ABSTRACT
In Navarre, the Smoking Cessation Program (PAF) was launched in 1994, result of the collaboration between Public Health and Primary Care. In 2001 it was integrated into the Tobacco Regional Action Plan, together with the other two lines of action: prevention of smoking initiation and promotion of smoke-free spaces. PAF includes two levels of intervention, a basic and an intensive one, with programmed educational support, individual and group. Medications for smoking cessation have been intermittently subsidized by the Health Department of Navarre. In December 2017, funding of medications for smoking cessation was reintroduced, in the same conditions of any other medication. Treatments are limited to one per patient and year, always including educational support. In 2018, 6139 people benefited from this funding, 50% women and 60% with yearly income lower than 18000 euros. We carried out a preliminary evaluation through a telephone survey. Overall, 35% of participants reported to keep abstinent after one year, 40% among those who also received intensive educational support.
En Navarra el Programa de Ayuda a Dejar de Fumar (PAF) nace en 1994 fruto de la colaboración entre Salud Pública y Atención Primaria y desde 2001 se integra en el Plan Foral de Acción sobre el Tabaco, junto con otras dos líneas de actuación: prevención al inicio y espacios sin humo. El PAF incluye dos niveles de intervención, básico e intensivo, con apoyo educativo programado individual y grupal y periodos de financiación farmacológica. En diciembre de 2017 se reintrodujo la financiación de los fármacos para la deshabituación tabáquica en las mismas condiciones que el resto de medicamentos, limitada a un tratamiento por paciente y año, siempre en el contexto de un programa de apoyo educativo. En 2018 se beneficiaron de la financiación 6.139 personas, la mitad mujeres y 6 de cada 10 con rentas inferiores a 18.000 euros. Los resultados de la evaluación preliminar, realizada mediante encuesta telefónica, muestran una tasa declarada de abandono al año del 35%, que asciende al 40% si se recibe apoyo educativo.
Subject(s)
Health Promotion/methods , National Health Programs , Primary Health Care/methods , Smoking Cessation/methods , Adult , Female , Health Care Surveys , Health Promotion/economics , Health Promotion/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Income , Male , Middle Aged , National Health Programs/economics , National Health Programs/statistics & numerical data , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Patient Education as Topic/economics , Patient Education as Topic/methods , Poverty , Primary Health Care/economics , Primary Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Program Evaluation , Smoking Cessation/economics , Smoking Cessation/statistics & numerical data , SpainABSTRACT
En Navarra el Programa de Ayuda a Dejar de Fumar (PAF) nace en1994 fruto de la colaboración entre Salud Pública y Atención Primaria y desde 2001 se integra en el Plan Foral de Acción sobre el Tabaco, junto con otras dos líneas de actuación: prevención al inicio y espacios sin humo. El PAF incluye dos niveles de intervención, básico e intensivo, con apoyo educativo programado individual y grupal y periodos de financiación farmacológica. En diciembre de 2017se reintrodujo la financiación de los fármacos para la deshabituación tabáquica en las mismas condiciones que el resto de medicamentos, limitada a un tratamiento por paciente y año, siempre en el contexto de un programa de apoyo educativo. En 2018 se beneficiaron de la financiación 6.139personas, la mitad mujeres y 6 de cada 10 con rentas inferiores a 18.000 euros. Los resultados de la evaluación preliminar, realizada mediante encuesta telefónica, muestran una tasa declarada de abandono al año del 35%, que asciende al 40% si se recibe apoyo educativo. CONCLUSIONES: El PAF en Navarra cuenta con un modelo de intervención una amplia experiencia en la colaboración entre Atención Primaria y Salud Pública, que es necesario mantener y reforzar. La financiación de los fármacos para ayudar a dejar de fumar en el PAF es efectiva. El éxito es mayor si la persona recibe apoyo educativo y contribuye a la equidad ya que favorece el acceso de personas con renta menor. Se vislumbran nuevos retos de futuro en las tres líneas de actuación del plan
In Navarre, the Smoking Cessation Program (PAF) was launched in 1994, result of the collaboration between Public Health and Primary Care. In 2001 it was integrated into the Tobacco Regional Action Plan, together with the other two lines of action: prevention of smoking initiation and promotion of smoke-freespaces. PAF includes two levels of intervention, a basic and an intensive one, with programmed educational support, individual and group. Medications for smoking cessation have been intermittently subsidized by the Health Department of Navarre. In December 2017, funding of medications for smoking cessation was reintroduced, in the same conditions of any other medication. Treatments are limited to one per patient and year, always including educational support. In 2018, 6139 people benefited from this funding, 50% women and 60% with yearly income lower than 18000 euros. We carried out a preliminary evaluation through a telephone survey. Overall, 35% of participants reported to keep abstinent after one year, 40% among those who also received intensive educational support. CONCLUSIONS: PAF in Navarre is an intervention model based on a large experience of collaboration between Primary Care and Public Health, which is necessary to promote. Funding medications for smoking cessation have proved to be effective with in PAF program and it may contribute to equity as it facilitates the access to people with lower income. Success rates are greater receiving educational support. There are new challenges in the future related to all action lines of the Action Plan
