Evaluación quinquenal de los ejes sanitarios de un programa nacional de Atención Primaria de la Salud / Five-year evaluation of the sanitary axes of a national program of Primary Health Care

Se realizó una evaluación quinquenal de los ejes sanitarios (que dan lugar a objetivos estratégicos con sus correspondientes metas e indicadores, áreas de intervención y líneas de acción) dentro del marco de la gestión sanitaria de uno de los 10 principales agentes de la seguridad social argentinos quien implementaba desde hacía 20 años un Programa Nacional de Atención Primaria de la Salud (PNAPS). El mismo promedió alrededor de 800 mil beneficiarios anuales dentro de una red asistencial nacional propia en el primer nivel de atención compuesta por 45 Centros de Atención Primaria (CAPs). Se implementó una investigación evaluativa que incluyó un trazado de línea de base con la valoración de cinco Ejes Sanitarios (ES). Se trata de un diseño de corte transversal de un periodo de 5 años. Se definieron metas, indicadores y recomendaciones para cada uno de los ES, recopilando información de fuentes diferentes y complementarias para su análisis. Los resultados mostraron una evolución favorable en el período evaluado, aunque el cumplimiento de las metas estuvo bastante alejado de lo propuesto de manera teórica. Conclusiones: este trabajo aporta información valiosa y original para subsidiar la toma de decisiones e incentivar la investigación en el ámbito de la APS, buscando reformular los actuales modelos de gestión y de atención de la salud (AU)

A five-year evaluation of the health axes (which give rise to strategic objectives with their corresponding goals and indicators, areas of intervention and lines of action) was carried out within the framework of health management of one of the 10 main argentine social security agents who had been implementing a National Primary Health Care Program (PNAPS) for 20 years. It averaged around 800,000 annual beneficiaries within its own national care network at the first level of care made up of 45 Primary Care Centers (CAPs). An evaluative investigation was implemented that included a baseline drawing with the assessment of five Sanitary Axis (ES). It is a cross-sectional design of a period of 5 years. Goals, indicators and recommendations were defined for each of the ES, collecting information from different and complementary sources for analysis. Results: they showed a favorable evolution in the period evaluated, although the fulfillment of the goals was quite far from what was theoretically proposed. The results of this work provides valuable and original information to support decision-making and encourage research in the field of PHC, seeking to reformulate current management and health care models (AU)

Diagnostic costs: a research in a family medicine outpatient clinic

The aim of this study is to evaluate the direct diagnostic costs for disease groups and other variables (such as gender, age, seasons) that are related to the direct diagnostic costs based on a 3-year data. The population of the study consisted of 31,401 patients who applied to family medicine outpatient clinic in Turkey between January 1st, 2016 and December 31st, 2018. With this study, we determined in which disease groups of the family medicine outpatient clinic weremost frequently admitted. Then, total and average diagnostic costs for these disease groups were calculated. Three-year data gave us the opportunity to examine the trend in diagnostic costs. Based on this, we demonstratedwhich diseases' total and average diagnostic costs increased or decreased during 3 years. Moreover, we examined how diagnostic costs showed a trend in both Turkish liras and USA dollars' rate for 3 years. Finally, we analysedwhether the diagnostic costs differed according to variables such as age, gender and season. There has been relatively little analysis on the diagnostic costs in the previous literature. Therefore, we expect to contribute to both theoristsand healthcare managers for diagnostic costs with this study.

Caracterización del programa de salud cardiovascular GES DM2 e HTA bajo un modelo de intervenciones múltiples en una Unidad de Salud Familiar (UMF) de un centro médico privado / Characterization of a cardiovascular health program in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Arterial Hypertension, under a model of multiple interventions in a Family Medicine Health Unit, of a private medical center

