| 1. |
- Laux, Timothy S, et al.
(författare)
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Nicaragua revisited : evidence of lower prevalence of chronic kidney disease in a high-altitude, coffee-growing village
- 2012
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Ingår i: JN. Journal of Nephrology (Milano. 1992). - : SAGE Publications. - 1121-8428 .- 1724-6059. ; 25:4, s. 533-540
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is found at epidemic levels in certain populations of the Pacific Coast in northwestern Nicaragua especially in younger men. There are knowledge gaps concerning CKD's prevalence in regions at higher altitudes.METHODS: A cross-sectional study of adults between the ages of 20 and 60 years in 1 coffee-growing village in Nicaragua located at 1,000 m above sea level (MASL) altitude was performed. Predictors included participant sex, age, occupation, conventional CKD risk factors and other factors associated with CKD suggested by previous surveys in Central America. Outcomes included serum creatinine (SCr) values >1.2 mg/dL for men and >0.9 mg/dL for women, estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, dipstick proteinuria stratified as microalbuminuria (30-300 mg/dL) and macroalbuminuria (>300 mg/dL), hypertension and body mass index.RESULTS: Of 324 eligible participants, 293 were interviewed (90.4%), and 267 of those received the physical exam (82.4% overall). Of the sample, 45% were men. Prevalence rate of estimated GFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 was 0 for men (0%) and 2 for women (1.4%). The prevalence of at least microalbuminuria was significantly higher among men compared with women (27.5% vs. 21.4%, respectively; p=0.02).CONCLUSIONS: The CKD prevalence in this village is comparable to a previously studied Nicaraguan coffee-farming region and much lower than previously screened portions of northwestern Nicaragua. There is heterogeneity in CKD prevalence across Nicaragua. At this time, screenings should target individuals living in previously identified, higher risk regions. More work is needed to understand determinants of CKD in this resource-poor nation.
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| 2. |
- Pérez, Wilton, 1979-
(författare)
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Millennium Development Goals in Nicaragua : Analysing progress, social inequalities, and community actions
- 2012
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The world has made important efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) by 2015. However, it is still insufficient and inequalities prevail in the poorest settings. We tracked selected MDG, barriers for their achievement, and community actions that help to accelerate the pace of their accomplishment in two Nicaraguan communities (León and Cuatro Santos).In the first two studies we track the progress of MDG4 (reduce child mortality) using the under-five mortality rate. Inequalities in mortality were mainly assessed by means of maternal education, but other social stratifications were performed on rural-urban residence and sub-regional comparisons between both communities. The last two studies describe community interventions in Cuatro Santos and their association with progress toward MDG1 (poverty reduction). Participation in interventions and poverty were visualized geographically in this remote rural community between 2004 and 2009. Other selected MDG targets were also tracked.These communities will possibly meet MDG4 even before 2015. In León, MDG progress has been accompanied by a decline in child mortality. Despite social inequalities with regard to mortality persisting in education and places of residence, these have decreased. However, it is crucial to reduce neonatal mortality if MDG4 is to be achieved. For example, in León the percentage of under-five deaths in the neonatal period has doubled from 1970 to 2005. In the remote rural area of Cuatro Santos, progress has been accelerated and no child mortality differences were observed despite the level of a mother’s education.Cuatro Santos has also progressed in the reduction of poverty and extreme poverty. The participation of the population in such community interventions as microcredit, home gardening, technical training, safe drinking water, and latrines has increased. Microcredit was an intervention that was unequally distributed in this rural area, where participation was lower in poor and extremely poor households than in non-poor households. In those households that transitioned from poor to non-poor status, microcredit, home gardening, and technical training were associated with this transition. Furthermore spatial analysis revealed that clusters of low participation in interventions overlapped with clusters of high poverty households.
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| 3. |
- Ugarte Guevara, William J., 1979-
(författare)
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Averting HIV and AIDS epidemic in Nicaragua : Studies of prevalence, knowledge, attitudes, and behavior
- 2012
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The overall aim of this thesis was to obtain an understanding of the dynamics of the HIV epidemic by estimating prevalence and exploring the relationship between HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, behavior, and HIV status in Nicaragua. Structured questionnaires were administered to adults from a health and demographic surveillance system in León, Nicaragua (Papers I–III). In-depth interviews and a survey were conducted among men who have sex with men (MSM, Paper IV). Blood sampling for HIV was carried out among 2,204 men and women (Paper I). Bivariate and multivariate analyses, including adjusted prevalence ratio (Papers I, II, IV), factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, and hierarchical regression analysis (Paper III) were performed. Thematic analysis was used with qualitative data (Paper IV).The prevalence of HIV in the general population was 0.35% (95% CI, 0.17–0.73). Those who have taken a HIV test were more likely to be females, younger, living in an urban setting, have a higher level of education, be married or cohabiting, and have no religious affiliation. HIV-related knowledge was lower among members of the general population than among MSM. Unprotected sex was reported more times with regular partners than with casual partners. Findings suggested that consistency of condom use and emotional attachment (steady relations) were inversely related. Stigma and discrimination were reported high in the general population; they appeared to be negatively associated with HIV-related knowledge, self-perception of HIV risk, HIV testing, and willingness to disclose HIV status in the event of being HIV-positive. Findings demonstrated an increasing tolerance towards same-sex attractions. MSM have a better understanding of HIV transmission than men and women of the general population. Although seven out of ten MSM and six out of ten women were concerned about becoming infected with HIV, inconsistent condom use was common.This study confirmed that Nicaragua has a low prevalence but high risk for HIV infection and transmission. Results underscore that social, behavioral, and cultural factors contribute to retard progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals on reducing gender inequality and combating HIV/AIDS. Addressing these challenges depends not only on successful behavior change interventions, but requires a culturally gender-appropriate strategy.
