Magdalena Del Rosario Quepuy-Izarra, Silvana Zapata-Bedoya, José Enrique Pérez-Lu, Patricia Arce, José Villanueva, Maureen Elizabeth Birmingham, Marcos Brevé, Karem Patricia Salinas-Camus, Tessa Lennemann, Piedad Huerta-Arneros, Marcelo D'Agostino, Martha Velandia
{"title":"[Transforming vaccination brigades with an offline digital app: evidence from the Peruvian Amazon, 2025Transformando as brigadas de vacinação por meio de um aplicativo digital sem conexão com a internet: evidências da Amazônia peruana, 2025].","authors":"Magdalena Del Rosario Quepuy-Izarra, Silvana Zapata-Bedoya, José Enrique Pérez-Lu, Patricia Arce, José Villanueva, Maureen Elizabeth Birmingham, Marcos Brevé, Karem Patricia Salinas-Camus, Tessa Lennemann, Piedad Huerta-Arneros, Marcelo D'Agostino, Martha Velandia","doi":"10.26633/RPSP.2026.84","DOIUrl":"10.26633/RPSP.2026.84","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To compare the performance of paper-based record-keeping versus an offline digital app when used by vaccination brigades in Indigenous communities in the Peruvian Amazon in 2025, considering four dimensions: operational efficiency, data quality, usability, and acceptance. Secondarily, to identify distinct user profiles.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Mixed-methods comparative study based on 758 timed records (app = 429; paper = 329) and 30 structured surveys of vaccination brigade staff. Descriptive statistics, bivariate tests, and generalized linear models (GLM, Poisson and Gamma) with 95% CIs were used to measure times. The qualitative component included open-ended testimonials and AI-assisted thematic analysis, organized according to the model proposed by Sittig and Singh. Finally, cluster analysis was conducted to identify user typologies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The time per record was shorter with the app (3.21 vs. 4.61 min; -30.4%), with a consistent effect across the models (Poisson: 95%CI 0.289-0.435; gamma: 0.234-0.491). The app improved data quality through validation (perceived positively by 100% of users) and demonstrated high usability and acceptance, especially among users more familiar with technology. Cluster analysis identified three user profiles (receptive, hybrid, and cautious), highlighting the influence of technological age, training, and geographic context on app uptake.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Use of the offline app improved operational efficiency, data quality, and acceptance among vaccination brigades. The user adoption profiles identified enable development of tailored strategies and should help strengthen training, optimize technical support, and facilitate the implementation of hybrid systems in low-connectivity settings, with the potential to scale up for nationwide vaccination efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":21264,"journal":{"name":"Revista Panamericana De Salud Publica-pan American Journal of Public Health","volume":"50 ","pages":"e84"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13564478/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148956438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Florencia Mansilla, Vanesa G Rodríguez, Guillermo Ezcurra, María C Carlino, Analía Chumpitaz
{"title":"[Implementation of the HEARTS Strategy in primary healthcare centers in the southern region of Santa Fe, Argentina, 2024-2025Implementação da estratégia HEARTS em estabelecimentos de atenção primária à saúde na região sul de Santa Fe, Argentina, 2024-2025].","authors":"Florencia Mansilla, Vanesa G Rodríguez, Guillermo Ezcurra, María C Carlino, Analía Chumpitaz","doi":"10.26633/RPSP.2026.89","DOIUrl":"10.26633/RPSP.2026.89","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In line with national trends, and given the high prevalence of hypertension and gaps in the registration of noncommunicable diseases in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina, the HEARTS strategy was implemented to strengthen hypertension management and cardiovascular disease prevention in primary care settings. During the 2024-2025 period, 16 public health centers in the Southern region were selected. A situational assessment was conducted through analysis of local data and use of a structured intervention registry to identify resources, training, and care processes.All centers established territorial working groups, ensured the availability of essential medications, and adopted validated blood pressure monitors and proper measurement technique. Local strategies were established, such as laboratory alerts, collective interventions, and implementation of clinical pathways.The HEARTS strategy facilitated team engagement and interdisciplinary work. Although challenges remain regarding supply logistics and patient adherence to collective interventions, the model enabled optimization of local management of noncommunicable diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":21264,"journal":{"name":"Revista Panamericana De Salud Publica-pan American Journal of Public Health","volume":"50 ","pages":"e89"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13564479/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148956453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hypertension control within the HEARTS program of south-west Trinidad: a longitudinal mixed-effects analysis.","authors":"Gavaskar Ramnanansingh, Alicia Alessandra Hankey, Christopher Chang, Esther Shirley Daniel, Rajesh Lakhan","doi":"10.26633/RPSP.2026.87","DOIUrl":"10.26633/RPSP.2026.87","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To describe blood pressure trajectories and hypertension control among patients enrolled in the HEARTS program in south-west Trinidad.