Compliance with a WHO guideline for cardiovascular disease prevention. A population based cross-sectional study in Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Current recommendations for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention are guided CVD risk classification. This study aims to analyze the level of compliance with pharmacological and non-pharmacological recommendations outlined in the World Health Organization (WHO) CVD prevention clinical practice guideline within the general population of two cities in Argentina. METHODS: We analyzed the compliance with preventive recommendations from the WHO 2007 Guidelines for Management of Cardiovascular Risk in two cities of Argentina participating in the CESCAS population-based study in the Southern Cone of Latin America. RESULTS: 3990 participants were included. Considering the WHO recommendations, the use of antiplatelet medication was 5.6% (95% CI 3.5, 8.9) in primary prevention and 20.5% (95%= CI 16.0, 25.9) in secondary prevention. Regarding lipid-lowering medication, it was 6.7% (CI 95%= 4.4, 10.1) and 15.4% (CI 95%= 11.6, 20.1), respectively. As per non-pharmacological recommendations in the general population: low intake of fruit and vegetables was 78.4% (CI 95%= 76.8, 79.9); low physical activity was 26.9% (CI 95%= 25.3, 28.5), current cigarette smoking was 28.3% (CI 95%= 26.6, 30.0), overweight/obesity was 73.9% (CI 95%= 72.3, 75.6), and excessive alcohol intake was 2.6% (CI 95%= 2.1, 3.4). CONCLUSIONS: It was observed a significantly low compliance with pharmacological and non-pharmacological recommendations for CVD prevention in the general population of two cities in Argentina. Urgent efforts are needed to improve compliance to cardiovascular preventive recommendations promoted by CPG, especially in Low- and Middle- Income Countries.

Elevated Lipoprotein(a) prevalence and association with family history of premature cardiovascular disease in general population with moderate cardiovascular risk and increased LDL cholesterol.

Background: Elevated Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is independently associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. There are discrepancies regarding its epidemiology due to great variability in different populations. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of elevated Lp(a) in people with moderate CVD risk and increased LDL-c and to determine the association between family history of premature CVD and elevated Lp(a). Methods: Random subjects from the CESCAS population-based study of people with moderate CVD risk (Framingham score 10-20 %) and LDL-c ≥ 130 mg/dL, were selected to evaluate Lp(a) by immunoturbidimetry independent of the Isoforms variability. The association between family history of premature CVD and elevated Lp(a) was evaluated using multivariate logistic regression models. Elevated Lp(a) was defined as Lp(a) ​​≥ 125 nmol/L. Results: Lp(a) was evaluated in 484 samples; men = 39.5 %, median age = 57 years (Q1-Q3: 50-63), mean CVD risk = 14.4 % (SE: 0.2), family history of premature CVD = 11.2 %, Lp(a) median of 21 nmol/L (Q1-Q3: 9-42 nmol/L), high Lp(a) = 6.1 % (95 % CI = 3.8-9.6). Association between family history of premature CVD and elevated Lp(a) in total population: OR 1.31 (95 % CI = 0.4, 4.2) p = 0.642; in subgroup of people with LDL-c ≥ 160 mg%, OR 4.24 (95 % CI = 1.2, 15.1) p = 0.026. Conclusions: In general population with moderate CVD risk and elevated LDL-c from the Southern Cone of Latin America, less than one over ten people had elevated Lp(a). Family history of premature CVD was significantly associated with the presence of elevated Lp(a) in people with LDL-c ≥ 160 mg/dL.

