Población y Salud en Mesoamérica

Psychological health in people having suffered from COVID-19: predictors

Luisa Angelucci Bastidas — 2025-01-01

Introduction: It is estimated that a significant percentage of people who have suffered from COVID-19 may continue to experience physical symptoms and psychological health sequels. There are different psychosocial factors that could potentially explain and predict the health of COVID-19 survivors. In this sense, the aim of this study was to explore how gender, age, educational level, loss of close relatives due to the disease, oxygen assistance, post-COVID-19 chronic disease diagnosis, and the physical and psychological difficulties suffered, affect the psychological health of people having suffered from COVID-19. Method: A prospective single-group study was implemented, and a participation of 419 individuals was registered, of both sexes, selected via a purposive sampling. Two instruments were administered: The Goldberg General Health Questionnaire, to measure social dysfunction, anxiety and depression; and a second instrument designed for this research, to evaluate sociodemographic, and disease-related variables. Results: The model explaining the greatest percentage of variance is one of social dysfunction (16 %), compared to another one of anxiety and depression (14 %). On the other hand, being female (B = -.15; B = -.22), younger (B = -.28; B = -.16), and having physical (B = .17; B = .14) or psychological (B = .2; B = .13) difficulties, seems to predict higher levels of social dysfunction and of anxiety and depression. Post-COVID-19 chronic illness diagnosis (B = .11) predicts only the levels of anxiety and depression. Conclusion: Considering the results, it is recommended to design psychosocial programs aimed at addressing the psychological health of individuals having suffered from COVID-19. Results of the study shall be analyzed considering sampling limitations.

Understanding consumption patterns of vulnerable Costa Rican households through price and income elasticities in food

Erick Enrique Sequeira Benavides — 2025-04-01

This study examines food consumption patterns in Costa Rica by estimating the income and price elasticities of food products among vulnerable households. Using data from the Encuesta Nacional de Ingresos y Gastos de los Hogares for 2004, 2013, and 2018, it applies a DLQ equation model with Cragg’s method to address zero expenditures. Unlike previous studies, which have primarily focused on broader economic sectors, this research provides a product-level analysis while also examining changes over time and emphasizing low-income households. The findings reveal that most food products are perfectly inelastic in both income and price, indicating that vulnerable households do not adjust their food consumption despite economic fluctuations. As a result, they absorb the impact of rising prices or declining incomes, at the expense of other essential goods and services. These rigid consumption patterns highlight structural economic constraints and reinforce the need for policies that mitigate the adverse effects of economic shocks on food security and poverty reduction.

Association of Air Pollution and Mental Disorders in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica, 2016-2019

Mónica Jiménez Seas — 2025-02-20

Introduction: Various studies have identified exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), particulate matter (PM₁₀) and other pollutants as a risk factor for the incidence of mental disorders. However, these associations have not been previously explored in Costa Rica. Methods: An ecological-geographic study was designed at the district level in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) of Costa Rica. Data on suicide events, suicide attempts, and depression were obtained from 154 districts of the GAM of Costa Rica; along with data on two pollutants: NO₂ and PM₁₀ for a period of four years (2016 to 2019). Data were correlated using a robust negative binomial regression model and a geographically weighted regression. Results: The association between pollutants and suicide was positive, but not significant, the same happened with the relationship between NO₂ and suicide attempt. The model shows a negative but non-significant relationship between PM₁₀ and suicide attempt, while an increase of one unit of NO₂ (> 40μg/m³) was linked to a higher incidence rate of depression (percentage change: 9.50%, CI:5.00% to 14.00%). Conclusions: Higher levels of pollution were associated with an increase in the incidence rate of depression in the GAM districts of Costa Rica. The association between pollutants and suicide and suicide attempt and the independent variables cannot be affirmed or rejected. It is necessary to indicate other possible ways of configuring the relationship with more explanatory variables.

Relationship between anthropometric risk variables for chronic diseases in users of a primary care center

José Ander Asenjo-Alarcón — 2025-03-20

Introduction: Excess weight in individuals at a general and/or abdominal level are important indicators in the occurrence of chronic diseases, therefore, their determination contributes significantly to public health, in order to control or reduce it for the good of the population. Objective: Establish the relationship between anthropometric risk variables for chronic diseases in users of a primary care center. Methodology: The research was quantitative, analytical, retrospective due to data sources and transversal. 1149 users treated at the Patrona Health Center of Chota, Peru, were investigated. Anthropometric measurements by sex and age were extracted from the health facility's database. The bivariate statistical analysis was performed using cross tables with absolute and relative frequencies, Kendall's Tau-c and Spearman's Rho, with p<0.05 significance. Results: 52.2% were overweight or obese, 64.3% had high or very high abdominal circumference, the combination of high BMI and abdominal circumference was found in 44.8% of users, in 26.4% of young people, 61.8% of adults, 24.4% of older adults, 51.3% of women and 27.9% of men. The relationship between anthropometric measurements was statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusions: The relationship between anthropometric risk variables for chronic diseases was statistically significant in all established relationships, which denotes a high or very high risk of acquiring chronic non-communicable diseases in users, therefore, the massification of preventive-promotional activities in lifestyles must be incorporated into the portfolio of health services.

