Short- and mid-term morbidity and primary-care burden due to infant respiratory syncytial virus infection: A Spanish 6-year population-based longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: The morbidity burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants extends beyond hospitalization. Defining the RSV burden before implementing prophylaxis programs is essential for evaluating any potential impact on short- to mid-term morbidity and the utilization of primary healthcare (PHC) and emergency services (ES). We established this reference data using a population-based cohort approach. METHODS: Infants hospitalized for RSV from January 2016 to March 2023 were matched with non-hospitalized ones based on birthdate and sex. We defined the exposure as severe RSV hospitalization. The main study outcomes were as follows: (1) PHC and ES visits for RSV, categorized using the International Classification of Primary Care codes, (2) prescriptions for respiratory airway obstructive disease, and (3) antibacterial prescriptions. Participants were followed up from 30 days before hospitalization for severe RSV until the outcome occurrence or end of the study. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of the outcomes along with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Poisson regression models. Stratified analyses by type of PHC visit (nurse, pediatrician, or pharmacy) and follow-up period were undertaken. We defined mid-term outcomes as those taking place up to 24 months of follow-up period. RESULTS: The study included 6626 children (3313 RSV-hospitalized; 3313 non-hospitalized) with a median follow-up of 53.7 months (IQR = 27.9, 69.4). After a 3-month follow-up, severe RSV was associated with a considerable increase in PHC visits for wheezing/asthma (IRR = 4.31, 95% CI: 3.84-4.84), lower respiratory infections (IRR = 4.91, 95% CI: 4.34-5.58), and bronchiolitis (IRR = 4.68, 95% CI: 2.93-7.65). Severe RSV was also associated with more PHC visits for the pediatrician (IRR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.96-2.05), nurse (IRR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.75-1.92), hospital emergency (IRR = 2.39, 95% CI: 2.17-2.63), primary healthcare emergency (IRR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.31-1.82), as well as with important increase in prescriptions for obstructive airway diseases (IRR = 5.98, 95% CI: 5.43-6.60) and antibacterials (IRR = 4.02, 95% CI: 3.38-4.81). All findings remained substantial until 2 years of post-infection. CONCLUSIONS: Severe RSV infection in infants significantly increases short- to mid-term respiratory morbidity leading to an escalation in healthcare utilization (PHC/ES attendance) and medication prescriptions for up to 2 years afterward. Our approach could be useful in assessing the impact and cost-effectiveness of RSV prevention programs.

Influence of educational level on the prevalence of risk behaviors during the perinatal period. / Influencia del nivel de estudios en la prevalencia de conductas de riesgo durante el periodo perinatal.

The objective of this work was to assess changes during pregnancy and after childbirth in diet, consumption of tobacco, electronic cigarettes, cannabis, alcohol use and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke depending on the mother's educational level.A cross-sectional study was carried out whose target population was 18,822 Galician women aged 18-49 who gave birth between September 2015 and August 2016, and their 19,204 live-born children. A descriptive analysis was performed, and the prevalence of different behaviors was estimated at three time points - pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and after childbirth - depending on the mother's educational level. Percentages of change were calculated.Information was obtained from 6,436 women. Regardless of the educational level, during pregnancy there was an improvement in the different lifestyles. In the first months after childbirth, lifestyles worsened, except for exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and the use of electronic cigarettes. Most of the risk behaviors showed a gradient depending on the educational level; thus, the lower the educational level, the higher the prevalence of risk behaviors.In general, during pregnancy all women adopted healthier lifestyles that they abandoned in the months following childbirth. Women with a lower level of education showed a higher prevalence of risk behaviors, both in the period prior to pregnancy, as well as during pregnancy and after childbirth.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue valorar cambios durante el embarazo y tras el parto en la dieta, consumo de tabaco, cigarrillos electrónicos, alcohol, cannabis y exposición al humo ambiental de tabaco en función del nivel de estudios de la madre. Para ello, se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal cuya población objetivo fueron 18.822 mujeres gallegas de 18-49 años que dieron a luz entre septiembre 2015 y agosto 2016, y sus 19.204 hijos/as nacidos vivos. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y se estimó la prevalencia de diferentes conductas en tres momentos temporales ­pre-embarazo, embarazo y tras el parto­ en función del nivel de estudios de la madre. Se calcularon los porcentajes de cambio. Se obtuvo información de 6.436 mujeres. Con independencia del nivel de estudios, durante el embarazo se produce una mejora en los diferentes estilos de vida. En los primeros meses tras el parto los estilos de vida empeoran, con excepción de la exposición al humo ambiental de tabaco y el consumo de cigarrillos electrónicos. La mayoría de las conductas de riesgo muestran un gradiente dependiente del nivel educativo; así, a menor nivel educativo, mayor es la prevalencia de conductas de riesgo. En general, durante el embarazo todas las mujeres adoptan estilos de vida más saludables que abandonan en los meses siguientes al parto. Las mujeres con menor nivel de estudios muestran una mayor prevalencia de conductas de riesgo, tanto en el periodo previo al embarazo, como en el embarazo y tras el parto.

