Global healthcare use by immigrants in Spain according to morbidity burden, area of origin, and length of stay.

BACKGROUND: The healthcare of immigrants is an important aspect of equity of care provision. Understanding how immigrants use the healthcare services based on their needs is crucial to establish effective health policy. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study included the total population of Aragon, Spain (1,251,540 individuals, of whom 11.9 % were immigrants). Patient-level data on the use of primary, specialised, hospital, and emergency care as well as prescription drug use in 2011 were extracted from the EpiChron Cohort and compared between immigrants and nationals. Multivariable standard or zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were generated, adjusting for age, sex, length of stay, and morbidity burden. RESULTS: The annual visit rates of immigrants were lower than those of nationals for primary care (3.3 vs 6.4), specialised care (1.3 vs 2.7), planned hospital admissions/100 individuals (1.6 vs 3.8), unplanned hospital admissions/100 individuals (2.7 vs 4.7), and emergency room visits/10 individuals (2.3 vs 2.8). Annual prescription drug costs were also lower for immigrants (€47 vs €318). These differences were only partially attenuated after adjusting for age, sex and morbidity burden. CONCLUSION: In a universal coverage health system offering broad legal access to immigrants, the global use of healthcare services was lower for immigrants than for nationals. These differences may be explained in part by the healthy migration effect, but also reveal possible inequalities in healthcare provision that warrant further investigation.

The healthy migrant effect in primary care / Evidencias sobre la teoría del inmigrante sano en atención primaria

Objective To compare the morbidity burden of immigrants and natives residing in Aragón, Spain, based on patient registries in primary care, which represents individuals’ first contact with the health system. Methods A retrospective observational study was carried out, based on linking electronic primary care medical records to patients’ health insurance cards. The study population consisted of the entire population assigned to general practices in Aragón, Spain (1,251,540 individuals, of whom 12% were immigrants). We studied the morbidity profiles of both the immigrant and native populations using the Adjusted Clinical Group System. Logistic regressions were conducted to compare the morbidity burden of immigrants and natives after adjustment for age and gender. Results Our study confirmed the 'healthy immigrant effect', particularly for immigrant men. Relative to the native population, the prevalence rates of the most frequent diseases were lower among immigrants. The percentage of the population showing a moderate to very high morbidity burden was higher among natives (52%) than among Latin Americans (33%), Africans (29%), western Europeans (27%), eastern Europeans and North Americans (26%) and/or Asians (20%). Differences were smaller for immigrants who had lived in the country for 5 years or longer. Conclusion Length of stay in the host country had a decisive influence on the morbidity burden represented by immigrants, although the health status of both men and women worsened with longer stay in the host country (AU)

Objetivo Comparar la carga de morbilidad de inmigrantes y nativos residents en Aragón a partir de los datos poblacionales procedentes de atención primaria, la cual representa el primer nivel de contacto de los individuos con el sistema sanitario. Método Estudio observacional retrospectivo basado en la historia clínica electrónica de atención primaria y la base de datos de usuarios de Aragón. La población de estudio la conforman los 1.251.540 individuos asignados a alguno de los centros de salud de Aragón (12% de ellos inmigrantes). Los perfiles de morbilidad se estudiaron a través del sistema ACG. Se realizaron regresiones logísticas para comparar la población inmigrante y nativa, ajustando por edad y sexo. Resultados Se confirmó la teoría del 'inmigrante sano', en especial en los hombres. La prevalencia de las enfermedades más frecuentes fue menor entre los inmigrantes. La proporción de la población con una carga de morbilidad entre moderada y muy elevada fue mayor en autóctonos (52%) que en latinoamericanos (33%), africanos (29%), europeos occidentales y norteamericanos (27%), europeos del este (26%) y/o asiáticos (20%). Las diferencias fueron menores en los inmigrantes con estancias mayores de 5 años. Conclusión La duración de la estancia en el país de acogida influye de manera decisiva en la evolución de la carga de morbilidad que presenta la población inmigrante, produciéndose un empeoramiento de la misma a medida que aumenta la estancia en el país de acogida (AU)

