Loss of socioemotional and occupational roles in individuals with Long COVID according to sociodemographic and clinical factors: Secondary data from a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Long COVID syndrome can have a major impact on life organization. Its persistent symptoms may cause a potentially disabling condition that affects the quality of life of those suffering from it. The resulting loss of functional independence hinders the ability to return to normal life. Many research studies carried out on this novel syndrome have focused on describing its extensive symptomatology. Studies on later repercussions, however, such as disability or loss of significant roles, remain scarce. This study examines the loss of socioemotional and occupational roles experienced by individuals suffering from Long COVID, as a result of the disease. A secondary objective is to analyze the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with this loss of roles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 100 patients diagnosed with Long COVID, over the age of 18, and attended by Primary Health Care in the Autonomous Community of Aragon. The main study variable was the loss of significant socioemotional and occupational roles by the participants. Sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected through a structured interview. Subsequently, a descriptive, correlational, and regression-based statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS Statistics program. RESULTS: Based on the 100 study participants, the median number of roles lost was 3 (IQR 2) and the median number of valuable roles lost was 2 (IQR 2). More cognitive impairment and not having an active work role were predictors of a greater loss of valuables roles. CONCLUSION: Long COVID symptoms hinder the development of socioemotional and occupational roles. Healthcare professionals should consider this when intervening to ensure that their patients may recover their life as it was before the disease.

Self-rated health impact of COVID 19 confinement on inmates in Southeastern of Europe: a qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the implementation of various measures within closed institutions like prisons to control the spread of the virus. Analyzing the impact of these measures on the health of inmates is crucial from a public health perspective. This study aimed to explore inmates' subjective perception of the COVID-19 lockdown, the implemented measures, their physical self-perception, and their views on the vaccination process. METHOD: Between April 2021 and January 2022, 27 semi-structured individual interviews and 1 focus group were conducted with inmates in a prison located in northwest Spain. The interviews were conducted in person and audio-recorded. Thematic content analysis was employed, utilizing methodological triangulation to enhance the coherence and rigor of the results. RESULTS: The analysis revealed two main themes and nine subthemes. The first theme focused on inmates' perception of the implementation of protective measures against COVID-19 within the prison and its impact on their well-being. The second theme explored the pandemic's emotional impact on inmates. All participants reported negative consequences on their health resulting from the measures implemented by the institution to contain the pandemic. However, they acknowledged that measures like lockdowns and mass vaccination helped mitigate the spread of the virus within the prison, contrary to initial expectations. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 and related measures have directly affected the health of inmates. To improve their health and minimize the impact of pandemic-induced changes, community participation and empowerment of individuals are essential tools, particularly within closed institutions such as prisons.

The influence of alcohol consumption on Self-Rated Health and Mood during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain.

Introduction: There is evidence of a significant upturn of certain unhealthy lifestyle choices such as Alcohol Consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To analyze whether Alcohol Consumption has increased since the onset of pandemic and whether it affects the relationship between Mood and Self-Rated Health among adult Spanish population. Methodology: Study of two cross-sectional cohorts (1-initial period of confinement COVID-19 pandemic, 2-between fifth and sixth waves of pandemic) to examine Alcohol Consumption in the relationship between Mood and Self-Rated Health using a moderation analysis with PROCESS macro for SPSS. Results: 5,949 people (62.1% women) participated in the study. Alcohol Consumption showed a significant increase, with men consuming more Alcohol than women in both periods (58.6% vs. 44.7% and 72.1% vs. 56.7%, respectively, p < 0.001). The moderation analysis revealed that sex and Alcohol Consumption conditioned the relationship between Mood and Self-Rated Health in the first survey, with a greater effect on women, who stated that not consuming Alcohol had a positive effect on the relationship between Mood and Self-Rated Health (B: -0.530; p < 0.001). Discussion: Currently it is about of implementing strategies to manage the pandemic-some of them aimed at promoting healthy living and stress management as assets that favor healthy lifestyles with fewer risk factors. New studies are needed to address the social thresholds of alcohol consumption, considering different perspectives for understanding variations in the intrapersonal and social perception of drunkenness, as this has been shown to be inconsistent across cultures and time periods.

Social support as a mediator in the relationship between technostress or academic stress and health: analysis by gender among university students.

