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PubMed2003

Morphometric discrimination of females of five species of Anopheles of the subgenus Nyssorhynchus from Southern and Northwest Colombia.

The most important vectors of human Plasmodium in the neotropics belong to the subgenus Nyssorhynchus. These species are generally sympatric in terms of their geographical distributions. Some are difficult to identify based solely on examination of adult females using the available morphological keys, in these cases examination of immature stages and male genitalia is required to make correct determinations. However, in epidemiological studies it is necessary to identify the species of adult females which are found near humans, i.e. in studies of malaria transmission or evaluation of control measures. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the discrimination of adult females of different species of Nyssorhynchus isolated mainly from Southern Colombia (department of Putumayo), using morphometric analysis. Adult females were obtained after rearing larvae collected in natural breeding places and from the progeny of females collected on humans. The morphological characteristics of the immature stages allowed the identification of four species of the subgroup Oswaldoi from Southern Colombia: Anopheles rangeli Gabaldon, Cova Garcia & Lopez, An. oswaldoi (Peryassu), An. benarrochi Gabaldon, Cova Garcia & Lopez and An. triannulatus (Neiva & Pinto). The species An. nuneztovari (Gabaldon) from the Northwest of Colombia was included for comparison. Morphometric analysis allowed differentiation of the females of all species to a confidence level approaching 90% using principal components analysis of 10 wing and leg variables, followed by canonical variate analysis of the first four principal components. We conclude that morphometrics may represent a useful taxonomic tool for this group and that its use should be further studied.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Death and injury from motor vehicle crashes in Colombia.

We report data on the distribution and determinants of road deaths and injuries for all victims in Colombia, with the aim of defining targets and priorities for highway death prevention in that country and other rapidly urbanizing nations. Using information from Colombia's Fund for the Prevention of Road Injury and the national death registry, we studied data on deaths and injuries from 1991 to 1995 for the nation as a whole and for the country's two largest cities, Santa Fe de Bogotá and Medellín. Deaths and injuries are rising in the nation as a whole. Of the deaths, 75% occur in urban areas, and 80% are in males. Pedestrians aged 15-34 are a peak subgroup. Thirty-four percent of deaths are attributable to speeding and/or alcohol consumption. Death tolls are highest at night and on weekends. Specific priority targets for intervention are indicated by the fact that 75% of road deaths in Colombia occur in urban areas and that 80% of all victims are males.

Accidents, Traffic↗

PubMed2001

[Effectiveness of an influenza vaccine in a working population in Colombia].

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a vaccine against influenza significantly decreases episodes of acute upper respiratory infection (AURI) and work absenteeism caused by AURI, in healthy adult employees of a banking entity in the city of Medellín, Colombia. METHODS: This was a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study with 493 volunteers. The volunteers were randomly assigned to two groups, an experimental group and a control group, with 247 and 246 employees, respectively. The experimental group participants received a dose of 0.5 mL of an influenza vaccine containing surface antigens of the strains recommended by the World Health Organization for the 1996-1997 period, with subtypes A/Wuhan/359/95 (H3N2), A/Texas/36/91 (H1N1), and B/Beijing/184/93. An illness was considered an episode of AURI when a participant reported having a sore throat, fever, and a cough lasting more than 24 hours. Evaluations were made every 2 weeks over a 6-month period; the severity of the episodes was assessed in terms of lost workdays due to AURI (defined according to the ninth revision of the International Classification of Diseases, or ICD-9), through monthly evaluations of incapacitating work absences certified by the Colombian Social Security system, over the period of a year. RESULTS: Side effects associated with the vaccine were erythema (relative risk (RR) = 8.0; P = 0.02) and local edema (RR = 4.5; P = 0.03). The proportion of the annual cumulative incidence of episodes of AURI was 78.5% for the vaccinated persons and 91.5% for those in the placebo group, with a reduction of 14%, with values between 7% and 20% (RR = 0.86; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.80-0.93). The annual cumulative incidence of incapacitating AURI was 15.8% in those vaccinated, with a reduction of 31% in comparison to the placebo group (22.8%), with values between 0% and 52% (RR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.48-1.0). These levels of protection, both against more mildly symptomatic forms of AURI and those causing lost workdays, increased significantly (between 62% and 89%) in the months of May and October, when outbreaks caused by the influenza virus were confirmed in Colombia. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrated that the influenza vaccination strategy decreased the AURI episodes as well as the number of work absences due to AURI in the healthy adult employees of a banking entity in the city of Medellín, Colombia. The impact that influenza has on this population group is small, and the effect of this vaccination measure is greater then the influenza virus is in circulation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2002

[Change in life expectancy in connection with three large groups of causes of death in Medellín, Colombia, between 1989-1991 and 1994-1996].

