Perceptions of change in the environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic: Implications for environmental policy.

COVID-19 lockdown measures have impacted the environment with both positive and negative effects. However, how human populations have perceived such changes in the natural environment and how they may have changed their daily habits have not been yet thoroughly evaluated. The objectives of this work were to investigate (1) the social perception of the environmental changes produced by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and the derived change in habits in relation to i) waste management, energy saving, and sustainable consumption, ii) mobility, iii) social inequalities, iv) generation of noise, v) utilization of natural spaces, and, vi) human population perception towards the future, and (2) the associations of these potential new habits with various socio-demographic variables. First, a SWOT analysis identified strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O), and threats (T) generated by the pandemic lockdown measures. Second, a survey based on the aspects of the SWOT was administered among 2370 adults from 37 countries during the period from February to September 2021. We found that the short-term positive impacts on the natural environment were generally well recognized. In contrast, longer-term negative effects arise, but they were often not reported by the survey participants, such as greater production of plastic waste derived from health safety measures, and the increase in e-commerce use, which can displace small storefront businesses. We were able to capture a mismatch between perceptions and the reported data related to visits to natural areas, and generation of waste. We found that age and country of residence were major contributors in shaping the survey participants ´answers, which highlights the importance of government management strategies to address current and future environmental problems. Enhanced positive perceptions of the environment and ecosystems, combined with the understanding that livelihood sustainability, needs to be prioritized and would reinforce environmental protection policies to create greener cities. Moreover, new sustainable jobs in combination with more sustainable human habits represent an opportunity to reinforce environmental policy.

Opinions, Attitudes, and Perceptions in Relation to Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation in the Undiagnosed Spanish Male Population. Results of the PANDORA Project.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 43% of Spanish men report experiencing premature ejaculation (PE) at some point in their lives and 12.1% suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED), of whom only 16.5% have seen a doctor. Despite this, ED and PE remain undiagnosed among a supposedly healthy segment of the population. AIM: To assess the general knowledge of a representative population of healthy Spanish males of the symptoms, treatment, and expectations related to ED and PE. METHODS: This was a descriptive study based on an online questionnaire in which 2,515 males aged 25-75 years with no history of ED and/or PE presented their perception of aspects related to symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and expectations in ED and PE. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The study provided an evaluation of the knowledge, attitude, and underdiagnosis of ED and/or PE in healthy males and the approach taken by urology specialists and other disciplines. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 2,515 healthy males, including over 80% of those who had completed secondary or higher education. 60% of the sample had never seen a urologist and 59% and 62% of the participating men responded correctly to the statements about PE and ED, respectively. Their lack of knowledge of the therapeutic alternatives was clear (74% and 76% of the panel were unaware of the existence of effective treatments for ED and PE, respectively). Despite the initiative shown by some participants in seeking information about each condition (10.3% for ED; 16.7% for PE), only 4.7% of them had been questioned about ED by a medical practitioner (1.9% for PE). The underdiagnosis rate stood at 3.5% for ED (5.6% participants >65 years) and at about 10% for PE. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These results will represent a point of departure for establishing some recommendations to improve the detection and treatment of these disorders. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is the first study of its kind in Spain to analyze the underdiagnosis of ED and/or PE inferred from data reported by a population of healthy males. Screening for ED was performed with a validated questionnaire. However, the rest of the research was conducted using adaptations of validated questionnaires or a self-designed questionnaire based on and in consultation with a group of experienced andrologists. CONCLUSION: People need to have greater knowledge of both the conditions and the related false myths to make sure that they are familiar with the existence of drug treatments and socio-sanitary interventions. Primary care physicians and urologists should also be more proactive in routine visits in order to achieve better management of ED and PE. Prieto-Castro R, Puigvert-Martínez AM, Artigas-Feliu R, et al. Opinions, Attitudes, and Perceptions in Relation to Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation in the Undiagnosed Spanish Male Population. Results of the PANDORA Project. J Sex Med 2020;17:1495-1508.

[Development and psychometric validation of a new screening questionnaire for erectile dysfunction (SQUED questionnaire)]. / Desarrollo y validación psicométrica de un nuevo cuestionario de screening para la disfunción eréctil (cuestionario SQUED).

