Trends 2001 to 2008 in incidence and immediate postoperative outcomes for major joint replacement among Spanish adults suffering diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the trend of incidence rates of primary total knee (TKA) and primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) due to osteoarthritis among Spanish adults suffering diabetes (type-1 and 2) from 2001 to 2008 and analyze in-hospital mortality (IHM), length of stay (LOS) and hospital charges compared with non-diabetic patients. METHODS: From the Spanish National Hospital Database, we selected 250,205 patients with TKA and 122,926 patients with THA; 12 and 9% of patients undergoing TKA and THA, respectively, were diabetes sufferers, of them, 1.6% was classified as type 1 in each procedure. RESULTS: Incidence of both procedures increased over the period, but diabetic patients had a larger increment compared with non-diabetic patients. The ratio of diabetes versus non-diabetes sufferers undergoing TKA increased from 0.10 in 2001 to 0.16 in 2008 and from 0.08 to 0.11 for THA. Unadjusted IHM was higher among type-2 diabetic adults in both procedures. IHM rate did not show a secular time trend among diabetic patients. LOS was significantly longer among patients with diabetes type-1 and 2 undergoing THP when compared with non-diabetic patients. Hospital charges were higher among diabetic versus non-diabetic patients for both procedures showing a significant increase over the period. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate postoperative outcomes for major joint replacement are worse among persons with than without diabetes, and prevalence of diabetes is increasing in patients undergoing these surgeries.

The association between excess weight and self-rated health and psychological distress in women in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the associations between obesity and self-rated health and psychological well-being in Spanish women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. Three dependent variables were defined: self-rated health; self-declared diagnosis of psychiatric disorders or use of psychiatric drugs; and General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) score. A set of variables (sociodemographic, morbidity and lifestyle) were used to adjust for possible confounding effects. SETTING: The National Health Survey was conducted in Spain in 2006. SUBJECTS: A total of 15 099 women aged ≥18 years. Participants were classified into groups according to their BMI. RESULTS: In all, 55·4 % of the women had normal weight, 29·4 % were overweight and 15·2 % were obese. Self-perception of poor health in obese women was 57·8 %, a significantly higher value than in women of normal weight (28·8 %). Prevalence of psychiatric disease was 35·5 % in obese women and 18·9 % in women of normal weight. In multivariate analysis, obese women had 34 % higher odds of declaring poor self-perception of health (OR = 1·34; 95 % CI 1·12, 1·61), 18 % higher odds of self-reporting psychiatric disease (OR = 1·18; 95 % CI 1·02, 1·38) and 26 % higher odds (OR = 1·26; 95 % CI 1·02, 1·55) of having an abnormal outcome (≥3) on the GHQ-12 than women of normal weight. CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights that obese Spanish women have worse self-rated health and psychological health than those with normal weight. These aspects are relevant because of the growing importance placed on the functionality of patients and their mental health within the obesity epidemic.

Trends in primary total hip arthroplasty in Spain from 2001 to 2008: evaluating changes in demographics, comorbidity, incidence rates, length of stay, costs and mortality.

BACKGROUND: Hip arthroplasties is one of the most frequent surgical procedures in Spain and are conducted mainly in elderly subjects. We aim to analyze changes in incidence, co-morbidity profile, length of hospital stay (LOHS), costs and in-hospital mortality (IHM) of patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) over an 8-year study period in Spain. METHODS: We selected all surgical admissions in individuals aged ≥ 40 years who had received a primary THA (ICD-9-CM procedure code 81.51) between 2001 and 2008 from the National Hospital Discharge Database. Age- and sex-specific incidence rates, LOHS, costs and IHM were estimated for each year. Co-morbidity was assessed using the Charlson comorbidity index.Multivariate analysis of time trends was conducted using Poisson regression. Logistic regression models were conducted to analyze IHM. RESULTS: We identified a total of 161,791 discharges of patients having undergone THA from 2001 to 2008. Overall crude incidence had increased from 99 to 105 THA per 100.000 inhabitants from 2001 to 2008 (p < 0.001). In 2001, 81% of patients had a Charlson Index of 0, 18.4% of 1-2, and 0.6% > 2 and in 2008, the prevalence of 1-2 or >2 had increased to 20.4% and 1.1% respectively (p < 0.001). The mean LOHS was 13 days in 2001 and decreased to 10.45 days in 2008 (p < 0.001). During the period studied, the mean cost per patient increased from 6,634 to 9,474 Euros. Multivariate analysis shows that from 2001 to 2008 the incidence of THA hospitalizations has significantly increased for both sexes and only men showed a significant reduction in IHM after THA. CONCLUSIONS: The current study provides clear and valid data indicating increased incidence of primary THA in Spain from 2001 to 2008 with concomitant reductions in LOHS, slight reduction IHM, but a significant increase in cost per patient. The health profile of the patient undergoing a THA seems to be worsening in Spain.

