Abstract The Colombian Chapter of the Alliance-for-a-Cavity-Free-Future (Col-ACFF) has been conducting a health promotion and caries prevention program among young children in four vulnerable Colombian municipalities (baseline data from 2012–2014). This study aimed to quantify socioeconomic inequalities in early childhood caries (ECC) and examine the potential role of daily fluoride-toothpaste use, previous-year dental-care visit, and nutrition/diet-related aspects. The study sample included 1344 children aged 1–5 years. Inequalities in the age-standardized prevalence rates of and mean number of tooth surfaces affected by moderate/extensive (dME) and initial (dIME) caries (defined using the ICDAS-merged-epi criteria) by household income and level of education were examined using the relative index of inequality (RII) and the slope index of inequality (SII). Approximately one-third of the children included in this study exhibited dME, while 84% exhibited dIME. The majority of outcomes exhibited social gradients, and significant relative (RII) and absolute (SII) inequalities in ECC were observed. The SII estimate indicated an absolute difference of 12.4% in the prevalence of moderate/extensive carious lesions among children living in households with the lowest compared to the highest education levels [SII: 12.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.7–22.1]. These children were also 6.7 times more likely to exhibit dIME compared to those living in households with higher levels of education (SII:6.73 95% CI: 4.18–9.29). Daily use of fluoride toothpastes, dental care visits in the previous year, and nutrition/diet-related factors played a limited role in ECC inequalities. In conclusion, significant ECC inequalities were observed in these vulnerable populations, highlighting the importance of upstream and downstream interventions that raise awareness among stakeholders and improve community- and individual-based practices to address this. AllianceforaCavityFreeFuture Alliance for Cavity Free Future ColACFF Col ACFF (Col-ACFF baseline 2012–2014. 20122014 2012–2014 . 2012 2014 2012–2014) (ECC fluoridetoothpaste toothpaste previousyear year dentalcare visit nutrition/dietrelated nutritiondietrelated nutrition/diet related nutrition diet aspects 134 15 1 5 1– years agestandardized age standardized moderateextensive moderate extensive dME (dME (dIME defined ICDASmergedepi ICDAS merged epi criteria RII (RII SII. onethird one third 84 gradients (SII 124 12 4 12.4 [SII 95 CI (CI) 2.7–22.1. 27221 2.7–22.1 2 7 22 2.7–22.1] 67 6 6. SII6.73 SII673 6.73 73 (SII:6.7 4.18–9.29. 418929 4.18–9.29 18 9 29 4.18–9.29) toothpastes conclusion populations community individualbased individual based 2012201 2012–201 201 dietrelated nutritiondiet 13 8 12. (CI 2722 2.7–22. SII6 SII6.7 SII67 673 (SII:6. 41892 4.18–9.2 201220 2012–20 20 272 2.7–22 SII6. (SII:6 4189 4.18–9. 20122 2012–2 27 2.7–2 (SII: 418 4.18–9 2012– 2.7– 41 4.18– 2.7 4.18 2. 4.1 4.

ABSTRACT Dogs are considered to be the main domestic reservoir associated with the transmission of Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi to humans in endemic areas of visceral leishmaniasis in America. However, little is known about the role of canines as a source of infection in endemic areas of nonulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis (NUCL). Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the role of dogs as a possible reservoir of the parasite in Southern Honduras. Dogs (n = 107) living with individuals affected by NUCL were clinically examined and biological material was collected for parasitological and immunological diagnosis. Most animals showed a healthy appearance and a few presented slight weight loss (64%), alopecia (7%), onychogryphosis (5%) and skin lesions (1%). The overall seroprevalence of Leishmania infection based on the DDP ® quick test and/or in-house ELISA serological test was 41%. The presence of the parasite’s DNA was confirmed in 94% of the dogs; however, the average parasite load in the buffy coat was low at 6.09 parasites/µL, ranging between 0.221 and 50.2. The skin of seropositive dogs examined by histopathology using paraffin sections stained by hematoxylin and immunohistochemistry did not show cutaneous lesions or parasite amastigotes. Based on the absence of parasites in the skin and the low parasite load detected in the buffy coat, it seems that the dog does not represent a good source of infection for the vector in the endemic area of NUCL transmission in Southern Honduras. Other domestic and/or wild animals should be investigated. L. L (L. America However NUCL. . (NUCL) Therefore Honduras n 107 diagnosis 64%, 64 64% , (64%) 7%, 7 7% (7%) 5% 5 (5% 1%. 1 1% (1%) andor inhouse house 41 41% s 94 however 609 6 09 6.0 parasitesµL µL parasites/µL 0221 0 221 0.22 502 50 2 50.2 amastigotes investigated (L (NUCL 10 (64% (7% (5 (1% 4 9 60 6. 022 22 0.2 50. (64 (7 ( (1 02 0. (6

