Creation Process of the Digital Platform to Foster Healthy and Active Aging: enbuenaedad.

Andalusia is a region in the south of Spain with 8,4 million inhabitants of which 1,3 million are over 65 years old. Andalusia has been recognized as Reference Site by the European Commission within the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Aging. The Regional Ministry of Health of Andalusia has put in place strategies to promote healthy and active aging. One of these strategies is enbuenaedad, a digital platform which main aim is to foster active and healthy aging. The target audience is people over 55 years old, caregivers of older adults, as well as health and other key professionals who work with this population. Content sections are inspired in the three pillars of the World Health Organization (WHO) policy framework for active and healthy aging: health, participation, and security, but introducing an additional one which is lifelong learning. One of the strengths of this platform is the creation process. Using a co-thinking design, all target groups get voice under the umbrella of empathy and are empowered by providing support, training, knowledge, and best practices. For its development, dissemination, maintenance, and improvement, the project advocates the unavoidable participation of key stakeholders representing all sectors involved: The Senior Council of Andalusia; Primary Health Care professionals; local authorities; Guadalinfo agents; Permanent Adult Education; and Active Participation Centers. Quantitative and qualitative data obtained within the process support this project. Since its launching, 10,779 users have registered to the platform with more than 157,000 visits. Focusing on WHO four pillars on active and healthy aging Enbuenaedad is based on, preliminary results show effectiveness regarding participation and social interaction. Furthermore, achieving high participation coverage is a necessary but not sufficient input to the provision of adequate approach to older people. More comprehensive evaluation of the four pillars must be taken to ensure a holistic approach. A challenge is a cooperation between three traditionally independent sectors, cooperative work between health, social services, and education is crucial for the future sustainability of this intervention.

West Nile virus outbreak in humans and epidemiological surveillance, west Andalusia, Spain, 2016.

In Andalusia, Spain, West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance takes place from April to November, during the active vector period. Within this area seroconversion to this virus was evidenced in wild birds in 2004, affecting horses and two humans for the first time in 2010. Since 2010, the virus has been isolated every year in horses, and national and regional surveillance plans have been updated with the epidemiological changes found. WNV is spreading rapidly throughout southern Europe and has caused outbreaks in humans. Here we describe the second WNV outbreak in humans in Andalusia, with three confirmed cases, which occurred between August and September 2016, and the measures carried out to control it. Surveillance during the transmission season is essential to monitor and ensure prompt identification of any outbreaks.

Расширение ответных мер первичной медико-санитарной помощи для решения проблемы сахарного диабета: комплексная программа раннего выявления нарушений зрения у больных диабетом в Андалузии: информационный обзор по передовому опыту

В 2004 году в рамках комплексного плана лечения диабета в Андалузии была разработана программа раннего выявления диабетической ретинопатии. В регионе проживает 8,4 млн. человек; по оценкам, уровень заболеваемости сахарным диабетом составляет около 12%. В настоящее время в рамках программы было обследовано 424 648 пациентов, выполнено 753 523 ретинографий, и охват целевого населения достиг 95%. Программа способствует более широкому вовлечению специалистов первичной медико-санитарной помощи и использованию цифровых решений.

Strengthening the primary care response to diabetes: a comprehensive early detection programme of vision impairment among people with diabetes in Andalusia, Spain: good practice brief

In 2004, a programme for early detection of diabetic retinopathy was introduced within the comprehensive plan for diabetes in Andalusia. The region has 8.4 million inhabitants and an estimated rate of diabetes mellitus of about 12%. Currently, 424 648 patients have participated in the programme, with 753 523 retinographies performed, reaching 95% of the target population. The programme enhances the participation of primary health care professionals and the use of digital solutions.

Metodología de la valoración del impacto en salud de instrumentos de planeamiento urbanístico en Andalucía / Health impact assessment methodology for urban planning projects in Andalusia (Spain)

