The role of community pharmacists and pharmacies in physical activity promotion: an interdisciplinary e-Delphi study.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity has a key role in the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases. Community pharmacists are an accessible source to provide brief advice to people on how to be more physically active. Nonetheless, there is a limited understanding of stakeholders' perspectives on their role in promoting physical activity, to inform policy and practice. The present study addresses this gap. AIM: To determine consensus from different health professionals on the role of pharmacists and pharmacies in brief physical activity counselling in Portugal. METHOD: This cross-sectional study used a two-round e-Delphi panel. The questionnaire was organised into four domains of physical activity promotion and comprised 37 items. Interdisciplinary experts rated their level of agreement using a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was set at the outset as 75% or more of participants scoring 4 or 5 (consensus "in") or 1 or 2 (consensus "out"). RESULTS: Forty-two health professionals involved in promoting physical activity in the ambulatory setting in Portugal were selected through purposive quota sampling. Eighteen out of 37 items were consensual in the first round and five more achieved consensus after the second round (62.2%). Physical activity promotion was seen as the role of all healthcare workforce and pharmacies were considered as suitable spaces for service provision, regardless of remuneration. CONCLUSION: This study endorses a set of roles for physical activity promotion in community pharmacy from an interdisciplinary perspective. Consensually established perspectives can inform policy making and practice, streamlining the coordination of pharmacies with the national health service.

Pharmacists' involvement in physical activity promotion in community pharmacy: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) promotion in healthcare systems is one of the priority areas highlighted by the World Health Organization, which recognizes that progress has been slow largely due to a lack of awareness and investment while requiring a system-based approach. Community pharmacies are one of the health structures that are more easily accessible to populations, thus constituting an ideal venue for developing health promotion activities. This research aimed to describe PA-enabling interventions developed in community pharmacies by pharmacists. METHODS: An electronic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane and reference lists of the different papers until June 2023. Studies were eligible if performed in community pharmacies by pharmacists, focused on interventions aimed at increasing PA levels and if at least one PA-specific outcome was measured at two different time points. RESULTS: We identified 7076 publications in the initial search, plus 31 records identified through backward citation tracking from relevant studies. After an initial screening, 236 were selected for full-text analysis. Of the 29 selected papers, 10 presented a low risk of bias for the measurement of PA levels. PA outcomes were generally self-reported outcomes where the change in terms of the percentage of individuals considered active or who increased PA because of the intervention. CONCLUSION: Several interventions to improve PA through community pharmacies were found although with a high level of heterogeneity and with only few with a low risk of bias. More targeted research that aims to capture PA levels and support the training of healthcare professionals is needed.

Effects of inpatient creatinine testing frequency on acute kidney injury identification and staging: a historical cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a multifactorial condition often induced by drugs commonly used in hospitals. Identifying and staging AKI necessitates frequent monitoring of renal function. AIM: To assess the impact of real-world hospital practices regarding serum creatinine (SCr) testing on the identification and staging of AKI, and its implications for adjusting drug doses. METHOD: A historical cohort study utilizing hospital records from all adult patients admitted between 01/06/2018 and 31/12/2020 was conducted. Patients with no SCr assessment during their stay or those with an SCr at admission ≥ 2 mg/dL were excluded. AKI was determined using two criteria, namely AKIN and KDIGO, considering the time intervals between two SCr tests as outlined in the criteria. Additionally, patients with SCr increases exceeding AKI limits, regardless the time interval, were also identified. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and kinetic eGFR (KeGFR) were calculated. RESULTS: During the study period, 17,269 hospitalizations and 62,255 SCr tests were recorded. Among the 17,032 hospitalizations with a length of stay > 48 h, 46.8% experienced periods with no SCr tests performed for more than 48 h. Any stage of AKI was identified in 7.0% of patients and in 9.1% using AKI and KDIGO criteria, respectively. Ignoring time limits in both criteria revealed potential AKI in 1942 patients (11.2%), indicating a potential underdiagnosis of AKI by 37.5% or 19.1%, depending on the criteria used. A total of 76 drugs requiring dose adjustment in patients with eGFR ≤ 50 ml/min were prescribed in 78.5% admissions. These drugs were prescribed in 87.9% of patients potentially underdiagnosed with AKIN and in 88.9% with KDIGO. CONCLUSION: There is a need for changes in the established hospital procedures to ensure more frequent testing of SCr levels. Implementing an advanced scope of practice for clinical pharmacists could support these changes.

