ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To explore the health effects of a community health intervention on older people who are isolated at home due to mobility problems or architectural barriers, to identify associated characteristics and to assess participants' satisfaction. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental before-after study. SETTING: Five low-income neighbourhoods of Barcelona during 2010-15. PARTICIPANTS: 147 participants, aged ≥59, living in isolation due to mobility problems or architectural barriers were interviewed before the intervention and after 6 months. INTERVENTION: Primary Health Care teams, public health and social workers, and other community agents carried out a community health intervention, consisting of weekly outings, facilitated by volunteers. MEASUREMENTS: We assessed self-rated health, mental health using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and quality of life through the EuroQol scale. Satisfaction with the programme was evaluated using a set of questions. We analysed pre and post data with McNemar tests and fitted lineal and Poisson regression models. RESULTS: At 6 months, participants showed improvements in self-rated health and mental health and a reduction of anxiety. Improvements were greater among women, those who had not left home for ≥4 months, those with lower educational level, and those who had made ≥9 outings. Self-rated health [aRR: 1.29(1.04-1.62)] and mental health improvements [ß: 2.92(1.64-4.2)] remained significant in the multivariate models. Mean satisfaction was 9.3 out of 10. CONCLUSION: This community health intervention appears to improve several health outcomes in isolated elderly people, especially among the most vulnerable groups. Replications of this type of intervention could work in similar contexts.
Subject(s)
Mental Health , Public Health , Aged , Architectural Accessibility , Female , Humans , Quality of Life , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The "Employment in the neighbourhoods" program is an innovative, tailor-made Active Labour Market Program that has been implemented in 12 neighbourhoods in Barcelona (Spain). Its goal is to get people from deprived, high-unemployment neighbourhoods back to work. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of the program on participants' quality of life, and identify the mechanisms underlying these effects, according to their own perception and the perception of technical staff who assisted them. METHODS: We used Concept Mapping, a mixed methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative analysis, to develop a conceptual map of the participants' and technical staffs' perceptions about changes in the participants' quality of life. Data collection occurred within the generation and structuring steps where participants brainstormed answers to a focus question, and then rated and sorted the responses. To create maps, we used Concept Systems Incorporated software, which conducted two main forms of analysis, a multidimensional scaling analysis, and a hierarchical cluster analysis. RESULTS: Study participants reported several positive effects on mental health and emotional wellbeing, including self-esteem and empowerment, and considered that this was achieved through strengthened social networks, skills acquisition, emotional coaching, and personalized technical assistance. They also described some negative impacts, mainly related to the labour market situation. We observed marked gender differences in the discourses of program participants. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained have allowed us to identify different perceived effects and mechanisms by which the "Employment in the Neighbourhoods" Active Labour Market Programme can influence quality of life of participants from the most deprived areas of Barcelona.
Subject(s)
Quality of Life , Return to Work/psychology , Unemployment/psychology , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Mental Health , Middle Aged , Program Evaluation , Qualitative Research , Residence Characteristics , Self Concept , Sex Factors , SpainABSTRACT
Community health can reduce inequalities in health and improve the health of the most disadvantaged populations. In 2007, Barcelona Salut als Barris (Barcelona Health in the Neighbourhoods) was launched, a community health programme to reduce social inequalities in health. In 2018, this programme reached the 25 most disadvantaged neighbourhoods of the city. This article shares the lessons learned after 12 years of work. The programme was initially funded by a research grant and the funds were maintained during the economic crisis and were tripled when the programme became a political priority in the last municipal government. During the 12-year period, partnerships with stakeholders were generally stable and productive. Maximum community participation was obtained in the detection of health assets and needs and in action plans. During 2018, Barcelona Salut als Barris worked with more than 460 agents that co-produced 183 interventions involving more than 13,600 people. Most of the interventions assessed showed improvements in the health of participants, which could help to reduce health inequalities. The greatest difficulties were: a) citizen participation, b) the sustainability of working groups over the years, c) conflicts of interest, d) the sustainability of interventions, e) reaching certain minority groups and f) evaluation. The increase in resources in the last period contributed to the maturity and expansion of the programme. Key factors in its scope and results were political will, strong technical capacity and methodology, strong intersectoral partnerships and continued community work.
