[SIR model of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia].

Objective: To develop a prognostic SIR model of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia.

Materials And Methods: A SIR model with a deterministic approach was used to forecast the development of the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia. The states considered were susceptible (S), infectious (i) and recovered or deceased (R).

[An approach to research in the political agendas of the health sector in Colombia between 1990 and 2010].

Objective: To understand health research in Colombia in the context of governmental and legislative agendas related to the health sector between 1990 and 2010.

Methods: Official sources were used such as development plans, bills and institutional documents.

Results: The National Government, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MSPS by its acronym in Spanish) and the Colombian Congress have focused their attention on health research as a public concern at certain presidential periods due to their interest in reducing the gap between research and health needs.

[Quality of life and environment in communities close to industrial mining activity in Boyacá, Colombia].

Objective: To compare the life quality perception and environmental situation, in nearby and distant towns from the mining industry of the Boyacá Department of Colombia.

Method: Cross-sectional study. The towns near of influence area were grouped into zones 1 and 2, and distant towns as zone 0.

[On health research as public policy in Colombia: assessment and perspectives].

This essay presents some elements of analysis for thinking about health research in Colombia as a public policy, something which was formed starting in 1990 with the establishment of Science and Technology regulations. A set of institutional adjustments was carried out which led to the creation of the National Program of Health Science and Technology and the National Council of Health Science and Technology. In addition, it led to the institutionalization of calls for research proposals as a mechanism for selecting research projects and assigning resources in accordance with the needs and priorities of the National System of Science and Technology.

[Identification of capacities in environmental health from environmental authorities in Colombia].

Objectives To diagnose the capabilities that environmental authorities and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development have to assume their role in environmental health, based on the capacity model of the United Nations Program for Development UNDP. Method Document review, interviews on key issues and a commented survey were conducted. 84 entities were selected for a tailored survey; complete information was obtained from 76 institutions.

[Multidimensional analysis of environmental health capabilities in the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development in Colombia].

Objectives: To approach the multidimensional analysis of functional capacities in environmental health in the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, based on the UNDP model of interactions between central problems and functional capabilities.

Method: Individual institutional results obtained through surveys and information from secondary sources, CAR (Autonomous Regional Corporations) and environmental authorities on policies, strategies, action plans, regional environmental management plans, regulations, activities, and accountabilities related to environmental health during the period 2012-2015 were used as sources of information.

Results: The consolidation of results per corporation about core issues and functional capabilities, in terms of the level of response, shows a significant heterogeneity.

[Evaluation of environmental conditions: air, water and soil in areas of mining activity in Boyacá, Colombia].

Objectives To determine concentrations of PM10, mercury and lead in indoor air of homes, water sources and soil in municipalities near mining operations. Method 6 points were evaluated in areas of influence and 2 in control areas. For measurements of indoor air, we used the NIOSH 600 method (PM10), NIOSH 6009 (mercury) and NIOSH 7300 (lead).

[Characterization of the training and practice of human talent working in environmental health in Colombia].

Objectives To characterize the peculiarities in the training, exercise, and performance of human talent working in environmental health in Colombia. Method Documentary and database reviews. Surveys and semi-structured interviews.

[Exploring models for the assessment of the economic, social, political, and scientific impact of health research].

Health research produces effects on the health of populations. This document approaches the frameworks and the models used by developed countries to assess the impact of health research through documentary analysis of research with the highest impact. With this, it was possible to identify two guiding axes of analysis: one having to do with focus, and the other having to do with emphasis.

[PM10 exposure-related respiratory symptoms and disease in children living in and near five coal-mining areas in the Cesar department of Colombia].

Objectives: Establishing the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and disease in children aged less than 12 years-old living within the Cesar department's coal-mining area and possible associated factors.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 1,627 children aged less than 10 years-old living in and near coal-mining areas in the Cesar department who were exposed to different levels of PM10 from 2008-2010; their PM10 exposure-related symptoms and respiratory diseases were measured, seeking an association with living in areas exposed to particulate material.

Results: Children living in areas close to coal-mining activity which also had high traffic volume had a higher rate of probable cases of asthma; those living in areas with traffic (not no coal-mining) were absent from school for more days due to acute respiratory disease.

[Evaluating public policy regarding the concept of healthy schools in Colombia: the formulation phase (1999-2006)].

Objective: Evaluating public policy formulation regarding the concept of healthy schools in Colombia, 1999 to 2006.

Methods: This study involved qualitative research aimed at analysing the cycle of public policy. The main strategies used were collecting information, a documental review of secondary sources and holding semi-structured interviews (primary source).

[An approach to the theoretical construction of healthcare promotion].

Definitions of healthcare promotion were examined from the theory of knowledge regarding its ontological and epistemological aspects as considered by several paradigms. Three-phase periodisation was used. The first distancing regarding the positivist paradigm and healthcare promotion through definitions of public health was made during the background phase (1920-1973).

[A multilevel approach to diagnosing physical activity in three parts of Colombia].

Objective: Individual and contextual characteristics related to physical activity were studied to describe and interpret such practice in three parts of Colombian.

Methods: Primary- and secondary-source information was obtained at individual, community and regional level concerning cultural, political and urban variables. This information was processed using filters orientated towards analysing compatibility and complementary aspects between levels and variables.

[Evaluation indicators of the Healthy Municipalities for Peace strategy in Colombia].

Objectives: The work that is presented is the first phase of a scale development study. The objectives are: selecting, developing and evaluating indicators for the evaluation of the healthy cities project in Colombia, in order to offer the bases for the construction of a measurement scale.

Methods: The project was executed from January 2001 to August 2002.