[Physical activity during pregnancy and postpartum: prevalence and healthcare professionals recommendations]. / Actividad física en el embarazo y puerperio: prevalencia y recomendaciones de los profesionales sanitarios.

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in physical activity (PA) during pregnancy and after giving birth and to explore this according to age and educational level. To analyze whether the health professionals gave recommendations on PA. DESIGN: Observational study. SITE: Information is derived from the Galician Risk Behavior Information System. PARTICIPANTS: The target population was Galician women (aged 18-49 years) who delivered between september-2015 and august-2016. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The prevalence of walking, physical exercise and PA recommendations were estimated for three moments (pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and after delivery). RESULTS: Walking during pregnancy increased by 34,0% and the performance of physical exercise decreased by 21,0%. After delivery, walking decreased by 37,0% and physical exercise decreased by 32,0% compared to pregnancy. Women of younger age and lower educational level were those who performed less PA. 72,6% and 22,1% of women declared that a healthcare professional recommended PA during pregnancy and after delivery, respectively. CONCLUSION: The PA performed by women during pregnancy is mainly walking, and there is a concern about the abandonment of PA practice after delivery. Healthcare professionals recommend PA mainly during pregnancy, but little is recommended after delivery. It may be desirable for the improvement of this prevalence to reinforce health action.

Smoking-attributable mortality in Spain: A systematic review. / Mortalidad atribuida al consumo de tabaco en España: Revisión sistemática.

Smoking-attributable mortality (SAM) is an indicator that reflects the evolution of the tobacco epidemic at the population level. The objective of this study is to identify and to describe published studies that have estimated SAM in Spain. A search in PubMed and EMBASE databases was performed, limited to studies published until April 15th, 2021. Studies that estimated SAM in Spain or its constituent regions were included. Of the 146 studies identified, 22 met eligibility criteria. The first estimate of SAM in Spain dates from 1978 and the last from 2017. Twelve of the studies found estimated SAM at national level, 8 in regions, 1 in a province and 1 in a city. Most estimates were made for adults aged over 34, categorized as smokers, ex-smokers and never smokers. Observed mortality derived, in all studies, from official records, and relative risks mostly from Cancer Prevention Study II. In the period analyzed, a decrease in the burden of SAM was observed. In Spain, different SAM estimates are available globally, but they do not have regular periodicity, and such estimates are infrequently made by region. Due to variations in methodology and data sources, it is difficult to assess changes in SAM. Having global and regional periodic estimates would be necessary to correctly monitor the tobacco epidemic in Spain.

La mortalidad atribuida (MA) al consumo de tabaco es un indicador que refleja la evolución de la epidemia tabáquica a nivel poblacional. El objetivo de este trabajo es identificar y describir los estudios publicados que hayan estimado MA al consumo de tabaco en España. Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos de PubMed y EMBASE de los trabajos publicados hasta el 15/04/2021. Se incluyeron estudios que estimaron MA en España en su conjunto o en unidades territoriales. Se identificaron 146 estudios y 22 cumplieron los criterios de elegibilidad. La primera estimación de MA en España data de 1978 y la última de 2017. En 12 estudios se estimó la MA a nivel nacional, 8 en comunidades autónomas, 1 a nivel provincial y 1 en una ciudad. La mayoría de estimaciones se realizaron en adultos mayores de 34 años categorizados como fumadores, exfumadores y nunca fumadores. La mortalidad observada derivó en todos los estudios de registros oficiales y los riesgos relativos mayoritariamente del Cancer Prevention Study II. En el periodo analizado se observó una disminución en la carga de MA en relación con la mortalidad total. En España se dispone de estimaciones de MA a nivel global, pero no tienen periodicidad regular y es infrecuente que se realicen en unidades territoriales. Debido a variaciones en la metodología y en las fuentes de datos es difícil evaluar de forma precisa cambios en la MA. Sería necesario disponer de estimaciones periódicas globales y regionales para monitorizar correctamente la epidemia tabáquica en España.

Cannabis use in adult population in Galicia: Prevalence and associated characteristics. / Consumo de cannabis en población adulta en Galicia: Prevalencias y características asociadas.

Cannabis is the most widely consumed illegal drug in Spain, with consumption concentrated mainly in adolescence and early adulthood. The objectives were to estimate the prevalence of cannabis use, cannabis use disorder (CUD) and dependent use in the Galician population aged 16 years and over, and to characterize cannabis users and cannabis dependent users. Data are from two cross-sectional studies from the Risk Behavior Information System conducted in 2017 (n = 7,841) and 2018 (n = 7,853). The Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) was used to identify users with CUD and/or dependent use. Prevalences were estimated and regression models were fitted to identify variables associated with cannabis use and dependent use. In 2017-2018, 2.7% (95% CI: 2.5-3.0) of the Galician population aged 16 years and over consumed cannabis at the time of the survey, with this prevalence being 9% in the 16-24 years age group. Prevalence decreased with age and was higher in males in all age groups. The prevalence of CUD in users was 69.5% (95% CI 61.1-78.1) and of dependent use it was 49.2% (95% CI 46.6-53.9). Tobacco use was the major determinant of being a cannabis user [OR = 19.8 (95% CI 13.8-28.4)] and daily cannabis use of being a dependent user [OR = 5.5 (95% CI 3.2-9.5)]. Cannabis use among the Galician population is high, especially among young people aged 16-24 years, who show the highest probability of dependent use. Prevention measures should be aimed especially at the younger population aged 16 years to curb its use and the development of consequences such as CUD and dependent use.

