Effectiveness of a provider and patient-focused intervention to improve hypertension management and control in the primary health care setting in Cuba: a controlled before-after study.

BACKGROUND: Implementation research to improve hypertension control is scarce in Latin America. We assessed the effectiveness of an intervention aimed at primary care practitioners and hypertensive patients in a setting that provides integrated care through an accessible network of family practices. METHODS: We conducted in Cardenas and Santiago, Cuba, a controlled before-after study in 122 family practices, which are staffed with a doctor and a nurse. The intervention comprised a control arm (usual care), an arm with a component targeting providers (hypertension management workshops), and an arm with, on top of the latter, a component targeting patients (hypertension schools). To evaluate the effect, we undertook a baseline survey before the intervention and an endline survey sixteen months after its start. In each survey, we randomly included 1400 hypertensive patients. Controlled hypertension, defined as a mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure below 140 and 90 mmHg, respectively, was the primary endpoint assessed. We performed linear and logistic regression with a Generalized Estimating Equations approach to determine if the proportion of patients with controlled hypertension changed following the intervention. RESULTS: Seventy-three doctors, including substitutes, and 54 nurses from the 61 intervention family practices attended the provider workshops, and 3308 patients -51.6% of the eligible ones- participated in the hypertension schools. Adherence to anti-hypertensive medication improved from 42% at baseline to 63% at the endline in the intervention arms. Under the provider intervention, the proportion of patients with controlled hypertension increased by 18.9%, from 48.7% at baseline to 67.6% at endline. However, adding the component that targeted hypertensive patients did not augment the effect. Compared to patients in the control arm, the adjusted OR of having controlled hypertension was 2.36 (95% CI, 1.73-3.22) in the provider and 2.00 (95% CI, 1.68-2.37) in the provider plus patient intervention arm. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention's patient component remains to be fine-tuned. Still, we demonstrate that it is feasible to substantially improve hypertension outcomes by intervention at the primary care level, despite an already relatively high control rate.

Educational inequalities and premature mortality: the Cuba Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Although socioeconomic status is a major determinant of premature mortality in many populations, the impact of social inequalities on premature mortality in Cuba, a country with universal education and health care, remains unclear. We aimed to assess the association between educational level and premature adult mortality in Cuba. METHODS: The Cuba Prospective Study (a cohort study) enrolled 146 556 adults aged 30 years and older from the general population in five provinces from Jan 1, 1996, to Nov 24, 2002. Participants were followed up until Jan 1, 2017, for cause-specific mortality. Deaths were identified through linkage to the Cuban Public Health Ministry's national mortality records. Cox regression models yielded rate ratios (RRs) for the effect of educational level (a commonly used measure for social status) on mortality at ages 35-74 years, with assessment for the mediating effects of smoking, alcohol consumption, and BMI. FINDINGS: A total of 127 273 participants aged 35-74 years were included in the analyses. There was a strong inverse association between educational level and premature mortality. Compared with a university education, men who did not complete primary education had an approximately 60% higher risk of premature mortality (RR 1·55, 95% CI 1·40-1·72), while the risk was approximately doubled in women (1·96, 1·81-2·13). Overall, 28% of premature deaths could be attributed to lower education levels. Excess mortality in women was primarily due to vascular disease, while vascular disease and cancer were equally important in men. 31% of the association with education in men and 18% in women could be explained by common modifiable risk factors, with smoking having the largest effect. INTERPRETATION: This study highlights the value of understanding the determinants of health inequalities in different populations. Although many major determinants lie outside the health system in Cuba, this study has identified the diseases and risk factors that require targeted public health interventions, particularly smoking. FUNDING: UK Medical Research Council, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, CDC Foundation (with support from Amgen).

Alcohol consumption and cause-specific mortality in Cuba: prospective study of 120 623 adults.

BACKGROUND: The associations of cause-specific mortality with alcohol consumption have been studied mainly in higher-income countries. We relate alcohol consumption to mortality in Cuba. METHODS: In 1996-2002, 146 556 adults were recruited into a prospective study from the general population in five areas of Cuba. Participants were interviewed, measured and followed up by electronic linkage to national death registries until January 1, 2017. After excluding all with missing data or chronic disease at recruitment, Cox regression (adjusted for age, sex, province, education, and smoking) was used to relate mortality rate ratios (RRs) at ages 35-79 years to alcohol consumption. RRs were corrected for long-term variability in alcohol consumption using repeat measures among 20 593 participants resurveyed in 2006-08. FINDINGS: After exclusions, there were 120 623 participants aged 35-79 years (mean age 52 [SD 12]; 67 694 [56%] women). At recruitment, 22 670 (43%) men and 9490 (14%) women were current alcohol drinkers, with 15 433 (29%) men and 3054 (5%) women drinking at least weekly; most alcohol consumption was from rum. All-cause mortality was positively and continuously associated with weekly alcohol consumption: each additional 35cl bottle of rum per week (110g of pure alcohol) was associated with ∼10% higher risk of all-cause mortality (RR 1.08 [95%CI 1.05-1.11]). The major causes of excess mortality in weekly drinkers were cancer, vascular disease, and external causes. Non-drinkers had ∼10% higher risk (RR 1.11 [1.09-1.14]) of all-cause mortality than those in the lowest category of weekly alcohol consumption (<1 bottle/week), but this association was almost completely attenuated on exclusion of early follow-up. INTERPRETATION: In this large prospective study in Cuba, weekly alcohol consumption was continuously related to premature mortality. Reverse causality is likely to account for much of the apparent excess risk among non-drinkers. The findings support limits to alcohol consumption that are lower than present recommendations in Cuba. FUNDING: Medical Research Council, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, CDC Foundation (with support from Amgen).

