[Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the prescription of benzodiazepines]. / Impacto del confinamiento por COVID-19 en la prescripción de benzodiacepinas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on the prescription of benzodiazepines by gender, age and district health departments. DESIGN: Longitudinal observational study. LOCATION: Primary care. Asturias (Spain) health district V. PARTICIPANTS: People over 15 years of age with filled benzodiazepine prescriptions in between 2017 and 2020. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Benzodiazepine DHD (defined daily dose per 1000 habitants) mean difference between the period defined as pre-lockdown and lockdown. Additionally, the difference was adjusted for gender, sex and district health department and also with the interaction among them. RESULTS: DHD mean pre-lockdown was 131.3 and 139.5 in the lockdown; this difference was significant in the global analysis (95% CI: 4.1-12.1). There was an increase in the DHD mean in the 60-74 age group (95% CI: 2.28-21.42), in the group over 90 years old (95% CI: 21.31-40.63) and in women (95% CI: 3.51-14.59). Finally, a decrease in the DHD mean of V11 (95% CI: -29 to -0.66) and V14 (95% CI: -54.28 to -25.04) district health departments was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Certain subgroups show a change in the pattern of benzodiazepine prescription without being able to relate this to the lockdown. We believe that there could be some inertia in the prescription of psychiatric medication according to the biopsychosocial characteristics of the patients; it is important to detect this in order to avoid the medicalization of psychological disorders.

[Antibiotic consumption in primary care in the adult population of Asturias during 2014-2020 period]. / Consumo de antibióticos en atención primaria en población adulta de Asturias durante el periodo 2014-2020.

Trend study of the consumption of systemic antibiotics in the adult population in of Primary Care of the Health Service of the Principality of Asturias (SESPA) during the period 2014̶2020. Retrospective observational study. SESPA, Primary Care. Population from the Individual Health Card database. Data were collected on the prescription of antibiotics, carried out in the family medicine consultations, dispensed in the pharmacy offices with charge of SESPA. Antibiotic use and consumption variables were analyzed using linear regression models. Prevalence of antibiotic use (population percentage); consumption rate of systemic antibiotics (DTD), relative consumption of narrow-spectrum antibiotics (percentage DDD). The average prevalence of the use of antibiotics for the 2014̶2019 period was 32.2% and 23.9% in 2020. The rate of consumption of systemic antibiotics decreased from 21.4 DTD in 2014 to 12.7 DTD in 2020. The consumption of narrow-spectrum antibiotics remained stable (19.4% DDD in 2014 and 19.3% DDD in 2020) (CI95: -0.10, 0.26). In the period from March to December 2020, the consumption of antibiotics decreased by 28.6% compared to the same period in 2019. In 2014̶2020, the consumption of antibiotics decreased, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, with stabilization of the consumption of narrow-spectrum antibiotics compared to the total. There is variability in consumption by therapeutic subgroups.

Transvaginal Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration of Adnexal Cysts With a Low Risk of Malignancy: Our Experience and Recommendations.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of ultrasound (US)-guided aspiration for the management of low-risk adnexal cysts. METHODS: A longitudinal cohort of women with a low-risk adnexal cyst who underwent transvaginal US-guided aspiration from January 2012 to April 2018 were included. All procedures were performed on an outpatient basis, without anesthesia, sedation, or antibiotics. The posttreatment follow-up protocol included transvaginal US at 3 and 12 months. Potential risk factors for recurrence (ie, age, menopausal status, comorbidities, symptoms, cyst diameter, incomplete emptying, and location) were analyzed by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 156 patients were included. The median (interquartile range) cyst diameter was 66 (58-80) mm. Fifty-seven (36.5%) cases were resolved by US-guided aspiration. The median follow-up time was 556.5 (344-1070.25) days. The complication rate of the procedure was 2.6% (n = 4), with 3 cases of a major complication due to a pelvic abscess and 1 case of a minor complication due to self-limited vaginal spotting. A larger cyst size (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.07; P = .002) and an older age (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.05; P = .007) at diagnosis were independent factors related to recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the low resolution rate, US-guided aspiration is not an effective option for the treatment of low-risk adnexal cysts. Risk factors associated with recurrence were age and cyst size at diagnosis. Larger randomized studies are necessary to assess predictive factors for cyst recurrence.

[Validity of the abdominal ecography in primary care for detection of aorta abdominal aneurism in male between 65 and 75 years]. / Validez de la ecografía abdominal en Atención Primaria para detección de aneurisma de aorta abdominal en varones de entre 65 y 75 años.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of ultrasound examination in Primary Care (PC) for the detection of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in male patients from 65-75 years old, as well as the consistency between observers on the diagnosis between general practitioners and the reference specialty in this area, Vascular Surgery. To estimate the prevalence of AAA in that population and its association with risk factors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study. LOCATION: Healthcare Centres of Coto and Calzada II (Gijón, Spain). PARTICIPANTS: Males born between 1 January 1939 and 31 December 1950. INTERVENTIONS: From the 2,511 males found, 407 were selected using stratified random sampling. Aortic diameter was measured, with those ≥3cm and 20% from the <3cm being referred for a second measurement by a vascular surgeon. VARIABLES: Dependent: presence/absence of aneurism. Independent: age, abdominal perimeter, smoking, arterial hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, familial cases of AAA, cerebrovascular accident, and coronary disease. The analysis was performed using Bayesian inference with models for proportions and a multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: From 304 ultrasound scans performed, 13 were referred with suspicion of AAA, and 63 with were within normal. The sensitivity was 93.3% and specificity 98.5% with a 95% credibility interval (CredI) of 75.4-99.9%, and 94.3-100%, respectively. The prevalence was 4.6% (95% CredI: 2.5-7.2%, and the intraclass correlation coefficient between PC and Vascular Surgery was 0.88 (95% CredI: 0.79-0.94). Age, smoking, dyslipidaemia, and diabetes tended to increase the odds of prevalence of AAA. CONCLUSION: The ultrasound performed by GPs for the detection of AAA had high diagnostic validity. Further studies on the effectiveness should be conducted in order to assess the appropriateness of introducing a system of early detection of AAA in the risk population.