In the Family Medicine Unit (UMF) of the UC Health Network there is a program of multiple interventions based on a Chronic Control Model (CCM), led by a nurse who coordinates the activities and ensures compliance, aspiring to a change in its model of care and self-sustainability. It has been running for several years and its implementation and results have not been evaluated. Objective: This study aims to describe the situation of the Program, at its different levels: structure, processes and results. Material and method: Observational, descriptive longitudinal study of patients seen between July 2010 and June 2012, based on: methodology proposed by A. Donabedian; E. Wagner recommendations for the MTC; Monthly Statistical Registers and recommendations of the GES DM2 and HTA (MINSAL) Guides. Results: Hypertensive patients present a reduction of 11.2 mmHg in SBP and 7.8 mmHg in DBP (p 0.04). Diabetics present a reduction in HbA1c by 1.5 percentage points (p 0.04), and mixed patients present a SBP / DBP reduction of 10.3 and 6.8 mmHg respectively and an HbA1c reduction of 1.1 percentage points (p 0.092). Conclusions: After an average of 15 months, hypertensive patients significantly improve their mean SBP, DBP and compensation percentages; diabetics significantly improve their mean HbA1c and compensation percentages; mixed patients manage to improve their blood pressure and HbA1c levels, but this is not statistically significant.

Syphilis among pregnant women in Northeast Brazil from 2008 to 2015: a trend analysis according to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The number of syphilis cases among pregnant women in Brazil has increased. This study aimed to analyze the temporal trend of syphilis indicators among pregnant women in Northeast Brazil. METHODS: A time-series study was performed. RESULTS: We observed an increase in the detection rate of syphilis among pregnant women, those aged 15-19 years, and those of brown ethnicity. A strong correlation was observed between the detection rate of syphilis and family health strategy coverage. CONCLUSIONS: Despite an increase in primary care coverage, The increase in cases of syphilis among pregnant women is still considered a challenge.

Actitudes de los médicos familiares mexicanos sobre el uso de placebos en la práctica clínica / Attitudes of Mexican family physicians on the use of placebos in clinical practice

Resumen Introducción: El uso de placebo se ha extendido en la práctica a pesar de ser polémico. En México, la práctica de medicina familiar es predominante institucional y trabaja con un cuadro básico de medicamentos. Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia y actitud del médico familiar en la utilización de placebos en la práctica clínica. Método: Estudio transversal, observacional, multicéntrico, en 307 médicos familiares con práctica activa, en 27 estados de la República Mexicana. Se usó cuestionario con datos sociodemográficos, preguntas sobre frecuencia de uso y actitudes elaboradas por consenso. Se analizó con chi cuadrada. Resultados: 75 % utilizó placebos (IC 95 % = 69.7-79.4 %); 122 (39.7 %) placebos puros, principalmente agua (p < 0.05), y 220 (71.6 %) placebos impuros, principalmente vitaminas y exámenes de laboratorio. Los usaron más en pacientes con síntomas físicos no explicados médicamente (178, 45.5 %), incluidos 122 (31.2 %) pacientes “sanos preocupados” o con padecimientos crónicos (40, 12.5 %). Motivos de prescripción: 249 (81 %) por el efecto psicológico, cuando demostraron beneficio (176, 57 %), aun cuando implicara engaño (78, 25 %) o evidencia de eficacia insuficiente (57, 19 %). El principal motivo fue por insistencia del paciente. Conclusiones: Se utilizaron más placebos impuros, principalmente en pacientes sanos preocupados y en aquellos con padecimientos crónicos.

Abstract Introduction: The use of placebo has spread in clinical practice despite being controversial. In Mexico, the practice of family medicine is predominantly institutional and works with an essential medications list. Objective: To determine the frequency and family doctor attitude regarding the use of placebos in clinical practice. Method: Cross-sectional, observational, multicenter study of 307 family doctors with active practice in 27 states of the Mexican Republic. A questionnaire was used with sociodemographic data and consensus-developed questions about frequency of use and attitudes. For analysis, the square-chi test was used. Results: 75% used placebos (95% CI=69.7-79.4%); 122 (39.7%) used pure placebos, mainly water (p < 0.05), and 220 (71.6%), impure placebos, mainly vitamins and laboratory tests. They were used more in patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms (178, 45.5%), including 122 (31.2%) “healthy worried” patients, or who had chronic conditions (40, 12.5%). Reasons for prescription: 249 (81%) for the psychological effect, when they showed benefit (176, 57%), even when it implied deceiving (78, 25%) or insufficient evidence of efficacy (57, 19%). The main reason was because of patient insistence. Conclusions: More impure placebos were used, mainly in healthy worried patients and in those with chronic conditions.

