of these services. In a subset of survey participants, focus group discussions (FGDs) were also conducted to identify screening barriers. RESULTS: Overall, 305 WLHIV participated in the survey. Median age was 36 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 28-43), 41% were married, and 38% completed secondary education. Most (90%) had HIV RNA < 1000 copies/mL. Awareness of cervical cancer was high (84%), although only 45% of WLHIV had screened for cervical cancer at the referral hospital and only 13% knew how to prevent high-risk HPV. No participants had received an HPV vaccination. Older age, higher education, and knowledge of the HPV vaccine were associated with higher likelihood of cervical cancer screening (P < 0.05). In FGDs, barriers to utilising the services included user fees, fear of the procedure impacting fertility, age and gender of the provider, and long waiting times. CONCLUSION: Despite integration with HIV services, the utilisation of cervical cancer screening was low among WLHIV and implementation barriers contributed to low utilisation

RESUMO Global Hearts é a iniciativa mais importante da Organização Mundial da Saúde para reduzir a carga de doenças cardiovasculares, que são a principal causa de morte e incapacidade em todo o mundo. A iniciativa HEARTS nas Américas é a adaptação regional que pressupõe a HEARTS como o modelo para a gestão do risco de doenças cardiovasculares, incluindo hipertensão e diabetes, na atenção primária à saúde nas Américas até 2025. Essa iniciativa está entrando em seu sexto ano de implementação e agora inclui 22 países e 1 380 centros de atenção primária à saúde. Os objetivos deste relatório são três. Primeiramente, ele descreve o surgimento e os principais elementos da iniciativa HEARTS nas Américas. Em segundo lugar, resume as principais inovações desenvolvidas para catalisar e sustentar a implementação da iniciativa. Essas inovações incluem: a) introdução de fatores impulsionadores de controle da hipertensão; b) desenvolvimento de um caminho clínico abrangente e prático; c) desenvolvimento de uma estratégia para melhorar a exatidão da aferição da pressão arterial; d) criação de uma plataforma de monitoramento e avaliação; e e) desenvolvimento de um conjunto padronizado de recursos para treinamento e educação. Em terceiro lugar, este relatório discute as futuras prioridades da iniciativa. O objetivo de implementar essas soluções inovadoras e pragmáticas é criar um sistema de saúde mais eficaz e mudar o foco dos programas cardiovasculares e de hipertensão do nível de atendimento altamente especializado para a atenção primária à saúde. Além disso, a iniciativa HEARTS nas Américas pode servir de modelo para práticas mais abrangentes, efetivas e sustentáveis de prevenção e tratamento de doenças não transmissíveis.

Abstract Global Hearts is the flagship initiative of the World Health Organization to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. HEARTS in the Americas Initiative is the regional adaptation that envisions HEARTS as the model for cardiovascular disease risk management, including hypertension and diabetes, in primary health care in the Americas by 2025. This initiative is entering its sixth year of implementation and now includes 22 countries and 1 380 primary health care centers. The objectives of this report are three-fold. First, it describes the emergence and the main elements of HEARTS in the Americas. Secondly, it summarizes the main innovations developed to catalyze and sustain implementation of the initiative. These innovations include: a) introduction of hypertension control drivers; b) development of a comprehensive and practical clinical pathway; c) development of a strategy to improve the accuracy of blood pressure measurement; d) creation of a monitoring and evaluation platform; and e) development of a standardized set of training and education resources. Thirdly, this report discusses future priorities of the initiative. The goal of implementing these innovative and pragmatic solutions is to create a more effective health system and shift the focus of cardiovascular and hypertension programs from the highly specialized care level to primary health care. In addition, HEARTS in the Americas can serve as a model for more comprehensive, effective, and sustainable noncommunicable disease prevention and treatment practices.