Predictors of influenza vaccination uptake among adults with a history of heart attack.

BACKGROUND: Influenza vaccination can reduce morbidity and mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases. This study sought to evaluate influenza vaccination coverage among adults with a history of heart attack and to determine which variables were associated with vaccine uptake. RESULTS: A total of 716 adults reported having suffered a heart attack. The coverage among sufferers was 67.9% as against 35% for non sufferers. The variables that were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of receiving the vaccine among sufferers were: higher age; male gender, no smoking habit, "Physician visits in the preceding four weeks"; and, "Blood pressure control in the preceding three months". DESIGN: A descriptive study was conducted using individual data from adults aged ≥40 years included in the year 2006/7 Spanish Health Survey and comparing subjects with a history of heart attack with those who had not suffered this event. METHODS: The number of participants surveyed was 20,060. Subjects were classified as heart attack sufferers if they answered affirmatively to the question: "Has your doctor told you that you have suffered a heart attack?" To assess influenza vaccination status we considered the response to the question, "Did you have a 'flu shot in the latest campaign?". Independent variables included sociodemographic, health-related, lifestyles and periodic control of cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccination coverage among subjects who have suffered a heart attack is below desirable levels. Multiple strategies focused on providers and patients are needed to improve influenza vaccination coverage among these high risk subjects, particularly now with the emerging H1N1 pandemic.

Medication consumption in the Spanish paediatric population: related factors and time trend, 1993-2003.

AIMS: To ascertain the prevalence of consumption of medications in the Spanish paediatric population and to identify the factors associated with such consumption. METHODS: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study covering the Spanish adult population, using data drawn from the 1993 and 2003 Spanish National Health Surveys (SNHS). The 1993 and 2003 SNHS include data on 5280 and 6463 children, respectively, age range 0-15 years. The independent variables were sociodemographic and health-related, and the dependent variable was medications use. Using logistic multivariate regression models, we analysed the temporal evolution of medication consumption between 1993 and 2003. RESULTS: The 1993 SNHS data revealed that 36.81% of the paediatric population had consumed some type of medication, whereas in 2003 this figure had dropped to 34%. Over the decade of study, there was a significant decrease in use of medications for catarrh, influenza, throat (P < 0.05), and an increase in consumption of pain-relieving drugs and/or fever-lowering, antibiotics and anti-allergy remedies. Multivariate analysis highlighted the association between medication consumption, negative perception of the child's health [odds ratio (OR) 2.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.16, 3.72 in 1993, and OR 3.54, 95% CI 2.74, 4.56 in 2003] and medical visits to the physician across the 2 years (OR 12.09, 95% CI 10.13, 14.42 in 1993, and OR 7.17, 95% CI 6.06, 8.47 in 2003). CONCLUSIONS: Although there was a significant decline in overall drug consumption in the Spanish paediatric population from 1993 to 2003, the prevalence of consumption of certain groups, such as analgesics, antipyretics and antibiotics, has risen.

Significant differences in the use of healthcare resources of native-born and foreign born in Spain.