[Factors associated with the anxiety level and knowledge about childcare and lactation in first-time pregnant women]. / Factores asociados al nivel de ansiedad y de conocimientos sobre puericultura y lactancia de embarazadas primerizas.

OBJECTIVE: To know the level of anxiety and knowledge of childcare and lactation of the current pregnant women, and the clinical-demographic variables with which they are related. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Seven health centers of Area V (Asturias). PARTICIPANTS: First-time pregnant women who completed preparatory courses from 01.06.2015 to 31.10.2015, excluding multiple gestation, risk pregnancy, contraindicated breastfeeding and language problems. INTERVENTIONS: Sociodemographic variables questionnaire, STAI state anxiety questionnaire and 23 questions about childcare and lactation. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: We performed descriptive and multivariate analysis (program R) of the variables of the questionnaire. RESULTS: We captured 104 pregnant women; average age 34.2(SD: 4.5), 94.2% Spanish, 61.5% university, 17.3% smokers in pregnancy, 23.1% with psychopathological antecedents; 88.4% planned to give breastfeeding. The mean STAI-S was 18.1(SD: 7.4) and scored 4.5(SD: 2.3) mean errors. The most faulty ones were on causes of fever (56.7%), fever measurement (54.8%) and physiological stools (55.7%). The multivariate analysis between knowledge and profile showed statistically significant associations with: being foreign, university, pregnancy planning and matron. In relation to the STAI-S was significant for being a smoker, receiving breastfeeding, psychopathological antecedents and matron. CONCLUSIONS: The current pregnant women who complete preparatory courses are mainly mature, university and Spanish. They have good concepts about breastfeeding but many are unaware of basic concepts of fever and stool of the infant. Foreign mothers with unwanted pregnancy and primary education seem to have more confusing concepts. Smoking mothers with psychopathological antecedents and who have not received breastfeeding present more anxiety. The matron significantly influences anxiety and acquired concepts.

[Effectiveness of short educational intervention in patients with insomnia in primary care]. / Efectividad de una intervención educativa breve en pacientes con insomnio en atención primaria.

OBJETIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of providing an educational intervention in primary care (PC) alongside a pharmacological treatment for insomnia. DESIGN: Single blinded non randomised clinical trial. LOCATION: Two urban primary health centers in Gijón (Asturias, Spain). PARTICIPANTS: Patients who consulted for insomnia between July 2012-January 2013 and met the inclusion criteria (n=50) were assigned systematically to the control group (CG) or intervention group (IG). All patients initiated treatment with lorazepam 1mg in the evenings and had four weekly 15 min visits plus a follow-up visit after another month. INTERVENTIONS: The IG received training for control of stimuli, sleep hygiene and respiration and relaxation techniques in the four visits. The CG had only non invasive measures taken. MEASUREMENTS: Considering as cured those who reached a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index PSQI <6 or a 50% reduction from baseline level. It was also analyzed the change in the PSQI from baseline to final visit and to follow-up visit, and voluntary interruption of lorazepam. Analysis by Bayesian inference. RESULTS: Twelve out of recoveries after intervention against one out of 24 among control group. Mean change in PSQI to final visit and follow-up visit was: -4.7 (95%CrI:-5.9 to -3.5) and -6,3 (95%ICred: -7.5 to -5.1) in IG; -1.8 (95%ICred: -3 to -0.5) and -1.7 (95%ICred: -2.9 to -0.4) in CG. Interruption of lorazepan: in 4 controls (16,7%) and 9 (34,6%) in IG. Twenty nine patients in GI and 17 in GC completed the trial. Per protocol analysis showed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: The educational intervention in PC improves sleep quality and reduces the need of treatment with benzodiacepines.

Use of antibiotics in Paediatric Primary Health Care before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Consumption of antibiotics is high in Spain, primarily in children. Excessive use of then contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance. The aim of our study is to analyse the evolution of antibiotic consumption at the Primary Health Care in the paediatric population of Asturias, Spain, from 2014 to 2021, and to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on it. METHODS: Retrospective and observational study using data about antibacterial agents for systemic use dispensed for official prescriptions to children under 14 years in Primary Care. Antibiotic consumption is expressed as defined daily dose (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID). RESULTS: The antibiotic consumption rate dropped from 13.9 DID in 2014 to 4.0 in 2021 (ß=-1,42, p=0,002), with and inflection point in 2019. From 2019 to 2020 antibiotic use dropped by 47.1%. Antibiotic consumption remained very low from April 2020 to September 2021, and then moderately increased from October 2021. Prevalence of antibiotic use dropped from 39.9% in 2014 to 17.5% in 2021 (ß=-3,64, p=0,006). Relative consumption of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid decreased, while those of amoxiciline and third-generation cephalosporins increased. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric antibiotic consumption collapsed in Asturias in 2020, coinciding with COVID-19 pandemic. Monitoring of antimicrobial usage indicators will allow to check if these changes are sustained over time.

