ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This study describes the perceived impact of H1N1 influenza and the adoption of the recommended measures to address the pandemic in schools. METHODS: A cross-sectional self-reported survey was conducted in 433 schools in Barcelona addressed to the school principal or the H1N1 influenza designated person. A descriptive analysis was performed, stratifying by educational level and type of school. A logistic regression analysis also was conducted. RESULTS: Around 70% of the respondents reported that there had been H1N1 influenza cases among students, being this percentage significantly higher among those schools offering primary education (74.4%) (p < .05). The main measures (single-use paper towels, availability of sanitizer solutions and 15 minutes ventilation per day of enclosed spaces) were implemented in most of the centers. However, the correct adoption of the main measures took place in around 30% of the schools, being the percentage lower in those offering only secondary education (Odds ratio [OR]: 0.518; 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.272-0.986) and those located in medium (OR: 0.438, 95% CI: 0.234-0.811) or low socioeconomic status (SES) districts (OR: 0.321, 95% CI: 0.159-0.649). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the climate of social alarm, the perceived impact of H1N1 influenza in most schools was moderate. In future potential threats, the educational level and the SES of the school should be considered, especially when measures requiring purchasing any product are recommended but not provided.
Subject(s)
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Infection Control/organization & administration , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , Schools/organization & administration , Absenteeism , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Logistic Models , Pandemics , Socioeconomic Factors , SpainABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: A partial smoke-free regulation in Spain was introduced on January 1, 2006, which was subsequently amended to introduce a comprehensive smoke-free policy from 2 January 2011 onward. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of tobacco consumption in Spain and the profile of smokers before (2006) and after (2011) the comprehensive smoking ban passed in 2010. METHODS: Two independent, cross-sectional, population-based surveys were carried out among the adult (≥ 18 years old) Spanish population in 2006 and 2011 through telephone interviews. Both surveys used the same methods and questionnaire. Nicotine dependence was assessed with the Fagerström Test for nicotine dependence and readiness to quit according to the stages of change. RESULTS: The prevalence of tobacco consumption showed a nonsignificant decrease from 23.4% in 2006 to 20.7% in 2011. No changes were observed in nicotine dependence or readiness to quit. In 2011, most smokers (76%) showed low nicotine dependence and were mainly in the precontemplation stage (72%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of smokers has slightly decreased since the introduction of the total smoking ban in Spain. No differences were found in nicotine dependence or readiness to quit.
Subject(s)
Smoke-Free Policy , Smoking/epidemiology , Tobacco Use Disorder/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Spain/epidemiology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Tobacco Use Disorder/pathology , Young AdultABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Nicotine/analysis , Self Report , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/analysis , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Nicotine/adverse effects , Restaurants , Spain , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/adverse effectsABSTRACT
La aparición del teléfono móvil en las últimas décadas ha hecho disminuir la cobertura de hogares españoles con teléfono fijo. Este estudio analiza características sociodemográficas e indicadores de salud según el tipo de teléfono disponible (sólo móvil frente a fijo o fijo y móvil). Se realizaron dos encuestas telefónicas en muestras españolas (febrero de 2010 y febrero de 2011). Se analizaron diferencias en las principales características sociodemográficas según el tipo de teléfono disponible en el hogar, mediante análisis de regresión logística multivariada. Entre las dos encuestas se obtuvieron 2027 respuestas válidas (1627 en fijos y 400 en móviles). La probabilidad de seleccionar individuos extranjeros, de clase social manual, de menor nivel de estudios y fumadores fue mayor en la población contactada mediante teléfono móvil que mediante fijo. El perfil de la población que sólo dispone de teléfono móvil es diferente al de la que dispone de fijo, por lo que la realización de encuestas telefónicas exclusivamente mediante teléfonos fijos puede conllevar un sesgo de selección (AU)