The Effects of Benralizumab on Lung Volumes and Airway Resistance in Severe Eosinophilic Asthma: A Real-World Study.

INTRODUCTION: Add-on biological monoclonal antibodies such as benralizumab (anti-IL-5Ra) are recommended by international guidelines to reduce exacerbations in severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA). However, few studies have assessed the impact of these therapies on lung function-related outcomes. Our goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of benralizumab on lung function, including lung volumes and airway resistance, in SEA patients in Portugal. METHODS: This was a real-world, observational, prospective, multicentric study including adult patients diagnosed with SEA (January-June 2023). Spirometry and plethysmography were performed at baseline (T0) and after six months of treatment (T6) with benralizumab to assess: total lung capacity (TLC), residual volume (RV), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), mean forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (mFEF-25/75), intrathoracic gas volume (ITGV), and respiratory airway resistance (Raw). Descriptive statistics (with categorical variables described as frequencies and continuous values as mean and standard deviation (SD)) and paired t-test and Cohen's d effect size were calculated (analyses performed in StataCorp v.15.1; StataCorp LLC, TX, USA). RESULTS: Overall, 30 SEA patients were evaluated, mostly women (n=18, 60.0%), with atopy (n=22, 73.3%), a mean age of 58.4 years (SD 11.7), and assisted by pulmonology (n=19, 63.3%) or immunology-allergology (n=11, 36.7%) services. Mean eosinophilia at baseline was 1103.57 cells/mcL (SD 604.88; minimum-maximum 460-2400); after the use of benralizumab, the count dropped to zero. After six months of treatment, a significant increase (p<0.0001) in FVC (15.3%), FEV1 (22.6%), and mFEF-25/75 (17.7%) were observed from baseline (Cohen's d between 0.78 and 1.11). ITGV, RV, RV/TLC, and Raw significantly decreased (p<0.0001) during the study period (-17.3%, -29.7%, -8.9%, and -100.6%, respectively) (Cohen's d between -0.79 and -1.06). No differences in TLC were obtained (p=0.173). No differences between sexes were observed for any measure. Patients with more significant eosinophilia (>900 cells/mcL count; n=15) presented better responses in FEV1 (p=0.001) and mFEF-25/75 (p=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: A notable eosinophil depletion with add-on benralizumab led to significant improvements in SEA patients' respiratory function (static lung volumes and airway resistance) in real-world settings after six months. The significant deflating effect of benralizumab on patients' hyperinflated lungs led to enhanced expiratory flow (increased FEV1 and mFEF-25/75) and air trapping (decreased RV/TLC), suggesting this antibody improves bronchial obstruction, lung hyperinflation, and airway resistance. Further studies in a larger population are required to confirm these findings.

Physical activity promotion in the community pharmacy: An opportunity for an expanded role?

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for the development of chronic diseases, and it is increasingly prevalent in the Portuguese population. Pharmacists' role in promoting physical activity (PA) is still not well established, although health promotion is foreseen by law in Portugal. Competing tasks and location where the pharmacy is embedded can hinder this promotion in their daily practice. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the main barriers and facilitators of physical activity promotion (PAP) in Portuguese community pharmacies and explore possible pathways for future implementation of physical activity promotion. METHODS: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively enrolled community pharmacists. Participant recruitment was aligned with data saturation. Data analysis comprised a mixed model of a deductive theme mapping strategy using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) for the behaviour of promoting physical activity and an inductive approach for any other relevant themes and which might influence PA promotion. RESULTS: Data saturation was reached at eleven interviews. Barriers and facilitators for the behaviour of promoting PA were identified from 11 out of the 14 TDF domains. Following an inductive approach, other emerging codes were clustered in additional seven major themes. Highlighted barriers focused on domains #1 - Knowledge, #10 - Memory, Attention and Decision Processes and #13 - Environmental Context and Resources. Community mapping, establishment of remuneration models and the use of digital technologies were suggested as additional potential contributors to scale up PAP. CONCLUSION: Community pharmacists are well placed inside their communities to serve as a focal point for signposting, engagement with other healthcare professionals and community resources and activities organized by the pharmacy itself. Pharmacists should be supported in being knowledgeable, aware, and available when promoting PA in their daily counseling.

