Validation of 'POIBA-How do we eat?' questionnaire in 9-10 years old schoolchildren.

Background: It is difficult to obtain good food reports with Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ) among children. In addition, validated questionnaires are scarce. Objective: The aim of this study was to validate the 'POIBA-How do we eat?' (POIBA-HDWE) FFQ and whether it could be administered to children under 10 years of age. Design: We validated the FFQ POIBA-HDWE as part of the Childhood Obesity Prevention Program (POIBA project) in Barcelona. Forty-two out of 63 primary school students (9-10 years old) answered three questionnaires: FFQ POBA-HDWE; another questionnaire, 'POIBA-How do our children eat?' (POIBA-HDOCE), which was administered to the children's parents; and the 24-h recall computer program 'Young Adolescents' Nutrition Assessment on Computer' (YANA-C), which was used on three different days as a gold standard. We tested for correlations using the Spearman test for non-parametric variables. Results: We found low compliance with food recommendations (<50%). The POIBA-HDWE and POIBA-HDOCE questionnaires showed a moderate correlation for soft drinks (r = 0.49; p < 0.01), nuts (r = 0.59; p < 0.01), dairy products (r = 0.41; p < 0.01) and juices (r = 0.49; p < 0.01). There were moderate correlations between POIBA-HDWE and YANA-C for fried potatoes (r = 0.42; p = 0.01), dairy products (r = 0.53; p < 0.01), juices (r = 0.41; p < 0.01), and grains(r = 0.50; p < 0.01). Food frequency questions showed a homogeneity of 0.69, and a sensitivity of over 60% for all food items except chips (37.5%) and sweets (51.7%). Conclusions: The POIBA-HDWE FFQ showed moderate correlations with the gold standard, high sensitivity for most food types and acceptable internal consistency. It is an easy and affordable tool for recording food frequency in children under 10 years old.

Validity of self-reported exposure to second-hand smoke in hospitality venues.

The aim was to assess the validity of self-reported exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) in 50 hospitality venues of Madrid (Spain) in 2010, taking as a reference vapour-phase nicotine measured by active sampling. The questions posed in the questionnaire permitted distinguishing between the different levels of SHS. However, the moderate relationship found (Spearman׳s correlation=0.387, p<0.001) suggests that intensity of exposure to SHS in hospitality venues, based solely on self-reported information, should be used with caution.

Variability in the correlation between nicotine and PM2.5 as airborne markers of second-hand smoke exposure.

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between particulate matter of diameter≤2.5 µm (PM2.5) and airborne nicotine concentration as markers of second-hand smoke exposure with respect to the setting studied, the intensity of exposure, and the type of environment studied (indoors or outdoors). Data are derived from two independent studies that simultaneously measured PM2.5 and nicotine concentrations in the air as airborne markers of second-hand smoke exposure in public places and workplaces, including health care centres, bars, public administration offices, educational centres, and transportation. We obtained 213 simultaneous measures of airborne nicotine and PM2.5. Nicotine in the air was measured with active samplers containing a sodium bisulphate-treated filter that was analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. PM2.5 was measured with a SidePak AM510 Personal Aerosol Monitor. We calculated Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and its 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) between both measures for overall data and stratified by setting, type of environment (indoors/outdoors), and intensity of second-hand smoke exposure (low/high, according to the global median nicotine concentration). We also fitted generalized regression models to further explore these relationships. The median airborne nicotine concentration was 1.36 µg/m3, and the median PM2.5 concentration was 32.13 µg/m3. The overall correlation between both markers was high (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient=0.709; 95% CI: 0.635-0.770). Correlations were higher indoors (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient=0.739; 95% CI: 0.666-0.798) and in environments with high second-hand smoke exposure (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient=0.733; 95% CI: 0.631-0.810). The multivariate analysis adjusted for type of environment and intensity of second-hand smoke exposure confirmed a strong relationship (7.1% increase in geometric mean PM2.5 concentration per µg/m3 nicotine concentration), but only in indoor environments in a stratified analysis (6.7% increase; 95% CI: 4.3-9.1%). Although the overall correlation between airborne nicotine and PM2.5 is high, there is some variability regarding the type of environment and the intensity of second-hand smoke exposure. In the absence of other sources of combustion, air nicotine and PM2.5 measures can be used indoors, while PM2.5 should be used outdoors with caution.