Objetivo: Se describe la herramienta desarrollada en Andalucía para llevar a cabo el análisis y la valoración prospectiva de los impactos en la salud de instrumentos de planificación urbana y el proceso seguido para su diseño. Método: Se identificaron los impactos en la salud derivados de la configuración urbana según la evidencia científica existente, y los posibles métodos para su evaluación. Una vez obtenido el proyecto de la nueva herramienta, esta se pilotó mediante distintos procesos de validación interna y externa (reuniones, talleres y entrevistas con informantes clave). Resultados: Se obtuvo una herramienta que consta de siete fases estructuradas en dos grandes etapas. La primera etapa, descriptiva, nos guía en cómo recabar la información necesaria para describir el proyecto y caracterizar a la población afectada. La segunda, de análisis, nos permite, a través de distintas fases y el uso de diversos instrumentos de ayuda, descartar o identificar los posibles impactos significativos derivados. Conclusiones: Tanto en la fase de pilotaje como durante su aplicación sistemática, dado que la entrada en vigor del Decreto 169/2014 (16 de junio de 2015) materializó la obligación de someter determinados instrumentos de planificación urbana a evaluación del impacto en la salud, la herramienta que se describe ha mostrado sensibilidad en la identificación de potenciales impactos significativos en la salud relacionados con las medidas propuestas en dichos proyectos. No obstante, se configura como una herramienta viva y con espíritu de cambio conforme la experiencia derivada de su uso lo vaya aconsejando (AU)

Objective: To describe the tool developed in Andalusia (Spain) to conduct an analysis and prospective assessment of health impacts from urban planning projects as well as the process followed to design it. Method: On the one hand, direct and indirect relationships between urban setting and health were identified in light of the best scientific evidence available; and, on the other hand, methods and tools in impact assessment were reviewed. After the design of the tool, it was tested via both internal and external validation processes (meetings, workshops and interviews with key informants). Results: The tool consists of seven phases, structured in two stages. A first descriptive stage shows how to obtain information about goals, objectives and general points pertaining the project and also to characterise the potentially affected population. The second one indicates, in several phases, how to identify and sort out potential impacts from the project using different supporting tools. Conclusions: Both in the testing phase and through its implementation since the entry into force of Andalusian Decree 169/2014 (16 June 2015) and forced all urban planning projects to be subjected to an Health Impact Assessment, this methodology has proved responsive, identifying major potential health impacts from the measures included in those projects. However, the tool has been shaped as a living tool and will be adapted in line with the experience acquired in its use (AU)

[Health impact assessment methodology for urban planning projects in Andalusia (Spain)]. / Metodología de la valoración del impacto en salud de instrumentos de planeamiento urbanístico en Andalucía.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the tool developed in Andalusia (Spain) to conduct an analysis and prospective assessment of health impacts from urban planning projects as well as the process followed to design it. METHOD: On the one hand, direct and indirect relationships between urban setting and health were identified in light of the best scientific evidence available; and, on the other hand, methods and tools in impact assessment were reviewed. After the design of the tool, it was tested via both internal and external validation processes (meetings, workshops and interviews with key informants). RESULTS: The tool consists of seven phases, structured in two stages. A first descriptive stage shows how to obtain information about goals, objectives and general points pertaining the project and also to characterise the potentially affected population. The second one indicates, in several phases, how to identify and sort out potential impacts from the project using different supporting tools. CONCLUSIONS: Both in the testing phase and through its implementation since the entry into force of Andalusian Decree 169/2014 (16 June 2015) and forced all urban planning projects to be subjected to an Health Impact Assessment, this methodology has proved responsive, identifying major potential health impacts from the measures included in those projects. However, the tool has been shaped as a living tool and will be adapted in line with the experience acquired in its use.

Institucionalización de la evaluación del impacto en la salud en Andalucía / A strategy for institutionalisation of health impact assessment in Andalusia (Spain)

La evaluación del impacto en la salud (EIS) es una herramienta que persigue incorporar la salud y el bienestar de la ciudadanía como componente vital en la formulación de políticas. Para muchos autores, si se incorporara de manera sistemática en los procesos de toma de decisión permitiría la consecución de dicho objetivo. Para ello es necesario superar una serie de dificultades, entre las que cabe destacar la obligatoriedad de su empleo, la concienciación de los distintos sectores cuyas decisiones pueden tener impactos significativos en la salud, su diseño de manera que permita un abordaje integral de los determinantes de salud y la capacitación de los profesionales responsables de su aplicación. Andalucía ha incluido en su legislación la EIS de manera preceptiva y vinculante para la aprobación de proyectos en ámbitos como el planeamiento urbanístico, actividades sometidas a instrumentos de prevención y control ambiental, y planes y programas aprobados por Consejo de Gobierno. Su implantación ha requerido integrarla en los procedimientos de autorización, la capacitación de grupos multidisciplinarios de profesionales de salud pública, la elaboración de guías metodológicas de asesoramiento y la celebración de distintas jornadas de difusión y formación específica por sectores objeto de su ámbito de aplicación (AU)

