Chronic cardiovascular nursing care in Spanish primary care: A qualitative study.

AIMS: We aimed to investigate the perspective of primary care nurses on their role with patients who have chronic cardiovascular disease and to identify cultural elements shared by nurses caring for people with chronic cardiovascular disease. In primary care, the role of the nurse is essential to promote self-efficacy in cardiovascular self-care. Individuals with chronic cardiovascular disease need to integrate the disease into their life, together with the health recommendations for management and follow-up. METHODS: A qualitative, focused ethnographic study was conducted. Purposeful sampling was used to include nurses who were working in primary care during the study. Data collection took place between 20 January and 20 May 2014 and consisted of semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis was applied using the data. RESULTS: Eleven participants were included. Cardiovascular care forces nurses to reflect on their identity and role in primary care. The relationship between the nurse and people with chronic cardiovascular disease is a complex process, which may cause nurses to feel a sense of failure and monotony in their work. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings may help to understand the role of the nurse and the care provided in patients with chronic cardiovascular disease.

Nursing Diagnoses of Individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Research Protocol for a Qualitative Synthesis.

Although previously developed qualitative studies have explored the experience of illness of individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, these findings have not been undertaken for the purpose of enabling the identification of nursing care needs in such patients. This study aims to identify NANDA-I nursing diagnoses of adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome based on a qualitative literature review of their experience of illness. The protocol includes: searches in the electronic databases Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SCI-EXPANDED, SSCI, SciELO, LILACS, and Cuiden; and manual searches in specialised journals and the references of the included studies. The authors will systematically search qualitative research studies published in databases from 1994 to 2021. Searches are limited to studies in Spanish and English. All stages of the review process will be carried out independently by two reviewers. Any disagreements shall be resolved through joint discussions, involving a third reviewer if necessary. The findings will be synthesised into a thematic analysis informed by the Domains and Classes of the NANDA-I Classification of Nursing Diagnoses, which will then serve to identify nursing diagnoses. This review will enable nursing professionals to identify the care needs of individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome by taking into consideration their experience of illness in its entirety.

Prognosis Value of Immunoregulatory Molecules in Oral Cancer Microenvironment: An Immunohistochemical Study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationship of the immune-checkpoint PD-1/PD-L1 with the clinical evolution of OSCC; to assess survival in OSCC based on the characteristics of TME and histologic risk score; to evaluate the clinical and histopathological relationship of OSCC with immunological TME. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out on 65 samples from patients with OSCC on the floor of the mouth or tongue. Clinicopathological variables and the expression of the biomarkers PD-1, PD-L1, FoxP3, CD4, CD8, CSF1R, and p16 were recorded. The relationship of the clinical and histological variables with the expression of the biomarkers and survival was studied. RESULTS: The univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that positive PD-1 expression was an independent protective factor for survival (overall, disease-free, disease-specific survival) and that high PD-L1 also improved survival. Poorly differentiated histological grades and metastasis were associated with a worse prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: PD-1 is a protective survival factor that is maintained independently of PD-L1 expression. High values of PD-L1 expression also improve survival. Higher expression of PD-1 is observed in smaller tumors, and higher expression of PD-L1 is more likely in women. No relationship between the tumor microenvironment and histologic risk score was found to influence the survival patterns studied in the OSCC. There is no evidence of a relationship between the histopathological features and the studied markers, although the positive PD-1 and PD-L1 cases have a lower risk of a high WPOI score, and positive PD-1 expression was associated with a lower DOI.

Significant and constant increase in hospitalization due to heart failure in Spain over 15 year period.