Análisis de Situación Integral de Salud (ASIS) de la comunidad del barrio Santa María, Bajo Boulogne, partido de San Isidro / Comprehensive health situation analysis of Santa María community, Bajo Boulogne, San Isidro district

Introducción: ASIS en un instrumento para conocer la realidad sanitaria que incluye la perspectiva de los actores, destinado a encaminar la planificación de las actividades en salud orientadas a la comunidad. Objetivo: recabar características sociodemográficas de la población, indagar los problemas de salud identificados por la comunidad, conocer qué estrategias utilizan para atenderlos y conocer sus recursos sociosanitarios. Material y métodos: Método de Análisis Rápido y Planificación Participativa (MARPP) implementado entre junio de 2013 y mayo de 2014 en la comunidad del barrio Santa María, Bajo Boulogne, San Isidro, República Argentina. Se integraron datos de tres fuentes: datos sociodemográficos del Censo Nacional 2010, encuesta domiciliaria para conocer los problemas de salud de la comunidad y un relevamiento de sus recursos sociosanitarios. Resultados: según los datos del Censo, los menores de 19 años representan el 33% de la población, mayoritariamente argentina y alfabetizada. Las viviendas disponen de conexión con agua corriente, desagüe cloacal y gas. Un 12,8% vive con necesidades básicas insatisfechas. Adicionalmente, se encuestaron 225 viviendas con una tasa de respuesta del 70%. El 30% (67/225) de los adultos y el 42% (52/122) de los niños (expresado por adultos responsables) informaron haber padecido algún problema de salud agudo en los últimos dos meses. Para ambos grupos, el principal problema de salud percibido fueron trastornos respiratorios; para los adultos, el segundo en frecuencia fueron los del aparato locomotor. El 55% de los adultos reconocieron padecer algún problema crónico, principalmente cardiovascular. Los problemas más destacados del barrio fueron la inseguridad y la violencia. El 73% refirió conocer el Centro de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria San Pantaleón, y el 34% manifestó usarlo habitualmente. Conclusiones: este relevamiento representa una primera aproximación a la percepción y a las necesidades de la comunidad. (AU)

Introduction: ASIS is an instrument to know the health situation including the perspective of the actors, and to guide the planning of activities in health-oriented community. Aims: to collect socio-demographic characteristics of the community population, to investigate health problems identified by the community and learn what strategies used to solve them, and know their health resources. Methods: Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) methodology implemented between June 2013 and May 2014 in the Santa María community, Bajo Boulogne, Argentina. Data were collected from three sources: socio-demographic data from the 2010 National Census, we conducted a survey ad hoc on a sample to know the health problems of the community, and we described their health resources. Results: according to Census data, under age 19 account for 33% of the population, mainly from Argentina and alphabetized. Their houses have connection with running water, sewerage and gas. 12.8% live with unsatisfied basic needs. In addition, 225 homes were surveyed with a response rate of 70%: 30% (67/225) of adults and 42% (52/122) of children (expressed by responsible adults) reported having had an acute health problem in the past two months. For both, the main perceived health problem was respiratory; for adults, the second in frequency were of musculoskeletal problems. Fifty-five percent of adults suffer from some recognized, mainly cardiovascular chronic problem. The major problems reported were insecurity and violence. 73% reported knowledge of the Centro de Medicina Familiar y Comunitaria San Pantaleón, although it usually uses only 34% of respondents. Conclusions: it represents a first approach to the perception and the needs of the community. (AU)

Autopercepción del estado de salud familiar en un área metropolitana de Bucaramanga / Family self-rated health in a metropolitan area of Bucaramanga