El cannabis es la droga ilegal más consumida en España con un consumo que se concentra principalmente en la adolescencia y primeros años de la edad adulta. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron estimar la prevalencia de consumo de cannabis, de trastorno por consumo de cannabis (CUD) y de consumo dependiente (CD) en la población gallega ≥16 años y caracterizar a los consumidores y a los consumidores dependientes. Los datos proceden de dos estudios transversales del Sistema de Información sobre Conductas de Riesgo realizados en 2017 (n = 7.841) y 2018 (n = 7.853). Se utilizó el test de adicción al cannabis (CAST) para identificar a los consumidores con CUD y/o CD. Se estimaron prevalencias y se ajustaron modelos de regresión para identificar variables asociadas al consumo y CD de cannabis.  El 2,7% (IC 95%: 2,5-3,0) de la población gallega ≥16 años consumía cannabis en el momento de la encuesta (2017-2018), siendo esta prevalencia del 9% en el grupo de 16-24 años. La prevalencia disminuye con la edad y es superior en hombres en todos los grupos etarios. La prevalencia de CUD en los consumidores fue del 69,5% (IC 95% 61,1-78,1) y de CD del 49,2% (IC 95% 44,6 -53,9). Consumir tabaco es el mayor determinante para ser consumidor de cannabis [OR = 19,8 (IC 95% 13,8-28,4)] y consumir diariamente cannabis para ser consumidor dependiente [OR = 5,5 (IC 95% 3,2-9,5)]. El consumo de cannabis entre la población gallega es bajo, aunque entre los jóvenes de 16-24 años, que son los que muestran más probabilidad de CD, la prevalencia es elevada. Las medidas de prevención deben dirigirse especialmente a la población más joven de 16 años para frenar su consumo y el desarrollo de consecuencias como el CUD y el CD.

Trends in smoking-attributable mortality in Spain: 1990-2018.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to analyse the trend in smoking-attributable mortality (SAM) in Spain among the population aged ≥35 years across the period 1990-2018. METHODS: SAM was estimated by applying a prevalence-independent method, which uses lung cancer (LC) mortality as a proxy of tobacco consumption. We sourced observed mortality from the National Institute of Statistics (Spain), LC mortality rates in smokers and never smokers from the Cancer Prevention Study I-II, and relative risks from 5 US cohorts. Estimates of annual SAM by cause of death, sex and age are shown, along with crude and annual standardised SAM rates. The trend in standardised all-cause and LC rates was analysed using a joinpoint regression model. RESULTS: Tobacco caused 1 717 150 deaths in Spain in the period 1990-2018. Among men, cancers replaced cardiovascular diseases-diabetes mellitus (CVD-DM) as the leading group of tobacco-related cause of death in 1994. Among women, CVD-DM remained the leading cause of death throughout the period. Trend analysis of standardised SAM rates due to all causes and LC showed a decrease in men and an increase in women. CONCLUSIONS: The tobacco epidemic in Spain across the period 1990-2018 has had an important impact on mortality and has evolved differently in both genders. SAM is expected to increase dramatically in women in the coming years. SAM data highlight the importance of including a gender perspective in SAM analyses, in designing more effective and comprehensive public health interventions and in developing gender-specific tobacco control policies to curb tobacco consumption.

Internet use and abuse in the adult population of Galicia: Prevalence and associated characteristics. / Uso y abuso de Internet en la población adulta de Galicia: Prevalencia y características asociadas.

Internet use has rapidly spread around the world becoming an indispensable part of daily life. Despite its advantages, the dysfunctional use or abuse of the Internet can lead to addiction problems. The main objectives established in this study were to assess the prevalence of Internet use in the general Galician population and the prevalence of problematic internet use (PIU) and at-risk of PIU in 2017. The Surveillance Information System on Risk Behavior is based on annual cross-sectional surveys among the population aged at least 16 years residing in Galicia, Spain. A total of 7,841 participants were recruited in 2017 using a stratified random sampling. Internet users were classified into three categories: normal use, maladaptive/at-risk of PIU and PIU, based on their score in the Internet-related experiences questionnaire. A total of 74.8%, 95% CI [73.8-75.8], of the Galician population aged 16 to 74 used the Internet in the month before the survey was performed, exceeding 95% in the population aged below 45 years. Most users use chat applications and social networks. The prevalence of PIU or at-risk of PIU in the population aged 16 to 74 was 1.0% [0.8-1.3], reaching 5.2% [4.2-6.2] in the population aged between 16 and 24. The prevalence of Internet use in Galicia is slightly lower than those obtained in Spain and Europe. Moreover, PIU is an emerging problem in the population with the youngest population being the most affected.