The increasing use of mobile phones in the last decade has decreased landline telephone coverage in Spanish households. This study aimed to analyze sociodemographic characteristics and health indicators by type of telephone service (mobile phone vs. landline or landline and mobile phone). Two telephone surveys were conducted in Spanish samples (February 2010 and February 2011). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze differences in the main sociodemographic characteristics and health indicators according to the type of telephone service available in Spanish households. We obtained 2027 valid responses (1627 landline telephones and 400 mobile phones). Persons contacted through a mobile phone were more likely to be a foreigner, to belong to the manual social class, to have a lower educational level, and to be a smoker than those contacted through a landline telephone. The profile of the population that has only a mobile phone differs from that with a landline telephone. Therefore, telephone surveys that exclude mobile phones could show a selection bias (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Health Surveys/methods , Selection Bias , Telephone , Cell Phone , Interviews as Topic/methods , Logistic Models , Emigrants and Immigrants/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
Objetivos El tabaquismo es causa de muerte prematura y prevenible, que se inicia en la adolescencia. Se describe el consumo de tabaco en escolares durante 2008 y la tendencia en los últimos 20 años en Barcelona. Material y métodos Estudio de análisis de la tendencia del consumo. Se comparan datos de ocho encuestas realizadas entre 1987 y 2008 en 2° y 4° cursos de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (ESO) y 2° de Bachillerato o Ciclos Formativos de Grado Medio. Se utilizó el cuestionario FRESC. Se presentan datos del consumo regular y diario de tabaco en 2008 y sus factores asociados, y se comparan con los de estudios precedentes. Se calculan los porcentajes de cambio anual mediante regresión joinpoint y se estratifica por sexo y curso académico. Resultados En 2008 fumaban regularmente en ESO el 6,1% de los chicos y el 4,5% de las chicas de 2° curso, y el 15,8% y el 20,4% de 4° curso; en 2° curso de Bachillerato y Ciclos los porcentajes eran, respectivamente, el 26,1% y el 33,1%. Entre los factores asociados al consumo regular, en los tres cursos se observó una fuerte asociación entre consumo de tabaco y cannabis, así como tener amigos fumadores y un bajo rendimiento escolar. A los 15-16 años de edad, la disminución media anual desde 1996 hasta 2008 era del 6,8% en las chicas y del 6,1% en los chicos. Conclusiones El consumo de tabaco en los adolescentes está disminuyendo desde hace algunos años en Barcelona. Hay una asociación muy intensa entre el consumo de tabaco y el de cannabis (AU)
Objectives Smoking is a preventable cause of early death and the habit starts in adolescence. The aim of this study was to describe tobacco consumption in secondary school students in 2008 and trends in the last 20 years in Barcelona. Material and methods We analyzed the trend in tobacco consumption by comparing data from 8 surveys carried out between 1987 and 2008 in the 8th (2nd year of Compulsory Secondary Education), 10th (4th year of Compulsory Secondary Education) and 12th (2nd year of Compulsory Secondary Education) years of secondary school. The FRESC questionnaire was used. Data on regular and daily consumption and associated factors in 2008 were gathered and compared with those corresponding to the previous studies. Percentages of annual change were calculated with Joinpoint regression and data were stratified by sex and year of education. ResultsIn 2008, 6.1% of boys and 4.5% of girls in the 8th year, 15.8% and 20.4% of those in the 10th year, respectively, and 26.1% and 33.1% of those in the 12th year, respectively, were regular smokers. A strong association was noted between regular smoking and cannabis consumption in three school years, as well as with having friends who were smokers and poor school performance. At 15-16 years old, the average annual decrease from 1996 to 2008 was 6.8% in girls and 6.1% in boys. Conclusions Adolescent smoking has been decreasing in the last few years in Barcelona. There is a strong association between tobacco use and cannabis consumption (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adolescent , Smoking/epidemiology , Marijuana Smoking/epidemiology , Adolescent Behavior/psychology , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Smoking is a preventable cause of early death and the habit starts in adolescence. The aim of this study was to describe tobacco consumption in secondary school students in 2008 and trends in the last 20 years in Barcelona. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed the trend in tobacco consumption by comparing data from 8 surveys carried out between 1987 and 2008 in the 8th (2nd year of Compulsory Secondary Education), 10th (4th year of Compulsory Secondary Education) and 12th (2nd year of Compulsory Secondary Education) years of secondary school. The FRESC questionnaire was used. Data on regular and daily consumption and associated factors in 2008 were gathered and compared with those corresponding to the previous studies. Percentages of annual change were calculated with Joinpoint regression and data were stratified by sex and year of education. RESULTS: In 2008, 6.1% of boys and 4.5% of girls in the 8th year, 15.8% and 20.4% of those in the 10th year, respectively, and 26.1% and 33.1% of those in the 12th year, respectively, were regular smokers. A strong association was noted between regular smoking and cannabis consumption in three school years, as well as with having friends who were smokers and poor school performance. At 15-16 years old, the average annual decrease from 1996 to 2008 was 6.8% in girls and 6.1% in boys. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent smoking has been decreasing in the last few years in Barcelona. There is a strong association between tobacco use and cannabis consumption.