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Abstract Introduction: The numbers of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the pediatric population are low so far. There is limited information about the behavior of SARS-CoV-2 in a pediatric patient with chronic kidney disease. Objective: To formulate informed recommendations to the prevention, diagnosis, and management of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatric patients with kidney disease or acute kidney injury associated with COVID-19 in Colombia. Methodology: A rapid systematic review was performed in Embase and Pubmed databases and scientific societies, to answer questions prioritized by clinical experts in pediatric nephrology. The quality of the evidence was evaluated with validated tools according to the type of study. The preliminary recommendations were consulted by an expert group. The agreement was defined when approval was obtained from at least 70% of the experts consulted. Results: A response was obtained from ' 9 experts in pediatric nephrology in Colombia, who declared the conflict of interest before the consultation. The range of agreement for the recommendations ranged from 78.9% to '00%. The recommendations did not require a second consultation. Conclusion: The evidence-based recommendations for the management of a patient with kidney disease and COVID-19 in the Colombian context are presented.

Abstract: Introduction: The 2019 GINA strategy report presents the most relevant changes in asthma management in the last 30 years. Objective: The purpose of this article is to disseminate the changes in GINA 2019 regarding the treatment of mild asthma, and to express the position and recommendations from the members of the experts for awareness of asthma in Mexico. Methodology: A group of opinion leaders and asthma experts in Mexico was brought together to discuss the studies and evidence that support the changes in GINA 2019. Results: Positions and strategies were defined to address the different challenges posed by these changes. Conclusions: The recommendation is that every asthma patient should receive anti-inflammatory treatment. One strategy in patients with intermittent symptoms is to use a low-dose inhaled corticosteroid/formoterol as a preferred reliever, and daily low dose ICS/formoterol both as control and rescue (as needed) treatment for patients with persistent symptoms. The results of the studies and their impact on clinical practice are promising.

Resumen: Introducción: El informe de estrategias de GINA (del inglés Global Initiative for Asthma) 2019 presenta los cambios más relevantes en el manejo del asma en los últimos 30 años. Objetivo: El propósito de este artículo es la difusión de los cambios en GINA 2019 con respecto al tratamiento del asma leve, así como expresar la postura del grupo de Expertos para la Concientización del Asma en México (ECAM), y sus recomendaciones a toda la comunidad médica tras el estudio minucioso de los cambios y la evidencia científica que los sustenta. Metodología: Se reunió a un grupo de médicos especialistas, líderes de opinión y expertos en asma en México con la finalidad de revisar, analizar y discutir los estudios y la evidencia que sustentan los cambios en GINA 2019. Resultados: Se definieron posturas y estrategias para abordar los diferentes retos que podrían presentarse debido a los cambios. Conclusiones: La recomendación es que todo paciente asmático debe tener tratamiento antiinflamatorio. Una estrategia en pacientes con síntomas intermitentes es utilizar una dosis baja de corticosteroide inhalado/formoterol por razón necesaria (PRN) como medicamento preferido de rescate; y en pacientes con síntomas persistentes, utilizar dosis bajas diarias de corticosteroides inhalados/formoterol como tratamiento de control y de rescate PRN. Los resultados de los estudios y su impacto en la práctica clínica son prometedores.