El uso de Internet se ha extendido rápidamente por todo el mundo convirtiéndose en una parte indispensable de la vida cotidiana. A pesar de sus ventajas, el uso disfuncional o el abuso de Internet puede conducir a problemas de adicción. Los principales objetivos de este estudio fueron evaluar la prevalencia de uso de Internet, de uso problemático de Internet (UPI) o de riesgo de UPI en la población general gallega en 2017. El Sistema de Información sobre Conductas de Riesgo de Galicia (SICRI) se basa en la realización de encuestas transversales con periodicidad cuasianual entre la población de 16 años y más residente en Galicia, España. En 2017, se incluyeron a 7.841 participantes mediante un muestreo aleatorio estratificado. Los usuarios de Internet se clasificaron en tres categorías: uso normal, inadaptado/en riesgo de UPI y UPI, en función de su puntuación en el cuestionario de experiencias relacionadas con Internet. El 74,8%, 95% IC [73,8-75,8], de la población gallega de 16-74 años utilizó Internet en el último mes, siendo esta prevalencia superior al 95% en la población menor de 45 años. La mayoría de los usuarios utilizan aplicaciones de chat y redes sociales. La prevalencia de UPI o riesgo de UPI en la población de 16 a 74 años fue del 1,0% 95% IC [0,8-1,3], alcanzando el 5,2% 95% IC [4,2-6,2] en la población de 16 a 24 años. La prevalencia de uso de Internet en Galicia es ligeramente inferior a las obtenidas en España y Europa. Además, el UPI es un problema emergente en la población, siendo la población más joven la más afectada.

Lung cancer mortality attributable to residential radon exposure in Spain and its regions.

Lung cancer has the highest cancer mortality rate in developed countries. The principal risk factor for lung cancer is tobacco use, with residential radon being the leading risk factor among never smokers and the second among ever smokers. We sought to estimate mortality attributable to residential radon exposure in Spain and its Autonomous Regions, with correction for dwelling height and differentiation by tobacco use. We applied a prevalence-based method for estimating attributable mortality. For estimations, we considered exposure to radon in the different Autonomous Regions corrected for dwelling height, using the National Statistics Institute Housing Census and prevalence of tobacco use (never smokers, smokers and ex-smokers). The results showed that 3.8% (838 deaths) of lung cancer mortality was attributable to radon exposure of over 100 Bq/m3, a figure that rises to 6.9% (1,533 deaths) when correction for dwelling height is not performed. By Autonomous Region, the highest population attributable fractions, corrected for dwelling height, were obtained for Galicia, Extremadura, and the Canary Islands, where 7.0, 6.9, and 5.5% of lung cancer mortality was respectively attributable to radon exposure. The greatest part of the attributable mortality occurred in men and among smokers and ex-smokers. Residential radon exposure is a major contributor to lung cancer mortality, though this contribution is highly variable among the different territories, indicating the need for targeted prevention policies. Correction of estimates for dwelling height is fundamental for providing reliable estimates of radon-attributable mortality.

Gambling characteristics in Galicia: a Public Health problem. / Caracterización del juego de azar en Galicia: un problema de Salud Pública.

Due to the increase in gambling, gambling disorders have become a major social problem of importance for public health, affecting both adults and adolescents. The main objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of the Galician population who spent money on gambling in the last year and the prevalence of people with, or at risk of, gambling disorder. Data was obtained from a cross-sectional survey carried out in 2017 by the Galician Information System on Risk Behaviors (SICRI). The SICRI conducts annual telephone surveys of Galician residents who were at least 16 years of age, with the sample equidistributed over a 12-month period.  A total of 7,841 participants were selected using stratified random sampling. In order to estimate the prevalence of gambling disorder or at-risk gambling, The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) questionnaire by Lesieur and Blume was applied. The prevalence of gambling and having or being at risk of gambling disorder was estimated and regression models were adjusted to identify variables associated with gambling disorder or being at risk. Of the Galician population aged 16 years and older, 58.1% (95% CI: 57.0-59.2) spent money on gambling in the 12 months previous to this study, with the highest prevalence of gambling found in men (64.6% vs. 52.2%) in all age groups. The prevalence of gambling disorder or at-risk gambling at the population level is 1.6% (95% CI 1.3-1.9), and is higher among men and younger gamblers. The prevalence obtained signals to gambling as a major public health concern, with young males being at greater risk of developing a gambling problem.