Subject(s)
Tobacco Use/epidemiology , Adolescent , Female , Humans , Male , Schools , Spain/epidemiology , Time Factors , Urban HealthABSTRACT
The increasing use of mobile phones in the last decade has decreased landline telephone coverage in Spanish households. This study aimed to analyze sociodemographic characteristics and health indicators by type of telephone service (mobile phone vs. landline or landline and mobile phone). Two telephone surveys were conducted in Spanish samples (February 2010 and February 2011). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze differences in the main sociodemographic characteristics and health indicators according to the type of telephone service available in Spanish households. We obtained 2027 valid responses (1627 landline telephones and 400 mobile phones). Persons contacted through a mobile phone were more likely to be a foreigner, to belong to the manual social class, to have a lower educational level, and to be a smoker than those contacted through a landline telephone. The profile of the population that has only a mobile phone differs from that with a landline telephone. Therefore, telephone surveys that exclude mobile phones could show a selection bias.
Subject(s)
Data Collection/statistics & numerical data , Selection Bias , Telephone , Adult , Cell Phone , Female , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Nicotine/analysis , Particulate Matter/analysis , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/analysis , Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/methods , Humans , Regression AnalysisABSTRACT
This study aimed to describe driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUIAD) and riding in a vehicle with a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs (RDUIAD) and their associated factors among rural and urban adolescents in Spain. We performed a cross-sectional study including 2067 students from Barcelona and a rural area 60 km north of this city. The prevalences of ever DUIAD and RDUIAD were 17% and 41% among 17-18 year-old adolescents. DUIAD was more common in boys. Living in the rural area was independently associated with these behaviours. Exposure to these behaviours is common among Spanish adolescents, especially in rural areas.
Subject(s)
Adolescent Behavior , Alcohol Drinking/epidemiology , Automobile Driving , Rural Population , Substance-Related Disorders/epidemiology , Urban Population , Adolescent , Alcohol Drinking/psychology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Poisson Distribution , Regression Analysis , Residence Characteristics , Self Report , Sex Factors , Socioeconomic Factors , Spain/epidemiology , Substance-Related Disorders/psychologyABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Social Environment , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/prevention & control , Adolescent , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , France , Humans , Male , Residence Characteristics , Schools , Smoking Prevention , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
This study aimed to describe changes in attitudes and behaviours regarding influenza A infection 1 year after the end of the pandemic. A cross-sectional study was performed based on two population-based telephone surveys including 1027 (February, 2010) and 1000 (February, 2011) participants in Spain. The percentages of the respondents who reported that they had adopted preventive measures to avoid Influenza infection declined 1 year after the pandemic. Influenza-related consultations decreased, whereas confidence in vaccination increased. Despite the decrease observed in adopting preventive measures, some behaviours were still being adopted long time after the pandemic in general population.