Funciones de los médicos de familia y comunidad en los equipos del Primer Nivel de Atención en Uruguay / The role of family and community doctors in Primary Health Care in Uruguay / Funções dos médicos de família e comunidade nas equipes de atenção de primeiro nível de atenção no Uruguai

Resumen: Objetivo: determinar cuáles son las actividades que deberían o podrían desarrollar los médicos de familia y comunidad en el Primer Nivel de Atención (PNA), en el marco de la estrategia de Atención Primaria en Salud (APS), en Uruguay. Método: estudio exploratorio de consulta a expertos de la academia, en dos etapas. Resultados: participaron once expertas de medicina familiar y comunitaria de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de la República Oriental del Uruguay. Los principales resultados, consistieron en la obtención de un consenso nacional, sobre las actividades que debe o pueden desarrollar la medicina familiar y comunitaria en el primer nivel de atención. Conclusiones: los médicos de familia y comunidad integran diversas actividades clínicas y de gestión con enfoque familiar y comunitario y de gestión clínica. Aparecen diferencias en el enfoque de las actividades comunitarias que deberían desarrollar. Establecer las actividades de la medicina familiar y comunitaria permitirá definir mejor su rol en el equipo de salud y potenciar su desarrollo.

Summary: Objective: to define the activities that family and community doctors should or could conduct in Primary Health Care (PHC), within the framework of the Primary Health Care Strategy in Uruguay. Method: exploratory study consulting expert from academia, in two stages. Results: eleven experts on family and community medicine from the University of the Republic in Uruguay participated in the study. The main results consisted in the achievement of a national consensus on the activities that family and community medicine must or may conduct in primary health care. Conclusions: family and community doctors take part in several clinical and management activities with a family and community perspective. Differences arise in connection with the approach to community activities they should conduct. Establishing family and community medicine activities will enable to better define their rolein the health team and to encourage their development.

Resumo: Objetivo: determinar quais são as atividades que os médicos de família e comunidade devem ou podem desenvolver no Primeiro Nível de Atenção (PNA), no âmbito da estratégia de Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS), no Uruguai. Método: estudo exploratório de consulta com especialistas da academia, em duas etapas. Resultados: participaram onze especialistas em medicina familiar e comunitária da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade da República Oriental do Uruguai. Os principais resultados consistiram na obtenção de um consenso nacional sobre as atividades que a medicina familiar e comunitária deve ou pode desenvolver no primeiro nível de atenção. Conclusões: os médicos de família e comunidade integram várias atividades clínicas e de gestão com uma abordagem familiar e comunitária e gestão clínica. Observam-se diferenças na abordagem das atividades comunitárias que devem ser desenvolvidas. O estabelecimento das atividades da medicina familiar e comunitária definirá melhor seu papel na equipe de saúde e potencializará seu desenvolvimento.

Attributes of the food and physical activity built environments from the Southern Cone of Latin America.

Previous studies have shown the influence of the physical and social environments on the development of obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCD). An obesogenic environment promotes higher dietary energy intakes and sedentary behaviors while limiting opportunities or incentives for active living. This paper presents a dataset with key attributes of the food and physical activity built environment, including green spaces, quality of streets and sidewalks, and different types of food retail outlets in four cities of the Southern Cone of Latin America. A total of 139 representative neighborhoods randomly selected from: Marcos Paz and Bariloche (Argentina), Temuco (Chile) and Canelones-Barros Blancos (Uruguay) were evaluated, where standardized community walks were conducted for direct observation of the built environment. This dataset will contribute valuable data to the evaluation of obesogenic environments in the region, and could be linked to additional ecological information about risk factors for NCDs and socio-economic features from other sources. Understanding environmental influences on cardiovascular risk factors and individual habits may help explain NCD outcomes and plan urban policies.

Dietary patterns and blood pressure in Southern Cone of Latin America.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: in the Southern Cone of Latin America, previous studies have shown that blood hypertension is one of the most significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and diet plays a fundamental role. We analyzed the cross-sectional relationship between dietary patterns (DP) and blood pressure values in people involved in the CESCAS I Study. METHODS AND RESULTS: the participants (n = 4626) were derived from randomly selected samples in 4 cities (Bariloche and Marcos Paz, Argentina; Temuco, Chile; and Pando-Barros Blancos, Uruguay). To define DP, a food-frequency questionnaire was applied and principal component analysis was performed. Blood pressure was determined according to standardized guidelines. A multivariate regression model was developed to determine the association between each DP and blood pressure values, according to the quartile (Q) of adherence to DP. Two predominant DP were detected, Prudent (PDP, higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, seafood and nuts) and Western (WDP, higher consumption of red and processed meats, dressings, sweets, snacks and refined grains). A significant inverse association was found between adherence to PDP and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (-1.85 and -1.29 mmHg for Q4 vs Q1, respectively). Adherence to WDP was positively associated with systolic blood pressure (2.09 mmHg for Q4 vs Q1). CONCLUSION: the WDP detected in the studied population is positively associated with higher levels of blood pressure, while greater adherence to healthy DP has a positive impact on blood pressure.

