Incidence, surgical procedures, and outcomes of hip fracture among elderly type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients in Spain (2004-2013).

UNLABELLED: Hip fracture is a serious public health problem. We used Spanish hospital discharge data to examine trends in 2004-2013 in the incidence of hip fracture among elderly patients. We found that hip fracture incidence is higher in subjects with than without diabetes and is much higher among women than men. INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to describe trends in the incidence of hip fracture hospitalizations, use of surgical procedures, and hospital outcomes among elderly patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Spain, 2004-2013. METHODS: We selected all patients with a discharge primary diagnosis of hip fracture using the Spanish national hospital discharge database. Discharges were grouped by diabetes status: Incidences were calculated overall and stratified by diabetes status and year. We analyzed surgical procedures, length of hospital stay (LOHS), and in-hospital mortality (IHM). Multivariate analysis was adjusted by age, year, comorbidity, and in-hospital complications (IHC). RESULTS: From 2004 to 2013, 432,760 discharges with hip fracture were identified (21.3 % suffered T2DM). Incidence among diabetic men and women increased until year 2010 and then remained stable. Diabetic women have three times higher incidence than diabetic men. Incidences and IHC were higher among patients with diabetes beside sex. The proportion of patients that underwent internal fixation increased for all groups of patients and the arthroplasty repair decreased. After multivariate analysis, IHM has improved over the study period for all patients. Suffering diabetes was associated to higher IHM in women (odds ratio (OR) 1.12; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.07-1.17). CONCLUSIONS: Hip fracture incidence is higher in subjects with than without diabetes and is much higher among women than men. In diabetic patients, incidence rates increased initially but have leveled from 2010 onwards. For all groups, the use of internal fixation has increased overtime and IHM and LOHS have decreased from 2004 to 2013.

Social disparities in access to breast and cervical cancer screening by women living in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: To describe uptake of breast and cervical cancer screening by women living in Spain, analyse the possible associated social and health factors, and compare uptake rates with those obtained in previous surveys. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using data from the 2011 Spanish national health survey. METHODS: Uptake of breast cancer screening was analysed by asking women aged 40-69 years whether they had undergone mammography in the previous two years. Uptake of cervical cancer screening was analysed by asking women aged 25-65 years whether they had undergone cervical cytology in the previous three years. Independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics, and variables related to health status and lifestyle. RESULTS: Seventy-two percent of women had undergone mammography in the previous two years. Having private health insurance increased the probability of breast screening uptake four-fold [odds ratio (OR) 3.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.71-5.79], and being an immigrant was a negative predictor for breast screening uptake. Seventy percent of women had undergone cervical cytology in the previous three years. Higher-educated women were more likely to have undergone cervical cancer screening (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.97-3.40), and obese women and women living in rural areas were less likely to have undergone cervical cancer screening. There have been no relevant improvements in uptake rates of either breast or cervical cancer screening since 2006. CONCLUSION: Uptake of breast and cervical cancer screening could be improved in Spain, and uptake rates have stagnated over recent years. Social disparities have been detected with regard to access to these screening tests, indicating that it is necessary to continue researching and optimizing prevention programmes in order to improve uptake and reduce these disparities.

Predictors of medication use in the Roma population in Spain: a population-based national study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of prescribed and self-medicated use of medication in the Spanish Roma population, and identify the associated factors. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional study. METHODS: Data from the first National Health Survey conducted on the Roma population in Spain were used. The sample comprised 1000 Spanish Roma adults of both sexes aged ≥16 years. Answers (yes/no) to the question, 'In the last two weeks have you taken the following medicines [in reference to a list of medicines that might be used by the population] and were they prescribed for you by a doctor?' were used to ascertain 'medication use'. 'Self-medication' referred to use of these medicines without medical prescription. Using multivariate logistic regression models, odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to identify associated factors. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of medication use in the Roma population for both sexes was 69.1%, and 38.7% was self-medicated. Females reported higher use of medication than males (75.1% vs 62.3%); however, self-medication was higher among males. Analgesics and antipyretics were used most often (35.8%). Among males, the variables that were independently and significantly associated with a higher probability of medication use were: age; negative perception of health; presence of chronic disease (OR 2.81; 95% CI 1.67-4.73); and medical visits (OR 4.51; 95% CI 2.54-8.01). The variables were the same among females, except for age. CONCLUSION: A high percentage of the Spanish Roma population use medication, and a significant proportion of them self-medicate. The presence of chronic diseases, a negative perception of health and medical consultations were associated with increased use of medication in the study population.

