Understanding the health system drivers of delayed cancer diagnosis in public healthcare networks of Chile, Colombia and Ecuador: A qualitative study with health professionals, managers and policymakers.

Although the greatest delays in cancer diagnosis in Latin America occur in the provider interval little is known about the related factors. This study aims to analyze factors influencing access to cancer diagnosis -from initial contact with health services to confirmation- from institutional stakeholders' perspective in public healthcare networks of Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador. A qualitative, descriptive-interpretative study was conducted in two networks per country, using semi-structured individual interviews (n = 118; 23 to 58, per country) with a criterion sample of health professionals and administrative personnel from primary care (PC) (n = 41) and secondary/tertiary care hospitals (n = 47), network managers and policymakers (n = 30).

Shifting perceptions of informal operators in the service and value chains: A retrospective of 40 years of observation and advocacy for informal recyclers and waste service providers, through the eyes of five global participant-researchers.

This article offers a reflective retrospective of the literature and practice on the sector. The authors have joined to share our experience and knowledge on the interface between the formal solid waste sector and informal recyclers and operators. Together, we discuss where this discourse has come from, where it is now, and where we, as practitioners, think it is going.

Health literacy and its determinants among higher education students in the Alentejo region of southern Portugal-A cross-sectional survey.

Introduction: The capacity of higher education students to comprehend and act on health information is a pivotal factor in attaining favourable health outcomes and well-being. Assessing the health literacy of these students is essential in order to develop targeted interventions and provide informed health support. The aim of this study was to identify the level of health literacy and to analyse its relationship with determinants such as socio-demographic variables, chronic disease, perceived health status, and perceived availability of money for expenses among higher education students in the Alentejo region of southern Portugal.

Normalising participatory health research approaches in the WHO European region for refugee and migrant health: a paradigm shift.

While people's involvement in health research is increasingly the encouraged norm in many countries, the involvement of refugees and migrants in research about their health is rare. Here, we call for a paradigm shift in the field of refugee and migrant health to make participatory health research routine, i.e.

Health literacy strengths and needs among migrant communities from Portuguese-speaking African countries in Portugal: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Health literacy among migrants is a matter of public health and social justice. Migrants from diverse backgrounds encounter challenges such as linguistic barriers, cultural disparities, restricted access to health services, and heterogeneous migration statuses. Addressing these challenges requires careful consideration of their unique experiences and needs to promote equitable health outcomes.

Implementing a social prescribing program in primary care units in Portugal: A qualitative study exploring enablers, barriers and lessons learned from the perspectives of stakeholders involved in the program implementation.

Social prescribing (SP) is a promising intersectoral strategy of integrated and person-centered care that can improve individual health and well-being by going beyond medical treatment, potentially reducing overall disease burden on health system. SP addresses health and social determinants of health by linking patients to community responses, i.e.

High-Risk Areas for Congenital Zika Syndrome in Rio de Janeiro: Spatial Cluster Detection.

Brazil reported 18,282 suspected congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) cases up to 2018 and accounts for 61.4% of the total reported Zika cases in the Americas in the period. To detect high-risk areas for children with CZS in the city of Rio de Janeiro, we used cluster detection and thematic maps.

Efficacy of health literacy interventions aimed to improve health gains of higher education students-a systematic review.

Background: Health literacy (HL) among higher education students is low, making them vulnerable about their health. To reverse this trend, higher education institutions promote HL interventions with various topics and methods. A comprehensive understanding of HL interventions is essential to determine whether these interventions meet the health information needs to improve health outcomes (health gains).

Can everyone hear me? Reflections on the use of global online workshops for promoting inclusive knowledge generation.

Online research methods have risen in popularity over recent decades, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. We conducted five online workshops capturing the experiences of participatory health researchers in relation to power, as part of a collaborative project to develop global knowledge systems on power in participatory health research. These workshops included predominantly academic researchers working in 24 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Problemas ligados ao álcool em centros de emergência (PLACE)-People experiencing homelessness with alcohol-related problems in Lisbon's emergency shelters during the COVID-19 pandemic: a description and analysis of a harm reduction intervention.

Introduction: Alcohol-related problems disproportionally affect people experiencing homelessness. As the first wave of the COVID-2019 pandemic spread in 2020, a number of emergency shelters were opened in Lisbon. Increased difficulties in obtaining alcohol could have led to an increased incidence of alcohol withdrawal.

LOCUS (LOng Covid-Understanding Symptoms, events and use of services in Portugal): A three-component study protocol.

Approximately 10% of patients experience symptoms of Post COVID-19 Condition (PCC) after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Akin acute COVID-19, PCC may impact a multitude of organs and systems, such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and neurological systems. The frequency and associated risk factors of PCC are still unclear among both community and hospital settings in individuals with a history of COVID-19.

