[Agreement between the self-perception on the body image and the nutritional status in college students from Orense]. / Concordancia entre la autopercepción de la imagen corporal y el estado nutricional en universitarios de Orense.

The aim of this study was to detect the possible changes in dietary behavior among college students from the University Campus of Orense by means of self-perception of their body image. 145 college students participated, 107 women (74% of the study population with a mean age of 25.2 ± 2.9 years) and 38 men (26%, with a mean age of 25.3 ± 3.3 years). This is a descriptive cross-sectional study using questionnaires and assessing the body mass index (BMI), the subjective weight and using two sub-scales of the Eating Disorders Inventory 2: the body dissatisfaction (EDI-IC) sub-scale and the slimness obsession (EDI-OD) sub-scale. The results show that most of the population had normal weight, there exists no obesity among the female population and there were no underweight cases among the male population. More than half of the population (55% of women and 63% of men) that a distorted judgment of their body as compared to the BMI values, with men underestimating their weight and, among women, there are cases underestimating or overestimating their weight. The women more unsatisfied with their body image were those having overweight or low weight, and those more obsessed with losing weight are those in the upper limit of the normal weight. Among men, those having overweight or obesity are the most unsatisfied and most obsessed with losing weight.

Concordancia entre la autopercepción de la imagen corporal y el estado nutricional en universitarios de Orense / Agreement between the self-perception on the body image and the nutritional status in college students from Orense

El objetivo de este trabajo fue detectar posibles alteraciones de la conducta alimentaria en universitarios del Campus de Orense mediante la autopercepción de su imagen corporal. Participaron 145 universitarios, 107 mujeres (74% de la población estudiada con una edad media de 25,2 ± 2,9 años) y 38 hombres (26% con una edad media de 25,3 ± 3,3 años). Se trata de un estudio transversal descriptivo con encuestas en el que se determinó el índice de masa corporal (IMC), el peso subjetivo y se utilizaron dos subescalas del Eating Disorders Inventory 2: la subescala de insatisfacción corporal (EDI-IC) y la de obsesión por la delgadez (EDI-OD). Los resultados muestran que la mayoría de la población es normopeso, no existen casos de obesidad en la población femenina y en la población masculina no se encontraron casos de bajo peso. Más de la mitad de la población (55% de las mujeres y 63% de los hombres) tienen un juicio valorativo distorsionado de su cuerpo respecto a los valores del IMC, observándose que los hombres subestiman su peso y en las mujeres aparecen casos de subestimación y de sobrestimación. Las mujeres más insatisfechas con su figura son las que presentan sobrepeso o bajo peso y las más obsesionadas por adelgazar son las que se encuentran en el límite superior del normopeso. En el grupo de los hombres, los que presentan sobrepeso y obesidad son los más insatisfechos y los más obsesionados por adelgazar (AU)

The aim of this study was to detect the possible changes in dietary behavior among college students from the University Campus of Orense by means of self-perception of their body image. 145 college students participated, 107 women (74% of the study population with a mean age of 25.2 ± 2.9 years) and 38 men (26%, with a mean age of 25.3 ± 3.3 years). This is a descriptive cross-sectional study using questionnaires and assessing the body mass index (BMI), the subjective weight and using two sub-scales of the Eating Disorders Inventory 2: the body dissatisfaction (EDI-IC) sub-scale and the slimness obsession (EDI-OD) sub-scale. The results show that most of the population had normal weight, there exists no obesity among the female population and there were no underweight cases among the male population. More than half of the population (55% of women and 63% of men) that a distorted judgment of their body as compared to the BMI values, with men underestimating their weight and, among women, there are cases underestimating or overestimating their weight. The women more unsatisfied with their body image were those having overweight or low weight, and those more obsessed with losing weight are those in the upper limit of the normal weight. Among men, those having overweight or obesity are the most unsatisfied and most obsessed with losing weight (AU)

