COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness in Autumn and Winter 2022 to 2023 Among Older Europeans.

Importance: In the context of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants or lineages and new vaccines, it is key to accurately monitor COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (CVE) to inform vaccination campaigns. Objective: To estimate the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines administered in autumn and winter 2022 to 2023 against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection (with all circulating viruses and XBB lineage in particular) among people aged 60 years or older in Europe, and to compare different CVE approaches across the exposed and reference groups used. Design, Setting, and Participants: This case-control study obtained data from VEBIS (Vaccine Effectiveness, Burden and Impact Studies), a multicenter study that collects COVID-19 and influenza data from 11 European sites: Croatia; France; Germany; Hungary; Ireland; Portugal; the Netherlands; Romania; Spain, national; Spain, Navarre region; and Sweden. Participants were primary care patients aged 60 years or older with acute respiratory infection symptoms who were recruited at the 11 sites after the start of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign from September 2022 to August 2023. Cases and controls were defined as patients with positive and negative, respectively, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results. Exposures: The exposure was COVID-19 vaccination. The exposure group consisted of patients who received a COVID-19 vaccine during the autumn and winter 2022 to 2023 vaccination campaign and 14 days or more before symptom onset. Reference group included patients who were not vaccinated during or in the 6 months before the 2022 to 2023 campaign (seasonal CVE), those who were never vaccinated (absolute CVE), and those who were vaccinated with at least the primary series 6 months or more before the campaign (relative CVE). For relative CVE of second boosters, patients receiving their second booster during the campaign were compared with those receiving 1 booster 6 months or more before the campaign. Main Outcomes and Measures: The outcome was RT-PCR-confirmed, medically attended, symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Four CVE estimates were generated: seasonal, absolute, relative, and relative of second boosters. CVE was estimated using logistic regression, adjusting for study site, symptom onset date, age, chronic condition, and sex. Results: A total of 9308 primary care patients were included, with 1687 cases (1035 females; median [IQR] age, 71 [65-79] years) and 7621 controls (4619 females [61%]; median [IQR] age, 71 [65-78] years). Within 14 to 89 days after vaccination, seasonal CVE was 29% (95% CI, 14%-42%), absolute CVE was 39% (95% CI, 6%-60%), relative CVE was 31% (95% CI, 15% to 44%), and relative CVE of second boosters was 34% (95% CI, 18%-47%) against all SARS-CoV-2 variants. In the same interval, seasonal CVE was 44% (95% CI, -10% to 75%), absolute CVE was 52% (95% CI, -23% to 82%), relative CVE was 47% (95% CI, -8% to 77%), and relative CVE of second boosters was 46% (95% CI, -13% to 77%) during a period of high XBB circulation. Estimates decreased with time since vaccination, with no protection from 180 days after vaccination. Conclusions and Relevance: In this case-control study among older Europeans, all CVE approaches suggested that COVID-19 vaccines administered in autumn and winter 2022 to 2023 offered at least 3 months of protection against symptomatic, medically attended, laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The effectiveness of new COVID-19 vaccines against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants should be continually monitored using CVE seasonal approaches.

Diferencias en la evolución del sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil en España en el periodo 2011-2019 por sexo, edad y nivel socioeconómico: resultados del estudio ALADINO / Differences in the temporal trends of childhood overweight and obesity in Spain in the 2011-2019 period by sex, age and socioeconomic level: Results of the ALADINO study

Introducción: El exceso de peso infantil es un problema de salud pública creciente. El objetivo del trabajo es estudiar la evolución de la prevalencia de sobrepeso, de obesidad y de obesidad central en escolares de 6 a 9años en España entre 2011 y 2019 según características demográficas y socioeconómicas.MetodologíaSe incluyeron las rondas 2011, 2015 y 2019 del estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal ALADINO en escolares de ambos sexos de 6 a 9años. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de la evolución de la prevalencia de sobrepeso y de obesidad según los criterios de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y la International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), así como obesidad central, y las variables demográficas y socioeconómicas asociadas.ResultadosEntre 2011 y 2019 se redujo la prevalencia de sobrepeso (criterios OMS) en niños de 6, 7 y 8años (−5,4, −5,7 y −5,3 puntos porcentuales, respectivamente) y niños cuyos progenitores tenían estudios superiores (−5,3 puntos porcentuales). Por renta, el sobrepeso en niños se redujo en todos los niveles de ingresos. Sin embargo, entre 2011 y 2019 se mantuvieron estables tanto la prevalencia de sobrepeso en niñas como la prevalencia de obesidad según las referencias OMS e IOTF y la de obesidad central en ambos sexos.ConclusionesLas prevalencias de sobrepeso y de obesidad en escolares de 6 a 9años en España siguen siendo altas. Entre 2011 y 2019 disminuyó la prevalencia de sobrepeso en niños de 6 a 8años y aquellos cuyos progenitores tienen estudios universitarios, mientras que la obesidad en niños, el sobrepeso y la obesidad en niñas, y la obesidad central en ambos sexos han permanecido estables. (AU)