Health impact assessment (HIA) aims to incorporate people's health and wellbeing as a key feature in policy-making. Many authors believe that HIA might be systematically integrated into all decision-making processes as a way to achieve that goal. To that end, there is need to overcome a number of challenges, including the fact that Andalusia (Spain) has made HIA compulsory by law, the need for awareness of all public sectors whose decisions might have substantial impacts on health and for a methodology that would enable a comprehensive approach to health determinants and inequalities, and the training of both the public health staff and professional sectors responsible for its application. In Andalusia, a law provides mandatory and binding health impact reports for most authorisation procedures in different areas: from sectoral plans to urban planning schemes, and especially projects subject to environmental assessment. Implementation of this law has required its integration into authorisation procedures, the training of interdisciplinary working groups in public health, the preparation of technical guidelines, and the organisation of dissemination and training seminars for developers (AU)

[A strategy for institutionalisation of health impact assessment in Andalusia (Spain)]. / Institucionalización de la evaluación del impacto en la salud en Andalucía.

Health impact assessment (HIA) aims to incorporate people's health and wellbeing as a key feature in policy-making. Many authors believe that HIA might be systematically integrated into all decision-making processes as a way to achieve that goal. To that end, there is need to overcome a number of challenges, including the fact that Andalusia (Spain) has made HIA compulsory by law, the need for awareness of all public sectors whose decisions might have substantial impacts on health and for a methodology that would enable a comprehensive approach to health determinants and inequalities, and the training of both the public health staff and professional sectors responsible for its application. In Andalusia, a law provides mandatory and binding health impact reports for most authorisation procedures in different areas: from sectoral plans to urban planning schemes, and especially projects subject to environmental assessment. Implementation of this law has required its integration into authorisation procedures, the training of interdisciplinary working groups in public health, the preparation of technical guidelines, and the organisation of dissemination and training seminars for developers.

[Outbreaks of Measles in Andalusia, Spain, during the Period 2010-2015]. / Brotes epidémicos de sarampión en Andalucía durante el período 2010-2015.

The Andalusian Surveillance Epidemiological System (SVEA) controls and investigates any notification of measles or any other communicable disease. The aim of this article is to describe the epidemiological characteristics of measles outbreaks occurred in Andalusia in the last five years (2010-2015) and their control measures. In this period three outbreaks were reported: the first one started in Granada in 2010 in a community of objectors to vaccination. Control measures of measles protocol of SVEA were adopted (case isolation, identification and contacts immunization), including judicial measures among the group who refused the vaccination. The second outbreak started in Seville in 2011 in an "area in need of social transformation" and it spread throughout the region. The routine vaccination coverage review was introduced within the surveillance system after those outbreaks, identifying the most vulnerable people. During the first six months of 2015, a small outbreak, of 15 cases, occurred in Granada. The outbreak was controlled mainly due to the early intervention, the health measures adopted in the schools and health centres involved and the high vaccination coverage achieved in the population.

Brotes epidémicos de sarampión en Andalucía durante el período 2010-2015 / Outbreaks of measles in Andalusia, Spain, during the period 2010-2015

El Sistema de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de Andalucía (SVEA) es el encargado de vigilar e investigar urgentemente cualquier notificación de sospecha de sarampión y otras enfermedades de declaración obligatoria y alertas. El objetivo del artículo es describir las características epidemiológicas de los brotes de sarampión ocurridos en Andalucía en los últimos cinco años (2010-2015) así como las medidas de actuación llevadas a cabo durante los mismos. En el periodo estudiado se notificaron tres brotes. El primero de ellos comenzó en Granada en 2010 en población contraria a la vacunación. Las medidas de control adoptadas fueron las recogidas en el protocolo de sarampión del SVEA (aislamiento de casos, identificación e inmunización de contactos), entre las que se incluyeron acciones judiciales ante la negativa de un determinado colectivo a vacunar a sus hijos. El segundo brote comenzó en Sevilla en 2011 en una de las zonas denominadas 'con necesidades de transformación social' y se extendió por toda la provincia. A partir de aquel brote se introdujo de forma rutinaria la revisión de las coberturas vacunales dentro del sistema de vigilancia, identificando a los grupos más vulnerables. Durante el primer semestre de 2015 ha habido un pequeño brote en Granada con 15 casos. Se controló rápidamente debido a la actuación precoz en la mayoría de los casos, a la instauración de las medidas correspondientes en centros sanitarios y escolares y a la alta cobertura vacunal de la población (AU)