[Internet use by teenagers from Gijón (Asturias) as a source of health information]. / Uso de Internet por parte de los adolescentes de Gijón (Asturias) como fuente de información sobre salud.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of Internet as a source of health information by adolescents, its reliability and the acceptability of an email service for their questions. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Secondary schools. Gijón (Asturias). PARTICIPANTS: 475 students (1st and 4th Secondary, and 1st High School) selected by two-stage cluster sampling. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-administered questionnaire of ten items. VARIABLES: Age, sex, availability of Internet at home, daily time use, subjects consulted, source health consultation, information obtained reliability, willingness to use e-mail health consultations. RESULTS: A total of 468 valid questionnaires, of which 88.5% had Internet at home, 42.5% use more than one hour daily on weekdays and 74% during the weekend. The most accessed topics were physical exercise (29.5%), self-image (23.3%) and piercing, and tattoos (18.4%). Internet is the fourth resource used for health concerns (13.9%), behind family, doctor and friends. The majority, 56%, gave a very low reliability to health information obtained on Internet. A total of 70.5% would use an email address that provided answers to health questions. CONCLUSIONS: Availability of Internet at home is above the national average. High usage but low for health information, which gives low credibility. It would be advisable to start a mail service for adolescents treated by a multidisciplinary team from Primary Care.

[Health literacy and educational necessities perceived by adolescents in an area of Asturias, a cross-sectional study.] / Alfabetización en salud y necesidades formativas percibidas por adolescentes en un área de Asturias, un estudio transversal.

OBJECTIVE: In view of the unfavourable results of the HLS-EU Project in Spain and given that there are hardly any studies about health literacy (HL) in adolescents, it was proposed as main objective to determine the degree of HL of adolescents after Obligatory Secondary Education (OSE) and the educational necessities which they perceive in Health Education (HE). METHODS: Observational descriptive cross-sectional study with students in their first year of Upper Secondary Education for the academic year 2018/2019 from Healthcare Area V (Asturias). It was an equi-probabilistic one-stage cluster sampling, selecting 12 classrooms with 323 students. The HLS-EU-Q16 questionnaire was used to measure the HL and a self-designed one about educational necessities, which was validated by the Regional Ministry of Education and Culture. A descriptive and Bayesian inference analysis was performed in R 3.5.2. RESULTS: 206 individuals were studied. HL proved sufficient in 55.8%, problematic in 40.3% and inadequate in 3.9%. A 98.6% considered training in HE necessary, preferring workshops and one-time talks (58.7%). HL only showed relation with self-perceived health, and not with sex, mothers'/fathers'/guardians' educational level nor having received HE. CONCLUSIONS: Almost half of adolescents got problematic or inadequate HL, which relates with health risk behaviours and worse use of health resources, according to the evidence. Having received HE did not associated with better HL, which suggests that currently their educational necessities are not covered.

OBJETIVO: A la vista de los resultados desfavorables del Proyecto HLS-EU en España y, dado que apenas hay estudios de Alfabetización en Salud (AES) en adolescentes, se planteó como objetivo principal determinar el grado de AES tras la Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) y las necesidades formativas percibidas en Educación para la Salud (EpS). METODOS: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal con estudiantes de 1º de Bachillerato durante el curso 2018/2019 en el Área Sanitaria V (Asturias). El muestreo fue equiprobabilístico, por conglomerados monoetápico, seleccionando 12 aulas, con 323 alumnos. Se empleó el cuestionario validado HLS-EU-Q16 para medir la AES, así como uno de elaboración propia sobre necesidades formativas, validado por la Consejería de Educación y Cultura. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y de inferencia bayesiana en R 3.5.2. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 206 sujetos. La AES resultó suficiente en el 55,8%, problemática en el 40,3% e inadecuada en el 3,9%. Un 98,6% consideró necesaria la formación en EpS, prefiriendo talleres y charlas puntuales (58,7%). La AES únicamente mostró relación con la salud autopercibida, y no con el sexo, el nivel de estudios de padres/madres/tutores o haber recibido EpS. CONCLUSIONES: Casi la mitad de adolescentes obtuvieron una AES problemática o inadecuada, que se relaciona, según la evidencia, con conductas de riesgo para la salud y peor uso de los recursos sanitarios. Haber recibido EpS no se asoció a una mejor AES, lo que sugiere que las necesidades en EpS no están cubiertas actualmente.

The null hypothesis significance test in health sciences research (1995-2006): statistical analysis and interpretation.

BACKGROUND: The null hypothesis significance test (NHST) is the most frequently used statistical method, although its inferential validity has been widely criticized since its introduction. In 1988, the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) warned against sole reliance on NHST to substantiate study conclusions and suggested supplementary use of confidence intervals (CI). Our objective was to evaluate the extent and quality in the use of NHST and CI, both in English and Spanish language biomedical publications between 1995 and 2006, taking into account the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors recommendations, with particular focus on the accuracy of the interpretation of statistical significance and the validity of conclusions. METHODS: Original articles published in three English and three Spanish biomedical journals in three fields (General Medicine, Clinical Specialties and Epidemiology - Public Health) were considered for this study. Papers published in 1995-1996, 2000-2001, and 2005-2006 were selected through a systematic sampling method. After excluding the purely descriptive and theoretical articles, analytic studies were evaluated for their use of NHST with P-values and/or CI for interpretation of statistical "significance" and "relevance" in study conclusions. RESULTS: Among 1,043 original papers, 874 were selected for detailed review. The exclusive use of P-values was less frequent in English language publications as well as in Public Health journals; overall such use decreased from 41% in 1995-1996 to 21% in 2005-2006. While the use of CI increased over time, the "significance fallacy" (to equate statistical and substantive significance) appeared very often, mainly in journals devoted to clinical specialties (81%). In papers originally written in English and Spanish, 15% and 10%, respectively, mentioned statistical significance in their conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, results of our review show some improvements in statistical management of statistical results, but further efforts by scholars and journal editors are clearly required to move the communication toward ICMJE advices, especially in the clinical setting, which seems to be imperative among publications in Spanish.