Introduction: Childhood excess weight is a growing public health problem. The aim of this study was to assess temporal trends in the prevalence of overweight, obesity and central obesity in schoolchildren aged 6 to 9years in Spain between 2011 and 2019 based on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.MethodologyThe analysis included data from the 2011, 2015 and 2019 rounds of the cross-sectional observational and descriptive ALADINO study in schoolchildren of both sexes aged 6 to 9years. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity (defined according to the criteria of the World Health Organization [WHO] and the International Obesity Task Force [IOTF]) and of central obesity, in addition to associated demographic and socioeconomic variables.ResultsBetween 2011 and 2019, the prevalence of overweight (WHO criteria) decreased in boys aged 6, 7 and 8years (by −5.4%, −5.7% and −5.3%, respectively) and boys whose parents had a higher educational attainment (by −5.3%). In relation to the socioeconomic level, overweight in boys declined at all income levels. However, between 2011 and 2019, both the prevalence of overweight in girls and the prevalence of obesity (applying the WHO and IOTF criteria) and the prevalence of central obesity in both sexes remained stable.ConclusionsThe prevalence of overweight and the prevalence of obesity in schoolchildren aged 6 to 9years in Spain remain high. Between 2011 and 2019, the prevalence of overweight in children aged 6 to 8years and in children whose parents had university degrees decreased, whereas obesity in boys, overweight and obesity in girls and central obesity in both sexes remained stable. (AU)

Differences in the temporal trends of childhood overweight and obesity in Spain in the 2011-2019 period by sex, age and socioeconomic level: results of the ALADINO study.

INTRODUCTION: Childhood excess weight is a growing public health problem. The aim of this study was to assess temporal trends in the prevalence of overweight, obesity and central obesity in schoolchildren aged 6-9 years in Spain between 2011 and 2019 based on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. METHODOLOGY: The analysis included data from the 2011, 2015 and 2019 rounds of the cross-sectional observational and descriptive ALADINO study in schoolchildren of both sexes aged 6-9 years. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity (defined according to the criteria of the World Health Organization and the International Obesity Task Force) and of central obesity, in addition to associated demographic and socioeconomic variables. RESULTS: Between 2011 and 2019, the prevalence of overweight (WHO criteria) decreased in boys aged 6, 7 and 8 years (by -5.4%, -5.7% and -5.3%, respectively) and boys whose parents had a higher educational attainment (by -5.3%). In relation to the socioeconomic level, overweight in boys declined at all income levels. However, between 2011 and 2019, both the prevalence of overweight in girls and the prevalence of obesity (applying the WHO and IOTF criteria) and the prevalence of central obesity in both sexes remained stable. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of overweight and the prevalence of obesity in schoolchildren aged 6-9 years in Spain remain high. Between 2011 and 2019, the prevalence of overweight in children aged 6-8 years and in children whose parents had university degrees decreased, whereas obesity in boys, overweight and obesity in girls and central obesity in both sexes remained stable.

