Genetics and Congenital Malformations: Interpretations, Attitudes and Practices in Suburban Communities and the Shamans of Ecuador

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 268-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
César Paz-y-Miño ◽  
María Eugenia Sánchez ◽  
Isabel Sarmiento ◽  
Paola E. Leone
1963 ◽  
Vol 02 (02) ◽  
pp. 49-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Knapp ◽  
W. Lenz

SummaryIn 1961 an increase in certain congenital malformations was noticed in various parts of the Federal Republic of Germany. From the outset, it seemed very probable that a single cause was responsible, since, although these malformations varied, they appeared to belong to one and the same syndrome. For general reasons, such causes as radioactivity, contraceptives, attempted abortions or virus diseases did not provide an acceptable explanation. The epidemiology was, however, suggestive of some chemical substance taken orally.After thalidomide had been indicated in several histories, suspicion of that drug was aroused and, within one week, intake of it could be proved or was found to be very likely in 17 out of 20 cases, while in the remaining cases it could not be excluded. Though this first result was highly significant, we were at first reluctant to incriminate thalidomide definitely, because there was still some doubt about the reliability of the histories. But within a few weeks, the thalidomide aetiology received support from many sources. Specific studies on limited material are sometimes superior to extensive, broadly planned investigations.


2003 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-100
Author(s):  
Paula Kriner ◽  
Yolanda Bernal

Asthma is a major cause of morbidity in children and adults. Imperial County has reported among the highest asthma hospitalization rates in the state. Factors such as poverty, access to care, poor selfmanagement skills, and ethnocultural beliefs may influence asthma exacerbations. Provider and adult asthmatic attitudes, beliefs, and practices regarding asthma were examined using a mixed-methods approach: a survey to evaluate provider conformance with national guidelines, and focus groups targeting medical practitioners and adult asthmatics. Half of all providers who treat asthmatics completed a self-administered survey about asthma diagnosis; clinical monitoring of patients; treatment; patient education; and practice guidelines. Provider focus groups further explored survey results. Adult asthmatics participated in Spanishlanguage focus groups exploring cultural beliefs, attitudes, and practices. El asma es la mayor causa de morbilidad entre niños y adultos. El Condado de Imperial ha reportado las tazas más altas de hospitalización a causa de asma en el estado. Factores como la pobreza, acceso a cuidado médico, falta de experiencia sobre como manejar la enfermedad, y creencias étnicas y culturales pueden tener una influencia en las exacerbaciones del asma. Las actitudes, creencias, y prácticas de proveedores de atención médica y adultos concerniente al asma fueron examinadas utilizando varios métodos: una encuesta con el fin de evaluar el nivel de conformidad de los proveedores según las pautas establecidas a nivel nacional, y grupos foco con médicos y adultos con asma. La mitad de los proveedores que proveen atención a asmáticos completaron una encuesta acerca del diagnosis de asma; el monitoreo clínico de los pacientes; administración de tratamiento; educación a los pacientes; y pautas establecidas para proveer atención a pacientes con asma. Los grupos foco con los proveedores exploraron aun más los resultados de las encuestas. Los adultos con asma participaron en grupos foco dirigidos en español para explorar más a fondo las creencias culturales, actitudes y prácticas.


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