Debido a la expansión de los juegos de azar, los trastornos asociados al juego se convierten en un gran problema social con una alta relevancia para la Salud Pública, afectando tanto a adultos como a adolescentes. Los principales objetivos de este estudio fueron conocer la prevalencia de gallegos que gastaron dinero en juegos de azar en el último año y de jugadores con un trastorno de juego o de riesgo. Los datos se obtuvieron del estudio transversal realizado en 2017 por el Sistema de Información sobre Conductas de Riesgo (SICRI). El SICRI se basa en la realización anual de encuestas telefónicas a la población gallega residente que tiene al menos 16 años de edad con la muestra equidistribuida en 12 meses. Un total de 7.841 participantes fueron seleccionados mediante un muestreo aleatorio estratificado. Con el objetivo de estimar la prevalencia de trastorno de juego o de riesgo se utilizó el cuestionario South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) de Lesieur y Blume. Se estimó la prevalencia de juego y jugadores con un trastorno de juego o juego de riesgo y se ajustaron modelos de regresión para identificar las variables asociadas al trastorno de juego o juego de riesgo. De la población gallega de 16 años en adelante, el 58,1% (IC 95%: 57,0-59,2) gastó dinero en juegos de azar en los 12 meses previos a la realización del estudio, siendo la prevalencia de jugadores más alta en los hombres (64,6% vs. 52,2%) en todos los grupos de edad. La prevalencia de trastorno de juego o juego de riesgo en la población es del 1,6% (IC 95%: 1,3-1,9), siendo más alta entre los hombres y en los jugadores más jóvenes. Las prevalencias obtenidas señalan al juego como un importante problema de Salud Pública, siendo los varones jóvenes los que tienen un mayor riesgo de desarrollar un problema asociado al juego.

Alcohol consumption and characterization of hazardous drinkers in Galicia. / Consumo de alcohol y caracterización de los bebedores problemáticos en Galicia.

Detailed knowledge of the epidemiology of alcohol consumption at the population level is essential to the design of effective public health programs. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of daily, sporadic, occasional, binge and hazardous alcohol consumption among the Galician population aged 16 years and over, and to characterize hazardous drinkers, taking into account the gender perspective. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 among people aged over 15 years residing in Galicia in the framework of the Risk Behavior Information System (SICRI). In 2017, 7,841 adults were interviewed by stratified random sampling. Questions related to alcohol consumption in the last month were included and the prevalence of hazardous consumption was estimated using the AUDIT test. A multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to characterize hazardous drinkers. A total of 18.8% of the Galician population consumed alcohol daily and 3.4% had hazardous consumption. The prevalence of daily, occasional, sporadic, binge and hazardous drinking was higher among men and varied by age. The prevalence of daily-occasional and sporadic drinking was highest at middle age (45-64 years) and binge and hazardous drinking among those aged 16 to 24 years. The characteristics associated with hazardous drinking varied by gender, and are identified by common characteristics to both genders such as age or being a tobacco or cannabis smoker, and differential characteristics such as educational level. Typologies of consumption changed according to age and gender. Surveillance systems should regularly monitor alcohol consumption in order to adapt prevention measures to changes in drinking patterns.

Conocer en detalle la epidemiología del consumo de alcohol a nivel poblacional es indispensable para diseñar programas de Salud Pública eficaces. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron estimar la prevalencia del consumo de alcohol diario, ocasional, esporádico, intensivo y problemático entre los gallegos de 16 y más años y caracterizar a los bebedores problemáticos teniendo en cuenta la perspectiva de género. Se realizó un estudio transversal en 2017 entre la población mayor de 15 años residente en Galicia en el marco del Sistema de Información sobre Conductas de Riesgo (SICRI). En 2017, se entrevistaron 7.841 adultos seleccionados mediante muestreo aleatorio estratificado. Se incluyeron preguntas relacionadas con el consumo de alcohol en el último mes y se estimó la prevalencia de consumo problemático empleando el test AUDIT. Para caracterizar a los bebedores problemáticos se ajustó un modelo de regresión logística multivariante. El 18,8% de la población gallega consumía alcohol a diario y el 3,4% tenían un consumo problemático. Las prevalencias de consumo de alcohol diario, ocasional, esporádico, intensivo o problemático fueron más altas entre los hombres y variaron por edad. La prevalencia de consumo diario-ocasional y esporádico fue más alta a edades medias (45-64 años), y el intensivo y problemático entre los 16 y 24 años. Las características asociadas a un consumo problemático de alcohol varían por sexo, identificándose características comunes como la edad o ser fumador de tabaco o cannabis, y diferenciales como el nivel de estudios. Las tipologías de consumo cambian en función de la edad y del sexo. Los sistemas de vigilancia deberían monitorizar de forma periódica el consumo de alcohol para adaptar las medidas de prevención a cambios en la tipología de consumo.

Baby-led weaning: prevalence and associated factors in Spain.