BACKGROUND: In the last decade, the number of foreign residents in Spain has doubled and it has become one of the countries in the European Union with the highest number of immigrants There is no doubt that the health of the immigrant population has become a relevant subject from the point of view of public healthcare. Our study aimed at describing the potential inequalities in the use of healthcare resources and in the lifestyles of the resident immigrant population of Spain. METHODS: Cross-sectional, epidemiological study from the Spanish National Health Survey (NHS) in 2006, from the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs. We have worked with individualized secondary data, collected in the Spanish National Health Survey carried out in 2006 and 2007 (SNHS-06), from the Ministry of Health and Consumer Affairs. The format of the SNHS-06 has been adapted to the requirements of the European project for the carrying out of health surveys. RESULTS: The economic immigrant population resident in Spain, present diseases that are similar to those of the indigenous population. The immigrant population shows significantly lower values in the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and physical activity (OR = 0.76; CI 95%: 0.65-0.89, they nonetheless perceive their health condition as worse than that reported by the autochthonous population (OR = 1.63, CI 95%: 1.34-1.97). The probability of the immigrant population using emergency services in the last 12 months was significantly greater than that of the autochthonous population (OR = 1.31, CI 95%: 1.12-1.54). This situation repeats itself when analyzing hospitalization data, with values of probability of being hospitalized greater among immigrants (OR = 1.39, CI 95%: 1.07-1.81). CONCLUSION: The economic immigrants have better parameters in relation to lifestyles, but they have a poor perception of their health. Despite the fact that immigrant population shows higher percentages of emergency attendance and hospitalization than the indigenous population, with respect to the use of healthcare resources, their usage of healthcare resources such as drugs, influenza vaccinations or visits to the dentist is lower.

Hospital-acquired rotavirus infections in Spain over a ten-year period (1998-2007).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze the epidemiology and burden of rotavirus infections amongst hospitalized children up to 5 years of age in Spain over a 10-year period (1998-2007). RESULTS: During the study period (1998-2007), a total of 10,990 cases of rotavirus disease mentioned as a secondary diagnosis were recorded (annual incidence of 59.02 cases per 100,000 people and 0.45 cases per 100 admissions). The average patient age was 9.8 months (SD 9.3), with 71% of the patients younger than 12 months of age. The mortality rate for children hospitalized for other primary causes, with rotavirus gastroenteritis as a secondary diagnosis was 0.16 per 100,000, and the case-fatality rate was 0.27%. The hospitalization rate decreased significantly with age, from 226 cases per 100,000 children 12 months of age or younger to 1.78 cases per 100,000 in children at the age of four. The infection rate amongst hospitalized children also decreased significantly with age, from 0.55% and 0.66% in children under one and two years, respectively, to 0.04% in children at the age of four. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data provided by the National Epidemiology Surveillance System for Hospital Data (Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos; CMBD) were analyzed. This database includes clinical information on hospitalizations and associated costs. For the purpose of this study, hospital discharges that mentioned rotavirus disease as a secondary diagnosis (ICD-9CM 008.61) were considered rotavirus hospital-acquired infections. All such cases reported from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2007 were selected. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital-acquired rotavirus infection morbidity and the associated consumption of health care resources are still important in Spain, especially in the younger groups (24 months of age and younger).

Patient's perceptions and information provided by the public health service are predictors for influenza vaccine uptake.

The objective of this study is to determine whether a patient's perception and information received from health services can be used as predictive tools in regard to vaccination coverage against influenza. Individual data from 7,341 adults included in the Madrid City Health Survey conducted in 2005 were used. With the objective of discovering the level of satisfaction with the public health system in mind, the question "In your opinion, does the public health care system in the city of Madrid work properly?" was asked to the population so as to obtain an affirmative/negative answer with respect to public health services. Overall influenza vaccination coverage was 24%. Logistic regression models indicate that the population more satisfied with, as well as those who believe they are sufficiently informed by, the health services are more likely to receive the vaccine against influenza (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.06-1.43). Visits to a physician also constitute a statistically significant association. Improving the perception with the public health system and the information provided to the population may help to increase influenza vaccination uptake.