Health Belief Model applied to non-compliance with HPV vaccine among female university students.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the reasons for refusal of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, and to explore participants' perceptions and attitudes about Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs (perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action and self-efficacy) among a sample of female university students. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. A self-administered questionnaire based on the HBM was used. METHODS: Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to the data to examine the construct validity of the six factor models extracted from the HBM. The predictors of non-HPV vaccination were determined by logistic regression models, using non-HPV vaccination as the dependent variable. RESULTS: The sample included 2007 students. The participation rate was 88.9% and the percentage of non-vaccination was 71.65%. Participants who had high scores for 'general perceived barriers', 'perceived barriers to vaccination', 'no perceived general benefits', 'no perceived specific benefits' and 'no general benefits' were more likely to report being unvaccinated. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrated the utility of HBM constructs in understanding vaccination intention and uptake. There is an urgent need to improve health promotion and information campaigns to enhance the benefits and reduce the barriers to HPV vaccination.

Adherence and factors associated with influenza vaccination among subjects with asthma in Spain.

PURPOSE: Influenza has a high morbidity and mortality rate and an increased risk of complications in vulnerable individuals. Children and adults with asthma have a high risk of complications, hospitalisation and even death. The objectives of this study were as follows: to compare influenza vaccination coverage in Spain in a population of asthmatics aged ≥ 16 years with an equivalent population of non-asthmatics; to identify the factors that influence vaccination coverage among patients with asthma; and to compare coverage during the period 2006/2007 with that of 2009/2010. METHODS: We used data from the 2009 European Health Survey (EHS), which included a population of 22,188 individuals (≥ 16 years of age), of whom 1,669 [7.5 %; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 7.13-7.98] had asthma. The dependent variable was the answer (yes/no) to a question asking whether or not the interviewed person had been vaccinated against seasonal (not pandemic) influenza in the previous season. As independent variables, we analysed socio-demographic characteristics, health-related variables and the use of health care services. RESULTS: Vaccination coverage was 35.2 % (95 % CI, 32.5-37.9) among asthmatics and 22.1 % (95 % CI, 21.4-22.7) among non-asthmatics (p < 0.001). The probability of being vaccinated is almost twice as high for asthmatics as it is for non-asthmatics [odds ratio (OR), 1.92; 95 % CI, 1.69-2.17]. Among asthmatics, vaccination coverage increased with age, worse self-rated health status and not smoking. No significant change in coverage was observed between the study periods. CONCLUSIONS: Seasonal influenza vaccination coverage among Spanish asthmatics is lower than desired and has not improved in recent years. Urgent strategies are necessary in order to increase vaccination coverage among asthmatics.

National trends (2003-2009) and factors related to psychotropic medication use in community-dwelling elderly population.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to analyze the prevalence of prescription anxiolytics and antidepressants in elderly individuals in Spain between the years 2003 and 2009, and to identify those factors associated with the likelihood of consumption of these drugs during the study period. METHODS: We used individualized secondary data retrieved from the 2003 and 2006 Spanish National Health Surveys (SNHS) and the 2009 European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) for Spain to conduct a nationwide, descriptive, cross-sectional pharmacoepidemiology study on psychotropic medication in the population aged 65 years and over in Spain. A total of 12,228 interviews were analyzed (5,117 from 2003; 7,084 from 2006; and 5,144 from 2009). The dichotomous dependent variables chosen were the answers "yes" or "no" to the question "In the last two weeks have you taken the following medicines and were they prescribed for you by a doctor?" referring to intake of anxiolytics and antidepressants. Independent variables were sociodemographic, comorbidity, and healthcare resources. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis highlighted the association between increased psychoactive drug intake and female gender, depression, polypharmacy, and negative perception of health. We observed a significant increase in the consumption of prescription anxiolytics (AOR, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.06-1.10]) and antidepressants (AOR, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.08-1.14]) in individuals aged ≥65 years in Spain between the years 2003 and 2009. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of anxiolytics and antidepressants consumption is higher in elderly women than men, and increases with negative perception of health. The Spanish elderly individuals taking antidepressants reported having problems to manage these medicines in their own homes.

