Attitudes towards anti-smoking legislation and prevalence of tobacco consumption in Spanish primary healthcare personnel.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to ascertain how the anti-smoking legislation of 2005/2010 has affected the behavior of primary healthcare center (PHC) personnel (medical and nonmedical) with respect to their attitudes towards tobacco, its consumption and the legislative changes. METHODS: We conducted a multi-center descriptive study of a randomized conglomerate sample of PHC personnel from each Autonomous Community in Spain. The questionnaire covered tobacco consumption, and knowledge/attitudes towards smoking and legislation. The statistical analysis used SPSS software. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 2040 PHC employees (1578 women, 77.4%). Never smokers, ex-smokers, and smokers represented 46.7%, 37.8%, and 15.5% of the sample, respectively. Tobacco prevalence amongst physicians and nurses was 12.3%. Following the introduction of the antismoking legislation, a decrease in consumption was observed. Most of the participants considered that tobacco consumption affected health, was an addictive illness, and passive smoking had an impact on the health of non-smokers. Whilst 91.6% agreed with the current legislation, only 25% felt that it encouraged cessation. CONCLUSIONS: Spanish primary healthcare professionals have a relatively low prevalence of smoking compared to the general population. It is necessary to implement more legislative measures to improve and maintain this outcome.

Eficacia de una estrategia combinada para mejorar el control del colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de baja densidad en pacientes con hipercolesterolemia. Ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Efficacy of a combined strategy to improve low-density lipoprotein cholesterol control among patients with hypercholesterolemia: a randomized clinical trial

Introducción y objetivos: Intervenciones diferentes pueden mejorar el control del colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de baja densidad (cLDL). El objetivo principal era evaluar la eficacia de una intervención combinada para mejorar el control del cLDL de pacientes con hipercolesterolemia. También se evaluó su eficacia para mejorar el cumplimiento (farmacológico, dieta y ejercicio). Métodos: Ensayo clínico aleatorizado, de grupos paralelos y multicéntrico (atención primaria) que incluyó a 358 adultos diagnosticados de hipercolesterolemia con tratamiento previo farmacológico o no. Se comparó a 178 sujetos que recibieron intervención combinada (material escrito, tarjetas autocumplimentadas y mensajes al móvil) frente a 178 controles. La variable principal de resultado fue la proporción de sujetos con adecuado control del cLDL (valores recomendados en las guías europeas de dislipemias y riesgo cardiovascular) a los 24 meses. Resultados: El grupo de intervención mostró una reducción media del cLDL significativamente superior a los 24 meses respecto al control, 23,8 mg/dl (IC95%, 17,5-30,1) y 14,6 mg/dl (IC95%, 8,9-20,4), respectivamente (p = 0,034). El promedio de la reducción del cLDL fue del 13,1 ± 28,6%. La proporción de sujetos con adecuado control al año fue significativamente superior en el grupo de intervención (43,7 frente a 30,1%; p = 0,011; RR = 1,46). En el grupo de intervención, el cumplimiento farmacológico fue significativamente superior (77,2 frente a 64,1%; p = 0,029) y de la práctica de ejercicio (64,9 frente a 35,8%; p < 0,001), aunque no de la dieta. Conclusiones: La intervención combinada consigue una reducción significativa de las cifras de cLDL (superior al 13% al cabo de 2 años) y mejora el grado de control de pacientes con hipercolesterolemia al año (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Several interventions can improve low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) control. Our main objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a combined intervention to improve LDL-C control in patients with hypercholesterolemia. The study also assessed the efficacy of the intervention in improving adherence (pharmacological, diet, and exercise). Methods: A multicenter, parallel group, randomized clinical trial (primary care) was conducted in 358 adults diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia, whether receiving prior drug therapy or not. We compared 178 participants who received the combined intervention (written material, self-completed registration cards, and messages to mobile telephones) with 178 controls. The main outcome variable was the proportion of participants with adequate LDL-C control (target levels of the European guidelines on dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk) at 24 months. Results: At 24 months, the mean reduction in LDL-C was significantly higher in the intervention group (23.8 mg/dL [95%CI, 17.5-30.1]) than in the control group (14.6 mg/dL [95%CI, 8.9-20.4]; P = .034). The mean LDL-C decrease was 13.1% ± 28.6%. At 1 year, the proportion of participants with adequate control was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (43.7% vs 30.1%; P = .011; RR, 1.46). Adherence was significantly higher in the intervention group, both to drug therapy (77.2% vs 64.1%; P = .029) and exercise (64.9% vs 35.8; P < .001), but not to diet. Conclusions: The combined intervention significantly reduced LDL-C (by more than 13% at 2 years) and improved the degree of LDL-C control in patients with hypercholesterolemia at 1 year (AU)