RESUMEN Global Hearts es la iniciativa emblemática de la Organización Mundial de la Salud para reducir la carga de las enfermedades cardiovasculares, la principal causa de muerte y discapacidad en todo el mundo. La iniciativa HEARTS en las Américas es la adaptación regional que propone HEARTS como modelo para el manejo del riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, incluida la hipertensión, y la diabetes en la atención primaria de salud en la Región de las Américas para el año 2025. Esta iniciativa está iniciando su sexto año de aplicación y ya incluye a 22 países y 1 380 centros de atención primaria de salud. Son tres los objetivos de este informe. En primer lugar, describir cómo surgió la iniciativa HEARTS en las Américas y cuáles son sus principales elementos. En segundo lugar, resumir las principales innovaciones logradas para catalizar la iniciativa y mantener su aplicación. Entre estas innovaciones se encuentran: a) la introducción de factores impulsores del control de la hipertensión; b) el desarrollo de una vía clínica integral y práctica; c) la elaboración de una estrategia para mejorar la precisión de la medición de la presión arterial; d) la creación de un marco de seguimiento y evaluación; y e) la elaboración de un conjunto estandarizado de recursos de capacitación y formación. En tercer lugar, en este informe se examinan las futuras prioridades de la iniciativa. El objetivo de poner en marcha estas soluciones innovadoras y pragmáticas es crear un sistema de salud más efectivo y trasladar el enfoque de los programas cardiovasculares y de hipertensión del nivel de atención altamente especializada a la atención primaria de salud. Además, HEARTS en las Américas puede servir como modelo para unas prácticas más integrales, efectivas y sostenibles en la prevención y el tratamiento de las enfermedades no transmisibles.

Resumen La Iniciativa Mundial HEARTS. es la iniciativa emblemática de la Organización Mundial de la Salud para reducir la carga de las enfermedades cardiovasculares, la principal causa de muerte y discapacidad en todo el mundo. La Iniciativa HEARTS en las Américas es la adaptación regional que propone usar HEARTS como modelo para el manejo del riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, incluida la hipertensión, y la diabetes en la atención primaria de salud en la Región de las Américas para el año 2025. Esta iniciativa está iniciando su sexto año de aplicación y ya incluye a 22 países y 1 380 centros de atención primaria de salud. Este informe tiene tres objetivos. En primer lugar, describir cómo surgió la Iniciativa HEARTS en las Américas y cuáles son sus principales elementos. En segundo lugar, resumir las principales innovaciones logradas para catalizar la iniciativa y mantener su aplicación. Entre estas innovaciones se encuentran: a) la introducción de factores impulsores del control de la hipertensión; b) el desarrollo de una vía clínica integral y práctica; c) la elaboración de una estrategia para mejorar la precisión de la medición de la presión arterial; d) la creación de un marco de seguimiento y evaluación; y e) la elaboración de un conjunto estandarizado de recursos de capacitación y formación. En tercer lugar, en este informe se examinan las futuras prioridades de la iniciativa. El objetivo de poner en marcha estas soluciones innovadoras y pragmáticas es crear un sistema de salud más efectivo y trasladar el enfoque de los programas cardiovasculares y de hipertensión del nivel de atención altamente especializada a la atención primaria de salud. Además, HEARTS en las Américas puede servir como modelo para unas prácticas más integrales, efectivas y sostenibles en la prevención y el tratamiento de las enfermedades no transmisibles.

ABSTRACT Global Hearts is the flagship initiative of the World Health Organization to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. HEARTS in the Americas Initiative is the regional adaptation that envisions HEARTS as the model for cardiovascular disease risk management, including hypertension and diabetes, in primary health care in the Americas by 2025. This initiative is entering its sixth year of implementation and now includes 22 countries and 1 380 primary health care centers. The objectives of this report are three-fold. First, it describes the emergence and the main elements of HEARTS in the Americas. Secondly, it summarizes the main innovations developed to catalyze and sustain implementation of the initiative. These innovations include: a) introduction of hypertension control drivers; b) development of a comprehensive and practical clinical pathway; c) development of a strategy to improve the accuracy of blood pressure measurement; d) creation of a monitoring and evaluation platform; and e) development of a standardized set of training and education resources. Thirdly, this report discusses future priorities of the initiative. The goal of implementing these innovative and pragmatic solutions is to create a more effective health system and shift the focus of cardiovascular and hypertension programs from the highly specialized care level to primary health care. In addition, HEARTS in the Americas can serve as a model for more comprehensive, effective, and sustainable noncommunicable disease prevention and treatment practices.

