Health service and psychotropic medication use for mental health conditions among healthcare workers active during the Spain Covid-19 Pandemic - A prospective cohort study using web-based surveys.

Little is known about healthcare workers' (HCW) use of healthcare services for mental disorders. This study presents data from a 16-month prospective cohort study of Spanish HCW (n = 4,809), recruited shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic onset, and assessed at four timepoints using web-based surveys. Use of health services among HCW with mental health conditions (i.e., those having a positive screen for mental disorders and/or suicidal thoughts and behaviours [STB]) was initially low (i.e., 18.2 %) but increased to 29.6 % at 16-month follow-up. Service use was positively associated with pre-pandemic mental health treatment (OR=1.99), a positive screen for major depressive disorder (OR=1.50), panic attacks (OR=1.74), suicidal thoughts and behaviours (OR=1.22), and experiencing severe role impairment (OR=1.33), and negatively associated with being female (OR = 0.69) and a higher daily number of work hours (OR=0.95). Around 30 % of HCW with mental health conditions used anxiolytics (benzodiazepines), especially medical doctors. Four out of ten HCW (39.0 %) with mental health conditions indicated a need for (additional) help, with most important barriers for service use being too ashamed, long waiting lists, and professional treatment not being available. Our findings delineate a clear mental health treatment gap among Spanish HCW.

Barreras y facilitadores para el uso de las guías de práctica clínica por residentes de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria: estudio cualitativo con grupos focales / Barriers and facilitators for the use of clinical practice guidelines by Family and Community Medicine residents: qualitative study with focus groups

Objetivo: identificar barreras y facilitadores para el uso de las guías de práctica clínica (GPC) por residentes de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria.Métodos: metodología cualitativa. Se formaron tres grupos focales, total 28 residentes de tercer y cuarto año de las siete unidades docentes multiprofesionales de Atención Familiar y Comunitaria de Madrid. Los temas explorados fueron: conocimiento, comprensión, utilidad y uso de GPC. Las categorías elegidas para agrupar el discurso se elaboraron siguiendo el Manual metodológico de GuíaSalud. Análisis sociológico bajo la perspectiva fenomenológica.Resultados: las barreras relacionadas con la formación fueron el modelo de formación recibida para adquirir las habilidades necesarias, la falta de conocimientos para evaluar la calidad de las guías y un limitado conocimiento de los buscadores. Entre las barreras del contexto social y del sistema sanitario, se identificaron el conflicto con las expectativas del paciente, con las recomendaciones de otros especialistas, las características de los pacientes que consultan en Atención Primaria (AP) y la limitación de tiempo en las consultas. Como facilitadores se identificaron la motivación personal, los conocimientos y el modelo de práctica profesional del tutor y que las GPC fueran claras, breves y en diversos formatos.Conclusiones: los residentes dan valor a las GPC como herramientas docentes, de ayuda a la toma de decisiones y para desempeñar un mejor ejercicio profesional, aunque encuentran dificultades y limitaciones en su uso. El papel del tutor se identifica como clave; la formación, motivación y el modelo de práctica del tutor son considerados como los mayores facilitadores.(AU)

Aim: to identify barriers and facilitators for the use of Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) by Family and Community Medicine residents.Method: qualitative methodology. Three focus groups were set up, with a total of 28 participants, 3rd and 4th year residents of the 7 Multiprofessional Family and Community Care Teaching Units of Madrid. The topics explored were based on knowledge, understanding, usefulness and use of CPG. The categories chosen for discussion were drawn up according to the GuiaSalud Methodological Manual. Sociological analysis was performed using a phenomenological approach.Results: the barriers related to training were the training model received to acquire the necessary skills, the lack of knowledge to evaluate the quality of guidelines and a limited knowledge of the search engines. Among the barriers related to social context and health system, conflict with the patient's expectations or with the recommendations of other specialists, the characteristics of patients who consult in primary care and the limited time available for consultations were all identified. Personal motivation, the tutor’s knowledge and professional practice model and clear, brief CPGs and in various formats were all identified as facilitators. Conclusions: residents value CPGs as teaching and decision-making tools, as well as a tool to improve their professional practice. However, they detect difficulties and limitations in their use. Training, motivation and the tutor's practice model are considered to be among the greatest facilitators.(AU)

Prevalencia de síntomas mentales entre los refugiados saharauis en Tinduf, Argelia, utilizando el Cuestionario de Salud General Goldberg 28 / Prevalence of mental symptoms in the Sahrawi refugees in Tindouf camps, Algeria, determined using the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire 28

Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de síntomas psicopatológicos entre los refugiados saharauis y la influencia de factores sociodemográficos en la expresión fenotípica de los trastornos mentales. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Emplazamiento: Atención primaria y hospitalaria de salud. Participantes: Trescientos ochenta y tres (383) participantes mayores de 18 años, 59,8% mujeres y 40,2% hombres, con una media de edad del 37,2 (DE = 13,0), del campamento del Aaiún y del Hospital Nacional de Rabuni. Método: Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo transversal y analítico entre enero y agosto de 2017. Los participantes se seleccionaron por muestreo consecutivo. La variable principal fue la presencia de síntomas mentales, medida con el Cuestionario General de Salud de Goldberg-28. Se hizo un análisis descriptivo de cada variable sociodemográfica (edad, sexo, nivel de estudios, ocupación) y su asociación con la variable principal mediante regresión logística. Resultados: El 43,3%, IC 95% (38,4-48,3) obtuvo puntuación que sugiere la presencia de síntomas mentales. Las mujeres presentaron una puntuación media superior a los hombres, en las subescalas A (síntomas somáticos) y en la subescala B (ansiedad). Se asociaron con mayor probabilidad de tener síntomas mentales la edad mayor de 50 años y no tener nivel de estudios. Conclusiones: El estudio pone de manifiesto que la prevalencia de síntomas mentales entre los refugiados saharauis es alta, y refuerza la necesidad de más investigaciones científicas en el campo de la salud mental para poner la prevención de los trastornos mentales y la promoción de la salud mental en el foco de las políticas sanitarias.(AU)

Objective: To assess the prevalence of psychopathological symptoms among Saharawi refugees and the influence of sociodemographic factors on the phenotypic expression of mental disorders.Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Location: Primary and hospital health care. Participants: 383 participants over 18 years of age, 59.8% women and 40.2% men, with a mean age of 37.2 (SD = 13.0), from the Laayoune camp, and from the Rabuni National Hospital. Methodology: A descriptive, cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out between January and August 2017. Participants were selected by consecutive sampling. The main variable was the presence of mental symptoms, measured with the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire - 28. A descriptive analysis of each sociodemographic variable (age, sex, educational level, occupation) and its association with the main variable was carried out using Logistic regression. Results: 43.3%, 95%CI (38.4-48.3) obtained a score that suggests the presence of mental symptoms. Women presented a mean score higher than men, in subscales A (somatic symptoms) and in subscale B (anxiety). Age over 50 years and having no educational level were associated with a higher probability of having mental symptoms. Conclusions: The study shows that the prevalence of mental symptoms among Saharawi refugees is high, and reinforces the need for more scientific research in the field of mental health to put the prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health in the focus of health policy.(AU)

[Prevalence of mental symptoms in the Sahrawi refugees in Tindouf camps, Algeria, determined using the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire 28]. / Prevalencia de síntomas mentales entre los refugiados saharauis en Tinduf, Argelia, utilizando el Cuestionario de Salud General Goldberg 28.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of psychopathological symptoms among Saharawi refugees and the influence of sociodemographic factors on the phenotypic expression of mental disorders. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study. LOCATION: Primary and hospital health care. PARTICIPANTS: 383 participants over 18 years of age, 59.8% women and 40.2% men, with a mean age of 37.2 (SD = 13.0), from the Laayoune camp, and from the Rabuni National Hospital. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive, cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out between January and August 2017. Participants were selected by consecutive sampling. The main variable was the presence of mental symptoms, measured with the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire - 28. A descriptive analysis of each sociodemographic variable (age, sex, educational level, occupation) and its association with the main variable was carried out using Logistic regression. RESULTS: 43.3%, 95%CI (38.4-48.3) obtained a score that suggests the presence of mental symptoms. Women presented a mean score higher than men, in subscales A (somatic symptoms) and in subscale B (anxiety). Age over 50 years and having no educational level were associated with a higher probability of having mental symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that the prevalence of mental symptoms among Saharawi refugees is high, and reinforces the need for more scientific research in the field of mental health to put the prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of mental health in the focus of health policy.

Impact of hypertension diagnosis on morbidity and mortality: a retrospective cohort study in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is responsible for a huge burden of disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of newly diagnosed hypertension on the occurrence of kidney or cardiovascular events (K/CVEs) and on mortality among community dwellers. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study, conducted from January, 2007, to December, 2018. All patients (age > 18) newly diagnosed with hypertension and no previous K/CVEs in 2007 and 2008, in the primary care centers of Madrid (Spain) (n = 71,770), were enrolled. The control group (n = 72,946) included patients without hypertension, matched by center, sex and age. The occurrence of kidney or CV events, including mortality from these causes and total mortality were evaluated using Cox regression and multistate models. Data were collected from three sources: personal data from administrative records, clinical data from medical records, and mortality data from regional and national databases. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 138.61 months (IQR: 124.68-143.97 months). There were 32,896 K/CVEs (including 3,669 deaths from these causes) and 12,999 deaths from other causes. Adjusted for sex, smoking, diabetes and socioeconomic status, K/CVEs HR was 4.36 (95% CI: 3.80-5.00) for diagnoses before 45 years of age, 2.45(95% CI: 2.28- 2.63) for diagnosis between 45 to 54 years, and HR decreased to 1.86 (95% CI: 1.64-210) for diagnoses over age 85. Total mortality risk was only higher for hypertension diagnosed before 55 years of age (HR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.90-3.19 for ages 18 to 44; and HR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02-1.28 for ages 45 to 54). CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of hypertension in the community environment, in patients without evidence of previous kidney or CV disease, is associated with a large increase in the risk of K/CVEs, but especially in individuals diagnosed before the age of 55. This diagnosis is only associated with an increase in kidney or cardiovascular mortality or overall mortality when it occurs before age 55.

