Impact of vaccination uptake on hospitalizations due to rotavirus acute gastroenteritis in 2 different socioeconomic areas of Spain.

Rotavirus is the leading cause of hospitalization due to acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in infants and toddlers. However, rotavirus vaccination has been associated with a decline in hospitalization rates due to rotavirus AGE. A descriptive retrospective study was conducted to analyze the impact of rotavirus vaccination on the rate of hospitalizations due to AGE among children ≤2 years old in 2 areas of the province of Almería, Spain. After eight years of rotavirus vaccination, rates of hospitalizations due to rotavirus AGE are diminished. This decline is closely related to vaccine coverage in the studied areas.

PREVALENCE OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN A CITY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AREA: COMPARISON OF TWO DEFINITIONS.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: there are few studies on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in European adolescent populations, and some have reported a higher prevalence in the Mediterranean basin area. Our objective was to examine the prevalence of MetS in adolescents in a Mediterranean city of Spain, comparing two different definitions of MetS and the associated risk factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: a cross-sectional population-based study was conducted among 379 adolescents aged 12-16.9 years, selected using a random sampling method. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were obtained. The definitions of MetS used were that of the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) and that of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Kappa coefficient was used to measure the agreement between definitions and a multivariate logistic regression model to determine the associated risk factors. RESULTS: the prevalence of MetS was 5.7% (95%CI 3.33-8.07) according to the NCEP-ATPIII definition and 3.8% (95%CI 1.85-5.75) according to the IDF definition. No differences between the sexes or by age groups were found. The agreement between the two definitions was very good (kappa 0.815), especially in the obese subsample, but was lower in normal weight adolescents (kappa 0.497). Insulin resistance and obesity were associated with both definitions. CONCLUSIONS: the prevalence of MetS in our adolescent population is higher than the European media. Although the overall agreement between both definitions was very good, the prevalence was higher using the NCEP-ATPIII criteria. Independently of the definition used, obesity and insulin resistance were risk factors for MetS.

Introducción y objetivos: existen escasos estudios acerca de la prevalencia de síndrome metabólico (MetS) en la población general adolescente en Europa. Algunos resultados muestran mayor prevalencia en adolescentes del área mediterránea. Nuestro objetivo fue estudiar la prevalencia de MetS en la población general adolescente de una ciudad del área mediterránea en España, comparando dos definiciones de MetS y los factores de riesgo asociados. Material y métodos: estudio epidemiológico observacional sobre una muestra de base poblacional, elegida de forma aleatoria, representativa de los adolescentes de 12 a 16,9 años escolarizados en la ciudad de Almería. Se recogieron variables antropométricas y analíticas. Se compararon dos definiciones de SM para población adolescente: National Cholesterol Education Program (NECP- ATPIII) e International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Estadística: coeficiente kappa para analizar la concordancia entre definiciones y regresión logística múltiple para el estudio de factores de riesgo asociados. Resultados: la prevalencia de MetS fue 5,7% (95%IC 3,33-8,07) con la definición NECP-ATPIII y 3,8% (95%IC 1,85-5,75) con los criterios IDF. No se encontraron diferencias entre sexos ni entre grupos de edad. La concordancia entre ambas definiciones fue muy buena a nivel global (kappa 0,815) y especialmente en el grupo de obesos, pero empeoró entre adolescentes con normopeso (kappa 0,497). Los factores asociados a ambas definiciones fueron obesidad y resistencia insulínica. Conclusiones: nuestros resultados muestran una prevalencia de MetS en adolescentes mayor a la media europea. Aunque la concordancia entre definiciones fue muy buena a nivel global, la prevalencia fue mayor con la definición NECP-ATPIII. Obesidad y resistencia insulínica fueron los factores de riesgo asociados.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adolescents in a city in the Mediterranean area: comparison of two definitions / Prevalencia de síndrome metabólico en la población general adolescente de una ciudad del área mediterránea: comparación de dos definiciones

