Revista Cubana de Higiene y Epidemiología (Dec 2008)
Diarrea: brote en menores de 5 años Diarrheal diseases: an outbreak in children under 5 years old
Abstract
OBJETIVOS: determinar el comportamiento de las enfermedades diarreicas agudas en menores de 5 años por grupos de edades, serie cronológica semanal y distribución por distritos. Identificar factores de riesgo y accionar. MÉTODOS: se realizó una investigación-acción en la República de Nauru. Los datos se obtuvieron al realizar entrevistas a médicos, enfermeras, padres o tutores de los niños, se revisaron hojas de cargo, historias clínicas y se visitaron comunidades. Se introdujeron los datos en el programa EPI 6, se utilizaron los programas Epimap 2 para la estratificación por distritos y Excel para la confección de la serie cronológica y gráficos. Los datos se procesaron diariamente, se determinó frecuencias por grupos de edades, se calcularon tasas por 1 000 habitantes y se realizaron acciones comunitarias. RESULTADOS: en el brote se reportan 645 casos (510,7x 10³ habitantes) con predominio en niños de 1 a 3 años, se incrementa significativamente en la semana estadística 18, con un pico máximo en la 21, los distritos Yaren y Anabar se afectan desde el comienzo. CONCLUSIONES: las acciones médicas y comunitarias son efectivas. No se reportan fallecidos por este brote.OBJECTIVE: to determine the behavior of acute diarrheal diseases in children under 5 years old by age groups, weekly chronological series, and district distribution, as well as to identify the risk factors and the actions to be taken. METHODS: a research-action plan was implemented in the Republic of Nauru. The data were collected from interviews to physicians, nurses, parents or tutors of the children. Charge sheets and clinical records were reviewed and communities were visited. The data were introduced in an EPI 6 program, and Epimap 2 programmes were used to stratify by district. Excel was utilized to design chronological series and graphics. Data were daily processed, and frequencies by age group were determined. Rates per 1 000 inhabitants were estimated, and community actions were executed. RESULTS: 645 cases were reported (510.7x 103 inhabitants) in the outbreak, with a predominance in children aged 1-3. A significant increase was observed in the 18th statistic week, with a maximum peak in the 21st week. Yaren and Anabar districts were affected from the beginning. CONCLUSIONS: medical and community actions were effective. No deaths were reported due to this outbreak.