[Cumulative incidence, comorbility and disability for anxiety disorders in patients of a mutual worker accident.] / Incidencia acumulada, comorbilidad e incapacidad por trastornos de ansiedad en pacientes de una mutua de accidentes de trabajo.

OBJECTIVE: Neurotic disorders are one of the main health problems of Western societies. Its impact on labor productivity grows exponentially with an increase in its incidence and the duration of temporary disability (TD) processes. To know the characteristics of the patients belonging to a mutual of work accidents who had transient disability due to neurotic disorders, their temporal and geographic distribution, their comorbidities and those variables that affected their duration. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study of the workers protected from a mutual of work accidents, national scope, who studied a disability period between 2006-2016 with diagnoses included between codes 300 and 300.9 of the CIE-9-CM, corresponding to Neurotic Disorders. We analyze clinical-demographic variables of patients, comorbidities during studied period and distributions by year and province, by Bayesian inference. We performed a logistic regression for the dependent variable duration of the TD adjusted for age, sex, toxic consumption, consultations, year, regulatory base and payment type. RESULTS: We registered 56,619 processes in Spain, which corresponded to 1.5% of the total TD processes served in the period. The highest percentage of cases was grouped between 2007 and 2009, when 11% of the population were registered annually. The variables associated with an increase in this duration were: older age, male sex, psychiatric and psychological consultations, diagnostic year, regulatory base (whose average was 50.5 euros) and type of payment (delegate in 78.2% of cases and direct in 21.8%). The prevalence by provinces was more marked in the north and the islands (Barcelona, Lleida, Las Palmas, Islas Baleares, Coruña, Cantabria, Girona, Álava, Tarragona, Pontevedra y Asturias they have more than 6%).The durations of the disability were greater in the east of the country. The most prevalent comorbidities during the study period were low back pain (with an average of 65.1 days of IT anxiety), cervical pain (with an average of 67 days) and digestive disorders (with an average of 59.4 days). CONCLUSIONS: There are comorbidities and variables associated with the temporary disability derived from neurotic disorders, with geographical differences. Deepening their knowledge and impact could promote better preventive and therapeutic approaches that allow an earlier functional recovery.

OBJETIVO: Los trastornos neuróticos constituyen uno de los principales problemas de salud de las sociedades occidentales. Su repercusión sobre la productividad laboral crece exponencialmente con aumento de su incidencia y de la duración de los procesos de incapacidad temporal (IT). El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer las características de los pacientes pertenecientes a una mutua de accidentes de trabajo que cursaron IT por trastornos neuróticos, así como saber su distribución temporal y geográfica, sus comorbilidades y todas aquellas variables que repercutieron sobre la duración de la incapacidad. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de los trabajadores protegidos de una mutua de accidentes de trabajo de ámbito nacional, los cuales cursaron un periodo de IT entre 2006 y 2016. Presentaban diagnósticos comprendidos entre los códigos 300 y 300.9 del CIE-9-CM, correspondientes a los Trastornos Neuróticos. Analizamos las variables clínico-demográficas de los pacientes, las comorbilidades y las distribuciones por año y provincia con inferencia bayesiana. Realizamos una regresión logística para la variable dependiente "duración de la IT", ajustada por edad, sexo, consumo de tóxicos, número de consultas, año, base reguladora y tipo de pago. RESULTADOS: Registramos 56.619 procesos, que correspondieron al 1,5% del total de los procesos de IT atendidos en el período. El mayor porcentaje de casos (11%) se agrupó entre 2007 y 2009. Registramos una duración media de la IT de 71,8 días (DE: 65,7). Las variables asociadas a un aumento de la duración fueron: mayor edad, sexo varón, con consultas a psiquiatría y psicología, año de diagnóstico, base reguladora (la media fue de 50,5 euros) y tipo de pago (delegado en el 78,2% de los casos y directo en el 21,8%). La incidencia acumulada por provincias fue más marcada en el norte y en las islas (Barcelona, Lleida, Las Palmas, Islas Baleares, Coruña, Cantabria, Girona, Álava, Tarragona, Pontevedra y Asturias la tienen superior al 6%). Las duraciones medias de la IT fueron mayores al este de España. Las comorbilidades más prevalentes durante el periodo de estudio fueron la lumbalgia (asociándose con una media de 65,1 días de la IT ansiedad), la cervicalgia (media de 67 días) y los trastornos digestivos (media de 59,4 días). CONCLUSIONES: Existen comorbilidades y variables asociadas a la incapacidad temporal derivada de los trastornos neuróticos, con diferencias geográficas. Ahondar en su conocimiento e impacto podría promover mejores abordajes preventivos y terapéuticos, que permitan una recuperación funcional más temprana.

Diminished emotional expression in schizophrenia: an interdisciplinary approach based on behavioral interventions.