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective longitudinal cohort study used routinely collected HEARTS program data from 31 public primary health centers in the South-West Regional Health Authority, Trinidad and Tobago. Eligible patients initiated HEARTS between 1 April and 31 October 2023, with a baseline program record and at least one follow-up blood pressure measurement. Follow-up was categorized as month-1 to month-5. McNemar's test assessed paired baseline versus month-5 control status; linear and generalized linear mixed-effects models assessed blood pressure trajectories and hypertension control.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analytic cohort included 548 patients; 63.3% were female and mean age was 61.4 ± 11.0 years. At baseline, 80.7% had uncontrolled hypertension. Mean baseline systolic blood pressure was 155 ± 22 mmHg and diastolic 86 ± 14 mmHg. Among 502 patients with paired baseline and month-5 data, more patients transitioned from uncontrolled to controlled hypertension than the reverse (70 vs 41; McNemar OR 1.71, 95% CI [1.16, 2.51], <i>p</i> = 0.006). In mixed-effects analyses, month was associated with lower systolic blood pressure. Odds of hypertension control were higher at month-2 and month-5 relative to baseline, while higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with lower odds of control.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Among patients with available follow-up data, the HEARTS program was associated with improved hypertension control in routine primary care, while higher BMI was associated with lower odds of control. These findings should be interpreted as observational program outcomes rather than evidence of a causal program effect.</p>","PeriodicalId":21264,"journal":{"name":"Revista Panamericana De Salud Publica-pan American Journal of Public Health","volume":"50 ","pages":"e87"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13564477/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148956478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ian Richard Hambleton, Britta Baer, Ricardo Pérez-Núñez, Selvi Jeyaseelan, Roberta Caixeta, Silvana Luciani, Ramon Martinez, Anselm Hennis
{"title":"Inequalities in injury burden in the Americas, 2000-2021: A systematic analysis.","authors":"Ian Richard Hambleton, Britta Baer, Ricardo Pérez-Núñez, Selvi Jeyaseelan, Roberta Caixeta, Silvana Luciani, Ramon Martinez, Anselm Hennis","doi":"10.26633/RPSP.2026.64","DOIUrl":"10.26633/RPSP.2026.64","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess mortality and disability due to injuries in the Americas, with a focus on subregional and gender disparities, and changes over time.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from the 2021 World Health Organization Global Health Estimates were analyzed, covering all injury causes (ICD-10: V01-Y89) across 35 countries in the Americas from 2000 to 2021. Age-standardized mortality and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates were calculated by sex, cause, and subregion. Inequalities were quantified using absolute differences, relative ratios, and the index of disparity (IDisp).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In 2021, injuries caused over 662 000 deaths and 40.6 million DALYs in the Americas, with men accounting for nearly three-quarters of the burden. While age-standardized injury rates declined in most subregions, marked inequalities persisted. Interpersonal violence was the leading cause of injury-related mortality and disability, followed by road injuries, especially among men and boys aged 15-39 years. Self-harm increased substantially in both sexes, and falls rose in association with population aging. Interpersonal violence and drowning showed the highest between-country disparities, with IDisp values of 85.3 and 88.9, respectively, in 2021.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Although some progress has been made in reducing injury burden in parts of the Americas, substantial challenges, including in some cases widening inequalities, remain. A renewed commitment to violence and injury prevention - rooted in equity, intersectoral action, and regional collaboration - is essential to reducing avoidable harms across the life course.