Burden of hypertension and associated risks for cardiovascular mortality in Cuba: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In Cuba, hypertension control in primary care has been prioritised as a cost-effective means of addressing premature death from cardiovascular disease. However, there is little evidence from large-scale studies on the prevalence and management of hypertension in Cuba, and no direct evidence of the expected benefit of such efforts on cardiovascular mortality. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, adults in the general population identified via local family medical practices were interviewed between Jan 1, 1996, and Nov 24, 2002, in five areas of Cuba, and a subset of participants were resurveyed between July 14, 2006, and Oct 19, 2008, in one area. During household visits, blood pressure was measured and information obtained on diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. We calculated the prevalence of hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg, or receiving treatment for hypertension) and the proportion of people with hypertension in whom it was diagnosed, treated, and controlled (systolic blood pressure <140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg). Deaths were identified through linkage by national identification numbers to the Cuban Public Health Ministry records, to Dec 31, 2016. We used Cox regression analysis to compare cardiovascular mortality between participants with versus without uncontrolled hypertension. Rate ratios (RRs) were used to estimate the fraction of cardiovascular deaths attributable to hypertension. FINDINGS: 146 556 participants were interviewed in the baseline survey in 1996-2002 and 24 345 were interviewed in the resurvey in 2006-08. After exclusion for incomplete data and age outside the range of interest, 136 111 respondents aged 35-79 years (mean age 54 [SD 12] years; 75 947 [56%] women, 60 164 [44%] men) were eligible for inclusion in the analyses. 34% of participants had hypertension. Among these, 67% had a diagnosis of hypertension. 76% of participants with diagnosed hypertension were receiving treatment and blood pressure was controlled in 36% of those people. During 1·7 million person-years of follow-up there were 5707 cardiovascular deaths. In the age groups 35-59, 60-69, and 70-79 years, uncontrolled hypertension at baseline was associated with RRs of 2·15 (95% CI 1·88-2·46), 1·86 (1·69-2·05), and 1·41 (1·32-1·52), respectively, and accounted for around 20% of premature cardiovascular deaths. INTERPRETATION: In this Cuban population, a third of people had hypertension. Although levels of hypertension diagnosis and treatment were commensurate with those in some high-income countries, the proportion of participants whose blood pressure was controlled was low. As well as reducing hypertension prevalence, improvement in blood pressure control among people with diagnosed hypertension is required to prevent premature cardiovascular deaths in Cuba. FUNDING: Medical Research Council, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK.

Prevalencia de diabéticos controlados con hemoglobina glicosilada en dos áreas de salud. Cárdenas, 2019 / Prevalence of diabetics controlled by glycosylated hemoglobin in two health areas. Cardenas, 2019

RESUMEN Introducción: la diabetes mellitus es un trastorno metabólico caracterizado por hiperglucemia crónica con alteraciones en carbohidratos, grasas y proteínas. Debido al aumento de la morbimortalidad por diabetes, esta constituye un problema de salud en el mundo, en Cuba y en el contexto matancero. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de diabéticos controlados con la hemoglobina glicosilada (HbA1c), los factores asociados, y las barreras para una intervención posterior. Materiales y métodos: estudio epidemiológico, transversal, analítico a una cohorte de 601 diabéticos tipo 2 mayores de 18 años, en dos policlínicos, estudiados anteriormente. Se encuestaron y procesaron en el programa Epi-Info 7. Se obtuvieron frecuencias y proporciones de variables, prevalencia de diabéticos controlados con la hemoglobina HbA1c, los factores asociados, las comorbilidades con el OR, y las diferencias de variables entre los dos policlínicos, con el Chi2 y p < 0,05 %. Resultados: la prevalencia de diabéticos controlados fue de un 69,3 %. Las variables demográficas, comorbilidades y factores del estilo de vida no tuvieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Todas las variables (presencia y ausencia del factor) presentaron un control por encima del 64 %. El peso saludable, sobrepeso, enfermedades del corazón y respiratorias crónicas, ingestión de bebidas azucaradas y alimentación inadecuada, presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los dos policlínicos. Conclusiones: No existieron diferencias entre las variables de diabéticos controlados y no controlados. Se identificaron las barreras para mejorar el control de los pacientes para una postintervención y mejorar su calidad de vida, pues un 30 % de los diabéticos no controlados presentaron algunos de los factores de riesgo estudiados (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia with alterations in carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Due to the increase of the morbidity and mortality rates, this is a health problem in the world, in Cuba and the province of Matanzas. Objective: to determine the prevalence of diabetics controlled with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), associated factors, and barriers to further intervention. Materials and method: an epidemiological, cross-sectional, analytical study was carried out in a cohort of 601 previously studied, type 2 diabetics over 18 years of age, in two polyclinics. The patients were surveyed and data processed in the Epi-Info 7 program. Frequencies and proportions of variables, prevalence of diabetics controlled by hemoglobin HbA1c, associated factors, comorbidities with odds ratio, as well as differences of variables between the two polyclinics were calculated by using Chi2 and p value <0.05 %. Results: the prevalence of controlled diabetics was 69.3 %. There were no statistically significant differences between demographic variables, co-morbidities and associated life style risk factors. All variables (presence and absence of the factor) showed control above 64 %. Healthy weight, overweight, heart and chronic respiratory diseases, sweet beverages intake and inadequate diet revealed statistically significant differences between the two polyclinics. Conclusions: there were no differences between the variables controlled and non-controlled diabetics. Barriers to improve patients control were identified for the sake of performing a subsequent intervention and improving their life quality, because 30 % of uncontrolled diabetic patients had some of the studied risk factors (AU).

Características de la mortalidad por tumores malignos en la provincia de Matanzas. 1990-2019 / Characteristics of mortality due to malignant tumors in the province of Matanzas. 1990-2019

RESUMEN Introducción: la mortalidad por tumores malignos se caracteriza por un incremento sostenido en el tiempo. En casi la totalidad de la provincia de Matanzas se ha observado esta tendencia en los últimos 30 años, con mayor o menor intensidad. Objetivo : describir algunas características de la mortalidad por cáncer en la provincia de Matanzas. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo de la mortalidad por tumores malignos durante 30 años (1990-2019). Se estimaron tasas crudas y ajustadas de mortalidad, globalmente, por períodos y por sexo. Se obtuvieron porcentajes y se determinó la significación estadística mediante el estadígrafo X2 y el valor de p < 0,05. Resultados: se detectaron diferencias estadísticas significativas entre sexos en cada uno de los períodos. Las tasas crudas y específicas de mortalidad experimentaron una tendencia sostenida al incremento. Cada 0,3 días (aproximadamente cada 8 horas) ocurrió una defunción por cáncer, con diferencias entre las localizaciones. Conclusiones: la tendencia al incremento sostenido de las tasas de mortalidad cruda y ajustada por edad se debe al aumento de las defunciones, pudiendo ser consecuencia, en parte, del envejecimiento poblacional y de un posible incremento de la morbilidad. El sexo masculino apareció como el más expuesto. La frecuencia de la mortalidad por cáncer fue diferente según localizaciones (AU).