Desigualdades socioeconómicas y de género en la obesidad infantil en España / Socioeconomic and gender inequalities in childhood obesity in Spain

Introducción: La obesidad infantil se asocia inversamente con el nivel socioeconómico familiar en países desarrollados. El objetivo es evaluar la asociación entre la situación ponderal infantil y el nivel socioeconómico familiar, según características familiares, percepciones, hábitos de vida y entorno escolar. Metodología: Análisis descriptivo de la situación ponderal infantil según factores socioeconómicos familiares y variables mediadoras en el estudio ALADINO 2019, en una muestra de 16.665 escolares representativa de la población escolar de seis a nueve años en España. Resultados: La prevalencia de obesidad infantil en hogares de bajo nivel socioeconómico (26,8% niños; 20,4% niñas) era, en ambos sexos, el doble de la de los de mayor nivel (12,1% niños; 8,7% niñas). En escolares de familias de baja renta eran más frecuentes hábitos alimentarios poco saludables, el sedentarismo (principalmente en niñas) y la presencia de pantallas en la habitación (más en niños). Por el contrario, en hogares más desfavorecidos eran menos frecuentes el antecedente de lactancia materna y la práctica de actividad física (especialmente en niñas). La disponibilidad de cocina propia, actividades deportivas y gimnasio cubierto en los centros era también menos habitual para los escolares de familias de menor renta. Conclusiones: Un menor nivel socioeconómico del hogar se asocia con peores hábitos alimentarios y de actividad física y ciertas características del entorno familiar y el escolar, que a su vez median la asociación inversa que existe entre el nivel socioeconómico y la prevalencia de obesidad infantil. Las niñas realizan menos actividad física y presentan más sedentarismo, mientras que los niños tienen más acceso a pantallas. Las intervenciones para combatir la obesidad infantil deben contemplar las desigualdades identificadas. (AU)

Introduction: Childhood obesity is inversely associated with household socioeconomic status in high-income countries. Our aim was to explore the association between childhood weight status and household socioeconomic status in Spain in relation to family characteristics, perceptions and lifestyle habits and the school environment. Methods: We performed a descriptive analysis of child weight status according to family socioeconomic factors and mediating variables based on data from the ALADINO 2019 study in a sample of 16 665 schoolchildren representative of the population aged 6–9 years in Spain. Results: The prevalence of childhood obesity in households with low socioeconomic status (26.8% boys; 20.4% girls) was, in both sexes, twice as high as in those with higher socioeconomic status (12.1% boys; 8.7% girls). Unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyles (mainly in girls) and the presence of screens in the bedroom (more prevalent in boys) were more frequent in school-aged children from low-income households. On the other hand, in the most disadvantaged households, a history of breastfeeding and physical activity (especially in girls) were less frequent. Similarly, schools attended by children from low-income households were less likely to have their own kitchens and indoor gymnasiums or offer sports activities. Conclusions: A lower household socioeconomic status was associated with poorer dietary and physical activity habits and certain characteristics of the family and school environments that mediate the inverse association between household socioeconomic status and the prevalence of childhood obesity. Girls were less physically active and reported more sedentary lifestyles, while boys had greater access to screens. Interventions to combat childhood obesity should address the identified inequalities. (AU)

Socioeconomic and gender inequalities in childhood obesity in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Childhood obesity is inversely associated with household socioeconomic status in high-income countries. Our aim was to explore the association between childhood weight status and household socioeconomic status in Spain in relation to family characteristics, perceptions and lifestyle habits and the school environment. METHODS: We performed a descriptive analysis of child weight status according to family socioeconomic factors and mediating variables based on data from the ALADINO 2019 study in a sample of 16,665 schoolchildren representative of the population aged 6-9 years in Spain. RESULTS: The prevalence of childhood obesity in households with low socioeconomic status (26.8% boys; 20.4% girls) was, in both sexes, twice as high as in those with higher socioeconomic status (12.1% boys; 8.7% girls). Unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyles (mainly in girls) and the presence of screens in the bedroom (more prevalent in boys) were more frequent in school-aged children from low-income households. On the other hand, in the most disadvantaged households, a history of breastfeeding and physical activity (especially in girls) were less frequent. Similarly, schools attended by children from low-income households were less likely to have their own kitchens and indoor gymnasiums or offer sports activities. CONCLUSION: A lower household socioeconomic status was associated with poorer dietary and physical activity habits and certain characteristics of the family and school environments that mediate the inverse association between household socioeconomic status and the prevalence of childhood obesity. Girls were less physically active and reported more sedentary lifestyles, while boys had greater access to screens. Interventions to combat childhood obesity should address the identified inequalities.