Sex and income inequalities in preventive services in diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Cancer preventive services (gynaecological cancer screening, colon cancer screening) and cardiometabolic screening are recommended by guidelines to individuals. People with diabetes were less likely to receive them than those without diabetes in some studies. OBJECTIVES: To analyse differences in the coverage of preventive services in people with diabetes compared to non-diabetic individuals and in people with diabetes according to sex and household income. METHODS: We analysed data collected from the European Health Interview Survey 2013-2015, including individuals aged 40-74 (n = 179,318), 15,172 with diabetes from 29 countries. The income of a household (HHI) was described in quintiles. The relationship between the coverage of preventive services (cardiometabolic, vaccination, cancer screening) and sociodemographic characteristics was analysed with multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Women comprised 53.8% of the total and 40% were 60-74 years. People with diabetes compared to those without diabetes had higher reported coverage of cardiometabolic screening (98.4% vs. 90.0% in cholesterol measurement; 97.0% vs. 93.6% in blood pressure measurement), colorectal cancer screening (27.1% vs. 24.6%) but lower coverage of gynaecological cancer screening (mammography: 29.2% vs. 33.5%, pap smear test: 28.3% vs. 37.9%). Among diabetic patients, women were less likely to receive cholesterol screening (OR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.72-0.91) and colon cancer screening (OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.73-0.86) compared to men. Being affluent was positively associated with receiving cardiometabolic screening and mammography in diabetic patients. CONCLUSION: People with diabetes reported higher coverage of preventive services except gynaecological cancer screening. Disparities were found in diabetes among women and less affluent individuals.

Inequalities in glycemic and multifactorial cardiovascular control of type 2 diabetes: The Heart Healthy Hoods study.

Aim: This study aimed to analyze glycemic control and multifactorial cardiovascular control targets in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in primary care according to sex and socioeconomic status (SES). Materials and methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional, and multicenter study. We analyzed all the patients with T2DMM aged between 40 and 75 years in Madrid city (113,265) through electronic health records from 01 August 2017 to 31 July 2018. SES was defined by an area-level socioeconomic index stratified by quintiles (1st quintile: more affluent). Outcomes: Outcomes included glycemic control (HbA1c ≤ 7%), 3-factor cardiovascular control [HbA1c ≤ 7%, blood pressure (BP), < 140/90 mmHg, LDL < 100 mg/ml] and 4-factor control [HbA1c ≤ 7%, blood pressure (BP) < 140/90 mmHg, LDL < 100 mg/ml, and BMI < 30 kg/m2]. Multilevel logistic regression models analyzed factors associated with suboptimal glycemic control. Results: In total 43.2% were women. Glycemic control was achieved by 63% of patients (women: 64.2% vs. men: 62.4%). Being more deprived was associated with suboptimal glycemic control (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.10-1.32); however, sex was not related (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94-1.01). The optimal 3-factor control target was reached by 10.3% of patients (women: 9.3% vs. men: 11.2%), especially those in the 5th quintile of SES. The 4-factor control was achieved by 6.6% of the sample. In the 3-factor control target, being women was related to the suboptimal 3-factor control target (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.19- 1.34) but only belonging to SES 4th quintile was related to the unachieved target (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.04-2.07). Conclusion: Suboptimal glycemic control was associated with being less affluent and suboptimal 3-factor control target was associated with being women.

Effectiveness of a game-based educational strategy e-EDUCAGUIA for implementing antimicrobial clinical practice guidelines in family medicine residents in Spain: a randomized clinical trial by cluster.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have teaching potential for health professionals in training clinical reasoning and decision-making, although their use is limited. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a game-based educational strategy e-EDUCAGUIA using simulated clinical scenarios to implement an antimicrobial therapy GPC compared to the usual dissemination strategies to improve the knowledge and skills on decision-making of family medicine residents. Additionally, adherence to e-EDUCAGUIA strategy was assessed. METHODS: A multicentre pragmatic cluster-randomized clinical trial was conducted involving seven Teaching Units (TUs) of family medicine in Spain. TUs were randomly allocated to implement an antimicrobial therapy guideline with e-EDUCAGUIA strategy ( intervention) or passive dissemination of the guideline (control). The primary outcome was the differences in means between groups in the score test evaluated knowledge and skills on decision-making at 1 month post intervention. Analysis was made by intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis. Secondary outcomes were the differences in mean change intrasubject (from the baseline to the 1-month) in the test score, and educational game adherence and usability. Factors associated were analysed using general linear models. Standard errors were constructed using robust methods. RESULTS: Two hundred two family medicine residents participated (104 intervention group vs 98 control group). 100 medicine residents performed the post-test at 1 month (45 intervention group vs 55 control group), The between-group difference for the mean test score at 1 month was 11 ( 8.67 to 13.32) and between change intrasubject was 11,9 ( 95% CI 5,9 to 17,9). The effect sizes were 0.88 and 0.75 respectively. In multivariate analysis, for each additional evidence-based medicine training hour there was an increase of 0.28 points (95% CI 0.15-0.42) in primary outcome and in the change intrasubject each year of increase in age was associated with an improvement of 0.37 points and being a woman was associated with a 6.10-point reduction. 48 of the 104 subjects in the intervention group (46.2%, 95% CI: 36.5-55.8%) used the games during the month of the study. Only a greater number of evidence-based medicine training hours was associated with greater adherence to the educational game ( OR 1.11; CI 95% 1.02-1.21). CONCLUSIONS: The game-based educational strategy e-EDUCAGUIA shows positive effects on the knowledge and skills on decision making about antimicrobial therapy for clinical decision-making in family medicin residents in the short term, but the dropout was high and results should be interpreted with caution. Adherence to educational games in the absence of specific incentives is moderate. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02210442 . Registered 6 August 2014.

