A Multi-Country Survey on the Impact of COVID-19 on Dentists in Latin America

Abstract Background: The COVID-19pandemic has significantly impacted the dental sector worldwide.Methods: The impact of the pandemic on dentistsfrom Latin America was investigated by an online survey with professionals working in 11 Spanish-speaking countries in September–December 2020. The invitations were sent to registered professionals. An open campaign was promoted on social media. The questions investigated dental care routines, work practice changes, andfeelings about the pandemic, in addition toreasons for engaging in furthersurveys.Descriptive statistics were used to identify frequencies and distributions of variables. Proportions were compared using chi-square tests.Results: A total of 2,127 responses were collected from a samplewith diverse demographic, sex, work, and education characteristics. The impact of the pandemic was considered high/very high by 60% of respondents.The volume of patients assisted weekly was significantly lower compared with the pre-pandemic period (mean reduction=14 ±15 patients). A high rate of fear to contracting the COVID-19 at work was observed (85%); 4.9% of participants had a positive COVID-19 test. The mask most frequently worn was PFF2/N95 (42%). The main professional challenges faced by respondents were reduction in the number of patientsor financial gain (35%), fear of contracting COVID-19 (34%), and burden with or difficulty in purchasing new PPE (22%).The fear to contracting COVID-19 was influenced by the number of weekly appointments. A positive test by the dentists was associated with their reports of having assisted COVID-19 patients. The most cited feelings about the pandemic were uncertainty, fear, worry, anxiety, and stress. When asked about incentives to participating in further surveys, the most common responses were receiving articles that originated from the investigation (44%)and priority access to research data (15%). Conclusion:This multi-countrysurvey indicated a high impact of the pandemic on dental care routines in Latin American offices.

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The HOLA COVID-19 study: Evaluating the impact of caring for patients with COVID-19 on cancer care delivery in Latin America.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.1537 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. 1537-1537

Author(s):

Carolina Bernabe Ramirez ◽

Ana I. Velazquez Manana ◽

Coral Olazagasti ◽

Cristiane Decat Bergerot ◽

Enrique Soto Perez De Celis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Latin America ◽

Latin American ◽

Cancer Care ◽

Online Survey ◽

Care Delivery ◽

Healthcare Delivery ◽

Significant Proportion ◽

Multiple Choice Questions ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

The Impact

1537 Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-cov-2) virus causing COVID-19 has brought great challenges to global health services affecting cancer care delivery, outcomes, and increasing the burden in oncology providers (OP). Our study aimed to describe the challenges that OP faced while delivering cancer care in Latin America. Methods: We conducted an international cross-sectional study using an anonymous online survey in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. The questionnaire included 43 multiple choice questions. The sample was stratified by OP who have treated patients with COVID-19 versus those who have not treated patients with COVID-19. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: A total of 704 OP from 20 Latin American countries completed the survey (77% of 913 who started the survey). Oncologists represented 46% of respondents, followed by 25% surgical-oncologists. Of the respondents, 56% treated patients with COVID-19. A significant proportion of OP reported newly adopting telemedicine during COVID-19 (14% vs 72%, p=0.001). More than half (58%) of OP reported making changes to the treatments they offered to patients with cancer. As shown in the table, caring for patients with COVID-19 significantly influenced practice patterns of OP. Access to specialty services and procedures was significantly reduced: 40% noted significantly decreased or no access to imaging, 20% significantly decreased or no access to biopsies, 65% reported delays in surgical oncology referrals, and 49% in radiation oncology referrals. A vast majority (82%) reported oncologic surgeries were delayed or cancelled, which was heightened among those treating patients with COVID-19 (87% vs 77%, p=0.001). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the way cancer care is delivered in globally. Although changes to healthcare delivery are necessary as a response to this global crisis, our study highlights the significant disruption and possible undertreatment of patients with cancer in Latin America that results from COVID-19.[Table: see text]