Introduction: This research aims to study the role of social support as a mediator in the relationship between technostress or academic stress and health in university students. Methods: A descriptive, quantitative cross-sectional study has been carried out through a self-reported survey answered by 389 students during March and April 2022. The current level of health was the outcome variable. Technostress and academic stress were the criterion variables. Perceived social support was the mediator variable. The sociodemographic variables and ICT use at the educational level were the independent variables. Results: Women have higher levels of technostress and academic stress than men. Social support significantly and positively mediates the relationship between academic stress and self-perceived health in men. Discussion: There is a clear need to develop new social management strategies that assist students in developing stable and long-lasting social networks, which can reduce stress during the student period and provide personal tools for later working life.

Clinical characterization and factors associated with quality of life in Long COVID patients: Secondary data analysis from a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Long COVID patients suffer a negative impact on their quality of life, as well as their functioning, productivity or socialization. There is a need to better understand the individual experience and circumstances surrounding these patients. OBJECTIVE: To characterize clinical picture of Long COVID patients and to identify factors associated with quality of life. METHODS: A secondary data analysis from a randomized clinical trial (RCT) was carried out with 100 Long COVID patients treated by Primary Health Care and residents in the territory of Aragon (northeast of Spain). The main variable of the study was quality of life, evaluated using the SF-36 Questionnaire, in relation to socio-demographic and clinical variables. In addition, ten validated scales were used that contemplated their cognitive, affective, functional and social status, as well as personal constructs. Correlation statistics and linear regression model were calculated. RESULTS: Long COVID patients suffer a decrease in their levels of physical and mental health. On the one hand, the higher number of persistent symptoms (b = -0.900, p = 0.008), worse physical functioning (b = 1.587, p = 0.002) and sleep quality (b = -0.538, p = 0.035) are predictors of worse quality of life, physical subscale. On the other hand, higher educational level (b = 13.167, p = 0.017), lower number of persistent symptoms (b = -0.621, p = 0.057) and higher affective affectation (b = -1.402, p<0.001) are predictors of worse quality of life, mental subscale. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to design rehabilitation programs that consider both the physical and mental health of these patients, thus obtaining an improvement in their quality of life.

Association of beverage consumption with subclinical atherosclerosis in a Spanish working population.

Beverages play a substantial role meeting water, calorie, and nutrient requirements; however, they are presented as being major contributors to the current obesity epidemic. Although, the relationship between beverage consumption and metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults has been frequently studied, its association with subclinical atherosclerosis is of increased interest. We studied the association of beverage consumption with the presence of peripheral subclinical atherosclerosis among Spanish workers. We performed a cross-sectional study of 2089 middle-aged males, with a mean age of 50.9 (SD 3.9), and without CVD, carried out in the Aragon Workers' Health Study (AWHS). A food frequency questionnaire was used to measure beverage consumption of low-fat milk, coffee and tea (unsweetened), whole-fat milk, sugar-sweetened beverages, bottled fruit juice, artificially-sweetened beverages and 100% fruit juice. Atherosclerotic plaques were measured by ultrasound (in carotid arteries, and in femoral arteries). Atherosclerotic plaque was defined as a focal structure protruding ≥ 0.5 mm into the lumen, or reaching a thickness ≥ 50% of the surrounding intima-media thickness. As statistical analysis, we use logistic regression models, simultaneously adjusted for all beverage groups. As results, unsweetened coffee was the beverage most associated with peripheral subclinical atherosclerosis with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.25 (1.10-1.41), and 1.23 (1.09-1.40) 100g/day] for carotid, and femoral territories respectively. Moreover, subclinical atherosclerosis was positively associated with whole-fat milk [OR 1.10 (1.02-1.18) 100 g/day] in the femoral territory. The association was protective for low-fat milk in the carotid territory [OR 0.93 (0.88-0.99) 100g/day]. There was also a protective association with bottled fruit juices in the femoral territory [0.84 (0.74-0.94) 100g/day]. Our results suggest a detrimental association with the consumption of coffee, as well as with whole-fat milk and the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis. Therefore, an element of prudence excluding water and low-fat milk, must be applied when recommending beverage consumption.

[Tuberculosis and socioeconomic factors in spanish population: a systematic review.] / Tuberculosis y factores socioeconómicos en la población española: una revisión sistemática.