Experience and Learning from the COVID-19 Pandemic in Portugal: Perceptions of Community Pharmacy Professionals.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, community pharmacy (CP) professionals were among those who experienced the greatest risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2, which forced major adaptations. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to describe the changes implemented in CP professionals during the pandemic, understand the perception of professionals about their experience, and explore changes to remain. Methods: An observational and cross-sectional study was conducted via an online questionnaire (June-September 2020). The target population was CP professionals working in Portugal for >2 years and serving the public during the pandemic. Results: Of a total of 353 participants, 84% were female (mean age of 37.6 years), and 81% were pharmacists (mean professional experience of 12.9 years). In the management and organizational dimensions, the most mentioned changes were adaptation to legislative changes (90%), fluctuations in the treasury (82%), and reduction of working hours (46%). Only 2% resorted to simplified layoff. In the back office, there was a need to adapt stock management (93%) and purchase personal protective equipment (99%). In the front office, there was a change in service policies - wicket or conditional opening (92%), routes of the arrival of user requests (91%), and home delivery (82%). Physical changes occurred in 100% of pharmacies. The most frequently implemented procedures were the use of protection systems and PPE, articulation with hospital pharmacies for dispensing in proximity (75%), and training in this area (55%). Regarding interpersonal climate, improvements in the connection between team members are evident: increase in mutual help (57%), solidarity (54%), and group cohesion (50%); in the relationship with clients, the majority indicated the replacement of the usual user by third parties (71%), and changes in communication channels (increase in use of technological means 68%). Conclusions: Results illustrate the profound impact of the pandemic on CP professionals, both professionally and personally. It also highlights the importance of their roles in proximity and community support.

Introdução: Durante a pandemia de COVID-19, os profissionais de farmácia comunitária (FC) estiveram entre os que apresentaram maior risco de contrair SARS-CoV-2, o que obrigou a grandes adaptações. Objetivos: Descrever as alterações implementadas nas FC durante a pandemia, compreender a percepção dos profissionais sobre as suas vivências e explorar as mudanças a serem mantidas. Metodologia: estudo observacional e transversal (junho-setembro de 2020). A população alvo foram os profissionais de FC a trabalhar em Portugal há >2 anos e atender o público durante a pandemia. Resultados: 353 participantes, 84% do sexo feminino (idade média - 37,6 anos) e 81% eram farmacêuticos (média de experiência profissional de 12,9 anos). Nas dimensões "gestão e organização", as mudanças mais referidas foram a adaptação a alterações legislativas (90%), flutuações de tesouraria (82%) e redução do horário de trabalho (46%). Apenas 2% recorreram ao lay-off simplificado. No back office: necessidade de adequação do stock (93%) e aquisição de equipamentos de proteção individual (99%). No front office: alteração das políticas de atendimento ­ atendimento ao postigo ou abertura condicional (92%), vias de chegada dos pedidos dos utentes (91%) e entrega ao domicílio (82%). Alterações físicas ocorreram em 100% das farmácias. Os procedimentos implementados com maior frequência foram a utilização de sistemas de proteção e EPI, a articulação com farmácias hospitalares para dispensa de medicamentos de proximidade (75%) e formação nesta área (55%). Em relação ao clima interpessoal, foram evidentes as melhorias na ligação entre os membros da equipa: aumento da inter-ajuda (57%), solidariedade (54%) e coesão do grupo (50%); no relacionamento com os utentes, a maioria referiu a substituição do utente habitual por terceiros (71%) e alterações nos canais de comunicação (aumento da utilização de meios tecnológicos 68%). Conclusões: Os resultados ilustram o profundo impacto da pandemia nos profissionais de FC, tanto a nível profissional como pessoal. Também de destacar a importância do papel da FC como espaço de saúde de proximidade e apoio à comunidade.

Correction: The Meaning of Lymphadenopathies During Adjuvant Durvalumab After Chemoradiotherapy for Lung Cancer: Thinking Beyond Disease Progression.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26729.].

How do hospital characteristics and ties relate to the uptake of second-generation biosimilars? A longitudinal analysis of Portuguese NHS hospitals, 2015-2021.

BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence on within-country discrepancies in biosimilar uptake. This study analyzes differences in timing and diffusion of biosimilar uptake across Portuguese NHS hospitals and explores possible determinants. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed publicly accessible consumption data of originator biologic and biosimilar drugs for adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, rituximab, and trastuzumab, by hospital and month for the years 2015-2021 (N = 9,467). We modeled the time to biosimilar adoption using survival regression models and the share of biosimilar consumption using generalized estimated equations with random hospital effects. RESULTS: Academic hospitals were characterized by a quicker uptake of adalimumab and infliximab biosimilars but lower shares for other drugs. A higher total consumption of biologics was related to a lower share of biosimilar uptake. A stronger participation in randomized controlled trials was linked to higher biosimilar shares and quicker uptake, except for rituximab. If all NHS hospitals had biosimilar shares equal to the highest ones, potential annual savings could reach 13.9 million euros. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest a need for capacity-building on biosimilar prescribing, including for doctors of academic hospitals and those working in settings where high biosimilar use would be expected.

The Meaning of Lymphadenopathies During Adjuvant Durvalumab After Chemoradiotherapy for Lung Cancer: Thinking Beyond Disease Progression.

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become the mainstay of treatment for many malignancies. With this new strategy, relevant immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have been reported, some of which can be mistaken for disease progression. To better illustrate the current challenges in diagnosing and managing a patient under adjuvant ICI treatment, we present the case of a 67-year-old female patient with stage IIIB unresectable, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated, non-small-cell lung cancer who was initially treated with chemoradiotherapy, followed by immunotherapy with durvalumab. During the course of immunotherapy, the patient presented with madarosis and erythematous and endured skin lesions, in addition to lymphadenopathies and pulmonary infiltrates. She was started on first-line palliative treatment with an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. After reviewing the case, a multidisciplinary team meeting suggested diagnostic procedures, including a transbronchial needle aspiration from mediastinal lymph nodes. The histologic examination showed chronic systemic inflammation and non-caseating granulomas of the sarcoid type. In this case, palliative treatment was suspended and systemic therapy with prednisolone was initiated. The patient became asymptomatic and the previously observed radiologic abnormalities resolved. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and appropriate treatment of irAEs, mainly because these conditions remain poorly understood and are probably underdiagnosed. Considering differential diagnosis is paramount to guide clinical management, despite curative or palliative treatment intent.

Adiponectin, Leptin, and IGF-1 Are Useful Diagnostic and Stratification Biomarkers of NAFLD.

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease where liver biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Here we aimed to evaluate the role of circulating adiponectin, leptin, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels as non-invasive NAFLD biomarkers and assess their correlation with the metabolome. Materials and Methods: Leptin, adiponectin, and IGF-1 serum levels were measured by ELISA in two independent cohorts of biopsy-proven obese NAFLD patients and healthy-liver controls (discovery: 38 NAFLD, 13 controls; validation: 194 NAFLD, 31 controls) and correlated with clinical data, histology, genetic parameters, and serum metabolomics. Results: In both cohorts, leptin increased in NAFLD vs. controls (discovery: AUROC 0.88; validation: AUROC 0.83; p < 0.0001). The leptin levels were similar between obese and non-obese healthy controls, suggesting that obesity is not a confounding factor. In the discovery cohort, adiponectin was lower in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) vs. non-alcoholic fatty liver (AUROC 0.87; p < 0.0001). For the validation cohort, significance was attained for homozygous for PNPLA3 allele c.444C (AUROC 0.63; p < 0.05). Combining adiponectin with specific serum lipids improved the assay performance (AUROC 0.80; p < 0.0001). For the validation cohort, IGF-1 was lower with advanced fibrosis (AUROC 0.67, p < 0.05), but combination with international normalized ratio (INR) and ferritin increased the assay performance (AUROC 0.81; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Serum leptin discriminates NAFLD, and adiponectin combined with specific lipids stratifies NASH. IGF-1, INR, and ferritin distinguish advanced fibrosis.

