Gaps in hypertension care and control: a population-based study in low-income urban Medellin, Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess hypertension prevalence and the extent and associated factors of hypertension diagnosis, follow-up, treatment and control gaps in low-income urban Medellin, Colombia. METHODS: We randomly sampled 1873 adults aged 35 or older. Unaware hypertensive individuals were defined as those without previous diagnosis whose average blood pressure was equal to or above 140/90 mmHg. For aware hypertensive patients, control was delimited as average blood pressure below 140/90 if under 59 years old or diabetic, and as less than 150/90 otherwise. We used logistic regression to identify care gap-associated factors. RESULTS: Hypertension prevalence was 43.5% (95% CI 41.2-45.7). We found 28.2% aware and 15.3% unaware hypertensive individuals, which corresponds to a 35.1% (95% CI 31.9-38.5) underdiagnosis. This gap was determined by age, sex, education and lifestyle factors. 14.4% (95% CI 11.6-17.6) of aware hypertensive patients presented a follow-up gap, 93.4% (95% CI 90.9-95.2) were prescribed antihypertensive drugs, but 38.9% (95% CI 34.7-43.3) were not compliant. The latter was strongly associated with follow-up. The hypertension control gap in aware hypertensive patients, 39.0% (95% CI: 34.9-43.2), was associated with being older, having diabetes, weakly adhering to pharmacological treatment and receiving poor non-pharmacological advice. Overall, 60.4% (95% CI 57.0-63.8) of aware and unaware hypertensive participants had either diagnosed but uncontrolled or undiagnosed hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: We found high hypertension prevalence coupled with, from an international perspective, encouraging awareness and control figures. Still, there remains ample room for improvement. Our findings can assist in designing integrated primary healthcare measures that further strengthen equitable and effective access to hypertension care and control.

Assessment of hypertension management and control: a registry-based observational study in two municipalities in Cuba.

BACKGROUND: To determine the prevalence of hypertension treatment and control among hypertensive patients in the Cuban municipalities of Cardenas and Santiago and to explore the main associated predictors. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, with multistage cluster sampling, conducted between February 2012 and January 2013 in two Cuban municipalities. We interviewed and measured blood pressure in 1333 hypertensive patients aged 18 years or older. Hypertension control was defined as blood pressure lower than 140/90 mmHg. RESULTS: The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) of participants was 59.8 ± 14 years, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure ± SD was 130.0 ± 14.4 and 83.1 ± 9.0 mmHg respectively. The majority of patients (91, 95%CI 90-93) were on pharmacological treatment, 49% with a combination of 2 or more classes of drugs. Among diagnosed hypertensive patients 58% (95%CI 55-61) had controlled hypertension. There was no association between hypertension control and gender, age and socio-economic condition. Levels of hypertension control depended on health area and control furthermore was positively associated with post-primary education, not being obese and white ethnicity: adjusted Odds Ratio (95% CI) 1.71 (1.26-2.34), 1.43 (1.09-1.88) and 1.41 (1.09-1.81) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The observed figures are outstanding at the international level and illustrate that hypertension treatment and control are achievable in a resource-constrained setting such as Cuba. The country's primary health care approach and social equity in access to health care can be seen as key determinants of this success. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement, as over a third of patients did not have controlled hypertension.

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.

Gaps in Hypertension Management in a Middle-Income Community of Quito-Ecuador: A Population-Based Study.

Optimal hypertension care and control at population level significantly reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The study objective was to measure the gaps in the diagnosis, care, and control of hypertension in residents of an urban community in Quito, Ecuador. A cross-sectional population-based study with a sample of 2160 persons was performed using a survey and direct blood pressure measurement. Logistical regression models were used for analyzing factors associated with the gaps, expressed as percentages. The prevalence of hypertension was 17.6% [CI 95% 17.3-17.9%]. The diagnosis gap was 6.1% [CI 95% 5.9-6.2%] among the entire population and 34.5% [CI 95% 33.7-35.3%] among persons with hypertension. No access gaps were detected; whereas the follow-up gap was 22.7% [CI 95% 21.8-23.6%] and control gap reached 43.5% [CI 95% 42.6-44.2%]. Results indicated that being male, older than 64 years, an employee, without health insurance, and not perceiving a need for healthcare, increased the risk of experiencing these gaps. Data showed appropriate access to health services and high coverage in the diagnosis was due to the application of a community and family healthcare model. Notwithstanding, we found significant gaps in the follow-up and control of hypertensive patients, especially among older males, which should warrant the attention of the Ministry of Health.