OBJECTIVE: There are different socioeconomic variables which determine tuberculosis's epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this paper was to analize these effects in the last years in Spain. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted. Screened studies were original articles written in English or Spanish and published between 2007 and 2020. Searching was performed in Pubmed and Web of Science databases. STROBE criteria were followed to analyze studies's quality, and studies included in the review had 15 points or more. RESULTS: 23 articles were selected, and were classified in different topics. Foreigners's proportion with tuberculosis changed in different autonomous communities between 10%-50%. There were diagnostic delay for this group compared to natives. This group had higher incidence of resistance to isoniazid, but without a clear increase in multidrug resistance. There were less adherence to tuberculosis's treatment in case of immigration, drug addiction, HIV coinfection, or lack of family support. Under-reporting of tuberculosis cases varied between 18%-28%, and it was higher in cases of social marginality, HIV coinfection, Spanish nationality or male sex. There were also other social risk groups in which the diagnostic approach to tuberculosis was relevant, such as in schools and health centers. Tuberculosis was one of the most frequent HIV associated diseases, although screening tests were not performed in almost 18%, depending on the concurrence of social risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Tuberculosis's incidence, diagnosis, and treatment are influenced by a lot of social and economic factors, which determine the approach to this disease.

OBJETIVO: Existen diferentes variables socioeconómicas que condicionan la epidemiología, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la tuberculosis. El objetivo del siguiente trabajo fue analizar dichos factores en los últimos años en España. METODOS: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de artículos originales escritos en inglés o castellano, entre los años 2007 y 2020. La búsqueda se realizó en las bases de datos Pubmed y Web of Science. Se siguieron los criterios STROBE para analizar la calidad de los estudios y seleccionando para su inclusión en la revisión aquellos que obtuvieron 15 puntos o más. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 23 artículos, dividiendo las conclusiones por áreas temáticas. La proporción de personas extranjeras con tuberculosis varió en las diferentes comunidades autónomas entre un 10% y un 50%, pudiendo existir demora diagnóstica en este grupo respecto a los autóctonos y presentando mayor incidencia de resistencia a isoniacida, pero sin claro aumento en la multirresistencia. Se halló menor cumplimiento del tratamiento antituberculoso en caso de migración, adicción a drogas, coinfección de tuberculosis y VIH o falta de apoyo familiar. La infranotificación de casos de tuberculosis varió entre un 18% y un 28%, siendo mayor en casos de marginalidad social, coinfección de tuberculosis y VIH, nacionalidad española o sexo varón. La tuberculosis fue una de las enfermedades asociadas a VIH más frecuentes, aunque no se realizaron pruebas de cribado en casi el 18%, según la concurrencia de factores sociales de riesgo. CONCLUSIONES: En la incidencia, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la tuberculosis influyen numerosos factores sociales y económicos que condicionan su abordaje.

Tuberculosis y factores socioeconómicos en la población española: una revisión sistemática / Tuberculosis and socioeconomic factors in spanish population: a systematic review

FUNDAMENTOS: Existen diferentes variables socioeconómicas que condicionan la epidemiología, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la tuberculosis. El objetivo del siguiente trabajo fue analizar dichos factores en los últimos años en España. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de artículos originales escritos en inglés o castellano, entre los años 2007 y 2020. La búsqueda se realizó en las bases de datos Pubmed y Web of Science. Se siguieron los criterios STROBE para analizar la calidad de los estudios y seleccionando para su inclusión en la revisión aquellos que obtuvieron 15 puntos o más. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 23 artículos, dividiendo las conclusiones por áreas temáticas. La proporción de personas extranjeras con tuberculosis varió en las diferentes comunidades autónomas entre un 10% y un 50%, pudiendo existir demora diagnóstica en este grupo respecto a los autóctonos y presentando mayor incidencia de resistencia a isoniacida, pero sin claro aumento en la multirresistencia. Se halló menor cumplimiento del tratamiento antituberculoso en caso de migración, adicción a drogas, coinfección de tuberculosis y VIH o falta de apoyo familiar. La infranotificación de casos de tuberculosis varió entre un 18% y un 28%, siendo mayor en casos de marginalidad social, coinfección de tuberculosis y VIH, nacionalidad española o sexo varón. La tuberculosis fue una de las enfermedades asociadas a VIH más frecuentes, aunque no se realizaron pruebas de cribado en casi el 18%, según la concurrencia de factores sociales de riesgo. CONCLUSIONES: En la incidencia, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la tuberculosis influyen numerosos factores sociales y económicos que condicionan su abordaje.(AU)