Adherence to Drinking Guidelines and Reasons for Alcohol Consumption Cessation in the Southern Cone of Latin America - Findings from the CESCAS Study.

Introduction: Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality globally. Consumption levels in Southern Latin America are among the highest in the world. Objectives: To describe consumption patterns and adherence to guidelines in the general adult population of Southern Latin America, as well as exploration of reasons for alcohol cessation and the advising role of the health worker in this decision. Methods: In 7,520 participants from the Centro de Excelencia en Salud Cardiovascular para el America del Sur (CESCAS) cohort, consumption patterns were described and the proportion excessive drinkers (i.e. >7 units/week for women and >14 for men or binge drinking: >4 (women) or >5 (men) units at a single occasion) was calculated. Former drinkers were asked if they had quit alcohol consumption on the advice of a health worker and/or because of health reasons. Furthermore, among former drinkers, multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess which participant characteristics were independently associated with the chance of quitting consumption on a health worker's advice. Results: Mean age was 54.8 years (SD = 10.8), 42% was male. Current drinking was reported by 44.6%, excessive drinking by 8.5% of the population. In former drinkers, 23% had quit alcohol consumption because of health reasons, half of them had additionally quit on the advice of a health worker. The majority of former drinkers however had other, unknown, reasons. When alcohol cessation was based on a health worker's advice, sex, country of residence, educational status and frequency of visiting a physician were independent predictors. Conclusion: In this Southern American population-based sample, most participants adhered to the alcohol consumption guidelines. The advising role of the health worker in quitting alcohol consumption was only modest and the motivation for the majority of former drinkers remains unknown. A more detailed assessment of actual advice rates and exploration of additional reasons for alcohol cessation might be valuable for alcohol policy making.

Family and Community Medicine in Uruguay from 1997 to 2019: how many kilometers will it take to reach that town? / La Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria en Uruguay de 1997 a 2019: ¿cuántos kilómetros faltarán para llegar al pueblo aquel?

The Family and Community Medicine Residency started in Uruguay in 1997. Through a self-managed process, the first generations were molded into training that integrated hospital knowledge and experience with territorial praxis in a community-based health service with a population of reference. The academic recognition of the specialty and the installation of the institutional areas for its management were achievements parallel to that process in the first decade. The second decade was marked by the territorial teaching-assistance expansion in the country, university decentralization and the active participation of Family and Community Medicine in the Health Reform, and the country's rights agenda. The third decade of the specialty begins with a crisis triggered by the sustained decline in the aspiration for residency. An initial approach to explanations reflects on the possibility of facing a more profound crisis and the need to find the keys to a 21st century Medicine that allows us to achieve the principles of Alma-Ata that are still current.

La residencia de medicina familiar y comunitaria comenzó en Uruguay en el año 1997. A través de un proceso autogestionado, las primeras generaciones se moldearon en una formación que integraba en ellos el conocimiento y la experiencia hospitalarios junto con la praxis territorial en un servicio de salud de base comunitaria con población de referencia. El reconocimiento académico de la especialidad y la instalación de los ámbitos institucionales para su gestión fueron conquistas paralelas a ese proceso en la primera década. La segunda década estuvo marcada por la expansión territorial de la estructura docente-asistencial, la descentralización de la universidad y la participación activa de la medicina familiar y comunitaria en la reforma de la salud y la agenda de derechos. La tercera década de la especialidad se presenta en su inicio como crisis dada por la caída sostenida en la aspiración a la residencia. Desde una aproximación inicial a las explicaciones, se reflexiona sobre la posibilidad de estar frente a una crisis más profunda y la necesidad de encontrar las claves de una medicina del siglo XXI que permita alcanzar los principios de Alma Ata, siempre vigentes.

