Publications by authors named "Natalia Largaespada Beer"
Background: Increasing vaccination coverage was key to curbing the COVID-19 pandemic globally. However, lack of trust in the vaccine and fear of side effects in regions like the Caribbean resulted in a low uptake despite enough vaccine supply.
Methods: We conducted two correlational analyses and one experiment between five sequential behaviorally informed Facebook campaigns, social media performance outcomes, and district-level vaccination data.
Objective: To estimate the national and regional population attributable fraction (PAF) and potential number of preventable anemia cases for three nutritional risk factors (iron, red blood cell folate [RBCF], and vitamin B12 deficiencies) among women of childbearing age in Belize.
Methods: A national probability-based household and micronutrient survey capturing sociodemographic and health information was conducted among 937 nonpregnant Belizean women aged 15-49 years. Blood samples were collected to determine hemoglobin, ferritin, alpha-1-glycoprotein (AGP), RBCF, and vitamin B12 status.
Background: We analyzed the factors associated with vaccine uptake, vaccination intention, and reasons for vaccine hesitancy in Belize.
Methods: We collected a nationally representative household survey of the population in Belize aged 15 years and older (September-October 2021). We compared potential correlates between vaccinated and unvaccinated people using Chi-square tests.
Background: There is a sparsity of knowledge of the specific mechanisms through which financial and non-financial incentives impact the performance of health teams. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by examining an in-kind incentives program for healthcare teams implemented in three districts in Belize (2012-2022) as part of the Salud Mesoamerica Initiative, which aimed to improve healthcare quality.
Methods: We performed a qualitative study to understand the mechanisms through which the in-kind incentive program supported quality improvement in Belize.
Purpose: Belize has among the highest cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates of Latin American and Caribbean countries. This study evaluates the perspectives of key stakeholders for cervical cancer screening in Belize and identifies the barriers and facilitators for providing equitable access to prevention services.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews discussing cervical cancer screening were conducted with key stakeholders across the six districts of Belize in 2018.
Purpose: Belize has one of the highest cervical cancer burdens among Latin American and Caribbean countries, despite the implementation of national policies to increase access to prevention and treatment services. This study evaluates the policies, infrastructure, and workforce of the cervical cancer management system in Belize to inform capacity building efforts.
Methods: In 2018, health facility assessments were conducted across all six districts of Belize at the national pathology facility and 12 public facilities identified as critical to cervical cancer control.