OBJECTIVES: To examine changes in life expectancy in Medellin, Colombia, between 1989-1991 y 1994-1996, in connection with four large groups of causes of death commonly employed in studies on the burden of disease: group 1, communicable diseases, perinatal and maternal health problems, and nutritional deficits; group 2, non-communicable diseases; group 3, wounds; group 4, ill-defined causes. The latter were excluded from the analysis because of their ambiguity. METHODS: The calculations were made according to the method described by J. H. Pollard in 1986, with the aid of Microsoft Excel, by using the recommended formulas. The computations were double checked with EPIDAT (version 3.0, unofficial). RESULTS: Between 1989-1991 y 1994-1996, a total gain of 1.93 years in life expectancy was seen in Medellin, with a rise from 62.13 to 64.06 years. The gain was greater in men than in women (2.42 vs. 1.09 years, respectively). The increase noted among females was greatest in the extreme age groups (girls 1 to 4 and women over 54 years of age); in men, it was highest in the middle years (between the ages of 25 and 44). In both sexes, the greatest percentage loss in life expectancy was seen in persons 15 to 19 years of age (23% in men and 4% in women, roughly). In the group comprising communicable diseases, perinatal and maternal health problems, and nutritional deficits, a loss in life expectancy was seen in men (0.04 years), whereas in the group of non-communicable diseases there was a gain in life expectancy in both sexes (0.60 years among men and 0.55 years among women). The greater gain in life expectancy among men was linked to a reduction in mortality from wounds (1.98 years). CONCLUSIONS: If one compares the results obtained in Medellin at the end of the study period with life expectancy at birth in Colombia in 1995, which was 70 years, it is obvious that life expectancy in Medellin is still lagging behind, even though it has risen progressively over the years. This is in keeping with the epidemiological transition the city has experienced, which has been linked with a rise in mortality from degenerative and cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory ailments, and diabetes, as well as from diseases resulting from human activity. Nevertheless, this epidemiological transition has been slow in Medellin when compared to Colombia as a whole due to high rates of death from infectious and parasitic diseases, which are more characteristic of the transition in its earlier stages. Despite the fact that mortality from wounds has decreased in Medellin, particularly among young males, it may be worthwhile to reassess the effectiveness of interventions undertaken in recent years to promote peaceful coexistence and tolerance in the community.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

[National neuroepidemiological study in Colombia (EPINEURO)].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of eight neurological problems-migraine, cerebrovascular disease, Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathy, disorders of neurological development, epilepsy, dementia, and sequelae of head trauma-in Colombia as a part of the National Neuroepidemiological Study (EPINEURO). METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in two phases between September 1995 and August 1996. In the first phase persons who might be suffering from a neurological disease were identified, and in the second phase a specific diagnosis was made. A sample of 8 910 people were examined, distributed in proportion to the population in each of the five geographical areas of Colombia (central, southwest, northwest, eastern, and Caribbean coast). The evaluation was done using a modified version of the neuroepidemiology protocol of the World Health Organization, along with a simplified physical examination. With the patients with possible dementia a neuropsychological examination designed for this study was used in order to thoroughly examine the cognitive aspects analyzed in the initial mental screening. The scales of Hachinski, Yesavage, and Blessed and the diagnostic criteria of the NINCDS-ADRDA were used for Alzheimer's disease; the NINDS-AIREN criteria for dementia of vascular origin; and the DSM-IV criteria for all types of dementia. A survey was conducted in order to determine if there were sequelae of head trauma. Persons 12 years old or older were evaluated by an adult neurologist and those under 12 years old by a pediatric neurologist. The prevalences of neurological disorders were calculated by age and sex, for each region and also for the entire country, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: The prevalence per 1 000 population for the disorders investigated was: migraine, 71.2 (95% CI: 65.5 to 76.8); disorders of neurological development, 46.1 (95% CI: 35.5 to 58.9); cerebrovascular disease, 19.9 (95% CI: 14.3 to 27.4); dementia, 13.1 (95% CI: 8.5 to 19.3); epilepsy, 10.3 (95% CI: 8.5 to 13.0); peripheral neuropathy, 8.5 (95% CI: 6.8 to 10.7); sequelae of head trauma, 6.4 (95% CI: 5.0 to 7.8); and Parkinson's disease, 4.7 (95% CI: 2.2 to 8.9). In all those cases except head trauma the prevalence was higher among women than among men. CONCLUSIONS: These results make it possible to design more up-to-date health policies aimed at achieving more effective prevention, better control, and more adequate treatment of neurological disorders in Colombia. The easy application of these surveys and the low cost of this type of research make this methodology ideal for countries with shortages of specialized personnel.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

[Reference values for erythrocyte cholinesterase activity in the working population of Antioquia, Colombia, according to the Michel and EQM techniques].