Introducción: como sistema abierto transformable ante los cambios, elemento estructural y fundamental de la sociedad, la familia desarrolla y cumple funciones a través de subsistemas formados por generación, sexo, interés y función; según las influencias positivas o negativas, constituye en factor de riesgo que contribuye o no al mantenimiento de la salud y conservación de la calidad de vida de todos sus integrantes. Objetivo: valorar la autopercepción del estado de salud familiar. Métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal, en el área metropolitana de Bucaramanga de febrero a noviembre de 2014. Universo de 120 familias, de las cuales 70 participaron voluntariamente, el jefe de familia respondió al cuestionario de autopercepción del estado de salud familiar. La información fue procesada en el programa SPSSS, análisis de confiabilidad, descripción de los resultados por variables, calculando medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión. Resultados: predominó la familia nuclear (45,7 por ciento), con 4 integrantes (74,3 pr ciento), el género femenino (52,9 por ciento), la edad entre 18 y 44 años (45,2 por ciento) y el nivel educativo básica primaria (52,9 por ciento); la hipertensión arterial (32,9 por ciento), la diabetes (14,3 por ciento), dislipidemias (4,3 por ciento) y enfermedades neuropsiquiátricas (14,3 por ciento). La autopercepción del estado de salud en general obtuvo 39 puntos de 84 esperados. Conclusiones: en la población estudiada la autopercepción del estado de salud familiar constituye un riesgo para la salud de la familia, que requiere de acciones que fortalezcan comportamientos que afiancen el ambiente familiar, espacio propicio para potenciar estilos de vida saludables en las diferentes etapas del ciclo de la vida de una persona(AU)

Introduction: As transformable open system to change, and key structural element family company, develops and performs functions through subsystems formed by generation, gender, interest and function; according to the positive or negative influence, it is a risk factor that contributes or not to maintain the health and preservation of the quality of life of all its members. Objective: To evaluate the perception of the state of family health. Methodology: Cross-sectional study in the metropolitan area of ​​Bucaramanga from February to November 2014. Universe 120 families of which 70 participated voluntarily, said the head of the household questionnaire familiar self-rated health. The information was processed in the program SPSSS, reliability analysis, description of the results variables, calculating measures of central tendency and dispersion. Results: Nuclear family predominated 45.7 percent, with 4 members 74.3 percent 52.9 percent female gender prevails between 18 and 44 years 45.2 percent, basic primary education 52.9 percent . 32.9 percent reported hypertension, diabetes 14.3 percent and 4.3 percent dyslipidemia, neuropsychiatric 14.3 percent. The self-rated general health was 39 points of 84 expected. Conclusions: In the studied population the familiar self-rated health is a risk to the health of the family, which requires actions to strengthen behaviors that strengthen the family atmosphere that is conducive space to promote healthy lifestyles at different stages life cycle of a person(AU)

Impacto de la medicina familiar en la provincia de Granma, Cuba: actualización con datos de 2012 / Impact of family medicine in the province of Granma, Cuba: an update with 2012 data

Introducción: en el marco de la actualización del modelo económico cubano, el papel que juegan los recursos humanos para mejorar la calidad de la atención médica es fundamental para comprender las transformaciones que se vienen aplicando en el sector. La provincia oriental de Granma no escapa a dichos cambios, ni a la búsqueda constante de calidad de vida de sus pobladores, rescatando los conceptos fundacionales de la medicina familiar. Objetivo: describir para la comunidad científica el impacto de la medicina familiar, como especialidad del sistema de salud en la provincia de Granma durante el año 2012. Análisis: el artículo presenta un estudio descriptivo de algunos indicadores como el uso de la tecnología en la atención primaria de salud, actividades específicas de la medicina general integral, comportamiento de las consultas y visitas domiciliarias realizadas en el primer nivel de atención, así como del trabajo de grupo provincial de medicina general integral y la formación de especialistas. Conclusión: es importante considerar el impacto de los indicadores de la medicina familiar en la provincia de Granma durante 2012, entre los que destacan 100 por ciento de cobertura del plan médico y enfermera de la familia por medio de 28 policlínicos y 371 consultorios, perfeccionamiento del servicio médico social rural, incremento de la totalidad de consultas en atención primaria de salud, de visitas a terreno e ingreso en el hogar, disminución de consultas en las guardias de los policlínicos universitarios y uso racional de los medios diagnósticos.