BACKGROUND: To examine trends in the incidence, characteristics, and in-hospital outcomes of heart failure (HF) hospitalizations from 2001 to 2015 in Spain. METHODS: Using the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database (SNHDD) we selected admissions with a primary or secondary diagnosis of HF. The primary end points were trends in the incidence of hospitalizations and in-hospital mortality (IHM). Trends with primary and secondary diagnosis of HF were evaluated separately. RESULTS: The incidence of HF coding increased significantly from 466.16 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2001-03 to 780.4 in 2013-15 (p < .001). Age increased over time (76.33 ±â€¯10.92 years in 2001-03 vs. 79.4 ±â€¯10.78 years in 2013-15; p < .001). We found a decrease in the percentage of women over the study period (53.07% vs. 52%; p < .001). We detected a significant increase in comorbidity according to the Charlson Comorbidity Index over time (mean 2.17 ±â€¯0.98 in 2001-03 vs. 2.46 ±â€¯1.04 in 2013-15). The most common associated comorbidities were atrial fibrillation (42.23%), hypertension (38.87%) and type 2 diabetes (34.3%). For the total time period, IHM was 12.79%. IHM decreased significantly over time from 13.47% in 2001-03 to 12.30% in 2013-15. Patients with HF coded as a secondary diagnosis have 66% higher risk of dying in the hospital that those with HF coded as a primary diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: This research shows an increase of hospitalizations due to HF in Spain, particularly in patients with HF as a secondary diagnosis. Advance age and comorbidity in acute HF has increased in the recent years. However, IHM is decreasing while readmissions remain stable.

Comorbidities and risk of mortality among hospitalized patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in Spain from 2002 to 2014.

BACKGROUND: To describe and compare the comorbid conditions, the in-hospital mortality (IHM) and the length of hospital stay (LOHS) among idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients and non-IPF-matched patients hospitalized in Spain. We assess the performance of the Charlson Comorbidity Index[CCI] and the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index[ECI] to predict IHM in IPF and we identify the specific predictive factors of IHM in patients suffering IPF. METHODS: We identified patients with IPF hospitalized in years 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014. Cases of IPF were matched with non-IPF controls by sex, age, province of residence and year. Data were collected from the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database. RESULTS: We identified 10,285 hospitalizations with IPF, evidencing an increase in the number of IPF patients from 2002 to 2014. Overtime the prevalence of comorbidities included in the CCI significantly increased in patients with IPF, exception made of myocardial infarction and dementia. The prevalence of comorbidities included in the ECI, except paralysis and peptic ulcer disease excluding bleeding, increased significantly overtime. LOHS was longer among IPF patients than non-IPF controls and decreased significantly from 2002 to 2014. IHM was significantly higher in patients with IPF (adjustedOR 1.97; 95%CI 1.77-2.19). Area under the ROC curves showed that ECI model had a better performance to predict IHM than CCI. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of hospitalizations for IPF increased significantly from 2002 to 2014. We observed an increase overtime of most of the comorbidities included in CCI and ECI. LOHS and IHM were higher in patients with IPF than in non-IPF controls.

Mu-Opioid Receptors in Ganglia, But Not in Muscle, Mediate Peripheral Analgesia in Rat Muscle Pain.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated the participation of peripheral µ-opioid receptors (MOR) in the antinociceptive effect of systemically administered morphine and loperamide in an orofacial muscle pain model, induced by hypertonic saline, but not in a spinally innervated one, in rats. In this study, we determine whether this peripheral antinociceptive effect is due to the activation of MOR localized in the muscle, ganglia, or both. METHODS: To determine the local antinociceptive effect of morphine and loperamide, 2 models of acute muscle pain (trigeminal and spinal) were used. Also, to study the MOR expression, protein quantification was performed in the trigeminal and spinal ganglia, and in the muscles. RESULTS: The behavioral results show that the intramuscular injection of morphine and loperamide did not exert an antinociceptive effect in either muscle (morphine: P = .63, loperamide: P = .9). On the other hand, MOR expression was found in the ganglia but not in the muscles. This expression was on average 44% higher (95% confidence interval, 33.3-53.9) in the trigeminal ganglia than in the spinal one. CONCLUSIONS: The peripheral antinociceptive effect of systemically administered opioids may be due to the activation of MOR in ganglia. The greater expression of MOR in trigeminal ganglia could explain the higher antinociceptive effect of opioids in orofacial muscle pain than in spinal muscle pain. Therefore, peripheral opioids could represent a promising approach for the treatment of orofacial pain.

Characterization of the nociceptive effect of carrageenan: Masseter versus gastrocnemius.