Time trends in coronary revascularization procedures among people with COPD: analysis of the Spanish national hospital discharge data (2001-2011).

BACKGROUND: People with COPD suffering from coronary artery disease are frequently treated with revascularization procedures. We aim to compare trends in the use and outcomes of these procedures in COPD and non-COPD patients in Spain between 2001 and 2011. METHODS: We identified all patients who had undergone percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries, using national hospital discharge data. Discharges were grouped into: COPD and no COPD. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2011, 428,516 PCIs and 79,619 CABGs were performed. The sex and age-adjusted use of PCI increased by 21.27% per year from 2001 to 2004 and by 5.47% per year from 2004 to 2011 in patients with COPD. In-hospital mortality (IHM) among patients with COPD who underwent a PCI increased significantly from 2001 to 2011 (odds ratio 1.11; 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.20). Among patients with COPD who underwent a CABG, the sex and age-adjusted CABG incidence rate increased by 9.77% per year from 2001 to 2003, and then decreased by 3.15% through 2011. The probability of dying during hospitalization in patients who underwent a CABG did not change significantly in patients with and without COPD (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval 0.96-1.17). CONCLUSION: The annual percent change in PCI procedures increased in COPD and non-COPD patients. We found a decrease in the use of CABG procedures in both groups. IHM was higher in patients with COPD who underwent a PCI than in those without COPD. However, COPD did not increase the probability of dying during hospitalization in patients who underwent a CABG.

Predictive factors of self-medicated analgesic use in Spanish adults: a cross-sectional national study.

BACKGROUND: Analgesics are among the most commonly consumed drugs by the world populations. Within the broader context of self-medication, pain relief occupies a prominent position. Our study was to ascertain the prevalence of self-medication with analgesics among the Spanish population and to identify predictors of self-medication, including psychological disorders, psychological dysfunction, mental health status, and sociodemographic and health-related variables. METHODS: We used individualized secondary data retrieved from the 2009 European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) for Spain to conduct a nationwide, descriptive, cross-sectional pharmacoepidemiology study on self-medication with analgesics among adults (individuals aged at least 16 years) of both genders living in Spain. A total of 7,606 interviews were analysed. The dichotomous dependent variables chosen were the answers "yes" or "no" to the question In the last 2 weeks have you taken the medicines not prescribed for you by a doctor for joint pain, headache, or low back pain?" Independent variables were sociodemographic, comorbidity, and healthcare resources. RESULTS: A total of 7,606 individuals reported pain in any of the locations (23.7%). In addition, analgesic consumption was self-prescribed in 23.7% (1,481) of these subjects. Forty percent (40.1%) of patients self-medicated for headache, 15.1% for low back pain, and 6.7% for joint pain. The variables significantly associated with a greater likelihood of self-medication of analgesics, independently of pain location were: age 16-39 years (2.36 < AOR < 3.68), higher educational level (1.80 < AOR <2.21), psychological disorders (1.56 < AOR < 1.98), and excellent/good perception of health status (1.74 < AOR < 2.68). In subjects suffering headache, self-prescription was associated with male gender (AOR 2.13) and absence of other comorbid condition (AOR 4.65). CONCLUSIONS: This pharmacoepidemiology study constitutes an adequate approach to analgesic self-medication use in the Spanish population, based on a representative nationwide sample. Self-prescribed analgesic consumption was higher in young people with higher educational level, higher income, smoker, and with psychological disorders and with a good perception of their health status independently of the location of pain.

Trend in cervical cancer screening in Spain (2003-2009) and predictors of adherence.

