Revista panamericana de salud pública = Pan American journal of public health
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Rev. Panam. Salud Publica · Jul 2008
Device-associated infection rates and mortality in intensive care units of Peruvian hospitals: findings of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium.
To measure device-associated infection (DAI) rates, microbiological profiles, bacterial resistance, and attributable mortality in intensive care units (ICUs) in hospitals in Peru that are members of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC). ⋯ The high rates of DAIs in the Peruvian hospitals in this study indicate the need for active infection control. Programs consisting of surveillance of DAIs and implementation of guidelines for infection prevention can ensure improved patient safety in the ICUs and throughout hospitals.
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Rev. Panam. Salud Publica · Dec 2007
Review[International experiences with health claims in food labeling].
With ever-increasing frequency, consumers are seeking information on the foods they eat. Food labels are an important source of this type of information, and the Codex Alimentarius, created by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, provides a global reference for coordinated food quality and identification standards. ⋯ Although food labeling seems to effectively assist consumers in choosing among processed foods, consumers are not always capable of reading or interpreting nutritional information correctly, so health claims may allow for more precise decision-making for these products. The present paper examines the use of health claims in countries and regions that have already implemented this type of regulation (Brazil, Chile, Canada, United States of America, the European Union, and Japan).
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To present evidence to support a higher priority for injury prevention in initiatives, research, and budget allocations. ⋯ In making decisions on budgetary allocations, the Member States of PAHO must consider the potential impact of injury research and control on the health of their populations.
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Rev. Panam. Salud Publica · Sep 2007
Nutritional status of urban schoolchildren of high and low socioeconomic status in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity is growing in children in many developing countries, increasing chronic disease risk. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of stunting, underweight, overweight, and obesity in schoolchildren 8 to 10 years old who were of high or low socioeconomic status (SES) in Quetzaltenango, which is the second largest city in Guatemala. ⋯ A high prevalence of both stunting and excess body weight was found in this urban Guatemalan population, with notable contrasts between social classes. The obesity among high-income children indicates that the city is undergoing the nutrition transition, with further implications for future risks related to chronic disease. Nutrition and health interventions are needed to reduce these risks.
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Rev. Panam. Salud Publica · Aug 2007
Comparative StudyRetail prices of essential drugs in Brazil: an international comparison.
Price is a key obstacle for consumer access to essential drugs, especially in developing countries. This study sought to compare the retail prices of essential drugs on the private market in Brazil with that of two international pricing standards. ⋯ Average retail prices of essential drugs in Brazil are significantly higher than in Sweden. Furthermore, international bulk prices indicate that drugs are brought to market by Brazil's private pharmacies at prices that may be excessively high in relation to production costs, creating high profit margins. The expected price-lowering effects of competition were not identified.