The healthy migrant effect in primary care.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the morbidity burden of immigrants and natives residing in Aragón, Spain, based on patient registries in primary care, which represents individuals' first contact with the health system. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was carried out, based on linking electronic primary care medical records to patients' health insurance cards. The study population consisted of the entire population assigned to general practices in Aragón, Spain (1,251,540 individuals, of whom 12% were immigrants). We studied the morbidity profiles of both the immigrant and native populations using the Adjusted Clinical Group System. Logistic regressions were conducted to compare the morbidity burden of immigrants and natives after adjustment for age and gender. RESULTS: Our study confirmed the "healthy immigrant effect", particularly for immigrant men. Relative to the native population, the prevalence rates of the most frequent diseases were lower among immigrants. The percentage of the population showing a moderate to very high morbidity burden was higher among natives (52%) than among Latin Americans (33%), Africans (29%), western Europeans (27%), eastern Europeans and North Americans (26%) and/or Asians (20%). Differences were smaller for immigrants who had lived in the country for 5 years or longer. CONCLUSION: Length of stay in the host country had a decisive influence on the morbidity burden represented by immigrants, although the health status of both men and women worsened with longer stay in the host country.

Non-therapeutic male circumcision performed on immigrant children from Africa in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: To study the frequency, characteristics, and complications of non-therapeutic male circumcision on immigrant children from Africa in Spain. METHODS: This descriptive study focused on primary care consultations conducted at 21 Aragon health centres during 2010 and 2011. The data were gathered through interviewer-administered questionnaires to the parents of African children. Sociodemographic variables were studied, along with others related to the practice of circumcision. RESULTS: 283 questionnaires were obtained. 98.93 % of the children had undergone or were planning to undergo circumcision. 68.2 % were circumcised. Circumcisions were most frequently performed during a vacation to the country of origin (67.04 %), especially so for the Maghreb population. The remaining circumcisions had been performed in Spain. Half of the circumcisions practiced in Spain were performed at home, and 84 % of these were performed on Gambian children. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrates that, in Aragon, Spain, almost all immigrant children from Africa have been or will be circumcised and that a considerable proportion has been circumcised at home by unqualified individuals. Gambians are particularly at risk of performing unsafe circumcision.

Frecuentación de la población inmigrante versus autóctona en atención primaria: ¿quién consume más servicios? / Frequency of attending Primary Care clinics by the immigrant versus autochthonous population

ObjetivoAnalizar la frecuentación en consultas de atención primaria de los inmigrantes, respecto a los autóctonos. Analizar las diferencias existentes según la zona geográfica de procedencia.DiseñoEstudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Se analizaron todas las citaciones de medicina y pediatría, a partir de datos de la historia clínica electrónica.EmplazamientoCentro de salud urbano de Zaragoza.Participantestodos los pacientes citados en el centro de salud durante un periodo de un año.IntervencionesSe ajustó con la población de referencia de tarjeta sanitaria según sexo y edad. Se realizó estandarización directa para evitar las diferencias debidas a la distinta distribución poblacional.Medidas principalesNúmero de visitas/año al médico y pediatra en función de origen, sexo y edad.ResultadosSe analizaron 110.046 citas de adultos sobre una población de 20.675 personas (20% inmigrantes) y 17.647 citas pediátricas sobre 2.452 niños (29% inmigrantes).La frecuentación anual ajustada de españoles fue mayor que de la de inmigrantes (7,1 visitas vs 4,8 en niños, y 4,7 vs 2,8 en adultos) (p<0,001). Los pacientes de Europa del Este tuvieron la menor frecuentación (1,6). En atención continuada, la frecuentación pediátrica fue mayor en españoles, pero en adultos fue mayor en inmigrantes.ConclusionesLa población inmigrante tanto pediátrica como adulta tuvo una menor frecuentación que la autóctona en cualquier tramo etario. Hay importantes diferencias según orígenes geográficos. Esto puede deberse a una mejor salud, a un mejor uso del sistema sanitario o a otros factores como dificultad de accesibilidad que es preciso estudiar(AU)