Impact of a multi-level intervention to prevent secondhand smoke exposure in schoolchildren: a randomized cluster community trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a multi-level (individual, family, and school) school-based intervention to prevent the exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) in a population of schoolchildren (12-14 years old). METHOD: This was a community trial with cluster randomization of schools to an intervention and comparison group (ClinicalTrials.Gov identifier NCT01881607). The intervention targeted schoolchildren in Terrassa (Catalonia, Spain). We assessed SHS exposure in different settings and tobacco consumption by means of a questionnaire before and one year after the intervention. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 1734 students with both baseline and follow-up data. The crude analysis showed that SHS exposure among students in the intervention group significantly decreased at school (-14.0%), at home (-19.9%), and on transportation (-21.8%). In the comparison group, SHS exposure significantly decreased only at home (-16.9%). After adjustment for potential confounders, the good accomplishment of the activities showed a possible trend towards a non-significant reduction in exposure at home, transportation, and leisure time. CONCLUSION: While this school-based multi-level intervention had no overall effect in SHS exposure, the improvement of the activities focused on preventing SHS would be needed in order to achieve a significant decrease in the proportion of children exposed to SHS.

Tobacco smoking, exposure to second-hand smoke, and asthma and wheezing in schoolchildren: a cross-sectional study.

AIM: To analyse the association between tobacco smoking, exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) and reports of wheezing and asthma in a sample of schoolchildren. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was administered to 1766 students (7th grade, aged 12-13 years) at 25 schools in Terrassa, Spain (2006). We determined the prevalence of active smoking, exposure to SHS and reports of wheezing and asthma, and their association by means of prevalence odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: 97.5% of children were nonsmokers, 1.5% were experimental smokers and 1% were regular smokers. 41.1% of children reported exposure to SHS at home, 40.0% at school, 53.9% in their leisure time and 33.2% while using private or public transportation. Wheezing was reported by 9.2% of children, and 9.2% reported asthma. A significant association was found between smoking tobacco and wheezing: OR in experimental smokers = 3.0 (95% CI 1.2-7.7), and OR in active smokers = 4.2 (95% CI 1.4-12.5). Exposure to SHS while using transportation was associated with wheezing (OR = 1.4; 95% CI 1.0-2.0). Tobacco smoking and exposure to SHS were not associated with asthma. CONCLUSION: Active and experimental smokers, and those who reported exposure to SHS while using public or private transportation, had higher likelihood of reporting wheezing. No association between active or passive smoking and asthma was observed.

Questionnaire-based second-hand smoke assessment in adults.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have assessed second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure but a gold standard remains to be established. This study aimed to review how SHS exposure has been assessed in adults in questionnaire-based epidemiological studies. METHODS: A literature search of original papers in English, French, Italian or Spanish published from January 2000 to May 2011 was performed using PubMed. The variables recorded for each study included target population, sample size, validation of the SHS questions, study design and phrasing of every question used to assess SHS exposure. For each item, information such as the setting where exposure was assessed or the indicator used to ascertain SHS exposure was extracted. RESULTS: We retrieved 977 articles, of which 335 matched the inclusion criteria. The main objective of 75.8% of the studies was to assess SHS exposure.The proportion of validated questions aiming to ascertain SHS exposure was 17.9%. Most studies collected data only for one (40.3%) or two settings (33.4%), most frequently the home (83.9%) and workplace (57%). The most commonly used indicator to ascertain exposure was the presence of smokers and 68.9% of the studies included an item to assess the intensity of SHS exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The variability in the indicators and items used to ascertain SHS exposure is very high, whereas the use of items derived from validated studies remains low. Identifying the diverse settings where SHS exposure may occur is essential to accurately assess exposure over time. A standard set of items to identify SHS exposure in distinct settings is needed.

Impact of the 2011 Spanish smoking ban in hospitality venues: indoor secondhand smoke exposure and influence of outdoor smoking.