Armonización iberoamericana de los instrumentos PCAT para la evaluación del primer nivel de atención

Cuarenta años después de Alma Ata, el mundo está reforzando la consciencia sobre la importancia de los atributos y funciones del primer nivel de atención, pero aún queda mucho por hacer para implementarlos, medirlos y aprender de las experiencias exitosas de algunos países. El conjunto de instrumentos Primary Care Assessment Tools (PCAT), desarrollados en los años 90 en Estados Unidos de América por Starfield y Shi (1), se ha mostrado como la herramienta más completa para el análisis de la atención primaria de la salud (APS) y su utilidad fue reconocida en numerosos países y regiones del mundo. El objetivo de esta carta es comunicar preliminarmente el proceso de armonización de las versiones PCAT ya adaptadas en diversos países de Iberoamérica y subrayar la importancia de estas herramientas para evaluar y comparar el primer nivel de atención, particularmente en sistemas de salud fundados en la estrategia de APS.

Adaptación transcultural colaborativa de cuestionarios PCAT para Colombia / Collaborative transcultural adaptation of the PCAT questionnaires for Colombia / Adaptação transcultural colaborativa de questionários PCAT para Colômbia

Objetivo: obtener versiones de los cuestionarios Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT) para Colombia (CO-PCAT), dirigidos a profesionales (PCAT-PE), gestores y directivos de atención primaria (PCAT-FE) a través de un proceso colaborativo internacional. Metodos: proceso de adaptación transcultural modificado a partir de las versiones adaptadas y validadas en español, en consenso con la Colaboración Iberoamericana IA-PCAT. El método busca conseguir la equivalencia de la versión CO-PCAT de los cuestionarios con la versión original de Estados Unidos de América. Se desarrollaron tres fases de trabajo: I) valoración de la adecuación de versiones iberoamericanas en lengua española y adaptación al contexto colombiano, II) revisión internacional realizada por investigadores de la Colaboración Iberoamericana PCAT y III) pruebas preliminares de los cuestionarios. Consideraciones éticas: es una investigación sin riesgos para los seres humanos conforme a la Resolución 08430 de 1993 de Colombia y la Declaración de Helsinki. Resultados: del PCAT-PE se incluyeron en la versión colombiana 182 ítems. En cuanto al PCAT-FE se trabajó con 197 ítems en total. Conclusión: se obtuvieron versiones adaptadas al sistema de salud colombiano. La metodología empleada puede contribuir al logro de mayor equivalencia entre instrumentos de diferentes países.

Objective: Obtain versions of the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT) questionnaires for Colombia (CO-PCAT), directed to professionals (PCAT-PE), managers and directives of primary care (PCAT-FE) through an international, collaborative process. Methods: a transcultural adaptation process modified from the adapted and validated Spanish versions, in consensus with the Ibero-American Collaboration IA-PCAT. The method intends to get an equivalence of the CO-PCAT questionnaires version with the original version of the United States. Three phases of the work were developed: I) assessment of the adaptation of ibero-american versions in Spanish and adaptation to the Colombian context. II) international review performed by researchers of the Ibero-American Collaboration PCAT, and III) preliminary trials of the questionnaires. Ethical considerations: it is a non-risk research for human beings according to the Resolution 08430 of 1993 of Colombia and the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: From the PCAT-PE, 182 items were included in the Colombian version. Regarding PCAT-PE, the research worked with a total of 197 items. Conclusion: Adapted versions to the Colombian health system were obtained. The methodology used can contribute to the accomplishment of a greater equivalence between instruments of different countries.