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| 4. |
- Ugarte, William J., 1979-, et al.
(författare)
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Measuring HIV- and AIDS-related stigma and discrimination in Nicaragua : Results from a community-based study
- 2013
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Ingår i: AIDS Education and Prevention. - : Guilford Publications. - 0899-9546 .- 1943-2755. ; 25:2, s. 164-178
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Psychometric properties of external HIV-related stigma and discrimination scales and their predictors were investigated. A cross-sectional community-based study was carried out among 520 participants using an ongoing health and demographic surveillance system in León, Nicaragua. Participants completed an 18-item HIV stigma scale and 19 HIV and AIDS discrimination-related statements. A factor analysis found that 15 of the 18 items in the stigma scale and 18 of the 19 items in the discrimination scale loaded clearly into five- and four-factor structures, respectively. Overall Cronbach’s alpha of .81 for the HIV stigma scale and .91 for the HIV discrimination scale provided evidence of internal consistency. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis identified that females, rural residents, people with insufficient HIV-related transmission knowledge, those not tested for HIV, those reporting an elevated self-perception of HIV risk, and those unwilling to disclose their HIV status were associated with higher stigmatizing attitudes and higher discriminatory actions towards HIV-positive people. This is the first community-based study in Nicaragua that demonstrates that overall HIV stigma and discrimination scales were reliable and valid in a community-based sample comprised of men and women of reproductive age. Stigma and discrimination were reported high in the general population, especially among sub-groups. The findings in the current study suggest Community-based strategies, including the monitoring of stigma and discrimination, and designing and implementing stigma reduction interventions, are greatly needed to reduce inequities and increase acceptance of persons with HIV.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Ugarte, William J., et al.
(författare)
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Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to HIV and AIDS in Nicaragua : A community-level perspective
- 2013
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Ingår i: Sexual & Reproductive HealthCare. - : Elsevier BV. - 1877-5756 .- 1877-5764. ; 4:1, s. 37-44
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background:Nicaragua's HIV epidemic is concentrated among men who have sex with men.Nevertheless, the increasing number of HIV cases among heterosexuals, high levels of poverty andmigration rates, and incomplete epidemiological data suggest the need to improve the understanding of the epidemic.Objective:To examine the prevalence of HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and sexual rsik-taking behaviors, and their predictors among the adult population.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2009 among 520 participants ages 15 to 49 from an ongoing Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Nicaragua. Bivariate analysis and adjusted prevalence ratios were use to examine factors associated with HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and sexual behavior.Results: Contributing factors for risk-taking behaviors included cognitive, psychosocial, and emotional elements. Insufficient knowledge affecting the accurate assessment of HIV risk were low educational level, poverty, and rural origin, especially among females. Recognizing risk was not sufficient to promote safer sex: 90% of the females and 70% of the males who reported being sexually active in the past year did not use condoms during their last sexual encounter. Inconsistent condom use among men was associated with older age, long-term relationships, and lack of awareness about acquiring HIV infection.Conclusions:Interventions to reduce social-structural contextual factors in Nicaragua are needed so that individuals may adopt and maintain HIV risk reduction strategies. Increased gender-specific HIV education and skills-building programs need to be implemented. Sensitive mass media messages may also increase the knowledge of HIV and AIDS, and serve to encourage protective attitudes and behaviors.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Ugarte Guevara, William J., et al.