Introduction. As part of the Cuban economic model reforms, the role of human resources in improving the quality of care is essential in understanding the changes that have been implemented in healthcare. The Eastern province of Granma is not immune to these changes, nor to the ongoing pursuit of quality of life for its residents based on the foundational concepts of family medicine. Aim. To describe the impact of family medicine as a specialty on the health system in the province of Granma in 2012. Analysis. The article describes indicators such as the use of technology in primary health care, activities of general medicine, trends in consultations and home visits at the primary care level as well as the provincial working group of general medicine and specialist training. Conclusion. It is important to consider family medicine indicators in the province of Granma in 2012, among which: 100 percent coverage by family doctors and nurses provided by 28 secondary centers and 371 out-patient clinics, improvement of rural social healthcare, increase of all consultations in primary health care, field visits and household access, a decrease in the number of visits to the emergency services of university clinics, and rational use of diagnostic tests.

Screening of depression among patients in Family Medicine in Southeastern Saudi Arabia

To determine the prevalence rate of depression and its relationship with patients' socio-demographic characteristics and chronic diseases. This cross sectional study was performed at the Family Medicine Department, Sharurah Armed Forces Hospital [SAFH], Sharurah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Two hundred and eighty adult subjects were randomly selected. Patient Health Outcomes-9 Symptom Checklist was used for screening of depression in each participant. Also, information on socio-demographic characteristics and chronic diseases was collected. The field work was conducted between December 2010 to January 2011 and the study was completed in March 2011. Out of the 280 patients, 272 responded to the questionnaires with a response rate of 97%. The total number of males was 116 [42.6%] and females was 156 [57.4%]. Depression was diagnosed in 12% [n=33] of screened population. Out of 33 depressed patients, 7 [21%] had minimal depression, 18 [55%] suffered from mild depression, 3 [9%] with moderate depression, 3 [9%] with moderately severe depression, and 2 [6%] with severe depression. The subjects who were living in a room were 4.8 times more likely to suffer from depression than subjects who stayed in a flat or villa. Also, employees were 1.7 times more prone to depression than non-working subjects. Depression is a common health problem among primary health care patients. Primary health care physicians should be the cornerstone in screening for an underlying depressive disorder and initiating appropriate referral or treatment

Costo de oportunidad en hombres que acuden a las unidades de medicina familiar en la ciudad de Querétaro, México / Opportunity cost for men who visit family medicine units in the city of Querétaro, Mexico