INTRODUCTION: The Spanish tobacco control law of 2006 was modified in January 2011, banning smoking in all hospitality venues. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of the 2011 Spanish smoking ban on secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in hospitality venues, and to analyze the potential impact of outdoor smokers close to entrances on indoor SHS levels after the law came into force. METHODS: Before-and-after evaluation study with repeated measures. The study was carried out in three regions of Spain (Catalonia, Galicia, and Madrid) and included a random sample of 178 hospitality venues. We measured vapor-phase nicotine and particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter (PM2.5) as SHS markers at baseline (November-December 2010) and at follow-up (April-June 2011). We also recorded tobacco consumption variables such as the presence of butts, ashtrays, and smokers. In the posttest assessment, we also recorded the number of outdoor smokers close to the entrance. RESULTS: A total of 351 nicotine and 160 PM2.5 measurements were taken. Both nicotine and PM2.5 concentrations decreased by more than 90% (nicotine from 5.73 to 0.57 µg/m(3), PM2.5 from 233.38 to 18.82 µg/m(3)). After the law came into force, both nicotine and PM2.5 concentrations were significantly higher in venues with outdoor smokers close to the entrance than in those without outdoor smokers. All the observational tobacco consumption variables significantly decreased (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: SHS exposure in hospitality venues dramatically decreased after the 2011 Spanish smoking ban. SHS from outdoor smokers close to entrances seems to drift inside venues. Smoking control legislation should consider outdoor restrictions to ensure complete protection against SHS.

[Secondhand smoke exposure at home and leisure time according to the day of the week (working and non-working day) in Barcelona]. / Exposición al humo ambiental del tabaco en el hogar y el tiempo libre según el día de la semana (laborable y no laborable) en Barcelona.

The objective of this study is to describe the differences in the exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) at home and at leisure time according to the day of the week (working and non-working day) which exposure occurs in Barcelona. We carried out a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of adult (>16 years) non-smokers in Barcelona before the Spanish smoking law came into effect (years 2004-2005). We studied the prevalence of exposure to SHS at home and leisure time by means of a questionnaire and a biomarker (salivary cotinine). The questionnaire included questions on exposure to SHS on working days and nonworking days. The prevalence of exposure to SHS at home was 27.4% (6.8% exposed only on working days, 5.7% exposed only on non-working days, and 14.9% exposed on both working and non-working days). The prevalence of exposure to SHS at leisure time was 61.3% (10.7% exposed only on working days, 13.6% exposed only on non-working days, and 37.0% exposed on both working and non-working days). The exposure to SHS only on non-working days at leisure time decreases with age (χ(2) of trend = 183.7; p<0.001) and increases with the educational level (χ(2) of trend = 78.8; p<0.001). Participants who had reported to be exposed to SHS at home on working and non-working days showed higher levels of salivary cotinine concentration, regardless of sex, age group, and educational level. In conclusion, the exposure to SHS occurs mainly during leisure time. Questions on SHS exposure according to working and non-working days allow to characterizing the exposure to SHS, especially when the exposure occurs at leisure time.

Exposición al humo ambiental del tabaco en el hogar y el tiempo libre según el día de la semana (laborable y no laborable) en Barcelona / Secondhand smoke exposure at home and leisure time according to the day of the week (working and non-working day) in Barcelona

El objetivo de este trabajo es describir las diferencias en la exposición al humo ambiental del tabaco (HAT) en el hogar y el tiempo libre según el día de la semana (laborable y no laborable) en que se produce la exposición en Barcelona. Se realizó un estudio transversal de una muestra representativa de la población adulta (>16 años) no fumadora de la ciudad de Barcelona durante los años 2004-2005 antes de la entrada en vigor de la ley 28/2005 de medidas sanitarias frente al tabaquismo. Se estudió la prevalencia de exposición al HAT en el hogar y en el tiempo libre mediante cuestionario y mediante biomarcador (cotinina en saliva).Las preguntas del cuestionario diferenciaron la exposición al HAT según el día de la semana (laborable y no laborable). La prevalencia de exposición al HAT en el hogar fue del 27,4% (6,8% expuestos sólo los días laborables, 5,7% expuestos sólo los días no laborables y 14,9% expuestos los días laborables y no laborables). La prevalencia de exposición al HAT en el tiempo libre fue del 61,3% (10,7% expuestos sólo los días laborables, 13,6% expuestos sólo los días no laborables y 37,0% expuestos los días laborables y no laborables). La exposición al HAT sólo en días no laborables en el tiempo libre desciende con la edad (x2 de tendencia=183,7; p<0,001) y aumenta con el nivel de estudios (x2 de tendencia=78,8; p<0,001). Las personas que declararon estar expuestas al HAT en el hogar entre en días laborables y no laborables presentaron niveles de cotinina en saliva más elevados, independientemente del sexo, grupo de edad y nivel de estudios. En conclusión, la exposición al HAT se produce principalmente durante el tiempo libre. Las preguntas sobre la exposición según días laborables y no laborables permiten caracterizar la exposición al HAT, especialmente cuando la exposición ocurre en el tiempo libre(AU)