Evaluación del riesgo nutricional mediante el MNA en una población anciana no institucionalizada / Nutritional risk in no-institutionalized older, determined for the mini nutritional assessment (MNA)

En este trabajo se evaluó el estado nutricional de las personas mayores de 65 años de la provincia de Ourense con el fin de detectar posibles riesgos de desnutrición. Participaron 728 ancianos (63,6 por ciento mujeres y 36,4 por ciento hombres) de edad media 80,7±7,4 años. Se midieron parámetros antropométricos (peso, distancia talón-rodilla y circunferencia del antebrazo y de la pantorrilla) y se utilizó el cuestionario Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Se observó que el 70 por ciento de la población no presentaba un estado nutricional adecuado (el 57,5 por ciento está en situación de riesgo de desnutrición y el 12,5 por ciento desnutridos); esta situación empeora entre las personas de 65 a 70 años y los mayores de 81 años y entre la población femenina. Los ítems que se observan con mayor frecuencia en la población estudiada son la pérdida involuntaria de peso, ingerir proteínas sólo en una de las comidas del día, consumir poco líquido, pérdida de apetito, tomar más de tres medicamentos al día y tener una movilidad limitada que no le permite salir de casa.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of the risk of undernutrition by evaluating the nutritional status in a representative sample of older people in Ourense. The total sample was 728 subjects (63,6 percent woman and 36,4 percent men) with a mean age of 80,7±7,4 years old. Anthropometric parameters (weight, distance heel-knee, calf circumference and mid-arm circumference) were determined and the MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment) was applied and 70 percent of individuals with nutritional problems were identified (57.5 percent with nutritional risk and 12.5 percent malnourished). The subjects aged between 65 and 70 years old, 81 and over, and females presented higher nutritional problems. The items that were observed most frequently in the studied population and therefore responsible for this nutritional situation were the involuntary loss of weight, consumption of at least one serving of protein per day, low daily liquid intakes, loss of appetite, taking more than 3 prescription drugs per day and to have a limited mobility.

Evaluación de la distorsión de la imagen corporal en universitarios en relación a sus conocimientos de salud / Assessment of body image distortion for population of university students in relation whith their haelthy knowledge

En este trabajo se evalúa, en universitarios, si los conocimientos en el ámbito de la salud influyen en las actitudes hacia la comida y en la percepción de su imagen corporal. Participaron 315 universitarios, 46% cursan estudios del ámbito agroalimentario (Ingeniería Técnica Agrícola, Campus de Orense) y 54% son estudiantes de ciencias de la salud (E.U. Enfermería de La Coruña). El 81% eran mujeres (22,7±4,4 años) y el 19% hombres (23,6±4,5 años). Se determinó: índice de masa corporal (IMC), peso subjetivo percibido y se utilizaron dos subescalas del Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI-2): insatisfacción corporal (EDI-IC) y obsesión por la delgadez (EDI-OD). Los datos muestran que la mayoría de la población estudiada es normopeso; entre estas universitarias el bajo peso es más frecuente en las de la rama agroalimentaria y el sobrepeso y la obesidad entre las de Enfermería. En la población masculina analizada el sobrepeso es más habitual entre los del ámbito agroalimentario y hay más obesos y normopeso entre los de estudiantes de ciencias de la salud. Se observó mayor tendencia a las alteraciones en la percepción de su imagen corporal entre los universitarios estudiados del ámbito agroalimentario, mientras que la insatisfacción corporal y la obsesión por la delgadez es más frecuente entre los estudiantes de Enfermería. Sin embargo las diferencias observadas entre las poblaciones estudiadas no son significativas, lo que podría indicar que los conocimientos en el ámbito de la salud que se imparten en Enfermería les hacen más conscientes de su peso, pero no influye significativamente en las actitudes ante su cuerpo (AU)