BACKGROUND: There are different socioeconomic variables which determine tuberculosis’s epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this paper was to analize these effects in the last years in Spain. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted. Screened studies were original articles written in English or Spanish and published between 2007 and 2020. Searching was performed in Pubmed and Web of Science databases. STROBE criteria were followed to analyze studies’s quality, and studies included in the review had 15 points or more. RESULTS: 23 articles were selected, and were classified in different topics. Foreigners’s proportion with tuberculosis changed in different autonomous communities between 10%-50%. There were diagnostic delay for this group compared to natives. This group had higher incidence of resistance to isoniazid, but without a clear increase in multidrug resistance. There were less adherence to tuberculosis’s treatment in case of immigration, drug addiction, HIV coinfection, or lack of family support. Under-reporting of tuberculosis cases varied between 18%-28%, and it was higher in cases of social marginality, HIV coinfection, Spanish nationality or male sex. There were also other social risk groups in which the diagnostic approach to tuberculosis was relevant, such as in schools and health centers. Tuberculosis was one of the most frequent HIV associated diseases, although screening tests were not performed in almost 18%, depending on the concurrence of social risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Tuberculosis’s incidence, diagnosis, and treatment are influenced by a lot of social and economic factors, which determine the approach to this disease.(AU)

The Nurse's Role in Educating Pediatric Patients on Correct Inhaler Technique: An Interventional Study.

The prevalence of pediatric respiratory diseases in Spain is 23%. Inhalation is the preferred route of administration but there are frequent errors in the performance of the inhalation technique leading a poor control of the disease. The aim of this research was to detect errors in the execution of the inhalation technique at a Pediatric Pulmonology Unit in a hospital of Aragón (Spain). In order to improve the administration of inhaled medication, an educational intervention for 1 year by nursing was conducted. This interventional study, including children aged 1 to 15 years with an inhalation therapy and who attended the Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, was conducted between September 2017 and September 2018. Logistic Regression models were conducted in SPSS. This study involved 393 children (61.1% boys). Before the intervention, 39.4% achieved a correct inhalation technique increasing up to 62.1% after the intervention. Those who had their first visit to the Unit, young children and girls had a higher risk of incorrect performance than those with subsequent visits, older children, and boys, respectively. The most common errors in the inhalation technique were not performing adequate apnoea after inhaling and not rinsing the mouth at the end of the procedure. The education given by nurses to pediatric patients improved the inhalation technique, achieving better control of the disease and use of the health system.

Políticas Públicas Odontológicas y su Relación con Historial de Caries en Menores Controlados en Atención Pública de Chile (2008-2017)

RESUMEN: Las enfermedades que afectan la salud bucodental en Chile son de alta prevalencia, severidad y afectan la calidad de vida de las personas. El Estado chileno ha implementado políticas públicas destinadas a mejorar la salud bucodent al, que benefician principalmente a niños y embarazadas. El trabajo consistió en un estudio observacional analítico. Se analizaron los índices COPD y ceod de las edades: 2, 4, 6 y 12 años, obtenidos de los Registros Estadísticos Mensuales (REM) de los años 2008-2017 (n=3.415.720). Análisis de datos: Excel 2011, EPIDAT 4.2 y SPSS; pruebas de Chi cuadrado y T-student (IC 95% y p<0,05). Disminución en prevalencia y severidad de caries durante los 10 años en estudio (p <0,05). Disminución estadísticamente significativa en la prevalencia y severidad de caries posterior a la implementación del programa que beneficia a los niños de 6 años. En cuanto a los programas Salud Oral Integral para la embarazada y Sembrando Sonrisas, solo tuvieron una disminución estadísticamente significativa en la severidad de caries. Se pudo observar impacto positivo de todas las políticas públicas estudiadas principalmente en la severidad de caries a lo largo de los años en estudio. No se pueden hacer comparaciones estadísticas con estudios previos por presentar metodologías muy disimiles con el presente. Se debe destacar la relevancia de un correcto registro de los índices en el REM. Es necesario realizar vigilancia epidemiológica según las metodologías y tiempos indicados para evaluar que papel ha jugado la prevención y promoción planteada en los objetivos estratégicos de la década que recién terminó.