RESUMO Global Hearts é a iniciativa mais importante da Organização Mundial da Saúde para reduzir a carga de doenças cardiovasculares, que são a principal causa de morte e incapacidade em todo o mundo. A Iniciativa HEARTS nas Américas é a adaptação regional que pressupõe a HEARTS como o modelo para a gestão do risco de doenças cardiovasculares, incluindo hipertensão e diabetes, na atenção primária à saúde nas Américas até 2025. Essa iniciativa está entrando em seu sexto ano de implementação e agora inclui 22 países e 1 380 centros de atenção primária à saúde. Os objetivos deste relatório são três. Primeiramente, ele descreve o surgimento e os principais elementos da Iniciativa HEARTS nas Américas. Em segundo lugar, resume as principais inovações desenvolvidas para catalisar e sustentar a implementação da iniciativa. Essas inovações incluem: a) introdução de fatores impulsionadores de controle da hipertensão; b) desenvolvimento de um caminho clínico abrangente e prático; c) desenvolvimento de uma estratégia para melhorar a exatidão da aferição da pressão arterial; d) criação de uma plataforma de monitoramento e avaliação; e e) desenvolvimento de um conjunto padronizado de recursos para treinamento e educação. Em terceiro lugar, este relatório discute as futuras prioridades da iniciativa. O objetivo de implementar essas soluções inovadoras e pragmáticas é criar um sistema de saúde mais eficaz e mudar o foco dos programas cardiovasculares e de hipertensão do nível de atendimento altamente especializado para a atenção primária à saúde. Além disso, a Iniciativa HEARTS nas Américas pode servir de modelo para práticas mais abrangentes, efetivas e susten- táveis de prevenção e tratamento de doenças não transmissíveis.

RESUMO Objetivos Examinar a percepção das enfermeiras sobre a preparação para atender a pacientes com doenças mentais em dois hospitais gerais em St. Catherine, Jamaica. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo transversal, de métodos mistos, entre as enfermeiras dos pavilhões médicos de dois hospitais. Foi utilizado um questionário autoadministrado com 39 itens que continha tanco perguntas abertas como fechadas e entrevistas pessoais, para avaliar a preparação e conhecimento das enfermeiras em quanto a protocolos e atenção de pacientes com doenças mentais; suas atitudes para a integração da atenção à saúde mental no entorno hospitalar geral; qualquer associação entre estes e das variáveis selecionadas, por exemplo, nível educacional, experiência profissional; e percepções do processo de integração. Resultados Em total, 105 enfermeiras completaram o questionário (taxa de resposta: 80%) e se entrevistou seis supervisores de enfermaria. Quase todos (99%) sentiram que a sala não era adequada para admitir pacientes com doenças mentais; 95% sentiu que não estava se preparado adequadamente; e 73% não sabia que está disponível um protocolo de gestão padrão para tratar pacientes com doença mental. A capacitação do profissional foi considerada importante. Estabeleceu-se que deveria ser creada uma área especial para o controle de pacientes com doenças mentais. Conclusões A mudança dos serviços de saúde mental foi uma decisão política estratégica alinhada com as recomendações e o apoio da Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde. Este estudo mostra a necessidade de medicamentos, equipamentos, a implementação de procedimentos operacionais padrão, um localização adequado dos pacientes e o suporte dos mesmos com pessoal capacitado para prestar cuidado de qualidade a pacientes com doença mental.

ABSTRACT Objectives To examine nurses' perception of readiness to care for patients with mental illness at two general hospitals in St. Catherine, Jamaica. Methods This mixed-methods, cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses on the medical wards of two hospitals. A 39-item, self-administered questionnaire containing open- and closed-ended questions and personal interviews was used to assess the nurses' preparedness to care for mentally ill patients; their awareness regarding protocol for care of mentally ill patients; their attitudes towards the integration of mental health care into the general hospital setting; and any associations between these and select variables, e.g., education level, work experience; and perceptions of the integration process. Results In all, 105 nurses completed the questionnaire (response rate: 80%) and six nursing supervisors were interviewed. Almost all (99%) felt the ward was unsuitable for admitting mentally ill patients; 95% felt inadequately prepared; and 73% were not aware that a standard management protocol for treating patients with mental illness was available. Staff training was deemed important. It was felt that a special area should be established for managing mentally ill patients. Conclusions The shift of mental health services was a strategic policy decision aligned with the recommendations and support of the Pan American Health Organization. This study shows the need for medication, equipment, implementation of standard operating procedures, adequate accommodation for patients, and staff trained to provide quality care for patients with mental illness.

