Salud y ruralidad en Colombia: análisis desde los determinantes sociales de la salud

La informalidad, el desempleo y subempleo son problemas que han sido estudiados en profundidad desde la economía y la política y aunque la salud pública ha tenido una aproximación a esta problemática, el abordaje, principalmente disciplinario, se ha enfocado en los efectos en la salud de los desempleados y subempleados pero está en deuda de proponer alternativas desde la política pública en salud para enfrentar ésta problemática. El propósito de este ensayo es: hacer una reflexión del desempleo y la informalidad como problema económico, social y de salud de la población, que requiere estrategias en diferentes niveles en las que se incluyan a los diversos colectivos involucrados y a sus organizaciones, es decir al Estado, las empresas, los gremios y sindicatos, entre otros y no sólo a las personas en situación de desempleo, subempleo o informalidad. Para tal fin se parte de la comparación de los registros de los diagnósticos efectuados a trabajadores afiliados a una Empresa Promotora de Salud con los mismos datos pero de las personas que utilizaron la red pública de hospitales de Bogotá.

This article describes the validation of analytical methods for the determination of Manganese (Mn) and lead (Pb) by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) in human hair and nail samples. Method validation parameters such as linearity, repeatability, reproducibility, and precision were determined. In addition, the limit of detection (LOD), the limit of quantification (LOQ), and measurement uncertainty were calculated. The developed method was linear in the concentration ranges of 0.001–0.015 and 0.002–0.020 µg·L⁻¹ of Mn and Pb, respectively. The determination coefficients obtained were greater than 0.995. The recoveries obtained after the addition of the standard concentration for the metals ranged from 84.80–107.98%, with a precision not exceeding 12.97% relative standard deviation. The calculated LOD and LOQ for Mn and Pb are within the ranges established by Commission Regulation (EU) No. 836/2011. The expanded uncertainty was estimated to be less than 9.93–6.59% for Mn and Pb. Matrix effects were also studied, finding a smooth effect in both matrices. The analysis of 30 samples of each type revealed the presence of Mn in 30 and Pb in 13 samples. Overall, the proposed validation method was considered optimal for the determination of Mn and Pb.

Background and Objectives: Particulate Matter (PM), particles of variable but small diameter can penetrate the respiratory system via inhalation, causing respiratory and/or cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to evaluate the association of environmental particulate matter (PM_2.5) and black carbon (BC) with respiratory health in users of different transport modes in four roads in Bogotá. Materials and Methods: this was a mixed-method study (including a cross sectional study and a qualitative description of the air quality perception), in 300 healthy participants, based on an exploratory sequential design. The respiratory effect was measured comparing the changes between pre- and post-spirometry. The PM_2.5 and black carbon (BC) concentrations were measured using portable devices. Inhaled doses were also calculated for each participant according to the mode and route. Perception was approached through semi-structured interviews. The analysis included multivariate models and concurrent triangulation. Results: The concentration of matter and black carbon were greater in bus users (median 50.67 µg m⁻³; interquartile range (–IR): 306.7). We found greater inhaled dosages of air pollutants among bike users (16.41 µg m⁻³). We did not find changes in the spirometry parameter associated with air pollutants or transport modes. The participants reported a major sensory influence at the visual and olfactory level as perception of bad air quality. Conclusions: We observed greater inhaled doses among active transport users. Nevertheless, no pathological changes were identified in the spirometry parameters. People’s perceptions are a preponderant element in the assessment of air quality.

Salud Colectiva | Revista científica de acceso abierto | Instituto de Salud Colectiva, Universidad Nacional de Lanús

In Colombia, the agribusiness industry argues that pest control is essential to feed the world population, establishing a new model of production based on the intensive use of agrotoxics. However, the health impacts of these products are absent from the industry’s discourses. This study used critical discourse analysis to analyze and characterize discourses of modes of production and work process that lead to exposure to agrotoxics and health impacts among families in rural areas of Usme and Sumapaz in Colombia. The following data collection techniques were used: participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis. The discourses show that interaction between structural forms that define the construction of reality transforms subjects. In the case of agribusiness and the use of agrotoxics, this interaction constitutes institutional symbolic violence. This discursive relationship imposes an everyday life that normalizes exposure to agrotoxics and transfers the responsibility for their health impacts to rural communities.