Evaluación del sistema de vigilancia de la tos ferina: avances y desafíos
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Vive Rev. Salud
Abstract
Introducción: La tos ferina es una enfermedad inmunoprevenible que afecta principalmente a lactantes no vacunados, representando un desafío para la salud pública que exige vigilancia epidemiológica efectiva. Objetivo: Evaluar el sistema de vigilancia de la tos ferina en Alto Paraná, Paraguay, analizando su comportamiento epidemiológico entre 2019 y 2023. Materiales y Método: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo y transversal en dos fases: la primera analizó los casos notificados utilizando la base de datos del Programa Ampliado de Inmunizaciones; la segunda evaluó atributos cualitativos del sistema (simplicidad, aceptabilidad y utilidad) mediante encuestas a 110 médicos. Resultados: Se notificaron 66 casos sospechosos, con mediana de edad de 0,5 años y predominio en menores de un año (68,2%); 67% fueron hospitalizados, todos presentaron tos y 50% fiebre. La incidencia fue de 0,5 casos por 100.000 habitantes, superior a la nacional, con cobertura vacunal <80%. El 92% de los médicos percibió el sistema como regular; la utilidad fue el atributo mejor valorado (79%). Conclusiones: El sistema requiere fortalecimiento en vigilancia activa, simplificación operativa y mejora de coberturas vacunales para optimizar la detección temprana y el control de brotes.
Introduction: Whooping cough is a vaccine-preventable disease that primarily affects unvaccinated infants, representing a public health challenge that requires effective epidemiological surveillance. Objective: To evaluate the whooping cough surveillance system in Alto Paraná, Paraguay, analyzing its epidemiological behavior between 2019 and 2023. Materials and Method: A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted in two phases: the first analyzed reported cases using the Expanded Program on Immunization database; the second evaluated qualitative attributes of the system (simplicity, acceptability, and usefulness) through surveys of 110 physicians. Results: A total of 66 suspected cases were reported, with a median age of 0.5 years and a predominance in children under one year of age (68.2%); 67% were hospitalized, all had cough, and 50% had fever. The incidence was 0.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, higher than the national average, with vaccination coverage <80%. Ninety-two percent of physicians perceived the system as fair; usefulness was the most highly valued attribute (79%). Conclusions: The system requires strengthening active surveillance, operational simplification, and improved vaccination coverage to optimize early detection and outbreak control.
Introduction: Whooping cough is a vaccine-preventable disease that primarily affects unvaccinated infants, representing a public health challenge that requires effective epidemiological surveillance. Objective: To evaluate the whooping cough surveillance system in Alto Paraná, Paraguay, analyzing its epidemiological behavior between 2019 and 2023. Materials and Method: A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted in two phases: the first analyzed reported cases using the Expanded Program on Immunization database; the second evaluated qualitative attributes of the system (simplicity, acceptability, and usefulness) through surveys of 110 physicians. Results: A total of 66 suspected cases were reported, with a median age of 0.5 years and a predominance in children under one year of age (68.2%); 67% were hospitalized, all had cough, and 50% had fever. The incidence was 0.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, higher than the national average, with vaccination coverage <80%. Ninety-two percent of physicians perceived the system as fair; usefulness was the most highly valued attribute (79%). Conclusions: The system requires strengthening active surveillance, operational simplification, and improved vaccination coverage to optimize early detection and outbreak control.
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Vol. 8, No. 24