Inequalities in uptake of breast cancer screening in Spain: analysis of a cross-sectional national survey.

OBJECTIVES: Breast cancer remains a public health problem worldwide. Early detection through mammography practice has been shown to be effective in improving survival among women. Nevertheless, it is necessary to have high participation in mammography screening to achieve that goal. The aim of this study is to estimate the adherence to recommended preventive practices for breast cancer (mammography) in Spain and to identify predictors of uptake according to sociodemographic variables, health related variables and lifestyles. STUDY DESIGN: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study based on data from the European Health Interview Survey for Spain. Breast cancer screening included self-reported mammography in the last two years. The age target range was 40-69 years (n = 5771). The following independent variables were analysed: sociodemographic (marital status, educational level, monthly income, and nationality), visit to a general practitioner, chronic conditions and lifestyles. Predictors of mammography adherence were explored using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The screening coverage in the target population was 67.7% (95% CI: 66.2-69.1). Mammography uptake was positively associated with being married, higher educational and income levels, Spanish nationality, having visited a general practitioner in the previous four weeks and suffering from musculoskeletal disease. Otherwise, the youngest age group studied (40-49 years) and obesity was associated with lower adherence to mammography. CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with mammography practice in Spain is acceptable to achieve the goal of reducing mortality from breast cancer among women. However significant inequalities in uptake of breast screening in Spain were found. Future campaigns must aim to improve participation especially among women with disadvantaged socio-economic situations and immigrants.

Coverage and predictors of adherence to influenza vaccination among Spanish children and adults with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Influenza infections are frequently implicated in the exacerbation of asthma. The aim of this study was to assess vaccination coverage among Spanish children and adults with asthma and to describe the factors associated(predictors) with vaccination, using data from the 2006 Spanish National Health Survey. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Subjects were classified as asthma sufferers if they answered affirmatively to the question, "Has your doctor told you that you (or your child) currently suffer from asthma?" Influenza vaccination status was assessed via the question, "Did you (or your child) have a flu shot in the latest campaign?" The following were analyzed as possible predictors of influenza vaccination: sociodemographic variables;health-related and lifestyle variables; variables linked to the use of healthcare services. RESULTS: A total of 38,329 records of individuals aged over 6 months were analyzed, and of these, 2,337 were classified as asthmatics. Among asthmatics, overall influenza coverage was 32.6% (18.8% among children, and 38% among adults).Whereas the sole variable that predicted a higher coverage among children was parents' negative perception of their child's health, among adults positive predictors included older age, lower educational level, suffering from concomitant chronic disease, and non- or ex-smoker status. CONCLUSIONS: The overall influenza vaccination coverage among subjects who suffer from asthma in Spain is very low. Special attention should be paid to children, younger adults, and smokers, since these subjects have the lowest adherence to vaccine recommendations. Strategies focused on health-care providers and patients must be urgently implemented to improve influenza vaccination coverage among asthma sufferers.

Trends of hepatitis A hospitalizations and costs associated with the hospitalization in Spain (2000-2005).