Objetivo: obter versões dos questionários Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT) para Colômbia (CO-PCAT), dirigidos a professionais (PCAT-PE), encargados e diretivos de atenção primária (PCAT-FE) através de um processo colaborativo internacional. Métodos: processo de adaptação transcultural modificado a partir das versões adaptadas e validadas em espanhol, em consenso com a Colaboração Ibero-americana IA-PCAT. O método procura alcançar a equivalência da versão CO-PCAT dos questionários com a versão original de Estados Unidos da América. Desenvolveram-se três fases de trabalho: I) valoração da adequação de versões Ibero-americanas em língua espanhola e adaptação ao contexto colombiano, II) revisão internacional realizada por pesquisadores da Colaboração Ibero-americana PCAT e III) testes preliminares dos questionários. Considerações éticas: é uma pesquisa sem riscos para os seres humanos conforme à Resolução 08430 de 1993 da Colômbia e a Declaração de Helsinki. Resultados: do PCAT-PE se incluíram na versão colombiana 182 itens. Em quanto ao PCAT-FE se trabalho com 197 itens em total. Conclusão: obtiveram-se versões adaptadas ao sistema de saúde colombiano. A metodologia utilizada pode contribuir para a obtenção de maior equivalência entre instrumentos de diferentes países.

Estimating prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Southern Cone of Latin America: how different spirometric criteria may affect disease burden and health policies.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. The study aimed to determine and compare the prevalence of COPD in the general population aged 45-74 years old according to fixed ratio and lower limit of normal (LLN) thresholds in four cities in the Southern Cone of Latin America. METHODS: The Pulmonary Risk in South America (PRISA) study used a 4-stage stratified sampling method to select 5814 participants from 4 cities in the Southern Cone of Latin America (Bariloche and Marcos Paz, Argentina; Temuco, Chile; and Pando-Barros Blancos, Uruguay). Data on demographic information, medical history, risk factors, pre-bronchodilator and post-bronchodilator spirometry were obtained using a standard protocol. According to GOLD, COPD was defined as a post-bronchodilator ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) over forced vital capacity (FVC) less than 70%. The LLN threshold was defined as the lower fifth percentile for predicted FEV1/FVC, and was evaluated as an alternative COPD definition. RESULTS: Overall COPD prevalence was 9.3% (95% CI 8.4, 10.2%), and men had a higher prevalence [11.8% (95% CI 10.3, 13.3%)] than women [7.3% (95% CI 6.2, 8.3%)] with the fixed ratio. Overall COPD prevalence using LLN was 4.7% (95% CI 4.1, 5.3%), higher in men: 5.8% (95% CI 4.7, 6.8%) than women: 3.9% (95% CI 3.1, 4.7%). COPD prevalence was significantly higher among those who were older, had

54. Alteraciones electrocardiográficas en población general de Uruguay. Etapa basal período 2011-2012

Antecedentes: el presente trabajo se desarrolló en el marco del estudio CESCAS (Centro de Excelencia en Salud Cardiovascular para América del Sur), cuya finalidad es la detección y seguimiento de enfermedades cardiovasculares, EPOC y factores de riesgo en cuatro urbanizaciones del Cono Sur. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia y distribución de frecuencias de las alteraciones electrocardiográficas basales de la cohorte prospectiva de Uruguay del Estudio CESCAS I entre los años 2011-2012. Dicho estudio incluyó en forma aleatoria a una muestra representativa y estratificada de 1.584 hombres y mujeres, entre 35 y 74 años de tres localidades de Canelones. Material y método: la metodología consistió en el estudio descriptivo de 1.475 informes electrocardiográficos de la etapa basal del estudio, realizados por equipo técnico calificado para tal fin e informados por cardiólogo. Resultados: se obtuvieron tablas de distribución de frecuencias para las variables edad, sexo, presencia de RS, FC, extrasístoles supraventriculares y ventriculares, FA, flutter auricular, HVI, secuela infarto de miocardio, bloqueo completo de rama derecha e izquierda y presencia de marcapasos. De los 1.475 electrocardiogramas realizados, 228 (15,5%) presentaban al menos una alteración y en ellos la distribución por sexo fue de 123 hombres (54%) y 105 mujeres (46%); la media de la edad fue de 62 años ± 10,3, hallándose la mayor parte de las alteraciones en el rango de etario de 65 a 74 años (49,6%), que mostró un gradiente ascendente. Las prevalencias de las alteraciones electrocardiográficas fueron: extrasístoles ventriculares y supraventriculares 5,8%; bradicardia sinusal 4,3%; bloqueo de rama derecha 2,3%; secuela de infarto de miocardio 1,8%; HVI 1,4%; FA 1,4%; bloqueo completo de rama izquierda (1,2%); presencia de marcapaso 0,2% y flutter auricular 0,06%. Conclusiones: en este estudio de una muestra de población general adulta la prevalencia de las alteraciones electrocardiográficas fue alta y mayor aun en los rangos etarios más avanzados. Se destaca la alta prevalencia de las alteraciones que se asocian a pronóstico adverso como bloqueo completo de rama izquierda, secuela de IAM, HVI y FA.