The objective this work has been evaluated, in university students, if the attitudes towards the food and the body are influenced by the knowledge in the area of health. 315 people have participated, 46% were university students of Orense, that study engineer agro-alimentary and 54% of the university of Coruña are students of nursery. 81% were woman (22,7 ± 4,4 years old) and 19% men (23,6 ± 4,5 years old). The BMI and the subjective weight and two subscales of the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI-IC y EDI-OC) were determined. The results show that most of the population is normal weight; among the female population of Orense are more frequently cases of underweight and the overweight and obesity are more frequently in Coruña. In the masculine population analyzed the overweight is more habitual between university students of the agro-alimentary scope and there are more case the obese and normal weight between the students of sciences of the health. There are more case the alterations in the self-perception of the body in the students of Orense; greater percentage of over estimation of the weight are in the women of Orense and in the men the distortion in the self-perception of the body always must to the underestimation of the weight, being more frequently in the students of Orense. The most dissatisfied with their body image and most obsessed with losing weight are the students of Coruña. The difference observed between both population are nor significant, which seen to indicated that the knowledge in the area of the health allow them to be more conscious of the estimation of the weight, nevertheless seem not to influence in the attitudes towards its body (AU)

Application of nisin and pediocin against resistance and germination of Bacillus spores in sous vide products.

Sous vide and other mild preservation techniques are increasingly demanded by consumers. However, spores often will survive in minimally processed foods, causing both spoilage and safety problems. The main objective of the present work was to solve an industrial spoilage problem associated with two sous vide products: mushrooms and shellfish salad. Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis predominated as the most heat-resistant organisms isolated from mushrooms and shellfish salad, respectively. The combined effects of nisin and pediocin against resistance and germination of both Bacillus species were described by empirical equations. Whereas nisin was more effective for decreasing thermal resistance of B. subtilis spores, pediocin was more effective against B. licheniformis. However, a significant positive interaction between both biopeptides for decreasing the proportion of vegetative cells resulting from thermoresistant spores was demonstrated in later experiments, thus indicating the increased efficacy of applying high concentrations of both bacteriocins. This efficacy was further demonstrated in additional challenge studies carried out at 15 degrees C in the two sous vide products: mushrooms and shellfish salad. Whereas no vegetative cells were detected after 90 days in the presence of bacteriocins, almost 100% of the population in nontreated samples of mushrooms and shellfish salad was in the vegetative state after 17 and 43 days of storage at 15 degrees C, respectively.

[Nutritional risk in no-institutionalized older, determined for the mini nutritional assessment (MNA)]. / Evaluación del riesgo nutricional mediante el MNA en una población anciana no institucionalizada.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of the risk of undernutrition by evaluating the nutritional status in a representative sample of older people in Ourense. The total sample was 728 subjects (63.6% woman and 36.4% men) with a mean age of 80.7 +/- 7.4 years old. Anthropometric parameters (weight, distance heel-knee, calf circumference and mid-arm circumference) were determined and the MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment) was applied and 70% of individuals with nutritional problems were identified (57.5% with nutritional risk and 12.5% malnourished). The subjects aged between 65 and 70 years old, 81 and over, and females presented higher nutritional problems. The items that were observed most frequently in the studied population and therefore responsible for this nutritional situation were the involuntary loss of weight, consumption of at least one serving of protein per day, low daily liquid intakes, loss of appetite, taking more than 3 prescription drugs per day and to have a limited mobility.

Short- versus long-term radon detectors: a comparative study in Galicia, NW Spain.

As reported in previous studies, Galicia (NW Spain) is an area of high radon concentrations. This study was sought to analyze the correlation between short-term (activated carbon) and long-term (alpha particle track) detectors in this geographic area, and ascertain whether there were differences in their readings that might be influenced by other variables. A comparison study, as part of a case-control study was designed in which two detectors, one of each type, were placed in the selected homes. A total of 391 homes yielded readings with both detectors. The results indicated that there was a relatively good correlation between both types of monitors (correlation coefficient 0.608; p<0.001). The highest correlations between both detectors were observed for unventilated homes, coastal sites, and the oldest buildings. Short-term and long-term detectors do not show a similar performance in all settings or situations. It is advisable to use long-term detectors whenever possible.