BACKGROUND: It is necessary to have simple tools to screen erectile dysfunction (ED) in an easy, reliable and valid manner. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a short diagnostic questionnaire for erectile dysfunction [SQUED), easy to use in the primary care setting. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The development of SQUED included: concepts identification, item generation and evaluation of contents and face validity through interviews with subjects to assess comprehension and idiomatic adequacy. The psychometric validation was conducted in an epidemiologic, observational, comparative and multicenter study. Participants should complete the questionnaire in primary care setting and send to the specialist to confirm the diagnosis by an in depth interview and the application of IIEF questionnaire. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability and sensitivity and specificity of SQUED was evaluated. RESULTS: Out of 405 subjects enrolled, 316 (208 ED and 108 non-ED) were evaluable. The SQUED questionnaire showed a high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92) and a good test-retest reliability (Kappa index = 0.77). Furthermore, the questionnaire showed a good diagnostic capacity with high values of sensitivity and specificity, 0.87 and 0.78, respectively, in relation to the diagnosis made by urologists. The cutting point was established at a score of 12. DISCUSSION: The SQUED questionnaire is a simple, easy to use and reliable instrument. It can become a useful tool, and the shortest validated, for primary care physicians to easily screen for ED patients. Its simplicity should facilitate an easy cultural adaptation and validation into other languages.

Desarrollo y validación psicométrica de un nuevo cuestionario de screening para la disfunción eréctil (Cuestionario SQUED) / Development and psychometric validation of a new screening questionnaire for erectile dysfunction (squed questionnaire)

Introducción. Es necesario contar con herramientas sencillas que permitan detectar de forma válida y fiable la presencia de disfunción eréctil (DE). El objetivo de este estudio fue desarrollar y validar un cuestionario de cribado de la DE que fuera útil para usar en atención primaria (AP). Material y Métodos. El desarrollo del cuestionario SQUED (Short Questionnaire for Erectile Dysfunction) incluyó la identificación de conceptos y generación de ítems, evaluación del contenido y la validez aparente a partir de entrevistas con sujetos para valorar la compresión y adecuación del lenguaje. Para la validación psicométrica se realizó un estudio epidemiológico, observacional, comparativo y multicéntrico. Los participantes completaron el cuestionario en el ámbito de la AP y fueron derivados al especialista para la confirmación diagnóstica mediante entrevista clínica y la administración del International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Se evaluó la consistencia interna, la fiabilidad del test-retest y la sensibilidad y la especificidad del SQUED. Resultados. Participaron 405 sujetos, de los cuales 316 (208 con DE y 108 sin DE) fueron evaluables. El cuestionario SQUED mostró una alta consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach = 0,92) y una buena fiabilidad test-retest (índice Kappa= 0,77). Además, el cuestionario mostró una alta capacidad diagnóstica con valores de sensibilidad y especificidad, 0,87 y 0,78, respectivamente, respecto al diagnóstico del urólogo. El punto de corte se estableció en una puntuación de 12. Discusión. El cuestionario SQUED es un instrumento sencillo, fácil de usar y fiable. Constituye una herramienta útil, y la más corta validada, para que los médicos de AP puedan identificar fácilmente pacientes con DE. Su sencillez debería hacer fácil el proceso de adaptación cultural y validación en otros idiomas

Background. It is necessary to have simple tools to screen erectile dysfunction (ED) in an easy, reliable and valid manner. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a short diagnostic questionnaire for erectile dysfunction (SQUED), easy to use in the primary care setting. Subjects and method. The development of SQUED included: concepts identification, item generation and evaluation of contents and face validity through interviews with subjects to assess comprehension and idiomatic adequacy. The psychometric validation was conducted in an epidemiologic, observational, comparative and multicenter study. Participants should complete the questionnaire in primary care setting and send to the specialist to confirm the diagnosis by an in depth interview and the application of IIEF questionnaire. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability and sensitivity and specificity of SQUED was evaluated. Results. Out of 405 subjects enrolled, 316 (208 ED and 108 non-ED) were evaluable. The SQUED questionnaire showed a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.92) and a good test-retest reliability (Kappa index = 0.77). Furthermore, the questionnaire showed a good diagnostic capacity with high values of sensitivity and specificity, 0.87 and 0.78, respectively, in relation to the diagnosis made by urologists. The cutting point was established at a score of 12. Discussion. The SQUED questionnaire is a simple, easy to use and reliable instrument. It can become a useful tool, and the shortest validated, for primary care physicians to easily screen for ED patients. Its simplicity should facilitate an easy cultural adaptation and validation into other languages

[Pathological characteristics of patients with diabetes mellitus type 2, in Spanish Primary Care]. / Perfil de los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2, en la Atención Primaria española.