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Impact of COVID-19 on work-related fatigue and satisfaction among oncology providers in Latin America: An analysis of the HOLA COVID-19 study.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.11014 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. 11014-11014

Author(s):

Ana I. Velazquez Manana ◽

Carolina Bernabe Ramirez ◽

Coral Olazagasti ◽

Paulo Gustavo Bergerot ◽

Enrique Soto Perez De Celis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Latin America ◽

Latin American ◽

Online Survey ◽

Psychosocial Support ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Work Related ◽

Baseline Characteristics ◽

Oncology Providers ◽

The Impact

11014 Background: The well-being of oncology providers (OP) is in jeopardy with increasing workload, limited resources, and personal challenges that result from the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on work-related (WR) satisfaction and fatigue among OP in Latin America. Methods: We conducted an international cross-sectional online survey of OP practicing in Latin America. The survey was administered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: In August 2020, 704 OP from 20 Latin American countries completed the survey (77% of 913 who started the survey). Table outlines baseline characteristics. Higher frequency of WR fatigue (67% vs. 58%, p=0.010) and exhaustion (81% vs. 70%, p=0.001) were reported by OP who cared for patients with COVID-19, compared to OP who cared for patients without COVID-19. Providers that observed delays in referrals to radiation (p=0.002) and surgery (p=0.04) reported WR fatigue at higher rates than their counterparts. Higher exhaustion (p=0.016) and dissatisfaction (p=0.046) were reported by OP who lacked access to supportive services, as social work. A significantly higher proportion of women reported WR fatigue (72% vs. 56%, p=0.003) and exhaustion (86% vs. 68%, p=0.001), when compared to men. Women were more likely than men to endorse higher current levels of fatigue when compared to pre-COVID-19 (61% vs. 46%, p=0.0001). To reduce stress, women were more likely than men to cut the time spent watching the news (p=0.002). Both genders declined research collaborations and speaking opportunities. Conclusions: Fatigue and dissatisfaction with work-life were prevalent among OP in Latin America. Higher rates of WR fatigue were seen in women, OP caring for patients with COVID-19, and OP with patients who experienced cancer care delays. Our data imply that OP may be a prime target for psychosocial support, particularly as current challenges will continue for the foreseen future. Baseline characteristics (N=704).[Table: see text]

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Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on rheumatology practice in Latin America

The Journal of Rheumatology ◽

10.3899/jrheum.201623 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. jrheum.201623

Author(s):

Daniel G. Fernández-Ávila ◽

Julián Barahona-Correa ◽

Diana Romero-Alvernia ◽

Sergio Kowalski ◽

Ana Sapag ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Latin America ◽

Latin American ◽

Online Survey ◽

Patient Adherence ◽

Median Number ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adherence To Medication ◽

The Impact ◽

Rheumatology Practice

Objective To describe the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Latin American rheumatologists from a professional, economic, and occupational point of view. Methods We conducted an observational cross-sectional study using an online survey sent to rheumatologists of each non-English-speaking country member of the Pan American League of Rheumatology Associations (PANLAR). A specific questionnaire was developed. Results Our survey included 1097 rheumatologists from 19 Latin American countries. Median (IQR) age of respondents was 48 (40-59) years and 618 (56.3%) were female. Duration of practice since graduation as rheumatologist was 17 years, and 585 (53.3%) were under 50 years of age. Most rheumatologists worked in private practice (81.8%) and almost half worked in institutional outpatient centers (55%) and in-patient care (49.9%). The median number of weekly hours (IQR) of face-to-face practice before the pandemic was 27 (15-40) but it was reduced to 10 (5- 20) during the pandemic. Telehealth was used by 866 (78.9%) respondents during the pandemic. Most common methods of communication were video calls (555; 50.6%), telephone calls (499; 45.5%) and WhatsApp voice calls (423; 38.6%). A reduction in monthly wages was reported by 946 (86.2%) respondents. Consultation fees also were reduced and 88 (8%) rheumatologists stated they had lost their jobs. A reduction in patient adherence to medication was reported by nearly 50% of respondents. Eighty-one (7.4%) rheumatologists received a COVID-19 diagnosis and 7 (8.6%) of them were hospitalized. Conclusion COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped rheumatology practice in Latin America and has had a profound impact on rheumatologists' behaviors and clinical practice.