Efficacy of a Combined Strategy to Improve Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Control Among Patients With Hypercholesterolemia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Several interventions can improve low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) control. Our main objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a combined intervention to improve LDL-C control in patients with hypercholesterolemia. The study also assessed the efficacy of the intervention in improving adherence (pharmacological, diet, and exercise). METHODS: A multicenter, parallel group, randomized clinical trial (primary care) was conducted in 358 adults diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia, whether receiving prior drug therapy or not. We compared 178 participants who received the combined intervention (written material, self-completed registration cards, and messages to mobile telephones) with 178 controls. The main outcome variable was the proportion of participants with adequate LDL-C control (target levels of the European guidelines on dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk) at 24 months. RESULTS: At 24 months, the mean reduction in LDL-C was significantly higher in the intervention group (23.8mg/dL [95%CI, 17.5-30.1]) than in the control group (14.6mg/dL [95%CI, 8.9-20.4]; P=.034). The mean LDL-C decrease was 13.1%±28.6%. At 1 year, the proportion of participants with adequate control was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (43.7% vs 30.1%; P=.011; RR, 1.46). Adherence was significantly higher in the intervention group, both to drug therapy (77.2% vs 64.1%; P=.029) and exercise (64.9% vs 35.8; P<.001), but not to diet. CONCLUSIONS: The combined intervention significantly reduced LDL-C (by more than 13% at 2 years) and improved the degree of LDL-C control in patients with hypercholesterolemia at 1 year.

Treatment Satisfaction Among Patients Taking Antidepressant Medication.

This study sought to assess treatment satisfaction among patients on antidepressants, ascertaining whether there might be an association with depressive symptomatology and other variables. Cross-sectional study conducted on 564 adult patients taking antidepressant medication. Satisfaction with antidepressant treatment was assessed using the Assessment of Satisfaction with Antidepressant Treatment Questionnaire (ESTA/Evaluación de la Satisfacción con el Tratamiento Antidepresivo). A moderate negative correlation was observed between satisfaction and intensity of depressive symptoms, as assessed with the Montgomery-Asberg scale. A weak negative correlation was observed between greater satisfaction and less favourable views about taking medication. Satisfaction scale scores were higher among those who took antidepressant medication for 1 year or more versus shorter periods. Most patients reported being satisfied with the antidepressant treatment but the level of satisfaction was higher among those who presented with less marked depressive symptoms, received longer-term treatment and viewed drug treatments favourably. Treatment satisfaction is one of the patient-reported outcome measures that can serve to complement clinical evaluation of depressive disorders.

Effectiveness of a combined strategy to improve therapeutic compliance and degree of control among patients with hypercholesterolaemia: a randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: In subjects with hypercholesterolaemia, cholesterol values remain above guideline levels. One of the limiting factors to the achievement of goals in such patients is therapeutic non-adherence. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of an intervention designed to improve control of hypercholesterolaemic patients, consisting of a combined strategy that would include the delivery of printed information, treatment-compliance check cards and the dispatch of text messages as complementary measures in support of the intervention at the general practitioner's practice. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomised, parallel-group clinical trial will be conducted at the family medicine outpatient facilities of eight health centres in three of Spain's Autonomous Regions (Comunidades Autónomas), covering a total of 358 subjects aged 18 years or over with diagnosis of hypercholesterolaemia. Patients in the intervention group will be supplied with printed material with information on the disease and its management, mobile-telephone text messages with guideline summaries, reminders of forthcoming appointments and/or arrangements for making new appointments in the event of non-attendance, and self-report cards to check compliance with recommendations. Both groups -intervention and control- will receive routine recommendations from their physicians in accordance with current European clinical practice guidelines for hypercholesterolaemia and cardiovascular risk management. As regards the measurements to be made, the main variable is the proportion of subjects who attain the low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels set as a target across a follow-up period of 24 months. The secondary variables are as follows: adherence to recommendations on lifestyle and adherence to drug treatment; variation in lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk levels; appearance of cardiovascular events; physical activity; food consumption; smoking habit; anthropometric measures; blood pressure; health problems; use of hypolipidaemic agents; socio-demographic data; beliefs and expectations about preventive recommendations; and degree of satisfaction with the combined strategy. DISCUSSION: Should this intervention prove effective, a recommendation could be issued on the application of this combined strategy to subjects with hypercholesterolaemia. It is a simple, relatively inexpensive intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02314663.