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Health Promotion/methods , National Health Programs/economics , National Health Programs/statistics & numerical data , Primary Health Care/methods , Smoking Cessation/methods , Health Care Surveys , Health Promotion/economics , Health Promotion/statistics & numerical data , Income , Primary Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Program Evaluation , Smoking Cessation/economics , Smoking Cessation/statistics & numerical data , Spain , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Patient Education as Topic/economics , Patient Education as Topic/methods , Poverty , Primary Health Care/economicsABSTRACT
Objective: To determine trends in the incidence of type 1 diabetes in Navarre (Spain) between 1975 and 2012 by age and sex. Patients and methods: The study population comprised residents of Navarre under 15 years of age. A Poisson regression model was fitted to analyze changes in the incidence over time, adjusted by year of diagnosis, age group and sex. Results: A total of 494 patients were registered, representing an adjusted incidence rate of 13.2/100,000 person-years. The annual relative increase in the incidence rate was 3.7%. The highest incidence was found in the group aged 10-14 years. The incidence among boys aged 10-14 tended to be higher than that in girls of the same age. Conclusions: Since the year 2000, the incidence of type 1 diabetes among persons younger than 15 years in Navarre has been very high and has quadrupled over the last four decades (AU)
Objetivo: Determinar la tendencia en la incidencia de diabetes tipo 1 en Navarra entre 1975 y 2012 por edad y sexo. Pacientes y métodos: La población objeto de estudio comprende a los residentes en Navarra menores de 15 años de edad. Para analizar la evolución de la incidencia a lo largo del tiempo, se ha utilizado un modelo de regresión de Poisson ajustado por año de diagnóstico, grupo de edad y sexo. Resultados: Se han diagnosticado 494 pacientes, lo que supone una incidencia ajustada de 13,2/100.000 personas-año. El incremento relativo anual en la tasa de incidencia ha sido del 3,7%. El grupo de edad con mayor incidencia fue el de 10 a 14 años. En este mismo grupo, la incidencia en niños tiende a ser mayor que en niñas. Conclusiones: Desde el año 2000, la incidencia de diabetes tipo 1 en menores de 15 años, en Navarra, es muy alta y se ha cuadriplicado en las últimas cuatro décadas (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child, Preschool , Child , Adolescent , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/epidemiology , Age and Sex Distribution , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine trends in the incidence of type 1 diabetes in Navarre (Spain) between 1975 and 2012 by age and sex. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study population comprised residents of Navarre under 15 years of age. A Poisson regression model was fitted to analyze changes in the incidence over time, adjusted by year of diagnosis, age group and sex. RESULTS: A total of 494 patients were registered, representing an adjusted incidence rate of 13.2/100,000 person-years. The annual relative increase in the incidence rate was 3.7%. The highest incidence was found in the group aged 10-14 years. The incidence among boys aged 10-14 tended to be higher than that in girls of the same age. CONCLUSIONS: Since the year 2000, the incidence of type 1 diabetes among persons younger than 15 years in Navarre has been very high and has quadrupled over the last four decades.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/epidemiology , Age Distribution , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Incidence , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Morbidity/trends , Sex Distribution , Spain/epidemiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Advancing age is associated with increased vulnerability to chronic health problems. Identifying factors that predict oldest-old status is vital for developing effective clinical interventions and public health strategies. METHODS: Observational prospective study of patients aged 75 years and older consecutively admitted to an Acute Geriatric Ward of a tertiary hospital. After a comprehensive geriatric assessment all patients were assessed for five comorbidity indices and two prognostic models. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to assess the association between each score and 5-year mortality. The ability of each score to predict mortality was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: 122 patients were enrolled. All patients were followed up for five years. 90 (74%) of them died during the study period. In the logistic regression analyses, apart from age, cognitive impairment and Barthel Index, three indices were identified as statistically associated with 5-year mortality: the Geriatric Index of Comorbidity and the two prognostic indices. The multivariate model that combined age, sex, cognitive impairment and Barthel showed a good discriminate ability (AUC = 0.79), and it did not improve substantially after adding individually any of the indices. CONCLUSIONS: Some prognostic models and the Geriatric Index of Comorbidity are better than other widely used indices such as the Charlson Index in predicting 5-year mortality in hospitalized older patients, however, none of these indices is superior to some components of comprehensive geriatric assessment.