The main goals of this study are to estimate the percentage of mothers who declared feeding their children with baby-led weaning (BLW) and to characterize them. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2016 targeting women who had given birth in 2016 (sample size 6777) in Galicia (Spain). The questionnaire included questions regarding the mother's characteristics and behaviors, attitudes, and practices related to BLW. Prevalence of exclusive and non-exclusive BLW was estimated. Different maternal characteristics were evaluated for their possible association with BLW using a logistic regression model. The percentages and ORs were presented with a 95% confidence interval. The study included 6355 women, of which 38.6% (37.4-39.9) had heard of BLW and the overall prevalence of BLW was estimated at 14.0% (13.1-14.9). Prevalence of exclusive BLW was estimated at 2.1% (2.4-3.3). No differences were observed when age was taken into consideration. Children fed with BLW were more likely among mothers who continue with exclusive breastfeeding (OR, 4.1 (95% CI, 3.3-5.0)); live in an urban setting (OR, 1.6 (1.2-2.2)); or have a higher level of education (OR, 1.3 (1.1-1.5)).Conclusion: Full adherence to BLW seems low among mothers who claimed to have fed their children following this method.What is Known:• Baby-led weaning (BLW) has been present in our society for almost two decades, but it remains unclear how many mothers choose BLW for their children.What is New:• BLW is not a common choice for weaning in Spain, and more than half of the mothers had not heard about it.• Full adherence to BLW seems low among mothers who claimed to have fed their children following this method.

Backpack weight and back pain reduction: effect of an intervention in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: To assess if an educational intervention is effective to reduce backpack weight and back pain in schoolchildren. METHODS: We designed an intervention study in schoolchildren aged between 12 and 16 years aimed to reduce the weight of backpacks and back pain. The intervention was multifaceted, including an educational intervention with practical examples, advising on performing sports, postural habits, leaflets, stickers, and so on. The comparison group did not receive any intervention. RESULTS: A total of 1668 schoolchildren took part in the study. We observed a high prevalence of carrying heavy backpacks, with 66-80% of schoolchildren carrying backpacks surpassing 10% of their body weight. Back pain prevalence was 30%. We observed that the intervention was significant in reducing the backpack weight in first-year schoolchildren but not in second-year. The intervention was also significant in reducing back pain in third-year schoolchildren but only in girls. CONCLUSION: This study shows that an inexpensive intervention directed to reduce the backpack weight and back pain might have a positive effect in schoolchildren.

High-risk human papillomavirus in Galicia, Spain: prevalence and evaluation of the sample representativeness.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of high-risk genotypes of the human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in Galicia remained unknown before the introduction of the HPV vaccine. The objective of this study was to estimate this prevalence in non-vaccinated women when vaccination against HR-HPV started. Sample representativeness was also evaluated. METHODS: Female volunteers aged 16-64 years, residents in Galicia, Spain, completed a questionnaire and provided biological samples for a virological study and for cytology. The sample was weighted; prevalence rates were estimated and are shown with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Virological results were available for 1703 women. HR-HPV prevalence was 10.1%, decreasing notably at ages above 30 years. HPV-16 was the most frequent genotype and 3.6% of women were infected by more than one genotype. No adjustment was necessary to generalize the results of the study. CONCLUSIONS: In Galicia in 2009 there would be 96 400 women aged 16-64 years infected with HR-HPV. It is possible to estimate HR-HPV prevalence in a population starting from a volunteer sample.

[Evolution of smoking prevalence in Spain and its 17 autonomous regions (1987-2020)]. / Evolución de la prevalencia de consumo de tabaco en España y sus 17 comunidades autónomas (1987-2020).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Continuous monitoring of smoking prevalence is essential to understand the evolution of the tobacco epidemic in a population. The objective of this study was to analyze the evolution of smoking prevalence in Spain and its 17 Autonomous Regions (ARs) in population ≥15 years during the period 1987-2020. METHODS: Tobacco consumption data were derived from the National Health Survey of Spain and the European Health Survey in Spain. A smoker was defined as a person who smoked at the time of the survey. The trend in prevalences by sex in Spain and its ARs was analyzed by applying joinpoint models. Age-standardized prevalences were calculated for Spain by applying the direct method. RESULTS: In Spain, the prevalence of consumption decreased 29 percentage points in men and 4.5 in women between 1987-2020. In men, the smoking prevalence decreased in all the ARs and the absolute change varied between -19.5% in the Balearic Islands and -33.9% in Andalusia. In women, the evolution of smoking prevalence differed between ARs. The absolute change varied between -15.4% in Basque Country and 0.5% in Andalusia. CONCLUSIONS: The number of men and women smokers has decreased in Spain between 1987-2020. Different patterns of evolution of the prevalence of consumption are observed among the ARs, especially among women. This reinforces the need for policies adapted to more local contexts and that take into account the gender perspective.

Time Dependence Between Tobacco Consumption and Lung Cancer Mortality in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and the second most common cancer in both sexes worldwide, with tobacco being its main risk factor. The aim of this study is to establish the temporal relationship between smoking prevalence and lung cancer mortality in Spain. METHODS: To model the time dependence between smoking prevalence and lung cancer mortality, a distributed lag non-linear model was applied adjusting for sex, age, year of mortality and population at risk. Smoking prevalence data from 1991-2020 were used. Considering a maximum lag of 25 years, mortality data from 2016-2020 were included. The effect of prevalence on mortality for each lag is presented in terms of relative risk (RR). To identify the lag at which smoking prevalence has the greatest effect on mortality, the RR of the different lags were compared. RESULTS: The optimal lag observed between smoking prevalence and lung cancer mortality in Spain was 15 years. The maximum RR was 2.9 (95%CI: 2.0-4.3) for a prevalence of 71% and a 15-year lag. The RR was 1.8 for a prevalence of 33%, an approximate median value between 1991-2020, and a 15-year lag. CONCLUSIONS: In Spain, lung cancer mortality is affected by smoking prevalence 15 years prior. Knowing the evolution of the smoking prevalence series in a country and establishing a lag time is essential to predict how lung cancer incidence and mortality will evolve.