Effectiveness of a game-based educational strategy e-EDUCAGUIA for implementing antimicrobial clinical practice guidelines in family medicine residents in Spain: a randomized clinical trial by cluster.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have teaching potential for health professionals in training clinical reasoning and decision-making, although their use is limited. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a game-based educational strategy e-EDUCAGUIA using simulated clinical scenarios to implement an antimicrobial therapy GPC compared to the usual dissemination strategies to improve the knowledge and skills on decision-making of family medicine residents. Additionally, adherence to e-EDUCAGUIA strategy was assessed. METHODS: A multicentre pragmatic cluster-randomized clinical trial was conducted involving seven Teaching Units (TUs) of family medicine in Spain. TUs were randomly allocated to implement an antimicrobial therapy guideline with e-EDUCAGUIA strategy ( intervention) or passive dissemination of the guideline (control). The primary outcome was the differences in means between groups in the score test evaluated knowledge and skills on decision-making at 1 month post intervention. Analysis was made by intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis. Secondary outcomes were the differences in mean change intrasubject (from the baseline to the 1-month) in the test score, and educational game adherence and usability. Factors associated were analysed using general linear models. Standard errors were constructed using robust methods. RESULTS: Two hundred two family medicine residents participated (104 intervention group vs 98 control group). 100 medicine residents performed the post-test at 1 month (45 intervention group vs 55 control group), The between-group difference for the mean test score at 1 month was 11 ( 8.67 to 13.32) and between change intrasubject was 11,9 ( 95% CI 5,9 to 17,9). The effect sizes were 0.88 and 0.75 respectively. In multivariate analysis, for each additional evidence-based medicine training hour there was an increase of 0.28 points (95% CI 0.15-0.42) in primary outcome and in the change intrasubject each year of increase in age was associated with an improvement of 0.37 points and being a woman was associated with a 6.10-point reduction. 48 of the 104 subjects in the intervention group (46.2%, 95% CI: 36.5-55.8%) used the games during the month of the study. Only a greater number of evidence-based medicine training hours was associated with greater adherence to the educational game ( OR 1.11; CI 95% 1.02-1.21). CONCLUSIONS: The game-based educational strategy e-EDUCAGUIA shows positive effects on the knowledge and skills on decision making about antimicrobial therapy for clinical decision-making in family medicin residents in the short term, but the dropout was high and results should be interpreted with caution. Adherence to educational games in the absence of specific incentives is moderate. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02210442 . Registered 6 August 2014.

Impacto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en pacientes con necesidades paliativas atendidos por un equipo de soporte de atención domiciliaria / Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with palliative needs attended by a home care support team

Objetivo: Analizar si existen diferencias en la actividad de un Equipo de Soporte de Atención Paliativa Domiciliaria (ESAPD) entre el periodo del Estado de Alarma de 2020 y el último trimestre de 2019 y estimar la prevalencia de infección por COVID-19, la mortalidad y el lugar de fallecimiento de los pacientes.Método: Estudio observacional descriptivo con 2 cortes transversales: periodo de Estado de Alarma de 2020 (14 marzo-21 junio) y el último trimestre de 2019 (14 septiembre-21 diciembre). Se incluyeron los pacientes en seguimiento por un ESAPD de la Comunidad de Madrid al inicio de cada periodo y aquellos que entraron como pacientes nuevos durante los periodos de estudio.Resultados: En el trimestre de 2019 se atendieron 271 pacientes, 146 (53,87 %) eran pacientes nuevos. En periodo de Estado de Alarma 303 pacientes recibieron atención, 173 (57,10 %) eran nuevos, 238 (78,55 %) precisaron atención domiciliaria y 65 (21,45 %) atención telefónica. En 2019, la media de visitas/paciente fue 3,17 ± 2,42 frente a 2,73 ± 2,41 en Estado Alarma (p = 0,02). Los pacientes considerados caso COVID-19 fueron 57, estimándose una prevalencia de 18,81 % (IC 95 %: 14,78-23,64 %). Los pacientes COVID-19 era más probable que viviesen en residencia (OR: 8,16; IC 95 %: 4,22-15,79) y que tuvieran patología no oncológica (OR; 2,38; IC 95 %: 1,31-4,31). Los pacientes COVID-19 presentaron mayor mortalidad que los no COVID (OR: 2,07; IC 95 %: 1,13-3,77). En cuanto al lugar de fallecimiento de los pacientes COVID-19, fue más frecuente que no ocurriese en el domicilio (OR: 6,29; IC95 %: 2,55-15,51).Conclusiones: Durante el periodo de Estado de Alarma aumentó el número de pacientes atendidos por ESAPD, la mayoría precisó atención domiciliaria y disminuyeron las visitas por paciente comparado con un periodo prepandemia. En el grupo de pacientes COVID-19 predominó la enfermedad no oncológica, se produjo mayor mortalidad y más fallecimientos en residencia y menos en domicilio. (AU)