Subject(s)
Geriatric Assessment/methods , Hospital Mortality/trends , Hospitalization/trends , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Comorbidity , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Predictive Value of Tests , Prognosis , Prospective StudiesSubject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Frail Elderly/statistics & numerical data , Homebound Persons/rehabilitation , Homebound Persons/statistics & numerical data , /statistics & numerical data , /trends , Prospective Studies , Repertory, Barthel , Cohort Studies , Indicators of Morbidity and Mortality , Pressure Ulcer/complications , Urinary Incontinence/complications , Constipation/complications , Accidental Falls/mortality , Depression/complicationsSubject(s)
Geriatric Assessment , Hospitalization , Immobilization/statistics & numerical data , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Mortality , Prospective Studies , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Introducción: El delirium subsindrómico (DSS) es una entidad en debate, que supone un espectro de enfermedad más allá de la dicotomía diagnóstica del delirium según los criterios actuales. Material y métodos: Para cuantificar y objetivar la prevalencia del DSS se ha realizado un estudio transversal multicéntrico con carácter posteriormente prospectivo a todos los pacientes ingresados en 3 Servicios de Geriatría de hospitales terciarios. Los criterios diagnósticos de DSS utilizados se basaron en los de Marcantonio, y también se utilizó la escala DRS-R-98 como variable continua del grado de delirium. Resultados: Se estudiaron 85 pacientes, 56% mujeres, Barthel 62 (DE: 32), edad 87 años (DE: 6), CIRS-G 24 (DE: 6,85). El 75,3% de los pacientes tenía al menos un criterio CAM positivo, y la mitad al menos 13 puntos en el DRS-R-98. La prevalencia de delirium fue del 53%, y la de DSS del 22,3%. El grado de delirium-DSS aparece asociado con los diferentes síndromes geriátricos, nivel de desnutrición, y grado de deterioro funcional y cognitivo con una tendencia lineal significativa entre grupos. Los pacientes sin delirium tienen niveles más altos que los que presentan delirium subsindrómico, y estos a su vez más altos que aquellos sin diagnóstico de delirium. También hay tendencia en el grado de delirium medido mediante el DRS-R-98. Conclusión: Más allá del concepto dicotómico sobre la presencia o ausencia de delirium, este trabajo sugiere la probable continuidad del proceso cognitivo y la posibilidad de establecer medidas diagnósticoterapéuticas más eficaces en un momento cronológico más precoz(AU)
Introduction: Subsyndromal delirium (SSD) is a developing concept of disease with a spectrum beyond the diagnostic dichotomy of delirium with standard criteria. Material and methods: To study the prevalence and significance of SSD we have conducted a crosssectional prospective multicenter study of all patients admitted to three Geriatric Departments in tertiary hospitals. The SSD diagnostic criteria used were based on Marcantonio¢§©¥s criteria, and the DRS-R-98 scale was also used as a continuous variable of the degree of delirium. Results: We studied 85 patients, 56% women, Barthel 62 (SD: 32), age 87 (SD: 6), CIRS-G 24 (SD: 6.85). Three quarters (75.3%) of patients had at least one CAM positive item, and half of them with at least 13 points in the DRS-R-98 scale. The prevalence of delirium was 53% and 22.3% for SSD. The degree of delirium-DSS was associated with different geriatric syndromes, levels of malnutrition, and degree of functional and cognitive impairment, with a significant linear trend between groups. Patients without delirium have higher levels than those with subsyndromal delirium, and these in turn are higher than those without diagnosed delirium. There