Background and objective: there are few studies on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in European adolescent populations, and some have reported a higher prevalence in the Mediterranean basin area. Our objective was to examine the prevalence of MetS in adolescents in a Mediterranean city of Spain, comparing two different definitions of MetS and the associated risk factors. Methods and results: a cross-sectional population-based study was conducted among 379 adolescents aged 12-16.9 years, selected using a random sampling method. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were obtained. The definitions of MetS used were that of the National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) and that of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Kappa coefficient was used to measure the agreement between definitions and a multivariate logistic regression model to determine the associated risk factors. Results: the prevalence of MetS was 5.7% (95%CI 3.33-8.07) according to the NCEP-ATPIII definition and 3.8% (95%CI 1.85-5.75) according to the IDF definition. No differences between the sexes or by age groups were found. The agreement between the two definitions was very good (kappa 0.815), especially in the obese subsample, but was lower in normal weight adolescents (kappa 0.497). Insulin resistance and obesity were associated with both definitions. Conclusions: the prevalence of MetS in our adolescent population is higher than the European media. Although the overall agreement between both definitions was very good, the prevalence was higher using the NCEP-ATPIII criteria. Independently of the definition used, obesity and insulin resistance were risk factors for MetS (AU)

Introducción y objetivos: existen escasos estudios acerca de la prevalencia de síndrome metabólico (MetS) en la población general adolescente en Europa. Algunos resultados muestran mayor prevalencia en adolescentes del área mediterránea. Nuestro objetivo fue estudiar la prevalencia de MetS en la población general adolescente de una ciudad del área mediterránea en España, comparando dos definiciones de MetS y los factores de riesgo asociados. Material y métodos: estudio epidemiológico observacional sobre una muestra de base poblacional, elegida de forma aleatoria, representativa de los adolescentes de 12 a 16,9 años escolarizados en la ciudad de Almería. Se recogieron variables antropométricas y analíticas. Se compararon dos definiciones de SM para población adolescente: National Cholesterol Education Program (NECP-ATPIII) e International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Estadística: coeficiente kappa para analizar la concordancia entre definiciones y regresión logística múltiple para el estudio de factores de riesgo asociados. Resultados: la prevalencia de MetS fue 5,7% (95%IC 3,33-8,07) con la definición NECP-ATPIII y 3,8% (95%IC 1,85-5,75) con los criterios IDF. No se encontraron diferencias entre sexos ni entre grupos de edad. La concordancia entre ambas definiciones fue muy buena a nivel global (kappa 0,815) y especialmente en el grupo de obesos, pero empeoró entre adolescentes con normopeso (kappa 0,497). Los factores asociados a ambas definiciones fueron obesidad y resistencia insulínica. Conclusiones: nuestros resultados muestran una prevalencia de MetS en adolescentes mayor a la media europea. Aunque la concordancia entre definiciones fue muy buena a nivel global, la prevalencia fue mayor con la definición NECP-ATPIII. Obesidad y resistencia insulínica fueron los factores de riesgo asociados (AU)

A two-year follow-up of oral antioxidant supplementation in primary open-angle glaucoma: an open-label, randomized, controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of oral antioxidant supplementation (OAS) on primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) over a 2-year follow-up period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this open-label, randomized controlled trial, 117 eyes of 117 patients with mild or moderate POAG and intraocular pressure under control with topical antiglaucoma medications were recruited and randomly divided into three groups according to supplementation: (1) OAS with (ICAPS R(®) - Alcon Laboratories, n = 26); (2) OAS without ω-3 fatty acids (OFTAN MACULA(®) - Laboratorios Esteve, n = 28); and (3) a control group without OAS (n = 63). They all underwent visual field (VF) tests (Humphrey 24-2) and scans using a Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) device (RTVue-100) at the beginning of the study and 2 years later. Mean deviation (MD), standard pattern deviation (PSD), peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) parameters were considered for the analysis. Patients were also classified according to MD deterioration (fast deterioration vs. slow deterioration). RESULTS: Visual field global indices, peripapillary RNFL thickness and macular GCC thickness showed no differences among the groups at the beginning and end of the follow-up. Besides all the comparisons among groups for differences before and after the follow-up of the MD, PSD, RNFL and GCC parameters were also non-significant. The proportions of patients according to MD deterioration were similar among the groups and subgroups (p > 0.05 for all the comparisons). CONCLUSION: Oral antioxidant supplementation with or without ω-3 fatty acids does not appear useful as an adjuvant treatment of mild/moderate POAG in the short term.

