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.

Coping with being cooped up: Social distancing during COVID-19 among 60+ in the United States

Objectives.

This study examined the impact of sheltering in place and social distancing among adults aged 60 and older during the 2020 outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States.

Methods.

Using convenience sampling respondents were asked to complete a web-administered survey to explore impact of social distancing on loneliness, stress, and behavioral changes. The analytic sample consisted of 833 responses of persons aged 60 and older.

Is the Decade of Action on Nutrition (2016-2025) leaving a footprint? Taking stock and looking ahead

[Extract] Thanks to the strong leadership of Brazil, among others, the United Nations (UN) Decade of Action on Nutrition (“Nutrition Decade”) was proclaimed in 2016 by the UN General Assembly. (1) The Nutrition Decade reaches its mid-term in 2020. The time has come to review the progress made so far in the six action areas of the Nutrition Decade’s Work Programme and identify areas in need of accelerated action and priority investment during the remaining period until 2025.

More Doctors Integrated Information System: a tool to support evidence-based management

The present work provides details about a novel experience involving the development of a health information system focused on supporting evidence-based management at the primary health care (PHC) level. The process of structuring public health programs and policies is often developed without access to the best available scientific evidence. In this context, the proposed system (Sistema Integrado de Informações Mais Médicos, SIMM) materializes the effort to bridge the information gap for health management.

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