Evidencia epidemiológica acerca del rol de la hostelería en la transmisión de la COVID-19: una revisión rápida de la literatura

ObjectiveTo review the scientific epidemiologic evidence on the role of hospitality venues in the incidence or mortality from COVID-19.MethodWe included studies conducted in any population, describing either the impact of the closure or reopening of hospitality venues, or exposure to these venues, on the incidence or mortality from COVID-19. We used a snowball sampling approach with backward and forward citation search along with co-citations.ResultsWe found 20 articles examining the role of hospitality venues in the epidemiology of COVID-19. Modeling studies showed that interventions reducing social contacts in indoor venues can reduce COVID-19 transmission. Studies using statistical models showed similar results, including that the closure of hospitality venues is amongst the most effective measures in reducing incidence or mortality. Case studies highlighted the role of hospitality venues in generating super-spreading events, along with the importance of airflow and ventilation inside these venues.ConclusionsWe found consistent results across studies showing that the closure of hospitality venues is amongst the most effective measures to reduce the impact of COVID-19. We also found support for measures limiting capacity and improving ventilation to consider during the re-opening of these venues.     

Letalidad de la COVID-19: ausencia de patrón epidemiológico

ObjectiveAnalyze a set of indicators to understand the variability of the evolution and impact of the COVID-19 epidemic in a set of selected countries.MethodEcological study of a group of countries with more than 200 reported cases. Demographic variables, health expenditure variables, and variables about characteristics of health services were included as explanatory variables. and incidence, mortality and fatality rates have been analyzed as response variables. In addition, a relative fatality index has been created. Data are from international organizations. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to estimate the magnitude of the associations.ResultsNumber of tests and of medical professionals are associated with a higher incidence rate. Mortality and case fatality rate are not associated with demographic, health expenditure, or health services variables.ConclusionDifferences suggest a general underestimation of the magnitude of the epidemic. Improvement of case identification and effectiveness of epidemiological surveillance systems is necessary.     

Infecciones de transmisión sexual en hombres internos en prisión: riesgo de desarrollo de nuevas infecciones

ObjectiveTo measure incidence and main risk factors related to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Daroca Prison (Zaragoza, Spain).MethodA retrospective cohort study (2005-2013) to measure the incidence of STI and a cross-sectional study to measure risk factors.ResultsOf the 203 inmates, 79 developed an STI, 37 had a previous STI, 55.2% lacked knowledge on STI prevention, and 28.9% showed behaviours unfavourable for STI prevention. The incidence rate was 6.5 STIs per 1,000 inmates-year. The most frequent STIs were hepatitis B (39.7%), Ureaplasma urealyticum (19.1%), herpes simplex (16.2%) and HIV (8.8%). The risk (hazard ratio, HR) of acquiring a new STI was significantly higher in inmates with a history of previous STI (HR = 2.61; 95%CI: 1.01 to 6.69), and was at the limit of significance for non-preventive behaviour (HR = 2.10; 95%CI: 0.98 to 4.53), but not in knowledge related to STIs (HR = 1.33; 95%CI: 0.58 to 3.07).ConclusionThe most important risk factors in prison are behaviours related to STIs and previous history of STIs. Other factors are being a repeat offender, injecting drug use, or being in a methadone programme. Health personnel and peer education can facilitate prevention and control.     

Impacto de la COVID-19 en la mortalidad de la comunidad autónoma de Castilla y León

ObjectiveTo estimate the increase in mortality associated with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic in the autonomous community of Castilla y León (Spain).MethodEcological study based on population and death data for the months of March 2016 to 2020 in Castilla y León. The general and provincial standardized rates, the relative risks of the year 2020 with respect to previous years and the risks adjusted by sex, periods and province, using Poisson regression, were calculated. Trend analysis was performed using joinpoint linear regression.ResultsAn increase in mortality was observed in March 2020 with respect to previous years, with an increase of 39% for men (relative risk [RR]: 1.39; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.32-1.47) and 28% for women (RR: 1.28; 95%CI: 1.21-1.35). The model predicts excess mortality of 775 deaths. In the trend analysis there is a significant turning point in 2019 in men, globally and for almost all provinces. The increase in mortality is general, although heterogeneous by sex, age group and province.ConclusionsAlthough the observed increase in mortality cannot be totally attributed to the disease, it is the best estimate we have of the real impact on deaths directly or indirectly related to it. The number of declared deaths only reaches two thirds of the increase in mortality observed.     

Medidas de contención de la violencia de género durante la pandemia de COVID-19

Crises, emergencies and times of unrest have been linked to increased interpersonal violence, including violence against women. Following the declaration of alarm status and quarantine, different measures have been implemented to mitigate the possible effect of gender violence (Contingency Plan against Gender-Based Violence in Coronavirus Crisis or Royal Decree Law on Emergency Measures). This document reviews the measures adopted so far by the government of Spain, the autonomous governments and the initiatives formulated in different countries. In the absence of concrete economic measures to date, and the scenario of economic uncertainty, we conclude that it is not possible to prevent gender-based violence in a comprehensive way, without considering the increase in unemployment, temporary and instability employment, economic dependency or the overload of household chores and reproductive tasks, among other elements that facilitate it.     

Seguridad de medicamentos durante la pandemia COVID-19 en las enfermeras de atención primaria

ObjectiveTo know the perception of nurses about the factors that influence the safe administration of medications during the COVID-19 period, in the work context in a primary care health department of the Spanish national health system.DesignThis is a qualitative phenomenological study.SiteCarried out in the Department of Health 21 (Alicante, Spain) between the months of September 2021 and November 2021.ParticipantsFifteen nurses chosen by intentional sampling.MethodsA semi-structured interview lasting between 30 and 60 min was used, recorded and transcribed verbatim by the research team. A main category called “know” is established, which encompasses all the reflections about the nurse's performance during the medication administration process.ResultsThe participants expressed concern about the performance of medication administration procedures, which made it possible to perceive safety as the greatest concern in the study unit. From this main category, the following subcategories are developed: work overload, insufficient training, distractions and communication and information failures.ConclusionKnowing the perception of nurses about the factors that influence the safe administration of medications could facilitate the use of instruments to standardize and reduce variability in the safe administration of medications. As well as improving conditions in work environments at the community level, and not favoring social, personal and professional stigmatization due to care error.     

Gestión de los recursos humanos y estrategias de vacunación en atención primaria en Europa en la pandemia COVID-19

This article describes the management of human resource and the vaccination strategies in primary care in twelve European countries in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. All the countries have found solutions to increase their workforce in primary care. Other healthcare professionals were incorporated to support family doctors assuming their tasks, under their supervision and coordination. The European Commission had a crucial role in the production, purchase and distribution of the vaccines. The engagement of primary care in the vaccination campaign has had an unequal participation in the different countries, although the greatest burden has been managed from the government's public health departments.