Protocol for a controlled before-after quasi-experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-component intervention to reduce gaps in hypertension care and control in low-income communes of Medellin, Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Research on public health interventions to improve hypertension care and control in low-income and middle-income countries remains scarce. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and assess the process and fidelity of implementation of a multi-component intervention to reduce the gaps in hypertension care and control at a population level in low-income communes of Medellin, Colombia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A multi-component intervention was designed based on international guidelines, cross-sectional population survey results and consultation with the community and institutional stakeholders. Three main intervention components integrate activities related to (1) health services redesign, (2) clinical staff training and (3) patient and community engagement. The effectiveness of the intervention will be evaluated in a controlled before-after quasi-experimental study, with two deprived communes of the city selected as intervention and control arms. We will conduct a baseline and an endline survey 2 years after the start of the intervention. The primary outcomes will be the gaps in hypertension diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and control. Effectiveness will be evaluated with the difference-in-difference measures. Generalised estimation equation models will be fitted considering the clustered nature of data and adjusting for potential confounding variables. The implementation process will be studied with mixed methods. Implementation fidelity will be documented to assess to which degree the intervention components were implemented as intended. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol has been approved by the Ethics Research Committee of Metrosalud in Colombia (reference 1400/5.2), the Medical Ethics Committee of the Antwerp University Hospital (reference 18/40/424) and the Institutional Review Board of the Antwerp Institute of Tropical Medicine (reference 1294/19). We will share and discuss the study results with the community, institutional stakeholders and national health policymakers. We will publish them in national and international peer-reviewed scientific journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05011838.

Out-of-pocket expenditure for hypertension care: a population-based study in low-income urban Medellin, Colombia.

Background Hypertension requires life-long medical care, which may cause economic burden and even lead to catastrophic health expenditure. Objective To estimate the extent of out-of-pocket expenditure for hypertension care at a population level and its impact on households' budgets in a low-income urban setting in Colombia. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Santa Cruz, a commune in the city of Medellin. In 410 randomly selected households with a hypertensive adult, we estimated annual basic household expenditure and hypertension-attributable out-of-pocket expenditure. For socioeconomic stratification, we categorised households according to basic expenditure quintiles. Catastrophic hypertension-attributable expenditure was defined as out-of-pocket expenditure above 10% of total household expenditure. Results The average annual basic household expenditure was US dollars at purchasing power parity (USD-PPP) $12,255.59. The average annual hypertension-attributable out-of-pocket expenditure was USD-PPP $147.75 (95% CI 120.93-174.52). It was incurred by 73.9% (95% CI 69.4%-78.1%) of patients, and consisted mainly of direct non-medical expenses (76.7%), predominantly for dietary requirements prescribed as non-pharmacological treatment and for transport to attend health care consultations. Medical out-of-pocket expenditure (23.3%) was for the most part incurred for pharmacological treatment. Hypertension-attributable out-of-pocket expenditure represented on average 1.6% (95% CI 1.3%-1.9%) of the total annual basic household expenditure. Eight households (2.0%; 95% CI 1.0%-3.8%) had catastrophic health expenditure; six of them belonged to the two lowest expenditure quintiles. Payments related to dietary requirements and transport to consultations were critical determinants of their catastrophic expenditure. Conclusions Out-of-pocket expenditure for hypertension care is moderate on average, but frequent, and mainly made up of direct non-medical expenses. Catastrophic health expenditure is uncommon and affects primarily households in the bottom socioeconomic quintiles. Financial protection should be strengthened by covering the costs of chronic diseases-related dietary requirements and transport to health services in the most deprived households. Abbreviations NCDs: Non-communicable diseases; LMICs: Low and middle-income countries; WHO: World Health Organization; HTN: hypertension; CVDs: Cardiovascular diseases; OOPE: out-of-pocket expenditure; USD-PPP: US dollars at purchasing power parity; CI: Confidence interval.