CONTEXT: To know the characteristics, related risk factors, and degree of control in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) in our country. METHODS: Observational, unrandom, opened, and multicenter study. Anthropometric characteristics, substance abuse, medication, control of diabetes, cholesterol, and triglycerides were analyzed in 5,395 patients. The patients were classified according to the length of the diagnosis: recent diabetes (RD) and known diabetes (KD). The chi-square test was utilized in order to compare the categorical variables, and the Student's t test for compare the continuous variables. The relationship between these variables was analyzed through the Pearson's correlation coefficient, and an analysis of multiple correspondence was carried out. RESULTS: Median age, 63 years; obese, 34%; smokers, 11%; drinkers, 24%; hypertensives, 44%; lipemic, 42%. Control degree: HbA1c>6.5% in 79%, LDLc>115 mg/dl in 80%. Hypoglycemic treatment: sulfonylureas, 62.8%; antidiabetics combination, 5%; only insulin, 4.3%; insulin combined with antidiabetics, 20.6%. Control of diabetics, of lipids, and of weight was lower in the patients with KD that in the patients with RD (HbA1c, 7.6% versus 7%; LDLc 148 mg/dl versus 136 mg/dl; percentage of obese, 27.2% versus 38.62%). A relationship between the length of evolution of diabetes and the deterioration of the control of blood glucose and of lipids was detected. CONCLUSION: DM2 and its associated risk factors are insufficiently controlled in our country. The drug combination and insulin are utilized scarcely.

Perfil de los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2, en la Atención Primaria española / Pathological characteristics of patients with diabetes mellitus tipe 2, in Spanish Primary Care

Fundamento. Conocer las características, factores de riesgo asociados y el grado de control de los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) de nuestro país. Métodos. Estudio observacional, no aleatorizado, abierto y multicéntrico. Se analizó en 5.395 pacientes sus características antropométricas, hábitos tóxicos, medicación, control de la diabetes, colesterol y triglicéridos. Se dividieron según la antigüedad del diagnóstico en diabetes reciente (DR) y diabetes conocida (DC). Se utilizó la prueba de 2 para comparar las variables categóricas y la "t" de Student para comparar las variables continuas. La relación entre estas variables se analizó mediante el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson y se realizó un análisis de correspondencias múltiples. Resultados. Edad media, 63 años; obesos, 34 por ciento; fumadores, 11 por ciento; bebedores, 24 por ciento; hipertensos, 44 por ciento; hiperlipidémicos, 42 por ciento. Grado de control: HbA1c > 6,5 por ciento en el 79 por ciento, c-LDL>115 mg/dl en el 80 por ciento. Tratamiento hipoglucemiante: sulfonilurea, 62,8 por ciento; combinación de antidiabéticos, 5 por ciento; insulina sola 4,3 por ciento, y combinada con antidiabéticos, 20,6 por ciento. El control de la diabetes, de los lípidos y del peso fue peor en los pacientes con DC que en los DR (HbA1c, 7,6 por ciento frente al 7 por ciento; LDL, 148 mg/dl frente a 136 mg/dl; porcentaje de obesos, 27,2 por ciento frente al 38,62 por ciento). Encontramos relación entre el tiempo de evolución de la diabetes y el deterioro del control de la glucemia y de los lípidos. Conclusión. La DM2 y los factores de riesgo asociados están mal controlados en nuestro país. Se utiliza poco la combinación de fármacos y la insulina (AU)

Using structural equation models to evaluate the magnitude of measurement error in blood pressure.

This article aims to compare alternative methods for estimating the quality of blood pressure measurements. Traditional within-subject variance estimates in mixed analysis of variance models are compared to multiple-group multitrait-multimethod models, which are a particular case of mean-and-covariance-structure confirmatory factor analysis models. Confirmatory factor analysis models belong to the family of structural equation models and were specifically developed to analyse psychosociological traits measured by tests or surveys, but they have also proved suitable for evaluating the quality of blood pressure measurements. Confirmatory factor analysis models are less restrictive and provide more detailed information than traditional approaches, enable researchers to compute weighted averages of individual measures with optimal measurement quality, make it easier to correct the biasing effects of measurement error on the results of substantive studies, and make the use of equivalent replicated measures unnecessary under certain conditions.

[Difficulties in the approval of clinical trials in Spain. An obstacle race]. / Dificultades para la aprobación de ensayos clínicos en España. Una carrera de obstáculos.

Time required until approval of clinical trial protocols as well as the more common bureaucratic problems were studied. A questionnaire was administered to AMIFE members and our experience was analyzed regarding twenty-two multicenter clinical trials performed from 1993 to 1996. Payment to centers resulting in indirect costs ranged from 10% and 30% relative to the total cost of the study in the center and median time to obtain the trial approval was 112 days. Some possible solutions to improve the efficiency in the process of protocol approval are noted.