Abstract: Cervical cancer has decreased significantly over the past 30 years in some countries. However, it remains among the leading causes of cancer deaths in low-income, and racial/ethnic minority women. Cervical cancer prevention technologies are not always available. Laboratories are often not well equipped to use them. HPV information has not been widely disseminated. WHO guidelines, and US and Latin American data provide context for strategies on effective interventions to reduce cervical cancer disparities. Systemic, personal and cultural barriers, combined with decision-making guidelines, and impactful messaging can accelerate reductions in cervical cancer health inequities in the Americas.

Resumen: El cáncer cervicouterino ha disminuido significativamente en los últimos 30 años, pero sigue siendo una de las principales causas de muerte entre mujeres de bajos recursos y minorías raciales/étnicas. Las tecnologías preventivas del cáncer cervicouterino no están siempre disponibles y los laboratorios no están siempre bien equipados para utilizarlas. La información sobre el VPH no ha sido difundida ampliamente. La OMS y datos de EEUU y Latinoamérica ofrecen estrategias para reducir el cáncer cervicouterino. El entendimiento de las barreras sistémicas, personales y culturales, dentro de un marco de toma de decisiones, y mensajes innovadores puede reducir las barreras asociadas con el cáncer cervicouterino en las Américas.

Abstract: Cervical cancer has decreased significantly over the past 30 years in some countries. However, it remains among the leading causes of cancer deaths in low-income, and racial/ethnic minority women. Cervical cancer prevention technologies are not always available. Laboratories are often not well equipped to use them. HPV information has not been widely disseminated. WHO guidelines, and US and Latin American data provide context for strategies on effective interventions to reduce cervical cancer disparities. Systemic, personal and cultural barriers, combined with decision-making guidelines, and impactful messaging can accelerate reductions in cervical cancer health inequities in the Americas.

Resumen: El cáncer cervicouterino ha disminuido significativamente en los últimos 30 años, pero sigue siendo una de las principales causas de muerte entre mujeres de bajos recursos y minorías raciales/étnicas. Las tecnologías preventivas del cáncer cervicouterino no están siempre disponibles y los laboratorios no están siempre bien equipados para utilizarlas. La información sobre el VPH no ha sido difundida ampliamente. La OMS y datos de EEUU y Latinoamérica ofrecen estrategias para reducir el cáncer cervicouterino. El entendimiento de las barreras sistémicas, personales y culturales, dentro de un marco de toma de decisiones, y mensajes innovadores puede reducir las barreras asociadas con el cáncer cervicouterino en las Américas.

RESUMEN Este artículo de investigación versa sobre el desarrollo de habilidades de presentación oral, en un mundo virtual en 3D denominado Moviestorm machinima, contrastado con videos reales. De esta manera, la implementación de los dos tipos de videos buscaba promover el mejoramiento de las habilidades de presentación, específicamente, producción oral en un idioma extranjero, así como promover el trabajo colaborativo. Dicho estudio involucró a 60 estudiantes de las facultades de Ingeniería Electrónica, Sistemas y Derecho de diferentes semestres de una Universidad privada de Colombia, con un enfoque de inglés con propósitos específicos. Los resultados mostraron cómo los estudiantes de diferentes facultades trabajaron colaborativamente para alcanzar una meta: mejorar sus habilidades de presentación.

ABSTRACT This research paper reports on the development of oral presentation skills in a 3D virtual world called Moviestorm machinima, in contrast with real-life videos. In this way, the implementation of both types of videos sought to promote the improvement of oral communication skills, specifically oral presentations in a foreign language, as well as promoting collaborative work. The study involved 60 students from different semesters of a private Colombian university from the schools of electronic engineering, computer science, and law, focusing on English for specific purposes. The results showed how students from different faculties worked collaboratively to achieve one goal: improve their oral presentation skills.