</p>","PeriodicalId":21264,"journal":{"name":"Revista Panamericana De Salud Publica-pan American Journal of Public Health","volume":"50 ","pages":"e64"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13528679/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148866564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"[Advanced chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease in Latin America: Gaps in continuity of care, the strategic role of kidney transplantation, and challenges for health governanceDoença renal crônica avançada e terminal na América Latina: lacunas no continuum de cuidados, papel estratégico do transplante renal e desafios para a governança em saúde].","authors":"Natalia Grinblat, Ana Menjívar, Mauricio Beltrán","doi":"10.26633/RPSP.2026.65","DOIUrl":"10.26633/RPSP.2026.65","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To describe the epidemiological and health care situation of advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Latin America; identify strengths and gaps in early detection, referral, and access to and coverage of renal replacement therapies (RRTs); contextualize these findings in light of the recent WHO Resolution WHA78.6 on kidney health and propose recommendations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A special report was prepared using a structured narrative approach based on a descriptive and comparative analysis of regional and global secondary data sources published over the past six years. Information was organized into four categories: 1) timely detection and referral; 2) access to and cost of RRTs;3) mortality and structural inequalities; and 4) availability and quality of national registries.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Latin America has a high prevalence of CKD and CKD-associated mortality that exceeds the global average, accompanied by marked disparities, deficiencies in timely referral to nephrology services, and a high proportion of unplanned dialysis initiations. Hemodialysis is far more common than peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation, even though the latter is the most cost-effective option and yields the best outcomes in terms of survival and quality of life. There are limitations in financial coverage and in the availability of comprehensive national registries.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings highlight persistent structural shortcomings in kidney care across Latin America while also providing a basis for the development of specific, prioritized recommendations. The evidence reviewed underscores the need to strengthen kidney health governance, improve early detection and timely referral, ensure equitable and sustainable access to RRTs, strategically prioritize kidney transplantation, and consolidate interoperable information systems as a foundation for reducing mortality and inequality across the Region.</p>","PeriodicalId":21264,"journal":{"name":"Revista Panamericana De Salud Publica-pan American Journal of Public Health","volume":"50 ","pages":"e65"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13528681/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148866455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marmol Lissette, Liliana Vásquez, Carmen Guerrero, Nilda Villacrés, Daniel A Antiporta, Manuel Lavayen, Karina Meza, Paola Solís, David Santana, Ricardo Solís, María Del Carmen Trujillo, Gema Solórzano, Lorena Sánchez, Doris Calle, Diana Bonilla, Gissela Sanchez, Luis Espin, Enmanuel Guerrero, Richar Cedeño, Soledad Jimenez, Araceli Morales, Toby Kasper, Santiago Millan, Pablo Alcocer, Christopher Lim, Mauricio Maza, Silvana Luciani, Carlos Rodríguez-Galindo, Sonia Quezada
{"title":"Transforming pediatric oncology in Ecuador through the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines.","authors":"Marmol Lissette, Liliana Vásquez, Carmen Guerrero, Nilda Villacrés, Daniel A Antiporta, Manuel Lavayen, Karina Meza, Paola Solís, David Santana, Ricardo Solís, María Del Carmen Trujillo, Gema Solórzano, Lorena Sánchez, Doris Calle, Diana Bonilla, Gissela Sanchez, Luis Espin, Enmanuel Guerrero, Richar Cedeño, Soledad Jimenez, Araceli Morales, Toby Kasper, Santiago Millan, Pablo Alcocer, Christopher Lim, Mauricio Maza, Silvana Luciani, Carlos Rodríguez-Galindo, Sonia Quezada","doi":"10.26633/RPSP.2026.74","DOIUrl":"10.26633/RPSP.2026.74","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Childhood cancer survival exceeds 80% in high-income countries but remains below 50% across much of Latin America. In Ecuador, limited access to diagnosis and essential medicines, and fragmented governance have hindered progress. In 2025, Ecuador became the first country in the Region of the Americas to implement the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, an initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to ensure equitable access to quality medicines while strengthening health systems.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Between 2023 and 2025, Ecuador's Ministry of Public Health, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), WHO and St. Jude codesigned a participatory implementation plan. A national situational analysis guided the 2024-2026 roadmap and focused on governance, regulatory alignment, supply-chain optimization and workforce capacity. Key operational tools included medicine forecasting and quantification methodologies, developing standardized treatment protocols, and coordinating with the immunization program's cold-chain infrastructure.