OBJETIVO: Determinar el costo de oportunidad en hombres que solicitan atención en las unidades de medicina familiar (UMF) del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) en la ciudad de Querétaro. MÉTODOS: Se seleccionó una muestra de 807 hombres de 20 a 59 años de edad que solicitaban atención en los servicios de medicina familiar, laboratorio y farmacia, proporcionados por UMF del IMSS en Querétaro. Se excluyeron los pacientes referidos a urgencias y los que se retiraron sin recibir atención. La muestra (n = 807) se calculó mediante la fórmula de promedios para población infinita, con un intervalo de confianza de 95 por ciento (IC95 por ciento) y un costo de oportunidad promedio de US$ 5,5 para medicina familiar, US$ 3,1 para laboratorio y de US$ 2,3 para farmacia. Las estimaciones incluyeron el tiempo invertido en traslado, espera y atención; el número de acompañantes, y el costo del minuto para la actividad remunerada y no remunerada. El costo de oportunidad se calculó a través del costo por minuto estimado para traslado, espera y atención de pacientes y acompañantes. RESULTADOS: El costo de oportunidad correspondiente al traslado del paciente se estimó en US$ 0,97 (IC95 por ciento: 0,81-1,15), mientras que el de espera fue de US$ 5,03 (IC95 por ciento: 4,08-6,09) en medicina familiar, US$ 0,06 (IC95 por ciento: 0,05-0,08) en farmacia y US$ 1,89 (IC95 por ciento: 1,56- 2,25) en laboratorio. El costo de oportunidad promedio cuando el paciente acudió sin compañía osciló entre US$ 1,10 para el servicio de farmacia solo y US$ 8,64 para medicina familiar, farmacia y laboratorio. El costo de oportunidad ponderado para medicina familiar fue de US$ 6,24. CONCLUSIONES: Dado que el costo de oportunidad de los hombres que demandan servicios en las unidades de medicina familiar corresponde a más de la mitad de un salario mínimo, desde el enfoque institucional correspondería establecer si esa es la mejor alternativa de atención.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the opportunity cost for men who seek care in the family medicine units (FMU) of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social) in the city of Querétaro. METHODS: A sample was selected of 807 men, ages 20 to 59 years, who sought care through the family medicine, laboratory, and pharmacy services provided by the FMU at the IMSS in Querétaro. Patients referred for emergency services and those who left the facilities without receiving care were excluded. The sample (n = 807) was calculated using the averages for an infinite population formula, with a confidence interval of 95 percent (CI95 percent) and an average opportunity cost of US$5.5 for family medicine, US$3.1 for laboratory services, and US$2.3 for pharmacy services. Estimates included the amount of time spent on travel, waiting, and receiving care; the number of people accompanying the patient, and the cost per minute of paid and unpaid job activities. The opportunity cost was calculated using the estimated cost per minute for travel, waiting, and receiving care for patients and their companions. RESULTS: The opportunity cost for the patient travel was estimated at US$0.97 (CI95 percent: 0.81-1.15), while wait time was US$5.03 (CI95 percent: 4.08-6.09) for family medicine, US$0.06 (CI95 percent: 0.05-0.08) for pharmacy services, and US$1.89 (CI95 percent: 1.56-2.25) for laboratory services. The average opportunity cost for an unaccompanied patient visit varied between US$1.10 for pharmacy services alone and US$8.64 for family medicine, pharmacy, and laboratory services. The weighted opportunity cost for family medicine was US$6.24. CONCLUSIONS: Given that the opportunity cost for men who seek services in FMU corresponds to more than half of a minimum salary, it should be examined from an institutional perspective whether this is the best alternative for care.

Tendencia en el estudiante de medicina a ejercer como médico general o especialista / Trends among medical students towards general practice or specialization

Background: A 60/40 ratio has been estimated as a country's ideal proportion between general practitioners and specialists. In Chile this proportion was 36/ 64 in 2004, exactly the opposite of the ideal. Trends towards specialization or general practice among medical students have not been thoughtfully studied. Aim: To assess trends among medical students towards becoming general practitioners or specialists, exploring associated factors. Material and methods: Descriptive survey of 822 first to seventh year medical students at the University of Chile, School of Medicine. Desired activity to pursue (general practice or specialization) after graduation and general orientations within clinical practice were explored. Results: Fifty three percent of students desired to enter a specialization program. Only 20 percent would work as a general practitioner (27 percent were still indecisive). Furthermore, a trend in early years of medical training towards an integral medicine is gradually reversed within later years. Seventh year students give significantly more importance to specialization than to integral medicine (p <0.01). Ten percent of this opinion change is related to the emphasis given to specialized medicine in the teaching environment. Conclusions: Most students prefer to enter a specialization program immediately after finishing medical school. Moreover, there is a social trend, at least within the teacher-attending environment, promoting not only the desire to specialize, but a pro-specialist culture.

Epidemiología de la consulta traumatológica infantil en un centro deatención primaria / Epidemiology of childhood trauma consultation in a primary care

Traumatology is a frecuent topic in primary care in urgency and in the ambulatorie setting. In this days, a less of assitents hours are disponible in the formation of generals doctors, and in the residence of Primary care doctors, about management of traumalologic disease. In this study, we present the traumatologic consult reason of the health family center Madre Teresa de Calcuta, Puente Alto, during the year 2007. Pain and functional impotence were the most frecuent consult reason. In thirth place were fractures, with a predominant place of upper limb. Actually, we disposed a few national and international epidemiology information, about this matter.

La consulta traumatológica es altamente frecuente en el ámbito de la atención primaria tanto a nivel ambulatorio como de urgencias. Actualmente, se disponen de pocas horas asistenciales en la formación del clínico general así como en el de atención primaria, en el manejo de patologías traumatológicas. En el presente trabajo, se presentan los diagnósticos y motivos de consulta traumatológicos del año 2007, ocurridos en el centro de salud familiar Madre Teresa de Calcuta de Puente Alto. Destacan como principales motivos de consulta el dolor y la impotencia funcional. Las fracturas se situaron en tercer lugar, con clara predominancia de estas, en la región correspondiente a la extremidad superior del aparato locomotor. En la actualidad, se dispone de poca información epidemiológica nacional y extranjera al respecto.