Seguimiento de la adherencia al tratamiento antidepresivo en pacientes que inician su consumo / Adherence to patients antidepressant treatment and the factors associated of non-compiance

OBJETIVO: Conocer la adherencia al tratamiento en pacientes que inician fármacos antidepresivos y analizar los factores asociados al incumplimiento, tanto clínicos como sociodemográficos. DISEÑO: Estudio observacional longitudinal prospectivo. Emplazamiento: Consultas de atención primaria y de salud mental de tres áreas sanitarias de Castilla-La Mancha. Participantes: Un total de 185 pacientes mayores de 18 años que iniciaron tratamiento antidepresivo. Mediciones principales: Cumplimiento terapéutico (test Haynes-Sackett, Morisky-Green, recuento de comprimidos y MEMS), efectos adversos, intensidad de los síntomas depresivos, características sociodemográficas y otras características relacionadas con los antidepresivos o con los participantes. RESULTADOS: Tras 6 meses del inicio del tratamiento antidepresivo, el 46,9% (IC 95%: 36,5-57,3) mostró un cumplimiento inadecuado mediante el método de recuento de comprimidos, y el 28,6% (IC 95%: 19,1-38,0) con el cuestionario de Morisky-Green. A los 15 días la falta de adherencia fue del 48,5% (IC 95%: 40,6-56,4) y del 33,5% (IC 95%: 26,1-41,0), respectivamente. El 38,4% (IC 95%: 31,1-45,7) manifestó algún efecto secundario durante el seguimiento. Mediante un modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox las variables relacionadas con incumplimiento fueron menor edad, nivel de instrucción inferior a enseñanza secundaria, prestación farmacéutica como pensionista, no recibir tratamiento psicoterápico, consumir menor número de fármacos no antidepresivos y frecuentación ≤ 3 visitas al médico de familia los 3 meses previos al inicio del estudio. CONCLUSIONES: El incumplimiento del tratamiento antidepresivo es elevado en atención primaria desde las primeras semanas tras iniciarlo. Constituyen factores condicionantes del mismo los relacionados con características sociodemográficas y con otras características de los pacientes como tipo de financiación de prestación farmacéutica y frecuentación a las consultas

OBJETIVE: To know the adherence to treatment in patients who initiate antidepressant drugs and to analyze the determinant factors of non-compliance, so much clinical as sociodemographic. DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal observational study. Location: Primary Health Care and Mental Health Surgeries of three Castilla-La Mancha Areas. Participants: 185 adults patients who were started in antidepressant treatment were evaluated. Measurements: Treatment adherence (test Haynes-Sackett, test Morisky-Green, count of tablets and MEMS), adverse effects, intensity of depressive symptoms, sociodemographic characteristics and other characteristics related to antidepressants or participants. RESULTS: After 6 months of beginning antidepressing treatment, 46.9% (95% IC: 36.5-57.3) showed an inadequate fulfilment by pill count method and 28.6% (95% IC: 19.1-38.0) with Morisky-Green's questionnaire. To 15 days the lack of adherence was 48.5% (95% IC: 40.6-56.4) and of 33.5% (95% IC: 26.1-41.0). The 38.4% (95% IC: 31.1-45.7) demonstrated some side effect during the follow-up. Using proportional risk model of Cox the variables related to compliance were: younger age, level of instruction lower than secondary studies, free medicines for pensioner, no psychotherapeutic treatment, consume a fewer antidepressants drugs and a frequency ≤ 3 visits to the family doctor 3 months previous to the study. CONCLUSIONS: The non-compliance of antidepressant treatment in primary care is high from the first weeks after initiating it. The conditioning factors are related to sociodemographic characteristics and other patient characteristics as type of financing of pharmaceutical benefit and frequentness at primary care

[Adherence to patients antidepressant treatment and the factors associated of non-compiance]. / Seguimiento de la adherencia al tratamiento antidepresivo en pacientes que inician su consumo.

OBJECTIVE: To know the adherence to treatment in patients who initiate antidepressant drugs and to analyze the determinant factors of non-compliance, so much clinical as sociodemographic. DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal observational study. LOCATION: Primary Health Care and Mental Health Surgeries of three Castilla-La Mancha Areas. PARTICIPANTS: 185 adults patients who were started in antidepressant treatment were evaluated. MEASUREMENTS: Treatment adherence (test Haynes-Sackett, test Morisky-Green, count of tablets and MEMS), adverse effects, intensity of depressive symptoms, sociodemographic characteristics and other characteristics related to antidepressants or participants. RESULTS: After 6months of beginning antidepressing treatment, 46.9% (95%IC: 36.5-57.3) showed an inadequate fulfilment by pill count method and 28.6% (95%IC: 19.1-38.0) with Morisky-Green's questionnaire. To 15 days the lack of adherence was 48.5% (95%IC: 40.6-56.4) and of 33.5% (95%IC: 26.1-41.0). The 38.4% (95%IC: 31.1-45.7) demonstrated some side effect during the follow-up. Using proportional risk model of Cox the variables related to compliance were: younger age, level of instruction lower than secondary studies, free medicines for pensioner, no psychotherapeutic treatment, consume a fewer antidepressants drugs and a frequency ≤ 3 visits to the family doctor 3 months previous to the study. CONCLUSIONS: The non-compliance of antidepressant treatment in primary care is high from the first weeks after initiating it. The conditioning factors are related to sociodemographic characteristics and other patient characteristics as type of financing of pharmaceutical benefit and frequentness at primary care.