Antimicrobial resistance of Shiga toxin (verotoxin)-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and non-O157 strains isolated from humans, cattle, sheep and food in Spain.

A total of 722 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) isolates recovered from humans, cattle, ovines and food during the period from 1992 to 1999 in Spain were examined to determine antimicrobial resistance profiles and their association with serotypes, phage types and virulence genes. Fifty-eight (41%) out of 141 STEC O157:H7 strains and 240 (41%) out of 581 non-O157 STEC strains showed resistance to at least one of the 26 antimicrobial agents tested. STEC O157:H7 showed a higher percentage of resistant strains recovered from bovine (53%) and beef meat (57%) than from human (23%) and ovine (20%) sources, whereas the highest prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in non-O157 STEC was found among isolates recovered from beef meat (55%) and human patients (47%). Sulfisoxazole (36%) had the most common antimicrobial resistance, followed by tetracycline (32%), streptomycin (29%), ampicillin (10%), trimethoprim (8%), cotrimoxazole (8%), chloramphenicol (7%), kanamycin (7%), piperacillin (6%), and neomycin (5%). The multiple resistance pattern most often observed was that of streptomycin, sulfisoxazole, and tetracycline. Ten (7%) STEC O157:H7 and 71 (12%) non-O157 strains were resistant to five or more antimicrobial agents. Most strains showing resistance to five or more antimicrobial agents belonged to serotypes O4:H4 (4 strains), O8:H21 (3 strains), O20:H19 (6 strains), O26:H11 (8 strains eae-beta1), O111:H- (3 strains eae-gamma2), O118:H- (2 strains eae-beta1), O118:H16 (5 strains eae-beta1), O128:H- (2 strains), O145:H8 or O145:H- (2 strains eae-gamma1), O157:H7 (10 strains eae-gamma1), O171:H25 (3 strains), O177:H11 (5 strains eae-beta1), ONT:H- (3 strains/1 eae-beta1) and ONT:H21 (2 strains). Interestingly, most of these serotypes, i.e., those indicated in bold) were found among human STEC strains isolated from patients with hemolytic uremic-syndrome (HUS) reported in previous studies. We also detected, among non-O157 strains, an association between a higher level of multiple resistance to antibiotics and the presence of the virulence genes eae and stx(1). Moreover, STEC O157:H7, showed an association between certain phage types, PT21/28 (90%), PT23 (75%), PT34 (75%), and PT2 (54%), with a higher number of resistant strains. We conclude that the high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance detected in our study is a source of concern, and cautious use of antibiotics in animals is highly recommended.

Serotypes, virulence genes, and intimin types of Shiga toxin (verotoxin)-producing Escherichia coli isolates from cattle in Spain and identification of a new intimin variant gene (eae-xi).

A total of 514 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) isolates from diarrheic and healthy cattle in Spain were characterized in this study. PCR showed that 101 (20%) isolates carried stx(1) genes, 278 (54%) possessed stx(2) genes, and 135 (26%) possessed both stx(1) and stx(2). Enterohemolysin (ehxA) and intimin (eae) virulence genes were detected in 326 (63%) and in 151 (29%) of the isolates, respectively. STEC isolates belonged to 66 O serogroups and 113 O:H serotypes (including 23 new serotypes). However, 67% were of one of these 15 serogroups (O2, O4, O8, O20, O22, O26, O77, O91, O105, O113, O116, O157, O171, O174, and OX177) and 52% of the isolates belonged to only 10 serotypes (O4:H4, O20:H19, O22:H8, O26:H11, O77:H41, O105:H18, O113:H21, O157:H7, O171:H2, and ONT:H19). Although the 514 STEC isolates belonged to 164 different seropathotypes (associations between serotypes and virulence genes), only 12 accounted for 43% of isolates. Seropathotype O157:H7 stx(2) eae-gamma1 ehxA (46 isolates) was the most common, followed by O157:H7 stx(1) stx(2) eae-gamma1 ehxA (34 isolates), O113:H21 stx(2) (25 isolates), O22:H8 stx(1) stx(2) ehxA (15 isolates), O26:H11 stx(1) eae-beta1 ehxA (14 isolates), and O77:H41 stx(2) ehxA (14 isolates). Forty-one (22 of serotype O26:H11) isolates had intimin beta1, 82 O157:H7 isolates possessed intimin gamma1, three O111:H- isolates had intimin type gamma2, one O49:H- strain showed intimin type delta, 13 (six of serotype O103:H2) isolates had intimin type epsilon and eight (four of serotype O156:H-) isolates had intimin zeta. We have identified a new variant of the eae intimin gene designated xi (xi) in two isolates of serotype O80:H-. The majority (85%) of bovine STEC isolates belonged to serotypes previously found for human STEC organisms and 54% to serotypes associated with STEC organisms isolated from patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome. Thus, this study confirms that cattle are a major reservoir of STEC strains pathogenic for humans.