Evolution of physical function, cognition, depressive mood, and quality of life during the Covid-19 pandemic in prefrail elderly people: A longitudinal cohort study (Covid-Mefap).

Confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the living habits and health of the population, notably in the pre-frail elderly. This study aimed to study the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical function, mental function (cognition and mood), and quality of life of pre-frail elderly individuals over 70 years of age following confinement as well as to analyze the variables associated with the observed changes. METHODS: Observational study of a cohort of pre-frail community-dwelling older adults over 70 years of age during the COVID-19 pandemic conducted in primary care. VARIABLES: The main outcome variables were recorded during face-to-face interviews between December 14 of 2020 and August 12 of 2021 using scales for the evaluation of physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery), cognition (Lobo's Mini-Examen Cognoscitivo), depressive mood (Geriatric Depression Scale), and quality of life (EuroQol-5D-3L). Covariates: sociodemographic data and variables related to the pandemic and general health (social support network, COVID-19 infection, exercising, and leisure activities) were also collected. ANALYSIS: The Student's t-test for paired samples and multivariate linear regression models were employed for the statistical analyses. RESULTS: Ninety-two subjects were included in the study. Physical function, cognition, and depressive mood improved during the pandemic, whereas no changes were observed in quality of life. Suffering from COVID-19 was associated with deterioration of the cognitive function (-1.460; CI95%: -2.710 to -0.211). CONCLUSION: Confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic was not associated with a decline in physical function, cognition, depressive mood, or quality of life in pre-frail individuals over 70 years of age.

[What have we missed because of COVID-19? Missed diagnoses and delayed follow-ups. SESPAS Report 2022]. / ¿Qué hemos dejado de atender por la COVID-19? Diagnósticos perdidos y seguimientos demorados. Informe SESPAS 2022.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated public health emergency have affected patients and health services in non-COVID-19 pathologies. Several studies have shown its dissociation from health services, with a decrease in emergency department visits, in hospital admissions for non-COVID-19 pathologies, as well as in the reported weekly incidence of acute illnesses and new diagnoses in primary care. In parallel, the pandemic has had direct and indirect effects on people with chronic diseases; the difficulties in accessing health services, the interruption of care, the saturation of the system itself and its reorientation towards non-face-to-face formats has reduced the capacity to prevent or control chronic diseases. All this has also had an impact on the different areas of people's lives, creating new social and economic difficulties, or aggravating those that existed before the pandemic. All these circumstances have changed with each epidemic wave. We present a review of the most relevant studies that have been analyzing this problem and incorporate as a case study the results of a retrospective observational study carried out in Primary Care in the Madrid Health Service, which provides health coverage to a population of more than 6 million people, and whose objective was to analyze the loss of new diagnoses in the most prevalent pathologies such as common mental health problems, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and breast and colon tumors, in the first and second waves. Annual incidence rates with their confidence interval were calculated for each pathology and the monthly frequency of new codes recorded between 1/01/2020 and 12/31/2020 was compared with the monthly mean of observed counts for the same months between 2016 and 2019. The annual incidence rate for all processes studied decreased in 2020 except for anxiety disorders. Regarding the recovery of lost diagnoses, heart failure is the only diagnosis showing an above-average recovery after the first wave. To return to pre-pandemic levels of diagnosis and follow-up of non-COVID-19 pathology, the healthcare system must reorganize and contemplate specific actions for the groups at highest risk.

Effectiveness of the MULTIPAP Plus intervention in youngest-old patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy aimed at improving prescribing practices in primary care: study protocol of a cluster randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The progressive ageing of the population is leading to an increase in multimorbidity and polypharmacy, which in turn may increase the risk of hospitalization and mortality. The enhancement of care with information and communications technology (ICT) can facilitate the use of prescription evaluation tools and support system for decision-making (DSS) with the potential of optimizing the healthcare delivery process. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the complex intervention MULTIPAP Plus, compared to usual care, in improving prescriptions for young-old patients (65-74 years old) with multimorbidity and polypharmacy in primary care. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a pragmatic cluster-randomized clinical trial with a follow-up of 18 months in health centres of the Spanish National Health System. Unit of randomization: family physician. Unit of analysis: patient. POPULATION: Patients aged 65-74 years with multimorbidity (≥ 3 chronic diseases) and polypharmacy (≥ 5 drugs) during the previous 3 months were included. SAMPLE SIZE: n = 1148 patients (574 per study arm). INTERVENTION: Complex intervention based on the ARIADNE principles with three components: (1) family physician (FP) training, (2) FP-patient interview, and (3) decision-making support system. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome is a composite endpoint of hospital admission or death during the observation period measured as a binary outcome, and the secondary outcomes are number of hospital admission, all-cause mortality, use of health services, quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), functionality (WHODAS), falls, hip fractures, prescriptions and adherence to treatment. Clinical and sociodemographic factors will be explanatory variables. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The main result is the difference in percentages in the final composite endpoint variable at 18 months, with its corresponding 95% CI. Adjustments by the main confounding and prognostic factors will be performed through a multilevel analysis. All analyses will be carried out in accordance to the intention-to-treat principle. DISCUSSION: It is important to prevent the cascade of negative health and health care impacts attributable to the multimorbidity-polypharmacy binomial. ICT-enhanced routine clinical practice could improve the prescription process in patient care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04147130 . Registered on 22 October 2019.