Intervención multicomponente para la reducción de las brechas en el proceso de atención y control de la hipertensión / Multicomponent Intervention to Reduce Gaps in the Hypertension Care and Control Process

RESUMEN Fundamento las evidencias sobre intervenciones de Salud Pública para mejorar las deficiencias en la atención y control de las personas hipertensas continúan siendo insuficientes. Objetivo implementar una intervención multicomponente para reducir dichas brechas en el Policlínico Julio Antonio Mella del municipio de Guanabacoa, evaluar el proceso de intervención, su efectividad y la fidelidad de su implementación. Método en relación a los resultados obtenidos en el estudio de base y recomendaciones técnicas nacionales e internacionales, se diseñó una intervención multicomponente que contará con los siguientes componentes: reorganización de los servicios de salud, capacitación del personal de salud, empoderamiento de los pacientes y participación de la comunidad. La efectividad de la intervención se evaluará por medio de un estudio cuasi-experimental (antes y después). La intervención cubrirá el policlínico antes mencionado, los diez consultorios del estudio de base y la población atendida por ellos. A los dos años de iniciada la implementación se aplicará nuevamente una encuesta poblacional y se estimará la diferencia en la magnitud de las brechas poblacionales pre-post intervención, además se monitoreará el proceso y se evaluará la fidelidad de la implementación de la intervención. Resultados reducir las brechas existentes en el proceso de atención al paciente hipertenso, identificar su magnitud en relación a la línea base. Conclusiones el estudio brindará evidencias al Ministerio de Salud Pública cubano y a otros países, especialmente de América Latina, para mejorar el cuidado del paciente con padecimientos crónicos.

ABSTRACT Background: the evidence on Public Health interventions to improve deficiencies in the care and control of hypertensive people continues to be insufficient. Objective: to implement a multicomponent intervention to reduce these gaps in the Julio Antonio Mella Polyclinic in the Guanabacoa municipality, to evaluate the intervention process, its effectiveness and the fidelity of its implementation. Method: in relation to the results obtained in the baseline study, national and international technical recommendations, a multicomponent intervention was designed that will have the following components: reorganization of health services, training of health personnel, empowerment of patients and community participation. The effectiveness of the intervention will be evaluated through a quasi-experimental study (before and after). The intervention will cover the aforementioned polyclinic, the ten baseline study clinics, and the population served by them. Two years after the start of implementation, a population survey will be applied again and the difference in the magnitude of the pre-post intervention population gaps will be estimated. In addition, the process will be monitored and the fidelity of the implementation of the intervention will be evaluated. Results: reduce existing gaps in the process of care for hypertensive patients, identify their magnitude in relation to the baseline. Conclusions: the study will provide evidence to the Cuban Ministry of Public Health and other countries, especially in Latin America, to improve the care of chronic patients.

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).

Comportamiento epidemiológico de la Hipertensión arterial en un Policlinico cubano / Epidemiological behavior of arterial hypertension in a Cuban Polyclinic / Comportamento epidemiológico da hipertensão arterial em uma policlínica cubana / Comportement épidémiologique de l'hypertension artérielle dans une polyclinique cubaine

Resumen Objetivo Determinar la prevalencia y el comportamiento epidemiológico de la hipertensión arterial en el Policlínico Julio Antonio Mella entre el 2016-2017. Materiales y métodos Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en mayores de 35 años de ambos sexos que incluyó a 2,297 individuos, de ellos 976 eran hipertensos, a los que se les aplicó encuesta. Las variables cualitativas se expresaron en frecuencia absoluta y relativa, mientras que las asociaciones se realizaron mediante la prueba de Chi cuadrada. Resultados La prevalencia global de hipertensión en la población analizada fue de 42,5 %. En ambos sexos el grupo etario que predominó fue los menores de 65 años. El 62,4 % de los pacientes hipertensos son del sexo femenino, las cuales a su vez tienen mayor porciento de ser diabéticas y tener niveles de colesterol referido elevado. El 71, 5 % de los pacientes al menos ha tenido una consulta de seguimiento en el último año. El 86,1 % de los pacientes hipertensos adheridos al tratamiento están controlados, estando asociado estadísticamente dichas variables. Conclusiones Las mujeres y los menores de 65 años fueron los grupos más representados. Los medicamentos más utilizados para la hipertensión arterial fueron los del grupo farmacológico inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina (IECA) y diuréticos.

