RESUMO
Complex perinatal syndromes (CPS) affecting pregnancy and childhood, such as preterm birth, and intra- and extra-uterine growth restriction, have multiple, diverse contexts of complexity and interaction that determine the short- and long-term growth, health and development of all human beings. Early in life, genetically-guided somatic and cerebral development occurs alongside a psychism "in statu nascendi," with the neural structures subjected to the effects of the intra- and extra-uterine environments in preparation for optimal postnatal functioning. Different trajectories of fetal cranial and abdominal growth have been identified before 25 weeks' gestation, tracking differential growth and neurodevelopment at 2 years of age. Similarly, critical time-windows exist in the first 5-8 months of postnatal life because of interactions between the newborn and their environment, mother/care-givers and feeding practices. Understanding these complex relational processes requires abandoning classical, linear and mechanistic interpretations that are placed in rigid, artificial biological silos. Instead, we need to conduct longitudinal, interdisciplinary research and integrate the resulting new knowledge into clinical practice. An ecological-systemic approach is required to understand early human growth and development, based on a dynamic multidimensional process from the molecular or genomic level to the socio-economic-environmental context. For this, we need theoretical and methodological tools that permit a global understanding of CPS, delineating temporal trajectories and their conditioning factors, updated by the incorporation of new scientific discoveries. The potential to optimize human growth and development across chronological age and geographical locations - by implementing interventions or "treatments" during periods of greatest instability or vulnerability - should be recognized. Hence, it is imperative to take a holistic view of reproductive and perinatal issues, acknowledging at all levels the complexity and interactions of CPS and their sensitive periods, laying the foundations for further improvements in growth and development of populations, to maximize global human potential. We discuss here conceptual issues that should be considered for the development and implementation of such a strategy aimed at addressing the perinatal health problems of the new millenium.
RESUMO
Compared to other Mexican states, Chiapas possessed the lowest rate of contraception use among women 15-49 years old (44.6%) in 2018. This convergent mixed-methods study assessed family planning use, perceptions, and decision-making processes among women and men in rural communities where Compañeros En Salud (CES) works in Chiapas, Mexico. We conducted surveys of reproductive-aged women and semi-structured interviews with reproductive-aged women, men, and physicians completing their social-service year in CES communities from 2016 to 2017. Of the 625 survey respondents, 368 (58.9%) reported using contraception. The most common methods were female sterilization (27.7%), bimonthly injection (10.9%), and the implant (10.9%). Interviews were completed with 27 women, 24 men, and 5 physicians and analyzed through an inductive approach. Common reasons for contraception use were preventing pregnancy, lack of resources for additional children, and birth spacing. Adverse effects, influence of male partners, and perceived lack of need emerged as reasons for non-use. Male partners often made the final decision about contraceptive use, while women often chose what method. Physicians reported adverse effects, misconceptions about methods, and lack of women's autonomy as barriers to contraception use. Given misconceptions about contraception methods and the dominant role of men in contraception decision-making, our study illustrates the importance of effective counseling and equitable gender dynamics for family planning programming in rural Chiapas.
RESUMO
The first Colombian to claim a judicially enforceable right to health was a gay man living with HIV, who in 1992 claimed a violation of his constitutional rights on account of being denied antiretroviral therapy. Since then, HIV activists have been at the forefront of advancing both the judicialization and social reconstruction of health as a human right. However, their role-and its implications today-has been sometimes overlooked in the study of Colombia's right to health. Based on semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, we evaluate the HIV movement's effect on the progression of the right to health and resulting health care reform, and analyze the reform's success in addressing the needs of people living with HIV. While the landmark Constitutional Court decision T-760 and resulting health care reform are not the result of any one group, the HIV movement played a significant role in these developments, and its values are largely reflected in the country's new sociopolitical conceptualization of the right to health. However, the movement has faced division over the issue of generic medication availability and among subpopulations who have not been strongly represented or consistent beneficiaries of its successes.