The objective of this study is to describe the differences in the exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) at home and at leisure time according to the day of the week (working and non-working day) which exposure occurs in Barcelona. We carried out a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of adult (>16 years) non-smokers in Barcelona before the Spanish smoking law came into effect (years 2004-2005). We studied the prevalence of exposure to SHS at home and leisure time by means of a questionnaire and a biomarker (salivary cotinine). The questionnaire included questions on exposure to SHS on working days and non working days. The prevalence of exposure to SHS at home was 27.4% (6.8% exposed only on working days, 5.7% exposed only on non-working days, and 14.9% exposed on both working and non-working days). The prevalence of exposure to SHS at leisure time was 61.3% (10.7% exposed only on working days, 13.6% exposed only on non-working days, and 37.0% exposed on both working and non-working days). The exposure to SHS only on non-working days at leisure time decreases with age(x2 of trend = 183.7; p<0.001) and increases with the educational level(x2 of trend = 78.8; p<0.001). Participants who had reported to be exposed to SHS at home on working and non-working days showed higher levels of salivary cotinine concentration, regardless of sex, age group, and educational level. In conclusion, the exposure to SHS occurs mainly during leisure time. Questions on SHS exposure according to working and non-working days allow to characterizing the exposure to SHS, especially when the exposure occurs at leisure time(AU)

Nicotine depedence and salivary cotinine concentration in daily smokers.

There is scant information on nicotine dependence in smokers not seeking cessation treatment. This study analyses the relationship between nicotine dependence, measured by the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and salivary cotinine concentration in a sample of smokers from the general population. We conducted a cross-sectional study (2004-2005) of a representative sample of the general population of Barcelona, Spain (n=1245). The analysis included 196 daily smokers aged more than 16 years. Information on smoking was obtained by questionnaire and cotinine concentration was determined in saliva. Geometric means of cotinine concentration by every single FTND item were computed, and multivariate linear regression was used to explore the relationship among these variables. Participants smoked a mean of 17.0 cigarettes per day, and the mean FTND score was 3.27 (95% confidence interval: 2.92-3.61). Around 17% of subjects (95% confidence interval: 12.0-22.5%) had high nicotine dependence. Cotinine concentration differed significantly by nicotine dependence levels. In a multiple linear regression model including the sum of the FTND items 2, 3, and 6, and the single FTND items 1, 4, and 5, adjusted for sex, the time to first cigarette after waking up (item 1), the number of cigarettes smoked daily (item 4), and smoking more in the first hours of the day (item 5) were significantly related to salivary cotinine concentration (R(2)=0.414). Salivary cotinine levels were associated with nicotine dependence as measured by the FTND, especially with the items on daily tobacco consumption, time to first cigarette after waking up, and smoking more in the first hours of the day.

Estimación de la exposición al humo ambiental de tabaco: revisión de cuestionarios utilizados en España / Estimation of environmental tobacco smoke exposure: review of questionnaires used in Spain

Introducción: En los últimos a˜nos, las encuestas de salud y los estudios epidemiológicos sobre el tabaquismohan incorporado preguntas sobre la exposición al humo ambiental de tabaco, aunque no existeun cuestionario estandarizado.Métodos: Entre enero y mayo de 2008 se revisaron las encuestas que contenían preguntas sobre exposicióna tabaquismo pasivo realizadas en Espa˜na desde las administraciones públicas, las sociedadescientíficas y organismos de investigación. Se han revisado los literales, que se han clasificado según tipode estudio, población diana, ámbito geográfico y lugar de exposición.Resultados: Se identificaron 27 encuestas que incluían tabaquismo pasivo. La mayoría correspondían aencuestas de salud (81,5%) e iban dirigidas a población general (70,4%). El ámbito geográfico más comúnera el autonómico (48,1%) y el lugar de exposición más común el hogar (88,9%).Discusión: Los resultados muestran una enorme variabilidad en las preguntas utilizadas. Es necesariohomogeneizar las preguntas sobre exposición al tabaquismo pasivo si queremos comparar los resultados (AU)

