ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The information that exists on dementia and cognitive impairment is scarce in Argentina, particularly in Patagonia. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment. A door to door survey was performed to all people over 60 who lived in a high social risk neighborhood in Neuquen city, where geriatric and cognitive variables were evaluated, including Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination, clock test and test set according to the level of instruction. RESULTS: Of the 78 surveys assessed, the mean age was 70.75 years, 37 female, with an average of 4.37 years of schooling, with 33% of functional illiterates. Cognitive impairment was evidenced in 29.49%, being high er at older and less educated respondents. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cognitive impairment in the study population was higher than in other Argentine studies associated with an illiteracy rate higher than in other jurisdictions.
Subject(s)
Cognition Disorders , Cognitive Dysfunction , Dementia , Aged , Argentina/epidemiology , Cognition Disorders/epidemiology , Cognitive Dysfunction/epidemiology , Dementia/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Neuropsychological Tests , PrevalenceABSTRACT
In order to determine the clinical and geriatric characteristics of elderly adults with pneumonia in a hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a cross-sectional study was carried out in 2010, included 66 patients hospitalized for pneumonia. The mean age of the study subjects was 82, 54.5% of whom were men. 47.0% of the hospitalizations were due to community-acquired pneumonia. As for the functional evaluation, 31.8% showed dependence in performing basic activities of daily living and 69.4% presented dependence in instrumental activities of daily living. The most frequent clinical characteristics observed were fever, cough, dyspnea and expectoration. The causative agent of pneumonia was identified in 34.8% of the cases, 18 of which were bacterial (27.2%) and 5 viral (7.5%). The crude mortality rate was 28.8%, but was close to 50% in those patients having confusional syndrome. We conclude that pneumonia in elderly patients has special characteristics, which can be observed with a proper diagnostic and geriatric evaluation.
Subject(s)
Pneumonia/diagnosis , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Argentina , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Geriatric Assessment , Hospitals , Humans , Male , Pneumonia/epidemiology , Pneumonia/etiology , Urban HealthABSTRACT
Con el objetivo de determinar las características clínicas y geriátricas en pacientes adultos mayores con neumonía, en un hospital de Buenos Aires en Argentina, se realizó un estudio transversal en el 2010, con 66 pacientes hospitalizados por neumonía. La edad media fue de 82 años, siendo el 54,5% hombres. El 47,0% de los ingresos fueron por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad. En cuanto a la valoración funcional el 31,8% eran dependientes para las actividades básicas de la vida diaria y 69,4% dependientes para actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria. Las características clínicas más frecuentes fueron fiebre, tos, disnea y expectoración. Se identificó el agente causal de la neumonía en el 34,8% de pacientes, siendo 18 bacterianas (27,2%) y cinco virales (7,5%). La mortalidad cruda fue del 28,8%, pero cercana al 50% en los que tenían síndrome confusional. Se concluye que la neumonía en adultos mayores tiene características especiales que se hacen visibles con una correcta valoración diagnóstica y geriátrica.
In order to determine the clinical and geriatric characteristics of elderly adults with pneumonia in a hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a cross-sectional study was carried out in 2010, included 66 patients hospitalized for pneumonia. The mean age of the study subjects was 82, 54.5% of whom were men. 47.0% of the hospitalizations were due to community-acquired pneumonia. As for the functional evaluation, 31.8% showed dependence in performing basic activities of daily living and 69.4% presented dependence in instrumental activities of daily living. The most frequent clinical characteristics observed were fever, cough, dyspnea and expectoration. The causative agent of pneumonia was identified in 34.8% of the cases, 18 of which were bacterial (27.2%) and 5 viral (7.5%). The crude mortality rate was 28.8%, but was close to 50% in those patients having confusional syndrome. We conclude that pneumonia in elderly patients has special characteristics, which can be observed with a proper diagnostic and geriatric evaluation.