Control of type 2 diabetes mellitus among general practitioners in private practice in nine countries of Latin America

OBJECTIVES: To better understand how diabetes care and control are being administered by general practitioners/nonspecialists in private practice in nine countries of Latin America, and to identify the most significant patient- and physician-related barriers to care. METHODS: A multicenter, cross-sectional, epidemiological survey was conducted in nine countries in Latin America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela. General practitioners in private practice were asked to provide care and control data for patients 18 to 75 years of age with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), including demographics, medical and medication history, laboratory exams, and information on the challenges of patient management. RESULTS: Of the 3 592 patient questionnaires returned by 377 physicians, 60 percent of the patients had a family history of diabetes, 58 percent followed a poor diet, 71 percent were sedentary, and 79 percent were obese or overweight. Poor glycemic control (fasting blood glucose > 110 mg/dL) was observed in 78 percent of patients. The number of patients with HbA1c < 7.0 percent was 43.2 percent. Glycemic control decreased significantly with increased duration of T2DM. Comorbid conditions associated with T2DM were observed in 86 percent of patients; insulin use and comorbid conditions, especially those associated with microvascular complications, increased significantly disease duration. Ensuring compliance with recommended diet and exercise plans was the most-cited patient management challenge. CONCLUSIONS: Blood glucose levels are undercontrolled in T2DM patients in the private health care system in Latin America, particularly among those who have had the disease the longest (>15 years). Considering the differences between private and public health care in Latin America, especially regarding the quality of care and access to medication, further studies are called for in the public...

OBJETIVOS: Comprender mejor cómo los médicos generales/no especialistas del sector privado atienden y controlan la diabetes en nueve países de América Latina e identificar los principales problemas relacionados con el paciente y el médico, que obstaculizan la atención. MÉTODOS:Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico, multicéntrico, transversal, en nueve países de América Latina: Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, México, Perú y Venezuela. Se pidió a los médicos generales del sector privado la información sobre la atención y el control de sus pacientes de 18 a 75 años de edad con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DMT2), así como los datos demográficos, la historia clínica y de medicación, las pruebas de laboratorio e información sobre los retos relacionados con la atención del paciente. RESULTADOS: De los 3 592 cuestionarios de pacientes entregados por 377 médicos, 60 por ciento de los pacientes tenían antecedentes familiares de diabetes, 58 por ciento seguían una dieta inadecuada, 71 por ciento eran sedentarios y 79 por ciento presentaban obesidad o sobrepeso. Se observó un inadecuado control glucémico (glucemia en ayunas > 110 mg/dL) en 78 por ciento de los pacientes. La proporción de pacientes con HbA1c < 7,0 por ciento fue de 43,2 por ciento. El control glucémico se redujo significativamente al aumentar la duración de la DMT2. En 86 por ciento de los pacientes se encontraron enfermedades concurrentes asociadas con la DMT2; el uso de insulina y las enfermedades concurrentes -especialmente las asociadas con complicaciones microvasculares- incrementaron significativamente la duración de la diabetes. En cuanto al tratamiento de los pacientes, el reto más frecuentemente citado fue garantizar la adhesión a la dieta y al plan de ejercicios recomendados. CONCLUSIONES: Los niveles de glucemia no están suficientemente controlados en los pacientes con DMT2 que se atienden en el sistema privado de salud de América Latina, particularmente...

Pattern of health care utilization and determinants of care-seeking from GPs in two districts of Pakistan.