The impact of common infections on school absenteeism during an academic year.

BACKGROUND: School absenteeism because of infections is one of the most important problems facing both public and private primary schools. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of infections on school absenteeism and their reduction with a handwashing program using hand sanitizer. METHODS: The study was an 8-month-long, randomized, controlled open study (N = 1,609 children, aged 4-12 years old) at 5 state schools in Almeria (Spain). The experimental group (EG) washed their hands with soap and water, complemented with the use of hand sanitizer, and the control group (CG) followed the usual handwashing procedure. The total number of episodes and days missed as well as those because of upper respiratory infections and gastrointestinal infections were compared in both groups with a Z-test. RESULTS: The students were absent 12,386 days in 7,945 episodes. The incidence of total absent episodes and percent of missed days, including those because of upper respiratory infections and gastrointestinal infections, were significantly lower in the EG than the CG (P < .001), and this was maintained through the flu pandemic period. CONCLUSION: School absenteeism because of infections in schools is reduced when a hand hygiene program utilizing sanitizing gels is properly carried out, especially during the flu season.

Effectiveness of a multifactorial handwashing program to reduce school absenteeism due to acute gastroenteritis.

BACKGROUND: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is one of the most common diseases among children and an important cause of school absenteeism. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a handwashing program using hand sanitizers for the prevention of school absenteeism due to AGE. METHODS: A randomized, controlled and open study of a sample of 1341 children between 4 and 12 years of age, attending 5 state schools in Almería (Spain), with an 8-month follow up (academic year). The experimental group (EG) washed their hands with soap and water, complementing this with the use of a hand sanitizer, and the control group (CG) followed the usual handwashing procedure. Absenteeism rates due GI were compared between the 2 groups through the multivariate Poisson regression analysis. Percent days absent in both groups were compared with a Z-test. RESULTS: 446 cases of school absenteeism due to AGE were registered. The school children from the EG had a 36% lower risk of absenteeism due to AGE (IRR: 0.64, 95% confidence interval: 0.52-0.78) and a decrease in absenteeism of 0.13 episodes/child/academic year (0.27 of EG vs 0.40 CG/episodes/child/academic year, P < 0.001). Pupils missed 725 school days due to AGE and absent days was significantly lower in the EG (EG: 0.31%, 95% confidence interval: 0.28-0.35 vs. CG: 0.44%, 95% confidence interval: 0.40-0.48, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of hand sanitizer as a complement to handwashing with soap is an efficient measure to reduce absent days and the number of school absenteeism cases due to AGE.

[Associated factors to insulin values in a population-based study in adolescents]. / Factores asociados a insulinemia en población general adolescente.

OBJECTIVES: To identify factors that correlate with insulin values and to examine its independent associations among adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted among adolescents aged 12-16,9 years old. A multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method was employed. Anthropometric measurements and nutritional survey were performed, and fasting blood samples for insulin were obtained. STATISTICS: Multiple lineal regression. RESULTS: 379 adolescents were included. Mean age was 14.08 ± 1.30 years. Factors associated with higher fasting insulin levels were puberty [ß 4.55 (95% IC 0.42-8.69)], abdominal obesity [ß 6.11 (95% IC 3.93-8.29)] and to be born small for gestational age (SGA) [ß 7.45 (95% IC 2.47-12.44)]. It was observed a negative association between the regular intake of olive oil at home and insulin values [ß -4.14 (95% IC -7.31- -0.98)]. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal obesity and SGA were factors associated with higher fasting insulin values. In contrast, the regular intake of olive oil at home was an independent protective factor.