ObjectivesTo study the frequency of attendance in primary care of immigrant population compared to autochthonous one. To analyse differences in health services use according to geographical origin.MethodsA retrospective descriptive study was carried out. All Family Medicine and Paediatrics consultations were analysed using the electronic medical record.DesignRetrospective descriptive study. We analysed all the medicine and paediatrics appointments data from the electronic medical record.LocationUrban Health Centre, Zaragoza.ParticipantsAll patients with an appointment at the Health Centre during a one year period.InterventionIs in line with the reference population with health cards by sex and age. Direct standardisation was performed to avoid differences due to different population distribution.Main measuresNumber of visits annually to the doctor, on the basis of national origin, sex and age.ResultsWe analysed 110,046 adult consultations (based on a population of 20,675 inhabitants, 20% of immigrants) and 17,647 paediatric consultations (based on 2,452 children, 29% of immigrants).Adjusted annual consultation ratio of Spanish patients was higher than that of the immigrant population (7.1 consultations vs 4.8 in children, and 4.7 vs 2.8 in adults) (P<.001). Adults from Eastern Europe showed the lowest number of consultations (1.6). In emergency consultations in Primary Care, Spanish children consulted more frequently than immigrants, but immigrant adults consulted more frequently than Spanish adults.ConclusionsImmigrant population consulted primary care services less often compared with the Spanish population. There are notable differences according to geographical origin. This can be explained by better health, better use of healthcare system, and other difficulties in accessibility to health systems(AU)

Primary care utilisation patterns among an urban immigrant population in the Spanish National Health System.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence suggesting that the use of health services is lower among immigrants after adjusting for age and sex. This study takes a step forward to compare primary care (PC) utilisation patterns between immigrants and the native population with regard to their morbidity burden. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study looked at 69,067 individuals representing the entire population assigned to three urban PC centres in the city of Zaragoza (Aragon, Spain). Poisson models were applied to determine the number of annual PC consultations per individual based on immigration status. All models were first adjusted for age and sex and then for age, sex and case mix (ACG System®). RESULTS: The age and sex adjusted mean number of total annual consultations was lower among the immigrant population (children: IRR = 0.79, p < 0.05; adults: IRR = 0.73, p < 0.05). After adjusting for morbidity burden, this difference decreased among children (IRR = 0.94, p < 0.05) and disappeared among adults (IRR = 1.00). Further analysis considering the PC health service and type of visit revealed higher usage of routine diagnostic tests among immigrant children (IRR = 1.77, p < 0.05) and a higher usage of emergency services among the immigrant adult population (IRR = 1.2, p < 0.05) after adjusting for age, sex and case mix. CONCLUSIONS: Although immigrants make lower use of PC services than the native population after adjusting the consultation rate for age and sex, these differences decrease significantly when considering their morbidity burden. These results reinforce the 'healthy migration effect' and discount the existence of differences in PC utilisation patterns between the immigrant and native populations in Spain.

Serotipos de neumococo en nasofaringe de niños preescolares sanos tras la vacunación antineumocócica conjugada heptavalente / Nasopharyngeal carriage of pneumococcal serotypes in healthy pre-school aged children after 7-valent pneumococcal vaccine