Subject(s)
Health Behavior , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Hand Disinfection , Humans , Hygiene , Influenza Vaccines , Influenza, Human/epidemiology , Interviews as Topic , Male , Middle Aged , Pandemics , Spain/epidemiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Some countries have recently extended smoke-free policies to particular outdoor settings; however, there is controversy regarding whether this is scientifically and ethically justifiable. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to review research on secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in outdoor settings. DATA SOURCES: We conducted different searches in PubMed for the period prior to September 2012. We checked the references of the identified papers, and conducted a similar search in Google Scholar. STUDY SELECTION: Our search terms included combinations of "secondhand smoke," "environmental tobacco smoke," "passive smoking" OR "tobacco smoke pollution" AND "outdoors" AND "PM" (particulate matter), "PM(2.5)" (PM with diameter ≤ 2.5 µm), "respirable suspended particles," "particulate matter," "nicotine," "CO" (carbon monoxide), "cotinine," "marker," "biomarker" OR "airborne marker." In total, 18 articles and reports met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Almost all studies used PM(2.5) concentration as an SHS marker. Mean PM(2.5) concentrations reported for outdoor smoking areas when smokers were present ranged from 8.32 to 124 µg/m(3) at hospitality venues, and 4.60 to 17.80 µg/m(3) at other locations. Mean PM(2.5) concentrations in smoke-free indoor settings near outdoor smoking areas ranged from 4 to 120.51 µg/m(3). SHS levels increased when smokers were present, and outdoor and indoor SHS levels were related. Most studies reported a positive association between SHS measures and smoker density, enclosure of outdoor locations, wind conditions, and proximity to smokers. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence indicates high SHS levels at some outdoor smoking areas and at adjacent smoke-free indoor areas. Further research and standardization of methodology is needed to determine whether smoke-free legislation should be extended to outdoor settings.
Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/analysis , Environmental Exposure , Particulate Matter/analysis , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/analysis , Air Pollutants/metabolism , Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis , Biomarkers/metabolism , Environmental Monitoring , Smoking Prevention , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/prevention & controlABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Tobacco Smoke Pollution/adverse effects , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Environmental Exposure/analysis , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , Self Report , Spain/epidemiology , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/prevention & control , Workplace , Young AdultABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis , Occupational Exposure/prevention & control , Smoking/legislation & jurisprudence , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/analysis , Air Pollution, Indoor/prevention & control , Humans , Occupational Exposure/legislation & jurisprudence , Spain , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/legislation & jurisprudence , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/prevention & control , WorkplaceABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Outdoor secondhand smoke (SHS) concentrations are usually lower than indoor concentrations, yet some studies have shown that outdoor SHS levels could be comparable to indoor levels under specific conditions. The main objectives of this study were to assess levels of SHS exposure in terraces and other outdoor areas of hospitality venues and to evaluate their potential displacement to adjacent indoor areas. METHODS: Nicotine and respirable particles (PM2.5) were measured in outdoor and indoor areas of hospitality venues of 8 European countries. Hospitality venues of the study included night bars, restaurants and bars. The fieldwork was carried out between March 2009 and March 2011. RESULTS: We gathered 170 nicotine and 142 PM2.5 measurements during the study. The median indoor SHS concentration was significantly higher in venues where smoking was allowed (nicotine 3.69 µg/m3, PM2.5: 120.51 µg/m3) than in those where smoking was banned (nicotine: 0.48 µg/m3, PM2.5: 36.90 µg/m3). The median outdoor nicotine concentration was higher in places where indoor smoking was banned (1.56 µg/m3) than in venues where smoking was allowed (0.31 µg/m3). Among the different types of outdoor areas, the highest median outdoor SHS levels (nicotine: 4.23 µg/m3, PM2.5: 43.64 µg/m3) were found in the semi-closed outdoor areas of venues where indoor smoking was banned. CONCLUSIONS: Banning indoor smoking seems to displace SHS exposure to adjacent outdoor areas. Furthermore, indoor settings where smoking is banned but which have a semi-closed outdoor area have higher levels of SHS than those with open outdoor areas, possibly indicating that SHS also drifts from outdoors to indoors. Current legislation restricting indoor SHS levels seems to be insufficient to protect hospitality workers--and patrons--from SHS exposure. Tobacco-free legislation should take these results into account and consider restrictions in the terraces of some hospitality venues to ensure effective protection.