BACKGROUND: Negative symptoms represent the main cause of disability in schizophrenia, having recently been grouped into two general dimensions: avolition and diminished emotional expression, which includes affective flattening and alogia. The aim of this study was to explore the response of these two symptoms to a set of behavioral interventions based on contingency management, performed in an interdisciplinary context. METHOD: Behaviors of interest were monitored and evaluations before and after the treatment were performed on 9 schizophrenic inpatients with persistent negative symptoms. The program included 12 group double sessions aimed at developing facial expression and verbal communication, and a nursing care plan to generalize and strengthen these behaviors synergistically. RESULTS: there were appreciable differences in facial expression, which were less clear for alogia. The clinical evaluation using PANSS-N did not find notable differences at group level, but the nursing assessment using NOC indicators did. CONCLUSIONS: although difficult to modify, negative symptoms are not insensitive to the influence of behavioral interventions. Specific psychological interventions that address negative symptoms as a priority focus of attention and care need to be promoted and developed, particularly when considering the crucial role of context in their progression.

Impacto del confinamiento por COVID-19 en la prescripción de benzodiacepinas / Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the prescription of benzodiazepines

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto del confinamiento por COVID-19 sobre la prescripción de benzodiacepinas según edad, sexo y zona básica de salud. Diseño: Estudio observacional longitudinal. Emplazamiento: Atención primaria. Área V de Salud del Principado de Asturias. Participantes: Mayores de 15 años a los que se prescribieron benzodiacepinas entre 2017 y 2020. Mediciones principales: Diferencia de las medias de dosis diaria definida por 1.000 habitantes (DHD) mensual de benzodiacepinas entre el periodo definido como preconfinamiento y el confinamiento. Además, se ajusta la diferencia por edad, sexo y zona básica de salud, así como por la interacción entre ellas. Resultados: La DHD media preconfinamiento fue 131,3 y 139,5 durante el confinamiento; en el análisis crudo, esta diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (IC 95% 4,1 a 12,1). Se objetivó un aumento de DHD media en el grupo de 60-74 años (IC 95% 2,28 a 21,42) y en el de 90 años o más (IC 95% 21,31 a 40,63), así como en las mujeres (IC 95% 3,51 a 14,59). Finalmente, se observó una disminución de DHD media en las zonas básicas V11 (IC 95% -29 a -0,66) y V14 (IC 95% -54,28 a -25,04). Conclusiones: Determinados subgrupos muestran un cambio en la tendencia de dispensación de benzodiacepinas sin poder atribuirse completamente al confinamiento. Creemos que pueda existir una inercia terapéutica en la prescripción de psicofármacos, según las características biopsicosociales del paciente, que es importante detectar para evitar la medicalización de cuadros psicológicos.(AU)

Objective: To evaluate the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on the prescription of benzodiazepines by gender, age and district health departments. Design: Longitudinal observational study. Location: Primary care. Asturias (Spain) health district V. Participants: People over 15 years of age with filled benzodiazepine prescriptions in between 2017 and 2020. Main measurements: Benzodiazepine DHD (defined daily dose per 1000 habitants) mean difference between the period defined as pre-lockdown and lockdown. Additionally, the difference was adjusted for gender, sex and district health department and also with the interaction among them. Results: DHD mean pre-lockdown was 131.3 and 139.5 in the lockdown; this difference was significant in the global analysis (95% CI: 4.1–12.1). There was an increase in the DHD mean in the 60–74 age group (95% CI: 2.28–21.42), in the group over 90 years old (95% CI: 21.31–40.63) and in women (95% CI: 3.51–14.59). Finally, a decrease in the DHD mean of V11 (95% CI: -29 to -0.66) and V14 (95% CI: -54.28 to -25.04) district health departments was observed.Conclusions: Certain subgroups show a change in the pattern of benzodiazepine prescription without being able to relate this to the lockdown. We believe that there could be some inertia in the prescription of psychiatric medication according to the biopsychosocial characteristics of the patients; it is important to detect this in order to avoid the medicalization of psychological disorders.(AU)

Consumo de antibióticos en atención primaria en población adulta de Asturias durante el periodo 2014-2020 / Antibiotic consumption in primary care in the adult population of Asturias during 2014–2020 period

Objetivo: Estudiar la evolución del consumo de antibióticos en población adulta en el ámbito de Atención Primaria (AP) del Servicio de Salud del Principado de Asturias (SESPA) durante 2014-2020.DiseñoEstudio observacional retrospectivo.EmplazamientoAP del SESPA.ParticipantesPoblación de la base de datos de Tarjeta Sanitaria Individual.IntervencionesSe recogieron datos de prescripción de antibióticos, realizada en las consultas de medicina de familia, dispensados en las oficinas de farmacia con cargo al SESPA. Se analizaron variables de uso y consumo de antibióticos mediante modelos de regresión lineal.Mediciones principalesPrevalencia de uso de antibióticos (porcentaje población); tasa de consumo de antibióticos de uso sistémico (DTD), consumo relativo de antibióticos de espectro reducido (porcentaje DDD).ResultadosLa prevalencia media del uso de antibióticos del periodo 2014-2019 fue de 32,2% y 23,9% en 2020. La tasa de consumo de antibióticos de uso sistémico pasó de 21,4 DTD en 2014 a 12,7 DTD en 2020. El consumo de antibióticos de espectro reducido se mantuvo estable (19,4% DDD en 2014 y 19,3% DDD en 2020) (IC95: -0,10, 0,26). En el periodo de marzo a diciembre de 2020, el consumo de antibióticos se redujo un 28,6% respecto al mismo periodo de 2019.ConclusionesEn 2014-2020 el consumo de antibióticos disminuyó, especialmente a partir de la pandemia por COVID-19, con estabilización del consumo de antibióticos de espectro reducido respecto al total. Existe variabilidad en el consumo por subgrupos terapéuticos.