Social insurance as a mechanism for minimizing the income gap between workers: comparative analysis and European experience

Denys A. Puntus — 2025-03-20

Introduction: The aim of this study is to determine the extent to which social insurance can reduce income inequality among workers. This study explores the role of social insurance as a tool for minimizing income inequality among workers. Methodology: The study adopts a comparative approach to examining differences in social insurance systems in Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, Latvia, Romania, and Bulgaria. By comparing the selected countries, the research examines the correlation between the level of social insurance and the disparity in workers' incomes. Results: The analysis identifies key indicators such as social insurance expenditures as a percentage of GDP, population coverage, minimum wage levels, and the Gini index to evaluate the effectiveness of social insurance systems. The findings highlight significant differences in how social insurance is implemented and its impact on income distribution across these countries. In particular, the study provides insights into the mechanisms through which social insurance can mitigate economic inequality and offers a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of various social insurance models. Conclusions: This detailed examination allows for a nuanced comparison that can inform policy decisions and improvements in social insurance practices aimed at achieving greater economic equality and social justice. By analyzing different models and approaches within the selected countries, the study seeks to identify best practices and provide recommendations for policy improvements in social insurance systems.

Ways to ensure full verification of victims and their importance in the effective use of insurance funds in Ukraine

Tetiana Blazhynska — 2025-02-20

The purpose of this study is to analyze Ukraine’s system for verifying state insurance payments to victims of industrial accidents, assess its effectiveness, and compare it with verification models in the European Union. The research highlights significant inefficiencies in Ukraine’s current framework, including fragmented databases, delayed payments, and potential misuse of insurance funds. By contrasting this system with best practices in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Austria, the study identifies key deficiencies and provides policy recommendations for improvement. The findings reveal that Ukraine lacks real-time verification, automated fraud detection, and centralized data integration, leading to financial losses and delays in compensating victims. These inefficiencies place a significant burden on the state budget and pension funds, reducing the effectiveness of social protection programs and negatively impacting economic stability. In contrast, EU countries implement structured, multi-tiered verification systems, leveraging automated cross-checks, digital identity tracking, and transparent monitoring mechanisms. The study also explores the economic and social impact of ineffective verification, demonstrating how misallocated pension funds contribute to financial instability and reduced quality of life for affected workers. Using a mixed-method approach, the research combines official government data, legislative analysis, and case studies from regional pension offices to evaluate verification accuracy and fraud detection rates. The study concludes with recommendations for enhancing Ukraine’s verification process, including preventive verification, interagency database integration, and increased transparency to align with EU standards. These reforms are essential for ensuring fair compensation for victims, strengthening financial oversight, and improving social security systems in Ukraine while reducing the economic strain on public finances.

Vertigo and dizziness, a global public health issue: Recommendations for an appropriate approach in Chile

Jorge Colipí Sáez — 2025-02-20

Introduction: Vertigo and dizziness are common symptoms in clinical practice and have garnered increasing interest due to the significant costs they impose on healthcare systems worldwide. These symptoms have a substantial impact on individuals' functionality, increase the risk of falls, and are associated with various comorbidities. Proposal: This study provides information on the prevalence of vertigo and dizziness in Europe, the United States, and South America, and proposes a series of specific recommendations to address these issues within the context of Chile. Argumentation: Taking into account the Chilean healthcare model and the strategies of the primary care resolutivity program, practical suggestions are presented for healthcare professionals and family physicians. These recommendations incorporate the guidelines of the Bárány Society, as well as experiences and strategies developed in Europe and the United States. Conclusions: The proposals emphasize the importance of training primary care professionals in the use of the TiTrATE algorithm and the HINTS protocol, improving infrastructure and equipment for vestibular evaluation and rehabilitation, establishing a common language among clinicians, academics, and researchers regarding vestibular disorders, and developing a basic training plan in vestibular medicine.

Breastfeeding: individual choice and collective responsibility

Rosa Goergina Pérez Castillo — 2025-03-20

Introduction: Breastfeeding (BF) can be understood as a social learning process, in which there are various factors that influence the forms, times, periods and perceptions surrounding breastfeeding. This form of feeding is constructed and modified according to the social, economic, political, labor and cultural environment, which has effects on the health of mothers and their children. Proposition: The above, leads to reflect on the fact that BF is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all social sectors, with the objective of promoting its benefits on the health of the population. Arguments for discussion: This paper analyzes the importance of its social and cultural dimensions, and how these actually represent the greatest difficulties that women who decide to maintain BF must overcome, it also reflects on intervention programs and how these have focused primarily on women, considering their techniques, knowledge, emotions, in some cases, their support networks, however, little recognition is given to other factors of greater hierarchy that determine the decision around such feeding practice. Conclusions: Breastfeeding is a complex practice influenced by social, economic, political, cultural, and labor determinants. Its understanding and promotion require a comprehensive approach and broad discussion that extends beyond individual advocacy.