Subject(s)
Community Participation , Health Status Disparities , Cities , Humans , Public Health , Socioeconomic FactorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to describe the use of prescribed and non prescribed medicines in a non-institutionalised population older than 15 years of an urban area during the year 2000, in terms of age and gender, social class, employment status and type of Primary Health Care. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Information came from the 2000 Barcelona Health Interview Survey. The indicators used were the prevalence of use of prescribed and non-prescribed medicines in the two weeks prior to the interview. Descriptive analyses, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out. RESULTS: More women than men took medicines (75.8% vs. 60% respectively). The prevalence of use of prescribed medicines increased with age while the prevalence of non-prescribed use decreased. These age differences are smaller among those with poor perceived health. In terms of social class, a higher percentage of men with good health in the more advantaged classes took non-prescribed medicines compared with disadvantaged classes (38.7% vs 31.8%). In contrast, among the group with poor health, more people from the more advantaged classes took prescribed medicines, compared with disadvantaged classes (51.4% vs 33.3%). A higher proportion of people who were either retired, unemployed or students, with good health, used prescribed medicines. CONCLUSION: This study shows that beside health needs, there are social determinants affecting medicine consumption in the city of Barcelona.
ABSTRACT
This paper describes the methodology used for the assessment of health needs within a programme aimed at promoting health equity in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in the city of Barcelona (Spain). The assessment process involves the use of mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) in order to obtain information regarding the health of the community, its determinants, and the availability of health-related assets. Quantitative data consists of indicators from different sources. Qualitative data collects the community's perspectives through interviews, focal groups and nominal groups. The combination of several data collection methods yields more complete information about the community, its needs and the resources available to meet them. Participation of community members in the process strengthens links between the community and the agents responsible for implementing the actions to address prioritised issues and favours community empowerment.
ABSTRACT
Prioritizing corresponds to the process of selecting and managing health needs identified after diagnosing the community's health needs and assets. Recently, the health needs assessment has been reinforced with the community perspective, providing multiple benefits: it sensitizes and empowers the community about their health, encourages mutual support among its members and promotes their importance by making them responsible for the process of improving their own reality. The objective of this paper is to describe the prioritization of Barcelona Salut als Barris, a community health strategy led by the Barcelona Public Health Agency to promote equity in health in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods of the city.
Subject(s)
Community Participation , Congresses as Topic , Health Education/organization & administration , Health Priorities , Health Promotion/organization & administration , Health Services Needs and Demand , Urban Health , Cities , Congresses as Topic/organization & administration , Group Processes , Humans , Politics , Poverty Areas , Public Health Administration , Residence Characteristics , Spain , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Unemployment affects the physical and mental health of affected individuals, which can be explained by its direct effect on worsening finances due to the lack of income as well as by its negative psychosocial effects. "Employment in the Neighborhoods" return to work program was implemented in Barcelona specifically in the neighborhoods characterized with a greater economic deprivation and by high unemployment to improve personal and occupational abilities and skills of the participants to reintegrate them into the workforce. The aim of this study is to determine the association between the lack of economic resources and psychosocial factors with respect to mental health and self-rated health in unemployed persons participating in the program "Employment in the Neighborhoods". METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Data collected from a self-administered questionnaire. Generalized linear models were constructed, adjusted by age and social class, to estimate prevalence ratios and analyze any possible association between economic resources, psychosocial factors and poor self-rated health and mental health. RESULTS: Nine hundred forty-eight persons of 2763 participants in the "Employment in the Neighborhoods" program completed the questionnaire. 46.9% were women. 72.5% of women and 61.9% of men were at risk of poor mental health and 25.5% of women and 21.1% of men reported poor self-rated health. Low self-esteem [women: PR 1.88 95%CI (1.24-2.84); men: PR 2.51 95%CI (1.57-4.02)] and medium social support [2.01 (1.30-3.09)], in men, and low social support [1.74 (1.13-2.68)] in women are associated with worsening of self-rated health. In men, low self-esteem [1.40 (1.19-1.64)] and delay in paying bills [1.38 (1.17-1.64)] were associated with the risk of poor mental health; in women were associated low self-esteem [1.27 (1.11-1.44)] and received a non-contributory allowance [1.37 (1.09-1.74)]. CONCLUSIONS: Economic resources, self-esteem and social support are necessary for good general and mental health among unemployed persons. The high prevalence of poor mental health among persons participating in the active labor market program "Employment in the Neighborhoods" could be due to a substantial deficit in these factors.