The Andalusian Surveillance Epidemiological System (SVEA) controls and investigates any notification of measles or any other communicable disease. The aim of this article is to describe the epidemiological characteristics of measles outbreaks occurred in Andalusia in the last five years (2010-2015) and their control measures. In this period three outbreaks were reported: the first one started in Granada in 2010 in a community of objectors to vaccination. Control measures of measles protocol of SVEA were adopted (case isolation, identification and contacts immunization), including judicial measures among the group who refused the vaccination. The second outbreak started in Seville in 2011 in an 'area in need of social transformation' and it spread throughout the region. The routine vaccination coverage review was introduced within the surveillance system after those outbreaks, identifying the most vulnerable people. During the first six months of 2015, a small outbreak, of 15 cases, occurred in Granada. The outbreak was controlled mainly due to the early intervention, the health measures adopted in the schools and health centres involved and the high vaccination coverage achieved in the population (AU)

Evaluación del impacto en la salud del proyecto de reurbanización de la calle San Fernando en Alcalá de Guadaíra (Sevilla) / Health impact assessment of the San Fernando street renewal project in Alcalá de Guadaíra (Seville, Spain)

Objetivos: Se presenta la experiencia de una evaluación del impacto en la salud realizada en 2010 sobre el proyecto de reurbanización de la calle San Fernando, vía principal de acceso al barrio de San Miguel-El Castillo, en Alcalá de Guadaíra (Sevilla). Constituye ésta una de las primeras actuaciones previstas en el Plan URBAN de regeneración social, urbana y económica del casco histórico del municipio. Métodos: Se han seguido las cinco fases y los procedimientos clásicos de una evaluación del impacto en la salud. La revisión de la evidencia se ha complementado con una consulta a la población afectada en forma de taller participativo, así como con entrevistas a profesionales sociosanitarios con implicación en el barrio. Resultados: Durante las obras, los impactos negativos se relacionan con los efectos nocivos del proyecto sobre la calidad del aire, el nivel de ruidos, las restricciones a la movilidad y el riesgo de siniestralidad, en especial entre la población mayor o con movilidad reducida. Cuando finalicen, se prevén mejoras en determinantes del entorno físico tales como la accesibilidad y la conectividad del barrio con servicios sanitarios y otros bienes y servicios en otras zonas del municipio. También se prevén impactos positivos vinculados a la seguridad y el atractivo del barrio, así como nuevas oportunidades para la sociabilidad, la cohesión social y la autoestima comunitaria. Conclusiones: Se trata de la primera experiencia en Andalucía cuyos resultados se han integrado en un ciclo formal de toma de decisiones de ámbito local. Ello ha permitido valorar el potencial, la aplicabilidad y la aceptación de la evaluación del impacto en la salud en el ámbito municipal, así como facilitar un proceso de aprendizaje y un pilotaje de métodos y herramientas adaptadas (AU)

Objectives: This study describes the design and implementation of a health impact assessment (HIA) conducted in 2010 of the regeneration project of San Fernando Street, the main avenue crossing the San Miguel-El Castillo neighborhood in Alcala de Guadaíra (Seville, Spain). This project is part of the wider URBAN Plan aimed at the social, urban and economic regeneration of the city's historic center. Methods: This experience followed the standard HIA stages and procedures. The review of published evidence was complemented with new qualitative information gathered by means of a participative workshop with the local population and interviews with social and health workers involved in the neighborhood. Results: During the building stage of the project, the adverse impacts were related to a worsening of the air quality, increased noise pollution, mobility restrictions and a higher risk of accidents, particularly among older or disabled people. Once the building stage was finished, the health benefits were associated with significant improvements in physical accessibility and the population's access to health services and other goods and services. Other positive effects were the enhanced safety and attractiveness of the neighborhood and the new opportunities for socializing, social cohesion and increasing the community's self-esteem. Conclusions: This is the first HIA experience in Andalusia whose results have been integrated into a formal cycle of decision making in the local community. This experience has provided new evidence of the potential of HIA and its applicability and acceptance at the municipal level and has has also facilitated a learning process and the piloting of new methods and tools associated with the HIA process (AU)

[Health impact assessment of the San Fernando street renewal project in Alcalá de Guadaíra (Seville, Spain)]. / Evaluación del impacto en la salud del proyecto de reurbanización de la calle San Fernando en Alcalá de Guadaíra (Sevilla).

