Title |
The use of a Toolkit for health needs assessment on neural tube defects in Argentina
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Published in |
Journal of Community Genetics, October 2012
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DOI | 10.1007/s12687-012-0120-2 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Boris Groisman, Rosa Liascovich, Pablo Barbero, Corinna Alberg, Sowmiya Moorthie, Luis Nacul, Gurdeep S. Sagoo |
Abstract |
Health needs assessment (HNA) is a commonly used process for those working in public health. The PHG Foundation has developed a Toolkit to provide users with a stepwise approach for undertaking a HNA on birth defects. We report the findings from using the Toolkit to examine needs in relation to policies and programs, services, and interventions for neural tube defects (NTDs) in Argentina. The trend over the last few decades is one of decline in infant mortality from nutritional and infectious causes, thus further increasing the relative importance of birth defects. The observed prevalence of NTDs is consistent with that reported internationally. Since 2002 folic acid fortification (FAF) has been mandatory by law, and different studies have shown at least a 50 % decrease in the birth prevalence of NTDs after FAF. In Argentina, there is inequity between the public and non-public health sectors. The birth prevalence of NTDs seems lower in the non-public sector, possibly as a result of better nutritional status of women, higher access to folic acid supplementation, and earlier prenatal diagnosis followed by termination of pregnancy (ToP) in non-public hospitals. Although illegal, ToP is believed to be widespread, with better access for people of higher socioeconomic status. Through the process of HNA, we identified several unmet needs regarding registration of cases, public and professional education, legislation, and organization of care pathways. In our experience, the Toolkit brought together people working on the same issue, and it engaged and motivated experts and stakeholders to work together to tackle the problem. |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Unknown | 34 | 100% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Student > Master | 8 | 24% |
Student > Doctoral Student | 5 | 15% |
Student > Ph. D. Student | 3 | 9% |
Other | 2 | 6% |
Librarian | 2 | 6% |
Other | 4 | 12% |
Unknown | 10 | 29% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Medicine and Dentistry | 10 | 29% |
Nursing and Health Professions | 6 | 18% |
Arts and Humanities | 2 | 6% |
Social Sciences | 2 | 6% |
Agricultural and Biological Sciences | 1 | 3% |
Other | 2 | 6% |
Unknown | 11 | 32% |