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ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: To develop a deprivation index to study health inequalities in 221 areas of Ecuador, to describe the pattern of deprivation in Ecuador, and to explore the applications of the index to study health inequalities by analysing the association between deprivation and mortality in the study areas. METHODS: We performed principal component analyses of available indicators of the 221 cantons of Ecuador. A set of 41 sociodemographic, social capital, and subjective well-being variables were obtained from the 2010 National Population Census and the National Living Conditions Survey 2013–2014. To explore the application of the index in public health, the association between the index and standardised mortality ratios was estimated through a Poisson regression model. RESULTS: The final index was constructed with 17 indicators. The first component explained 51.8% of the total variance of the data. A geographic pattern and a positive association of the index with the standardised mortality ratios of the cantons were observed in both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: We constructed a deprivation index that can identify disadvantaged areas in Ecuador. This index could be a valuable tool for the detection of vulnerabilised populations and the development of interventions and policies adapted to local needs.

Abstract Objective: To compare the oral health profile of institutionalized elderly persons in Brazil and in Barcelona, Spain, by gender and country of residence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed of individuals aged 65 years and above (n=1,440), resident in the health region of Barcelona and in Brazil. Two surveys and exams relating to the oral health status of institutionalized elderly persons in Brazil (in 2008) and in Barcelona, Spain (in 2009) were carried out. Periodontal disease, tooth loss and dental caries were analyzed, considering age and cognitive ability. The sample was stratified by gender and country. Bivariate and multivariate Robust Poisson Regression models were used to obtain adjusted Prevalence Ratios (aPR), and a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was employed. Results: In Barcelona, men and women had a higher prevalence of periodontal illness: Men - calculus (aPR:1.5; CI:1.08-2.19) and pocket (aPR:2.05; CI:1.43-2.93) results. Women - calculus (aPR:2.4; CI:1.77-3.24) and pocket (aPR:3.2; CI:2.29-4.53) results. In Barcelona there was a lower prevalence of edentulism (aPR:0.49; CI:0.37-0.65) and functional edentulism (aPR:0.49; CI:0.40-0.60) among men. The same results were found among women with a lower prevalence of edentulism (aPR:0.49; CI: 0.41-0.58) and functional edentulism (aPR:0.42; CI: 0.30-0.49). Conclusions: A poor state of oral health of men and women was observed in both countries, with the elderly from Barcelona having worse periodontal health and the elderly from Brazil having greater tooth loss.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To evaluate the “ Energía, la justa ” program, aimed at reducing energy poverty in the city of Barcelona, from the point of view of the target population and the workers involved in the intervention. METHODS A qualitative, descriptive and exploratory pilot study was carried out, with a phenomenological approach. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted: to three users, three energy agents who performed interventions in the homes, and six professionals who participated in the program coordination. A thematic content analysis was carried out using Atlas-ti software . Interviews were conducted between October 2016 and March 2017. RESULTS Trust in a contact person (e.g. social workers) facilitated the participation, although there were difficulties reaching people who had illegal energy supplies, immigrant women or immigrants who subrent properties. Regarding implementation, home visits, energy efficiency advice and the relationship with energy agents were the best assessed aspects. However, not being able to carry out reforms in deteriorated dwellings was considered a limitation. The program also contributed to raise awareness on energy rights, to save on utility bills and to generate tranquility and social support. CONCLUSIONS Programs such as this one can promote energy empowerment and improve psychosocial status. However, strategies with a gender and equity perspective should be considered to reach other vulnerable groups.