Objetivo: Analizar los factores asociados con insulinemia en ayunas en población general adolescente. Métodos: Estudio epidemiológico observacional sobre una muestra poblacional de adolescentes (12-16,9 años) seleccionados mediante muestreo probabilístico polietápico. Se realizaron examen físico, antropometría, encuesta nutricional y se determinó insulinemia en ayunas. Estadística: regresión lineal múltiple. Resultados: Se incluyeron 379 adolescentes con edad media 14,08 ± 1,30 años. Se relacionaron con mayores cifras de insulinemia el desarrollo puberal [??4,55 (95% IC 0,42-8,69)], obesidad abdominal [??6,11(95% IC 3,93- 8,29)] y el antecedente de bajo peso para la edad gestacional (BPEG) [??7,45 (95% IC 2,47-12,44)]. El consumo habitual de aceite de oliva en domicilio mostró una relación inversa con las cifras de insulinemia [??-4,14 (95% IC -7,31- -0,98)]. Conclusión: Los factores de riesgo asociados a mayores cifras de insulinemia en ayunas fueron la obesidad abdominal y el antecedente de BPEG. El consumo habitual de aceite de oliva en domicilio fue un factor protector.

Factores asociados a insulinemia en población general adolescente / Associated factors to insulin values in a population-based study in adolescents

Objetivo: Analizar los factores asociados con insulinemia en ayunas en población general adolescente. Métodos: Estudio epidemiológico observacional sobre una muestra poblacional de adolescentes (12-16,9 años) seleccionados mediante muestreo probabilístico polietápico. Se realizaron examen físico, antropometría, encuesta nutricional y se determinó insulinemia en ayunas. Estadística: regresión lineal múltiple. Resultados: Se incluyeron 379 adolescentes con edad media 14,08 ± 1,30 años. Se relacionaron con mayores cifras de insulinemia el desarrollo puberal [β 4,55 (95% IC 0,42-8,69)], obesidad abdominal [β 6,11(95% IC 3,938,29)] y el antecedente de bajo peso para la edad gestacional (BPEG) [β 7,45 (95% IC 2,47-12,44)]. El consumo habitual de aceite de oliva en domicilio mostró una relación inversa con las cifras de insulinemia [β -4,14 (95% IC -7,31- -0,98)]. Conclusión: Los factores de riesgo asociados a mayores cifras de insulinemia en ayunas fueron la obesidad abdominal y el antecedente de BPEG. El consumo habitual de aceite de oliva en domicilio fue un factor protector (AU)

Objectives: To identify factors that correlate with insulin values and to examine its independent associations among adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted among adolescents aged 12-16,9 years old. A multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method was employed. Anthropometric measurements and nutritional survey were performed, and fasting blood samples for insulin were obtained. Statistics: Multiple lineal regression. Results: 379 adolescents were included. Mean age was 14.08 ± 1.30 years. Factors associated with higher fasting insulin levels were puberty [β 4.55 (95% IC 0.42-8.69)], abdominal obesity [β 6.11 (95% IC 3.93-8.29)] and to be born small for gestational age (SGA) [β 7.45 (95% IC 2.47-12.44)]. It was observed a negative association between the regular intake of olive oil at home and insulin values [β -4.14 (95% IC -7.31- -0.98)]. Conclusions: Abdominal obesity and SGA were factors associated with higher fasting insulin values. In contrast, the regular intake of olive oil at home was an independent protective factor (AU)

Valoración del patrón de la sexualidad: atención integral de la salud de las personas / Valuation of the pattern of sexuality: comprehensive attention of the people’s health