Trend study of the consumption of systemic antibiotics in the adult population in of Primary Care of the Health Service of the Principality of Asturias (SESPA) during the period 2014̶2020. Retrospective observational study. SESPA, Primary Care. Population from the Individual Health Card database. Data were collected on the prescription of antibiotics, carried out in the family medicine consultations, dispensed in the pharmacy offices with charge of SESPA. Antibiotic use and consumption variables were analyzed using linear regression models. Prevalence of antibiotic use (population percentage); consumption rate of systemic antibiotics (DTD), relative consumption of narrow-spectrum antibiotics (percentage DDD). The average prevalence of the use of antibiotics for the 2014̶2019 period was 32.2% and 23.9% in 2020. The rate of consumption of systemic antibiotics decreased from 21.4 DTD in 2014 to 12.7 DTD in 2020. The consumption of narrow-spectrum antibiotics remained stable (19.4% DDD in 2014 and 19.3% DDD in 2020) (CI95: −0.10, 0.26). In the period from March to December 2020, the consumption of antibiotics decreased by 28.6% compared to the same period in 2019. In 2014̶2020, the consumption of antibiotics decreased, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, with stabilization of the consumption of narrow-spectrum antibiotics compared to the total. There is variability in consumption by therapeutic subgroups.

[Effect of the economic crisis on consumption of psychotropic drugs in Asturias (Spain)]. / Efecto de la crisis económica sobre el consumo de psicofármacos en Asturias.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the economic crisis of 2008 has changed the consumption of anxiolytics, hypnotics-sedatives and antidepressants in Asturias (Spain). METHOD: We conducted a descriptive study of drug use from 2003 -2013. The defined daily doses of 1000 inhabitants per day (DHD) were calculated for anxiolytics, hypnotics-sedatives and antidepressants. Linear regression coefficients (b) of the DHD were obtained for the pre-crisis period (2003-2008) and the crisis period (2009-2013). RESULTS: The consumption of anxiolytics increased by 40.25%, that of hypnotics by 88.11% and that of antidepressants by 80.93%. For anxiolytics: b-(2003-2008)=4.38 DDI/year and b-(2009-2013)=1.08 DDI/year. For hypnotics-sedatives: b-(2003-2008)=2.30 DDI/year and b-(2009-2013)=0.40 DDI/year. For antidepressants: b-(2003-2008)=5.79 DDI/year and b-(2009-2013)=2.83 DDI/year. CONCLUSIONS: The rise in consumption of the three subgroups during the crisis period was lower than that of the pre-crisis period. This study does not confirm the influence of the economic crisis on the rise in consumption of these drugs.

Incidencia acumulada, comorbilidad e incapacidad por trastornos de ansiedad en pacientes de una mutua de accidentes de trabajo / Cumulative incidence, comorbility and disability for anxiety disorders in patients of a mutual worker accident

OBJETIVO: Los trastornos neuróticos constituyen uno de los principales problemas de salud de las sociedades occidentales. Su repercusión sobre la productividad laboral crece exponencialmente con aumento de su incidencia y de la duración de los procesos de incapacidad temporal (IT). El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer las características de los pacientes pertenecientes a una mutua de accidentes de trabajo que cursaron IT por trastornos neuróticos, así como saber su distribución temporal y geográfica, sus comorbilidades y todas aquellas variables que repercutieron sobre la duración de la incapacidad. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de los trabajadores protegidos de una mutua de accidentes de trabajo de ámbito nacional, los cuales cursaron un periodo de IT entre 2006 y 2016. Presentaban diagnósticos comprendidos entre los códigos 300 y 300.9 del CIE-9-CM, correspondientes a los Trastornos Neuróticos. Analizamos las variables clínico-demográficas de los pacientes, las comorbilidades y las distribuciones por año y provincia con inferencia bayesiana. Realizamos una regresión logística para la variable dependiente "duración de la IT", ajustada por edad, sexo, consumo de tóxicos, número de consultas, año, base reguladora y tipo de pago. RESULTADOS: Registramos 56.619 procesos, que correspondieron al 1,5% del total de los procesos de IT atendidos en el período. El mayor porcentaje de casos (11%) se agrupó entre 2007 y 2009. Registramos una duración media de la IT de 71,8 días (DE: 65,7). Las variables asociadas a un aumento de la duración fueron: mayor edad, sexo varón, con consultas a psiquiatría y psicología, año de diagnóstico, base reguladora (la media fue de 50,5 euros) y tipo de pago (delegado en el 78,2% de los casos y directo en el 21,8%). La incidencia acumulada por provincias fue más marcada en el norte y en las islas (Barcelona, Lleida, Las Palmas, Islas Baleares, Coruña, Cantabria, Girona, Álava, Tarragona, Pontevedra y Asturias la tienen superior al 6%). Las duraciones medias de la IT fueron mayores al este de España. Las comorbilidades más prevalentes durante el periodo de estudio fueron la lumbalgia (asociándose con una media de 65,1 días de la IT ansiedad), la cervicalgia (media de 67 días) y los trastornos digestivos (media de 59,4 días). CONCLUSIONES: Existen comorbilidades y variables asociadas a la incapacidad temporal derivada de los trastornos neuróticos, con diferencias geográficas. Ahondar en su conocimiento e impacto podría promover mejores abordajes preventivos y terapéuticos, que permitan una recuperación funcional más temprana