Prevalence of obesity in Spain and its autonomous communities, 1987-2020.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Obesity is a public health concern with a strong impact on the health of the population. The aim of this study was to analyze the trend in the prevalence of obesity and to identify changes in this trend in Spain and its 17 autonomous communities (AC) among the population aged ≥ 15 years from 1987 to 2020. METHODS: A trend analysis of the prevalence of obesity was conducted with data extracted from the complete historical series of the Spanish National Health Survey and the European Health Survey in Spain using joinpoint regression models. For each period identified in the trend analysis, we estimated the annual percentage change (APC) and its 95% confidence interval (95%CI). The results are presented for crude and standardized prevalences by the direct method accompanied by 95%CI, sex ratios, and relative changes in prevalences between periods. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity increased from 7.3% (95%CI, 7.0-7.7) in 1987 to 15.7% (95%CI, 15.1-16.3) in 2020. In men, the prevalence increased until 2009 (APC,4.3; [95%CI, 3.8-5.0]) and then stabilized. In women, the prevalence increased until 2001 (APC,4.2; [95%CI, 2.7-8.8]) and subsequently also stabilized. The prevalence of obesity and its trend varied between AC, with three different patterns being observed with standardized prevalences: AC with a continuous increase, AC with an increase and subsequent stabilization, and AC with an increase and subsequent decrease. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of obesity has increased in Spain since 1987, although in the last decade it has remained stable at values above 15%. However, in the group aged 15 to 24 years, the prevalence of obesity showed an increasing trend throughout the study period.

Antibiotic consumption in the first months of life: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The factors and patterns associated with antibiotic consumption in infants are unclear. Our aim was to assess the cumulative incidence of antibiotic consumption from birth to 16 months and identify factors associated with antibiotic consumption among infants aged 4-16 months. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2016 in a sample of 18 882 women from Galicia, Spain, who had given birth to a live child between September 1, 2015 and August 31, 2016. We calculated the cumulative incidence of antibiotic consumption based on maternal reports regarding the infant's consumption from birth to 14 months obtained through interviews; we did not estimate consumption at ages 15 and 16 months due to the small sample size. To assess which factors were associated with antibiotic consumption, we carried out a nested case-control study matching cases and controls for birth month on a 1:1 ratio. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence of antibiotic consumption among infants aged 0-14 months increased from 7.5% to 66.0%. The case-control study included data for 1852 cases and 1852 controls. Daycare attendance (OR: 3.8 [95% CI: 3.2-4.6]), having older siblings (OR: 1.8 [95% CI: 1.6-2.1]), health care visits to private clinics (OR: 1.6 [95% CI: 1.4-2.0]), and passive smoking (OR: 1.3 [95% CI: 1.1-1.6]) were associated with an increased probability of antibiotic consumption. Maternal age between 30-39 years or 40 years and over at the time of birth was associated with a decreased probability of antibiotic consumption (OR: 0.8 [95% CI, 0.7-1.0] and OR: 0.6 [95% CI: 0.5-0.8], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Some of the factors associated with antibiotic consumption in infants are modifiable and should be considered in the development of public health measures aimed at reducing antibiotic consumption.

[Evolution of sedentarism prevalence in Spanish population between 1987 and 2020]. / Evolución de la prevalencia de sedentarismo en la población española entre los años 1987 y 2020.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Sedentary behavior is a predictive factor for numerous diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the evolution of the prevalence of sedentary behavior in the Spanish adult population between 1987 and 2020. METHODS: The data sources were the National and European Health Surveys. The prevalence of sedentary behavior was assessed in three scenarios (main activity, leisure time and all scenarios). Prevalence of sedentary behavior was estimated overall, by sex and age group. In all scenarios, prevalence was also estimated by Autonomous Community. The prevalence trend was analyzed with the annual percent change (APC) obtained through joinpoint models. RESULTS: The prevalence of sedentary in the main activity ranged from 31.2% in 1987 to 38.4% in 2020 [PCA: 0.7 (0.5-1.0)], being higher in men than in women and higher in younger and older people. The prevalence of sedentary in the leisure time varied between 55.1% in 1993 and 36.4% in 2020 [PCA: -1.4 (-1.9 to -0.9)], being always higher in women, higher in those over 64 years of age and lower in those aged 16-24 years. Cantabria and the Canary Islands were the Autonomous Communities with the lowest prevalence of sedentary behavior in all scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of sedentary behavior in the main activity is increasing in Spain, whereas during leisure time it is decreasing. It is important to implement prevention and health promotion measures aimed at reducing sedentary behavior in the population.