Abstract Objective To determine the prevalence and epidemiological behavior of hypertension at the Julio Antonio Mella Polyclinic between 2016- 2017. Materials and methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out with people older than 35 years of both sexes, which included 2 297 individuals, from this population 976 were hypertensive, to whom a survey was applied. The qualitative variables were expressed in absolute and relative frequency, while the associations were made using the chi-squared test. Results The overall prevalence of hypertension in the analyzed population was 42.5 %. In both sexes, the predominant age group was in those under 65 years of age. 62.4 % of hypertensive patients are female, which in turn have a higher percentage of being diabetic and have high cholesterol levels. 71, 5 % of patients have had at least one follow-up consultation in the last year and 64.7% of them have indicated angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in the family. 86.1 % of patients adhered to the treatment are controlled and statistically associated. Conclusions Women and younger under 65 were the most represented groups. The drugs most commonly used for arterial hypertension were those of the pharmacological group, the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and diuretics.

Sumário Objetivo Determinar a prevalência e o comportamento epidemiológico da hipertensão arterial na Policlínica Julio Antonio Mella entre 2016-2017. Materiais e métodos Um estudo transversal descritivo foi realizado em pessoas acima de 35 anos de ambos os sexos, que incluíram 2.297 indivíduos, dos quais 976 eram hipertensos, aos quais foi aplicada uma pesquisa. As variáveis qualitativas foram expressas em frequência absoluta e relativa, enquanto as associações foram realizadas pelo teste do qui-quadrado. Resultados A prevalência geral de hipertensão na população analisada foi de 42,5%. Nos dois sexos, a faixa etária predominante foi a de menores de 65 anos. 62,4% dos hipertensos são do sexo feminino, os quais, por sua vez, apresentam uma porcentagem maior de diabéticos e altos níveis de colesterol referido. Pelo menos 71,5% dos pacientes tiveram uma consulta de acompanhamento no último ano. 86,1% dos hipertensos aderidos ao tratamento são controlados, estando essas variáveis estatisticamente associadas. Conclusões Mulheres e menores de 65 anos foram os grupos mais representados. Os medicamentos mais utilizados para pressão alta foram os do grupo farmacológico para inibidores da enzima conversora da angiotensina (IECA) e diuréticos.

Résumé Objectif Déterminer la prévalence et le comportement épidémiologique de l'hypertension artérielle dans la Polyclinique Julio Antonio Mella (Cuba) entre 2016 et 2017. Matériel et méthodes Une étude descriptive et transversale a été menée auprès d'un échantillon de 2297 personnes de plus de 35 ans, des deux sexes. Un questionnaire a été appliqué á 976 d'entre elles qui étaient hypertendues. Les variables qualitatives ont été exprimées en fréquence absolue et relative, tandis que les associations ont été évaluées á l'aide du test du chi-carré. Résultats Chez les deux sexes, le groupe d'âge prédominant était celui des moins de 65 ans. La prévalence globale de l'hypertension dans la population analysée était de 42,5%. Les femmes représentaient 62,4 % des patients hypertendus; dans leur groupe, il y avait aussi un plus grand pourcentage de diabète et de taux de cholestérol élevé. 71,5% des patients hypertendus avaient eu au moins une consultation de suivi au cours de l'année précédente et 64,7 % avaient reçu une prescription de médicaments de la famille des inhibiteurs de l'enzyme de conversion de l'angiotensine. 86,1 % des patients ayant adhéré au traitement étaient contrôlés, ces variables étant statistiquement associées. Conclusions Les femmes et les personnes de moins de 65 ans étaient les groupes les plus représentés. Les médicaments les plus couramment utilisés pour traiter l'hypertension artérielle étaient ceux du groupe des inhibiteurs de l'enzyme de conversion de l'angiotensine (IECA) et les diurétiques.

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.

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).