Subject(s)
Air/analysis , Nicotine/analysis , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/analysis , Air Pollution, Indoor/adverse effects , Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis , European Union , Humans , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/adverse effects , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/legislation & jurisprudence , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/prevention & controlABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Environmental Exposure/statistics & numerical data , Leisure Activities , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Residence Characteristics , Spain , Surveys and Questionnaires , Time Factors , Urban Health , WorkABSTRACT
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)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adolescent , Young Adult , Adult , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/ethics , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/legislation & jurisprudence , Tobacco Use Disorder/diagnosis , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/prevention & control , Environmental Pollution/prevention & control , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/adverse effects , Tobacco Smoke Pollution/statistics & numerical data , Tobacco Use Disorder/ethnology , Tobacco Use Disorder/psychology , Tobacco Use Disorder/therapy , Environmental Pollution/adverse effects , Environmental Pollution/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
Justificación: La epidemia de gripe H1N1 marcó el mapa sanitario epidemiológico del invierno 2009-2010. Objetivo: Conocer las opiniones de la población general, de los grupos de riesgo y del personal sanitario, sobre la epidemia de gripe. Diseño: cualitativo, estudio exploratorio. Metodología: 10 grupos focales en 3 CCAA, con 51 participantes. Análisis de contenido. Resultados principales: Las actitudes y opiniones de la población general y de los grupos de riesgo evolucionan a lo largo del proceso, desde un estado de preocupación inicial motivado por la sobreinformación y estado de alerta impulsado desde los medios de comunicación, hacia la reducción de la percepción de riesgo, la falta de confianza en las fuentes de información y la necesidad de mayor implicación de las autoridades y fuentes formales. Conclusión: Las autoridades deben apoyarse en sistemas de información avanzados, preparar al personal sanitario, coordinar e implicar a todos los sectores (AU)
Introduction: The H1N1 influenza pandemic of 2009-2010 has important health, social and media repercussions. Objective: to identify the opinions of the general population, risk groups and medical personnel on the 2009-2010 influenza epidemic. Design: Exploratory study, qualitative methodology. Methods: 10 focus groups in 3 Spanish regions with 51 participants. Content analysis. Main results: The attitudes and opinions of the general population and risk groups gradually change from a state of initial concern, caused by the social alert promoted by the media to a reduced perceived risk. The lack of trust in the information sources and the need for a greater involvement of the authorities also appear. Conclusion: The authorities must rely on advanced information systems, train personnel of health services and organize their work on coordination and involvement of all sectors (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/pathogenicity , Influenza, Human/epidemiology , Public Opinion , Qualitative Research , Epidemics/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
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Subject(s)
Humans , Cognition Disorders/prevention & control , Memory Disorders/rehabilitation , Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/organization & administration , Population DynamicsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Studies evaluating the long-term impact of smoking laws on secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure using airborne markers are scarce. This study aimed to assess the long-term impact of the Spanish smoking law on SHS levels, using a specific and objective marker. METHODS: Follow-up study, measuring vapour-phase nicotine levels before the implementation of the law and 6, 12 and 24 months after the initial assessment. A total of 443 samples were taken at baseline in eight different regions in offices in the public administration, private sector, universities and hospitality venues. RESULTS: Two years after the law was implemented, the nicotine concentration decreased by a minimum of 60% in public administration, university and private sector offices, as well as in venues where smoking was totally banned. However, nicotine levels significantly increased by 40% in hospitality venues allowing smoking. No significant differences were found in hospitality venues with areas for smokers and non-smokers or in pubs and discotheques. CONCLUSIONS: Two years after the smoking law came into force, levels of SHS exposure in the workplace were significantly lower than before the law was implemented. Importantly, however, SHS levels were even higher than before the law was implemented in venues still allowing smoking. The data obtained in this study clearly show that the 'Spanish model' is not protecting the health of hospitality workers and that a complete ban is required. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of long-term monitoring of compliance with smoking laws over time.