[Validation of Questionnaire "ESTA": designed to assess the satisfaction with antidepressant treatment. Spain]. / Satisfacción con el tratamiento antidepresivo: validación del cuestionario "ESTA"

BACKGROUND: We have no questionnaires to assess satisfaction with antidepressant treatment, which affects the health related quality of life. The objective was to develop and validate a specific instrument to assess satisfaction with antidepressant treatment, determining convergent validity regarding clinical effectiveness, fulfillment of expectations, adherence and tolerability. METHODS: Longitudinal observational study where 168 patients started antidepressant treatment and were followed for one year. The variables included adverse effects, compliance and intensity of depressive symptoms. The questionnaire for the Evaluation of Antidepressant Treatment Satisfaction (ESTA) consists of 11 items answered using Likert scale. We evaluated its reliability, construct validity and concurrent validity with conceptually related measures with the construct assessed. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha statistic ranged between 0.936 and 0.951. In the factor analysis one factor accounted for 64.11% of the variance. The average score of the questionnaire ranged from 40.0 to 44.7 points, showing a negative correlation regarding the Hamilton scale (-0.321 / -0.601) and Montgomery-Asberg scale (-0.491 / -0.307). After a month, the antidepressant treatment satisfaction was 39.5 points in noncompliant patients and 44.3 in compliers. In those who had adverse effects was 39.2 versus 43.3 for those who had not. At the first visit (15 days) the score was 40.0, in a month 42.6, in 3 months 44.4 and in 6 months 44.5. These differences were statistically significant (p <0.05). In test-retest analysis, intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.908. CONCLUSIONS: The questionnaire, designed to assess satisfaction with antidepressant treatment, is valid and reliable, and provides a patient-centered instrument which is complementary to the clinical assessment of the effectiveness of antidepressant treatment.

[Comorbidity and cardiovascular risk in subjects with initial diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia]. / Comorbilidad y riesgo cardiovascular en sujetos con primer diagnóstico de hipercolesterolemia.

BACKGROUND: For a proper approach to the subjects, in which the presence of hypercholesterolemia is identified for the first time, is important to consider simultaneously both cardiovascular risk factors and the presence of other diseases. The purpose of our study was to describe the lipid profile of patients in which the presence of hypercholesterolemia is detected for the frist time and to determine their cardiovascular risk and comorbidity. METHODS: Observational cross-sectional study in a Primary Care setting. In 274 subjects with a plasma cholesterol level higher or equal to 200 mg / dL ("limit" hypercholesterolemia), selected by consecutive sampling, we assessed: lipid profile, cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular risk (SCORE and Castelli's atherogenic index), comorbidity (Charlson's Index) and sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: The mean cholesterol level was 232.9 mg/dl. Hypercholesterolaemia was reported "definite" (>= 250 mg / dl) in 21.1% (95% CI: 16.2 to 26.1). A 9.5% showed a cardiovascular risk >= 5%. Lipoprotein ratio of total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol was higher in men than in women (4.4 vs. 3.8, p <0.001) in subjects with Charlson's Comorbidity Index > = 1 (4.1 vs. 3.9, p = 0.04), in smokers (4.3 vs. 3.9, p = 0.04) and in hypertensive subjects (4.2 vs. 3.9, p = 0.03), obese (4.2 vs 3 , 7, p <0.05) or with the metabolic syndrome (4.4 vs 3.9, p = 0.02). We observed a higher proportion of subjects with moderate cardiovascular risk / high or cardiovascular disease in those with comorbidity (87.3% vs 42.3%, p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: More than a third of the subjects in which "limit" cholesterol was identifiyed for the first time presents comorbidity, being "defined" hypercholesterolemia in 21.1% of the cases. Takeing in consideration the Score function assessment, one outif 10 subjects presents high cardiovascular mortality risk after 10 years. Both lipoprotein ratio and cardiovascular risk are markedly higher in subjects with comorbidity.

Comorbilidad y riesgo cardiovascular en sujetos con primer diagnóstico de hipercolesterolemia / Comorbidity and cardiovascular risk in subjects with initial diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia

Fundamento: Para un adecuado abordaje de los sujetos en los que se identifica por primera vez la presencia de hipercolesterolemia es importante considerar simultáneamente tanto sus factores de riesgo cardiovascular como la presencia de otras enfermedades. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es describir el perfil lipídico de los sujetos en los que por primera vez se detecta hipercolesterolemia y determinar su riesgo cardiovascular y comorbilidad. Métodos: Estudio observacional transversal realizado en 274 sujetos en los que se identificó un nivel de colesterol plasmático >200 mg/dl (hipercolesterolemia “límite”), seleccionados mediante muestreo consecutivo. Se evaluó perfil lipídico, factores de riesgo cardiovascular y riesgo cardiovascular (SCORE e índice aterógénico de Castelli), comorbilidad(Índice de Charlson) y características sociodemográficas. Resultados: El nivel medio de colesterol fue de 232,9 mg/dl. Se observó hipercolesterolemia “definida” (> 250 mg/dl) en el 21,1% (IC95%: 16,2-26,1). El 9,5% mostró un riesgo cardiovascular > 5%. El cociente lipoprotéico colesterol total/colesterol HDL fue superior en hombres queen mujeres (4,4 vs 3,8 (p<0,001), en sujetos con Índice de Comorbilidad de Charlson > 1 (4,1 vs 3,9 p=0,04), en fumadores (4,3 vs 3,9 (p=0,04) y en sujetos hipertensos (4,2 vs 3,9,(p=0,03), obesos (4,2 vs 3,7 ( p<0,05) o con síndrome metabólico (4,4 vs 3,9 ( p=0,02). Se observó mayor proporción de sujetos con riesgo cardiovascular moderado/alto o enfermedad cardiovascular entre los que presentaban comorbilidad (87,3% vs 42,3% (p<0,01). Conclusiones: Más de la tercera parte de los sujetos en los que se identifica por primera vez hipercolesterolemia “límite” presenta comorbilidad, tratándose de hipercolesterolemia “definida” en el 21,1%. Considerando la función Score, uno de cada 10 pacientes presenta riesgo elevado de mortalidad cardiovascular después de 10 años. Tanto el cociente lipoprotéico como el cardiovascular son claramente superiores en sujetos que presentan comorbilidad(AU)

Background: For a proper approach to the subjects, in which the presence of hypercholesterolemia is identified for the first time, is important to consider simultaneously both cardiovascular risk factors and the presence of other diseases. The purpose of our study was to describe the lipid profile of patients in which the presence of hypercholesterolemia is detected for the frist time and to determine their cardiovascular risk and comorbidity. Methods: Observational cross-sectional study in a Primary Care setting. In 274 subjects with a plasma cholesterol level higher or equal to 200 mg / dL ("limit" hypercholesterolemia), selected by consecutive sampling, we assessed: lipid profile, cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular risk (SCORE and Castelli's atherogenic index), comorbidity (Charlson's Index) and sociodemographic characteristics. Results:The mean cholesterol level was 232.9 mg/dl. Hypercholesterolaemia was reported "definite" (> = 250 mg / dl) in 21.1% (95% CI: 16.2 to 26.1). A 9.5% showed a cardiovascular risk > = 5%. Lipoprotein ratio of total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol was higher in men than in women (4.4 vs. 3.8, p <0.001) in subjects with Charlson's Comorbidity Index > = 1 (4.1 vs. 3.9, p = 0.04), in smokers (4.3 vs. 3.9, p = 0.04) and in hypertensive subjects (4.2 vs. 3.9, p = 0.03), obese (4.2 vs 3 , 7, p <0.05) or with the metabolic syndrome (4.4 vs 3.9, p = 0.02). We observed a higher proportion of subjects with moderate cardiovascular risk / high or cardiovascular disease in those with comorbidity (87.3% vs 42.3%, p <0.01). Conclusions: More than a third of the subjects in which "limit" cholesterol was identifiyed for the first time presents comorbidity, being "defined" hypercholesterolemia in 21.1% of the cases. Takeing in consideration the Score function assessment, one outif 10 subjects presents high cardiovascular mortality risk after 10 years. Both lipoprotein ratio and cardiovascular risk are markedly higher in subjects with comorbidity(AU)

Cinco preguntas clave en la gripe: una revisión de guías / Five key questions on flu: a review of the guidelines

La gripe es una enfermedad infecciosa aguda provocada por el virus de la influenza A, B y C, que afecta principalmente al aparato respiratorio, se transmite con gran facilidad por secreciones y objetos contaminados, presenta riesgo potencial de complicaciones, especialmente en grupos susceptibles, y es una de las causas más frecuentes de absentismo laboral. Con el objetivo de actualizar el abordaje del síndrome gripal y recopilar información que ayude al clínico en la toma de decisiones, revisamos las recomendaciones presentadas en diferentes guías de práctica clínica. Realizamos una búsqueda en las bases bibliográficas habitualmente utilizadas en el ámbito internacional seleccionando las que sustentan sus recomendaciones en niveles de evidencia y han sido actualizadas en los tres últimos años. Decidimos incluir otras guías que no mencionan niveles de evidencia pero están avaladas por sociedades científicas o instituciones de prestigio internacional. Comparamos las recomendaciones presentadas en cinco aspectos clave: diagnóstico, manejo en los centros sanitarios, tratamiento, consejos e información a la población y vacunación (AU)