OBJECTIVE: To establish reference values for erythrocyte cholinesterase (EC 3.1.1.7) activity for the active working population of two regions of the department of Antioquia, Colombia, that are located at different altitudes above sea level. METHODS: We took representative samples from populations of active working persons 18 to 59 years old from two regions in the department of Antioquia: (1) the Aburrá Valley (1 540 m above sea level) and (2) the near east of the department (2 150 m above sea level). We excluded workers who were using cholinesterase-inhibiting substances in their work or at home, those who had a disease that altered their cholinesterase levels, and those who said they were not in good health. We measured the erythrocyte cholinesterase activity using two methods: (1) the Michel method and (2) the EQM method (EQM Research, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America). We carried out the measurements with 827 people, 415 from the Aburrá Valley and 412 from the near east region. We compared proportions using the chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. We utilized the Student's t test for independent samples to compare two averages. To simultaneously compare three or more averages, analysis of variance was used, followed by the Newman-Keuls multiple-range test. When the variables were not normally distributed or when the variances were not homogeneous, Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric analysis of variance was used to compare the medians. Three computer software programs were used in the statistical analysis: SPSS 9.0, SGPlus 7.1, and Epi Info 6.04. In all the statistical tests the level of significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: The average erythrocyte cholinesterase activity value that we found for the studied population by using the Michel method was 0.857 delta pH/hour (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.849 to 0.866), and the average value found through the EQM method was 35.21 U/g hemoglobin (95% CI: 34.82 to 35.60). With the Michel method: (1) the enzymatic activity differed significantly between the two regions, according to the Newman-Keuls test; (2) within each region, the enzymatic activity was significantly higher among males than among females, according to the Newman-Keuls test; and (3) in none of the region-sex strata was there a statistically significant influence of age on the enzymatic activity. Using the EQM method, there were no statistically significant differences by region, sex, or age group. CONCLUSIONS: The erythrocyte cholinesterase activity values found by the two analytical techniques were significantly higher than the values from outside Colombia that are now being used as reference values in the country, which poses both clinical and epidemiological problems. We recommend that the data from this study be adopted as the reference values in Colombia.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Social participation in health: user community leaders, managers and policy makers in Colombia. A qualitative view].

BACKGROUND: Health sector reforms taking place in Colombia during the Nineties included policies to promote social participation in the health system, which is considered essential to its functioning. The aim of this article is to analyse the meaning and the significance of participation in health for the different social actors involved in implementing policies in Colombia. METHODS: A qualitative, descriptive, exploratory study was carried out using focal groups (FG) and semi-structured individual interviews (I) of the different social actors: 210 users (FG), 40 community leaders (FG), 3 policy makers (E) and 36 healthcare professionals (E). A carried out analysis was content up of the contents. The study area corresponded to the municipalities of Tulua and Palmira in Colombia. RESULTS: The concept of participation was interpreted differently depending on the actor studied: for users and leaders the concept referred to contributing ideas, presence in social spaces, solidarity and frequently, and use of the health services. Healthcare professionals considered the activities carried out by institutions together with the community as social participation, the use of services and affiliation to the health system. Policy markers considered participation to concern evaluation and control of the health services by the community, to improve its quality. CONCLUSIONS: The different concepts of participation reveal dif ferences between the content of the policy and how it is understood and interpreted by the different social actors in their interaction with the health services. These different perspectives must be taken into account to develop a link between society and the health services.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Socioeconomic differences in cervical cancer: two case-control studies in Colombia and Spain.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the causes of socioeconomic differences in invasive cervical cancer in two countries that differ substantially in cervical cancer incidence and economic development. METHODS: Data were derived from two case-control studies carried out in Spain and Colombia; there were 373 case subjects, 387 control subjects, and 425 husbands interviewed with a structured questionnaire. Exfoliated cells were obtained from cervical or penile scrapes and tested for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA. RESULTS: Relative to better educated women, women with low educational levels in both countries reported fewer Pap smears and had a higher prevalence of HPV DNA. The prevalence ratio of HPV DNA across educational strata was twofold in Spain and fourfold in Colombia. In both countries, husbands of poorly educated women reported higher use of prostitutes than husbands of better educated women. In Colombia, 30% of husbands of poorly educated women harbored HPV DNA, compared with 10% of husbands of better educated women. CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic differences in invasive cervical cancer could be partly explained by differences in the prevalence of HPV DNA and by a lower use of preventive care.