RESUMEN Objetivos Examinar la percepción de las enfermeras sobre la preparación para atender a pacientes con enfermedades mentales en dos hospitales generales en St. Catherine, Jamaica. Métodos Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal, de métodos mixtos, entre las enfermeras de los pabellones médicos de dos hospitales. Se utilizó un cuestionario autoadministrado con 39 ítems que contenía tanto preguntas abiertas como cerradas y entrevistas personales, para evaluar la preparación de las enfermeras en cuanto a protocolos y atención de pacientes con enfermedades mentales; sus actitudes hacia la integración de la atención de salud mental en el entorno hospitalario general; cualquier asociación entre estas y las variables seleccionadas, por ejemplo, nivel educativo, experiencia laboral; y sus percepciones acerca del proceso de integración. Resultados En total, 105 enfermeras completaron el cuestionario (tasa de respuesta: 80%) y se entrevistó a seis supervisores de enfermería. Casi todos (99%) consideraron que la sala no era adecuada para admitir pacientes con enfermedades mentales; el 95% consideró que no estaba preparado adecuadamente; y el 73% no sabía que está disponible un protocolo estándar para atender pacientes con enfermedad mental. La capacitación del personal se consideró importante. Se planteó que se debería establecer un área especial para la atención de pacientes con enfermedades mentales. Conclusiones El cambio de los servicios de salud mental fue una decisión política estratégica alineada con las recomendaciones y el apoyo de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud. Este estudio muestra que es necesario disponer de medicamentos, equipos, implementación de procedimientos operativos estándar, una ubicación adecuada de los pacientes y personal capacitado para proporcionar una atención de calidad a los pacientes con enfermedad mental.

Abstract Background: Treatment of sickle cell anemia is a challenging task and despite the well understood genetic and biochemical pathway of sickle hemoglobin, current therapy continues to be limited to the symptomatic treatment of pain, supplemental oxygen, antibiotics, red blood cell transfusions and hydroxyurea. SANGUINATE is a carbon monoxide releasing molecule and oxygen transfer agent under clinical development for the treatment of sickle cell anemia and comorbidities. Methods: An open-label randomized Phase Ib study was performed in adult sickle cell anemia patients. Two dose levels of SANGUINATE were compared to hydroxyurea in 24 homozygotes for Hb SS. Twelve subjects received either a low dose (160 mg/kg) of SANGUINATE or 15 mg/kg hydroxyurea. Another 12 subjects received either a high dose (320 mg/kg) of SANGUINATE or 15 mg/kg hydroxyurea. The primary endpoint was the safety of SANGUINATE versus hydroxyurea in sickle cell anemia patients. Secondary endpoints included determination of the plasma pharmacokinetics and assessment of hematologic measurements. Results: Musculoskeletal related adverse events were the most common. Transient troponin I levels increased in three patients, one of whom had an increase in tricuspid regurgitant velocity; however, no clinical signs were noted. Following an assessment of vital signs, tricuspid regurgitant velocity, electrocardiogram, serum biochemistry, hematology, urinalysis, and analysis of reported adverse events, SANGUINATE was found to be safe in stable sickle cell anemia patients. Conclusions: The clinical trial met its primary objective of demonstrating an acceptable safety profile for SANGUINATE in patients with sickle cell anemia. This trial established the safety of SANGUINATE at both dose levels and permitted its advance to Phase II trials.

Objective. To examine the effect of obesity on incidence of disability and mortality among non-disabled older Mexicans at baseline. Materials and methods. The sample included 8 415 Mexicans aged ≥ 50 years from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (2001 -2012), who reported no limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) at baseline and have complete data on all covariates. Sociodemographics, smoking status, comorbidities, ADL activities, and body mass index (BMI) were collected. Results. The lowest hazard ratio (HR) for disability was at BMI of 25 to < 30 (HR = 0.97;95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85-1.12).The lowest HR for mortality were seen among participants with BMIs 25 to < 30 (HR = 0.85; 95%CI, 075-0.97), 30 to < 35 (HR = 0.86; 95 %CI, 0.72-1.02), and > 35 (HR = 0.92; 95 %CI, 0.70-1.22). Conclusion. Mexican older adults with a BMI of 25 to < 30 were at less risk for both disability and mortality.