OBJECTIVE: Neurotic disorders are one of the main health problems of Western societies. Its impact on labor productivity grows exponentially with an increase in its incidence and the duration of temporary disability (TD) processes. To know the characteristics of the patients belonging to a mutual of work accidents who had transient disability due to neurotic disorders, their temporal and geographic distribution, their comorbidities and those variables that affected their duration. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study of the workers protected from a mutual of work accidents, national scope, who studied a disability period between 2006-2016 with diagnoses included between codes 300 and 300.9 of the CIE-9-CM, corresponding to Neurotic Disorders. We analyze clinical-demographic variables of patients, comorbidities during studied period and distributions by year and province, by Bayesian inference. We performed a logistic regression for the dependent variable duration of the TD adjusted for age, sex, toxic consumption, consultations, year, regulatory base and payment type. RESULTS: We registered 56,619 processes in Spain, which corresponded to 1.5% of the total TD processes served in the period. The highest percentage of cases was grouped between 2007 and 2009, when 11% of the population were registered annually. The variables associated with an increase in this duration were: older age, male sex, psychiatric and psychological consultations, diagnostic year, regulatory base (whose average was 50.5 euros) and type of payment (delegate in 78.2% of cases and direct in 21.8%). The prevalence by provinces was more marked in the north and the islands (Barcelona, Lleida, Las Palmas, Islas Baleares, Coruña, Cantabria, Girona, Álava, Tarragona, Pontevedra y Asturias they have more than 6%).The durations of the disability were greater in the east of the country. The most prevalent comorbidities during the study period were low back pain (with an average of 65.1 days of IT anxiety), cervical pain (with an average of 67 days) and digestive disorders (with an average of 59.4 days). CONCLUSIONS: There are comorbidities and variables associated with the temporary disability derived from neurotic disorders, with geographical differences. Deepening their knowledge and impact could promote better preventive and therapeutic approaches that allow an earlier functional recovery

Drug assessment by a Pharmacy and Therapeutics committee: from drug selection criteria to use in clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: In Spain, hospital medicines are assessed and selected by local Pharmacy and Therapeutics committees (PTCs). Of all the drugs assessed, cancer drugs are particularly important because of their budgetary impact and the sometimes arguable added value with respect to existing alternatives. This study analyzed the PTC drug selection process and the main objective was to evaluate the degree of compliance of prescriptions for oncology drugs with their criteria for use. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study (May 2007 to April 2010) of PTC-assessed drugs. The variables measured to describe the committee's activity were number of drugs assessed per year and number of drugs included in any of these settings: without restrictions, with criteria for use, and not included in formulary. These drugs were also analyzed by therapeutic group. To assess the degree of compliance of prescriptions, a score was calculated to determine whether prescriptions for bevacizumab, cetuximab, trastuzumab, and bortezomib were issued in accordance with PTC drug use criteria. RESULTS: The PTC received requests for inclusion of 40 drugs, of which 32 were included in the hospital formulary (80.0%). Criteria for use were established for 28 (87.5%) of the drugs included. In total, 293 patients were treated with the four cancer drugs in eight different therapeutic indications. The average prescription compliance scores were as follows: bevacizumab, 83% for metastatic colorectal cancer, 100% for metastatic breast cancer, and 82.3% for non-small-cell lung cancer; cetuximab, 62.0% for colorectal cancer and 50% for head and neck cancer; trastuzumab, 95.1% for early breast cancer and 82.4% for metastatic breast cancer; and bortezomib, 63.7% for multiple myeloma. CONCLUSION: The degree of compliance with criteria for use of cancer drugs was reasonably high. PTC functions need to be changed so that they can carry out more innovative tasks, such as monitoring conditions for drug use.

Factores asociados al nivel de ansiedad y de conocimientos sobre puericultura y lactancia de embarazadas primerizas / Factors associated with the anxiety level and knowledge about childcare and lactation in first-time pregnant women

Objetivo: Conocer el nivel de ansiedad y conocimientos de puericultura y lactancia de las embarazadas primerizas actuales, y las variables clínico-demográficas con las que se relacionan. Diseño: Estudio transversal. Emplazamiento: Siete centros de salud del Área V (Asturias). Participantes: Embarazadas primerizas que completaron cursos preparto del 01.06.2015 al 31.10.2015, excluyendo gestación múltiple, embarazo de riesgo, lactancia materna (LM) contraindicada y problemas lingüísticos. Intervenciones: Cuestionario de variables sociodemográficas, cuestionario ansiedad STAI y 23 preguntas sobre puericultura y lactancia. Mediciones principales: Realizamos análisis descriptivo y coeficientes de regresión lineal múltiple (programa R). Resultados; Captamos 104 embarazadas, con una edad media de 34,2(DE: 4,5) años; el 94,2% eran españolas, el 61,5% universitarias, el 17,3% fumadoras en el embarazo, y el 23,1% tenía antecedentes psicopatológicos. El 88,4% planeaba dar LM. El STAI estado (STAI-E) medio fue de 18,1(DE: 7,4) y puntuaron 4,5(DE: 2,3) errores de media. Las preguntas más falladas versaban sobre causas de fiebre (56,7%), medición de fiebre (54,8%) y deposiciones fisiológicas (55,7%). El análisis multivariante entre conocimientos y perfil mostró asociaciones estadísticamente significativas con ser extranjera, universitaria, con planificación del embarazo y con la matrona. En relación con el STAI-E, este fue significativo para ser fumadora, haber recibido LM, antecedentes psicopatológicos y matrona. Conclusiones: Las embarazadas actuales que completan cursos preparto son principalmente maduras, universitarias y españolas. Poseen buenos conceptos sobre lactancia pero muchas desconocen conceptos básicos de fiebre y deposiciones del lactante. Las madres extranjeras, con embarazo no deseado y estudios primarios parecen tener conceptos más confusos. Las madres fumadoras, con antecedentes psicopatológicos y que no han recibido LM presentan más ansiedad. La matrona influye significativamente sobre la ansiedad y los conceptos adquiridos