is also a tendency in the degree of delirium measured by the DRS-R-98(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium/epidemiology , Malnutrition/complications , Malnutrition/diagnosis , Risk Factors , Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium/prevention & control , Cross-Sectional Studies/methods , Cross-Sectional Studies/trends , Prospective Studies , Geriatric Hospitals , Repertory, Barthel , Analysis of VarianceABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Subsyndromal delirium (SSD) is a developing concept of disease with a spectrum beyond the diagnostic dichotomy of delirium with standard criteria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To study the prevalence and significance of SSD we have conducted a cross-sectional prospective multicenter study of all patients admitted to three Geriatric Departments in tertiary hospitals. The SSD diagnostic criteria used were based on Marcantoniós criteria, and the DRS-R-98 scale was also used as a continuous variable of the degree of delirium. RESULTS: We studied 85 patients, 56% women, Barthel 62 (SD: 32), age 87 (SD: 6), CIRS-G 24 (SD: 6.85). Three quarters (75.3%) of patients had at least one CAM positive item, and half of them with at least 13 points in the DRS-R-98 scale. The prevalence of delirium was 53% and 22.3% for SSD. The degree of delirium-DSS was associated with different geriatric syndromes, levels of malnutrition, and degree of functional and cognitive impairment, with a significant linear trend between groups. Patients without delirium have higher levels than those with subsyndromal delirium, and these in turn are higher than those without diagnosed delirium. There is also a tendency in the degree of delirium measured by the DRS-R-98. CONCLUSION: Beyond the dichotomous concept of the presence or absence of delirium, this study suggests the probable continuity of cognitive processes and the possibility of more effective and earlier diagnostic and therapeutic measures.
Subject(s)
Delirium/diagnosis , Delirium/epidemiology , Aged, 80 and over , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Prevalence , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A plant of lindane in Barakaldo produced discharges of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH). Closed in 1987 leaving inside 4500Tm; the problem was not solved until 2002. A judicial process required an epidemiological assessment of the possible contamination The aim of this study is to measure the degree of impregnation of the POPs in the nearby population. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in 2008, 154 volunteers from three health centres in Barakaldo and 270 controls from Bilbao, Alonsotegi and Balmaseda. We measured serum levels of eight organochlorine pesticides, and seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). We used the χ² test to study the association between categorical variables and t test of Student to compare geometric means. Confounding factors were adjusted using a linear regression model. RESULTS: There was a detectable compound average of 6.3 per person. PCBs 52 and 101, α -HCH, ß-endosulfan and heptachlor epoxide could not be quantified; PCB 28, γ-HCH and p, p'-DDT were detected in 6.6, 0.9 and 8.05 % of subjects respectively and the ß-HCH, HCB, p, p'-DDE, and PCBs 118, 138, 153 and 180 in the 73.8, 87.3, 98.6, 59.2, 97.6, 98.6 y 98.6 % respectively. After adjusting for age, there were no higher levels of ß-HCH in Barakaldo than in controls, (beta = 0.02, SE = 0.07), or HCB, p, p'-DDE, PCB 118, PCB 138, PCB 153 and PCB 180. CONCLUSION: Six years after having solved the problem near to the factory and storage of HCH, there was no significantly higher levels of HCH, after adjustment for age.