Introduction: In the last few years, health surveys and epidemiological studies on smoking have introducedquestions on environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure. However, a standardized questionnaireis lacking.Methods: Between January and May 2008, we reviewed surveys containing items on ETS exposure carriedout in Spain by public administrations, scientific societies and research institutes. The wording of thequestions was reviewed and classified according to the study type, target population, geographical settingand place of exposure.Results: We identified 27 surveys that included questions on passive smoking. Most were health surveys(81.5%) and were aimed at the general population (70.4%). The most frequent geographical settingconsisted of autonomous regions (48.1%) and the most common place of exposure was the home (88.9%)Discussion: The results show wide variability in the questions used. Questionnaire items on ETS exposureshould be homogenized to allow comparison of the results of surveys (AU)

Entornos escolares sin humo de tabaco: entre la protección y la promoción de la salud / Smoke-free school environments: between health protection and health

Las políticas de control del tabaquismo han vivido un importante impulso en cuanto a la protección de lapoblación frente a la exposición involuntaria al humo ambiental de tabaco, pero estos avances han sidomenores en lo que se refiere a la desnormalización de la conducta de fumar. Se describe una experiencia desensibilización dirigida al ámbito escolar (especialmente a padres y madres), que incluye la se˜nalizaciónde los espacios de entrada y salida (vía pública) de los centros de educación primaria de la ciudad deTerrassa como «entornos sin humo». Se colocó un cartel con la inscripción «Entorno sin humo. Educamosentre todos» en la fachada de 50 de los 54 centros de educación primaria de la ciudad. Se constató unamuy buena aceptación de la propuesta. Nuestra experiencia pone de relieve la posibilidad de llevar acabo, desde la iniciativa local, acciones que ayuden a desnormalizar el consumo de tabaco sin necesidadde recurrir al desarrollo normativo (AU)

Tobacco control policies have undergone a major boost in terms of protecting people from involuntaryexposure to environmental tobacco smoke, but less progress has been made in the denormalizationof smoking behaviour. We describe an experience focused on the educational environment, whichincluded marking the waiting areas (streets) of primary schools in the city of Terrassa as «Smoke-freeenvironments».We placed a placard with the inscription «Smoke-free environment.Weeducate together»on the front of 50 out of 54 primary schools in the city. The proposal was well accepted. Our experiencehighlights the possibility of carrying out actions, based on local initiatives, that help to denormalizesmoking without the need for legislative enforcement (AU)

[Estimation of environmental tobacco smoke exposure: review of questionnaires used in Spain]. / Estimación de la exposición al humo ambiental de tabaco: revisión de cuestionarios utilizados en España.

INTRODUCTION: In the last few years, health surveys and epidemiological studies on smoking have introduced questions on environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure. However, a standardized questionnaire is lacking. METHODS: Between January and May 2008, we reviewed surveys containing items on ETS exposure carried out in Spain by public administrations, scientific societies and research institutes. The wording of the questions was reviewed and classified according to the study type, target population, geographical setting and place of exposure. RESULTS: We identified 27 surveys that included questions on passive smoking. Most were health surveys (81.5%) and were aimed at the general population (70.4%). The most frequent geographical setting consisted of autonomous regions (48.1%) and the most common place of exposure was the home (88.9%) DISCUSSION: The results show wide variability in the questions used. Questionnaire items on ETS exposure should be homogenized to allow comparison of the results of surveys.

[Smoke-free school environments: between health protection and health promotion]. / Entornos escolares sin humo de tabaco: entre la protección y la promoción de la salud.

Tobacco control policies have undergone a major boost in terms of protecting people from involuntary exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, but less progress has been made in the denormalization of smoking behaviour. We describe an experience focused on the educational environment, which included marking the waiting areas (streets) of primary schools in the city of Terrassa as «Smoke-free environments¼. We placed a placard with the inscription «Smoke-free environment. We educate together¼ on the front of 50 out of 54 primary schools in the city. The proposal was well accepted. Our experience highlights the possibility of carrying out actions, based on local initiatives, that help to denormalize smoking without the need for legislative enforcement.