Objective: To analyze whether there were any differences in the activity of a Home Palliative Care Team between the State of Alarm period of 2020 and the last quarter of 2019, and to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 infection, mortality, and place of death.Method: A cross-sectional, observational study: from the 2020 State of Alarm period (14 March-21 June) to the last quarter of 2019 (14 September-21 December). Patients in follow-up by a home palliative care team in the Community of Madrid at the beginning of each period, and those who entered as new patients during the study periods were included.Results: In the 2019 quarter 271 patients were seen, 146 (53.87 %) were new patients. In the 2020 State of Alarm period 303 patients received care, 173 (57.10 %) were new, 238 (78.55 %) required home care, and 65 (21.45 %) required telephone care. In 2019, the mean number of visits/patient was 3.17 ± 2.42 versus 2.73 ± 2.41 during the State of Alarm period (p = 0.02). There were 57 patients considered COVID-19 cases, with an estimated prevalence of 18.81 % (IC 95 %: 14.78-23.64 %). COVID-19 patients were more likely to live in nursing homes (OR: 8.16, 95 % CI: 4.22-15.79) and to have non-oncological disease (OR: 2.38, 95 % CI: 1.31-4.31). COVID-19 patients had a higher mortality rate than non-COVID-19 patients (OR: 2.07, 95 % CI: 1.13-3.77). Regarding the place fo death of COVID-19 patients, home was more common than elsewhere (OR: 6.29, 95 % CI: 2.55-15.51).Conclusions: During the State of Alarm period the number of patients cared for by a Home Palliative Care Team increased, the majority required home care, and visits per patient decreased compared to the pre-pandemic period. In the COVID-19 patient group non-oncological disease predominated, with higher mortality and more deaths occurring at nursing homes and fewer at home. (AU)

Utilización de recursos hospitalarios en pacientes con infección/colonización por Enterobacterias Productoras de Carbapenemasas / Utilization of hospital resources in patients with carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriaceae infection or colonization

Objetivo: Describir la casuística de los pacientes con cultivo positivo para Enterobacterias Productoras de Carbapenemasas (EPC), la complejidad de sus patologías y el consumo de recursos hospitalarios. Método: Estudio observacional retrospectivo en pacientes con diagnóstico de infección/colonización por EPC (2013-2018) en el Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón. Estudio descriptivo de los pacientes y análisis de los recursos consumidos utilizando los Grupos de Diagnóstico Relacionado y la estancia media (EM). Resultados: Se analizan 119 pacientes con edad media de 76,9 años, siendo la localización más frecuente en orina (58,8%) y la carbapenemasa más habitual en enterobacterias la OXA-48 (79,8%). La EM de estos pacientes y el peso medio (PM) fue significativamente superior al de las altas hospitalarias en este período (p<0,05). Conclusiones: Los pacientes que asocian un diagnóstico de EPC incrementan el consumo de recursos hospitalarios triplicando los días de estancia y la complejidad del proceso atendido (aumento del 50% en el PM).(AU)

Objective: Describe case-mix of patients with positive culture for Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), complexity of their pathologies and hospital resources consumption. Method: Retrospective observational study in patients with diagnosis of CPE infection/colonization (2013-2018) at Alcorcon University Hospital Foundation. Patient descriptive study and resource consumption analysis using Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG ́s) and mean length of stay (LOS). Results: 119 patients were analyzed. The average age was 76.9 years, the most frequent location was urine (58.8%) and OXA-48 the most common carbapenemase in the enterobacteriaceae (79.8%). The mean LOS of these patients and the DRG relative weight was higher than the patients treated during this period (p<0.05). Conclusions: Patients with diagnosis of CPE associate a greater consumption of hospital resources tripling the LOS and increasing 50% relative weight of DRG.(AU)