Abstract: Manganese oxides, known as manganites, are one of the systems of condensed matter of current major interest. These materials show magnetic and electrical transitions such as ferromagnetic-paramagnetic and conductor-insulator. The study of their properties, in particular giant magnetoresistance, is of great interest for their important applications. In this work ceramic powders of the Pr/Sr-Mn-O system were obtained by the polymer precursor method (Pechini) using manganese chloride and praseodymium and strontium acetates as precursors. The principal objectives of the project were those of optimizing the different parameters of synthesis, placing special attention on the content of strontium, and determining the effect of the method of synthesis on the characteristics of the powder obtained. The method of synthesis used allowed obtained, at a low temperature, micron particles of the PrxSr1-xMnO3 system, with a high chemical purity, well crystallized. The conditions most suitable for obtaining the powders of PrxSr1-xMnO3 were: initial solution at pH 8, heating of this solution to 140 °C and calcining of the resin at 250 °C, for 24 hours. The mixed oxide was obtained treating the calcined powder at 600 °C, for 2 hours.

Resumen: Los óxidos de manganeso, conocidos como manganitas, es uno de los sistemas de la materia condensada de mayor interés actual. Estos materiales presentan transiciones magnéticas y eléctricas tales como ferromagnética-paramagnética y conductor-aislante. El estudio de sus propiedades, en particular la magnetorresistencia gigante, es de gran interés por sus importantes aplicaciones. En este trabajo se obtuvieron polvos cerámicos del sistema Pr/Sr-Mn-O por el método de precursor polimérico (Pechini) usando como precursores el cloruro de manganeso y los acetatos de praseodimio y estroncio. Los principales objetivos del proyecto optimizaron los diferentes parámetros de síntesis, colocándole especial atención al contenido de estroncio, y determinar el efecto del método de síntesis sobre las características del polvo obtenido. El método de síntesis utilizado permitió obtener a baja temperatura, partículas micrométricas del sistema PrxSr1-xMnO3 con alta pureza química, bien cristalizadas. Las condiciones más adecuadas para obtener los polvos de PrxSr1-xMnO3 fueron: solución inicial a pH 8, calentamiento de esta solución a 140 °C y calcinación de la resina a 250 °C, por 24 horas. El óxido mixto se obtuvo tratando el polvo calcinado a 600 °C, durante 2 horas.

En este trabajo se describe la obtención de nanopartículas de óxido de estaño dopado con cobalto utilizando el método de precipitación controlada. Los polvos sintetizados se utilizaron para conformar barbotinas estables, usando como solvente agua y un 64% en sólidos, adicionándole a la suspensión 5% de tetraetil ortosilicato - TEOS y poliacrilato de amonio - PAA como defloculante. Con esta barbotina, y empleando el método coloidal (slip casting), se obtuvieron piezas en verde que al sinterizarlas a 1250 ºC, durante 2 horas, presentaron una microestructura porosa uniforme y una densidad del 94% de la teórica, al dopar la muestra con un 2% en peso de Co, microestructura muy adecuada si se considera utilizar estas piezas como material activo en dispositivos sensores de gases.

This work describes the obtaining of cobalt-doped tin oxide nanoparticles using the method of controlled precipitation. The synthesized powders were used to form stable slurry, using as solvent water and 64% in solids, adding the suspension 5% ammonium polyacrylate - PAA as a deflocculant and tetraetil ortosilicato - TEOS. With this slip, and using the colloidal method (slip casting), were obtained in green pieces to sintering to 1250 °C, 2 hours, presented a uniform porous microstructure and a 94% of theoretical density, to doping sample with 2% by weight of Co, very suitable microstructure considering these parts used as active material in devices gas sensors.