ABSCRACT Introduction: Steady increase in time characterized the mortality by malignant tumors in the world as in Cuba. It was observed similar trend in the province of Matanzas in the last 30 years, almost in all body sites, showing higher or less intensity. Objective: To describe some characteristics of mortality by malignant tumors in the province of Matanzas Materials and methods: It is a descriptive observational and retrospective study of the mortality by malignant tumors for 30 years: 1990-2019. Crude and adjusted mortality rates were estimated, globally, by periods and sex. Percentages were estimated and statistical significance was determined through X2 test and p value < 0,05. Results: Statistical significant differences were detected among sexes in all periods. Crude and specific mortality rates showed an increasing steady trend. Every 0.3 days (around 8 hours) one decease took place due to malignant tumors, with differences among sites of the disease. Conclusions: The increasing steady trend of the crude & adjusted mortality rates by age could be, partly, results of the population ageing. Male sex appeared to be the most exposed. Mortality frequency by malignant tumors was different according to sites of the tumor (AU).

Caracterización clínica epidemiológica de la diabetes mellitus en dos áreas de salud. Municipio Cárdenas. 2017 / Clinico-epidemiological characterization of diabetes mellitus in two health areas. Municipality of Cardenas. 2017

RESUMEN Introducción: la diabetes mellitus es un trastorno metabólico caracterizado por hiperglucemia crónica con alteraciones en los carbohidratos, grasas y proteínas. Las tasas de morbimortalidad han aumentado al igual que la obesidad, constituye un problema de salud en el mundo, Cuba y la provincia de Matanzas. Objetivo: realizar una caracterización clínica epidemiológica de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en dos áreas de salud, conocer las variables e identificar las barreras para una posterior intervención. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio epidemiológico descriptivo- transversal a 750 diabéticos tipo 2 mayores de 18 años en dos áreas de salud. Se realizaron encuestas, procesándose en el programa Epi-Info, obteniéndose la frecuencia de las variables, y las diferencias estadísticas significativas entre variables de las dos aéreas de salud, utilizándose el valor de p < 0,05 % y el Chi2. Resultados: el promedio de edad fue de 62,2 años, predominio del sexo femenino y color de la piel blanca. La hipertensión arterial y la obesidad fueron las enfermedades más asociadas, y el tabaquismo, la ingestión de bebidas alcohólicas y azucaradas, y la no realización de ejercicios físicos fueron los factores asociados más relevantes. Los medicamentos más utilizados fueron la glibenclamida y la metformina. Conclusiones: la diabetes mellitus es la primera causa de fracaso renal en el mundo occidental, siendo la insuficiencia renal una de las complicaciones crónicas más graves de esta enfermedad. Entre las principales causas de muerte de esta enfermedad son las complicaciones macrovasculares, manifestadas clínicamente como cardiopatía isquémica, insuficiencia cardíaca, la enfermedad vascular cerebral y la insuficiencia arterial periférica.

ABSTRACT Introduction: diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia with alterations in carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Morbi-mortality rates have increased as have done obesity, being a health problem in the world, Cuba and the province of Matanzas. Objective: to carry out clinical-epidemiological characterization of type 2 diabetes mellitus in two health areas, knowing the variables and identifying the barriers for a subsequent intervention. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in 750 type-2 diabetic patients over 18 years in two health areas. Surveys were made and processed in Epi-Info program, showing significant statistic differences among variables of both health areas; p < 0,05 % value and Chi2 were used. Results: the average age was 62.2 years, predominating female sex and white skin color. The most commonly associated diseases were arterial hypertension and obesity; smoking and drinking alcoholic and sugar-sweetened beverages and sedentary life were the most relevant associated factors. The most commonly used medications were glibenclamide and metformin. Conclusions: diabetes is the first cause of renal failure in the Western world, being renal insufficiency one of the most serious chronic complications of this disease. The main causes of death of this disease are macro vascular complications clinically manifested as ischemic heart disease, heart failure, cerebra-vascular disease and peripheral arterial insufficiency.

Resultados de una intervención para la mejora del control de la hipertensión arterial en cuatro áreas de salud / Results of an Intervention for Improving Arterial Hypertension Control in Four Health Areas

Fundamento: las enfermedades no transmisibles representan uno de los mayores desafíos para la salud y el desarrollo en el siglo XXI. La hipertensión arterial constituye enfermedad y factor de riesgo clave para el desarrollo de otras enfermedades. Objetivo: mostrar los resultados obtenidos luego de la implementación de una intervención educativa destinada a mejorar el control y manejo de la presión arterial en cuatro áreas de salud. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de casos y controles post intervención durante el 2014 en cuatro áreas de salud, dos pertenecientes al municipio Santiago de Cuba y dos de Cárdenas. Se estudiaron 1404 pacientes hipertensos mayores de 18 años, los cuales fueron seleccionados por medio de un muestreo por conglomerados bietápico. Se analizaron como variables sociodemográficas (área de salud, edad, sexo, color de la piel, nivel de escolaridad, estado civil y ocupación) y como variables clínicas (control de la presión arterial, adherencia al tratamiento y percepción de estado de salud), así como nivel de conocimientos sobre la enfermedad. La información se calculó en números absolutos, porcentajes e intervalos de confianza al 95 %. Se evaluó la posible asociación entre variables por la existencia de significación estadística (α= 0,05) mediante la prueba de Chi cuadrado de Pearson. Resultados: se logró un mayor porcentaje de hipertensos controlados (65,0 %) y adheridos al tratamiento (64,9 %), el nivel de conocimiento se incrementó (50,9 %), así como la percepción de un buen estado de salud (67,2 %) en comparación al 2013. Los resultados fueron más alentadores en los grupos que fueron intervenidos. Conclusión: el programa de intervención demostró ser efectivo al lograr incrementar los niveles de adherencia terapéutica y control de los pacientes.