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The initiative catalyzed the creation of the National Commission for Childhood and Adolescent Cancer, integration of all prioritized oncology medicines into the national formulary, and consensus in national treatment protocols. Strengthened logistics reduced delivery times for medicines to less than 96 hours, and chemotherapy management training established a foundation for continuing education. Ecuador became the first country in the Region to receive medicines for childhood cancer procured through the Global Platform.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Implementation of the Global Platform in Ecuador has strengthened pediatric oncology and positioned it as a national health priority. By coupling medicine access with systemic reform, Ecuador has demonstrated that collaborative governance, intersectoral coordination and political commitment can build sustainable capacity to deliver equitable childhood cancer care.</p>","PeriodicalId":21264,"journal":{"name":"Revista Panamericana De Salud Publica-pan American Journal of Public Health","volume":"50 ","pages":"e74"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13528676/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148866571","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kerry-Ann Renaud-Thomas, Larissa Mark, Camille Isaac, Taraleen Malcolm, Shawn Charles
{"title":"Strengthening access to antihypertensive medicines through HEARTS in the Americas: the Grenada experience.","authors":"Kerry-Ann Renaud-Thomas, Larissa Mark, Camille Isaac, Taraleen Malcolm, Shawn Charles","doi":"10.26633/RPSP.2026.76","DOIUrl":"10.26633/RPSP.2026.76","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To describe how Grenada leveraged the HEARTS in the Americas standardized clinical pathway to strengthen procurement of a single-pill fixed-dose antihypertensive and align prescribing and procurement across public and private sectors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Grenada adopted a national hypertension clinical pathway specifying a single-pill fixed-dose combination of telmisartan/amlodipine with chlorthalidone as preferred therapy. Implementation strategies included integration of pathway medicines into the essential medicines list and procurement systems; engagement of clinical and procurement leadership; dissemination to private providers; and engagement with private pharmacies. A descriptive analysis was conducted using predefined indicators aligned with adoption, feasibility, acceptability, and public-private alignment using survey data, program documents, procurement records, and routine reports.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Integration of the standardized regimen into procurement processes supported availability of telmisartan/amlodipine and chlorthalidone in public primary care facilities, although supply gaps persisted. Adoption of a single national pathway supported standardized prescribing, forecasting, and centralized procurement. Dissemination to private clinicians and pharmacies contributed to uptake in the private sector, with pharmacies independently procuring pathway medicines, supporting continuity of care across sectors, although alignment remained incomplete. Facilitators included early stakeholder engagement, alignment between clinical and procurement leadership, and regimen simplification. Limitations included data system gaps and supply chain constraints.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A standardized clinical pathway can strengthen procurement and promote public-private alignment in hypertension care. Addressing supply chain constraints remains essential for sustained access and continuity of treatment, with lessons applicable to other small island developing states implementing HEARTS.</p>","PeriodicalId":21264,"journal":{"name":"Revista Panamericana De Salud Publica-pan American Journal of Public Health","volume":"50 ","pages":"e76"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13528680/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148866593","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Multisectoral action to prevent noncommunicable diseases in Saint Lucia.","authors":"Shana Philbert, Eden H Augustus, Taraleen Malcolm","doi":"10.26633/RPSP.2026.56","DOIUrl":"10.26633/RPSP.2026.56","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for approximately 80% of annual mortality in Saint Lucia, with the results of national World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance surveys in 2012 and 2020 indicating increasing prevalences of hypertension, obesity and physical inactivity. In response, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition launched the St. Lucia Moves Initiative in 2022, aligned with the Caribbean Moves framework and WHO's Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2013-2030. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation, reach, and early outcomes of the Initiative.