(författare)
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Sexuality and Risk Behavior among Men Who have Sex with Men in León, Nicaragua : A Mixed Methods Approach
- 2012
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Ingår i: Journal of Sexual Medicine. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1743-6095 .- 1743-6109. ; 9:6, s. 1634-1648
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction.HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) is 38 times higher than among the general population in Nicaragua. There are little data about the sexuality and sexual behaviors of MSM. It is essential to gain a better understanding of this understudied population.Aims.The nature of sexual relationships among MSM, their reasons for engaging in risky sexual behaviors, and the sociocultural context in Leon, Nicaragua, were investigated through in-depth interviews. Our findings resulted in a structured overview of sociodemographic characteristics and HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and risk behaviors.Methods.Fifteen participants recruited by purposive sampling completed an in-depth interview that was then thematically analyzed. An additional 104 participants were surveyed by means of an interviewer-administered questionnaire.Main Outcome Measures.The in-depth interview guide and the survey covered topics related to sociodemographics, childhood, social and sexual relationships, knowledge and attitudes toward HIV and AIDS, identity, and networks.Results.The resulting ecological model explored sexuality and behaviors in four categories. It showed that despite a homophobic and heterosexist society, there is an increasing gay community and greater social acceptance of homosexuality. Nevertheless, interpersonal and intrapersonal factors continue to negatively influence MSM behavior. Quantitative findings demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of HIV transmission among this population, 75% of whom reported concerns of becoming infected with HIV in the future. Approximately one-half claimed that they always used condoms when having sex with men, but only one-third of the time with women, indicating inconsistent condom use. Negative attitudes toward HIV/AIDS were seldom heard.Conclusions.This study is the first mixed methods approach in a Nicaraguan context that shows the interrelations among sex, sexuality, and identity at various levels of MSM life, and how they influence the sexual risk behaviors of individuals. Engaging in unprotected sex and postponing HIV testing are seen as cognitive dissonances.
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| 9. |
- Laux, Timothy S., et al.
(författare)
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Revalence of hypertension and associated risk factors in six nicaraguan communities
- 2012
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Ingår i: Ethnicity & Disease. - 1049-510X. ; 22:2, s. 129-135
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Objective: Describe the prevalence of hypertension. Design: Population based cross-sectional survey. Setting: Six Nicaraguan communities with varying economies. Participants: 1,355 adults aged 20-60 years who completed both self-reported and quantitative measures of health. Main Outcome Measures: Prevalence of hypertension (systolic >= 140 mm Hg, diastolic >= 90 mm Hg, or self-reported medical history with diagnosis by a health care professional), uncontrolled hypertension (systolic >= 140 mm Hg or diastolic >= 90 mm Hg), diabetes (urinary glucose excretion >= 100 mg/dL or self-reported medical history diagnosed by a health care professional), and uncontrolled diabetes (urinary glucose excretion >= 100 mg/dL only). Results: The prevalence of hypertension was 22.0% (19.2% in men, 24.2% in women). Blood pressure was controlled in 31.0% of male hypertensives and 55.1% of female hypertensives (odds ratio [OR] 2.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.74-4.69). Older age and higher body mass index were strongly associated with hypertension. Women who completed primary school had a lower risk of hypertension (OR .40; 95% CI .19-.85) compared to those with no formal education. A history of living in both urban and rural settings was associated with lower prevalence of hypertension (OR .52; 95% CI .34-.79). Diabetes mellitus was found in 1.2% of men and 4.3% of women. Male sex was independently associated with decreased risk of diabetes (OR .31; 95% CI .11-.86). Conclusions: At least one cardiovascular risk factor was found in half of this Nicaraguan sample. Cardiovascular risk factors should be the target of educational efforts, screening, and treatment.
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| 10. |
- Salazar, Mariano, 1976-, et al.
(författare)
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Intimate partner violence and early child growth : a community-based cohort study in Nicaragua
- 2012
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Ingår i: BMC Pediatrics. - : BioMed Central. - 1471-2431 .- 1471-2431. ; 12
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: This study analyses whether a mother's exposure to different forms of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) during pregnancy was associated with the index child linear growth, and whether these associations were modified by the gender of the child.Methods: A pregnancy cohort of 478 women in Leon, Nicaragua, resulted in 461 live births. From this group, 81% (375/461) children were available for anthropometric follow-up at 40 to 46 months. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to assess the association between IPV and height-for-age Z-scores, adjusting for confounding factors.Results: Sixty-three percent (236/375) of the mothers had been exposed to some form of IPV during pregnancy (emotional, physical, sexual or controlling behavior). After adjustment for confounding factors, maternal exposure to any IPV during pregnancy was associated with 0.24 lower mean height-for-age Z-scores (p = 0.02). A separate analysis of each IPV type showed that emotional, physical or sexual IPV during pregnancy were not significantly associated with lower mean height-for-age Z-scores, whereas ever exposure to controlling behavior by the father of the child was related to 0.29 lower mean height-for-age Z-scores (p < 0.01) When stratified by gender, these associations remained significant only for young girls.Conclusions: This study has contributed to the growing amount of evidence pointing to the pervasive effect of different forms of IPV on child health. Our study highlights the relevance of maternal autonomy for linear child growth, especially for young girls in the Nicaraguan context.
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