ABSTRACT
Community health can reduce inequalities in health and improve the health of the most disadvantaged populations. In 2007, Barcelona Salut als Barris (Barcelona Health in the Neighbourhoods) was launched, a community health programme to reduce social inequalities in health. In 2018, this programme reached the 25 most disadvantaged neighbourhoods of the city. This article shares the lessons learned after 12 years of work. The programme was initially funded by a research grant and the funds were maintained during the economic crisis and were tripled when the programme became a political priority in the last municipal government. During the 12-year period, partnerships with stakeholders were generally stable and productive. Maximum community participation was obtained in the detection of health assets and needs and in action plans. During 2018, Barcelona Salut als Barris worked with more than 460 agents that co-produced 183 interventions involving more than 13,600 people. Most of the interventions assessed showed improvements in the health of participants, which could help to reduce health inequalities. The greatest difficulties were: a) citizen participation, b) the sustainability of working groups over the years, c) conflicts of interest, d) the sustainability of interventions, e) reaching certain minority groups and f) evaluation. The increase in resources in the last period contributed to the maturity and expansion of the programme. Key factors in its scope and results were political will, strong technical capacity and methodology, strong intersectoral partnerships and continued community work. (AU)
La salud comunitaria puede reducir las inequidades en salud y mejorar la salud de las poblaciones más desfavorecidas. En 2007 se inició Barcelona Salut als Barris (Barcelona Salud en los Barrios), un programa de salud comunitaria para reducir las desigualdades sociales en salud. En 2018, el programa alcanzó los 25 barrios más desfavorecidos de la ciudad. Este artículo comparte las lecciones aprendidas tras 12 años de trabajo. Los primeros fondos del programa procedieron de una beca de investigación, se mantuvieron durante la crisis económica y se triplicaron cuando pasó a ser una prioridad política en el último gobierno municipal. Durante estos 12 años, las alianzas con las partes interesadas se mantuvieron, en general, estables y productivas. La máxima participación comunitaria se obtuvo en la detección de activos y necesidades en salud y en los planes de acción. Durante 2018, Barcelona Salut als Barris trabajó con más de 460 agentes que coprodujeron 183 intervenciones en las que participaron más de 13.600 personas. Gran parte de las intervenciones evaluadas mostraron mejoras en la salud de las personas participantes, pudiendo contribuir a la reducción de desigualdades. Las mayores dificultades fueron: a) la participación ciudadana, b) la sostenibilidad de los grupos de trabajo a lo largo de los años, c) los conflictos de intereses, d) la sostenibilidad de las intervenciones, e) acceder a algunos grupos minoritarios y e) la evaluación. El aumento de los recursos del último periodo contribuyó a la madurez y la extensión del programa. La voluntad política, una sólida capacidad técnica y metodológica, consolidadas alianzas intersectoriales y el trabajo comunitario continuado han sido factores clave de su alcance y resultados. (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Community Participation , Health Status Disparities , Socioeconomic Factors , Cities , Public Health , SpainABSTRACT
Local administration is responsible for health-related areas, and evidence of the health impact of urban policies is available. Barriers and recommendations for the full implementation of health promotion in cities and neighbourhoods have been described. The barriers to the promotion of urban health are broad: the lack of leadership and political will, reflectes the allocation of health outcomes to health services, as well as technical, political and public misconceptions about the root causes of health and wellbeing. Ideologies and prejudices, non-evidence-based policies, narrow sectoral cultures, short political periods, lack of population-based health information and few opportunities for participation limit the opportunities for urban health. Local policies on early childhood, healthy schools, employment, active transport, parks, leisure and community services, housing, urban planning, food protection and environmental health have great positive impacts on health. Key tools include the political prioritisation of health and equity, the commitment to «Health in All Policies¼ and the participation of communities, social movements and civil society. This requires well organised and funded structures and processes, as well as equity-based health information and capacity building in the health sector, other sectors and society. We conclude that local policies have a great potential for maximising health and equity and equity. The recommendations for carrying them out are increasingly solid and feasible.