Improving equity in access to early diagnosis of cancer in different healthcare systems of Latin America: protocol for the EquityCancer-LA implementation-effectiveness hybrid study.

Introduction: Healthcare fragmentation, a main cause for delay in cancer diagnosis and treatment, contributes to high mortality in Latin America (LA), particularly among disadvantaged populations. This research focuses on integrated care interventions, which have been limitedly implemented in the region. The objective is to evaluate the contextual effectiveness of scaling-up an integrated care intervention to improve early diagnosis of frequent cancers in healthcare networks of Chile, Colombia and Ecuador.

Health literacy development is central to the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases.

The WHO's report Health literacy development for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) delivers practical what-to-do how-to-do guidance for health literacy development to build, at scale, contextually-relevant public health actions to reduce inequity and the burden of NCDs on individuals, health systems and economies. The key premise for health literacy development is that people's health awareness and behaviours are linked to lifelong experiences and social practices, which may be multilayered, hidden and beyond their control. Meaningful community engagement, local ownership and locally driven actions are needed to identify health literacy strengths, challenges and preferences to build locally fit-for-purpose and implementable actions.

Barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening among under-screened women in Cuenca, Ecuador: the perspectives of women and health professionals.

Background: Cervical cancer screening is a cost-effective method responsible for reducing cervical cancer-related mortality by 70% in countries that have achieved high coverage through nationwide screening strategies. However, there are disparities in access to screening. In Ecuador, although cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women, only 58.

'I Didn't Know Where to Go': A Mixed-Methods Approach to Explore Migrants' Perspectives of Access and Use of Health Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic put pressure on health systems, affecting populations' use of health services, especially those experiencing increased difficulties in healthcare access, as some migrant groups. This study aimed to investigate access and use of health services during the COVID-19 pandemic among migrants in Portugal. A mixed-methods approach was used.

Point-of-care HIV and hepatitis screening in community pharmacies: a quantitative and qualitative study.

Background: Point-of-care tests can contribute to earlier diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, thereby affording the opportunity to prevent chronic stages and the spread to others. As part of the Fast-Track Cities initiative, a pilot study was initiated in community pharmacies in Portugal.

Aim: To characterize the individuals choosing to have point-of-care testing or screening for human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B virus infections in community pharmacies, their risk behaviours and motivations to perform the tests, as well as to understand the facilitators and barriers from the perspective of pharmacists.

Association between perception of COVID-19 risk, confidence in health services and avoidance of emergency department visits: results from a community-based survey in Portugal.

Objectives: To examine the association between the perception of COVID-19 risk, confidence in health services and avoidance of emergency department (ED) visits in Portugal during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design: Community-based, cross-sectional survey.

Setting: Volunteer sample that completed the online survey between April 2020 and May 2021.

A Guide to Selecting Participatory Research Methods Based on Project and Partnership Goals.

Participatory research engages community stakeholders in the research process, from problem identification and developing the research question, to dissemination of results. There is increasing recognition in the field of health research that community-engaged methods can be used throughout the research process. The volume of guidance for engaging communities and conducting participatory research has grown steadily in the past 40+ years, in many countries and contexts.

Physical Distancing and Mental Well-Being in Youth Population of Portugal and Brazil during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic may affect youth's physical and mental well-being, partially because of the countries' rules to contain the virus from spreading. However, there is still uncertainty about the impact of physical distancing on youth's mental health. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of feeling agitated, anxious, down, sad, or low mood (FNF) due to physical distance measures and verify which factors are associated with young Portuguese and Brazilian people.

Long-Term Outcome of Nonvital Immature Permanent Teeth Treated With Apexification and Corono-Radicular Adhesive Restoration: A Case Series.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcome of 16 permanent maxillary central incisors with nonvital pulps and open apices treated with apexification and corono-radicular adhesive restorations, within a follow-up span of 5 to 22 years.

Methods: Fourteen patients providing a total of 16 teeth treated with mineral trioxide aggregate (n = 12), Biodentine (n = 3), or β-tricalcium phosphate (n = 1) apical barrier and corono-radicular restoration, with or without fiberglass post, were included. Clinical and radiographic criteria were defined for assessment at recall.

The Implication of the First Wave of COVID-19 on Mental Health: Results from a Portuguese Sample.

The social conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic had a great potential to affect the mental health of individuals. Meta-analyses indicate a rise in these problems in these periods among general populations, patients and health professionals, even with substantial heterogeneous results. This paper examines mental health impacts specifically during the first wave of COVID-19.