The objective of this study was to analyse data related to hospitalization, comorbidities, average stays and costs associated with the hospitalization cases of hepatitis A in Spain, during the period between 2000 and 2005. A retrospective, descriptive study of the epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis A patients admitted to Spanish hospitals was performed using, as an information source, the Minimum Basic Data Set. National hospitalization rates were calculated for hepatitis A. Comorbidities, mortality, average and median stays, and mean medical costs related to hospitalization were analysed. Costs were calculated using Diagnosis-Related Groups for the disease. The total number of hospitalized patients with hepatitis A diagnosis was 2351 subjects (rate 1.87/100,000 inhabitants). The highest rate corresponds to the group aged between 20 and 39 years (3.07/100,000 inhabitants). Some 60.1% of hospitalized hepatitis A cases were diagnosed in men. Twenty-two deaths (0.9%) out of the total of hospitalized subjects were reported. The average hospital stay caused by hepatitis A was 6.8 days. The trends in the rate of hospitalized hepatitis A cases in Spain, from the year 2000 to 2005, were not statistically significant. Differences were found neither in the hospitalization percentage, nor in the average length of stay. An increase of cost from 836,278 euro in the year 2000 to 1,272,608 euro in the year 2005 was observed. The rate of hospitalized hepatitis A subjects in Spain has not changed over the period 2000-2005. The total cost derived from these hospitalizations has increased by 52%.

Patterns of medication use in the immigrant population resident in Spain: associated factors.

PURPOSE: This study mainly aimed at to ascertain to ascertain the prevalence of the consumption of medications, prescribed and self-medicated, among the immigrant population (economic immigrants and not economic immigrants) resident in Spain, and to identify the factors associated with such consumption in this population. METHODS: 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. A total of 2055 subjects born outside Spain, aged 16 years or over, were analysed. The independent variables were sociodemographic and health-related, and the dependent variable was medication use. Using logistic multivariate regression models we have estimated the independent effect of each of these variables on the medication consumption. RESULTS: The 55.8% of immigrant population responded affirmatively to having consumed some type of medication. The drugs that registered the highest consumption prevalence were analgesics (53.09%). It should be stressed here that 8.75% of the not economic immigrant population has consumed antibiotics. The variables that were independently and significantly associated with a greater probability of medication consumption were: sex, age, presence of chronic disease, use of alternative medicines and a negative perception of health. The most strongly associated variable is medical consultation. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of medication use higher among economic immigrant women. In our population, the use of alternative medicines use and medical visits to the physician are associated with higher consumption.

Predictive factors of self-medicated drug use among the Spanish adult population.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed at describing the prevalence of self-medicated drug use among the Spanish adult population and to identify the predictive factors of such self-medication in Spain. METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional study covering the Spanish adult population, using data drawn from the 2003 Spanish National Health Survey (ENSS). A total of 19 514 subjects were analysed. The independent variables were socio-demographic and health-related, and the dependent variable was self-medicated drug use. Using logistic multivariate regression models we have estimated the independent effect of each of these variables on the self-medicated consumption. RESULTS: The 18.1% of all Spaniards indulge in self-medication. Our study shows that 45% of all cold and influenza medication and 39.4% of analgesics consumed by the population involve self-medication. It should be stressed here that 17.7% of persons who took antibiotics did so in the form of self-medication. The variables that were independently and significantly associated with a greater probability of self-medicated consumption were: sex; lower age; higher educational level; consumption of alcohol; smoking habit; use of alternative medical products; absence of chronic disease and a positive perception of health. CONCLUSIONS: In Spain, the prevalence of self-medicated drug use is higher in women than men. In our population, the influence of unhealthy lifestyles, such as alcohol and tobacco consumption, is related to a higher likelihood of self-medication.

Adverse drug reactions to anticoagulants in Spain: analysis of the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Data (2010-2013).

OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyse hospitalisations for adverse drug reactions (ADRs) involving anticoagulants. We also analysed the progress of the reactions over time, the factors related with ADRs. DESIGN: A retrospective, descriptive, epidemiological study. SETTING: This study used the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database (Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos, CMBD), over a 4-year period. PARTICIPANTS: We selected CMBD data corresponding to hospital discharges with a diagnosis of ADRs to anticoagulants (International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code E934.2) in any diagnostic field during the study period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We calculated the annual incidence of ADRs to anticoagulants according to sex and age groups. The median lengths of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality (IHM) were also estimated for each year studied. Bivariate analyses of the changes in variables according to year were based on Poisson regression. IHM was analysed using logistic regression models. The estimates were expressed as ORs and their 95% CI. RESULTS: During the study period, 50 042 patients were hospitalised because of ADRs to anticoagulants (6.38% of all ADR-related admissions). The number of cases increased from 10 415 in 2010 to 13 891 in 2013. Cumulative incidence of ADRs to anticoagulants was significantly higher for men than women and in all age groups. An adjusted multivariate analysis revealed that IHM did not change significantly over time. We observed a statistically significant association between IHM and age, with the highest risk for the ≥85 age group (OR 2.67; 95% CI 2.44 to 2.93). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of ADRs to anticoagulants in Spain increased from 2010 to 2013, and was significantly higher for men than women and in all age groups. Older patients were particularly susceptible to being hospitalised with an adverse reaction to an anticoagulant.