Limitations and perceived delays for diagnosis and staging of lung cancer in Portugal: A nationwide survey analysis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to identify the perception of physicians on the limitations and delays for diagnosing, staging and treatment of lung cancer in Portugal. METHODS: Portuguese physicians were invited to participate an electronic survey (Feb-Apr-2020). Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, with categorical variables reported as absolute and relative frequencies, and continuous variables with non-normal distribution as median and interquartile range (IQR). The association between categorical variables was assessed through Pearson's chi-square test. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare categorical and continuous variables (Stata v.15.0). RESULTS: Sixty-one physicians participated in the study (45 pulmonologists, 16 oncologists), with n = 26 exclusively assisting lung cancer patients. Most experts work in public hospitals (90.16%) in Lisbon (36.07%). During the last semester of 2019, responders performed a median of 85 (IQR 55-140) diagnoses of lung cancer. Factors preventing faster referral to the specialty included poor articulation between services (60.0%) and patients low economic/cultural level (44.26%). Obtaining National Drugs Authority authorization was one of the main reasons (75.41%) for delaying the begin of treatment. The cumulative lag-time from patients' admission until treatment ranged from 42-61 days. Experts believe that the time to diagnosis could be optimized in around 11.05 days [IQR 9.61-12.50]. Most physicians (88.52%) started treatment before biomarkers results motivated by performance status deterioration (65.57%) or high tumor burden (52.46%). Clinicians exclusively assisting lung cancer cases reported fewer delays for obtaining authorization for biomarkers analysis (p = 0.023). Higher waiting times for surgery (p = 0.001), radiotherapy (p = 0.004), immunotherapy (p = 0.003) were reported by professionals from public hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians believe that is possible to reduce delays in all stages of lung cancer diagnosis with further efforts from multidisciplinary teams and hospital administration.

Portuguese Consensus and Recommendations for Acquired Coagulopathic Bleeding Management (CCBM).

We aimed to determine how Portuguese physicians handle major bleeding. We also aim to establish global diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations to be followed in clinical practice by using a step-wise approach of evidence generation. This study followed a three-step process: a steering committee desk review, a Delphi technique, an expert panel meeting. A modified 3-round Delphi including 31 statements was performed. Questions were answered in a five-point Likert-type scale. Consensus threshold was established as a percentage of agreement among participants ≥90% in the first round, and ≥85% in the second and third rounds. The level of consensus achieved by panelists was discussed with the scientific committee (January-2020). Fifty-one physicians participated in the study (compliance rate >90%). Analyzing the three rounds, consensus was reached on 20 items (64.5%) in the first, 4/11 items (36.4%) in the second and 6/7 items (85.7%) in the third. One statement about administration of clotting factor concentrates for bleeding control did not reach consensus. A high level of consensus was reached toward the need for implementing Patient Blood Management strategies in Portuguese hospitals, reduce exposure to allogeneic blood components, to use goal directed therapies for acquired bleeding management, and the need for evaluating blood transfusion indirect costs. A final version with 12 recommendations was built, according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Our results provide critically appraised and updated evidence on bleeding coagulopathies management in Portugal. Additional studies, mainly about indirect costs of blood transfusion, are needed.

Reducing oral corticosteroids in severe asthma (ROSA Project): a nationwide Portuguese consensus.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to build a national consensus to optimize the use of oral corticosteroids (OCS) in severe asthma in Portugal. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A modified 3-round Delphi including 65 statements (topics on chronic systemic corticotherapy, therapeutic schemes, asthma safety and monitoring) was performed via online platform (October-November 2019). A five-point Likert-type scale was used (1-'strongly disagree'; 5-'strongly agree'). Consensus threshold was established as a percentage of agreement among participants ≥90% in the 1st round and ≥85% in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. The level of consensus achieved by the panel was discussed with the participants (face-to-face meeting). RESULTS: Forty-eight expert physicians in severe asthma (specialists in allergology and pulmonology) participated in the study. Almost half of the statements (28/65; 43.1%) obtained positive consensus by the end of round one. By the end of the exercise, 12 (18.5%) statements did not achieve consensus. Overall, 87% of physicians agree that further actions for OCS cumulative risk assessment in acute asthma exacerbations are needed. The vast majority (91.7%) demonstrated a favorable perception for using biological agents whenever patients are eligible. Most participants (95.8%) are more willing to accept some degree of lung function deterioration compared to other outcomes (worsening of symptoms, quality of life) when reducing OCS dose. Monitoring patients' comorbidities was rated as imperative by all experts. CONCLUSIONS: These results can guide an update on asthma management in Portugal and should be supplemented by studies on therapy access, patients' adherence, and costs.

Epidemiology of Transthyretin Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy in Portugal: A Nationwide Study.