Dada la importancia tecnológica del óxido de estaño, SnO2, es de gran interés optimizar las condiciones de sinterización para obtener una adecuada densificación, microestructura y propiedades mecánicas, dependiendo de su aplicación tecnológica. En este trabajo se sinterizaron polvos cerámicos de SnO2 por el método de precipitación controlada, polvos que se conformaron para obtener piezas en verde, tanto por prensado como por el método de colado (''slip casting''). En el método de colado se realizó un estudio cuidadoso de suspensiones de SnO2 para obtener una barbotina estable. Para determinar el efecto del método de conformado sobre la densificación de las piezas, se analizaron las diferentes curvas obtenidas de la pérdida de peso, contracción y densificación, en función de la temperatura, de las diferentes muestras estudiadas. Finalmente, las piezas sinterizadas se caracterizaron utilizando microscopia electrónica de barrido (MEB), para conocer su microestructura. Las piezas que presentaron mayor densificación fueron las conformadas por el método coloidal (ρ= 4,2 ± 0,2 g/cm³), mostrando además una microestructura uniforme, con poros muy pequeños, características que permitirían utilizar estos materiales como membranas o sensores de gas.

Tin oxide, SnO2, has a big technological importance. For its uses it is of great interest to optimize the sintering conditions to obtain an adequate densification, microstructure and mechanical properties, depending on the technological application. In this paper, ceramic powders of SnO2 obtained by controlled precipitation method were sintered. Powders were shaped to obtain ''green'' pieces using both pressing and by the casting method (''slip casting'') for this. For the slip casting method was realized a careful study of SnO2 suspensions to obtain a stable slurry. For determine the effect of shaping methods on the densification of pieces, were obtained important information analyzing the results of curves of weight loss, shrinkage and densification, as temperature functions, of the different samples. Finally, the sintered pieces were characterized using SEM to know their microstructure. The shaped pieces using colloidal method showed the higher density values (ρ = 4.2 ± 0.2 g/cm³). These samples showed a uniform microstructure with very small pores. These characteristics would allow their use as membranes or gas sensors.

Cet article est le résultat d'une recherche qui présente quelques découvertes par rapport à l'interaction social d'un groupe d'étudiants d'anglais sur objectifs spécifiques, dans le composant virtuel d'un environnement d'apprentissage mixte, avec 23 étudiantes de Génie Électronique de l'Université Santo Tomás à Tunja. Nous avons l'intention de montrer comment ils construisent la connaissance et le signifié lié à une discipline spécifique, en utilisant l'anglais technique. Ici on reporte les processus d'interaction dès une perspective qualitative, à travers des transcriptions des forums, l'observation et l'application d'une interview, dont le but est celui de montrer comment cette communauté-là a interagit et ce qui représente ce processus dans l'expérience de l'apprentissage de l'anglais dans le contexte des études supérieures. Les résultats révèlent que dans cette recherche, les étudiants de Génie Électronique ont créé un lien social qui les a conduit à une communauté d'apprentissage virtuel, dans laquelle ils ont partagé des idées, ont établi des signifies et ont construit de la connaissance à travers l'utilisation de l'anglais pour objectifs spécifiques.

O artigo é resultado de uma pesquisa que apresenta alguns achados relativos à interação social de um grupo de estudantes de Inglês com Propósitos Específicos (ESP), no componente virtual de um ambiente de aprendizagem misto, com 23 alunos do curso de Engenharia Eletrônica da Universidade Santo Tomas de Tunja (Boyacá/Colômbia). Nosso propósito é mostrar como eles constroem conhecimento e significado relativo com uma disciplina especifica, utilizando inglês técnico. Aqui se apresentam processos de interação desde uma perspectiva qualitativa, por meio de transcrições dos foros, a observação, e a aplicação de uma entrevista, com o fim de mostrar como esta comunidade interatua e que representa este processo na experiência de aprendizagem do inglês no contexto da educação superior. Os resultados revelam na pesquisa que os alunos de Engenharia Eletrônica criaram um tecido social que os levou a uma comunidade de aprendizagem virtual, na qual compartilharam ideias, estabeleceram significados e construíram conhecimento a traves do uso do inglês com propósitos específicos.