[Burden of hospitalizations attributable to rotavirus infection in children in the Autonomous Region of Madrid, Spain, period 1999-2000]. / Ingresos hospitalarios atribuibles a rotavirus en niños de la Comunidad de Madrid, período 1999-2000.

OBJECTIVE: To assess rotavirus infection requiring hospitalization in children aged < or = 5 years between 1999 and 2000 in the Autonomous Region of Madrid (Spain). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted, based on the hospital data surveillance system (Conjunto Mínimo Básico de Datos [CMBD]) and on the Spanish national microbiological information system (Sistema de Información Microbiológica [SIM]). CMBD data for all hospital admissions in children aged < or = 5 years with a first-listed diagnosis of intestinal infectious disease (ICD-9-CM codes: 001-009) or non-infective gastroenteritis (ICD-9-CM code: 558) and the reports to the SIM of the major pathogen groups responsible for acute gastroenteritis were analyzed. RESULTS: The annual incidence of hospitalizations for acute gastroenteritis was 69 cases per 10,000 children aged < or = 5 years. Fourteen percent of the 32,541 infections produced by pathogens responsible for acute gastroenteritis reported to the SIM were rotavirus. The estimated annual incidence of hospitalizations due to rotavirus infections was 12 cases per 10,000 children aged (3/4) 5 years. The mean length of stay was 4.0 days, the annual mean number of days of hospitalization was 1,382 days, and the annual cost was 565,907 J. During the rotavirus epidemic months (December and January), the percentage of excess hospitalizations was 67 %. CONCLUSIONS: Rotavirus causes a significant proportion of hospital admissions due to acute gastroenteritis in children aged < or = 5 years in the Autonomous Region of Madrid.

The use of unsafe abbreviations in discharge report and medical prescription: Observational and retrospective study / El uso de abreviaturas no recomendadas en el informe de alta y prescripción médica: Estudio observacional retrospectivo.

Background. The medical record represents the transcript of the pathologic narrative of a patient. Our aims were: to identify the most common abbreviations present in medical records; to identify discouraged abbreviations; to identify polysemic abbreviations; and to show the distribution of the abbreviations according to the type of ward (medical-surgical). Methods. An observational, descriptive and retrospective study by auditing the digital clinical records of patients discharged from FuenlabradaUniversityHospital in 2013 was conducted. Abbreviations in discharge reports and medical order prescriptions present in 78 medical records, corresponding to 39 men and 39 women of different services, were reviewed. Results. All medical records showed abbreviations. The mean of abbreviations in each medical record was 38.9±17.7. Medical records showed 688 different abbreviations, which were repeated up to a total of 3,038 times. The most frequent abbreviations were HTA (n=98; 3.23%), AP (n=89; 2.93%). Twenty-eight abbreviations considered unsafe appeared and were repeated 646 times. The most frequent included SC (n=63; 9.75%), ui (n=49; 7.59%), > (n=38; 5.88%), mcg (n=36; 5.57%). Twenty-three polysemic abbreviations were also identified, the most frequent being H (n=117; 12.81%), MC (n= 109; 11.94%), MP (n=99; 10.84%). Finally, medical wards had 1,866 abbreviations and surgical 1,172 (P <0.001). Conclusions. All medical records revised included unsafe abbreviations. The use of unsafe abbreviations was common among medical services.

Adherence to breast and cervical cancer screening in Spanish women with diabetes: associated factors and trend between 2006 and 2010.