Assessment of effectiveness and impact of universal prophylaxis with nirsevimab for prevention of hospitalizations due to respiratory syncytial virus in infants. The NIRSE-GAL study protocol.

Nirsevimab has been recently licensed for universal RSV prophylaxis in infants. NIRSE-GAL is a three-year population-based study initiated in Galicia in September 2023. It aims to evaluate nirsevimab effectiveness against RSV-related hospitalizations lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), severe RSV, all-cause LRTI, and all-cause hospitalization. NIRSE-GAL also aims to estimate nirsevimab impact on primary healthcare use in the short and mid-term, children's wheezing and asthma, and medical prescriptions for RSV. The immunization campaigns will be scheduled based on the expected start week for the RSV season and will last the whole season. Immunization will be offered to: i) infants born during the campaign (seasonal), ii) infants < 6 months at the start of the campaign (catch-up), and iii) infants with high-risk factors, aged 6-24 months at the start of the campaign (high-risk). The follow-up period will start: i) the immunization date for all immunized infants, ii) the start of the campaign, for the non-immunized catch-up or high-risk groups, or iii) the birthdate for the non-immunized seasonal group. Infants will be followed up until outcome occurrence, death, or end of study. Nirsevimab effectiveness will be estimated using Poisson and Cox regression models. Sensitivity and stratified analyses will be undertaken. The number of averted cases and the number needed to immunize will be estimated. Immunization failure and nirsevimab safety will be monitored. NIRSE-GAL was approved by the ethics committee of Galicia (CEIC 2023-377) and registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT06180993). Findings will be mainly shared via peer-reviewed publications and scientific conferences.

Effectiveness and impact of universal prophylaxis with nirsevimab in infants against hospitalisation for respiratory syncytial virus in Galicia, Spain: initial results of a population-based longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Galicia (Spain) was one of the first regions worldwide to incorporate nirsevimab for universal respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis in infants into its immunisation programme. The NIRSE-GAL longitudinal population-based study aimed to assess nirsevimab effectiveness in preventing hospitalisations (ie, admittance to hospital). METHODS: The 2023-24 immunisation campaign with nirsevimab in Galicia began on Sept 25, 2023, and concluded on March 31, 2024. The campaign targeted three groups: infants born during the campaign (seasonal group), infants younger than 6 months at the start of the campaign (catch-up group), and infants aged 6-24 months with high-risk factors at the start of the campaign (high-risk group). Infants in the seasonal group were offered immunisation on the first day of life before discharge from hospital. Infants in the catch-up and high-risk groups received electronic appointments to attend a public hospital or health-care centre for nirsevimab administration. For this interim analysis, we used data collected from Sept 25 to Dec 31, 2023, from children born up to Dec 15, 2023. Data were retrieved from public health registries. Nirsevimab effectiveness in preventing RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) hospitalisations; severe RSV-related LRTI requiring intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, or oxygen support; all-cause LRTI hospitalisations; and all-cause hospitalisations was estimated using adjusted Poisson regression models. Data from five past RSV seasons (2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2022-23), excluding the COVID-19 pandemic period, were used to estimate the number of RSV-related LRTI hospitalisations averted along with its IQR. The number needed to immunise to avoid one case in the 2023-24 season was then estimated from the averted cases. Nirsevimab safety was routinely monitored. The NIRSE-GAL study protocol was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06180993), and follow-up of participants is ongoing. FINDINGS: 9408 (91·7%) of 10 259 eligible infants in the seasonal and catch-up groups received nirsevimab, including 6220 (89·9%) of 6919 in the catch-up group and 3188 (95·4%) of 3340 in the seasonal group. 360 in the high-risk group were offered nirsevimab, 348 (97%) of whom received it. Only infants in the seasonal and catch-up groups were included in analyses to estimate nirsevimab effectiveness and impact because there were too few events in the high-risk group. In the catch-up and seasonal groups combined, 30 (0·3%) of 9408 infants who received nirsevimab and 16 (1·9%) of 851 who did not receive nirsevimab were hospitalised for RSV-related LRTI, corresponding to an effectiveness of 82·0% (95% CI 65·6-90·2). Effectiveness was 86·9% (69·1-94·2) against severe RSV-related LRTI requiring oxygen support, 69·2% (55·9-78·0) against all-cause LRTI hospitalisations, and 66·2% (56·0-73·7) against all-cause hospitalisations. Nirsevimab effectiveness against other endpoints of severe RSV-related LRTI could not be estimated because of too few events. RSV-related LRTI hospitalisations were reduced by 89·8% (IQR 87·5-90·3), and the number needed to immunise to avoid one RSV-related LRTI hospitalisation was 25 (IQR 24-32). No severe adverse events related to nirsevimab were registered. INTERPRETATION: Nirsevimab substantially reduced infant hospitalisations for RSV-associated LRTI, severe RSV-associated LRTI requiring oxygen, and all-cause LRTI when given in real-world conditions. These findings offer policy makers and health authorities robust, real-world, population-based evidence to guide the development of strategies for RSV prevention. FUNDING: Sanofi and AstraZeneca. TRANSLATION: For the Spanish translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.