Foundation: non-transmissible diseases represent one of the highest challenges for health and development in the XXI century. Arterial hypertension is a disease and a key risk factor fro developing other diseases. Objective: to show the results after the implementation of an educative intervention from promoting the control and management of arterial tension in four health areas. Methods: it was used a case and control study post- intervention during 2014 in four health areas, two belonging to the Santiago de Cuba municipality and two of Cardenas. A number of 1404 patients older than 18 years were studied, who were selected by bi-stage conglomerate sampling. Socio-demographic variables such as health area, age, sex, skin color, level of schooling, marital status and occupation were analyzed. The clinical variables analyzed were control of arterial tension, treatment compliance, and perception of the health condition, so as knowledge of the disease. The information was calculated in absolute numbers, percentages and confidence intervals of 95 %. It was evaluated the possible association among variables by the existence of the statistic significance (α= 0,05) by the Square-chi Pearson Test. Results: a higher percentage of controlled hypertensive patients was achieved (65,0 %) and with treatment compliance (64,9 %), the level of knowledge about the disease was increased (50,9 %) so as the perception of good health condition (67,2 %) in comparison to 2013. The results were more encouraging in the groups which were intervened. Conclusion: the program of intervention demonstrated to be effective at achieving the increase of levels of treatment compliance and patient controls.

Intervención educativa sobre conocimientos de hipertensión arterial. Policlínico Héroes del Moncada. Municipio Cárdenas, 2015 / Educative intervention on knowledge of arterial hypertension. Policlinic Heroes del Moncada. Municipality of Cardenas, 2015

Introducción: la educación del hipertenso es un elemento primordial para elevar el conocimiento sobre hipertensión arterial, su control y la calidad de vida. Objetivo: aumentar conocimientos sobre Hipertensión Arterial a hipertensos y contribuir a elevar el control. Materiales y métodos: intervención educativa dirigida a hipertensos en Escuelas para Hipertensos, con un programa educativo y ejercicios físicos. Se seleccionaron dos muestras de 350 hipertensos antes y después de la intervención, aplicándose un cuestionario de 14 preguntas sobre temas de hipertensión arterial. Se realizaron 3 análisis: proporción de hipertensos con 8 y mas respuestas correctas, proporción de cada pregunta con más de 75% de respuestas correctas y proporción de hipertensos aprobados (70 puntos de 100). Test estadísticos, Chi2, valor p. Resultados: post-intervención, con los 3 análisis los hipertensos aumentaron los conocimientos con diferencias estadísticamente significativas, p<0,05. Conclusiones: fue efectiva la intervención aumentando los conocimientos y el control de los hipertensos (AU).

Introduction: education of patients with hypertension is a primordial element to elevate the knowledge on HBP, its control and the quality of life. Objective: to rise the knowledge of the HBP patient and its control. Materials and methods: educational intervention to the patients through the Schools of HBP, with an Educational and physical exercises Program. Two samples before and after the intervention were selected (350 patients). A questionnaire of 14 questions on topics of HBP applied. Three analysis were carried out: Proportion of patients with 8 and more correct answers, proportion of each question with more than 75% of correct answers, and proportion of approved patients (70 out of 100). Statistical Test, Chi2, p value. Results: post-intervention, knowledge increased according to test with statistically significant differences. p<0,05. Conclusions: the intervention was effective. Rise the knowledge of HBP and controlled patients (AU).

Homicidio en la provincia de Matanzas. 1989 al 2016 / Homicide in the province of Matanzas. From 1989 to 2016

Introducción: el homicidio, es la forma más extrema de resolución de los conflictos sociales entre las personas y los colectivos. En Cuba no constituye un problema de salud, pero por su importancia humana, social y judicial, se lleva una vigilancia sobre el tema. Objetivo: describir las principales características epidemiológicas en tiempo, espacio y personas, de los fallecidos por homicidio en la provincia de Matanzas. Materiales y Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo para caracterizar en tiempo, espacio y algunos aspectos personales, a los fallecidos por homicidio en la provincia de Matanzas durante los años 1989 al 2016. El universo y muestra estuvo conformado por los 802 fallecidos por esta causa durante el periodo analizado. Para el análisis de las variables se utilizaron tasas crudas por 100000 hab. Resultados: las tasas de mortalidad estuvieron entre 1,75 y 7,2 por 100000 habitantes. La mayor cantidad de fallecidos fue en edades jóvenes, entre varones, personas sin pareja estable y de color de la piel negra. Las las tasas resultaron ser más bajas que en otros países aunque con una ligera tendencia al incremento. Se comparan los resultados con otros países y se destaca la necesidad de mejorar el trabajo sobre todo a partir de la atención primaria Conclusiones: el homicidio aunque no constituye un problema de salud por sus cifras, requiere de un trabajo multidisciplinario e intersectorial para disminuir su incidencia sobre todo en aquellos grupos y municipios más vulnerables (AU).

Summary: homicide is the most extreme form of solving social conflicts among individuals and collectives. It is not a health problem in Cuba, but because of its human, social and judicial importance, vigilance is carried out on the theme. Objective: to describe the main epidemiological characteristics in time, space and persons, of the individuals deceased by homicide in the province of Matanzas. Materials and Methods: a descriptive study was carried out to characterize in time, space and several personal aspects, the people deceased by homicide in the province of Matanzas during the period 1989-2016. The universe and the sample were formed by the 802 people who died by homicide during the analyzed period. Gross rates per 100 000 inhabitants were used for the analyses of the variables. Results: the mortality rates ranged between 1.75 and 7.2 per 100 000 inhabitants. The highest quantity of deceased people were young, male, black skinned persons without stable couple. The rates were lower than in other countries, thought with a slight tendency to increase. The results were compared with other countries. It is highlighted the necessity of improving the work, beginning from the primary health care level. Conclusions: although homicide is not a health problem because of its amount, it requires a multidiscipline and inter-sectorial work to decrease its incidence mainly in those more vulnerable groups and municipalities (AU).