Objective: To know the level of anxiety and knowledge of childcare and lactation of the current pregnant women, and the clinical-demographic variables with which they are related. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting:Seven health centers of Area V (Asturias). Participants: First-time pregnant women who completed preparatory courses from 01.06.2015 to 31.10.2015, excluding multiple gestation, risk pregnancy, contraindicated breastfeeding and language problems. Interventions: Sociodemographic variables questionnaire, STAI state anxiety questionnaire and 23 questions about childcare and lactation. Main measurements: We performed descriptive and multivariate analysis (program R) of the variables of the questionnaire. Results: We captured 104 pregnant women; average age 34.2(SD: 4.5), 94.2% Spanish, 61.5% university, 17.3% smokers in pregnancy, 23.1% with psychopathological antecedents; 88.4% planned to give breastfeeding. The mean STAI-S was 18.1(SD: 7.4) and scored 4.5(SD: 2.3) mean errors. The most faulty ones were on causes of fever (56.7%), fever measurement (54.8%) and physiological stools (55.7%). The multivariate analysis between knowledge and profile showed statistically significant associations with: being foreign, university, pregnancy planning and matron. In relation to the STAI-S was significant for being a smoker, receiving breastfeeding, psychopathological antecedents and matron. Conclusions: The current pregnant women who complete preparatory courses are mainly mature, university and Spanish. They have good concepts about breastfeeding but many are unaware of basic concepts of fever and stool of the infant. Foreign mothers with unwanted pregnancy and primary education seem to have more confusing concepts. Smoking mothers with psychopathological antecedents and who have not received breastfeeding present more anxiety. The matron significantly influences anxiety and acquired concepts

Validez de la ecografía abdominal en Atención Primaria para detección de aneurisma de aorta abdominal en varones de entre 65 y 75 años / Validity of the abdominal ecography in primary care for detection of aorta abdominal aneurism in male between 65 and 75 years

Objetivos: Determinar la validez de la ecografía en Atención Primaria (AP) para detección de aneurisma de aorta abdominal (AAA) en varones de 65 a 75 años y la concordancia interobservador en el diagnóstico entre médicos de AP y el referente del área (Cirugía Vascular). Estimar la prevalencia de AAA en dicha población y su relación con factores de riesgo. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Emplazamiento: Centros de Salud Coto y Calzada II (Gijón). Participantes: Varones nacidos entre el 1/1/1939 y el 31/12/1950. Intervención: De 2.511 varones se seleccionaron 407 mediante muestreo aleatorizado estratificado. Se realizó medición ecográfica del diámetro aórtico. Se derivaron para segunda medida en Cirugía Vascular a aquellos con ≥ 3 cm y un 20% de los < 3 cm. Variables: Dependiente: presencia/ausencia de aneurisma; independientes: edad, perímetro abdominal, tabaco, hipertensión arterial, diabetes, dislipidemia, antecedentes familiares de AAA, accidente cerebrovascular y enfermedad coronaria. Análisis estadístico: inferencia bayesiana con modelos para proporciones y regresión logística multivariante. Resultados: De 304 ecografías realizadas, fueron derivados 13 sujetos con sospecha de AAA y 63 con ecografía normal. Se obtuvo una sensibilidad del 93,3% y una especificidad del 98,5% con intervalo de credibilidad (ICred) del 95% (75,4-99,9% y 94,3-100%), respectivamente; una prevalencia del 4,6% (ICred95%: 2,5-7,2%) y coeficiente de correlación intraclase entre AP y Cirugía Vascular de 0,88 (ICred95%: 0,79-0,94). Edad, tabaco, hipertensión, dislipidemia y diabetes mostraron incrementar de forma relevante la odds de prevalencia de AAA. Conclusiones: La ecografía en AP realizada por médicos de familia tras una formación básica para detección de AAA muestra muy alta validez diagnóstica. Habría que valorar con estudios más amplios de efectividad la pertinencia de implantar un sistema de detección precoz de AAA en población de riesgo

Objective: To determine the usefulness of ultrasound examination in Primary Care (PC) for the detection of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in male patients from 65-75 years old, as well as the consistency between observers on the diagnosis between general practitioners and the reference specialty in this area, Vascular Surgery. To estimate the prevalence of AAA in that population and its association with risk factors. Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Location: Healthcare Centres of Coto and Calzada II (Gijón, Spain). Participants: Males born between 1 January 1939 and 31 December 1950. Interventions: From the 2,511 males found, 407 were selected using stratified random sampling. Aortic diameter was measured, with those ≥ 3 cm and 20% from the < 3 cm being referred for a second measurement by a vascular surgeon. Variables: Dependent: presence/absence of aneurism. Independent: age, abdominal perimeter, smoking, arterial hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, familial cases of AAA, cerebrovascular accident, and coronary disease. The analysis was performed using Bayesian inference with models for proportions and a multivariate logistic regression. Results: From 304 ultrasound scans performed, 13 were referred with suspicion of AAA, and 63 with were within normal. The sensitivity was 93.3% and specificity 98.5% with a 95% credibility interval (CredI) of 75.4-99.9%, and 94.3-100%, respectively. The prevalence was 4.6% (95% CredI: 2.5-7.2%, and the intraclass correlation coefficient between PC and Vascular Surgery was 0.88 (95% CredI: 0.79-0.94). Age, smoking, dyslipidaemia, and diabetes tended to increase the odds of prevalence of AAA. Conclusion: The ultrasound performed by GPs for the detection of AAA had high diagnostic validity. Further studies on the effectiveness should be conducted in order to assess the appropriateness of introducing a system of early detection of AAA in the risk population