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The Sovereign and its Shadow: Constituent Assembly and Indigenous Movement in Ecuador

Journal of Latin American Studies ◽

10.1017/s0022216x03006965 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 35 (4) ◽

pp. 721-750 ◽

Cited By ~ 54

Author(s):

ROBERT ANDOLINA

Keyword(s):

Latin America ◽

Latin American ◽

Latin American Politics ◽

Political Actors ◽

Constituent Assembly ◽

Institutional Politics ◽

Ideological Struggle ◽

Indigenous Movement ◽

The Impact ◽

Constitutive Principles

A crucial development in current Latin American politics is the growing involvement of indigenous movements in democracies grappling with the challenges of regime consolidation. This article examines how Ecuador's indigenous movement consecrated new rights and national constitutive principles in the 1997–8 constitutional assembly. It argues that the indigenous movement defined the legitimacy and purpose of the assembly through an ideological struggle with other political actors, in turn shaping the context and content of constitutional reforms in Ecuador. The article concludes that softening the boundary between ‘cultural politics’ and ‘institutional politics’ is necessary in order to understand the impact of social movements in Latin America.

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The role of sexual risk behaviors on PrEP awareness and interest among men who have sex with men in Latin America

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1177/0956462419825944 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (6) ◽

pp. 542-549 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Alberto Edeza ◽

Omar Galarraga ◽

David Novak ◽

Kenneth Mayer ◽

Joshua Rosenberger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Latin America ◽

Latin American ◽

Online Survey ◽

The United States ◽

Sexual Compulsivity ◽

Transactional Sex ◽

Behavioral Risk ◽

Hazardous Alcohol Use ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Prep Awareness

In Latin America, men who have sex with men (MSM) remain disproportionately impacted by HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention tool and has been FDA approved in the United States since 2012, but no Latin American state, with the recent exception of Brazil, has implemented PrEP guidelines. We carried out a multinational online survey of MSM in Latin America (n = 22698) in 2012 to assess whether MSM at highest risk of HIV acquisition (i.e., those engaging in condomless anal sex [CAS; n = 2606] and transactional sex [n = 1488]) had higher levels of awareness of PrEP, PrEP use and interest in participating in a PrEP trial. After adjusting for demographic and psychosocial characteristics including depressive symptoms, hazardous alcohol use, childhood sexual abuse, and sexual compulsivity, transactional sex and CAS were associated with increased PrEP awareness (aOR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.05–1.59, p < .001 and aOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.11–1.34, p < .001, respectively) and PrEP trial interest (aOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.25–1.71, p < .001 and aOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.57–1.95, p < .001, respectively). Findings demonstrate substantial awareness of and interest in PrEP among MSM with behavioral risk factors for HIV in Latin America, suggesting that this region is primed for PrEP implementation, which has been slow.

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Monetary integration issues in Latin America: A multivariate assessment

Panoeconomicus ◽

10.2298/pan0803279a ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 55 (3) ◽

pp. 279-308

Author(s):

Jean-Pierre Allegret ◽

Alain Sand-Zantman

Keyword(s):

Latin America ◽

Exchange Rate ◽

Business Cycles ◽

Latin American ◽

Monetary Union ◽

Monetary Integration ◽

Integration Process ◽

Common Shocks ◽

The Impact ◽

Latin American Countries

This paper assesses the monetary consequences of the Latin-American integration process. Over the period 1991-2007, we analyze a sample of five Latin-American countries focusing on the feasibility of a monetary union between L.A. economies. To this end, we study the issue of business cycle synchronization with the occurrence of common shocks. First, we assess the international disturbances influence on the domestic business cycles. Second, we analyze the impact of the adoption of different exchange rate regimes on the countries' responses to shocks. .