Stages of change, smoking characteristics, and cotinine concentrations in smokers: setting priorities for smoking cessation.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed whether the salivary cotinine content of daily smokers varied with the readiness to quit and smoking characteristics. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Barcelona, Spain (n=1245) in 2004-2005. We administered a questionnaire to assess smoking behaviour and collected saliva to determine the cotinine content. We determined the distribution of 278 adult daily smokers across different stages of change and categorised them by individual and smoking characteristics. We used medians and interquartile ranges (IQR) to relate cotinine concentrations to different stages of change, tobacco consumption, and nicotine dependence based on the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). RESULTS: Around 68%, 22%, and 11% of smokers were in precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages, respectively. A mean of 17.0 cigarettes was smoked daily, with no differences among stages of change. The median cotinine concentration was 151.3 ng/ml (IQR: 83.2-227.8 ng/ml), with no differences among stages of change. The cigarette consumption scores, FTND, and time to first cigarette of the day were positively associated with cotinine concentration. CONCLUSIONS: The cotinine concentration was similar among the stages of change, but varied within each stage according to the number of cigarettes smoked, time to first cigarette of the day, and nicotine dependence.

[Factors associated with self-reported use of emergency contraception among the school population aged 14-18 years]. / Factores asociados al uso autodeclarado de la anticoncepción de emergencia en la población escolarizada de 14 a 18 años de edad.

OBJECTIVE: To describe factors associated with self-reported use of emergency contraception in adolescents attending school in the city of Terrassa (Barcelona, Spain) in 2008. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study to describe the health habits of teenage girls and boys attending school in Terrassa. A representative sample of adolescents aged between 14 and 18 years (n=1300) was used. The adolescents were administered a questionnaire designed ad hoc. Adolescents who reported having had sexual intercourse at least once were studied (n=390). The outcome variable was self-reported use of emergency contraception at some time. The explanatory variables provided information on sociodemographic characteristics, drug use and sexuality. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were fitted using multivariate logistic regression models. The results were stratified by sex. RESULTS: A total of 390 students, 28.2% girls and 20.1% boys (their partners) had used emergency contraception at some time. Among boys, the final multivariate model showed that emergency contraception was associated with alcohol abuse (OR=2.7; 95% CI:1.0-7.5), having sexual intercourse weekly (OR=2.8; 95% CI: 1.1-7.2) and not having discussed issues about sexuality in the classroom (OR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.0-6.5). Among girls, self-reported emergency contraception was associated with alcohol abuse (OR=2.7; 95% CI: 1.4-5.6), cannabis consumption (OR=3.1; 95% CI:1.6-6.0) and weekly sexual intercourse (OR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.1-3.9). CONCLUSION: Promotion and prevention strategies should begin as early as possible. Behavioral differences should be seen from a gender perspective in the fields of both research and program implementation.

Factores asociados al uso autodeclarado de la anticoncepción de emergencia en la población escolarizada de 14 a 18 años de edad / Factors associated with self-reported use of emergency contraception among the school population aged 14–18 years

Objetivo Describir los factores asociados al uso autodeclarado de la anticoncepción de emergencia en la población adolescente escolarizada de la ciudad de Terrassa (Barcelona) en el año 2008.Métodos Estudio transversal para conocer los hábitos de salud de los adolescentes de ambos sexos escolarizados de Terrassa. Se seleccionó una muestra representativa de 14 a 18 años de edad (n=1.300) y se les administró un cuestionario diseñado ad hoc. Se estudió el alumnado que declaró haber tenido relaciones sexuales con penetración alguna vez (n=390). La variable respuesta fue el uso autodeclarado de la anticoncepción de emergencia alguna vez. Las variables explicativas recogían información sobre aspectos sociodemográficos, consumo de drogas y sexualidad. Se han calculado las odds ratio de asociación (OR) y los intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC95%) mediante modelos logísticos multivariados. Los resultados se han estratificado según el sexo.Resultados De los 390 alumnos, un 28,2% de las chicas y un 20,1% de los chicos (sus parejas) han utilizado anticoncepción de emergencia alguna vez. En los chicos, el modelo multivariado final mostró asociación con un consumo abusivo de alcohol (OR=2,7; IC95%: 1,0–7,5), tener relaciones sexuales con penetración semanalmente (OR=2,8; IC95%: 1,1–7,2) y no haber trabajado en el aula temas de sexualidad (OR=2,5; IC95%:1,0–6,5). En las chicas se asoció con consumo abusivo de alcohol (OR=2,7; IC95%: 1,4–5,6), consumo de cannabis (OR=3,1; IC95%: 1,6–6,0) y relaciones sexuales con penetración semanalmente (OR=2,0; IC95%: 1,1–3,9).Conclusión Las estrategias de promoción y prevención deberían iniciarse cuanto antes mejor, y contemplar las diferencias comportamentales desde una perspectiva de género tanto en el ámbito de la investigación como de la aplicación de programas (AU)