The aims of the study were to describe the pattern of health care utilization and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in seeking health care, and to identify the determinants of care-seeking from private general practitioners (GP) in two districts of Pakistan. During July-September 2001, we conducted a cross-sectional study in two districts in the Sindh Province of Pakistan. We selected 1,150 participants age > or = 3 months through a two-stage cluster sampling technique. Information was collected about contacts with healthcare providers during the past three months, presenting complaints, type of treatment received, and cost of the latest visit. Of 1,150 participants, 967 (84%) had at least one contact with health care providers during past three months. The mean number of contacts was 1.7. Most of the contacts (66.8%) were with private GPs. The average cost per visit was Pak Rs 106 (US dollar 1.7) and Rs 38 (US dollar 0.6) for GPs and public sector providers, respectively. A multiple logistic regression model revealed those living in urban areas, with monthly household income > Rs 2,500 (US dollar 39.7), an education level > 5 years, and who received both injections and oral drugs were more likely to visit private general practitioners.

How does family medicine clerkship affect the attitudes to family medicine specialization?

To investigate whether the attitude of final year medical students to family medicine specialization changes after family medicine clerkship. The authors conducted an analysis of data on 90 final year medical students who attended a 4-week family medicine clinical clerkship in the period between January and June 2004, at Uludag University School of Medicine. The change in preference for family medicine specialization was determined from the responses to the pre- and post-clerkship questionnaires. Statistical analysis of the results was conveyed by utilizing the SPSS 11.0 and Epi-Info 2000 software program. According to the answers given, rank of family medicine residency, which was 4.19 +/- 0.10 before clerkship, increased to 3.88 +/- 0.10 after clerkship. There was a significant difference in rank list between first and last test [before and after clerkship [p < 0.05]. Final year medical students' clerkship in family medicine clinical practice may encourage more medical school graduates to prefer family medicine as a career, which in turn, may contribute toward establishing a sound healthcare system

Prescribing patterns for childhood asthma treatment in general practice

The treatment preferences of 109 general practitioners (GPs) for childhood asthma were determined. Availability and adherence to clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for the treatment of childhood asthma was also assessed. Ninety eight (90%), 60 (55%) and 33 (30%) GPs considered nocturnal symptoms > 2 times/week, exercise induced wheeze and cough respectively as indications for preventer therapy. An oral preparation was preferred for relief medication [72 (66%) for 2-5 years, 60 (55%) for > 5 years]. An inhaled preparation was however preferred for preventer medication [60 (55%) for 2-5 years, 85 (78%) for > 5 years]. The oral form was more likely prescribed for asthmatic children 2-5 years (p < 0.001). Corticosteroids and ketotifen were the commonest inhaled and oral preventer treatment prescribed respectively. Only 36(33%) GPs have a CPG copy for reference. Children with asthma symptoms that require preventer therapy may not always be identified in general practice. The oral route remains important for asthma medication especially in young children. The accessibility to the CPG among GPs is disappointing.

General practitioner prescribing patterns in Babol city, Islamic Republic of Iran

To determine patterns of prescribing in Iranian primary care, we analysed 4000 randomly selected prescriptions from 52 general practitioners [GPs] in Babol city during 1999-2000. The mean number of drugs prescribed per encounter was 4.4 +/- 1.7, with 98% prescribed by generic name. The most commonly prescribed items were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [62.9% of encounters] and antibiotics [61.9%], followed by central nervous system drugs, gastrointestinal tract drugs, corticosteroids, vitamins and cardiovascular system drugs respectively. Injections were prescribed in 58.0% of encounters. Female and male doctors had significantly different antibiotic prescribing patterns. Our study confirms the tendency of GPs to overprescribe

Depresión en población adulta mayor: tamizaje en unidad de primer nivel de atención médica / Depression in the older adult population: screening in a first-level unit of medical attention

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en la unidad de Medicina Familiar Núm. 44 del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social para identificar a través del tamizaje con escala de depresión geriátrica el porcentaje de adultos mayores con síntomas de depresión. Se incluyeron 329 pacientes elegidos en forma aleatoria y sin patología auditiva, verbal o secuelas neurológias. En 42 por ciento de las mujeres encontramos síntomas de depresión leve y en 15 por ciento depresión moderada o severa; mientras que en los hombres los síntomas de depresión leve estuvieron presentes en 30 por ciento y los de depresión moderada en 7 por ciento. El porcentaje de pacientes con síntomas depresivos fue alto en la población estudiada