Objetivo. Examinar el efecto de la obesidad sobre la incidencia de discapacidad y mortalidad en adultos mayores mexicanos sin discapacidad al inicio del estudio. Material y métodos. La muestra incluyó 8 415 Mexicanos ≥ 50 años de edad del Estudio Nacional de Salud y Envejecimiento en México (2001 -2012), quienes no reportaron discapacidad en las actividades de la vida diaria en la encuesta basal y tenían información completa de todas las covariables. Resultados. La razón de riesgo más baja (HR) para discapacidad se observó con un IMC de 25 a < 30 (HR=0.97;95%CI, 0.85-1.12). La razón de riesgo más baja para mortalidad se observó con IMC de 25 a < 30 (HR = 0.85;95%CI,075-0.97),de 30 a < 35 (HR = 0.86; 95%CI, 0.72-1.02), y > 35 (HR = 0.92; 95%CI, 0.70-1.22). Conclusión. Los adultos mayores mexicanos con un IMC de 25 a < 30 tuvieron menor riesgo de discapacidad y mortalidad.

Objective. To examine the effect of obesity on incidence of disability and mortality among non-disabled older Mexicans at baseline. Materials and methods. The sample included 8 415 Mexicans aged ≥ 50 years from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (2001 -2012), who reported no limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) at baseline and have complete data on all covariates. Sociodemographics, smoking status, comorbidities, ADL activities, and body mass index (BMI) were collected. Results. The lowest hazard ratio (HR) for disability was at BMI of 25 to < 30 (HR = 0.97;95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85-1.12).The lowest HR for mortality were seen among participants with BMIs 25 to < 30 (HR = 0.85; 95%CI, 075-0.97), 30 to < 35 (HR = 0.86; 95 %CI, 0.72-1.02), and > 35 (HR = 0.92; 95 %CI, 0.70-1.22). Conclusion. Mexican older adults with a BMI of 25 to < 30 were at less risk for both disability and mortality.

Objetivo. Examinar el efecto de la obesidad sobre la incidencia de discapacidad y mortalidad en adultos mayores mexicanos sin discapacidad al inicio del estudio. Material y métodos. La muestra incluyó 8 415 Mexicanos ≥ 50 años de edad del Estudio Nacional de Salud y Envejecimiento en México (2001 -2012), quienes no reportaron discapacidad en las actividades de la vida diaria en la encuesta basal y tenían información completa de todas las covariables. Resultados. La razón de riesgo más baja (HR) para discapacidad se observó con un IMC de 25 a < 30 (HR=0.97;95%CI, 0.85-1.12). La razón de riesgo más baja para mortalidad se observó con IMC de 25 a < 30 (HR = 0.85;95%CI,075-0.97),de 30 a < 35 (HR = 0.86; 95%CI, 0.72-1.02), y > 35 (HR = 0.92; 95%CI, 0.70-1.22). Conclusión. Los adultos mayores mexicanos con un IMC de 25 a < 30 tuvieron menor riesgo de discapacidad y mortalidad.

NOTA Este foi o discurso de John Kenneth Galbraith na sessão de abertura do Colóquio Internacional John Kenneth Galbraith, O Espírito da Inovação, patrocinado pela Université du Littoral. Paris, de 23 a 25 de setembro de 2004. Inicialmente, o Prof. Galbraith leu uma pequena carta de seu pai, onde ele explicou que a idade e a restrição médica impediam sua participação nessa grande homenagem.

