The complex scenario of obesity, diabetes and hypertension in the area of influence of primary healthcare facilities in Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Among non-communicable chronic diseases (NCCD), diabetes and hypertension are the main cause of adult mortality worldwide. Among the members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Mexico is first in prevalence of diabetes and second in obesity. To face this problematic situation of NCCDs the Ministry of Health declared a national epidemiological alert against the overweight, obesity and diabetes. The target of this study is to characterize the status of obesity, diabetes and hypertension in the adult population in the area of influence of primary health facilities located in high social marginality areas. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study and used a convenience sample. A survey was conducted on a population of 18 years old and above in four primary health facilities in four Mexican States. The survey explored sociodemographic characteristics, the presence of chronic diseases, the access to healthcare services, risk factors and life styles. We also applied a complementary questionnaire to 20% of the participants, in order to explore food consumption during the last week and physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire). We based our analysis on descriptive statistics and logistic multivariate regression to analyze factors associated with diabetes and hypertension. RESULTS: 73% (n = 7531, CI 0.72-0.74) percent of the population reported being diabetic, hypertensive and/or overweight. The majority of them receive healthcare in public health services. People over 40 years old, are 11 times more probable of living with diabetes and 8.7 times more probable of living with hypertension. Both conditions affect mostly women, whose main activity is to be a housewife. People who have lunch and dinner out of home are more likely to develop diabetes. People who perform intense physical activity are less likely to live with hypertension. CONCLUSION: According to the self-report, more than 70% of adult population living in areas with high social marginality suffer diabetes, hypertension and obesity. However, the percentage of people who live with these chronic conditions and are not aware of them, is unknown. The Mexican health system needs a primary healthcare that emphasizes on health promotion, timely detection of risk factors of Non Communicable Diseases and prevention of their complications.

[Financing of drug addiction programs in Mexico City: 1990-1994]. / Financiamiento de programas de farmacodependencia en la ciudad de México: 1990-1994.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the financial flows in the drug dependency programs in México City, their financial source, and the way how funding monies are spent. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A discrete number of institutions devoted to drug dependency control in Mexico City was selected. Analysis of financial flows was carried out using the National Health Accounts methods. Questionnaires to quantify resources were applied to health service managers and users. In addition to collection of financial flow data, we calculated the expenditures per user for each institution. For the period 1990-1993, expenditures were estimated from financial budgets allocated to each program in 1990, at constant values to eliminate the effects of inflation. RESULTS: Financial sources identified were: the federal budget allocation (50-90%), user fees (10-20%), and non-governmental organization contributions (15-80%). CONCLUSIONS: Even though budgets in participant institutions have increased in the last four years, they are still inadequate to cover the large demand of services. It is important to identify new ways to increase the availability of resources as well as to ensure their efficient use. Continuing financial analysis of these programs will allow the assessment of changes to guide optimal financial decision making.