AIM: This study aimed to assess the adherence to breast and cervical cancer screening of women with diabetes mellitus (DM), and the associated factors and trend of use over time of these preventative services between 2006 and 2010 in Spain. METHODS: The study used data from a population of women aged greater or equal to 18 years (n=11,957) who participated in the European Health Interview Survey in Spain (EHISS, 2009). Diabetes status was self-reported and included those with type 2 DM. Adherence to screening for cancer prevention was assessed by asking women aged greater or equel to 40 years whether they had undergone mammography and a Papanicolaou (Pap) cervical smear (in those aged 18-69 years) within the previous 2 and 3 years, respectively. Independent variables included sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. Also, the age-standardized prevalences of mammography and Pap smear uptake were compared in women with diabetes between 2006 and 2010. RESULTS: Among the diabetic women, 37.9% underwent mammography and 49.1% had a Pap smear vs 53.8% and 64%, respectively, in women without diabetes, with corresponding adjusted odds ratios of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.68-0.97) and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.60-0.91). Among diabetic women, attending more "physician visits" was a positive predictor of having both screening tests. Also, a higher monthly income level was associated with mammography uptake, and a higher educational level with Pap smear uptake. There was also a significant decrease in mammography screening uptake between 2006 and 2010 compared with a stable rate of uptake of cervical cancer screening. CONCLUSION: Spanish women with diabetes consistently underuse breast and cervical cancer screening tests compared with non-diabetic women. The decline in mammography uptake rates needs to be carefully monitored and may even call for intervention.

El uso de abreviaturas no recomendadas en el informe de alta y prescripción médica: estudio observacional retrospectivo / The use of unsafe abbreviations in discharge report and medical prescription: observational and retrospective study

Fundamento: La historia clínica es la transcripción del relato patográfico del paciente. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron: identificar las abreviaturas más frecuentes presentes en la historia clínica, identificar las abreviaturas desaconsejadas, identificar abreviaturas polisémicas, y describir su distribución según servicio (médico-quirúrgico). Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo mediante auditoría de historia clínica digitalizada de pacientes dados de alta del hospital Universitario Fuenlabrada en el año 2013. Se revisaron las abreviaturas de los informes de alta y las órdenes de prescripción en 78 historias clínicas (39 hombres y 39 mujeres) de diferentes servicios. Resultados: El 100% de las historias revisadas presentaron abreviaturas (media: 38,95; DS 17,7). Se encontraron 688 abreviaturas diferentes, que se repetían hasta llegar a un total de 3.038. Las más frecuentes fueron: HTA (n=98; 3,23%), AP (n=89; 2,93%), SC (n=63; 2,07%). Se identificaron 28 abreviaturas desaconsejadas, repitiéndose 646 veces. Las más frecuentes fueron: SC (n=63; 9,75%), ui (n=49; 7,59%), > (n=38; 5,88%), mcg (n=36; 5,57%). Se identificaron 23 abreviaturas polisémicas, siendo las más frecuentes: H (n=117; 12,81%), MC (n= 109; 11,94%), MP (n=99; 10,84%). Finalmente, los servicios médicos presentaron 1.866 abreviaturas y los quirúrgicos 1.172 (p<0,001). Conclusiones: Todas las historias clínicas presentaron abreviaturas de riesgo, y el uso de abreviaturas desaconsejadas fue habitual en los servicios de medicina (AU)

Background: The medical record represents the transcript of the pathologic narrative of a patient. Our aims were: to identify the most common abbreviations present in medical records; to identify discouraged abbreviations; to identify polysemic abbreviations; and to show the distribution of the abbreviations according to the type of ward (medical-surgical). Methods: An observational, descriptive and retrospective study by auditing the digital clinical records of patients discharged from Fuenlabrada University Hospital in 2013 was conducted. Abbreviations in discharge reports and medical order prescriptions present in 78 medical records, corresponding to 39 men and 39 women of different services, were reviewed. Results: All medical records showed abbreviations. The mean of abbreviations in each medical record was 38.9±17.7. Medical records showed 688 different abbreviations, which were repeated up to a total of 3,038 times. The most frequent abbreviations were HTA (n=98; 3.23%), AP (n=89; 2.93%). Twenty-eight abbreviations considered unsafe appeared and were repeated 646 times. The most frequent included SC (n=63; 9.75%), ui (n=49; 7.59%), > (n=38; 5.88%), mcg (n=36; 5.57%). Twenty-three polysemic abbreviations were also identified, the most frequent being H (n=117; 12.81%), MC (n= 109; 11.94%), MP (n=99; 10.84%). Finally, medical wards had 1,866 abbreviations and surgical 1,172 (P <0.001). Conclusions: All medical records revised included unsafe abbreviations. The use of unsafe abbreviations was common among medical services (AU)