NOTE This was John Kenneth Galbraith’s keynote speech in the opening session of the International Colloquium John Kenneth Galbraith, The Spirit of Innovation, sponsored by the Université du Littoral. Paris, September 23-25, 2004. Initially Prof. Galbraith read a short letter from his father where he explained that age and medical restraint prevented his attendance at this greater tribute.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the occurrence and school-level clustering of drug involvement among school-attending adolescent youths in each of seven countries in Latin America, drawing upon evidence from the PACARDO research project, a multinational collaborative epidemiological research study. METHODS: During 1999-2000, anonymous self-administered questionnaires on drug involvement and related behaviors were administered to a cross-sectional, nationally representative sample that included a total of 12 797 students in the following seven countries: Costa Rica (n= 1 702), the Dominican Republic (n= 2 023), El Salvador (n= 1 628), Guatemala (n= 2 530), Honduras (n= 1 752), Nicaragua (n= 1 419), and Panama (n= 1 743). (The PACARDO name concatenates PA for Panamá,CA for Centroamérica,and RDO for República Dominicana). Estimates for exposure opportunity and actual use of alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine (crack/coca paste), amphetamines and methamphetamines, tranquilizers, ecstasy, and heroin were assessed via responses about questions on age of first chance to try each drug, and first use. Logistic regression models accounting for the complex survey design were used to estimate the associations of interest. RESULTS: Cumulative occurrence estimates for alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, marijuana, and illegal drug use for the overall sample were, respectively: 52%, 29%, 5%, 4%, and 5%. In comparison to females, males were more likely to use alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, marijuana, and illegal drugs; the odds ratio estimates were 1.3, 2.1, 1.6, 4.1, and 3.2, respectively. School-level clustering was noted in all countries for alcohol and tobacco use; it was also noted in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Panama for illegal drug use. CONCLUSIONS: This report sheds new light on adolescent drug experiences in Panama, the five Spanish-heritage countries of Central America, and the Dominican Republic, and presents the first estimates of school-level clustering of youthful drug involvement in these seven countries. Placed in relation to school survey findings from North America and Europe, these estimates indicate lower levels of drug involvement in these seven countries of the Americas. For example, in the United States of America 70% of surveyed youths had tried alcohol and 59% had smoked tobacco. By comparison, in these seven countries, only 51% have tried alcohol and only 29% have smoked tobacco. Future research will help to clarify explanations for the observed variations across different countries of the world. In the meantime, strengthening of school-based and other prevention efforts in the seven-country PACARDO area may help these countries slow the spread of youthful drug involvement, reduce school-level clustering, and avoid the periodic epidemics of illegal drug use that have been experienced in North America.

OBJETIVO: Estimar el grado en que el consumo de drogas se produce y muestra una concentración en el nivel escolar entre adolescentes que asisten a la escuela en siete países de América Latina. Los datos presentados provienen del proyecto de investigación PACARDO, estudio epidemiológico conjunto multinacional. MÉTODOS: En el período de 19992000, se aplicaron cuestionarios anónimos autoadministrados sobre el consumo de drogas y conductas afines a una muestra transversal, representativa de la población nacional, que se compuso de un total de 12 797 estudiantes en los siguientes siete países: Costa Rica (n = 1 702), El Salvador (n = 1 628), Guatemala (n = 2 530), Honduras (n = 1 752), Nicaragua (n = 1 419), República Dominicana (n = 2 023) y Panamá (n = 1 743). (El nombre de PACARDO combina la PA de Panamá, la CA de Centroamérica y la RDO de República Dominicana). Se calcularon las oportunidades de exposición y el consumo de alcohol, tabaco, sustancias inhaladas, marijuana, cocaína (crack/pasta de cocaína), anfetaminas y metaanfetaminas, tranquilizantes, éxtasis y heroína sobre la base de las respuestas dadas a preguntas acerca de la edad en que se tuvo la oportunidad de probar cada una de las drogas, y en que se probó cada una de ellas, por primera vez. Para estimar las asociaciones de interés se aplicaron modelos de regresión logística con arreglo a la complejidad de la encuesta. RESULTADOS: Las siguientes fueron las frecuencias estimadas acumulativas del consumo de alcohol, tabaco, sustancias inhaladas, marijuana y drogas, respectivamente, en toda la muestra: 52%, 29%, 5%, 4% y 5%. Comparados con las mujeres, los varones fueron más propensos a consumir alcohol, tabaco, sustancias inhaladas, marijuana y drogas; las razones de posibilidades estimadas fueron, respectivamente, 1,3; 2,1; 1,6; 4,1 y 3,2. En todos los países se observó una concentración del consumo de alcohol y tabaco en el nivel escolar; el consumo ilegal de drogas también mostró una concentración escolar en Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala y Panamá. CONCLUSIONES: Este informe arroja nueva luz sobre las experiencias de los adolescentes con la droga en Panamá, en los cinco países centroamericanos de tradición española, y en la República Dominicana. En él se presentan las primeras estimaciones del grado en que se concentra en las escuelas el consumo de drogas entre la juventud de estos siete países. Cuando se examinan a la luz de los resultados de encuestas escolares en América del Norte y en Europa, estas estimaciones apuntan a que el grado de consumo de drogas es más bajo en estos siete países americanos. Por ejemplo, en los Estados Unidos de América, 70% de los jóvenes encuestados habían consumido alcohol y 59% habían fumado tabaco. En cambio, en estos siete países, solamente 51% habían probado bebidas alcohólicas y solo 29% habían fumado tabaco. Futuras investigaciones ayudarán a explicar las variaciones observadas en los distintos países del mundo. En el entretiempo, el fortalecimiento de las iniciativas preventivas en las escuelas y otros ámbitos en el territorio de los siete países donde se lleva a cabo el proyecto PACARDO podría ayudar a estos países a frenar la diseminación del consumo de drogas entre la juventud, a reducir su concentración en las escuelas y a evitar las epidemias periódicas del consumo de drogas que se han producido en América del Norte.