Riesgo cardiovascular global y edad vascular: herramientas claves en la prevención de enfermedades cardiovasculares / Global cardiovascular risk and vascular age: key tools in cardiovascular diseases prevention

Introducción: con el desarrollo de la sociedad y los cambios en el estilo de vida, las enfermedades cardiovasculares son la primera causa de muerte en el mundo y en Cuba. Son prevenibles si se actúa sobre sus factores de riesgo cardiovasculares, que se estratifican estimando el riesgo cardiovascular global. Se engloba los principales factores en tablas, que determinan la probabilidad de presentar una enfermedades cardiovasculares en 5 o 10 años. La edad vascular se calcula a partir del riesgo cardiovascular global. Es una herramienta útil para motivar a los pacientes a eliminar los factores de riesgo cardiovasculares. Por lo anterior, los autores se propusieron revisar referentes teóricos del riesgo cardiovascular global y la edad vascular. Materiales y métodos: se desarrolló una búsqueda en la Biblioteca Virtual de Infomed. Fueron revisados 231 trabajos científicos sin limitación de año y país, seleccionándose 49. Desarrollo: se caracterizaron 14 tablas que calculan el riesgo cardiovascular global, a partir del estudio de Framingham. En Cuba, fueron utilizadas las clásicas de Framingham, Organización Mundial de la Salud, Sociedad Internacional de Hipertensión y Gaziano sin laboratorio. La edad vascular de un individuo, es igual a la edad que tendría una persona con igual riesgo cardiovascular global, pero con todos los factores de riesgo cardiovasculares en niveles normales. Esto tiene una gran carga emocional que conlleva a que el paciente tome medidas preventivas. Conclusiones: las tablas que estratifican el riesgo cardiovascular global, deben ser ajustadas a la realidad epidemiológica de cada país. De las tablas utilizadas en Cuba, la de Gaziano sin laboratorio es la más factible de aplicar. La edad vascular es una forma fácil de comunicar el riesgo de sufrir unas enfermedades cardiovasculares.

Background: with the society development and changes in life style, cardiovascular diseases are the first cause of death in the world and in Cuba. They could be preventable if acting on their cardiovascular risk factors that are stratified estimating the global cardiovascular risk. The main factors are summed up in tables, determining the possibility of presenting a cardiovascular disease in 5 or 10 years. Cardiovascular age is calculated on the basis of the global cardiovascular risk. It is a useful tool for motivating patients to eliminate the cardiovascular risk factors. For all the before said, the authors planed to review theoretical referents of the global cardiovascular risk and the vascular age. Materials and Methods: it was carried out a search in the Virtual Library of Infomed. 231 works were reviewed without year or country limitation, selecting 49 of them. Development: there they were characterized 14 tables calculating the global cardiovascular risk factor, beginning from Framinghan study. In Cuba, it were used the classic ones of Framinghan, World Health Organization, International Society of Hypertension and Gaziano without laboratory teats. An individual’s vascular age is the same as it would be the age of a person with one and the same global vascular risk, but with all the cardiovascular risk factors at normal levels. This has a great emotional load leading the patient to take preventive measures. Conclusions: the tables stratifying the global cardiovascular risk should be adjusted to the epidemiologic reality of each country. Of all the tables used in Cuba, Gaziano´s without laboratory test is the most workable one. Vascular age is an easy form of communicating the risk of suffering cardiovascular diseases.

Prevención de la cardiopatía isquémica, un desafío de la atención primaria de salud / Prevention of the ischemic cardiopathy, a challenge of the primary health cares

Introducción: la cardiopatía isquémica es una enfermedad que afecta los vasos sanguíneos coronarios y provoca isquemia e infarto del miocardio. Constituyó en el 2013 la primera causa de muerte en el mundo, en Cuba y en la provincia de Matanzas, considerándose un problema de salud, por lo que los autores se propusieron revisar referentes teóricos de la cardiopatía isquémica. Materiales y métodos: se desarrolló una búsqueda en la Biblioteca Virtual de Salud de Infomed. Fueron revisados 483 trabajos sin limitación de año y país, seleccionándose 40 trabajos científicos. Desarrollo: la aterosclerosis como principal causa de cardiopatía isquémica, tiene origen multifactorial y es susceptible de empeorar por el estilo de vida de las personas. Los factores más importantes que contribuyen a su surgimiento, son tabaquismo, diabetes mellitus tipo 2, hipertensión arterial, dislipidemias, sedentarismo, obesidad, entre otros. Uno o más de estos factores pueden estar presentes en un mismo individuo, por lo que se estratifica el riesgo. Es el llamado riesgo cardiovascular global, estimado a través de diferentes tablas. Recientemente se utiliza la edad vascular para valorar dicho riesgo. Conclusiones: prevenir los factores de riesgo cardiovascular constituye un desafío para la atención primaria de salud, ya que es en este nivel de atención, donde se realiza la labor educativa a la población, se promueve salud y se previenen enfermedades. La detección y control de estos factores sigue siendo una estrategia preventiva esencial.

Background: ischemic cardiopathy is a disease affecting the coronary blood vessels and provoking ischemia and myocardial infarct. In 2013 it was the first cause of death in the world, in Cuba and in the province of Matanzas. It is considered a health problem; that is why the authors proposed to review theoretical referents of ischemic cardiopathy. Material and methods: we made a search in the Biblioteca Virtual de Salud (Health Virtual Library in English) of Infomed. We reviewed 483 titles without limits of year and country of publication, choosing 40 scientific works. Development: atherosclerosis, as a main cause of ischemic cardiopathy, has multifactorial origins and it is susceptible of worsening due to the life style of the persons. The most important factors contributing to its appearance are smoking, type II diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, sedentary life style, obesity, among others. One or more of these factors could be present in the same individual, so the risk is stratified. It is the so called global cardiovascular risk, estimated through different charts. Vascular age is currently used to assess that risk. Conclusions: preventing cardiovascular risk factors is a challenge for the primary health care, because it is at this health care level where the educative work, health promotion and disease prevention are carried out among the population. These factors detention and control is still an essential preventive strategy.