Proceso colaborativo internacional para la adaptación al contexto colombiano de los cuestionarios PCAT para usuarios / International collaborative process for adaptation of PCAT questionnaires to the Colombian context

RESUMEN Objetivo Obtener versiones de los cuestionarios Primary Care Assessment Tools Child Edition y Adult Edition (PCAT-CE y PCAT-AE) para evaluar las funciones de la atención primaria con equivalencia a las versiones originales y adecuación al contexto colombiano. Métodos Proceso de adaptación transcultural modificado a partir de las versiones adaptadas y validadas en español en Argentina, Uruguay y España, en consenso con la Colaboración Iberoamericana IA-PCAT. Resultados Dieciocho de 99 ítems del PCAT-CE y 31 de 112 del PCAT-AE fueron adecuados para Colombia según las versiones iberoamericanas; 76 y 73, respectivamente, requirieron cambios lingüísticos mínimos; 2 y 4 ítems, cambios mayores; 1 y 4 ítems fueron eliminados. Las entrevistas confirmaron la comprensión y permitieron mejoras. Conclusiones Se obtuvieron versiones adaptadas al sistema de salud colombiano. La metodología empleada capitalizó los resultados de otros países y puede contribuir al logro de mayor equivalencia entre instrumentos de diferentes países.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To obtain versions adapted to the Colombian context of the Primary Care Assessment Tools Child Edition and Adult Edition questionnaires (PCAT-CE and PCAT-AE, respectively) to assess the functions of primary care with equivalence to their original versions. Methods Transcultural adaptation process based on the adapted versions in Spanish validated in Argentina, Uruguay and Spain, in agreement with the Ibero-American Collaboration IA-PCAT. Results Eighteen out of 99 PCAT-CE items and 31 out of 112 PCAT-AE items were suitable for Colombia according to the Latin American versions. Of them, 76 and 73, respectively, required minimal idiomatic changes, 2 and 4 required major changes, and 1 and 4 items were removed. Interviews confirmed understanding and allowed improvements. Conclusions Versions tailored to the Colombian health system were obtained. The methodology used capitalized on the results of other countries and can contribute to achieving greater equivalence between instruments from different countries.(AU)

Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose in the Southern Cone of Latin America.

AIMS: To determine the prevalence, treatment and control of diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) as well as associated factors in the adult population of four cities of the Southern Cone of Latin America (SCLA). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional population-based study that included 7407 adults between 35 and 74 years old in four cities of the SCLA: Temuco (Chile), Marcos Paz and Bariloche (Argentina), and Pando-Barros Blancos (Uruguay). DM was defined as fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL or self-reported history of diabetes. Awareness, treatment, and control of DM were defined as subjects self-reporting a DM previous diagnosis, the use of a prescription medication or nonpharmacological intervention for DM, and fasting plasma glucose <126 mg/dl, respectively. RESULTS: Prevalence of DM varied among cities, between 8.4% in Bariloche and 14.3% in Temuco. Prevalence of IFG varied at different sites, from 3.5% in Barros Blancos to 6.8% in Marcos Paz. Of the total number of people with diabetes, 20% were newly diagnosed at the time of the study. Overall, 79.8% of patients with diabetes were aware of their condition. The treatment and control rate were 58.8% and 46.2%, respectively. Older age, family history of diabetes, lower educational attainment, overweight, obesity, central obesity, low physical activity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia were all significantly associated with an increased risk of diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of DM and IFG in the adult population of the SCLA is high and varies among cities. These conditions represent a public health challenge since the rates of awareness, treatment, and control are still low.