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between behavioral problems and tobacco use among adolescent students in six countries of Central America and in the Dominican Republic. Methods. Data were drawn from a multinational collaborative study that included questionnaire surveys of between 451 and 1 170 school-attending adolescents in each of the seven countries studied. Assessments were based on an adapted, Spanish-language version of the Drug Use Screening Inventory (DUSI). The conditional form of logistic regression was employed for analysis, matching students on type of school and area, with further statistical adjustments for sex, age, and selected risk factors. Results. Occurrence of tobacco use was observed to vary dramatically from country to country. Nonetheless, for the combined group of countries, the estimated odds of tobacco use in youths at the highest levels of behavioral problems was more than five times that for youths at the lowest levels, after controlling for sex, age, lack of participation in recreational activities, level of irritability, and levels of problems with school, family, and mental health. Country- specific analyses show that youths at the highest levels of behavioral problems have a consistently greater occurrence of tobacco use as compared to youths at the lowest levels of behavioral problems. Conclusions. These findings are concordant with prior studies on tobacco use among adolescents with behavioral problems. Although the magnitude of observed associations varied according to the country of residence, the strength of these associations and their significance by conventional standards were observed in nearly all the countries sampled. This is the first study in these seven countries on potentially causal relationships such as these. More research is needed to augment our knowledge regarding the observed cross-country differences and ultimately to develop, implement, and evaluate effective tobacco preventive intervention programs.

Objetivos. Investigar la asociación entre los problemas conductuales y el consumo de tabaco en estudiantes adolescentes de seis países centroamericanos y la República Dominicana. Métodos. Los datos fueron extraídos de un estudio internacional en el que, en cada país, se aplicaron cuestionarios a 451-1 170 estudiantes adolescentes. Las evaluaciones se basaron en una versión adaptada al español del Cuestionario de Tamizaje del Consumo de Drogas (Drug Use Screening Inventory). Los análisis se realizaron mediante regresión logística condicional; los estudiantes se aparearon según el tipo de escuela y la zona, y se efectuaron otros ajustes estadísticos en función del sexo, edad y algunos factores de riesgo. Resultados. El consumo de tabaco presentó enormes variaciones de un país a otro. No obstante, combinando los datos de todos los países y controlando los efectos del sexo, edad, falta de participación en actividades recreativas, grado de irritabilidad y magnitud de los problemas escolares, familiares y de salud mental, se estimó que el consumo de tabaco en los jóvenes con los mayores grados de problemas conductuales era más de cinco veces mayor que en los jóvenes con los menores grados de problemas conductuales. Los análisis de cada país revelaron que los jóvenes con mayores problemas conductuales presentaban constantemente mayor consumo de tabaco que los jóvenes con menores problemas conductuales. Conclusiones. Estos resultados concuerdan con los de estudios anteriores acerca del consumo de tabaco en adolescentes con problemas conductuales. Aunque su magnitud varió en función del país de residencia, las asociaciones observadas fueron fuertes y significativas según los criterios convencionales en casi todos los países estudiados. Este es el primer estudio que se realiza en estos siete países para investigar posibles relaciones causales como estas. Son necesarias más investigaciones para ampliar los conocimientos sobre las diferencias observadas entre los distintos países y, en definitiva, para crear, poner en práctica y evaluar programas eficaces de intervención preventiva contra el consumo de tabaco.