Intervención integral educativa en hipertensión arterial. Policlínico Héroes del Moncada. Municipio de Cárdenas, 2013 / Integral educative intervention in arterial hypertension. Policlinic Heroes del Moncada. Cardenas Municipality, 2013

Se realizó la descripción de una intervención integral dirigida a médicos de familias y grupos básicos de trabajo, en consulta externa, a la comunidad y a los hipertensos del Policlínico Héroes del Moncada, del 1 de enero al 31 de diciembre de 2013. Se consignaron los temas que se impartirán a los médicos de familia y a los grupos básicos de trabajo, según la guía del Programa de Hipertensión Arterial. Se señalaron los acápites que deben ser llenados en la historia clínica y las acciones a desarrollar por el médico de familia en la consulta externa del hipertenso. Se expresaron las actividades y el procedimiento de intervención en la comunidad, así como la metodología y el programa para llevar a cabo en las escuelas de hipertensos.

We described an integral intervention directed to family physicians and basic work groups in external consultation, to the community and hypertensive patients of the Policlinic Heroes del Moncada, carried out from January 1st to December 31st 2013. The themes taught to family physicians and basic work groups were identified taking into account the Arterial Hypertension Program guidelines. We indicated the items of the clinical record that should be filled out and the actions the family physician should develop in the hypertensive patient external consultation. We explained the activities and the intervention procedure in the community, and also the methodology and program to develop in the hypertensive patients’ schools.

Prevalencia de Hipertensión Arterial y factores asociados: municipio Matanzas 2009-2010 / Arterial hypertension prevalence and associated factors: municipality of Matanzas 2009-2010

Se realizó un estudio observacional analítico de tipo transversal de base poblacional para estimar la prevalencia de la hipertensión arterial en la población matancera y determinar la presencia de los factores de riesgo atribuibles a esta enfermedad durante el año 2009-2010. El universo estuvo constituido por la población del municipio Matanzas entre 15 y 74 años de edad que corresponde a 112 348 habitantes. La muestra quedó conformada por 2 640 personas. En la recolección de la información se aplicó un cuestionario validado por la Organización Panamericana de la Salud para la vigilancia de factores de riesgos de las enfermedades no transmisibles. Los datos fueron procesados en el programa EpiInfo 3.4.3 2007. Para el análisis de los datos se emplearon medidas de frecuencias absolutas y relativas, medidas de tendencia central como la media, mediana, y moda; se utilizó el enfoque de riesgo en análisis bivariado, con cálculo de Odds Ratio con sus intervalos de confianza. Se utilizó la prueba de Chi Cuadrado. También Fracción Atribuible de riesgo con sus Intervalos de Confianza del 95 por ciento. Se consideraron diferencias significativas cuando los valores p fueron menores que 0.,05 y los intervalos de confianza del Odds Ratio no incluyera el valor de 1. Se obtuvo una prevalencia de hipertensión arterial de 31,3 por ciento, siendo los controlados de un 67,4 por ciento. De las nueve variables que resultaron significativas en el análisis bivariado, ocho de ellas se mostraron como verdaderos factores asociados al hipertenso al ser analizadas mediante la regresión logística: el colesterol alto, la edad mayor de 50 años, la diabetes mellitus, el hábito de fumar (tabaquismo), la obesidad, los antecedentes familiares de hipertensión arterial, el sobre peso y el bajo nivel escolar.

We carried out a cross-sectional analytic observational research on the population basis to estimate the arterial hypertension prevalence in the Matanzasan population and determine the presence of risk factors that could be attributed to this disease during the year 2009-2010. The universe was formed by the population of the municipality of Matanzas whose age ranged from 15 to 70 years, corresponding to 112 348 inhabitants. The sample was formed by 2 640 persons. In collecting information we applied a questionnaire validated by the Pan-American Health Organization for the surveillance of the non- transmissible disease risk factors. Data were processed in the program EpiInfo 3.4.3 2007. For the data analysis there were used measures of absolute and relative frequencies, central tendency measures like average, medium, and fashion; we used the risk approach in bi-variable analysis, calculating the odds ratio with their confidence intervals. In this case we used the Chi square test. We also used the attributed risk fraction with its confidence intervals 95 per cent. We considered significant differences when the value p were less than 0.05 and the confidence interval did not included the value 1. From the nine variables that were significant in the bi-variable study, 8 were shown true factors associated to the hypertensive persons when they were analyzed through the logistic regression: high levels of cholesterol, people aged more than 50 years, Diabetes Mellitus, the habit of smoking, obesity, arterial hypertension familiar antecedents, overweight, and low level of scholarship.

Prevalencia del hábito de fumar y factores asociados. Municipio Matanzas 2009-2010 / Prevalence of smoking habit and associated factors. Municipality of Matanzas. 2009-2010

La Organización Mundial de la Salud considera al tabaquismo como una epidemia, constituyendo uno de los principales problemas de la salud pública mundial, además de las enfermedades, la pérdida de años de vida, las muertes que indiscutiblemente provoca y los gastos sanitarios que ocasiona, el tabaco representan una carga asistencial adicional para la salud pública. Cuba se sitúa entre los primeros países en el consumo per cápita de cigarrillos y tabaco, por lo que se le atribuye al tabaquismo carácter de epidemia. El municipio Matanzas en la última encuesta nacional de factores de riesgo en el 2001, presentaba una prevalencia de 29,1%. Esta problemática conllevó a la presente investigación. Los objetivos de la misma fueron cuantificar la prevalencia de tabaquismo e identificar los factores asociados al mismo en personas de 15 y más años en el municipio Matanzas de 2009-2010. Para esto se realizó un estudio observacional analítico de tipo transversal. Para la selección de la muestra se tuvo en cuenta el protocolo de la Iniciativa de la OPS conocida por las siglas de CARMEN. Se realizó el análisis para muestras complejas utilizando el enfoque de riesgo con cálculo de Odds Ratio y con intervalos de confianza del 95%. Dentro de los principales resultados, se obtuvo una prevalencia de tabaquismo de 24,3, más frecuente en el sexo masculino y con otras enfermedades asociadas como el alcoholismo, la hipertensión, diabetes mellitus e hipercolesterolemia. El inicio del hábito de fumar se destaca en edades tempranas de la vida. La mayoría de los fumadores quieren dejar de fumar y lo han intentado con anterioridad. Pocos fumadores solicitaron ayuda para dejar de fumar. Los profesionales de la salud no siempre recomiendan dejar el hábito, ni prestan ayuda cuando se les solicita.

