The findings suggest that the web-based intervention to reduce substance abuse is feasible, although it is not more effective than other intervention modalities; its effectiveness must be evaluated in a larger sample. Attrition was a main limitation; future studies must improve retention and assess cost-effectiveness.

If the Alcohol e-Health program is found to be effective, the potential public health impact of its expansion into countries with underdeveloped alcohol prevention and alcohol use disorder treatment systems world-wide is considerable.

A retrospective study of the effects of the Tumaco earthquake of 1979 shows a smaller number of deaths and injuries than in earthquakes of similar magnitude that have occurred elsewhere, which is probably related to the type of building. Most of the deaths were caused by a tsunami. Proportionally the mortality was higher in the 0 to 4 age group. Among the injured, most of the lesions were minor. Morbidity was higher in the over 45 years age group, and lower among the “under‐fives.” There was an evident need for a simple “disaster medical record card.” Coordination among the different relief agencies could have been better.