Serotypes, virulence genes, and intimin types of Shiga toxin (verotoxin)-producing Escherichia coli isolates from healthy sheep in Spain.

Fecal swabs obtained from 1,300 healthy lambs in 93 flocks in Spain in 1997 were examined for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). STEC O157:H7 strains were isolated from 5 (0.4%) animals in 4 flocks, and non-O157 STEC strains were isolated from 462 (36%) lambs in 63 flocks. A total of 384 ovine STEC strains were characterized in this study. PCR showed that 213 (55%) strains carried the stx(1) gene, 10 (3%) possessed the stx(2) gene, and 161 (42%) carried both the stx(1) and the stx(2) genes. Enterohemolysin (ehxA) and intimin (eae) virulence genes were detected in 106 (28%) and 23 (6%) of the STEC strains, respectively. The STEC strains belonged to 35 O serogroups and 64 O:H serotypes (including 18 new serotypes). However, 72% were of 1 of the following 12 serotypes: O5:H-, O6:H10, O91:H-, O117:H-, O128:H-, O128:H2, O136:H20, O146:H8, O146:H21, O156:H-, O166:H28, and ONT:H21 (where NT is nontypeable). Although the 384 STEC strains belonged to 95 different seropathotypes (associations between serotypes and virulence genes), 49% of strains belonged to only 11. O91:H- stx(1) stx(2) (54 strains) was the most common seropathotype, followed by O128:H- stx(1) stx(2) (33 strains) and O6:H10 stx(1) (25 strains). Three strains of serotypes O26:H11, O156:H11, and OX177:H11 had intimin type beta1; 5 strains of serotype O157:H7 possessed intimin type gamma1; and 15 strains of serotypes O49:H-, O52:H12, O156:H- (12 strains), and O156:H25 had the new intimin, intimin type zeta. The majority (82%) of ovine STEC strains belonged to serotypes previously found to be associated with human STEC strains, and 51% belonged to serotypes associated with STEC strains isolated from patients with hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Thus, this study confirms that healthy sheep are a major reservoir of STEC strains pathogenic for humans.

[Perception of sweet and salty flavors in different population groups]. / Estudio de la percepción de sabores dulce y salado en diferentes grupos de la población.

The flavour perceived by humans when eating varies depending on age, gender, habits, emotional status, etc. The present study reflects the changes in the perception of sweet and salt flavours among different population groups depending on age, with an assessment, for each flavour, of the threshold concentration for the detection of these flavours. Triangular discrimination sensorial tests were performed in three groups, with thirty members in each, classified to represent young, adult and elderly age groups. With regard to sweet flavours, the groups of young people and adults distinguished the different sample at 0.1% of sugar for 95% and 99% significance levels, whereas the elderly required the concentration to reach 1% at both levels before they could distinguish the sugar solution from water. In the case of salt flavours, young people are able to detect the different sample at the lowest concentration level, for both levels of significance. Adults significantly distinguished the sample containing 0.05% of salt, at the 95% significance level, whereas the elderly needed a concentration of 0.1% for both levels of significance. Age-dependent variations in response were observed. As age increases, greater concentrations are required in order to distinguish the salt or sweet solutions from the samples containing only water.