Adult↗

PubMed1988

The choice of prosthetic and orthotic technique for less developed countries: analysis and perspectives in Colombia.

In their efforts to set up orthopaedic technical services, less developed countries such as Colombia have often relied on so called "turn key" technology transfers depending on the know-how and the infrastructures in industrial countries. The sophisticated industrial product stands thus in sharp contrast to the "single item" product which relies on traditional crafts and local materials. Both extreme forms of technology are currently employed in most less developed countries including Colombia. While the high-technology product is costly and requires a specialized base to produce and to service it, the "single item" product lacks generally the minimum requirements in terms of uniform quality, biomechanical function and cosmetic acceptability. Although the remarkably high standard of industrial products explain their worldwide demand and distribution, it should not be concluded that countries such as Colombia have no other choice than to adopt these technologies. In search of an intermediate alternative, the potential of a yet undervalued, appropriate technology is explored and an accurate account of its advantages is given.

Colombia↗

PubMed2006

Human papillomavirus in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Colombia and Chile.

AIM: To examine the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) specimens collected from Colombia and Chile located in the northern and southern ends of the continent, respectively. METHODS: We examined 47 and 26 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded ESCC specimens from Colombia and Chile, respectively. HPV was detected using GP5+/GP6+ primer pair for PCR, and confirmed by Southern blot analysis. Sequencing analysis of L1 region fragment was used to identify HPV genotype. In addition, P16(INK4A) protein immunostaining of all the specimens was conducted. RESULTS: HPV was detected in 21 ESCC specimens (29%). Sequencing analysis of L1 region fragment identified HPV-16 genome in 6 Colombian cases (13%) and in 5 Chilean cases (19%). HPV-18 was detected in 10 cases (21%) in Colombia but not in any Chilean case. Since Chilean ESCC cases had a higher prevalence of HPV-16 (without statistical significance), but a significantly lower prevalence of HPV-18 than in Colombian cases (P = 0.011) even though the two countries have similar ESCC incidence rates, the frequency of HPV-related ESCC may not be strongly affected by risk factors affecting the incidence of ESCC. HPV-16 genome was more frequently detected in p16 positive carcinomas, although the difference was not statistically significant. HPV-18 detection rate did not show any association with p16 expression. Well-differentiated tumors tended to have either HPV-16 or HPV-18 but the association was not statistically significant. HPV genotypes other than HPV-16 or 18 were not detected in either country. CONCLUSION: HPV-16 and HPV-18 genotypes can be found in ESCC specimens collected from two South American countries. Further studies on the relationship between HPV-16 presence and p16 expression in ESCC would aid understanding of the mechanism underlying the presence of HPV in ESCC.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Assessment of therapeutic response of Plasmodium falciparum to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in an area of low malaria transmission in Colombia.