INTRODUCTION: To better understand the pathophysiology of chronic muscle pain, there are multiple animal models that mimic different acute/chronic pain conditions, such as carrageenan injection. Our previous studies demonstrated differences between muscles of different innervation in acute pain. In this study we characterized the effect of carrageenan in 2 muscles: masseter (trigeminal innervation) and gastrocnemius (spinal innervation). METHODS: Carrageenan (3%, 6%, and 9%) was injected into the masseter and gastrocnemius of rats. Mechanical, heat, and chemical nociceptive thresholds were measured for 14 days. RESULTS: Carrageenan did not induce mechanical allodynia or thermal hypersensitivity in either muscle. Instead, it induced a short-lasting mechanical hyperalgesia, greater in the masseter than in the gastrocnemius. CONCLUSION: Carrageenan injected into the masseter and gastrocnemius induces a short-lasting hyperalgesia. These results could indicate a higher susceptibility of orofacial muscles to this type of insult and, consequently, a difference between trigeminal and spinal innervation. Muscle Nerve 56: 804-813, 2017.

Time Trend in Psychotropic Medication Use in Spain: A Nationwide Population-Based Study.

Background: We performed an epidemiologic study to analyze nationwide time trends in adult psychotropic drug use over a period from 2006 to 2012, and to identify those factors associated with the likelihood of consumption of these drugs during the study period; Methods: Cross-sectional study on psychotropic medication in the Spanish adult population. We used secondary individualized data drawn from the 2006 and 2012 Spanish National Health Surveys (SNHS). The dependent variable was the use of psychotropic drugs in the previous two weeks. Independent variables included socio-demographic characteristics, comorbidity, lifestyles and healthcare resource utilization. Using logistic multivariate regression models, we analyzed the temporal evolution of psychotropic medication consumption between 2006 and 2012 in both sexes; Results: The prevalence of psychotropic drug use was significantly greater in women (18.14% vs. 8.08% in 2012 (p < 0.05). In Spanish women, the variables associated with a greater probability of psychotropic use were, age, unemployment (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 1.60; 95% CI, 1.24-2.07), negative perception of health or taking non-psychotropic drugs. Among men, psychotropic use is associated with presence of chronic disease, negative perception of health (AOR, 3.27; 95% CI, 2.62-4.07 in 2012) or inactive status; Conclusions: Between 2006 and 2012, the probability of having taken psychotropic drugs increased by 16% among women. Unemployed women aged ≥45 years with a negative perception of their health constitute a clear risk profile in terms of psychotropic drug use. Inactive men who have a negative perception of their health are the group most likely to consume psychotropic drugs.

Impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus in hospitalizations for atrial fibrillation in Spain (2004-2013).

BACKGROUND: To describe trends in the incidence and outcomes for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with and without type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Spain between 2004 and 2013. METHODS: We used national hospital discharge data to select all patients discharged from hospital after AF. We focused our analysis on patients with AF in the primary diagnosis field. Discharges were grouped by diabetes status (diabetic or non-diabetic). Incidence was calculated overall and stratified by diabetes status. We analyzed diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, patient comorbidities, CHA2DS2-VASc score, length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality (IHM). RESULTS: We identified a total of 214,457 admissions for AF (21.1% with T2DM). The incidence was higher among people with T2DM. Women with T2DM have significant higher incidence than men in all years studied. T2DM was positively associated with AF hospitalization (IRR 3.76, 95%CI 3.72-3.80). T2DM patients were significantly older than patients without diabetes, had more comorbidity and had higher values of CHA2DS2-VASc score. Prevalence of dyslipidemia and hypertension were almost 50% higher and prevalence of obesity was two times higher (all p values<0.05). Diabetes was not associated with a higher IHM (OR: 0.99, 95%CI 0.93-1.06). For the entire sample, time trend analyses showed a significant decrease in mortality in patients admitted for AF (OR: 0.98, 95%CI 0.97-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Incidence rates were higher in T2DM patients. Women with T2DM have significant higher incidence rates than men. The presence of diabetes is not associated with a higher IHM during admission for AF.

Correction: Time Trends in Ischemic Stroke among Type 2 Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients: Analysis of the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Data (2003-2012).

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145535.].

Correction: Predictors of Adherence to Multiple Clinical Preventive Recommendations among Adults with Diabetes in Spain.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131844.].