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A call to arms: time to do cognitive science in Latin America

International journal of psychological research ◽

10.21500/20112084.919 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 1 (2) ◽

pp. 41-52 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Fernando Marmolejo-Ramos

Keyword(s):

Latin America ◽

Cognitive Psychology ◽

Cognitive Science ◽

Latin American ◽

Science Research ◽

Chi Square ◽

World Region ◽

The World ◽

Social Organizational ◽

Research Domains

Previous theoretical reviews about the development of Psychology in Latin America suggest that Latin American psychology has a promising future. This paper empirically checks whether that status remains justified. In so doing, the frequency of programs/research domains in three salient psychological areas is assessed in Latin America and in two other regions of the world. A chi-square statistic is used to analyse the collected data. Programs/research domains and regions of the world are the independent variables and frequency of programs/research domains per world region is the dependent variable. Results suggest that whereas in Latin America the work on Social/Organizational Psychology is moving within expected parameters, there is a rather strong focus on Clinical/Psychoanalytical Psychology. Results also show that Experimental/Cognitive Psychology is much underestimated. In Asia, however, the focus on all areas of psychology seems to be distributed within expected parameters, whereas Europe outperforms regarding Experimental/Cognitive Psychology research. Potential reasons that contribute to Latin Americas situation are discussed and specific solutions are proposed. It is concluded that the scope of Experimental/Cognitive Psychology in Latin America should be broadened into a Cognitive Science research program.

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The Impact of the COVID-19 Epidemic on Orthodontic Patients in China: An Analysis of Posts on Weibo

Frontiers in Medicine ◽

10.3389/fmed.2020.577468 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

Author(s):

Feiyang Guo ◽

Bojun Tang ◽

Danchen Qin ◽

Tingting Zhao ◽

Yu-xiong Su ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dental Care ◽

Eastern China ◽

Chi Square ◽

Sina Weibo ◽

Care Services ◽

Orthodontic Patients ◽

Fixed Appliances ◽

Positive Feelings ◽

Negative Feelings ◽

The Impact

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many dental care services including orthodontic practice were suspended. Orthodontic patients turned to social media platforms to communicate, share experiences, and look for solutions. Our study aimed to investigate the attitudes and perspectives of orthodontic patients during the COVID-19 epidemic in China by analyzing orthodontics-related posts on Sina Weibo (a Chinese counterpart of Twitter).Materials and Methods: Potentially eligible posts on Sina Weibo platform were collected between December 30, 2019, and April 18, 2020. Posts related to both orthodontics and COVID-19 were included and then coded and classified into specific appliances and themes. Geographic and temporal distributions of the included posts were analyzed. In addition, time-lagged cross correlation was performed to explore the association between the number of daily posts and daily new COVID-19 cases/deaths in China. Chi-square tests were employed to compare the differences between fixed appliances and aligners in problems/difficulties and feelings during the epidemic.Results: Of the 28,911 posts identified, 4,484 were included in the analysis. The most frequently mentioned themes were appointments (n = 2,621, 58.5%), negative feelings (n = 2,189, 48.8%), and problems/difficulties (n = 1,155, 25.8%). A majority of posts were tweeted in regions with high levels of economic development and population density in eastern China and from February to March. The number of daily posts had a significantly positive correlation with daily new COVID-19 cases/deaths in China (P < 0.05). Compared with clear aligners, patients with fixed appliances reported more problems/difficulties (P < 0.001) and negative feelings (P < 0.001), but fewer positive feelings (P < 0.001).Conclusions: The analysis of Weibo posts provided a timely understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on orthodontic patients. Delayed appointments were their greatest concern, and negative feelings and untreated orthodontic problems increased during the suspension of dental care services. However, patients with clear aligners reported fewer negative feelings and problems than those with fixed appliances. The findings highlighted the need to consider both treatment- and psychology-related issues of orthodontic patients and how to handle them appropriately during the epidemic.