Estudio de la percepción de sabores dulce y salado en diferentes grupos de la población / Study into the perception of sweet and salt tastes in different population groups

El sabor que perciben los seres humanos al tomar los alimentos varía según la edad, sexo, hábitos, estado emocional, etc. En este estudio se reflejan los cambios en la percepción de los sabores dulce y salado en diferentes grupos de la población en función de la edad, evaluando, para cada sabor, la concentración umbral de detección de dichos sabores. Se realizaron pruebas sensoriales del tipo discriminativas triangulares en tres grupos, de treinta personas cada uno, agrupados por edades representativas de jóvenes, adultos y ancianos. En cuanto al sabor dulce, los grupos de jóvenes y adultos distinguen la muestra diferente, al 0.1 por ciento de azúcar para los niveles de significación de 95 por ciento y 99 por ciento, sin embargo, los ancianos necesitan llegar a una concentración del 1 por ciento para poder diferenciar la disolución de azúcar del agua, en ambos niveles. En el caso del sabor salado, los jóvenes son capaces de detectar la muestra diferente al nivel de menor concentración, para los dos niveles de significación. Los adultos diferencian significativamente la muestra con 0.05 por ciento de sal, para el nivel de significancia del 95 por ciento, mientras que los ancianos necesitan una concentración de 0.1 por ciento para ambos niveles de significación. Se observan variaciones en la respuesta, en función de la edad. A medida que ésta aumenta, es necesaria una mayor concentración para distinguir las disoluciones dulces o saladas de las muestras que contienen únicamente agua (AU)

The flavour perceived by humans when eating varies depending on age, gender, habits, emotional status, etc. The present study reflects the changes in the perception of sweet and salt flavours among different population groups depending on age, with an assessment, for each flavour, of the threshold concentration for the detection of these flavours. Triangular discrimination sensorial tests were performed in three groups, with thirty members in each, classified to represent young, adult and elderly age groups. With regard to sweet flavours, the groups of young people and adults distinguished the different sample at 0.1% of sugar for 95% and 99% significance levels, whereas the elderly required the concentration to reach 1% at both levels before they could distinguish the sugar solution from water. In the case of salt flavours, young people are able to detect the different sample at the lowest concentration level, for both levels of significance. Adults significantly distinguished the sample containing 0.05% of salt, at the 95% significance level, whereas the elderly needed a concentration of 0.1% for both levels of significance. Age-dependent variations in response were observed. As age increases, greater concentrations are required in order to distinguish the salt or sweet solutions from the samples containing only water (AU)

Adecuación de los menús servidos en un comedor universitario a las recomendaciones dietéticas / Adaptation of the menus served in a dining hall to dietary recommendations

En este trabajo se estudia la adecuación de los menús de un comedor universitario a las recomendaciones dietéticas de los alumnos universitarios, considerados en un grupo de población de 20-39 años. El estudio se llevó a cabo sobre los menús de dos semanas de la cafetería del Edificio Politécnico, Facultad de Ciencias de Ourense, perteneciente a la Universidad de Vigo. Puesto que cada día se ofrecen dos menús, se obtuvieron en total 20 menús para la realización de este trabajo. Los alimentos fueron anotados y cuantificados por comparación con una guía de fotografías de alimentos y platos servidos (1). La transformación de alimentos en nutrientes se realizó mediante el programa informático “Alimentación y Salud” (2).Se observa que los alimentos más frecuentemente ofertados son lácteos (como postre), carnes, hortalizas (lechuga), patatas y precocinados. Los platos se preparan fritos principalmente. El aporte energético es superior a las recomendaciones para la comida del mediodía de los jóvenes, siendo excesiva en cuanto a la proporción de proteínas y lípidos en detrimento de los carbohidratos. La fibra aportada por estos menús cubre aproximadamente el 50 por ciento de los 25 g diarios recomendados para un adulto. En cuanto al perfil lipídico, AGS y AGPI se acercan a las recomendaciones establecidas para todo el día. El nivel de colesterol cubre un 65 por ciento de los 300mg/día. El aporte de vitaminas y minerales es bastante bueno salvo en el caso de la vitamina D, zinc y yodo, de los que aparecen cantidades muy bajas. (AU)