Subject(s)
Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Pneumonia/diagnosis , Argentina , Cross-Sectional Studies , Geriatric Assessment , Hospitals , Pneumonia/epidemiology , Pneumonia/etiology , Urban HealthABSTRACT
Objetivo Describir el uso de medicamentos durante el período de gestación en embarazadas de Buenos Aires Argentina. Métodos Una muestra al azar obtenida entre mujeres que tuvieron su parto durante el año 2008 fueron encuestadas y entrevistadas respecto a datos generales, aspectos relacionados con la atención de su embarazo, características del parto y uso de fármacos durante la gestación. Las historias clínicas de las pacientes fueron revisadas para confirmar la información obtenida. Los medicamentos utilizados fueron clasificados en riesgos bajo, mediano o alto para el feto. Después del parto se realizó un examen físico a todos los recién nacidos , para detectar algún defecto congénito. Resultados Fueron incluidas en el estudio 1338 mujeres, de las cuales 90,6 por ciento ingirió al menos 1 fármaco durante el período de gestación mientras que el 81,9 por ciento utilizó medicamentos aparte del ácido fólico y hierro indicados habitualmente como profilaxis. El uso promedio de fármacos utilizado fue de 2 por paciente. Hierro (71,8 por ciento), folato (40,3 por ciento) antimicrobianos (40,9 por ciento); analgésicos (38,5 por ciento), antieméticos (30,8 por ciento) y vitaminas (19,7 por ciento) fueron los medicamentos más usados. El análisis de regresión logística sobre el uso de medicamentos mostró un incremento del uso en mujeres mayores, con un alto nivel educativo y socioeconómico. La automedicación fue del 32,3 por ciento. El uso de medicamentos considerados de alto riesgo por FDA fue del 21,5 por ciento. La incidencia de malformaciones detectadas fue del 0,6 por ciento. Conclusión Nueve de cada 10 mujeres ingirieron al menos a un fármaco durante su embarazo. Con el fin de evitar la exposición innecesaria a riesgos potenciales, el uso de medicamentos durante el período de gestación debe restringirse estrictamente a una necesidad cierta y con la mayor relación beneficio/riesgo.
Objective Describing how medicine was taken by pregnant females living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, during 2008. Methods A random sample of females who had delivered during 2008 was surveyed and interviewed regarding pertinent general data, the health care they had received during pregnancy and characteristics concerning their deliveries. Information related to antenatal care included maternal reports concerning the use of medicine during pregnancy; medicine was classified as having low, medium or high risk for the foetus. Prescriptions were also analysed. A physical examination of all newborns was performed after delivery to detect any birth defect. Results 90.6 percent of the 1,338 women included had taken at least one medicine/drug during their pregnancy and 81.9 percent had taken medicines apart from folate-iron (usually indicted as prophylaxis). Average medicine/drug use was two per pregnant female. Iron (71.8 percent), folic acid (40.3 percent), antibiotics (40.9 percent), analgesics, antiemetics (30.8 percent) and vitamins (19.7 percent) were the medicines which were most used throughout pregnancy. Logistic regression analysis of medicine use showed increased usage risk for older women, those having a higher education level or those having higher socioeconomic status. Self-medication was observed in 32.3 percent of the sample; 21.5 percent of the medicines consumed were considered as being high risk medicines by the US FDA. The incidence of malformations detected was 0.6 percent. Conclusion 9 out of 10 females had used at least one drug/medicine during their pregnancy. To avoid unnecessary exposure to potential risk during pregnancy medicine use should be strictly related to patient's health needs, in line with the best benefit/risk ratio.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Drug Therapy , Argentina , Prospective Studies , Urban HealthABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Describing how medicine was taken by pregnant females living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, during 2008. METHODS: A random sample of females who had delivered during 2008 was surveyed and interviewed regarding pertinent general data, the health care they had received during pregnancy and characteristics concerning their deliveries. Information related to antenatal care included maternal reports concerning the use of medicine during pregnancy; medicine was classified as having low, medium or high risk for the foetus. Prescriptions were also analysed. A physical examination of all newborns was performed after delivery to detect any birth defect. RESULTS: 90.6 % of the 1,338 women included had taken at least one medicine/drug during their pregnancy and 81.9 % had taken medicines apart from folate-iron (usually indicted as prophylaxis). Average medicine/drug use was two per pregnant female. Iron (71.8 %), folic acid (40.3 %), antibiotics (40.9 %), analgesics, antiemetics (30.8 %) and vitamins (19.7 %) were the medicines which were most used throughout pregnancy. Logistic regression analysis of medicine use showed increased usage risk for older women, those having a higher education level or those having higher socioeconomic status. Self-medication was observed in 32.3 % of the sample; 21.5 % of the medicines consumed were considered as being high risk medicines by the US FDA. The incidence of malformations detected was 0.6 %. CONCLUSION: 9 out of 10 females had used at least one drug/medicine during their pregnancy. To avoid unnecessary exposure to potential risk during pregnancy medicine use should be strictly related to patient's health needs, in line with the best benefit/risk ratio.