ABSTRACT: Diseases affecting oral health in Chile are highly prevalent, severe and affect people's quality of life. The Chilean State has implemented public policies aimed at improving oral health, mainly benefiting children and pregnant women. This was an analytical observational study. DMF index for primary and permanent theeth were analyzed for ages: 2, 4, 6 and 12 years, obtained from the Monthly Statistical Records (MSR) for the years 2008-2017 (n=3.415.720). Data analysis: Excel 2011, EPIDAT 4.2 and SPSS; Chi-square and T-student tests (95% CI and p<0.05). Decrease in caries prevalence and severity during the 10 years under study (p<0.05). Statistically significant decrease in the prevalence and severity of caries after the implementation of the program benefiting 6-year-old children. As for the Oral Health Program for Pregnant Women and Sowing Smiles programs, they only had a statistically significant decrease in the severity of caries. A positive impact of all the public policies studied was observed, mainly in the severity of caries over the years under study. Statistical comparisons with previous studies cannot be made because they present very dissimilar methodologies. The relevance of a correct recording of the indices in the MSR should be emphasized. It is necessary to carry out epidemiological surveillance according to the methodologies and times indicated in order to evaluate the role played by prevention and promotion as set out in the strategic objectives of the decade that has just ended.

Inequities in hospitalisation in a South European country: Lessons learned from the last European recession.

In Spain, regional health systems (universal access) depend on each Autonomous Communities (ACs). The management of the 2008 economic crisis has been different in the ACs, which may have led to an increase in inequities in the use of health services. The objective of this study was to analyse the impact of individual and regional characteristics on public hospitalisation inequities in Spain for the period 2003-2017. We developed a repeated cross-sectional study through Spanish National Health Surveys (2003, 2006, 2011 and 2017) and the Spanish European Health Survey (2014; n = 118,499 subjects). Multilevel and Oaxaca decomposition analyses were conducted to analyse the effect of individual and regional factors in hospitalisation inequities. The results showed that the prevalence of hospitalisation was higher for women (2003: 11.2%; 2017: 9.0%) than for men (2003: 10.7%; 2017: 8.8%) and it decreased with time. Multilevel analyses showed that, after adjustment for variables related to healthcare demand, there were inequities in the probability of hospitalisation, mainly in women. The decomposition analyses showed a higher effect of the number of hospital beds available on hospitalisation in men than in women. There is a direct relationship between the number of hospital beds and the probability of hospitalisation in both sexes. In conclusion, a progressive decrease in hospitalisation use was observed in Spain in the context of the economic recession. Individual-level and regional-level factors were associated with hospitalisation inequities. It is necessary to guarantee equitable access to health services according to the need even in recession times.

Analysis of the impact of social determinants and primary care morbidity on population health outcomes by combining big data: A research protocol.

Background: In recent years, different tools have been developed to facilitate analysis of social determinants of health (SDH) and apply this to health policy. The possibility of generating predictive models of health outcomes which combine a wide range of socioeconomic indicators with health problems is an approach that is receiving increasing attention. Our objectives are twofold: (1) to predict population health outcomes measured as hospital morbidity, taking primary care (PC) morbidity adjusted for SDH as predictors; and (2) to analyze the geographic variability of the impact of SDH-adjusted PC morbidity on hospital morbidity, by combining data sourced from electronic health records and selected operations of the National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estadística/INE). Methods: The following will be conducted: a qualitative study to select socio-health indicators using RAND methodology in accordance with SDH frameworks, based on indicators published by the INE in selected operations; and a quantitative study combining two large databases drawn from different Spain's Autonomous Regions (ARs) to enable hospital morbidity to be ascertained, i.e., PC electronic health records and the minimum basic data set (MBDS) for hospital discharges. These will be linked to socioeconomic indicators, previously selected by geographic unit. The outcome variable will be hospital morbidity, and the independent variables will be age, sex, PC morbidity, geographic unit, and socioeconomic indicators. Analysis: To achieve the first objective, predictive models will be used, with a test-and-training technique, fitting multiple logistic regression models. In the analysis of geographic variability, penalized mixed models will be used, with geographic units considered as random effects and independent predictors as fixed effects. Discussion: This study seeks to show the relationship between SDH and population health, and the geographic differences determined by such determinants. The main limitations are posed by the collection of data for healthcare as opposed to research purposes, and the time lag between collection and publication of data, sampling errors and missing data in registries and surveys. The main strength lies in the project's multidisciplinary nature (family medicine, pediatrics, public health, nursing, psychology, engineering, geography).