[International collaborative process for adaptation of PCAT questionnaires to the Colombian context]. / Proceso colaborativo internacional para la adaptación al contexto colombiano de los cuestionarios PCAT para usuarios.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain versions adapted to the Colombian context of the Primary Care Assessment Tools Child Edition and Adult Edition questionnaires (PCAT-CE and PCAT-AE, respectively) to assess the functions of primary care with equivalence to their original versions. METHODS: Transcultural adaptation process based on the adapted versions in Spanish validated in Argentina, Uruguay and Spain, in agreement with the Ibero-American Collaboration IA-PCAT. RESULTS: Eighteen out of 99 PCAT-CE items and 31 out of 112 PCAT-AE items were suitable for Colombia according to the Latin American versions. Of them, 76 and 73, respectively, required minimal idiomatic changes, 2 and 4 required major changes, and 1 and 4 items were removed. Interviews confirmed understanding and allowed improvements. CONCLUSIONS: Versions tailored to the Colombian health system were obtained. The methodology used capitalized on the results of other countries and can contribute to achieving greater equivalence between instruments from different countries.

OBJETIVO: Obtener versiones de los cuestionarios Primary Care Assessment Tools Child Edition y Adult Edition (PCAT-CE y PCAT-AE) para evaluar las funciones de la atención primaria con equivalencia a las versiones originales y adecuación al contexto colombiano. MÉTODOS: Proceso de adaptación transcultural modificado a partir de las versiones adaptadas y validadas en español en Argentina, Uruguay y España, en consenso con la Colaboración Iberoamericana IA-PCAT. RESULTADOS: Dieciocho de 99 ítems del PCAT-CE y 31 de 112 del PCAT-AE fueron adecuados para Colombia según las versiones iberoamericanas; 76 y 73, respectivamente, requirieron cambios lingüísticos mínimos; 2 y 4 ítems, cambios mayores; 1 y 4 ítems fueron eliminados. Las entrevistas confirmaron la comprensión y permitieron mejoras. CONCLUSIONES: Se obtuvieron versiones adaptadas al sistema de salud colombiano. La metodología empleada capitalizó los resultados de otros países y puede contribuir al logro de mayor equivalencia entre instrumentos de diferentes países.

Prevalence, Distributions and Determinants of Obesity and Central Obesity in the Southern Cone of America.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major determinant of cardiovascular disease in South America. However, population-based data are limited. METHODS: A total of 7,524 women and men, aged 35 to 74 years old, were randomly selected from 4 cities in the Southern Cone of Latin America between February 2010 and December 2011. Obesity clinical measurements and cardiovascular risk factors were measured using standard methodology. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity and central obesity were 35.7% and 52.9%, respectively. The prevalence of obesity and central obesity were higher in women, and even higher in women with lower education compared with women with higher education. In men and women obesity was associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes, odds ratio (OR) 2.38 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.86 to 3.05) and 3.01 (95%CI 2.42 to 3.74) respectively, hypertension (OR 2.79 (95%CI 2.32 to 3.36) and 2.40 (95%CI 2.05 to 2.80) respectively, dyslipidemia (OR 1.83 (95%CI 1.50 to 2.24) and 1.69 (95%CI 1.45 to 1.98), respectively, low physical activity (OR 1.38(95%CI 1.14 to 1.68) and 1.38 (95%CI 1.18 to 1.62) respectively and a lower prevalence of smoking (OR, 0.65 (95%CI 0.53 to 0.80) and 0.58(95%CI 0.48 to 0.70) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity and central obesity are highly prevalent in the general population in the Southern Cone of Latin America and are strongly associated with cardiovascular risk factor prevalence. These data suggest that efforts toward prevention, treatment, and control of obesity should be a public health priority in the Southern Cone of Latin America.