Revista panamericana de salud pública = Pan American journal of public health
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Rev. Panam. Salud Publica · Jan 2017
Policies and processes for human papillomavirus vaccination in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Three highly effective vaccines are available to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and they have been introduced in many countries around the world. This article describes advances and challenges in introducing HPV vaccines in the Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). ⋯ With several key adjustments, HPV vaccination programs across Latin America and the Caribbean could be substantially strengthened. Ongoing monitoring of HPV infection outcomes is needed in order to assess the impact of different vaccination policies.
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Rev. Panam. Salud Publica · Jul 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialAre routine preoperative medical tests needed with cataract surgery?
The objective of this study was to investigate whether routine medical testing before cataract surgery reduces the rate of complications during the perioperative period in adults. ⋯ The results of this study suggest that routine medical testing before cataract surgery does not reduce the rate of complications during the perioperative period. The results also suggest it would be more efficient not to request routine preoperative tests unless indicated by patient history or physical examination.
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Rev. Panam. Salud Publica · Jan 2011
Multicenter Study Comparative Study Controlled Clinical Trial[Cost-effectiveness in the detection of influenza H1N1: clinical data versus rapid tests].
Evaluate the performance of clinical data and the rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT) in diagnosing influenza H1N1, and analyze the cost-benefit of using this diagnostic tool. ⋯ Use of the RIDT to aid in the diagnosis of influenza H1N1 increases certainty and lowers the average cost per suspected and infected patient.
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Rev. Panam. Salud Publica · Oct 2012
ReviewNeed for coordinated programs to improve global health by optimizing salt and iodine intake.
High dietary salt is a major cause of increased blood pressure, the leading risk for death worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended that salt intake be less than 5 g/day, a goal that only a small proportion of people achieve. Iodine deficiency can cause cognitive and motor impairment and, if severe, hypothyroidism with serious mental and growth retardation. ⋯ Specifically, expert groups must be convened to help countries implement integrated programs and context-specific case studies of successfully integrated programs; lessons learned need to be compiled and disseminated. Integrated surveillance programs will be more efficient and will enhance current efforts to optimize intake of iodine and salt. For populations to fully benefit, governments need to place a high priority on integrating these two important public health programs.
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Rev. Panam. Salud Publica · Jun 2013
Comparative Study Clinical TrialOral rapid test: an alternative to traditional HIV screening in Chile.
To compare the sensitivity and specificity of an Oral Rapid Test (ORT) to that of the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for HIV testing in Santiago, Chile; to track the number of study participants returning for ELISA testing results; and to analyze the participants' perceptions of the ORT compared to the ELISA. ⋯ The ORT and ELISA were statistically equal in specificity and sensitivity. ORT provides quicker results, potentially ensuring that more people receive them, and does not require handling of or exposure to potentially hazardous blood products.