Antecedentes: La sexualidad es un componente importante de la vida y la salud. Puede ser origen de graves conflictos relacionados con la salud física, psicológica, incluyendo la transmisión de enfermedades, las experiencias negativas, las pautas sexuales, la violencia y los determinantes culturales o religiosos. Sin embargo, la información recogida en los Registros Enfermeros con frecuencia se limita a la reproducción y / o el estado civil de los pacientes. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la calidad de la información sobre aspectos relacionados con la sexualidad, los factores que la determinan y la relevanciaque los datos obtenidos puedan tener sobre la salud de las personas. Métodos: Estudio Observacional realizado en la Unidad de Neumología de un Hospital de referencia provincial en el que se revisaron 250 Valoraciones Iniciales (VI) Historias Clínicas y se entrevistó de forma consecutiva a 292 pacientes ingresados mediante cuestionario. En una primera etapa, se evaluó la información recogida y la naturaleza de los datos obtenidos acerca de la información relacionada con la sexualidad en 250 VI de las Historias Clínicas de pacientes ingresados el año anterior a la realización del estudio. En un segundo paso, se elaboró un cuestionario, basado en los criterios de valoración de los Patrones Funcionales de Gordony centrado en la valoración del Patrón de la sexualidad y se aplicó a292 pacientes hospitalizados. Se investigó la influencialos diferentes aspectos de este patrón mediante el empleo de la prueba de Chi-cuadrado. Resultados:De las 250 VI que se revisaron, se constatóqueen la VIse registraban los datos de reproducción en el 75% de las VI. En la segunda fase, se incluyeron 292 sujetos, 46.,9% hombres y 53,1% mujeres, con edad mediade 57 años, y la tasa de respuesta al cuestionario en los pacientes fue del 100%, siendo el porcentaje de respuesta superior al 95% en todas las preguntas. Se recogió: revisiones por el especialista, utilización de métodos conceptivos, padecimiento de ETS, calidad de relación con la pareja, percepción del sentimiento de su pareja, importancia de las relaciones sexuales en su vida, antecedentes de violencia sexual, relaciones fuera de pareja estable. En el desarrollo del trabajo se identificaron Diagnósticos Enfermeros relevantes para la evolución de la salud integral de las personas en el 70,2% de los casos. Conclusiones: El porcentaje de respuesta a las preguntas del cuestionario fue elevado. Las diferencias en el Patrón de la sexualidad influyeron en la mayoríade las condiciones que requieren la salud integral de las personas. La información recogida tuvo relevancia para la salud integral de las personas en un número elevado de casos. La calidad de la información recogida fue buena, ya que las personas informaron sin reserva y naturalidad, como del resto de los patronesalas preguntas formuladas sobre su sexualidad. Se identifican problemas de prácticas de riesgo y maltrato en un número elevado de personas, que indican la necesidad de su valoración. No preguntar sobre este Patrón o hacerlo solo referido a la reproducción, hace que quede sesgada la información al respecto, en muchas ocasiones con serias repercusiones sobre la salud de las personas. Las enfermeras tienen competencias sobre la salud sexual de las personas y han de ser sus conocimientos científicos las que determinen la idoneidad de la toma de decisiones a este respecto(AU)

Background: Sexuality is an important component of life and health. Also of severe conflicts related to physical or psychological events, including the transmission of diseases, negative experiences, sexual patterns, violence and cultural or religious determinants. Nevertheless, the information collected in the nurse’s files is frequently limited to the reproductive and/or marital status of the patients. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of information on issues related to sexuality, its determinants and the iof the data obtained can have on people's health Methods: Observational study conducted in the respiratory medicine department of a provincial referral hospital where initial assessments (IA) were revised 250 medical charts and interviewed 292 consecutively admitted patients by questionnaire focused. In a first step, the information collected and the nature of the data about the information related to sexuality in 250 IA of medical records of patients admitted in the year before the study. In a second step, a questionnaire was developed, based on the evaluation criteria of functional patterns Gordon and focused on assessing the pattern of sexuality and applied to 292 patients hospitalized. The influence of different aspects of this pattern using the Chi-square test. Results: In the first step of the 250 IA reviewed, it was found that in the IA data were recorded breeding in 75% of the IA. In the second phase, 292 subjects were included, 46.9% men and 53.1% women, mean age 57 years, and the response rate to the questionnaire in patients was 100%, with a higher response rate 95% in all questions. Was collected: reviews by the specialist, use of contraceptives methods, STD condition, quality of relationship with partner, perceived sense of your partner, the importance of sex in his life, a history of sexual violence, stable partner relationships outside. In the development labor Diagnoses were identified relevant to the evolution of the overall health of people in 70.2% of cases. Conclusions: The response rate to the questionnaire was high. The differences in the pattern of sexuality influenced most health conditions requiring full of people. The information collected was relevant to the overall health of people in a large number of cases. Problems are identified risk practices and abuse in a large number of people, indicating the need for assessment. Do not ask about this pattern or do only referred to the reproduction, it is biased for the information, often with serious implications for the health of people. Nurses have expertise on sexual health of people and should be the scientific knowledge to determine the suitability of the decision making in this regard (AU)