Flu is an acute infectious disease caused by the viruses A, B and C. It mainly affects the respiratory system and is easily transmitted by secretions and contaminated objects. It has a potential risk of complications, especially in susceptible groups, and is one of the most common causes of work absenteeism. With the aim of updating flu management and collecting information that will help the doctor in decision making, we reviewed the recommendations given in different clinical practice guidelines. We searched the bibliographical databases commonly used internationally and chose those guidelines that based their recommendations on levels of evidence and that had been updated in the last three years. We decided to include other guidelines that do not mention levels of evidence but that are endorsed by internationally renowned scientific societies or institutions. We compared the recommendations given according to five key elements: diagnosis, management in health centres, treatment, advice and information to the general public and vaccination (AU)

Factores asociados al consumo de tabaco en adolescentes / Factors associated with smoking in adolescents

Objetivo. Identificar factores asociados al consumo de tabaco en escolares de 1º de ESO. Diseño. Estudio analítico de casos y controles apareados por sexo (razón 1:3).Emplazamiento. Centros escolares pertenecientes a 16 zonas básicas de salud de Albacete y Ciudad Real. Participantes. Escolares de 1º de ESO seleccionados mediante cuestionario autocumplimentado. En la muestra participaron 146 escolares fumadores (casos) y 438 no fumadores (controles).Mediciones principales. Variables sobre consumo de tabaco en el entorno sociofamiliar, rendimiento escolar, consumo de alcohol, práctica deportiva y otras relacionadas con estilos de vida. Resultados. En los adolescentes fumadores fue significativamente superior (p<0,001) la proporción de padres fumadores y con menor nivel de estudios, así como la de hermanos, amigos o profesores fumadores. El consumo de alcohol, la ausencia de práctica deportiva, mayor edad, mayor disponibilidad de dinero o menor número de asignaturas aprobadas fueron otros factores asociados (p<0,01).Mediante regresión logística, las variables asociadas independientemente fueron: amigos fumadores(OR:11,3; IC95%:4,2-30,9), consumo de alcohol (OR:6,9; IC95%:3,1-15,1), ausencia de práctica deportiva(OR:3,3; IC95%:1,4-7,6), mayor edad (14-15 años) (OR:2,3; IC95%:1,2-4,6) y menor nivel de estudios del padre (OR:2,0; IC95%:1,1-3,9).Conclusiones. En el consumo de tabaco en adolescentes se identifican factores de exposición relacionados con el estilo de vida, tanto personal como de padres o amigos, entre ellos la presencia de fumadores en el entorno sociofamiliar o la menor dedicación a prácticas deportivas. Por otra parte, pueden ser también factores de riesgo algunas variables sociodemográficas como el menor nivel de estudios de los padres o la mayor edad del joven (AU)

Objective. To identify factors associated with smoking in secondary school children. Design. Case-control analytical study paired by gender (ratio1:3)Setting. Secondary schools from 16 health areas of Albacete and Ciudad Real. Subjects. Secondary school children divided in two groups based on a self-completed questionnaire. Case group with 146 smokers and control group with 438 non smokers. Main measurements. Variables related to smoking in the socio-family setting, academic results, alcohol consumption, participation in sports and lifestyle. Results. The percentage of smoking parents and of lower parental educational status were significantly higher (p<0.001) in the smoking group. The percentages of smoking siblings, smoking friends and smoking teachers were also higher in this group. Alcohol consumption, non-participation in sports, older age, greater availability of money or fewer passed subjects were other factors associated(p<0.01) with the smoking group. By logistic regression, the independent associated variables were: smoking friends (OR:11.3; 95% CI: 4.2-30.9), alcohol consumption (OR:6.9; 95%CI:3.1-15.1), nonparticipation in sports (OR:3.3; 95% CI:1.4-7.6), older age (14-15 years old) (OR:2.3; 95% CI:1.2-4.6)and lower paternal educational status (OR:2.0; 95% CI:1.1-3.9)Conclusions. Smoking in secondary school children is correlated with risk factors related to personal, parental and friends’ lifestyles, such as smokers in socio-family setting or non- participation insports. In addition, some socio-demographic variables could be also be risk factors such as lower parental educational status or older age of the children (AU)

Satisfacción con el tratamiento antidepresivo: validación del cuestionario "ESTA" / Validation of Questionnaire "ESTA", designed to assess the satisfaction with antidepressant treatment. Spain