How to Improve Healthcare for Patients with Multimorbidity and Polypharmacy in Primary Care: A Pragmatic Cluster-Randomized Clinical Trial of the MULTIPAP Intervention.

(1) Purpose: To investigate a complex MULTIPAP intervention that implements the Ariadne principles in a primary care population of young-elderly patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy and to evaluate its effectiveness for improving the appropriateness of prescriptions. (2) Methods: A pragmatic cluster-randomized clinical trial was conducted involving 38 family practices in Spain. Patients aged 65-74 years with multimorbidity and polypharmacy were recruited. Family physicians (FPs) were randomly allocated to continue usual care or to provide the MULTIPAP intervention based on the Ariadne principles with two components: FP training (eMULTIPAP) and FP patient interviews. The primary outcome was the appropriateness of prescribing, measured as the between-group difference in the mean Medication Appropriateness Index (MAI) score change from the baseline to the 6-month follow-up. The secondary outcomes were quality of life (EQ-5D-5 L), patient perceptions of shared decision making (collaboRATE), use of health services, treatment adherence, and incidence of drug adverse events (all at 1 year), using multi-level regression models, with FP as a random effect. (3) Results: We recruited 117 FPs and 593 of their patients. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the between-group difference for the mean MAI score change after a 6-month follow-up was -2.42 (95% CI from -4.27 to -0.59) and, between baseline and a 12-month follow-up was -3.40 (95% CI from -5.45 to -1.34). There were no significant differences in any other secondary outcomes. (4) Conclusions: The MULTIPAP intervention improved medication appropriateness sustainably over the follow-up time. The small magnitude of the effect, however, advises caution in the interpretation of the results given the paucity of evidence for the clinical benefit of the observed change in the MAI. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02866799.

Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary care workers: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the mental health of healthcare workers, yet studies in primary care workers are scarce. AIM: To investigate the prevalence of and associated factors for psychological distress in primary care workers during the first COVID-19 outbreak. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a multicentre, cross-sectional, web-based survey conducted in primary healthcare workers in Spain, between May and September 2020. METHOD: Healthcare workers were invited to complete a survey to evaluate sociodemographic and work-related characteristics, COVID-19 infection status, exposure to patients with COVID-19, and resilience (using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), in addition to being screened for common mental disorders (depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, and substance use disorder). Positive screening for any of these disorders was analysed globally using the term 'any current mental disorder'. RESULTS: A total of 2928 primary care professionals participated in the survey. Of them, 43.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 41.9 to 45.4) tested positive for a current mental disorder. Female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.61, 95% CI = 1.25 to 2.06), having previous mental disorders (OR 2.58, 95% CI = 2.15 to 3.10), greater occupational exposure to patients with COVID-19 (OR 2.63, 95% CI = 1.98 to 3.51), having children or dependents (OR 1.35, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.76 and OR 1.59, 95% CI = 1.20 to 2.11, respectively), or having an administrative job (OR 2.24, 95% CI = 1.66 to 3.03) were associated with a higher risk of any current mental disorder. Personal resilience was shown to be a protective factor. CONCLUSION: Almost half of primary care workers showed significant psychological distress. Strategies to support the mental health of primary care workers are necessary, including designing psychological support and resilience-building interventions based on risk factors identified.

Health-related quality of life in caregivers of community-dwelling individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. A gender-differentiated analysis in a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Most care for people with chronic or disabling conditions living in the community is provided in the family context, and this care is traditionally provided by women. Providing informal care has a negative impact on caregivers' quality of life, which adds to existing health inequalities associated with gender. The aim of this study was to analyze factors associated with the health-related quality of life of caregivers and to determine their differences in a gender-differentiated analysis. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted in primary healthcare. A total of 218 caregivers aged 65 years or older were included, all of whom assumed the primary responsibility for caring for people with disabling conditions for at least 6 months per year and agreed to participate in the CuidaCare study. The dependent variable was health-related quality of life, assessed with the EQ-5D. The explanatory variables tested were grouped into sociodemographic variables, subjective burden, caregiving role, social support and variables related to the dependent person. The associations between these variables and health-related quality of life were estimated by fitting robust linear regression models. Separate analyses were conducted for women and men. RESULTS: A total of 72.8% of the sample were women, and 27.2% were men. The mean score on the EQ-5D for female caregivers was 0.64 (0.31); for male caregivers, it was 0.79 (0.23). There were differences by gender in the frequency of reported problems in the dimensions of pain/comfort and anxiety/depression. The variables that were associated with quality of life also differed. Having a positive depression screening was negatively associated with quality of life for both genders: -0.31 points (95% CI: -0.47; -0.15) for female caregivers and -0.48 points (95% CI: -0.92; -0.03) for male caregivers. Perceived burden was associated with quality of life in the adjusted model for women (-0.12 points; 95% CI: -0.19; -0.06), and domestic help was associated in the adjusted model for male caregivers (-0.12 points; 95% CI: -0.19; -0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Gender differences are present in informal caregiving. The impact of providing informal care is different for male and female caregivers, and so are the factors that affect their perceived quality of life. It could be useful it incorporates a gender perspective in the design of nursing support interventions for caregivers to individualize care and improve the quality of life of caregivers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01478295 [ https://ClinicalTrials.gov ]. 23/11/2011.

Impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en pacientes con necesidades paliativas atendidos por un equipo de soporte de atención domiciliaria / Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with palliative needs attended by a home care support team

Objetivo: Analizar si existen diferencias en la actividad de un Equipo de Soporte de Atención Paliativa Domiciliaria (ESAPD) entre el periodo del Estado de Alarma de 2020 y el último trimestre de 2019 y estimar la prevalencia de infección por COVID-19, la mortalidad y el lugar de fallecimiento de los pacientes.Método: Estudio observacional descriptivo con 2 cortes transversales: periodo de Estado de Alarma de 2020 (14 marzo-21 junio) y el último trimestre de 2019 (14 septiembre-21 diciembre). Se incluyeron los pacientes en seguimiento por un ESAPD de la Comunidad de Madrid al inicio de cada periodo y aquellos que entraron como pacientes nuevos durante los periodos de estudio.Resultados: En el trimestre de 2019 se atendieron 271 pacientes, 146 (53,87 %) eran pacientes nuevos. En periodo de Estado de Alarma 303 pacientes recibieron atención, 173 (57,10 %) eran nuevos, 238 (78,55 %) precisaron atención domiciliaria y 65 (21,45 %) atención telefónica. En 2019, la media de visitas/paciente fue 3,17 ± 2,42 frente a 2,73 ± 2,41 en Estado Alarma (p = 0,02). Los pacientes considerados caso COVID-19 fueron 57, estimándose una prevalencia de 18,81 % (IC 95 %: 14,78-23,64 %). Los pacientes COVID-19 era más probable que viviesen en residencia (OR: 8,16; IC 95 %: 4,22-15,79) y que tuvieran patología no oncológica (OR; 2,38; IC 95 %: 1,31-4,31). Los pacientes COVID-19 presentaron mayor mortalidad que los no COVID (OR: 2,07; IC 95 %: 1,13-3,77). En cuanto al lugar de fallecimiento de los pacientes COVID-19, fue más frecuente que no ocurriese en el domicilio (OR: 6,29; IC95 %: 2,55-15,51).Conclusiones: Durante el periodo de Estado de Alarma aumentó el número de pacientes atendidos por ESAPD, la mayoría precisó atención domiciliaria y disminuyeron las visitas por paciente comparado con un periodo prepandemia. En el grupo de pacientes COVID-19 predominó la enfermedad no oncológica, se produjo mayor mortalidad y más fallecimientos en residencia y menos en domicilio. (AU)

Objective: To analyze whether there were any differences in the activity of a Home Palliative Care Team between the State of Alarm period of 2020 and the last quarter of 2019, and to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 infection, mortality, and place of death.Method: A cross-sectional, observational study: from the 2020 State of Alarm period (14 March-21 June) to the last quarter of 2019 (14 September-21 December). Patients in follow-up by a home palliative care team in the Community of Madrid at the beginning of each period, and those who entered as new patients during the study periods were included.Results: In the 2019 quarter 271 patients were seen, 146 (53.87 %) were new patients. In the 2020 State of Alarm period 303 patients received care, 173 (57.10 %) were new, 238 (78.55 %) required home care, and 65 (21.45 %) required telephone care. In 2019, the mean number of visits/patient was 3.17 ± 2.42 versus 2.73 ± 2.41 during the State of Alarm period (p = 0.02). There were 57 patients considered COVID-19 cases, with an estimated prevalence of 18.81 % (IC 95 %: 14.78-23.64 %). COVID-19 patients were more likely to live in nursing homes (OR: 8.16, 95 % CI: 4.22-15.79) and to have non-oncological disease (OR: 2.38, 95 % CI: 1.31-4.31). COVID-19 patients had a higher mortality rate than non-COVID-19 patients (OR: 2.07, 95 % CI: 1.13-3.77). Regarding the place fo death of COVID-19 patients, home was more common than elsewhere (OR: 6.29, 95 % CI: 2.55-15.51).Conclusions: During the State of Alarm period the number of patients cared for by a Home Palliative Care Team increased, the majority required home care, and visits per patient decreased compared to the pre-pandemic period. In the COVID-19 patient group non-oncological disease predominated, with higher mortality and more deaths occurring at nursing homes and fewer at home. (AU)

[Quality of life and physical activity in prefrail individuals over 70 years in primary care.] / Calidad de vida y actividad física en individuos prefrágiles mayores de 70 años en atención primaria.