Objective To describe factors associated with self-reported use of emergency contraception in adolescents attending school in the city of Terrassa (Barcelona, Spain) in 2008.Methods We carried out a cross-sectional study to describe the health habits of teenage girls and boys attending school in Terrassa. A representative sample of adolescents aged between 14 and 18 years (n=1300) was used. The adolescents were administered a questionnaire designed ad hoc. Adolescents who reported having had sexual intercourse at least once were studied (n=390). The outcome variable was self-reported use of emergency contraception at some time. The explanatory variables provided information on sociodemographic characteristics, drug use and sexuality. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were fitted using multivariate logistic regression models. The results were stratified by sex.Results A total of 390 students, 28.2% girls and 20.1% boys (their partners) had used emergency contraception at some time. Among boys, the final multivariate model showed that emergency contraception was associated with alcohol abuse (OR=2.7; 95% CI:1.0–7.5), having sexual intercourse weekly (OR=2.8; 95% CI: 1.1–7.2) and not having discussed issues about sexuality in the classroom (OR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.0–6.5). Among girls, self-reported emergency contraception was associated with alcohol abuse (OR=2.7; 95% CI: 1.4–5.6), cannabis consumption (OR=3.1; 95% CI:1.6–6.0) and weekly sexual intercourse (OR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.1–3.9).Conclusion Promotion and prevention strategies should begin as early as possible. Behavioral differences should be seen from a gender perspective in the fields of both research and program implementation (AU)

Comparing salivary cotinine concentration in non-smokers from the general population and hospitality workers in Spain.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to compare the pattern of exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) among non-smokers in the general population and in hospitality workers. METHODS: We used the adult (16-64 years) non-smokers of two independent studies (general population and hospitality workers) in Spain. We assessed the exposure to SHS by means of questionnaire and salivary cotinine concentration. RESULTS: The salivary cotinine concentration by sex, age, educational level, day of week of saliva collection, and exposure to SHS were always higher in hospitality workers than in the general population. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that non-smoker hospitality workers have higher levels of exposure to SHS than general population.

Assessment of exposure to secondhand smoke by questionnaire and salivary cotinine in the general population of Barcelona, Spain (2004-2005).

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of self-reported exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) in different settings and to describe salivary cotinine concentration and its determinants among non-smokers. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of a representative sample (N=775) of adult non-smokers in Barcelona, Spain (years 2004-2005). We assessed exposure to SHS using a questionnaire and measurement of salivary cotinine concentration. We calculated prevalence rates of self-reported exposure and medians and geometric means of salivary cotinine concentration. We adjusted for potential confounding factors with multinomial logistic regression models. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of self-reported exposure to SHS among non-smokers in any setting was 75.7% (95% CI: 72.7%-78.8%). The prevalence of exposure to SHS tended to decrease with age. The geometric mean of cotinine concentrations among non-smokers was 1.49 ng/ml (95% CI: 1.39-1.60 ng/ml) among all subjects, and 1.80 ng/ml (95% CI: 1.37-2.35 ng/ml) in subjects who reported exposure to SHS in all settings. In bivariate and multivariate analyses, the cotinine concentration increased with the number of smokers and the number of cigarettes smoked per day in the presence of non-smokers in the household. CONCLUSIONS: In this population, self-reported exposure to SHS is very high. Salivary cotinine concentrations in non-smokers are associated with exposure at home.

A controlled assessment of school-based preventive programs for reducing eating disorder risk factors in adolescent Spanish girls.

This study assesses the impact of an eating disorders universal preventive program on a representative sample of Spanish adolescents in the area of Barcelona, Spain. 323 adolescent girls were assigned to three experimental conditions: complete intervention, partial intervention, and non-treatment. The program obtained a significant change in reducing the influences of the aesthetic body ideal and in improving the knowledge of nutrition. Nevertheless, attained post-treatment changes dissipate at the 6 month follow-up. In our opinion, the lack of lasting effects should be attributed to a series of considerations such as format, tests not validated for this age, or insufficient research.