Type 2 Diabetes and Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Population-Based Study in Spain from 2003 to 2012.

AIM: The objective of this study is to compare trends in outcomes for intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke in people with or without type 2 diabetes in Spain between 2003 and 2012. METHODS: We selected all patients hospitalized for hemorrhagic stroke using national hospital discharge data. We evaluated annual incident rates stratified by diabetes status. We analyzed trends in the use of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, patient comorbidities, in-hospital mortality (IHM), length of hospital stay, and readmission rate in 1 month. RESULTS: We identified a total of 173,979 discharges of patients admitted with hemorrhagic stroke (19.1% with diabetes). Incidences were higher among those with than those without diabetes in all the years studied. Diabetes was positively associated with stroke (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35-1.40 for men; IRR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.29-1.34 for women). Length of stay decreased significantly and readmission rate remained stable for both groups (around 5%). We observed a significant increase in the use of decompressive craniectomy from 2002 to 2013. Mortality was positively associated with older age, with higher comorbidity and atrial fibrillation as risk factors. We found a negative association with the use of decompressive craniectomy. Mortality did not change over time among diabetic men and women. In those without diabetes, mortality decreased significantly over time. Suffering diabetes was not associated with higher mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Type 2 diabetes is associated with higher incidence of hemorrhagic stroke but not with IHM. Incidence among diabetic people remained stable over time. In both groups, the use of decompressive craniectomy has increased and is associated with a decreased mortality.

Time Trends in Ischemic Stroke among Type 2 Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients: Analysis of the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Data (2003-2012).

BACKGROUND: Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) is the most rapidly increasing risk factor for ischemic stroke. We aimed to compare trends in outcomes for ischemic stroke in people with or without diabetes in Spain between 2003 and 2012. METHODS: We selected all patients hospitalized for ischemic stroke using national hospital discharge data. We evaluated annual incident rates stratified by T2DM status. We analyzed trends in the use of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, patient comorbidities, and in-hospital outcomes. We calculated in-hospital mortality (IHM), length of hospital stay (LOHS) and readmission rate in one month after discharge. Time trend on the incidence of hospitalization was estimated fitting Poisson regression models by sex and diabetes variables. In-hospital mortality was analyzed using logistic regression models separate for men and women. LOHS were compared with ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis when necessary. RESULTS: We identified a total of 423,475 discharges of patients (221,418 men and 202,057 women) admitted with ischemic stroke as primary diagnosis. Patients with T2DM accounted for 30.9% of total. The estimated incidence rates of discharges increased significantly in all groups. The incidence of hospitalization due to stroke (with ICD9 codes for stroke as main diagnosis at discharge) was higher among those with than those without diabetes in all the years studied. T2DM was positively associated with ischemic stroke with an adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 2.27 (95% CI 2.24-2.29) for men and 2.15 (95%CI 2.13-2.17) for women. Over the 10 year period LOHS decreased significantly in men and women with and without diabetes. Readmission rate remained stable in diabetic and non diabetic men (around 5%) while slightly increased in women with and without diabetes. We observed a significant increase in the use of fibrinolysis from 2002-2013. IHM was positively associated with older age in all groups, with Charlson Comorbidity Index > 3 and atrial fibrillation as risk factors. The IHM did not change significantly over time among T2DM men and women ranging from 9.25% to 10.56% and from 13.21% to 14.86%, respectively; neither did among non-diabetic women. However, in men without T2DM IHM decreased significantly over time. Diabetes was associated to higher IHM only in women (OR 1.07; 95% CI, 1.05-1.11). CONCLUSIONS: Our national data show that incidence rate of ischemic stroke hospitalization increased significantly during the period of study (2003-2012). People with T2DM have more than double the risk of ischemic stroke after adjusting for other risk factors. Women with T2DM had poorer outcomes- IHM and readmission rates- than diabetic men. Diabetes was an independent factor for IHM only in women.

Time trends in coronary revascularization procedures among people with COPD: analysis of the Spanish national hospital discharge data (2001-2011).