Subject(s)
Environmental Exposure/statistics & numerical data , Environmental Pollutants/blood , Hexachlorocyclohexane/blood , Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/blood , Insecticides/blood , Polychlorinated Biphenyls/blood , Adult , Aged , Chi-Square Distribution , Cross-Sectional Studies , Environmental Exposure/analysis , Female , Humans , Industrial Waste/analysis , Linear Models , Male , Middle Aged , Population Surveillance , Spain , Urban PopulationABSTRACT
Fundamentos: Una fábrica de lindano de Barakaldo generó múltiples vertidos de hexaclorociclohexano (HCH). Cerró en 1987 dejando 4.500Tm en su interior, no solucionándose el problema hasta 2002. Un proceso judicial requirió una evaluación epidemiológica de la posible contaminación. Este trabajo pretende medir la impregnación de COPs en la población cercana a la planta. Métodos: Estudio transversal, realizado en 2008, de 154 personas voluntarias de tres centros de salud de Barakaldo y 270 personas controles de Bilbao, Alonsotegi y Balmaseda. Se cuantificaron en suero ocho plaguicidas organoclorados y siete PCBs. Se utilizó la X² para contrastar la asociación entre variables categóricas y la t de Student para comparar medias geométricas. Se ajustaron factores de confusión mediante regresión lineal. Resultados: Se detectaron 6,3 compuestos de media detectables por persona. No se cuantificaron PCB 52 y 101, alpha-HCH, Beta-Endosulfán y Hep-tacloro-Epóxido; el PCB 28, γ-HCH y p,p-DDT en un 6,6, 0,9 y 8,05%; y el Beta-HCH , HCB, p,p-DDE y PCB 118, 138, 153 y 180 en el 73,8, 87,3, 98,6, 59,2, 97,6, 98,6 y 98,6% de los individuos, respectivamente. Ajustando por la edad no se observaron niveles más elevados en Barakaldo que en la población control de Beta-HCH (beta= 0,02; EE= 0,07), ni de HCB, p,p-DDE, PCB 118, 138, 153 y 180. Conclusiones: Seis años después de resolverse el problema de los residuos en la población cercana a la fábrica de producción y de un almacenamiento masivo de HCH, no se observaron niveles significativamente mayores de HCH, tras su ajuste por edad(AU)
Bakcground: A plant of lindane in Barakaldo produced discharges of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH). Closed in 1987 leaving inside 4500Tm; the problem was not solved until 2002. A judicial process required an epidemiological assessment of the possible contamination The aim of this study is to measure the degree of impregnation of the POPs in the nearby population. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in 2008, 154 volunteers from three health centres in Barakaldo and 270 controls from Bilbao, Alonsotegi and Balmaseda. We measured serum levels of eight organochlorine pesticides, and seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). We used the X² test to study the association between categorical variables and t test of Student to compare geometric means. Confounding factors were adjusted using a linear regression model. Results: There was a detectable compound average of 6.3 per person. PCBs 52 and 101, alpha-HCH, Beta-endosulfan and heptachlor epoxide could not be quantified; PCB 28, γ-HCH and p, p'-DDT were detected in 6.6, 0.9 and 8.05 % of subjects respectively and the Beta-HCH, HCB, p, p'-DDE, and PCBs 118, 138, 153 and 180 in the 73.8, 87.3, 98.6, 59.2, 97.6, 98.6 y 98.6 % respectively. After adjusting for age, there were no higher levels of BetaHCH in Barakaldo than in controls, (beta = 0.02, SE = 0.07), or HCB, p, p'DDE, PCB 118, PCB 138, PCB 153 and PCB 180. Conclusion: Six years after having solved the problem near to the factory and storage of HCH, there was no significantly higher levels of HCH, after adjustment for age(AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Pesticides/adverse effects , Pesticides/toxicity , Pesticide Residues/adverse effects , Pesticide Residues/toxicity , Polychlorinated Biphenyls/adverse effects , Polychlorinated Biphenyls/toxicity , Hexachlorocyclohexane/toxicity , Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/adverse effects , Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/toxicity , Population Surveillance/methods , Cross-Sectional Studies/methods , Environmental Exposure/legislation & jurisprudence , Cross-Sectional Studies/trends , Environmental Exposure/prevention & control , Environmental Monitoring , Epidemiological Monitoring , Environmental Exposure/statistics & numerical data , Environmental Exposure/standards , Product Surveillance, Postmarketing/standards , Health Surveillance/standardsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The health effects of air pollution have been analyzed in numerous studies over recent years, thus having made it possible to quantify the relationship between the two. This study is aimed at analyzing the theoretical benefits which would be achieved by meeting the air quality objectives set forth under EC Directive 1999/30/EC with regard to suspended particles. METHODS: The exposure measurement was taken for Black Smoke (Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia) and suspended particles under 10 microm (PM10) (Bilbao, Madrid y Sevilla). The health indicators calculated were the mortality due to all causes and respiratory and cardiovascular causes, and emergency hospital admissions and mortality due to respiratory and cardiovascular causes. In the case of PM10 the impact has been calculated because its effects to short-term, within a period of up to 40 days following exposure, and to long-term. For Black Smoke the effects only has been calculated to short-term. RESULTS: The daily levels of PM10 from exceeding 50 microg/m3 in Bilbao, Madrid and Sevilla cause the earlier death of 1.4/100,000 individuals per year because its effects. The effect within a period of up to 40 days following exposure is of 2.8 deaths/100,000. The total number of deaths per year which may be later due to long-term exposure if the yearly average is lowered to 20 microg/m3 is 68/100,000. CONCLUSIONS: The health impact of the current air pollution levels is quantifiable and is not insignificant. APHEIS and the impact evaluations may be of aid in healthcare planning and environmental policies.
Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/analysis , Air Pollution/analysis , Cities , Environmental Exposure , Epidemiologic Studies , Humans , Public Health , SpainABSTRACT
Fundamento: Los efectos de la contaminación atmosféricasobre la salud han sido objeto en los últimos años de numerosos estudiosque han permitido cuantificar la asociación entre ambas El objetivode este trabajo es llevar a cabo la Evaluación del Impacto enSalud (EIS) calculando los beneficios que se obtendrían al cumplirlos objetivos establecidos por la Directiva 1999/30/CE en relacióncon las partículas en suspensión.Métodos: Se ha valorado el impacto en salud de la contaminación atmosférica por partículas en suspensión, para lo que se han utilizadodos indicadores distintos: Humos Negros (HN) (Barcelona,Bilbao, Valencia) y partículas en suspensión menores de 10 mm(PM10) (Bilbao, Madrid y Sevilla). Los indicadores de salud fueronla mortalidad por todas las causas, por causa respiratoria y por causacardiovascular, e ingresos hospitalarios urgentes por causa respiratoriay cardiovascular. El EIS se ha realizado mediante el cálculo de lafracción atribuible a la contaminación por partículas. En el caso dePM10 se ha calculado el impacto debido a efectos de la contaminación a corto plazo, los acumulados hasta 40 días después, y a largoplazo. Para HN únicamente se han calculado efectos a corto plazo.Resultados: Los niveles diarios de PM10 por encima de 50µg/m3 en Bilbao, Madrid y Sevilla son responsables de 1,4 muertesprematuras por 100.000 habitantes y año debido a sus efectos a cortoplazo y de 2,8 muertes/100.000 en un periodo de hasta 40 días trasla exposición. A largo plazo, el número de muertes prematuras atribuiblesa la contaminación media anual de PM10 por encima de 20µg/m3 es 68/100.000.Conclusiones: El impacto en salud de los niveles actuales decontaminación atmosférica es cuantificable y no despreciable.APHEIS y las evaluaciones de impacto pueden ayudar a la planificación sanitaria y a las políticas medioambientales
Background: The health effects of air pollution have beenanalyzed in numerous studies over recent years, thus having madeit possible to quantify the relationship between the two. This studyis aimed at analyzing the theoretical benefits which would be achievedby meeting the air quality objectives set forth under EC Directive1999/30/EC with regard to suspended particles.Methods: The exposure measurement was taken for Black Smoke(Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia) and suspended particles under 10mm (PM10) (Bilbao, Madrid y Sevilla). The health indicators calculatedwere the mortality due to all causes and respiratory and cardiovascularcauses, and emergency hospital admissions and mortalitydue to respiratory and cardiovascular causes. In the case of PM10 theimpact has been calculated because its effects to short-term, within aperiod of up to 40 days following exposure, and to long-term. ForBlack Smoke the effects only has been calculated to short-term.Results: The daily levels of PM10 from exceeding 50 µg/m3 inBilbao, Madrid and Sevilla cause the earlier death of 1.4/100,000individuals per year because its effects. The effect within a period ofup to 40 days following exposure is of 2.8 deaths/100,000. The totalnumber of deaths per year which may be later due to long-term exposureif the yearly average is lowered to 20 µg/m3 is 68/100,000.Conclusions: The health impact of the current air pollutionlevels is quantifiable and is not insignificant. APHEIS and theimpact evaluations may be of aid in healthcare planning and environmentalpolicies