BACKGROUND: Transthyretin-associated familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR-FAP) is a rare, hereditary, progressive and neurodegenerative disease. We aimed to study -TTR-FAP epidemiology in Portugal. METHODS: National, observational, prospective and retrospective, case identification of adults with TTR-FAP. Countrywide patient multiple identification sources included reference centers registries and centralized medical electronic prescription database. Crude rates were reported per 100,000 adult inhabitants. RESULTS: Over 2010-2016 period, mean incidence rates was 0.87/100,000 (95% CI 0.68-1.10) corresponding to 71 new patients yearly, that has decreased 31% in the last 7 years. The proportion of late-onset cases (age ≥50 years) among incident cases was 28.7%. Estimated crude 2016 prevalence was 22.93/100,000 adult inhabitants (95% CI 21.90-23.99) corresponding to 1,865 TTR-FAP individuals in Portugal (45.8% male; mean age: 52.3 ± 15.4 years). In 2016, the Portuguese region with the highest TTR-FAP prevalence shows a 16% prevalence increase over the last 25 years. CONCLUSIONS: In Portugal, TTR-FAP affects both genders and mainly young adults. TTR-FAP incidence appears to be decreasing while prevalence is increasing. In comparison to previous studies, there is an increased representativeness of late-onset patients. This epidemiological setting poses future and complex challenges for the social and healthcare system, strengthening the relevance of regular epidemiologic surveillance.

Effects of economic recession on elderly patients' perceptions of access to health care and medicines in Portugal.

Background In view of the current financial and demographic situation in Portugal, accessibility to health care may be affected, including the ability to adhere to medication. Objective To evaluate the perceived effects of the crisis on elderly patient's access to medicines and medical care, and its implications on medicine-taking behaviour. Setting Community pharmacy. Method A cross-sectional study was undertaken during April 2013, where elderly patients answered a self-administered questionnaire based on their health-related experiences in the current and previous year. Binary logistic regression was used to ascertain the effects of potential predictors on the likelihood of adherence. Main outcome measures self-reported adherence. Results A total of 1231 questionnaires were collected. 27.3% of patients had stopped using treatments or health services in the previous year for financial motives; mostly private medical appointments, followed by dentist appointments. Almost 30% of patients stopped purchasing prescribed medicines. Over 20% of patients reduced their use of public services. Out-of-pocket expenses with medicines were considered higher in the current year by 40.1% of patients. The most common strategy developed to cope with increasing costs of medicines was generic substitution, but around 15% of patients also stopped taking their medication or started saving by increasing the interdose interval. Conclusion Reports of decreasing costs with medicines was associated with a decreased likelihood of adherence (OR 0.42; 95% CI 0.27-0.65). Lower perceived health status and having 3 or more co-morbidities were associated with lower odds of adhering, whilst less frequent medical appointments was associated with a higher likelihood of exhibiting adherence.

Using a pharmaco-epidemiological approach to estimate diabetes type 2 prevalence in Portugal.

PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of drug-treated diabetes type 2 in Portugal using drug consumption data and accounting for the proportion of patients treated with combinations of oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs). METHODS: The prevalence of diabetes treated by OHAs was calculated on the basis of: IMS-Health data for Portugal (2003) and two measures of daily drug intake-defined daily dose (DDD) and prescribed daily dose (PDD), after correcting for the proportion of patients treated with two or more OHAs. The PDD and proportion of patients in combination therapies have been obtained in a descriptive, cross-sectional national survey, conducted in 2003, by inquiry of 1,046 type 2 diabetics country wide distributed. RESULTS: Drug use study: We have studied 1046 type 2 diabetics (539 women, 501 men, 6 sex unknown), with a mean age of 64.5 (SD=11) years. OHAs were prescribed as monotherapy in 46.8% (489/1,046) of the patients and the remaining 557 (53.2%) received from 2 to 4 OHAs concomitantly.Diabetes prevalence: Using DDD as the mean daily intake consumption unit, the prevalence of drug-treated type 2 diabetes was 4.15%, which dropped to 2.52% when the proportion of OHAs associations was taken into account. Using PDD these values were 4.48% and 2.72%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Since a high proportion of patients are treated with combination of OHAs in clinical practice, it is imperative to account for that confounder in order to improve the accuracy of estimate from drug consumption data. The use of this methodology provided a slight under-estimation of diabetes prevalence, compared with the National Health Authorities values (3%-5%). Nevertheless we consider this as an efficient tool to estimate drug-treated diabetes prevalence that should be implemented in a regular way for longitudinal observations, in order to generate signals.