Psychotropics use in the Spanish elderly: predictors and evolution between years 1993 and 2003.

PURPOSE: This study mainly aimed at describing the prevalence of psychotropic medication consumption in the Spanish elderly population between the years 1993 and 2003. METHODS: Descriptive, cross-sectional study covering the Spanish population aged 65 years and over, using data drawn from the 1993 and 2003 Spanish National Health Surveys (ENSS). A total of 9570 interviews were analysed (3436 from 1993 and 6134 from 2003). The independent variables were sociodemographic and health-related, and the dependent variable was total consumption of psychotropic medication. Using logistic multivariate regression models, we have analysed the temporal evolution of psychotropic medication consumption between 1993 and 2003. RESULTS: The prevalence of consumption was significantly higher in women (6.7% from 1993 and 26.4 % from 2003) versus men (2.4% from 1993 and 10.6% from 2003) (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis, highlighted the association between increased psychoactive drug intake and sex, nervous, depressive, sleep disorders and negative perception of health, displayed a strong association with consumption of psychoactive drugs across the 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: In Spain, the prevalence of psychoactive drug consumption is higher among elderly women than men, and increases with negative perception of health. The prevalence of consumption was significantly higher in the year 2003.

Health profiles, lifestyles and use of health resources by the immigrant population resident in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Our study aimed at describing the health profiles, life styles and use of health resources by the immigrant population resident in Spain. METHODS: Cross-sectional, epidemiological study from the Spanish National Health Survey (NHS) in 2003. We analysed 1506 subjects of both sexes, aged > or =16 years, resident in Spain. RESULTS: The immigrant population present diseases that are similar to those of the autochthonous population. The autochthonous population had significantly higher values for alcohol consumption and smoking (60.8 and 39.6%) than immigrants (39.6 and 27.5%). The percentage of immigrants hospitalized in the preceding 12 months was observed to be higher than that of the Spanish population (11.4 vs. 8.2%, P < 0.05). The immigrant population consumed fewer medical drugs than the Spanish population (42.6 and 49.9%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Immigrants in Spain display better lifestyle-related parameters, in that they consume less alcohol and smoke less than the autochthonous population. As for the use of health-care resources, while immigrants register higher percentages of hospitalization compared with the Spanish population, there is no evidence of excessive and inappropriate use of other health-care resources.

Influenza vaccination coverage and related factors among Spanish children.

OBJECTIVES: To ascertain anti-influenza vaccination coverage and factors associated with anti-influenza vaccination among Spanish children. METHODS: We analyzed 6464 children (age under 16 years) included in the Spanish National Health Survey (ENS) for 2003. As a dependent variable, we used the reply ("yes" or "no") to the question: Was your child vaccinated against influenza during the last campaign? We calculated anti-influenza vaccine coverage for the whole population and depending on whether or not the vaccine is recommended due to the fact that the children present an associated chronic condition. We analyzed the influence of sociodemographic variables on vaccination. RESULTS: Vaccination coverage in the Spanish infant population was 5.1%, in children with associated conditions it was 17.5%, and 4.4% in healthy children. The only factor significantly associated with anti-influenza vaccination in children with associated conditions was household income: those from homes with a higher level of income were more likely to be vaccinated (OR=4.26). In children for whom vaccination is not recommended, the probability of being vaccinated against influenza is greater in those whose parents had a lower educational level (OR=2.22). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-influenza vaccination coverage in the Spanish infant population is very low. There seem to be socio-economic inequalities for receiving this vaccine in Spanish children.