Subject(s)
Cities , Environmental Health , Health Promotion , Urban Health , Humans , InvestmentsABSTRACT
Objetivos: Explorar los efectos sobre la salud de una intervención de salud comunitaria en personas mayores aisladas en casa debido a problemas de movilidad o a barreras arquitectónicas, identificar las características asociadas y evaluar la satisfacción de las personas participantes. Diseño: Estudio cuasi-experimental antes-después. Emplazamiento: Cinco barrios de baja renta de Barcelona durante 2010-15. Participantes: Se entrevistó a 147 participantes, ≥59 años, antes y 6 meses después de la intervención. Intervención: Equipos de atención primaria, trabajadores sociales, de salud pública y otros agentes comunitarios desarrollaron una intervención que consistía en salidas semanales, facilitadas por voluntarios. Mediciones: Se evalúo la salud autopercibida, la salud mental utilizando la escala GHQ-12 y la calidad de vida mediante la escala EuroQol. La satisfacción se evaluó mediante un conjunto de preguntas. Analizamos los datos previos y posteriores con pruebas de McNemar y modelos de regresión lineal y de Poisson ajustados. Resultados: A los 6 meses, los participantes mostraron mejoras en la salud percibida, en la salud mental y en la reducción de la ansiedad. Las mejoras fueron mayores entre las mujeres, las personas que no habían salido de casa durante ≥4 meses, las de bajo nivel educativo y las que habían realizado ≥9 salidas. La salud percibida (aRR: 1,29 [1,04-1,62]) y las mejoras en salud mental [(β: 2,92 [1,64-4,2]) permanecieron significativas en los modelos multivariados. La satisfacción media fue de 9,3 sobre 10. Conclusión: Esta intervención de salud comunitaria parece mejorar varios resultados de salud en las personas mayores aisladas, especialmente en los grupos más vulnerables. Replicar este tipo de intervención podría funcionar en contextos similares.(AU)
Objectives: To explore the health effects of a community health intervention on older people who are isolated at home due to mobility problems or architectural barriers, to identify associated characteristics and to assess participants satisfaction.Design: Quasi-experimental beforeafter study. Setting: Five low-income neighbourhoods of Barcelona during 201015. Participants: 147 participants, aged ≥59, living in isolation due to mobility problems or architectural barriers were interviewed before the intervention and after 6 months. Intervention: Primary Health Care teams, public health and social workers, and other community agents carried out a community health intervention, consisting of weekly outings, facilitated by volunteers. Measurements: We assessed self-rated health, mental health using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and quality of life through the EuroQol scale. Satisfaction with the programme was evaluated using a set of questions. We analysed pre and post data with McNemar tests and fitted lineal and Poisson regression models. Results: At 6 months, participants showed improvements in self-rated health and mental health and a reduction of anxiety. Improvements were greater among women, those who had not left home for ≥4 months, those with lower educational level, and those who had made ≥9 outings. Self-rated health [aRR: 1.29(1.041.62)] and mental health improvements [β: 2.92(1.644.2)] remained significant in the multivariate models. Mean satisfaction was 9.3 out of 10. Conclusion: This community health intervention appears to improve several health outcomes in isolated elderly people, especially among the most vulnerable groups. Replications of this type of intervention could work in similar contexts.(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Mental Health , Patient Comfort , Health Planning , Public Health , Quality of Life , Loneliness , Social Isolation , Healthcare Disparities , Controlled Before-After Studies , Non-Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Spain , Primary Health Care , Social WorkersABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Social isolation impairs health. An intervention to reduce isolation due to architectural barriers in elderly persons was carried out in Barcelona (Spain). This study aimed to evaluate its effects on health. METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental before-after study. Isolated older people were identified in three deprived urban areas from 2009 to 2011. Participants had twice-weekly outings with volunteers in a stair-climbing power wheelchair. User satisfaction was evaluated and perceived health status, quality of life, and mental health before and after four outings were compared with McNemar tests. RESULTS: There were 74 participants (median age: 83 years; IQR: 78-89). Perceived health improved by 21%, mental health by 24%, and psychological distress was reduced by 16%. Most participants (98%) were satisfied. CONCLUSION: The intervention improved perceived health and mental health. Elderly people with impaired mobility should not live in buildings with architectural barriers and, if this cannot be avoided, similar programs should be implemented.