Subject(s)
Drug Therapy/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Argentina , Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Prospective Studies , Urban HealthABSTRACT
ObjetivoEvaluar la eficacia de un programa de promoción de salud y prevención de patologías asociadas al envejecimiento, para evitar complicaciones asociadas y mejorar la calidad de vida en adultos mayores.MetodologíaEstudio desarrollado durante 12 meses (años 20062007) en 700 adultos mayores de Buenos Aires-Argentina, separados de forma aleatoria en 2 grupos: intervención y control. A todos se les realizaron mediciones pre y postintervención de peso, talla, tensión arterial, colesterol, triglicéridos, glucemia y problemas cardiovasculares (infarto, accidente vascular cerebral), osteoarticulares (fracturas), ingresos hospitalarios y calidad de vida evaluada con la Encuesta-SF12. La intervención consistió en actividad física periódica (bisemanal) destinada a fortalecer grupos musculares que otorgan autonomía de movimientos, así como actividades recreativas, talleres de nutrición y manipulación de alimentos. A cada individuo del grupo intervención se le asignó un estudiante de medicina que semanalmente lo visitó y acompañó en las actividades. El grupo control continuó con actividades habituales.ResultadosEl grupo de intervención mostró una reducción significativa en valores de tensión arterial, triglicéridos y colesterol respecto al control. Además, redujo un 31% los eventos cardiovasculares, 18,2% las fracturas de cadera, 21,1% los ingresos hospitalarios por problemas cardiovasculares, osteoarticulares y de salud mental respecto al control. La encuesta de calidad de vida postintervención incrementó un 28,7% las respuestas favorables respecto su registro basal y 33,4% respecto al grupo control.ConclusiónEl programa implementado logró reducir los factores de riesgo y las complicaciones asociadas al envejecimiento en el grupo de intervención respecto al control(AU)
ObjectiveThis paper evaluates the effectiveness of a Public Health program for the elderly based on health promotion and pathologies prevention, in order to avoid complications associated with illnesses and improves the quality of life (QOL) in elderly adults (EA).MethodsA 12 month intervention studies used 700 EA randomized in 2 groups: intervention and control. Each group was submitted to pre-post intervention measurements that included weight, height, blood pressure (BP), cholesterol, lipids, glycaemia, cardiovascular (infarct, stroke) and bone fractures events, hospitalization, and a QOL survey. Intervention consisted of periodic physical activity to fortify muscular groups, as well as recreational activities, nutritional and food manipulation training visits. A medical student was assigned to each participant from the intervention group to assure periodical contact and to share activities. The control group continued with their normal activities during observational period.ResultsThe intervention group showed a significant reduction in the BP, lipids and cholesterol values compared to control group. Reduction on cardiovascular events (−31%), hip fractures (−18.2%) and number of hospital admittance (−21.1%) were obtained for group A in relation to B. The QOL survey showed 28.7% improvement for group A compared with 33.4% improvement compared with control group.ConclusionThe health program with exhaustive follow-up administration, significantly reduced risk factors and complications associated with aging(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Health of the Elderly , Health Services for the Aged/organization & administration , Aging , Chronic Disease/rehabilitation , Old Age Assistance/trends , Evaluation of the Efficacy-Effectiveness of Interventions , Health Promotion/organization & administrationABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a Public Health program for the elderly based on health promotion and pathologies prevention, in order to avoid complications associated with illnesses and improves the quality of life (QOL) in elderly adults (EA). METHODS: A 12 month intervention studies used 700 EA randomized in 2 groups: intervention and control. Each group was submitted to pre-post intervention measurements that included weight, height, blood pressure (BP), cholesterol, lipids, glycaemia, cardiovascular (infarct, stroke) and bone fractures events, hospitalization, and a QOL survey. Intervention consisted of periodic physical activity to fortify muscular groups, as well as recreational activities, nutritional and food manipulation training visits. A medical student was assigned to each participant from the intervention group to assure periodical contact and to share activities. The control group continued with their normal activities during observational period. RESULTS: The intervention group showed a significant reduction in the BP, lipids and cholesterol values compared to control group. Reduction on cardiovascular events (-31%), hip fractures (-18.2%) and number of hospital admittance (-21.1%) were obtained for group A in relation to B. The QOL survey showed 28.7% improvement for group A compared with 33.4% improvement compared with control group. CONCLUSION: The health program with exhaustive follow-up administration, significantly reduced risk factors and complications associated with aging.