Development and Validation of a Mobile Application as an Adjuvant Treatment for People Diagnosed with Long COVID-19: Protocol for a Co-Creation Study of a Health Asset and an Analysis of Its Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the overall effectiveness and cost-efficiency of a mobile application (APP) as a community health asset (HA) with recommendations and recovery exercises created bearing in mind the main symptoms presented by patients in order to improve their quality of life, as well as other secondary variables, such as the number and severity of ongoing symptoms, physical and cognitive functions, affective state, and sleep quality. METHODS: The first step was to design and develop the technologic community resource, the APP, following the steps involved in the process of recommending health assets (RHA). After this, a protocol of a randomised clinical trial for analysing its effectiveness and cost-efficiency as a HA was developed. The participants will be assigned to: (1st) usual treatment by the primary care practitioner (TAU), as a control group; and (2nd) TAU + use of the APP as a HA and adjuvant treatment in their recovery + three motivational interviews (MI), as an interventional group. An evaluation will be carried out at baseline with further assessments three and six months following the end of the intervention. DISCUSSION: Although research and care for these patients are still in their initial stages, it is necessary to equip patients and health care practitioners with tools to assist in their recovery. Furthermore, enhanced motivation can be achieved through telerehabilitation (TR).

COVID-19 Inequalities: Individual and Area Socioeconomic Factors (Aragón, Spain).

It is essential to understand the impact of social inequalities on the risk of COVID-19 infection in order to mitigate the social consequences of the pandemic. With this aim, the objective of our study was to analyze the effect of socioeconomic inequalities, both at the individual and area of residence levels, on the probability of COVID-19 confirmed infection, and its variations across three pandemic waves. We conducted a retrospective cohort study and included data from all individuals tested for COVID-19 during the three waves of the pandemic, from March to December 2020 (357,989 individuals) in Aragón (Spain). We studied the effect of inequalities on the risk of having a COVID-19 confirmed diagnosis after being tested using multilevel analyses with two levels of aggregation: individuals and basic healthcare area of residence (deprivation level and type of zone). Inequalities in the risk of COVID-19 confirmed infection were observed at both the individual and area level. There was a predominance of low-paid employees living in deprived areas. Workers with low salaries, unemployed and people on minimum integration income or who no longer receive the unemployment allowance, had a higher probability of COVID-19 infection than workers with salaries ≥ €18,000 per year. Inequalities were greater in women and in the second wave. The deprivation level of areas of residence influenced the risk of COVID-19 infection, especially in the second wave. It is necessary to develop individual and area coordinated measures by areas in the control, diagnosis and treatment of the epidemic, in order to avoid an increase in the already existing inequalities.

Desigualdades de género en la utilización de servicios sanitarios, España 2006-2017.

Objetivo. Identificar la existencia de desigualdades de género en utilización de atención primaria (AP), urgencias y consulta de enfermería. Material y métodos. Estudio transversal, con encuestas nacionales y europeas de salud (2006-2017) de población española de 16 o más años (n=98 929 personas). Se estudió la evolución en el tiempo y la influencia de los determinantes de género mediante regresiones logísticas en la utilización de servicios sanitarios. Resultados. La utilización de los tres servicios asistenciales fue mayor en mujeres. Personas pensionistas, aquellas dedi-cadas a labores del hogar, con estudios bajos y clase social manual, tuvieron mayor riesgo de utilización de AP. Urgencias: a mayor edad menor riesgo de utilización. Enfermería: aque-llas dedicadas a las labores del hogar tenían mayor riesgo de utilización. Conclusiones. Son necesarios estudios que analicen las desigualdades de género en contextos como la utilización de servicios sanitarios, así como nuevas estrategias de gestión para conseguir la equidad asistencial.

Investigating the Relationship between Stress and Self-Rated Health during the Financial Crisis and Recession in 2008: The Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction and Social Support in Spain.