Las enfermedades crónicas y la ineludible transformación de los sistemas de salud en América Latina / Chronic diseases and the unavoidable transformation of health systems in Latin America

La carga de enfermedad y mortalidad por condiciones crónicas constituye un importante reto para todos los sistemas de salud alrededor del mundo, especialmente en los países de medianos y bajos ingresos. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los sistemas de salud realizan un manejo inadecuado de estas enfermedades. En el presente trabajo se cuestiona el hecho de que los esfuerzos globales por mejorar la atención a las enfermedades crónicas continúen obedeciendo a una lógica vertical. Apoyado en la evidencia arrojada por el sistema de salud cubano y de otros países en Europa y América Latina, se propone la estrategia de Atención Primaria en Salud como una solución factible para mejorar el abordaje de las enfermedades crónicas.Se sugiere la necesidad de trabajar por una agenda internacional que vaya más allá del fortalecimiento y se proponga la transformación de los sistemas de salud. Dada la magnitud y complejidad de los retos que enfrentan los sistemas de salud contemporáneos, se aboga por una triple transformación: epistemológica, operativa y ética(AU)

The burden of diseases and mortality from chronic conditions represents a significant challenge for health care systems worldwide, especially for middle and low income countries. Notwithstanding, the majority of health systems provide inadequate chronic care of these diseases. The present paper questions that a lot of global efforts aimed at improving the care of chronic diseases still responds to a vertical logics. On the basis of the evidence provided by the Cuban health system and that of other countries in Europe and Latin America, this paper puts forward the strategy of the primary health care as a feasible solution for improved approach to chronic diseases. The need of working for an international agenda that not only encourage the strengthening of health systems but also their transformation as well was stated. Given the magnitude and complexity of challenges ahead for the contemporary health systems, a triple transformation in the epistemological, operative and ethical fields is advocated(AU)

Algunos resultados postintervención en el control, tratamiento y complicaciones de la hipertensión arterial. Policlínico Universitario Héroes del Moncada. Cárdenas, 2014 / Several post-intervention outcomes in the control, treatment and complications of arterial hypertension. University Policlinic Heroes del Moncada. Cardenas 2014

Introducción: la educación del hipertenso y del equipo de salud son elementos primordiales para el mejor control de la hipertensión arterial. Objetivo: elevar los pacientes controlados al 70 %. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio epidemiológico cuasiexperimetal. La intervención se dirigió a médicos de familias, grupos básicos de trabajo, comunidad e hipertensos. Se seleccionaron dos muestras (350 hipertensos diferentes), antes y después de la intervención, realizándose encuestas, mediciones con comparaciones de resultados; test estadístico: Chi2, Odds ratio, valor p. Resultados: los hipertensos controlados y adherencia al tratamiento aumentaron, con diferencias estadísticamente significativas, p<0,05. No hubo diferencias entre los 5 medicamentos más utilizados. En la postintervención, presentaron asociación estadística significativa con hipertensos controlados: adherencia al tratamiento, dieta baja en sal y grasa, consumo de frutas y vegetales, y no fumar. Las medias de presión diastólica, sistólica y las complicaciones disminuyeron, con diferencias estadísticamente significativas, p<0,05. Conclusiones: aumentaron los hipertensos controlados y se lograron mejoras en la calidad de vida de los hipertensos.

Background: the education of the hypertensive patient and the health team are important elements for the better control of arterial hypertension. Objective: increasing controlled patients to 70 %. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental epidemiologic study was carried out. The intervention was headed to family physicians, basic work teams, the community and hypertensive patients. Two samples were chosen (350 different hypertensive patients), before and after interventions, applying interviews, measuring with results comparisons, statistical tests: Chi2, Odds ratio and P value. Outcomes: The controlled hypertensive patients and treatment adherence increased, with significant statistical differences, p<0.05. There were not differences between the five most used medications. In the post-intervention period, treatment adherence, low salt and fat diet, fruits and vegetables consumption, and no smoking showed significant statistic association with controlled hypertensive patients. The average diastolic and systolic pressure and complications decreased, with significant statistical differences p<0.05. Conclusions: The controlled hypertensive patients increased and the life quality of the hypertensive patients improved.