Cervical cancer remains a public health problem in developed countries. Early detection of both premalignant lesions and cervical cancer through an appropriate screening programme may decrease its incidence and mortality. High rates of participation are essential to ensure the desired impact on the population. The aims of this study were to assess the use of Pap smears in Spain in 2009 to identify factors associated with screening adherence (predictors) and assess the trend from 2003 to 2009. We included women surveyed in the European Health Interview Survey for Spain. Cervical cancer screening included self-reported Pap smears over the last 3 years. The target age range was 25-64 years. The following independent variables were analysed: sociodemographic variables, chronic conditions, and lifestyle. Predictors of Pap smear adherence were explored using multivariate logistic regression. The screening coverage in the target population was 66.1% (95% confidence interval: 64.8-67.4). Undergoing Pap smears was associated positively with the following: being married, higher levels of education and income, having visited a general practitioner in previous weeks, and suffering from musculoskeletal disease. Belonging to an older age group (55-64 years) and obesity were associated with nonadherence to Pap smears. We did not find significant differences when we compared cervical cancer screening adherence over time since 2003. Adherence to cervical cancer screening in Spain does not seem to be improving. An effort must be made, and the implementation of population-based programmes instead of opportunistic screening could be considered, to recruit women who are less likely to undergo screening.

Sexuality among Spanish adults with diabetes: a population-based case control study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe and compare sexuality between subjects with diabetes with matched non-diabetic controls. METHODS: Population based case control study using individual data from the Spanish National Sexual Health Survey. Diabetes status was self reported, we selected type 2 patients. We identified 461 diabetes sufferers. Two controls were matched by age, sex and sexual partner for each diabetic case. Sexuality measures included: sexual activity, importance of sex, satisfaction with partner, bothersome with one's sexual life and self-rated sexual health. Independent variables included: socio-demographics, physical health, chronic diseases and medications use. RESULTS: No differences were found in "Sexually activity", "Importance of sex" or "Bothersome" between those with and without diabetes. Dissatisfaction with partner was 25% in women with diabetes and 12.9% in non-diabetic controls (Adjusted-OR 1.82 95%CI 1.02-4.85). Diabetes sufferers reported sexual health as "fair/poor/very poor" more than their non-diabetic control, 58.1% vs. 45.1% for women (Adjusted-OR 1.74 95%CI 1.15-2.63) and 54.3% vs. 38% for men (Adjusted-OR 1.88 95%CI 1.29-2.75). Among diabetes sufferers "fair/poor/very poor" sexual health was associated with poorer physical health, not having a sexual partner and among men taking heart medications. CONCLUSIONS: Women and men with diabetes have significantly worse sexuality measures than non diabetic controls.

Are age-based strategies effective in increasing influenza vaccination coverage?: the Spanish experience.

We investigated the effectiveness of applying age-based strategies to improve influenza vaccination coverage in Spain. We described and compared influenza vaccination coverage from 2003 to 2010 between those Spanish autonomous regions (AR) that lowered the age limit to 60 y and those regions that maintained the limit at 65 y. We used data collected from two surveys covering a representative sample of the Spanish population aged ≥ 16 y [Spanish National Health Survey (SNHS) 2003/2004 and the European Health Survey for Spain (EHSS) 2009/2010]. The study population (persons aged ≥ 60 y) comprised 7,496 persons in the SNHS and 7,686 in the EHSS. In 2010, those AR which had reduced the age limit had higher coverage for all age groups analyzed-regardless of the presence of associated chronic conditions-than AR which continued vaccination for those ≥ 65 y. The greatest differences appeared in individuals aged 60 to 64 y (36.9% vs. 24.4% for individuals without chronic conditions, 59.1% vs. 52.9% for those with chronic conditions, and 43.3% vs. 32.3% for the entire age group). Multivariate analysis showed that those AR which lowered the age limit increased total coverage for all age groups, specifically among individuals with chronic conditions aged 60 to 64 y (IRR 1.18; 95% CI, 1.01-1.54) and ≥ 65 y (IRR 1.07; 95% CI, 1.00-1.14). No significant changes were observed over time for the AR that continued vaccinating people aged ≥ 65 y. Our results suggest that age-based strategies are effective for improving influenza vaccination coverage in Spain.

Vaccination against 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 seasonal influenza in Spain: coverage among high risk subjects, HCWs, immigrants and time trends from the 2005/2006 campaign.