OBJECTIVE: Frailty is an increasing problem among the elderly people and it is more frequent in women. Physical activity improves either the function and quality of life. Given the diferences reported by the literature about the quality of life perception and the physical activity practice between men and women, the aim of this study is to analyze the association between health related quality of life (HRQoL) and physical activity in a pre-frail population and to study its relationship with gender. METHODS: Descriptive study in pre-frail individuals over 70 years old assigned to twelve primary care health centers carried out between 2018 Jun and 2020 March in Madrid. The studied variables were registered by clinical interview: Physical activity (Yale), HRQoL (EQ-5D-3L), sociodemographic and clinical variables (comorbidity, depression and pain). Descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression for the whole population and stratified by gender, using the quality of life as dependent variable. RESULTS: The study involved 206 pre-frail individuals (152 women) wih an average age of 78 years. Women had less comorbidity (32.3% versus 55.6%) but more pain (60.5% versus 44.4%) than men. The median of physical activity was 40 points (55.9% of that score was attributable to relaxed walk). HRQoL was 0.74 in utility score and 68 in the EQ-VAS. No differences were found by gender. To walk more than 5 hours a week was found associated with better quality of life by EQ-5D utility score (0.08, IC95%: 0.03 to 0.14), and by EQ-VAS score (5.38, IC95%: 0.25 to 10.51). CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity was associated to better quality of life in a pre-frail population of individuals older than 70 years old.

OBJETIVO: La fragilidad es un problema de creciente magnitud entre los mayores que afecta en mayor proporción a mujeres. La actividad física mejora tanto la funcionalidad como la calidad de vida. Dadas las diferencias en la percepción de la calidad de vida y en la práctica de actividad física entre hombres y mujeres, se planteó como objetivo analizar la asociación entre calidad de vida y actividad física en mayores de 70 años prefrágiles y su relación con el sexo. METODOS: Estudio descriptivo en mayores de 70 años prefrágiles realizado entre junio de 2018 y marzo de 2020 en 12 centros de salud de Madrid. Se recogieron mediante entrevista clínica, variables de actividad física (cuestionario de Yale), calidad de vida (Euroqol-5D); variables sociodemográficas y de salud (comorbilidad, depresión y dolor). Se realizó análisis descriptivo y modelos de regresión lineal múltiple con calidad de vida como variable dependiente (total población y por sexo). RESULTADOS: Participaron en el estudio 206 individuos (152 mujeres), con una edad media de 78 años. Las mujeres presentaron menos comorbilidad (32,3% versus 55,6%) y más dolor (60,5% versus 44,4%) que los hombres. La media de actividad física fue de 40 puntos (55,9% de la puntuación corresponde a pasear relajadamente). La calidad de vida fue de 0,74 segun utilidades y de 68 en la EVA-EQ5D, sin diferencias según sexo. Pasear más de 5 horas/semana se asoció a mejor calidad de vida según utilidades (0,08, IC95%: 0,03 a 0,14), y según EVA (5,38, IC95%: 0,25 a 10,51). CONCLUSIONES: La actividad física se asoció a una mejor calidad de vida en población prefrágil mayor de 70 años.

Trends in urinary tract infection hospitalization in older adults in Spain from 2000-2015.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze trends in urinary tract infection hospitalization (cystitis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis and non-specified UTI) among patients over 65 years in Spain from 2000-2015. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study using the Spanish Hospitalization Minimum Data Set (CMBD), with codifications by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9). We collected data on sex, age, type of discharge, main diagnosis, comorbid diagnosis, length of stay, and global cost. All the hospitalizations were grouped by age into three categories: 65-74 years old, 75-84 years old, and 85 years old and above. In the descriptive statistical analysis, crude rates were defined as hospitalizations per 1,000 inhabitants aged ≥65. To identify trends over time, we performed a Joinpoint regression. RESULTS: From 2000-2015, we found 387,010 hospitalizations coded as UTIs (54,427 pyelonephritis, 15,869 prostatitis, 2643 cystitis and 314,071 non-specified UTI). The crude rate of hospitalization for UTIs between 2000 and 2015 ranged from 2.09 in 2000 to 4.33 in 2015 Rates of hospitalization were higher in men than in women, except with pyelonephritis. By age group, higher rates were observed in patients aged 85 years or older, barring prostatitis-related hospitalizations. Joinpoint analyses showed an average annual percentage increase (AAPC) in incidence rates of 4.9% (95% CI 3.2;6.1) in UTI hospitalizations. We observed two joinpoints, in 2010 and 2013, that found trends of 5.5% between 2000 and 2010 (95% CI 4.7;6.4), 1.5% between 2010 and 2013 (95% CI -6.0;9.6) and 6.8% between 2013 and 2015 (95% CI -0.3;14.4). CONCLUSIONS: The urinary infection-related hospitalization rate in Spain doubled during the period 2000-2015. The highest hospitalization rates occurred in men, in the ≥85 years old age group, and in non-specified UTIs. There were increases in all types of urinary tract infection, with non-specified UTIs having the greatest growth. Understanding these changing trends can be useful for health planning.

Risk aversion, trust in institutions and contingent valuation of healthcare services: trying to explain the WTA-WTP gap in the Dutch population.