Subject(s)
Architectural Accessibility , Social Isolation , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Diagnostic Self Evaluation , Female , Humans , Male , Mental Health , Middle Aged , Personal Satisfaction , Program Evaluation , Quality of Life , Residence CharacteristicsABSTRACT
Se describe la metodología usada en el diagnóstico de salud de un programa orientado a mejorar la salud en los barrios más desfavorecidos de la ciudad de Barcelona. En el proceso de diagnóstico se utiliza una metodología mixta (cuantitativa y cualitativa) para obtenera información sobre el estado de salud de la comunidad, sus determinantes y los recursos disponibles relacionados con la salud. Los datos cuantitativos corresponden a indicadores elaborados a partir de registros de diversas fuentes. La información cualitativa recoge las perspectivas de la comunidad mediante entrevistas, grupos focales y grupos nominales. Las diferentes formas de recogida de datos proporcionan una información más completa de la salud de la comunidad, de sus necesidades y de los recursos disponibles para afrontarlas. La participación comunitaria en el proceso fortalece los lazos entre la comunidad y los agentes implicados en las acciones para abordar los temas priorizados, y favorece su empoderamiento
This paper describes the methodology used for the assessment of health needs within a programme aimed at promoting health equity in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in the city of Barcelona (Spain). The assessment process involves the use of mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) in order to obtain information regarding the health of the community, its determinants, and the availability of health-related assets. Quantitative data consists of indicators from different sources. Qualitative data collects the community's perspectives through interviews, focal groups and nominal groups. The combination of several data collection methods yields more complete information about the community, its needs and the resources available to meet them. Participation of community members in the process strengthens links between the community and the agents responsible for implementing the actions to address prioritised issues and favours community empowerment
Subject(s)
Humans , Health Services Needs and Demand/statistics & numerical data , Community Health Services/organization & administration , Needs Assessment , Social Planning/trends , Community Participation/trends , Risk Groups , Qualitative Research , 24960ABSTRACT
Priorizar es el proceso de selección y ordenación de las necesidades en salud identificadas tras el diagnóstico de necesidades y activos en salud de una comunidad. La valoración de las necesidades en salud se ha reforzado con la perspectiva comunitaria, lo que aporta múltiples beneficios: sensibiliza y empodera a la comunidad sobre su salud, fomenta el apoyo mutuo entre sus integrantes y promueve su protagonismo haciéndola corresponsable del proceso de mejora de su propia realidad. El objetivo de esta nota es describir el modelo de priorización de Barcelona Salut als Barris, estrategia de salud comunitaria liderada por la Agencia de Salud Pública de Barcelona para promover la equidad en salud en los barrios más desfavorecidos de la ciudad (AU)
Prioritizing corresponds to the process of selecting and managing health needs identified after diagnosing the community's health needs and assets. Recently, the health needs assessment has been reinforced with the community perspective, providing multiple benefits: it sensitizes and empowers the community about their health, encourages mutual support among its members and promotes their importance by making them responsible for the process of improving their own reality. The objective of this paper is to describe the prioritization of Barcelona Salut als Barris, a community health strategy led by the Barcelona Public Health Agency to promote equity in health in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods of the city (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Needs Assessment/organization & administration , Health Services Needs and Demand/organization & administration , Community Participation/methods , Community Participation , Needs Assessment/standards , Health Services Needs and Demand/standardsABSTRACT
Este artículo pretende compartir las reflexiones sobre la acción comunitaria en que la Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona ha estado involucrada en la emergencia de COVID-19. El trabajo realizado puede ordenarse en tres etapas, frecuentemente solapadas: detectar necesidades o problemas, e informar; contactar con las personas participantes y agentes territoriales para valorar qué hacer y cómo hacerlo; y adaptar las intervenciones a la "nueva normalidad" y generar respuestas con los activos comunitarios a las necesidades detectadas. Los problemas emergentes incluyeron: no poder realizar el confinamiento (por falta de casa, condiciones materiales, vivir en situación de violencia); brecha digital (falta de conocimientos, dispositivos, acceso a Wifi); mayor exposición al COVID-19 en los trabajos esenciales pero