Influenza continues to be a very important cause of morbidity, mortality and a large number of hospitalizations each year, however the compliance with vaccine uptake is low and has barely varied over time among health care workers (HCWs) and people under 65 years of age suffering a chronic condition. Based on data from two nation-wide representative health surveys namely the 2006 Spanish National Health Survey and the 2009 European Health Interview Survey for Spain the aim of this study is to describe influenza vaccination coverage and time trends for the Spanish population as a whole and in recommended populations in four vaccination campaigns: 2005/2006, 2006/2007, 2008/2009 and 2009/2010. Our results show an increasing trend (OR 1.03) in seasonal influenza vaccine coverage for the total population from 2005/2006 to 2009/2010, especially in HCWs (21.8% in 2005/2006; 31.1% in 2009/2010). Coverage in people under 60 with a chronic disease remains low and did not vary significantly during the analyzed period. Immigrants presented a significantly lower probability of having received the influenza vaccine than indigenous people in the 2008/2009 campaign. Different strategies need to be implemented in order to achieve higher coverage levels in these at-risk populations.

Breast and cervical cancer screening in Spain and predictors of adherence.

Gynecological cancers are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Secondary prevention programmes attempt to improve their prognosis. High participation rates are needed to ensure the desired population impact. We sought to assess the use of mammography and Pap smear and analyze predictors of screening adherence. We included women surveyed in the Spanish National Health Survey 2006. Cancer screening included mammography in the last 2 years and Pap smear in the last 3 years. The target age range of the screening programmes was 50-69 years in breast cancer screening and 25-64 years in cervical cancer screening. Independent variables included: sociodemographics, chronic diseases and lifestyles. Predictors of mammography or Pap smear adherence were explored using logistic regression. The screening coverage for the target age range was 84.1% (95% confidence interval=82.9-85.2) in breast cancer and 67.4% (95% confidence interval=66.5-68.4) in cervical cancer. Mammography uptake was positively associated with age, being married, higher educational level, having visited a physician or gynecologist, supplementary private health coverage and osteomuscular disease. Some unhealthy lifestyles were associated with nonadherence to mammography. Positive predictors of Pap smear adherence behaved in the same way as for mammography and also higher monthly incomes and eating a healthy diet were associated with higher screening compliance. In conclusion, adherence to breast cancer screening in Spain is acceptable in the target age group; nevertheless Pap smear screening must be improved. In both cases, an effort must be made to recruit those women who are less likely to undergo screening, as they are those who are at higher risk of suffering these diseases.

Gender influence in influenza vaccine uptake in Spain: time trends analysis (1995-2006).

This study aims to analyze gender differences in influenza vaccine coverage and predictors of vaccine uptake in Spain from year 1995 to 2006. We used data obtained from the Spanish National Health Surveys (NHSS) conducted in 1995, 1997, 2001, 2003 and 2006. Only subjects for whom the vaccine was recommended in Spain (age >or=65 years and <65 years with an associated chronic condition) during the entire study period were analyzed. Influenza vaccination status was self-reported. Independent variables included: year of survey, age, marital status, educational level, size of town, physician visits and chronic conditions. The study population included 26,653 (15,973 women and 10,680 men) individuals and 54.9% (CI 95% 54.3-55.5) were vaccinated. Vaccination coverage was higher among men than women in each and all of the NHSS analyzed. Positive predictors of vaccine uptake were the same among women and men including: higher age, being married, lower educational level, "Physician visits in last four weeks"; and the presence of associated chronic condition. Time trends 1995/1997-2006 showed that the coverage has improved for women (OR 1.12 CI 95% 1.09-1.16) and men (OR 1.11 CI 95% 1.06-1.15). Over the whole study period men had 12% greater probability of having received the vaccine. We conclude that in Spain there are significant gender differences in influenza vaccine uptake with lower coverage among women. These differences have remained throughout all years studied. We suggest that possible explanations for the lower uptake among women could include less social support, differences in the health status and provider bias.