Central corneal thickness, intraocular pressure, and degree of myopia in an adult myopic population aged 20 to 40 years in southeast Spain: determination and relationships.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the values of, and study the relationships among, central corneal thickness (CCT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and degree of myopia (DM) in an adult myopic population aged 20 to 40 years in Almeria (southeast Spain). To our knowledge this is first study of this kind in this region. METHODS: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was done in which a sample of 310 myopic patients (620 eyes) aged 20 to 40 years was selected by gender- and age-stratified sampling, which was proportionally fixed to the size of the population strata for which a 20% prevalence of myopia, 5% epsilon, and a 95% confidence interval were hypothesized. We studied IOP, CCT, and DM and their relationships by calculating the mean, standard deviation, 95% confidence interval for the mean, median, Fisher's asymmetry coefficient, range (maximum, minimum), and the Brown-Forsythe's robust test for each variable (IOP, CCT, and DM). RESULTS: In the adult myopic population of Almeria aged 20 to 40 years (mean of 29.8), the mean overall CCT was 550.12 µm. The corneas of men were thicker than those of women (P = 0.014). CCT was stable as no significant differences were seen in the 20- to 40-year-old subjects' CCT values. The mean overall IOP was 13.60 mmHg. Men had a higher IOP than women (P = 0.002). Subjects over 30 years (13.83) had a higher IOP than those under 30 (13.38) (P = 0.04). The mean overall DM was -4.18 diopters. Men had less myopia than women (P < 0.001). Myopia was stable in the 20- to 40-year-old study population (P = 0.089). A linear relationship was found between CCT and IOP (R(2) = 0.152, P ≤ 0.001). CCT influenced the IOP value by 15.2%. However no linear relationship between DM and IOP, or between CCT and DM, was found. CONCLUSIONS: CCT was found to be similar to that reported in other studies in different populations. IOP tends to increase after the age of 30 and is not accounted for by alterations in CCT values.

Análisis de la actividad en las unidades móviles de rehabilitación-fisioterapia en atención primaria / Analysis of the activity of mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy units in primary care

ObjetivoDescribir la atención domiciliaria que ofrecen los equipos móviles de rehabilitación-fisioterapia (EMRF) como respuesta a las necesidades de la población dependiente, las características que tiene su aplicación y las consecuencias que produce sobre el paciente y su independencia funcional.DiseñoEstudio descriptivo transversal desde 2004 hasta junio de 2007.EmplazamientoMedio comunitario. Los EMRF de atención primaria en Almería.ParticipantesEn total 1.093 pacientes incluidos en el programa.Mediciones principalesSe recogió sistemáticamente el estado de salud de los pacientes (proceso discapacitante principal, motivos de inclusión en el tratamiento, valoración funcional inicial y final e índice de Barthel), los datos sobre la atención fisioterapéutica y el n.o de sesiones.ResultadosUn 64,2% de la muestra fueron mujeres; la edad media fue de 78 años. El tiempo medio de espera para su valoración fue de 4 días y hubo una gran diversidad de procesos discapacitantes principales que han quedado descritos. Existió un elevado porcentaje de síntomas de grave deterioro motor, dolor y debilidad muscular. El 88,6% de los pacientes realizó tratamiento fisioterapéutico; el 11,1% de los pacientes fisioterapia y tratamiento ocupacional y el 0,3% de los pacientes tratamiento ortésico. El número medio de sesiones fue de 12,85. Se describe la variación en el índice de Barthel final tras la intervención realizada (cinesiterapia [61,9%]; combinada con electroterapia [10,2%]; cinesiterapia y educación al cuidador [14,5%], etc.).ConclusionesSe aporta información valiosa respecto a las características de la población geriátrica y dependiente así como la ayuda fisioterapéutica que viene recibiendo y cómo se lleva a cabo el proceso(AU)