Fundamento: No existen cuestionarios para evaluar la satisfacción con el tratamiento antidepresivo, el cual repercute en la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud. El objetivo fue desarrollar y validar un instrumento específico para valorar la satisfacción con el tratamiento antidepresivo, determinando su validez convergente respecto a su efectividad clínica, cumplimiento de expectativas, adherencia terapéutica y tolerabilidad. Métodos: Estudio observacional longitudinal donde 168 pacientes iniciaron tratamiento antidepresivo y fueron evaluados durante un año. Las variables incluyeron efectos adversos, cumplimiento e intensidad de síntomas depresivos. En el cuestionario para la Evaluación de la Satisfacción con el Tratamiento Antidepresivo (ESTA), de 11 ítems respondidos mediante escala Likert, se evaluó su fiabilidad, validez de construcción y concurrente con mediciones relacionadas conceptualmente con dicho constructo. Resultados: El α de Cronbach osciló entre 0,936 y 0,951. En el análisis factorial un solo factor explicó el 63,76% de la varianza. La puntuación media del cuestionario ESTA osciló entre 40,0 y 44,7 puntos, observándose una correlación negativa respecto a las escalas de Hamilton (-0,321/-0,601) y Montgomery-Asberg (-0,491/-0,307). La satisfacción con el tratamiento antidepresivo al cabo de un mes fue 39,5 en incumplidores y 44,3 en cumplidores. En quienes presentaron efectos adversos fue 39,2 frente a 43,3 de quienes no los presentaron. En la primera visita (15 días) la puntuación fue 40,0; al mes 42,6; a los 3 meses 44,4 y a los 6 meses 44,5. Estas diferencias fueron estadísticamente significativas para p<0,05. En el análisis de fiabilidad test-retest el coeficiente de correlación intraclase fue 0,908. Conclusiones: El cuestionario ESTA, diseñado para evaluar la satisfacción con el tratamiento antidepresivo, es válido y fiable, constituyendo un instrumento de medición centrado en el paciente complementario a la valoración clínica de la efectividad del tratamiento antidepresivo (AU)

Background: We have no questionnaires to assess satisfaction with antidepressant treatment, which affects the health related quality of life. The objective was to develop and validate a specific instrument to assess satisfaction with antidepressant treatment, determining convergent validity regarding clinical effectiveness, fulfillment of expectations, adherence and tolerability. Methods: Longitudinal observational study where 168 patients started antidepressant treatment and were followed for one year. The variables included adverse effects, compliance and intensity of depressive symptoms. The questionnaire for the Evaluation of Antidepressant Treatment Satisfaction (ESTA) consists of 11 items answered using Likert scale. We evaluated its reliability, construct validity and concurrent validity with conceptually related measures with the construct assessed. Results: The Cronbach's alpha statistic ranged between 0.936 and 0.951. In the factor analysis one factor accounted for 64.11% of the variance. The average score of the questionnaire ranged from 40.0 to 44.7 points, showing a negative correlation regarding the Hamilton scale (-0.321 / -0.601) and Montgomery-Asberg scale (-0.491 / -0.307). After a month, the antidepressant treatment satisfaction was 39.5 points in noncompliant patients and 44.3 in compliers. In those who had adverse effects was 39.2 versus 43.3 for those who had not. At the first visit (15 days) the score was 40.0, in a month 42.6, in 3 months 44.4 and in 6 months 44.5. These differences were statistically significant (p <0.05). In test-retest analysis, intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.908. Conclusions: The questionnaire, designed to assess satisfaction with antidepressant treatment, is valid and reliable, and provides a patient-centered instrument which is complementary to the clinical assessment of the effectiveness of antidepressant treatment (AU)

Revisión clínica del tratamiento de los Trastornos de Ansiedad / Clinical review of the treatment of Anxiet y Disorders

La ansiedad es patológica cuando se produce ante estímulos inadecuados o inexistentes, o cuando éstos existen o son adecuados, pero la intensidad y/o la duración de la respuesta supera los límites adaptativos. Es el síntoma común de un conjunto de cuadros clasificados como trastornos de ansiedad. Nos ocuparemos en la presente revisión de los más frecuentes y con mayor trascendencia en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Revisamos las pruebas actualmente disponibles sobre efectividad y seguridad de las opciones terapéuticas utilizadas para el abordaje del trastorno de angustia, el trastorno de ansiedad generalizado, la fobia social y simple o específica y el nivel asistencial más eficiente para su tratamiento. Se trata de una revisión de la bibliografía seleccionada (guías basadas en la evidencia y revisiones sistemáticas y clínicas), considerando básicamente la validez y consistencia de los estudios, importancia de los resultados y su aplicabilidad. Los grados de recomendación se fundamentan en los niveles de evidencia existentes (AU)

Anxiety is pathological when it is produced in the absence of stimuli or with inadequate stimuli, or when stimuli do exist and are appropriate but the intensity and duration of the response exceed adaptive limits. This is the common symptom of a group of disorders classified as anxiety disorders. In this review, we focus on the most frequent of these and those with the greatest repercussions on the patients’ quality of life. We review currently available tests of efficacy and safety of the therapeutic options available to treat panic attacks, generalised anxiety disorder, specific or simple social phobia and the most efficient healthcare levels for their treatment. This paper reviews the literature selected (evidence-based guidelines and systematic and clinical reviews), basically considering the validity and consistency of the studies, the importance of the results and their applicability. The recommendations are based on existing levels of evidence (AU)