Although chloroquine (CQ) resistance was first reported in Colombia in 1961 and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) resistance in 1981, the frequency of treatment failures to these drugs in Colombia is unclear. A modified World Health Organization 14-day in vivo drug efficacy test for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in areas with intense malaria transmission was adapted to reflect the clinical and epidemiologic features of a low-intensity malaria transmission area in the Pacific Coast Region of Colombia. Patients > or =1 year of age with a parasite density > or =1,000 asexual parasites per microliter were enrolled in this study. Forty-four percent (24 of 54) of the CQ-treated patients were therapeutic failures, including 7 early treatment failures (ETFs) and 17 late treatment failures (LTFs). Four (6%) of 67 SP-treated patients were therapeutic failures (2 ETFs and 2 LTFs). Therapeutic failure in the CQ-treated group was associated with an age <15 years old (P < 0.01), but was not associated with initial parasite density, the presence of CQ or sulfa-containing drugs in urine, or a history of malaria. The high level of therapeutic failures to CQ detected in this study underscores the need and importance of drug efficacy evaluation in the development of a rational national antimalarial drug policy. The relatively low level of therapeutic failures to SP compared with other South American countries raises further questions regarding factors that might have prevented the rapid development of in vivo resistance to this drug combination.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Congenital urological anomalies: epidemiological description and associated risk factors in Colombia 2001-2004].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of congenital anomalies of the urinary tract in Colombia and study their association with maternal risk factors. METHODS: We performed a register based, case control study using the data from the ECLAMC (Colaborative latinoamerican Study for Congenital Malformations) in Colombia, between June, 2001 and December, 2004. Positive Registries for any urological anomaly were selected. Calculations for the incidence of each abnormality were done. Odds ratio were estimated for 11 maternal variables. RESULTS: 83 positive registries were found. The established incidence was 0.43%. These anomalies accounted for 9.4% of the total of malformations. The obtained rate (x 10,000 births) for each anomaly was: hypospadias 17.7; chryptorchidism 13.3; hydronephrosis 2.6; cystic renal disease 2.6; undeterminate sex 2.6; unilateral renal agenesis 1.3; micropenis 1.9; bilateral renal agenesis 0.7; patent urachus 0.3. The risk for renal defects increased with preterm birth, odds ratio OR= 3.66; 95% IC [1.13 - 13.82] and maternal chronic disease OR = 6, 18; 95% CI [1.09 - 34.98]. A deterministic association was found with consanguinity between the parents. The positive associations for genital defects were: low birth weight OR = 4.07; 95% CI [2.00 - 8.25], preterm birth OR= 3.80; 95% CI [1.87 - 7.72], presence of malformated individuals in the family OR = 2.30; 95% CI [1.02 - 5.25], and smoking during pregnancy OR = 5.36; CI [1.01 - 28.51]. A deterministic association was found with alcohol ingestion during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of anomalies of the urinary tract in Colombia is considerably lower in comparison with European and North American statistics. The birth weight is the most important risk factor for anomalies like hypospadias and chriptorchidism. Consanguinity between the parents and alcohol ingestion during the pregnancy are determinant on the risk for renal and genital anomalies, respectively. Variables like smoking during pregnancy and chronic maternal disease must be deeply explored in the future to determine their role in the etiology of these defects.

Colombia↗

PubMed1998

[Resistance in a strain of Culex quinquefasciatus coming from Medellín, Colombia].

The levels of susceptibility and/or resistance to 5 organophosphate insecticides (malathion, methyl-pyrimifos, clorpirifos, temephos and fenthion), 4 pyrethroids (cypermethrin, deltamethrin, permethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin), and a carbamate (propoxur) were determined in order to know the state of resistance in a strain of Culex quinquefasciatus from a locality of the city of Medellín, Colombia. Resistance to all organophosphate insecticides, though with relatively lower values for methyloirimifos and fenthion, was observed. No resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin and cypermethrin or to propoxur was found. These insecticides may be useful for the control of mosquitoes in Colombia. It was demonstrated by using the piperonil butoxide synergist that the oxidases of multiple function played an important role in the resistance to organophosphate insecticides and pyrethroids. The utilization of S.S.S. tributyl phosphotritiate revealed that the superproduction of unspecific esterases was a mechanism of resistance to organophosphate insecticides, except methyl-pirimifos and for perythroids, except lambda-cyhalothrin. This result should be taken into consideration for the strategies to be used to control Culex quinquefasciatus in Colombia. These two mechanism of resistance are not responsible for the resistance to propoxur. The electrophoretic analysis showed the presence of esterases B1, A6 and B6, which seem to have an important function in resistance.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Nonviolent youth in a violent society: resilience and vulnerability in the country of Colombia.

Despite the ample literature on crime and violence, little research has been done outside English-speaking developed countries. Colombia has one of the highest homicide rates in the world. In order to identify individual factors related to resilience and vulnerability for violence and offending behavior in Colombia, we explored the life histories of 46 young men from high-risk families and compared those who had committed an offense to those who did not (resilient). The findings show that resilient men (compared to offenders) in Colombia have been less exposed to serious life stress, perceive stronger support from their families, narrate their past histories with greater detail and affect, and perceive greater degrees of control and coherence in their lives. The results are consistent with the existing literature and are interpreted within the framework of attachment theory.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Colombia].

INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the commonest demyelinating condition of the nervous system. It is characterized by numerous demyelinating areas or plaques of demyelination which are found dispersed throughout the nervous system. It has been shown that MS is less frequent in tropical regions than in subtropical regions. In Latin America particularly, there are some studies which show this phenomenon. However, in Colombia no studies of prevalence of MS have been done. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of multiple sclerosis in five provinces of Colombia (Antioquia, Caldas, Santander, Risaralda and Bolivar). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The capture-recapture method was used for two sources to determine the number of cases defined on the criteria of Poser et al seen between July 1995 and June 2000. RESULTS: The prevalence (cases of MS per 100,000 inhabitants) varied between 1.48 in Antioquia (95% CI 1.12; 1.78) and 4.98 in Risaralda (95% CI 3.52; 6.43). Seventy two percent were women. The regions included in this study represented 25% of the population of Colombia. CONCLUSIONS: There is a low prevalence of MS which is as expected in tropical areas. Persons with MS in these regions may be very useful in the study of other factors involved in the aetiology of MS (genetic). The capture-recapture method is an excellent tool for carrying out prevalence studies since it is cheap and requires little time.

Colombia↗

PubMed2002

[Study of neurological diseases prevalence in Aratoca, a rural area of eastern Colombia].

BACKGROUND: Current health statistics on the prevalence of neurological diseases, in Colombia, are still lacking. AIM: To determine the prevalence of migraine, cerebrovascular disease, movement disorders, peripheral neuropathies, mental retardation and developmental disorders, epilepsy, dementia and sequels of cranial trauma in a rural population of Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 544 subjects in Aratoca, a rural place of Santander, placed at 400 kilometers from Bogota. The world health organization (WHO) protocol for neuroepidemiological studies modified by our group, a survey to determine sequels of cranial trauma and the mini mental state examination were used as instruments. People 12 years-old or more and suspected to have a neurological disease was evaluated by adult neurologists and those less than 12 years-old were evaluated by a neuropediatrician. RESULTS: 223 out of 544 subjects surveyed were evaluated by the clinicians of which 135 had a neurological disorder. The prevalence of neurological diseases, per thousand inhabitants were as follows: migraine 189.3; epilepsy 33; febrile seizures 25.6; peripheral neuropathy 22.1; mental retardation 18.4; developmental and language disorders 11; dementia 10.5; cerebrovascular disease 4.7; and movement disorders 3.7. CONCLUSIONS: These results will allow to define appropriate control measures, as well as to prevent and treat these prevalent neurological disorders in rural places of Colombia as Aratoca and the like.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Psychology as a science and as a profession in Colombia].

In Colombia, Psychology started associated with Medicine and Education. In a more strict sense, it begins with the founding of the Institute of Applied Psychology at the National University of Colombia, in 1948. This is one of the oldest training centers for Psychologists in Latin America, without interruption until today. The areas of outstanding professional interest are Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Social Psychology. The main research areas are the experimental analysis of behavior, and Social Psychology. There is a professional association the Colombia Federation of Psychology, that has defined the roles and fields of competence of Psychologists, and established the training requirements (5 years, including practical field work and experience and a thesis), to obtain a degree of Psychologist. All Faculties and Departments of Psychology in the country follow the same curricular and requirements model.

Colombia↗

PubMed1995

Reproductive health clinic raided and closed in Bogota, Colombia.

On December 17, armed criminal investigative forces acting under the direction of Colombia's secretary and deputy secretary of health, brutally raided the main clinic of the Orientame reproductive health care federation in Bogota, Colombia. Allegedly responding to charges that the clinic was providing abortions, investigators entered the clinic without warning, brandishing automatic weapons. Once inside, they threatened and physically assaulted patients and clinic staff, destroyed office equipment, broke down doors, and ordered the clinic to close. Since its founding in 1977, Orientame has become Colombia's second largest non-governmental family planning organization. The federation, consisting of three clinics, provides a full range of obstetric, gynecological, and information services, including family planning counseling, cancer screening, treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, prenatal care, adoption placement and counseling, and treatment of incomplete abortion. Serving approximately 250,000 women in its 17 years of operation, Orientame has a sliding fee scale and often waives costs for women who are unable to pay. Were Orientame to close its doors permanently, women facing complications from unsafe abortions but unable to pay private doctors would be forced to go to public hospitals and risk arrest. Despite the country's prohibition of abortions not necessary to save a woman's life, an estimated 288,400 Colombian women underwent abortions in 1989; 57,680 were hospitalized for complications from unsafe or incomplete procedures.

Abortion, Induced↗