precarizados, feminizados y racializados (cuidados, limpieza, alimentación), frecuentes en los barrios en que trabajamos; barreras idiomáticas y culturales para seguir las recomendaciones; pérdida de empleo; ingresos insuficientes para cubrir necesidades básicas; dificultades de conciliación; aislamiento social; y deterioro de la salud emocional provocado por la situación. Durante el proceso, algunas intervenciones se adaptaron para continuar de forma telemática, y se intentaron cubrir las necesidades primarias sobre conocimientos y dispositivos de algunas personas participantes a través de las redes solidarias y recursos existentes. La acción comunitaria en salud, desde una mirada crítica, interseccional y local, mediante trabajo intersectorial y la participación de la comunidad, puede contribuir a: facilitar una respuesta adaptada al contexto en caso de crisis sanitaria y mitigar los efectos derivados de esta crisis económica y social
This paper aims to share the reflections related to the community actions in which the Agència de Salut Pública de Barcelona has been involved during the emergency of COVID-19. The tasks carried out can be arranged in three stages, frequently overlapping: detection of needs and problems; contact with key stakeholders to assess what to do and how to do it; adaptation of the interventions to the "new normal" and generation of new responses. The emerging problems included: not being able to do the confinement (due to homelessness, material conditions, living in a situation of violence); digital gap (lack of knowledge, devices, access to Wifi); greater exposure to COVID-19 in the essential but precarious, feminized and racialized jobs (care, cleaning, food shops) that are the most frequent in the neighborhoods in where we work; language and cultural barriers that preclude to follow recommendations; to lose employment; insufficient income to cover basic needs; social isolation; and the deterioration of emotional health caused by the situation. During the process, some interventions were adapted to be delivered on-line. Solidarity networks and local resources were key to meet basic needs, but also other needs related to lack of digital knowledge or device. Community action in health, from a critical, intersectional and local perspective, and with intersectoral work and community participation, can contribute to: facilitate a contextualized response in the event of a health crisis; mitigate the effects derived from its economic and social crisis
Subject(s)
Humans , Betacoronavirus , Community Health Services/methods , Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control , Health Policy , Health Promotion/methods , Pandemics/prevention & control , Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control , Public Health/methods , Needs Assessment , Coronavirus Infections , Community Health Services/organization & administration , Community Participation , Health Promotion/organization & administration , SpainABSTRACT
Objetivo. Se llevó a cabo una intervención comunitaria para reducir el aislamiento de las personas mayores debido a barreras arquitectónicas. Este estudio evalúa sus efectos. Métodos. Estudio cuasiexperimental antes-después. Se localizaron en la comunidad personas mayores aisladas en tres zonas desfavorecidas en 2009-11. Salieron quincenalmente con voluntariado y una silla-oruga motorizada. Se estudió la satisfacción y se comparó, con pruebas de McNemar, su estado de salud percibido, su calidad de vida y su salud mental antes y después de cuatro salidas. Resultados. Participaron 74 personas (edad mediana: 83 años; rango intercuartílico: 78-89). La salud percibida mejoró un 21%, la mental un 24% y el malestar psicológico se redujo un 16%. El 98% estaban satisfechas. Conclusiones. La intervención mejoró la salud percibida y la salud mental de las personas participantes. Debería evitarse que estas personas residan en edificios con barreras arquitectónicas, y si no es posible, implementar programas similares a éste (AU)
Objective. Social isolation impairs health. An intervention to reduce isolation due to architectural barriers in elderly persons was carried out in Barcelona (Spain). This study aimed to evaluate its effects on health. Methods. We conducted a quasi-experimental before-after study. Isolated older people were identified in three deprived urban areas from 2009 to 2011. Participants had twice-weekly outings with volunteers in a stair-climbing power wheelchair. User satisfaction was evaluated and perceived health status, quality of life, and mental health before and after four outings were compared with McNemar tests. Results. There were 74 participants (median age: 83 years; IQR: 78-89). Perceived health improved by 21%, mental health by 24%, and psychological distress was reduced by 16%. Most participants (98%) were satisfied. Conclusion. The intervention improved perceived health and mental health. Elderly people with impaired mobility should not live in buildings with architectural barriers and, if this cannot be avoided, similar programs should be implemented (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Aged, 80 and over , Social Isolation , Health Promotion/methods , Health Promotion/trends , Health Promotion , Architectural Accessibility/methods , Architectural Accessibility/statistics & numerical data , Architectural Accessibility/standards , Health Promotion/organization & administration , Architectural Accessibility/classification , Architectural Accessibility/economics , Architectural Accessibility/ethics , Quality of LifeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To analyse the joint role of social class and primary health care in giving up smoking. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain), 2000-2001. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of the resident non-institutionalized population, restricted to people aged 15-50 who have a habitual primary care source (n=4178). MAIN MEASUREMENTS: These were obtained from the Barcelona Health Interview Survey. Independent variables include sex, social class and usual source of primary health care. Dependent variables are having ever been a smoker, having quit, and being a current smoker. Age-adjusted proportions were calculated (95% CI). RESULTS: Social class shows that more manual workers have been smokers. Men smoked more than women. Overall quitting is similar in both sexes. Quitting showed a social gradient in men. Measurement of source of care showed quitting was higher among users of private clinics, but CI overlapped. On stratifying the source of primary care by social class, an effect seemed to emerge for men, but the CI overlapped. Prevalence at the time of the survey was higher for men; a class gradient in current prevalence emerged for men, but was less visible for women, where CI overlapped. CONCLUSIONS: Social class is a powerful determinant of smoking. Men in low-classed jobs are at greater risk of starting to smoke, are less likely to give up, and smoke more. The proportion of quitting seems lower in of public clinics users. Health advice is efficacious, but in population terms other factors seem to have greater influence.
Subject(s)
Smoking Cessation/statistics & numerical data , Smoking/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Primary Health Care , Sex Factors , Socioeconomic FactorsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate primary care reform (PCR) in Barcelona during the year 2000 using 3 preventive practices: anti-smoking advice, blood pressure measurement, and flu vaccination. Any inequalities of gender, age, or social class in receiving these practices are also assessed. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study. SETTING: Barcelona Health Survey, primary health care, Spain, year 2000. PARTICIPANTS: Non-institutionalised residents of the city of Barcelona over 15 years old in the year 2000 (N=10,000 people). MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The indicators used were the prevalences of receiving the 3 practices. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Receiving the preventive practices studied is greater in areas where PCR was established longer, compared to the centres that had not begun the reforms (63.7% as opposed to 53.2%, respectively). Anti-smoking advice, for women, is less frequent in the more disadvantaged classes (odds ratio [OR] =0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55-1). CONCLUSIONS: PCR is a factor associated with carrying out preventive practices. No significant disparities between social class or gender were found for those who received the preventive practices.
Subject(s)
Health Care Reform , Primary Health Care , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Blood Pressure Determination , Confidence Intervals , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Health Surveys , Humans , Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage , Logistic Models , Male , Middle Aged , Odds Ratio , Sex Factors , Smoking Prevention , Social Class , Socioeconomic Factors , Spain , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Objetivo. Valorar el papel conjunto de la clase social y la fuente de atención primaria de salud sobre la cesación. Diseño. Estudio transversal. Emplazamiento. Barcelona (Cataluña, España), 2000-2001. Participantes. Muestra de población residente no institucionalizada, con restricción a personas de 15-50 años que identifican una fuente habitual de atención primaria (n = 4.178). Mediciones principales. Obtenidas en la Encuesta de Salud. Las variables independientes son el sexo, la clase social y la fuente habitual de atención primaria de salud. Las variables dependientes son haber sido alguna vez fumador, haber dejado de fumar y fumar actualmente. Se estiman proporciones e intervalos de confianza (IC) del 95% ajustando por edad. Resultados. Por clase social se ve que más trabajadores manuales han sido fumadores. Por sexo se aprecia que más varones han fumado. La cesación general es similar en ambos sexos. El abandono muestra un gradiente social en varones. Por fuente de atención, la cesación parece mayor en usuarios de consultas privadas, pero los IC se solapan. Estratificando la fuente de atención primaria por clase social, aparece un efecto en varones pero los IC se solapan. La prevalencia en el momento de la encuesta es mayor para varones; parece emerger un gradiente por clase en varones, menor para mujeres donde los IC se solapan. Conclusiones. La clase social es un poderoso determinante del tabaquismo. Los varones de categoría ocupacional baja tienen mayor riesgo de empezar a fumar, menos probabilidades de dejarlo, y una mayor prevalencia. La proporción de cesaciones parece menor en usuarios de la red pública. La intervención sanitaria es eficaz, pero en términos poblacionales otros factores parecen tener mayor influencia