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Developing obstetric medicine training in Latin America

Obstetric Medicine ◽

10.1177/1753495x16684708 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 16-20 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

José Rojas-Suarez ◽

Niza Suarez ◽

Oier Ateka-Barrutia

Keyword(s):

Latin America ◽

Maternal Mortality ◽

Latin American ◽

Low Income ◽

Morbidity And Mortality ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Important Indicator ◽

Obstetric Medicine ◽

The Impact ◽

In Pregnancy

Maternal mortality is an important indicator of health in populations around the world. The distribution of maternal mortality ratio globally shows that middle- and low-income countries have ∼99% of the mortality burden. Most countries of Latin America are considered to be middle- or low-income countries, as well as areas of major inequities among the different social classes. Medical problems in pregnancy remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in this region. Previous data indicate the need for a call to action for adequate diagnosis and care of medical diseases in obstetric care. The impact of nonobstetric and medical pathologies on maternal mortality in Latin America is largely unknown. In Latin America, two educational initiatives have been proposed to improve skills in maternity care. The Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO®) was first started to address obstetric emergencies, and subsequently adapted for low-middle-income country settings as the Global ALSO®. In parallel, the Latin American obstetric anesthesia community has progressively focused on improvement of several intrapartum/intraoperative issues, which has secondarily taken them to embrace the obstetric medicine area on interest and join the former initiatives. In the present review, we summarize the available data regarding medical morbidity and mortality in pregnancy in Latin America, as well as the challenges, achievements, issues, initiatives, and future directions encouraging maternal health educators, health care trainers, and physicians in middle- and low-income countries, such as many Latin American ones, to improve and/or change attitudes, if needed, on current clinical practice.

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Sociodemographic Characteristics of Mission of Mercy Attendees in Wisconsin

JDR Clinical & Translational Research ◽

10.1177/2380084419859846 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 127-132

Author(s):

C. Okunseri ◽

E. Eggert ◽

C. Zheng ◽

F. Eichmiller ◽

E. Okunseri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dental Care ◽

Dental Health ◽

The United States ◽

County Level ◽

Chi Square ◽

Access To Dental Care ◽

Event Location ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Population Ratio ◽

The Impact

Objective: Mission of Mercy (MoM) events are scheduled to provide care to populations suffering from urgent needs and inadequate access to dental care in the United States. This study examined individual and county-level characteristics of MoM attendees and the factors associated with changes in the rate of attendance. Methods: Deidentified archival data for MoM events available from the America’s Dentists Care Foundation (2013–2016) were analyzed. Summary statistics were calculated separately for each year. Chi-square test was performed to identify changes in attendance distribution over time. Poisson regression analyses were conducted to test changes in the rate of attendance with and without adjustment for county-level characteristics and history of prior MoM events. Results: Total numbers of attendees at Wisconsin MoM events were 1,560, 1,635, 1,187, and 951 in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively. Attendees were mostly female (>50%) and White (58%–81%), and mean age ranged between 36.5 and 39.2 y. The average travel distance ranged between 27 and 80 miles. Residents of counties where MoM events were held in previous years were more likely to attend another MoM event after adjusting for county distance to current location. After adjusting for dentists-to-population ratio, event history, and county distance to event location, we found that there was no statistically significant change in the rate of attendance from 2013 to 2016. Conclusions: Previous attendees with experience of attending a MoM event in their counties of residence were more likely to attend another MoM event. Higher rates of attendance were associated with shorter travel distances to MoM events. Knowledge Transfer Statement: The Mission of Mercy (MoM) events are promoted by local dental organizations to highlight the issue of access to dental care and bring greater awareness to the problem by providing urgent dental care to populations in need. Through the data-sharing practices and analyses, policy makers, dental health advocates, and program organizers will have a better understanding of the impact and reach of the program. Findings from this study will help to expand program practices, promote efficiency, and aid in the identification of appropriate event locations, innovative strategies, and public policies relevant to addressing access to dental care.

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