Este artículo deriva de una investigación que presenta algunos hallazgos respecto de la interacción social de un grupo de estudiantes de ESP (Inglés con Propósitos Específicos) en el componente virtual de un ambiente de aprendizaje mixto, con 23 estudiantes de Ingeniería Electrónica de la Universidad Santo Tomás en Tunja. Nos proponemos mostrar cómo ellos construyen conocimiento y significado relacionado con una disciplina específica, utilizando inglés técnico. Aquí se reporta los procesos de interacción desde una perspectiva cualitativa, mediante transcripciones de los foros, la observación y la aplicación de una entrevista, con el fin de mostrar cómo esta comunidad interactuó y qué representa este proceso en la experiencia de aprendizaje del Inglés en el contexto de educación superior. Los resultados revelan que en esta investigación los estudiantes de Ingeniería Electrónica crearon un lazo social que los condujo a una comunidad de aprendizaje virtual, en la cual compartieron ideas, establecieron significado y construyeron conocimiento a través del uso de Inglés con propósitos específicos.

This article originates from a research project that gathers findings regarding social interaction in a group of students of ESP (English for Specific Purposes) in the virtual component of a mixed learning environment. The group consists of 23 Electronic Engineering students from Universidad Santo Tomás in Tunja. Our purpose is to give evidence of the construction of knowledge and meaning related to a specific subject, using technical English. In order to show how this community interacted and what this process represents in the experience of English learning in a higher education context, interaction processes are reported on from a qualitative perspective through transcriptions of the forums, observations and the application of a survey. Results reveal that the Electronic Engineering students established a social bond that led them to become a virtual learning community in which they shared ideas, agreed on meaning and constructed knowledge through the use of English for Specific Purposes.

Dada la importancia tecnológica de los óxidos de estaño, SnOx, es de gran interés optimizar las condiciones de síntesis para obtener partículas con características predeterminadas, tanto en tamaño como en forma. Durante el desarrollo de este trabajo se estudió el efecto de las condiciones de síntesis de polvos cerámicos, utilizando el método de precipitación controlada. La caracterización estructural y física de los polvos cerámicos sintetizados se efectuó mediante Difracción de Rayos X (DRX) y espectroscopia infrarroja con transformada de Fourier (FTIR). Adicionalmente, para obtener información que permita conocer más sobre los mecanismos de formación de las partículas de óxido, se realizó la deconvolución de los espectros IR correspondientes a muestras solidas recolectadas durante diferentes etapas del proceso de síntesis.

Given the technological relevance of the tin oxides, SnOx, is of great interest to optimize the synthesis conditions to obtain particles predetermined characteristics, both in size and shape. During the course of this work we studied the effect of the synthesis conditions of ceramic powders, using the controlled precipitation method. The structural and physical characterization of synthesized ceramic powders was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, to obtain information to learn more about the mechanisms involved in the oxide particles formation, we performed the deconvolution of IR spectra for solid samples collected during different stages of synthesis process.

Objetivo Analizar desde la perspectiva bioética de la justicia distributiva las características socio-demográficas de las mujeres que consultan por aborto provocado en el Hospital Local del Norte de Bucaramanga. Métodos Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal con una muestra por conveniencia, tomada entre las pacientes que consultaron en Urgencias de Gineco-obstetricia del Hospital Local del Norte de Bucaramanga entre el 1° de marzo de 2008 y el 28 de febrero del 2009 con diagnóstico de aborto en cualquiera de sus presentaciones. Resultados La muestra total fue de 93 pacientes de las cuales 16 aceptaron haberse inducido un aborto. Los factores asociados con este hecho fueron: pertenecer a un estrato socio-económico bajo, carecer de adecuada atención sanitaria y educativa en planificación familiar, carecer de pareja estable o que esta fuera disfuncional y que la pareja presionara inducir el aborto por motivos económicos o paternidad satisfecha. Un contraste de estos resultados con la legislación sanitaria vigente desde la perspectiva bioética de equidad en salud, revela que la aplicación de la normatividad es deficiente tanto en cobertura como en acciones educativas en salud sexual y reproductiva. Conclusiones Facilitar a las pacientes que ejerzan su sexualidad de manera responsable y mejorar las oportunidades para acceder a mejores opciones económicas, puede disminuir la presencia de abortos provocados en la población que habita en la Comuna Norte de Bucaramanga.