Fundamento y objetivo: Tras la introducción de la vacuna neumocócica conjugada heptavalente (VNC-7v) se plantea investigar en nuestro medio las características que influyen en la colonización por serotipos de neumococo en niños preescolares sanos, la distribución de serotipos y su sensibilidad a antimicrobianos.Sujetos y método: Entre febrero de 2008 y enero de 2009 se recogieron muestras nasofaríngeas a niños de entre 2 meses y 5 años de edad que acudían a revisiones del niño sano en 4 centros de atención primaria de la provincia de Zaragoza (España) para cultivo y serotipado. Mediante regresión logística se estudiaron diferentes variables relacionadas con el estado de portador y las resistencias.Resultados: De los 371 niños estudiados, un 30,7% portaban neumococo en la nasofaringe. Con una cobertura de VNC-7v del 66%, factores relacionados con el hecho de ser portador fueron el número de hermanos (odds ratio [OR] 1,44; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%] 1,05 a 1,97 por cada hermano), estar escolarizado o asistir a guardería (OR 3,99; IC 95% 2,00 a 7,96), y padecer afección leve de vías respiratorias altas en el momento de la toma (OR 1,72; IC 95% 1,02 a 2,90). Solamente correspondían a serotipos incluidos en la vacuna (STV) un 8,7%. Los serotipos no vacunales más frecuentemente aislados fueron 19A, 6A, 15B, 11 y 15A. Se detectaron significativamente más resistencias a antibióticos entre los STV. Conclusiones: Los niños menores de 6 años de nuestro medio portan neumococos más frecuentemente cuando tienen hermanos, están escolarizados o padecen afecciones leves de vías respiratorias altas. Tras la introducción de la vacuna VNC-7v, los STV son casi anecdóticos (8,7%) y los serotipos emergentes presentan mejor sensibilidad a antibióticos (AU)

Background and objective: To determine the characteristics influencing pneumococcal serotype colonization in healthy pre-school aged children, the distribution of serotypes and their antimicrobial susceptibility, after the introduction of pneumococcal 7-valent conjugate vaccine (VNC-7v). Sujetos and methods: Nasopharyngeal samples were collected from children under 6years of age attending well-child examinations in the province of Zaragoza (Spain). Logistic regression was used to study different variables related to the status of the carriers. Results:Of the 371 children studied 30.7% were found to be carriers. With a vaccine coverage rate of 66%, factors related with presence of pneumococcal carriage were found to be the number of siblings (OR 1.44; CI 95% 1.05-1.97 for each sibling), attending a school or child day care centre (OR 3.99; CI 95% 2.00-7.96) and suffering from a minor upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) (OR 1.72; CI 95% 1.02-2.90). Only 8.7% corresponded to VNC-7v serotypes. The most common non VNC-7v serotypes isolated were 19A, 6A, 15B, 11, and 15A. Significantly greater resistance was detected among VNC-7v serotypes. Conclusion: Children in the setting of this study carried pneumococci more commonly when they have siblings, attend school or day care, or suffer from minor URTI. In the VNC-7v vaccine era, VNC-7v serotypes have become rare occurrences (8.7%) and emerging serotypes present better susceptibility to antibiotics (AU)

Differences in methylphenidate use between immigrants and spaniards in the child population of aragon, Spain: a retrospective study.

The aim of this research is to study the differences in methylphenidate use in children from different ethnic groups in the region of Aragon, Spain. Differences in the use of methylphenidate between both groups of children, immigrants and Spanish nationals, were assessed based on the total number of methylphenidate prescriptions made out for all children in Aragon in 2008 (N = 98 837). We have used defined daily doses and the defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day. Defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day of methylphenidate use was 18.49 in Spanish boys compared with 2.70 in immigrant boys, and 5.48 in Spanish girls versus 0.83 in immigrant girls. All differences between groups were statistically significant (P < .001). This study confirms that methylphenidate use is higher in a local population than in an immigrant population. Western European and North American children show the highest use, followed by Latin Americans and Eastern Europeans.

[Frequency of attending primary care clinics by the immigrant versus autochthonous population]. / Frecuentación de la población inmigrante versus autóctona en atención primaria: ¿quién consume más servicios?

