Optimizing observer performance of clinic blood Pressure measurement: a position statement from the Lancet Commission on Hypertension Group

High blood pressure (BP) is a highly prevalent modifiable cause of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and death. Accurate BP measurement is critical, given that a 5-mmHg measurement error may lead to incorrect hypertension status classification in 84 million individuals worldwide. This position statement summarizes procedures for optimizing observer performance in clinic BP measurement, with special attention given to low-tomiddle-income settings, where resource limitations, heavy workloads, time constraints, and lack of electrical power make measurement more challenging.

A systematic literature review of leptospirosis outbreaks worldwide, 1970–2012

Objective.

This review describes the geographic and temporal distribution of, detection methods for, and other epidemiological features of published leptospirosis outbreaks, with the aim of informing efforts to standardize outbreak-reporting practices. 

Methods.

We conducted a systematic review of leptospirosis outbreaks reported in the scientific literature and ProMED during 1970–2012. Predefined criteria were used to identify and classify outbreaks and a standard form was used to extract information.

Recalculation of trends in mortality from accidents, suicides, and homicides in Argentina, 1997-2018

Objective.

To describe the impact of deficient cause-of-death records on trends in death by suicide and homicide, through imputation of missing information.

Methods.

Observational and descriptive study of temporal trends in recorded deaths from external causes in Argentina in the period 1997-2018. For imputation of intent, logistic models were adjusted on the basis of predictive variables from the Statistical Report on Deaths. Vital statistics and population projections were used as secondary sources.

Maternal health training priorities for nursing and allied professions in Haiti

Objectives.

This study summarizes the findings of a training needs and priority assessment completed in Haiti. Its objective is to describe the characteristics of nursing and allied professions providing first level maternal health care and identify training needs and priorities to inform planning of Human Resources for Health interventions.

Human Resources for Universal Health 

In order for the countries of the Region of the Americas to move towards an equitable health system with access to adequate, timely, quality and comprehensive health services, it is necessary to have human resources with adequate knowledge and skills, and in sufficient numbers where they are required. This special issue presents relevant evidence for action and change in the field of human resources for health to support the broader goal of achieving universal health. 

U.S. county level analysis to determine If social distancing slowed the spread of COVID-19

Objective.

To analyze the effectiveness of social distancing in the United States (U.S.).

Methods.

A novel cell-phone ping data was used to quantify the measures of social distancing by all U.S. counties.

Results.

Using a difference-in-difference approach results show that social distancing has been effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 pandemic in Panama: lessons of the unique risks and research opportunities for Latin America

The Republic of Panama has the second most unequally distributed wealth in Central America, has recently entered the list of countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and has one of the largest testing rate per inhabitant in the region and consequently the highest incidence rate of COVID-19, making it an ideal location to discuss potential scenarios for assessing epidemic preparedness, and to outline research opportunities in the Region of the Americas.

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