BACKGROUND: The preferences of citizens are a basic element to incorporate into the decision-making process when planning health policies. Contingent valuation (CV) is a common method for calculating the value for citizens that new technologies, interventions, and the provision of services or policies have. However, choosing the correct CV tool may not be a neutral decision. This work aims to assess the substitution of a healthcare service by comparing valuation differences between the willingness to pay (WTP) for the maintenance of the service versus the willingness to accept compensation (WTA) for its substitution, both of which are related to subject characteristics, with a particular focus on trust in institutions and risk aversion. METHODS: A CV study was designed to study Dutch population preferences when physician assistants replace anaesthesiologists. Differences between the distributions of WTA and WTP were compared through full decomposition methods, and conditional quantile regression was performed. RESULTS: Nearly two-thirds of surveyed citizens expressed null values for WTA and WTP. The other third systematically reported a value of WTA higher than that of WTP, which increased further with lower income and the possible presence of a strategic bias. In contrast, being more than 65 years old, having trust in government, and preferring anaesthesiologists decreased the WTA-WTP difference. Risk aversion had no clear association with the WTA-WTP gap. CONCLUSIONS: Known differences between the perceived value of health services from the perspective of gains and losses could be related to people's characteristics. Trust in government but not aversion to risk was related to the WTA-WTP differences. Identifying a profile of citizens who are averse to losing health services should be considered when designing and implementing health services or interventions or making disinvestment decisions.

[Chronic diseases and multimorbidiy in patients with toxic oil syndrome: a comparative study with general population.] / Enfermedades crónicas y multimorbilidad en pacientes con síndrome de aceite tóxico: estudio comparativo con población general.

OBJECTIVE: Toxic oil syndrome is a multisystemic disease that arose in 1981 due to the ingestion of contaminated rapeseed oil. Previous studies have found a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in these patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in the prevalence of chronic diseases among a population affected by Toxic oil syndrome compared with a reference population in the Community of Madrid. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study of patients with a registry diagnosed with Toxic oil syndrome in the primary care medical record and a reference sample without Toxic oil syndrome matched by age group and sex. Sociodemographic variables, cardiovascular risk factors, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, anxiety, depression, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and low back pain, and multimorbidity (≥2 chronic diseases) were assesed. Descriptive and multivariate analysis was performed to study the association between morbidity and Toxic oil syndrome. RESULTS: 3,527 patients (1,394 Toxic oil syndrome) were included with a mean age of 66 (SD14) years, 71% women. Patients with a diagnosis of SAT were more likely to present multimorbidity (OR 1.36; 95%CI: 1.10-1.45), diabetes (OR 1.55; 95%CI: 1.29-1.86), complicated hypertension (OR 1.77; IC95%: 1.31-2.39), heart attack (OR 2.23; 95%CI: 1.47-3.38), depression (OR 1.39; 95%CI: 1.17-1.66) and asthma (OR 1.56; 95%CI: 1.23-1.97). The prevalence of anxiety was lower in TOS (OR 0.35; 95% CI: 0.18-0.69) as well as low back pain (OR 0.77; 95%CI: 0.65-0.91). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with toxic oil syndrome have a higher frequency of chronic diseases and mutimorbidity compared to the general population of the same sex and age.

OBJETIVO: El síndrome del aceite tóxico es una enfermedad multisistémica que surgió en 1981 debido a la ingesta de aceite de colza contaminado. Estudios previos han encontrado en estos pacientes una mayor prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las posibles diferencias en prevalencia de morbilidad crónica entre una población afectada por síndrome de aceite tóxico comparada con una población de referencia en la Comunidad de Madrid. METODOS: Estudio observacional transversal de pacientes diagnosticados de síndrome del aceite tóxico en la historia clínica de atención primaria y una muestra de referencia sin síndrome del aceite tóxico apareados por grupo de edad y sexo. Se recogieron variables sociodemográficas, factores de riesgo cardiovascular, enfermedad cardiovascular y cerebrovascular, ansiedad, depresión, asma, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, lumbalgia y multimorbilidad (≥2 enfermedades crónicas). Se realizó análisis descriptivo y multivariante para estudiar la asociación entre morbilidad y síndrome del aceite tóxico. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 3.527 pacientes (1.394 SAT) con una edad media de 66 (14) años, el 71% mujeres. Los pacientes con diagnóstico de síndrome del aceite tóxico tuvieron mayor probabilidad de presentar multimorbilidad (OR 1,36; IC95%: 1,10-1,45), diabetes (OR 1,55; IC95%: 1,29-1,86), hipertensión arterial complicada (OR 1,77; IC95%: 1,31-2,39), infarto (OR 2,23; IC95%: 1,47-3,38), depresión (OR 1,39; IC95%: 1,17-1,66) y asma (OR 1,56; IC95%: 1,23-1,97). La prevalencia de ansiedad fue menor (OR 0,35; IC95%: 0,18-0,69) así como de lumbalgia (OR 0,77; IC95%: 0,65-0,91). CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes con síndrome de aceite tóxico presentan una mayor frecuencia de enfermedades crónicas y mutimorbilidad comparado con población general del mismo sexo y edad.