BACKGROUND: the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent recession had a strong impact on employment and certain health indicators, such as mental health. Many studies carried out with diverse samples attest to the negative influence of stress on health. However, few studies focus on stress and self-rated health among the Spanish workforce, or analyse which variables can act as a buffer against the negative effects of stress on self-perceived health. AIM: to analyse the mediator role of social support and job satisfaction in the relationship between work-related stress and self-rated health among the Spanish working population between 2006 and 2017. METHOD: repeated cross-sectional study using Spanish Surveys from 2006 to 2017, a total of 32.105 participants (47.4% women) aged 16 years and over (M = 42.3, SD = 10.7) answered a series of questions about work-related stress (PV), self-rated health (CV), job satisfaction, and social support (mediator variables) through the National Health Survey (NHS) prevalences of work-related stress, self-rated health, job satisfaction, and social support were calculated (standardised by age). We performed mediation/moderation analysis with Macro Process for SPSS to analyse the role of social support and job satisfaction in the relationship between self-rated health and work-related stress among the Spanish working population. RESULTS: three mediation analyses were conducted, one for each time point in the study period. The results revealed a significant direct association between stress and job satisfaction. In the 2006 model, both job satisfaction and social support acted as mediators between stress and self-rated health, while in the 2011 and 2017 models, only job satisfaction acted as a mediator. The data reveal that the working population in Spain has a good capacity for resilience, since no drop in health indicators was observed. CONCLUSION: following the economic recession, employment has partially recovered. However, social and employment policies are required to help the population face the recent situation triggered by the Coronavirus crisis.

Desigualdades de género en la utilización de servicios sanitarios, España 2006-2017 / Gender inequalities in the use of health care services, Spain 2006-2017

Resumen: Objetivo: Identificar la existencia de desigualdades de género en utilización de atención primaria (AP), urgencias y consulta de enfermería. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal, con encuestas nacionales y europeas de salud (2006-2017) de población española de 16 o más años (n=98 929 personas). Se estudió la evolución en el tiempo y la influencia de los determinantes de género mediante regresiones logísticas en la utilización de servicios sanitarios. Resultados: La utilización de los tres servicios asistenciales fue mayor en mujeres. Personas pensionistas, aquellas dedicadas a labores del hogar, con estudios bajos y clase social manual, tuvieron mayor riesgo de utilización de AP. Urgencias: a mayor edad menor riesgo de utilización. Enfermería: aquellas dedicadas a las labores del hogar tenían mayor riesgo de utilización. Conclusiones: Son necesarios estudios que analicen las desigualdades de género en contextos como la utilización de servicios sanitarios, así como nuevas estrategias de gestión para conseguir la equidad asistencial.

Abstract: Objective: To identify the existence of gender inequalities in the use of primary care (PA), emergency care and nursing consultation. Materials and methods: Repeated cross-sectional study using Spanish and European health surveys (2006-2017) to Spanish population aged 16 and over (n= 95 929). Results: The use of three care services was higher among women. Pensioners, as well as unpaid household labour women, with low education level and those of manual social class, were the most likely to use PC. In emergency care, the higher age, the lower probability of use, and living in a rural town was associated with a higher probability of use of emergency care. Unpaid household labour women were the most likely to use nursing care. Conclusions: Studies that analyse gender inequalities in different contexts such as the use of health services care are still necessary, as well as, new management strategies are needed to achieve care equity.

The use of health care services in the Great Recession: evaluating inequalities in the Spanish context / El uso de los servicios sanitarios durante la Gran Recesión: evaluación de las desigualdades en el contexto español

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the effect of the Great Recession (2008) on primary care (PC) and secondary care (SC) inequalities in Spain. METHOD: Repeated cross-sectional study using Spanish Health Surveys from 2001 to 2017 (n=139,566). Prevalence of PC and SC utilization were calculated standardized by age. Chi square tests for trend were conducted to explore the evolution. We performed logistic regression analyses adjusted by the Andersen's model of demand for care to explore inequalities prior to, during and following the recession. All the analyses were stratified by sex. RESULTS: Healthcare use trends changed from a rapid increase in the pre-recession period to a plateau during the recession and a decrease in the post-recession period. Healthcare use was higher in women (PC: 15.8% to 32.5%; SC: 8.2% to 16.2%) than in men (PC: 11.3% to 24.1%; SC: 5.4% to 11.6%) and the gender gap increased. During the recession the likelihood of PC use was higher in disadvantaged groups, while SC had greater usage amongst more advantaged social groups. Inequalities in SC use increased during the recession and could not be attributed to factors of need. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare use trends changed as a result of the recession. There are socioeconomic inequalities in the use of PC and SC in Spain, which increased in secondary care, during the recession and in the post-recession period. It is necessary to take into account socioeconomic determinants in health planning, in order to achieve equity in healthcare services

