Bone mineral density in two different socio-economic population groups.

We have studied the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine in two healthy population groups in Spain with similar characteristics but with different socio-economic levels. BMD was measured in 1116 individuals of both sexes in two selected groups: (A) 832 volunteers in the urban Barcelona area and (B) 284 volunteers from a suburb with lower socio-economic level. Individuals of group A have greater spine BMD than group B. The maximum difference was found in the group between 20 to 39 years: 5% (P less than 0.001) in men and 3% (P less than 0.05) in women. The patterns of bone loss in both groups were similar in onset, rate and quantity, suggesting a possible developmental cause for this difference. Bone loss in women began before the menopause and increased considerably in the following years. The BMD values show that most people at advanced age from the low socio-economic group cross the fracture threshold earlier than the first group.

[The results of the introduction of a protocol of preventive activities in a primary care center]. / Resultados de la implantación de un protocolo de actividades preventivas en un centro de atención primaria.

A sample of 360 people was analyzed. They had received the protocol of preventive activities of the "Unitat Docent de Medicina Familiar i Comunitària de Barcelona" during 1989. The results of those activities directed to the prevention of cardiovascular risk and to the detection of excessive alcohol intake are reported, as they are those with the easiest and widest implementation. Overall results include hypercholesterolemia in 43.9%, abnormal blood pressure in 10.5%, a rate of smokers of 31.7%, 7.7% with an excessive alcohol intake, and 51.9% of obese individuals. The results are also shown by age and sex groups. In the discussion, the results are compared with those expected for our population. It is concluded that preventive measures should be encouraged by primary health are teams.

[Self-application of preventive measures in a primary health care team]. / Autoaplicación de medidas preventivas en el equipo de atención primaria.

As the Program of Systematic Preventive Activities for the adult population is beginning to be operative, the authors have found it adequate to investigate the degree of compliance of the health care staff with the established preventive measures. One of the more relevant results was the low vaccination index (tetanus and influenza) among the health staff. Nearly one fifth of females was unaware of their protection against rubella, and one fourth of the surveyed population had never undergone tuberculin skin testing. Blood pressure and weight had been measured in most cases. 69.7% of the staff had had their plasma cholesterol measured following the protocol, with a significant female predominance. The rate of smokers was 47.4%, and the daily amount of consumed alcohol was minimal. Exfoliative cytology was carried out in four out of five females. In conclusion, the degree of compliance among health care staff was not as satisfactory as it should be.