Objectivo To evaluate the socio-demographic characteristics of females who admitted to having previously undergone induced abortion who were attended at Hospital Local del Norte in Bucaramanga from the viewpoint of distributive justice. Methods This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of patients who consulted the Hospital Local del Norte's Emergency Gynaecology-Obstetrics Service in Bucaramanga between March 1/2008 and February 28/2009 who had a diagnosis of abortion in any of their presentations. Results The sample involved 93 patients, 16 of whom accepted that they had undergone an induced abortion. Factors associated with the event were belonging to a low socioeconomic stratum, lacking adequate health care and education in family planning, lack of a stable partner or that their relationship was dysfunctional and that the couple had pressured for an induced abortion for economic reasons or that their desire for parenting had already been satisfied. Contrasting these results with existing health legislation bioethics from a social justice in health viewpoint revealed that current legislation is deficient in both its coverage and extension to educational activity regarding sexual and reproductive health. Conclusions Enabling patients to enjoy their sexuality responsibly and improving opportunities for access to better economic options may reduce induced abortions in the population living in Bucaramanga's northern commune.

Objectivo To evaluate the socio-demographic characteristics of females who admitted to having previously undergone induced abortion who were attended at Hospital Local del Norte in Bucaramanga from the viewpoint of distributive justice. Methods This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of patients who consulted the Hospital Local del Norte's Emergency Gynaecology-Obstetrics Service in Bucaramanga between March 1/2008 and February 28/2009 who had a diagnosis of abortion in any of their presentations. Results The sample involved 93 patients, 16 of whom accepted that they had undergone an induced abortion. Factors associated with the event were belonging to a low socioeconomic stratum, lacking adequate health care and education in family planning, lack of a stable partner or that their relationship was dysfunctional and that the couple had pressured for an induced abortion for economic reasons or that their desire for parenting had already been satisfied. Contrasting these results with existing health legislation bioethics from a social justice in health viewpoint revealed that current legislation is deficient in both its coverage and extension to educational activity regarding sexual and reproductive health. Conclusions Enabling patients to enjoy their sexuality responsibly and improving opportunities for access to better economic options may reduce induced abortions in the population living in Bucaramanga's northern commune.

Objetivo Analizar desde la perspectiva bioética de la justicia distributiva las características socio-demográficas de las mujeres que consultan por aborto provocado en el Hospital Local del Norte de Bucaramanga. Métodos Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal con una muestra por conveniencia, tomada entre las pacientes que consultaron en Urgencias de Gineco-obstetricia del Hospital Local del Norte de Bucaramanga entre el 1° de marzo de 2008 y el 28 de febrero del 2009 con diagnóstico de aborto en cualquiera de sus presentaciones. Resultados La muestra total fue de 93 pacientes de las cuales 16 aceptaron haberse inducido un aborto. Los factores asociados con este hecho fueron: pertenecer a un estrato socio-económico bajo, carecer de adecuada atención sanitaria y educativa en planificación familiar, carecer de pareja estable o que esta fuera disfuncional y que la pareja presionara inducir el aborto por motivos económicos o paternidad satisfecha. Un contraste de estos resultados con la legislación sanitaria vigente desde la perspectiva bioética de equidad en salud, revela que la aplicación de la normatividad es deficiente tanto en cobertura como en acciones educativas en salud sexual y reproductiva. Conclusiones Facilitar a las pacientes que ejerzan su sexualidad de manera responsable y mejorar las oportunidades para acceder a mejores opciones económicas, puede disminuir la presencia de abortos provocados en la población que habita en la Comuna Norte de Bucaramanga.