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed-methods approach was used to assess program implementation and engagement. This approach combined quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Initiative's reach, visibility and multisectoral integration. The study was guided by the socioecological model of health promotion, which informed both the analytical framework and the interpretation of findings across all levels.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Key achievements included increased public awareness of physical activity and wellness, broad cross-sectoral participation, and widespread engagement in fitness walks, media campaigns, school-based activities, and integration of the St. Lucia Moves Initiative into national cultural events. Although at the beginning, awareness of the Initiative was limited, it evolved into a recognized national movement within 2 years, supported by collaboration among government, civil society and community groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Implementation of the St. Lucia Moves Initiative demonstrates the potential of evidence-based, multisectoral strategies to address the growing burden of NCDs. The program highlights the importance of strong leadership, phased implementation and youth engagement in promoting behavior change. The Initiative provides a promising model for small island developing states seeking to implement coordinated, data-driven approaches to reduce NCD risk factors and improve population health.</p>","PeriodicalId":21264,"journal":{"name":"Revista Panamericana De Salud Publica-pan American Journal of Public Health","volume":"50 ","pages":"e56"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13528678/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148866546","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Santiago Torroba, Hilario Bielsa, Nasim Iusef Venturini, Manuel Requejo, Julieta Arilla, Martín Pont Verges
{"title":"Economic impact of standardized hypertension treatment on household income in Argentina: a longitudinal analysis, 2019-2024.","authors":"Santiago Torroba, Hilario Bielsa, Nasim Iusef Venturini, Manuel Requejo, Julieta Arilla, Martín Pont Verges","doi":"10.26633/RPSP.2026.79","DOIUrl":"10.26633/RPSP.2026.79","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To estimate the economic impact of standard pharmacological treatment for hypertension on a typical household in Argentina using a new indicator relating treatment costs to household income.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A longitudinal study was conducted from December 2019 to December 2024. The standard Argentine antihypertensive treatment (amlodipine 5 mg and losartan 50 mg) was selected. Retail prices of these drugs, both as single-drug combinations and fixed-dose combinations, were obtained from the publicly available Kairos database. The Standard Treatment Economic Impact Index was developed to express monthly out-of-pocket expenditure as a proportion of the total basic basket published by Argentina's National Institute of Statistics and Censuses. Analyses were stratified by household health coverage status - with or without formal coverage.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Marked differences were seen in household costs by coverage status. Among households with health coverage, antihypertensive treatment costs represented 2.04%-3.39% of the total basic basket, placing expenditure below catastrophic health expenditure thresholds throughout the study. For households without health coverage, the index ranged from 6.81% to 11.31% of the total basic basket, which was above at least one of the catastrophic health expenditure thresholds used, and sometimes above both. Throughout the study, single-drug combinations were more expensive than fixed-dose combinations.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings indicate a substantial financial burden for families without formal health coverage when accessing essential antihypertensive therapy. By focusing on treatment affordability rather than total household expenditure, the index may help anticipate and prevent future catastrophic health spending, particularly among uninsured populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":21264,"journal":{"name":"Revista Panamericana De Salud Publica-pan American Journal of Public Health","volume":"50 ","pages":"e79"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13528677/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148866437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Erratum: The Revista Panamericana de Salud Pública/Pan American Journal of Public Health draws readers' attention to an unintentional error in the following article.","authors":"","doi":"10.26633/RPSP.2026.69","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2026.69","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This corrects the article DOI: 10.26633/RPSP.2021.138.].</p>","PeriodicalId":21264,"journal":{"name":"Revista Panamericana De Salud Publica-pan American Journal of Public Health","volume":"50 ","pages":"e69"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13496273/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148797468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}