ObjectiveTo describe the home care provided by mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy teams as a response to the needs of the dependent population, the characteristics of their application, and the results they have on patients and their functional independence.DesignA descriptive, cross-sectional study from 2004 to June 2007.SettingCommunity setting. Mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy teams from Primary Care in Almeria.ParticipantsA total of 1093 patients were included in the programme.Main measurementsData were collected on, the state of the patients’ health (primary disabling process, reasons for inclusion in the treatment, initial and final functional assessment and Barthel Index); details of physiotherapy treatment, and number of sessions.ResultsOf the total sample, the mean age was 78 years and 64.2% were female. The mean waiting time for their assessment was 4 days and there was a wide variety of primary disabling processes described. There was a high percentage of symptoms of severe motor deterioration, pain and muscle weakness. Physiotherapy treatment was given in 88.6%, physiotherapy and occupational therapy in 11.1%, and orthopaedic treatment in 0.3%, of the patients. The mean number of sessions was 12.85. The variation in the Barthel Index after the final therapy was given was, 61.9% for kinesiotherapy, 10.2% combined with electrotherapy, and 14.5% for kinesiotherapy and carer education.ConclusionsValuable information is provided as regards the characteristics of the geriatric and dependent population, as well as the physiotherapy help they are receiving, and also how the procedure is carried out(AU)

[Analysis of the activity of mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy units in primary care]. / Análisis de la actividad en las unidades móviles de rehabilitación-fisioterapia en atención primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the home care provided by mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy teams as a response to the needs of the dependent population, the characteristics of their application, and the results they have on patients and their functional independence. DESIGN: A descriptive, cross-sectional study from 2004 to June 2007. SETTING: Community setting. Mobile rehabilitation-physiotherapy teams from Primary Care in Almeria. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1093 patients were included in the programme. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Data were collected on, the state of the patients' health (primary disabling process, reasons for inclusion in the treatment, initial and final functional assessment and Barthel Index); details of physiotherapy treatment, and number of sessions. RESULTS: Of the total sample, the mean age was 78 years and 64.2% were female. The mean waiting time for their assessment was 4 days and there was a wide variety of primary disabling processes described. There was a high percentage of symptoms of severe motor deterioration, pain and muscle weakness. Physiotherapy treatment was given in 88.6%, physiotherapy and occupational therapy in 11.1%, and orthopaedic treatment in 0.3%, of the patients. The mean number of sessions was 12.85. The variation in the Barthel Index after the final therapy was given was, 61.9% for kinesiotherapy, 10.2% combined with electrotherapy, and 14.5% for kinesiotherapy and carer education. CONCLUSIONS: Valuable information is provided as regards the characteristics of the geriatric and dependent population, as well as the physiotherapy help they are receiving, and also how the procedure is carried out.

Impact of bilaterality and headache on health-related quality of life in Meniere's disease.

OBJECTIVES: We analyzed the impact of bilaterality and headache on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients with Meniere's disease (MD). METHODS: A case series including 86 patients with a diagnosis of definite MD according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) diagnostic criteria was evaluated by the Short Form 36 (SF-36) Health Instrument and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory Short Form (DHI-S). RESULTS: The scores on all scales of the SF-36 were significantly lower for bilateral MD than for unilateral cases, except for body pain. Both groups had scores worse than those of their sex- and age-matched normative population on all SF-36 scales (p = 0.017 to p = 0.0001), except for body pain in men. The DHI-S scores were also better for unilateral than for bilateral cases (p = 0.04), suggesting that the dizziness is perceived to be more disabling in bilateral MD. Migraine was significantly associated with bilateral MD (odds ratio, 3.58 [95% confidence interval, 1.25 to 10.31]; p = 0.021). Headache and score on the AAO-HNS functional scale, which evaluates the effect of vertigo attacks on daily activities, were two independent factors that explained a great part of the variability on all SF-36 scales, except for "role emotional" in bilateral MD. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with bilateral MD perceived their dizziness to be more disabling and had a worse HRQL than did patients with unilateral MD. Migraine was more frequently found in patients with bilateral involvement. Headache and score on the AAO-HNS functional scale were factors associated with the HRQL in bilateral MD.