The World Health Organization considers smoking an epidemics, being one of the main problems of the world´s public health; besides the diseases, life year lost, the deceases unquestionably provoked and the sanitary expenses caused, smoking represents an additional charge for the public health care. Cuba is among the first countries in the consumption of cigarettes and cigars per capita, so in our country an epidemic character is attributed to smoking. In the last risk factors national enquiry in 2001, the municipality of Matanzas presented a 29,1 % prevalence. This problem led us to this research. Its aims were quantifying smoking prevalence and identifying smoking associated factors in persons aged 15 years and more in the municipality of Matanzas in 2001-2010. For that we carried out a cross-sectional analytical observational study. For the selection of the sample we took into account the protocol of the Pan-American Heath Organization known as CARMEN. We developed the analysis for complex samples using the risk approach with Odd ratio and confidence intervals of 95 %. Among the main results obtained were 24,3 % prevalence of smoking, more frequent in male gender and associated to other diseases like alcoholism, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia. The beginning of the smoking habit stood out in early ages. Most of the smokers want to quit smoking and had intended it before. Few smokers ask for help to quit smoking. Health care professionals do not always recommend quitting smoking nor help the people asking for it.

Síndrome Metabólico: un problema de salud con múltiples definiciones / Metabolic syndrome: a health problem with many definitions

El síndrome metabólico comprende un conjunto de factores de riesgo cardiovascular representado por obesidad central, dislipidemias, anormalidades en el metabolismo de la glucosa e hipertensión arterial, estrechamente asociado a resistencia a la insulina; actualmente no existe un criterio único para definirlo. La presente revisión se propuso mostrar los diferentes grupos de criterios diagnósticos que más se utilizan para definir a este síndrome, y las variaciones que existen en su prevalencia en dependencia del criterio utilizado, con posicionamiento de los autores. Se exponen diferentes valoraciones relacionadas con los criterios propuestos por cinco organismos internacionales o locales de expertos, y los resultados de investigaciones internacionales que los utilizan. Se concluyó que a pesar de existir diferentes grupos de criterios para diagnosticar este síndrome, el más utilizado en estudios poblacionales es el del Tercer Reporte del Programa de Educación sobre el colesterol, actualizado en el año 2005; que la prevalencia del síndrome varía en dependencia del criterio que se utiliza, aún en una misma población, y de la población objeto de estudio; que la importancia clínica de su diagnóstico se relaciona con el potencial impacto que tiene en la morbilidad y mortalidad al constituir un indicador de elevado riesgo cardiovascular; y que se necesita un consenso internacional sobre el uso de un mismo criterio para diagnosticar este síndrome de manera uniforme.

The metabolic syndrome comprises a group of cardiovascular risk facts represented by central obesity, dyslipidemias, anomalies in the glucose metabolism and arterial hypertension, tightly associated to the insulin resistance; at the present there is not a unique criteria to define it. The current review was aimed to show the different groups of diagnostic criteria that are used the most to define this syndrome, and the existent variation in its prevalence in dependence of the used criteria, with author’s positioning. We expose different valuations related with the criteria proposed by five international or local experts organisms, and the results of the international investigations that use them. We concluded that in spite of that there are different groups of criteria to diagnose this syndrome, the most used one in population studies is the Third Report of the Educational Program on cholesterol, updated in 2005; that the syndrome prevalence changes in dependence of the used criteria; that the clinical importance of the research is related with the potential impact it has in the morbidity and mortality because it is an indicator of high cardiovascular weight; and that we need an international consensus on the usage of a same criteria to diagnose this syndrome in a uniformed way.

Caracterización en la atención de urgencia del infarto agudo del miocardio en la provincia de Matanzas / Characterization in the emergency care of the acute myocardial infarct

En Cuba las enfermedades del corazón constituyen la principal causa de muerte desde hace más de cuatro décadas. En la actualidad fallecen cada año más de 20 000 personas, fundamentalmente por la alta letalidad debido al infarto agudo del miocardio. Se realizó una investigación epidemiológica observacional multicéntrica de tipo descriptivo transversal en la provincia Matanzas, con la finalidad de caracterizar el infarto agudo del miocardio y la atención médica de urgencia en los servicios de salud de policlínicos y hospitales, en el diagnóstico, tratamiento y rehabilitación. El estudio abarcó todos los egresos en hospitales desde 1 de junio al 31 de agosto de 2010. Se aplicó por los epidemiólogos de hospitales una encuesta a pacientes y familiares. Se utilizó el Programa Epi-Info. Los resultados fueron predominio del sexo masculino, mayores de 60 años; principales factores de riesgo asociados: la hipertensión arterial, tabaquismo y sobrepeso. La mayor proporción de pacientes llegaron antes de las 6 horas, fue mayor el por ciento de dolor típico, el Killip Kimbal I y la elevación del segmeto ST. El uso del tratamiento trombolítico es bajo, especialmente en la atención primaria de salud, y es elevada la no indicación médica en hospitales. Es baja la indicación de betabloqueadores y los inhibidores de la enzima de conversión de la angiotensina; hay déficit de enzimas séricas cardiacas y de equipos para prueba ergométrica y ecocardiograma con fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo. La letalidad fue adecuada y mejor en los pacientes trombolizados que en los no trombolizados. Los consejos médicos y la indicación de rehabilitación al alta fueron bajos.

In Cuba, the heart diseases have been the main cause of death for more than forty years. Currently, more than 20 000 people die every year, mainly for the high lethality of the acute myocardial infarct. We carried out a multicenter, epidemiologic, observational, cross-sectional descriptive research in the province of Matanzas, with the objective of characterizing the acute myocardial infarct and the medical emergency care in the health services of policlinics and hospitals, in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. The research included all the cases discharged from hospitals from June 1st to August 31st 2010. An inquire was applied to the patients and their relatives by the hospital epidemiologist. The Epi-Info program was used. The results were a predomination of the male sex, of people aged more than 60 years old; and the main associated risk factors were arterial hypertension, smoking and overweight. Most of the patients arrived before 6 hours had passed; the percentage of typical pain, the Killip Kimbal I and the elevation of ST segment were higher. The usage of the thrombolytic treatment is low, especially in the primary health care, and it is high the no-medical indication in the hospitals. The indication of the beta blockers and the inhibitors of the angiotensin-conversion enzymes are low; there is a deficit of cardiac serum enzymes and equipment for exercise tests and echocardiograms. The lethality was adequate, better in the thrombolyzed patients than in those who were non thrombolyzed. The medical advices and the indication of rehabilitation were poor.