BACKGROUND: People with COPD suffering from coronary artery disease are frequently treated with revascularization procedures. We aim to compare trends in the use and outcomes of these procedures in COPD and non-COPD patients in Spain between 2001 and 2011. METHODS: We identified all patients who had undergone percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries, using national hospital discharge data. Discharges were grouped into: COPD and no COPD. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2011, 428,516 PCIs and 79,619 CABGs were performed. The sex and age-adjusted use of PCI increased by 21.27% per year from 2001 to 2004 and by 5.47% per year from 2004 to 2011 in patients with COPD. In-hospital mortality (IHM) among patients with COPD who underwent a PCI increased significantly from 2001 to 2011 (odds ratio 1.11; 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.20). Among patients with COPD who underwent a CABG, the sex and age-adjusted CABG incidence rate increased by 9.77% per year from 2001 to 2003, and then decreased by 3.15% through 2011. The probability of dying during hospitalization in patients who underwent a CABG did not change significantly in patients with and without COPD (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval 0.96-1.17). CONCLUSION: The annual percent change in PCI procedures increased in COPD and non-COPD patients. We found a decrease in the use of CABG procedures in both groups. IHM was higher in patients with COPD who underwent a PCI than in those without COPD. However, COPD did not increase the probability of dying during hospitalization in patients who underwent a CABG.

Predictors of Adherence to Multiple Clinical Preventive Recommendations among Adults with Diabetes in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe adherence to seven clinical preventive services among Spanish adults with diabetes, to compare adherence with people without diabetes and to identify predictor of adherence to multiple practices among adults with diabetes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study based on data obtained from the European Health Survey for Spain 2009 and the Spanish National Health Survey 2011. We analyzed those aged 40-69 years (n= 20,948). Diabetes status was self-reported. The study variables included adherence to blood pressure (BP) checkup, cholesterol measurement, influenza vaccination, dental examination, fecal occult blood test (FOBT), mammography and cytology. Independent variables included socio-demographic characteristics, variables related to health status and lifestyle factors. RESULTS: The study sample included 1,647 subjects with diabetes and 19,301 without. Over 90% had measured their BP and cholesterol in the last year, 44.4% received influenza immunization, 36.4% had a dental checkup within the year and only 8.1% underwent a FOBT. Among diabetic women 75.4% had received a mammography and 52.4% a cytology in the recommended periods. The adherence to BP and cholesterol measurements and influenza vaccination was significantly higher among those suffering diabetes and cytology and dental checkup were lower. Only 63.4% of people with diabetes had fulfilled half or more of the recommended practices. Female sex, higher educational level, being married or cohabiting, higher number of chronic conditions and number of physician visits increased the adherence to multiple preventive practices. For each unhealthy lifestyle reported the probability of having a higher adherence level decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Acceptable adherence is found for BP and cholesterol checkups and mammography. Unacceptably low rates were found for influenza vaccine, dental care, cytology and FOBT. Moreover, preventive services are provided neither equitably nor efficiently so future research needs to identify individual and organizational factors that allow interventions to reach these subjects with diabetes.

Asociación entre la carga herpética y la enfermedad isquémica crónica del corazón: estudio de casos y controles / Association between herpetic burden and chronic ischemic heart disease: Matched case-control study

Fundamento y objetivo: Estudios previos plantean una verosímil asociación entre la carga herpética y la cardiopatía isquémica. El objetivo es analizar esta hipótesis en un contexto seroepidemiológico español. Pacientes y método: Estudio de casos y controles emparejados por edad y sexo (1:1) que incluyó a pacientes con enfermedad isquémica crónica del corazón y controles sanos. Se definió carga herpética como el número total de virus herpes para los que el sujeto fue seropositivo (IgG), considerando los virus Epstein-Barr, citomegalovirus, varicela-zóster, herpes simple tipo 1 y tipo 2. Resultados: El 90,7% de los casos y el 70,7% de los controles (p=0,002) fueron seropositivos para 4 o más virus herpes (alta carga herpética). Dentro del grupo control, los sujetos con hipercolesterolemia tuvieron mayor proporción de alta carga (88,5% frente a 61,2%, p=0,02). La alta carga herpética se asoció a la enfermedad tras ajustar por diabetes, tabaco, hipertensión, y nivel educativo (odds ratio [OR] 4,5, intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%] 1,23-16,53), pero no al incluir la hipercolesterolemia en el modelo (OR 2,2, IC 95% 0,45-10,62).Conclusión: La asociación es independiente de la mayoría, pero no de todos los factores de riesgo cardiovascular clásicos (AU)