Objective. To analyse the joint role of social class and primary health care in giving up smoking. Design. Cross-sectional study. Setting. Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain), 2000-2001. Participants. A sample of the resident non-institutionalized population, restricted to people aged 15-50 who have a habitual primary care source (n=4178). Main measurements. These were obtained from the Barcelona Health Interview Survey. Independent variables include sex, social class and usual source of primary health care. Dependent variables are having ever been a smoker, having quit, and being a current smoker. Age-adjusted proportions were calculated (95% CI). Results. Social class shows that more manual workers have been smokers. Men smoked more than women. Overall quitting is similar in both sexes. Quitting showed a social gradient in men. Measurement of source of care showed quitting was higher among users of private clinics, but CI overlapped. On stratifying the source of primary care by social class, an effect seemed to emerge for men, but the CI overlapped. Prevalence at the time of the survey was higher for men; a class gradient in current prevalence emerged for men, but was less visible for women, where CI overlapped. Conclusions. Social class is a powerful determinant of smoking. Men in low-classed jobs are at greater risk of starting to smoke, are less likely to give up, and smoke more. The proportion of quitting seems lower in of public clinics users. Health advice is efficacious, but in population terms other factors seem to have greater influence
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adolescent , Adult , Middle Aged , Tobacco Use Cessation/statistics & numerical data , Primary Health Care , Tobacco Use Disorder/epidemiology , Confidence Intervals , Socioeconomic Factors , Cross-Sectional Studies , Spain/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Objetivo. Evaluar la reforma de la atención primaria (RAP) en Barcelona durante el año 2000 mediante 3 prácticas preventivas: el consejo antitabaco, la toma de la presión arterial y la vacunación antigripal. Además, se quiere evaluar las desigualdades de sexo, edad o clase social en la recepción de estas prácticas. Diseño. Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal. Emplazamiento. Encuesta de Salud de Barcelona del año 2000, atención primaria de salud. Participantes. Personas mayores de 15 años no institucionalizadas residentes en la ciudad de Barcelona el año 2000 (n = 10.000 personas). Mediciones principales. Los indicadores utilizados fueron las prevalencias de recepción de las 3 prácticas preventivas. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y de regresión logística multivariante. Resultados. La recepción de las prácticas preventivas estudiadas es mayor en las áreas con mayor tiempo de instauración de la RAP respecto a los centros no reformados (el 63,7 frente al 53,2%, respectivamente). El consejo antitabaco, en el caso de las mujeres, es menos frecuente en las clases sociales más desfavorecidas (odds ratio [OR] = 0,72; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 0,55-1). Conclusiones. La RAP es un factor asociado con la realización de las prácticas preventivas. No se han encontrado desigualdades significativas de clase social o sexo en la recepción de las 3 prácticas preventivas
Objective. To evaluate primary care reform (PCR) in Barcelona during the year 2000 using 3 preventive practices: anti-smoking advice, blood pressure measurement, and flu vaccination. Any inequalities of gender, age, or social class in receiving these practices are also assessed. Design. Cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study. Setting. Barcelona Health Survey, primary health care, Spain, year 2000. Participants. Non-institutionalised residents of the city of Barcelona over 15 years old in the year 2000 (N=10 000 people). Main measurements. The indicators used were the prevalences of receiving the 3 practices. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results. Receiving the preventive practices studied is greater in areas where PCR was established longer, compared to the centres that had not begun the reforms (63.7% as opposed to 53.2%, respectively). Anti-smoking advice, for women, is less frequent in the more disadvantaged classes (odds ratio [OR] =0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55-1). Conclusions. PCR is a factor associated with carrying out preventive practices. No significant disparities between social class or gender were found for those who received the preventive practices