Prevalencia y factores asociados a la hipertensión arterial en menores de 19 años. Municipio Matanzas. 2010 / Prevalence and factors associated to the arterial hypertension in persons younger than 19 years old. Municipality of Matanzas. 2010

Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico observacional, analítico de tipo transversal (prevalencia), para identificar la prevalencia y los factores asociados a la hipertensión arterial en menores de 19 años, en el municipio de Matanzas, en el año 2010. El universo estuvo constituido por todos los menores de 19 años pertenecientes al mencionado municipio, residentes en zona urbana y matriculados en los diferentes niveles de enseñanza del sistema de educación, los cuales representan un total de 19 756. La muestra quedó conformada por 892 personas, a las cuales se le aplicó un cuestionario. Los datos obtenidos fueron procesados en el programa EpiInfo 3.4.3 2007. Para el análisis de los datos se emplearon medidas de frecuencias absolutas y relativas; se utilizó el enfoque de riesgo en el análisis bivariado, con cálculo de Odds Ratio (OR) con sus intervalos de confianza (IC), considerándose significativo cuando no incluyera el valor 1, y el valor de p fuera menor de 0,05. Además, se calculó el riesgo atribuible en aquellas en el que el análisis bivariado fueron significativas. Las 8 variables que resultaron significativas en el análisis bivariado, al analizarlas en el multivariado, se mostraron como verdaderos factores asociados al hipertenso en la edad pediátrica mediante el modelo de regresión logística: El antecedente patológico familiar de hipertensión arterial, el estado nutricional (obeso y sobrepeso), las glomerulopatías, la sepsis urinaria a repetición y las uropatías obstructivas, además de la cefalea y la epistaxis se hallaron como síntomas asociados a la hipertensión arterial en la edad pediátrica.

We carried out an observational, epidemiologic, analytic-transversal study (prevalence) to identify the prevalence and the factors associated to hypertension in persons aged less than 19 years old, in the municipality of Matanzas, in 2010. The universe was formed by all the patients aged less than 19 years old living in the urban regions of the before mentioned municipality and studying in the different levels of educational system. They were a total of 19 756 patients. The samplo was formed by 892 people, who applied a questionnaire. Data obtained were processed in the program EpiInfo 3.4.3 2007. For the data analysis we used measures of absolute and relative frequencies; we used the risk approach in the bi-variable analysis, with Odds Ration calculation and confidence intervals, considering it significant when the value 1 was not included. And the p value was less than 0.05. We also calculated the attributable risk when the bi-variable analysis was significant. The 8 variables significant in the bi-variable analysis, when submitted to the multivariable analysis showed themselves as true factors associated to the hypertensive patients in the pediatric age through the model of logic regression. Familiar pathologic antecedent of arterial hypertension, nutritional status (obese or overweight), glomerulopathies, repetitive urinary sepsis and obstructive uropathies, and also headache and epistaxis were present as symptoms associated to hypertension at the pediatric age.

Intervención educativa en VIH/SIDA a adolescentes del Instituto Preuniversitario Vocacional de Ciencias Exactas "Carlos Marx", de Matanzas / Educational intervention related to HIV/AIDS in adolescents from the "Carlos Marx" Exact Sciences Vocational Pre-university Institute of Matanzas province

La infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), adquirida a través de relaciones sexuales de riesgo, conlleva una importante morbilidad y mortalidad, sobre todo en personas jóvenes. Con una adecuada prevención, los adolescentes podrían determinar el futuro de la epidemia adoptando comportamientos sexuales responsables, por lo que nos propusimos caracterizar a los adolescentes e implementar una intervención educativa. Para esto, y de forma prospectiva, se encuestó a una muestra de 240 adolescentes de décimo grado del Instituto Preuniversitario Vocacional de Ciencias Exactas "Carlos Marx", de Matanzas, en el período 2008-2009. Se realizó un análisis estadístico mediante el programa Statcalc de Epiinfo y se compararon conocimientos y actitudes, antes y después de la intervención. Predominó el sexo femenino con edades entre 15 y 16 años. Poco más de la mitad de los estudiantes inició las relaciones sexuales a una edad media de 13,8 años, y de ellos, solo dos tercios utilizaron el condón de forma permanente. No conocían la diferencia entre sexo seguro y sexo protegido. Los medios de comunicación masiva fueron las principales fuentes de información. Tuvieron dificultades para diferenciar el portador del enfermo, así como el momento de realizar la prueba del VIH. La actitud hacia la enfermedad se valora de positiva y se demostró la influencia de pares para tomar decisiones. Se constató incremento de los conocimientos sobre el VIH, pero disonancia con el comportamiento sexual, lo que indica una necesaria continuidad en el trabajo educativo.

The infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired by risky sexual intercourses, entails a significant morbidity and mortality mainly in young people. With a proper prevention, adolescents could to determine the future of epidemics adopting responsible sexual behaviors, thus, authors to characterize adolescents and to apply an educational intervention. In a prospective way 240 adolescents from tenth degree from the "Carlos Marx" Exact Sciences Vocational Pre-university of Matanzas were polled from 2008 to 2009. A statistic examination was carried out by Epiinfo Statcalc program comparing the knowledges and attitudes before and after intervention. There was predominance of female sex with ages between 15 and 16 years. A few more than half of students started sexual intercourses at a mean age of 13,8 years and of them, only two thirds used condom in a permanent way. There was a lack of knowledge about the safe sex and protected sex. Media were the main sources of information. Had difficulties to differentiate the sick carrier as well as the moment to perform the HIV test. Attitude towards disease is assessed as positive demonstrating the influence of pairs to take decisions. There was an increase of knowledges on HIV, but a disagreement with the sexual behavior suggesting a necessary continuity in the educational work.