Recomendaciones para ayudar a un paciente a dejar de fumar. Una revisión de Guías Clínicas / Recommendations to assist tobacco user to quit

El tabaquismo es la enfermedad adictiva crónica prevenible que más enfermedad y muerteprovoca en la sociedad actual.El presente artículo plantea una revisión de las guías de práctica clínica más representativaso actualizadas en el tratamiento del tabaquismo con el objetivo de conocer cuáles son las recomendaciones más extendidas para ayudar a un paciente a dejar de fumar.Se planteó la búsqueda en las bases bibliográfi cas más comúnmente utilizadas, de ámbito internacional, seleccionando las guías que sustentan sus recomendaciones en niveles de evidencia y que han sido actualizadas en los tres últimos años. Se decidió incluir algunas otras que, si bien tienen una actualización anterior o no hacen mención explícita a niveles de evidencia, se consideran lectura obligada por el impacto que tienen sus autores o las Sociedades y Grupos de trabajo que las sustentan en el ámbito médico.La mayoría de las guías recomiendan organizar el abordaje de un fumador en cinco pasos: preguntar por el consumo de tabaco, valorar la disposición al cambio, aconsejar el abandono, ayudar a llevarlo a efecto y organizar un seguimiento. Todas las guías destacan el consejo ofrecido por el médico, el asesoramiento breve dirigido a la resolución de problemas, la terapia sustitutiva de nicotina y el bupropion como los elementos más efi caces para ayudar a los fumadores a abandonar el hábito

Tobacco use is the single most preventable addictive chronic cause of disease and deathin our society.This article presents a review of the most important and updated practice guidelines about smoking treatment. The aim is to know the most accepted references to help a smoker to quit.The search was settled with the most common data base used worldwide. Evidence based practice guidelines updated in the last three years were selected. Other previous guidelines or non-evidence based guidelines were also included by the relevance of the authors, or the societies and work-groups that uphold them in the medical fi eld.Most of the guidelines recommend fi ve steps to approach tobacco users: ask about smoking status, assess the will to quit, advise brief cessation messages, assist to quit and arrange appropriate follow up. Every guideline emphasize the physicians advice to quit smoking, brief counseling about skills training/problem-solving, nicotine replacement therapy and bupropion as the most effective interventions to help smokers to quit (AU)

Síntomas conductuales y psicológicos de la demencia: ¿cómo tratarlos? / Behavioral and psichological symptoms in dementia: how to treat it?

Las demencias causan un gran impacto en la vida de los afectados y de sus familias y provocan efectos sociosanitarios y económicos destacados.Los síntomas conductuales y psicológicos asociados a la demencia (SCPD) son motivo frecuente de consulta y provocan un importante deterioro en la calidad de vida de los pacientes y sus cuidadores. Los médicos de familia asumimos la responsabilidad de su atencióny contamos con guías basadas en pruebas que pueden ayudarnos a mejorar nuestra capacidad de respuesta a estos problemas. Las medidas no farmacológicas de atención al enfermo y a sus cuidadores son la primera elección en el abordaje de los SCPD, aunque losdatos que respaldan su uso son limitados en muchos casos. Los síntomas que mejor parecen responder a este tipo de intervenciones son el humor depresivo leve, la apatía, el vagabundeo, el caminar insistente y las preguntas y gestos repetidos.El uso de fármacos esta claramente indicado para los SCPD moderados a graves que interfieren en la calidad de vida del paciente o el cuidador. Los fármacos que han demostrado más efectividad son los neurolépticos, antidepresivos y benzodiacepinas, Sin embargo,su uso debe ser muy cauteloso, considerando la mayor susceptibilidad de estos pacientes a sus efectos adversos. Revisamos las recomendaciones de uso en cada uno de los SCPD y su nivel de evidencia.La formación, el adiestramiento y la actuación integral y continua de los equipos de atenciónprimaria, con la participación fundamental de los cuidadores, constituyen instrumentos de primer orden en el manejo de este tipo de pacientes

Dementia causes a big shock in patients and family lifes and provokes important economic and health-social effects. Behavioral and psichological symptoms associated with dementia are frequently the origin of consultancy and are involved with an important worsening of quality life in patients and careers. Family doctors have the responsability of health service and management based on tryals guides that help us in order to improve our answer capability. Firts step in the BPSD assistance observe not pharmaceutic actions, however evidence that supports its use are limited. The symptoms that offer a best answer to not pharmaceutical actions are slight depressive humour, apathy, aimlessness, continuouswalking and repetitive questions and gestures.Use of drugs has its target on middle and serious BPSD that modify life quality of patients or carers. Drugs that have demonstrated moore efectivity are neuroleptics, antidepressives and benzodiazepines. However, it use has to be with care, considering higher sensibility of these patients to its adverse effects. We have to check use recommendations in everyBPSD and its evidence level.Training and full and continuous actuation on first health level teams and the active work of carers have a particular importance in the management of these patients