The objective of this article is to describe the characteristics of addressing the linkage of administrative databases and the uses of such linkages in public health research, and also to discuss the opportunities and challenges for implementation in Ecuador. The linkage of databases makes it possible to integrate a person’s data that may be scattered across different subsectors such as health, education, justice, immigration, and social programs. It also facilitates research that can inform more efficient management of social and health programs and policies.

This study analyzes the conditions and possibilities of sustainability of the Salud al Paso program of the Metropolitan Health Secretariat of the Municipality of Quito, Ecuador, as an example for similar initiatives, in the context of the changes made by the new administration in May 2019.

Objective.

Construct and evaluate the care cascade for pulmonary tuberculosis in the indigenous population
of the department of Cauca (Colombia) and identify existing gaps.

Objective.

To identify barriers to the implementation of National Childbirth Guidelines in Brazil from the women’s perspective.

Objective.

Estimate the acceptability and adoption by health care workers of clinical practice guidelines and
treatment protocols for women with preeclampsia/eclampsia and identify the facilitating factors and barriers to their implementation.

Methods.

A qualitative study was conducted, using semi-structured interviews and focus groups in five
maternity hospitals. Interviews were compiled for analysis, and barriers and facilitators were characterized.

Objective.

To identify potential barriers to the implementation of the National Childbirth Guidelines in Brazil
based on the best available global evidence.

Method.

A rapid review of evidence was performed in six databases in March/April 2019. Secondary studies
published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese with a focus on barriers of any nature relating to the implementation of the Guidelines were retrieved.

Objective.

Evaluate primary health care functions from the perspective of patients with tuberculosis from slums in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

[Extract] The significant challenges to equity in health in the Region of the Americas, as detailed in the report of the Pan American Health Organization Independent Commission on Equity and Health Inequalities in the Americas (1), gave original impetus to this Special Issue on Equity in Health by the Pan American Journal of Public Health.

Objective.

To describe the mortality trends of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Colombia, by sex and age group, from 1979 to 2017.

Methods.

We carried out an ecological study using mortality data from the Colombian National Administrative Department of Statistics. Crude and age-standardized annual mortality rates per 100 000 people were estimated. Trends of standardized rates were described by sex and age groups. Joinpoint regression models were performed to study mortality trends.