OBJECTIVES: This study describes the design and implementation of a health impact assessment (HIA) conducted in 2010 of the regeneration project of San Fernando Street, the main avenue crossing the San Miguel-El Castillo neighborhood in Alcala de Guadaíra (Seville, Spain). This project is part of the wider URBAN Plan aimed at the social, urban and economic regeneration of the city's historic center. METHODS: This experience followed the standard HIA stages and procedures. The review of published evidence was complemented with new qualitative information gathered by means of a participative workshop with the local population and interviews with social and health workers involved in the neighborhood. RESULTS: During the building stage of the project, the adverse impacts were related to a worsening of the air quality, increased noise pollution, mobility restrictions and a higher risk of accidents, particularly among older or disabled people. Once the building stage was finished, the health benefits were associated with significant improvements in physical accessibility and the population's access to health services and other goods and services. Other positive effects were the enhanced safety and attractiveness of the neighborhood and the new opportunities for socializing, social cohesion and increasing the community's self-esteem. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first HIA experience in Andalusia whose results have been integrated into a formal cycle of decision making in the local community. This experience has provided new evidence of the potential of HIA and its applicability and acceptance at the municipal level and has has also facilitated a learning process and the piloting of new methods and tools associated with the HIA process.

Efectos adversos de la vacunación contra el virus del papiloma humano / Adverse effects of the human papillomavirus vaccine

ObjetivoDescribir las reacciones adversas más frecuentes producidas por la vacunación contra el virus del papiloma humano (VPH).DiseñoEstudio descriptivo transversal mediante encuesta telefónica.EmplazamientoSistema Sanitario Público de Andalucía.ParticipantesMujeres vacunadas frente al VPH en Andalucía, seleccionadas por muestreo aleatorio simple con representatividad provincial.MedicionesSe realizaron 3.135 llamadas telefónicas por el servicio público “Salud Responde” dependiente de teleoperadores con supervisión de personal sanitario.Resultados principalesDe las 2.880 llamadas que cumplían criterio de inclusión, se consiguió encuestar a 1.207 personas (41,9% de respuesta). De las 2.124 encuestas realizadas tuvieron algún tipo de reacción adversa (fiebre, inflamación, dolor o enrojecimiento) en 467 dosis (22%): el 6,6% fue fiebre, el 49,5% inflamación, el 72,4% dolor, y el 6% enrojecimiento.ConclusionesSe puede decir que es una vacuna segura, lo que concuerda con lo recogido en su ficha técnica y en la literatura(AU)

ObjectiveTo describe the most frequent adverse reactions produced by the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.DesignCross-sectional descriptive study using a telephone survey.SettingA province in the Andalusian Public Health System.ParticipantsFemales vaccinated against HPV in Andalusia, selected by simple random sampling representative of the province.Main measurementsA total of 3,135 telephone calls were made by the public service “Health Answers” using telephone operators supervised by health personnel.ResultsOf the 2,880 calls that fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 1,207 people (41.9% response) took part in the survey. Of the 2,124 surveys made there was some type of adverse reaction (fever, inflammation, pain or rash) in 467 doses (22%): 6.6% was fever, 49.5% inflammation, 72.4% pain, and 6% a rash.ConclusionsIt can be said that HPV vaccine is safe, which is in agreement with that published in the summary of the product characteristics and in the literature(AU)

[Infection by the pandemic virus (H1N1) 2009 in Andalusia]. / Infección por virus pandémico (H1N1) 2009 en Andalucía.

In April 2009, in response to the WHO's alert due to the existence of human infection cases with a new AH1N1 influenza virus, known as swine flu, Andalusian Health Authorities trigger an specific action plan. The surveillance actions developped provided us with appropriate clinical, epidemiological and virological characteristics of the disease. During the first few days, contingency plans were set up based on epidemiological surveillance and outbreak control measures were adopted through early alert and rapid response systems. After phase 6 was declared, influenza sentinel and severe cases surveillance were used in order to plan healthcare services, to reduce transmission and to identify and protect the most vulnerable population groups. Behaviour of pandemic influenza in Andalusia was similar to that observed in the rest of the world. Atack rate was similar to a seasonal flu and the peak was reached at the 46th/2009 week. Most of them were mild cases and affected particularly to young people. The average age of hospitalised patients was 32. Prior pulmonary disease, smoking and morbid obesity (BMI > 40) were the most common pathologies and risk factors in severe cases. An impact scenario of pandemic wave in Andalusia, with an expected attack rate from 2 to 5%, was prepared considering watt observed in the southern hemisphere. Characteristics of the epidemic concerning its extent, severity and mortality rate were adjusted to this scenario.