Background and objectives: revious studies showed a plausible association between herpetic burden and ischemic heart disease. Our aim is to test this hypothesis in an spanish seroepidemiological context. Patients and methods: Sex and age matched case-control study (1:1) including patients with chronic ischemic heart disease and healthy controls. Herpetic burden was defined as the aggregate number of antibody seropositivities (IgG) for Epstein Barr Virus, cytomegalovirus, varicella zoster virus, Herpes simplex type 1 and type 2.Results: We found that 90.7% of cases and 70,7% of controles (P=.002), were seropositive to 4 or more herpesvirus (high herpetic burden). Within control group, hypercholesterolemic subjects had a higher proportion of high burden (88,5% vs. 61,2%, P=.02). High herpetic burden was associated with ischemic heart disease, even after adjusting for diabetes, smoking, hypertension and literacy level, (OR: 4,5 [1,23-16,53]), but not when hypercholesterolemia was included in the model (OR 2,2 [0,45-10,62]).Conclusion: The hypothesized relationship is independent from most but not all classical cardiovascular risk factors (AU)

[Association between herpetic burden and chronic ischemic heart disease: matched case-control study]. / Asociación entre la carga herpética y la enfermedad isquémica crónica del corazón: estudio de casos y controles.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Previous studies showed a plausible association between herpetic burden and ischemic heart disease. Our aim is to test this hypothesis in an spanish seroepidemiological context. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sex and age matched case-control study (1:1) including patients with chronic ischemic heart disease and healthy controls. Herpetic burden was defined as the aggregate number of antibody seropositivities (IgG) for Epstein Barr Virus, cytomegalovirus, varicella zoster virus, Herpes simplex type 1 and type 2. RESULTS: We found that 90.7% of cases and 70,7% of controles (P=.002), were seropositive to 4 or more herpesvirus (high herpetic burden). Within control group, hypercholesterolemic subjects had a higher proportion of high burden (88,5% vs. 61,2%, P=.02). High herpetic burden was associated with ischemic heart disease, even after adjusting for diabetes, smoking, hypertension and literacy level, (OR: 4,5 [1,23-16,53]), but not when hypercholesterolemia was included in the model (OR 2,2 [0,45-10,62]). CONCLUSION: The hypothesized relationship is independent from most but not all classical cardiovascular risk factors.

Increased use of oral contraceptives in Spain: related factors and time trend, 2003-2006.

AIMS: We aimed to determine the prevalence of consumption of oral contraceptives (OCs) among women living in Spain and to identify the factors associated with this consumption. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional epidemiologic study on consumption of OCs by women aged 16-50 years resident in Spain. As the dependent variable, we took the answer to the question, "In the last two weeks, have you taken the contraceptives pill?" Independent variables were sociodemographic, comorbidity, and healthcare resources. Using logistic multivariate regression models, we have analyzed the temporal evolution of OCs consumption between 2003 and 2006. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We used secondary individualized data drawn from the 2003 (n=5,807) and 2006 (n=9,103) Spanish National Health Surveys. RESULTS: In 2003, the 4.99% of women reported having taken the contraceptive pill; this proportion increased to 9.44% in 2006 (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis highlighted the association between OCs use gynecologist visits (odds ratio [OR]=5.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.52-12.79 in 2003, and OR=5.09, 95% CI=2.87-9.02 in 2006); cervical smear test (OR=2.98 95% CI=1.83-4.85 in 2003 and OR=1.79 95% CI=1.28-2.50 in 2006); and risk variables such alcohol consumption or hypertension in the year 2006 (OR=1.53, 95% CI=1.05-2.22). CONCLUSIONS: We can conclude that there was a significant increase in OC use among women living in Spain from 2003 to 2006. The OC consumers in our study were young women who visited the gynecologist and took preventive measures such as smear testing, although they did have risk variables associated with OC, such as alcohol use and arterial hypertension.