OBJETIVO: Analizar el efecto de la Gran Recesión en las desigualdades en el uso de atención primaria (AP) y atención especializada (AE) en España. MÉTODO: Análisis transversal repetido (Encuestas Nacionales de Salud 2001-2017; n=139.566). Se calcularon las prevalencias de utilización estandarizadas por edad y se realizó el cálculo de tendencias para explorar la evolución. Se llevaron a cabo análisis de regresión logística ajustados por el Modelo de demanda asistencial de Andersen para estudiar las desigualdades en los periodos anterior, durante y posterior a la crisis. Todos los análisis se estratificaron por sexo. RESULTADOS: La tendencia en la utilización de los servicios sanitarios pasó de un rápido incremento en el periodo anterior a la crisis a una estabilización durante la crisis y un posterior descenso. La utilización de los servicios sanitarios fue mayor en las mujeres (AP: 15,8% a 32,5%; AE: 8,2% a 16,2%) que en los hombres (AP: 11,3% a 24,1%; AE: 5,4% a 11,6%), aumentando las diferencias. Durante la crisis, la probabilidad de usar la AP fue mayor en los grupos más desfavorecidos, mientras que en la AE se observa la tendencia contraria. Las desigualdades en la AE aumentaron durante la recesión, pero ello no puede atribuirse a factores de necesidad. CONCLUSIONES: La tendencia de la utilización de los servicios sanitarios cambió en la Gran Recesión. Existen desigualdades en la utilización de servicios sanitarios en España, que han aumentado en AE durante el periodo de crisis y poscrisis. Es necesario considerar los factores socioeconómicos en planificación sanitaria con el fin de lograr la equidad

The use of health care services in the Great Recession: evaluating inequalities in the Spanish context.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the effect of the Great Recession (2008) on primary care (PC) and secondary care (SC) inequalities in Spain. METHOD: Repeated cross-sectional study using Spanish Health Surveys from 2001 to 2017 (n=139,566). Prevalence of PC and SC utilization were calculated standardized by age. Chi square tests for trend were conducted to explore the evolution. We performed logistic regression analyses adjusted by the Andersen's model of demand for care to explore inequalities prior to, during and following the recession. All the analyses were stratified by sex. RESULTS: Healthcare use trends changed from a rapid increase in the pre-recession period to a plateau during the recession and a decrease in the post-recession period. Healthcare use was higher in women (PC: 15.8% to 32.5%; SC: 8.2% to 16.2%) than in men (PC: 11.3% to 24.1%; SC: 5.4% to 11.6%) and the gender gap increased. During the recession the likelihood of PC use was higher in disadvantaged groups, while SC had greater usage amongst more advantaged social groups. Inequalities in SC use increased during the recession and could not be attributed to factors of need. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare use trends changed as a result of the recession. There are socioeconomic inequalities in the use of PC and SC in Spain, which increased in secondary care, during the recession and in the post-recession period. It is necessary to take into account socioeconomic determinants in health planning, in order to achieve equity in healthcare services.

Self-rated health in Europe and its determinants: Does generation matter?

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the influence of micro- and macro-factors on self-rated health, and the role of generation on this relationship. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using data from European Health Interview Surveys from 14 European countries. Individuals were divided into four generations ("silent generation", "baby boomers", and "generation X" and "Y"). We conducted multilevel analyses for each generation to study the influence of individual and national explanatory variables on self-rated health. RESULTS: Age showed an exponential effect in older generations. Education and employment presented the strongest association with low self-rated health, especially in "baby boomers" and women (low education: OR 3.5; 95% CI 3.2-3.9). Tobacco showed a negative effect in younger generations. Overweight and low physical activity were negatively associated with self-rated health regardless of generation. Countries from the Eastern welfare system showed the highest risk of low self-rated health and this association was higher in men for "silent generation" (OR 4.7; 95% CI 3.0-7.6). CONCLUSIONS: The influence of individual and national factors on self-rated health varies regarding generation. The target generation and the demographic structure of a country should be taken into account to develop more accurate health policies.