Changes in the epidemiology of hepatitis A in Spain (2005­2008): trends of acute hepatitis A hospitalizations, comorbidities, and costs associated with the hospitalization.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to analyze data related to hospitalization, comorbidities, median stays and costs associated with the hospitalization cases of hepatitis A in Spain, during the 2005-2008 periods. METHODS: A retrospective study of the characteristics of acute hepatitis A patients admitted to Spanish hospitals was performed using the minimum basic dataset. Costs were calculated using the diagnosis-related groups for the disease. RESULTS: The total number of hospitalized patients diagnosed with acute hepatitis A was 2395 (2.66/100,000 inhabitants); 61.5% were diagnosed in men. The highest rate corresponds to the group aged 20-39 years (4.01/100,000 inhabitants). When compared with year 2005 ascending tendencies in hospitalization was found for the year 2008 (incidence rate ratio 1.36 confidence interval 95% 1.32-1.39). Twenty-four deaths (1%) were reported out of the total of hospitalized patients. The median hospital stay was 5 days. An increase of cost from euro 1.272.608 in the year 2005 to euro 2.586.657 in 2008 was observed. Therefore, the total cost derived from these hospitalizations, above the retail price index, has increased by 90%. CONCLUSION: The incidence of hospitalized patients diagnosed with acute hepatitis A in Spain has remained stable from 2005 to 2007 and increased significantly in the year 2008. Therefore, a change in the epidemiology of hepatitis A may be taking place in Spain and this disease could become a public problem in the young adult population. It is necessary to conduct a cost-effectiveness study to assess the need for including hepatitis A in the universal immunizations schedule.

Coverage and predictors of influenza vaccination among adults with diabetes in Spain.

Based on data drawn from the 2003 National Health Survey (NHS), we sought to: (1) estimate influenza vaccination coverages among Spanish diabetic adults; (2) analyze which sociodemographic, health-related, and use of health-care services variables were associated with the likelihood of Spanish diabetes sufferers being vaccinated; and (3) analyze the time-trend in coverage for the period 2001-2003. We analyzed data on the 1295 adults suffering diabetes included in the 2003 NHS. The reply to the question "Were you vaccinated against influenza in the last vaccination campaign?" was taken as the dependent variable. Vaccination coverage was calculated and the influence of sociodemographic, health-related, and use of health-care services variables assessed. The proportion of vaccinated diabetic adults in 2003 amounted to 57%. Multivariate adjustment showed that the variables which increased the likelihood of being vaccinated were: higher age; male gender; presence of respiratory or heart diseases; and physician visits in the last 2 weeks. Influenza coverages had significantly increased from 2001 (48.8%) to 2003. We conclude that influenza vaccination coverages among Spanish diabetic adults have improved but still remain below desirable levels and, thereby making it necessary for strategies to be implemented aimed at improving the use of influenza vaccine among diabetic patients, especially those less than 50 years, females and without other chronic conditions.

Coverage and predictors of influenza vaccination among adults living in a large metropolitan area in Spain: a comparison between the immigrant and indigenous populations.

This study sought to evaluate influenza vaccination coverage in Madrid (Spain). Coverages were estimated for vaccine target groups and special attention was placed on the immigrant population. Individual data from 7341 adults included in the Madrid City Health Survey conducted in 2005 was used. Overall influenza vaccination coverage was 24%. Compliance with age-based influenza vaccine guidelines (>or=65 years) was 63.9%, among those<65 years who had an associated chronic condition, it was 37.9% and 24.1% among HCWs. Immigrants accounted for 12.4% of the sample. Overall crude coverage was significantly lower among immigrants than among the indigenous population (11.2% vs. 25.9%), but once the multivariate analysis had been performed, the association became non-significant. In conclusion, it must be said that all the available evidence indicates an inadequate level of influenza vaccination coverage among HCWs and high-risk subjects <65 years. On the other hand, coverages among subjects aged >or=65 years are acceptable and there is no observable difference in vaccine use between immigrants and indigenous subjects. Strategies that have demonstrated their effectiveness in enhancing vaccination coverages should be applied in Madrid.