Objective

Determine the percentage of children under 5 years of age who completed isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) in health facilities in Quito, Ecuador, and assess related factors.

Methods

Operations research with cohort design. Data were obtained from treatment reports on children in IPT between 2014 and 2016, and from ad hoc surveys of caregivers of children who received IPT in 2018.

Objective.

Evaluate the control of pulmonary tuberculosis in a detention center and identify the risk factors associated with unsuccessful treatment in the largest prison in Ecuador.

The proclamation of the Decade of Action on Nutrition (2016-2025) by the United Nations was prompted by the realization that the causes of malnutrition are complex and multidimensional – as exemplified by situations of poverty and extreme poverty and by the lack of access to a quality, diversified diet that respects the dietary habits and cultures of different peoples and countries.

Obesity is a serious public health problem whose increase has been associated with the growing consumption of ultra-processed foods in several world regions, including Latin America. Food guides are official guidelines used to promote healthy eating habits and may serve as a tool to prevent obesity. Brazil was the first country to adopt the level of processing to categorize food items and make recommendations based on these categories in its food guides.

Objective.

To identify and prioritize municipalities in 22 countries of Latin America for trachoma surveillance activities, to measure the absence or prevalence of trachoma, and to support validation and trachoma elimination efforts in the Region of the Americas.

Objective.

To assess the incidence of obstetric complications—eclampsia, dystocia, cesarean section, postpartum hemorrhage, and stillbirths—in hospitals in southern Haiti in 2013 – 2016 and to discuss implications for improvements to the surveillance of birth outcomes.

Objective.

To compare the performance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests for diagnosing Echinococcus granulosus in dog feces among national reference laboratories in Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.

Objective.

Assess the association between social and economic conditions and homicide rates in young people between 10 and 24 years of age in Mexico in 2017.

Methods.

This ecological study looked at the social inequalities associated with homicides in the population 10-24-year-old population in 2017 in Mexico, using secondary data sources for deaths by homicide in each Mexican state. Social inequalities in health were studied by measuring absolute and relative inequality gaps. Mortality rates were estimated using Poisson regression models.

Excess sodium intake is associated with adverse health effects, and reducing its intake is a strategy that improves population health. However, estimating sodium intake is challenging and new options for assessment are needed. This review describes the design and development of a web-based, publicly-accessible, dietary sodium intake screening tool (Calculadora de Sodio) for individuals in Mexico.