Comparación entre las preferencias alimentarias y el consumo alimentario de estudiantes universitarios / Comparison between food preferences and food consumption among university students

El consumo alimentario es el resultado de la interacción de múltiples variables entre las que destacan la disponibilidad de alimentos y las preferencias alimentarias. En este trabajo se pretende estudiar, en un grupo de jóvenes universitarios del Campus de Ourense, la frecuencia de consumo de alimentos comparándola con sus preferencias. Mediante entrevistas y cuestionarios de frecuencia se encontró que los hábitos de consumo de la población se adecúan a las raciones diarias recomendadas salvo el consumo de frutas y verduras, inferior al recomendado. Estos alimentos no figuran entre los más preferidos, por lo que se observa que las preferencias no se adecúan a las pautas dietéticas (AU)

[Personalized appointments as a recruitment method for anti-flu vaccination in the elderly]. / La citación personalizada como método de captación para la vacunación antigripal en ancianos.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of personal appointments for increasing flu vaccine coverage in over-65s who showed no intention of being vaccinated of their own accord. DESIGN: Controlled, intervention study, single-blind and with randomised distribution. SETTING: Primary health centre. PARTICIPANTS: Population over 65 in the municipality of San Cristovo de Cea (Ourense) who had not been vaccinated after three-quarters of the flu vaccine campaign had elapsed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: After three-quarters of the flu vaccine campaign, a randomised sample (n = 162) was taken from the over-65 population not vaccinated (N = 640). These 162 were sent a personal letter reminding them of the vaccination campaign, the personal risk they ran and advising them to be vaccinated. They were given an appointment time. During the remaining 14 days of the campaign, all the vaccinations continued to be monitored. Afterwards, the control group and those who had received the intervention were compared. 28 people were vaccinated, 19 from the intervention group (11.7%) and 9 from the control group (1.9%) (RR = 6.2; 95% CI, 2.9-13.5; FA = 84%). There were no significant differences between sexes. CONCLUSIONS: Personal appointments were effective in increasing vaccine coverage, even among people at first reluctant to be vaccinated, the group at which the intervention should be aimed.

[A long-term pharmacoepidemiological study on drug dispensing by the pharmacy office in rural primary care. The influence of age and sex]. / Estudio farmacoepidemiológico a largo plazo sobre dispensación de fármacos por la oficina de farmacia en AP rural. Influencia de edad y sexo.

OBJECTIVES: To obtain data on the use of medicaments dispensed through pharmacies in primary rural care. DESIGN: Long-term descriptive observational study. SETTING: Nivar and Güevejar municipalities, Sanitary Health District in north Granada (Spain). There were 2.7% losses. PATIENTS: A randomised sample of 589 inhabitants, 18 years o more, included in the census of two villages. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The number of visits to the pharmacy, number of medicaments dispensed, prescribing physician and adverse effects to medicaments were recorded and compared between age groups, and between men and women. Prescriptions accounted for 75% of all medicaments, and 67.4% of the prescriptions were written by the primary care physician. Greater numbers of prescriptions were written for elderly persons and women than for younger person and men. Adverse reactions occurred in 3.3% of all subjects. Most reactions were mild (93.6%), and the greatest number of reactions were caused by nonsteroid antiinflammatory agents. CONCLUSIONS: Age and female sex influence the consumption of medicaments. Long-term studies of dispensation patterns in pharmacies can represent a useful method.