OBJECTIVES: To study the frequency of attendance in primary care of immigrant population compared to autochthonous one. To analyse differences in health services use according to geographical origin. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was carried out. All Family Medicine and Paediatrics consultations were analysed using the electronic medical record. DESIGN: Retrospective descriptive study. We analysed all the medicine and paediatrics appointments data from the electronic medical record. LOCATION: Urban Health Centre, Zaragoza. PARTICIPANTS: All patients with an appointment at the Health Centre during a one year period. INTERVENTION: Is in line with the reference population with health cards by sex and age. Direct standardisation was performed to avoid differences due to different population distribution. MAIN MEASURES: Number of visits annually to the doctor, on the basis of national origin, sex and age. RESULTS: We analysed 110,046 adult consultations (based on a population of 20,675 inhabitants, 20% of immigrants) and 17,647 paediatric consultations (based on 2,452 children, 29% of immigrants). Adjusted annual consultation ratio of Spanish patients was higher than that of the immigrant population (7.1 consultations vs 4.8 in children, and 4.7 vs 2.8 in adults) (P<.001). Adults from Eastern Europe showed the lowest number of consultations (1.6). In emergency consultations in Primary Care, Spanish children consulted more frequently than immigrants, but immigrant adults consulted more frequently than Spanish adults. CONCLUSIONS: Immigrant population consulted primary care services less often compared with the Spanish population. There are notable differences according to geographical origin. This can be explained by better health, better use of healthcare system, and other difficulties in accessibility to health systems.

[Nasopharyngeal carriage of pneumococcal serotypes in healthy pre-school aged children after 7-valent pneumococcal vaccine]. / Serotipos de neumococo en nasofaringe de niños preescolares sanos tras la vacunación antineumocócica conjugada heptavalente.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine the characteristics influencing pneumococcal serotype colonization in healthy pre-school aged children, the distribution of serotypes and their antimicrobial susceptibility, after the introduction of pneumococcal 7-valent conjugate vaccine (VNC-7 v). SUJETOS AND METHODS: Nasopharyngeal samples were collected from children under 6 years of age attending well-child examinations in the province of Zaragoza (Spain). Logistic regression was used to study different variables related to the status of the carriers. RESULTS: Of the 371 children studied 30.7% were found to be carriers. With a vaccine coverage rate of 66%, factors related with presence of pneumococcal carriage were found to be the number of siblings (OR 1.44; CI 95% 1.05-1.97 for each sibling), attending a school or child day care centre (OR 3.99; CI 95% 2.00-7.96) and suffering from a minor upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) (OR 1.72; CI 95% 1.02-2.90). Only 8.7% corresponded to VNC-7 v serotypes. The most common non VNC-7 v serotypes isolated were 19A, 6A, 15B, 11, and 15A. Significantly greater resistance was detected among VNC-7 v serotypes. CONCLUSION: Children in the setting of this study carried pneumococci more commonly when they have siblings, attend school or day care, or suffer from minor URTI. In the VNC-7 v vaccine era, VNC-7 v serotypes have become rare occurrences (8.7%) and emerging serotypes present better susceptibility to antibiotics.

Comparative study of paediatric prescription drug utilization between the Spanish and immigrant population.

BACKGROUND: The immigrant population has increased greatly in Spain in recent years to the point where immigrants made up 12% of the infant population in 2008. There is little information available on the profile of this group with regard to prescription drug utilization in universal public health care systems such as that operating in Spain. This work studies the overall and specific differences in prescription drug utilization between the immigrant and Spanish population. METHODS: Use was made of the Aragonese Health Service databases for 2006. The studied population comprises 159,908 children aged 0-14 years, 13.6% of whom are foreign nationals. Different utilization variables were calculated for each group. Prescription-drug consumption is measured in Defined Daily Doses (DDD) and DDD/1000 persons/day/(DID). RESULTS: A total of 833,223 prescriptions were studied. Utilization is lower for immigrant children than in Spanish children for both DID (66.27 v. 113.67) and average annual expense (euro21.55 v. euro41.14). Immigrant children consume fewer prescription drugs than Spanish children in all of the therapy groups, with the most prescribed (in DID) being: respiratory system, anti-infectives for systemic use, nervous system, sensory organs. Significant differences were observed in relation to the type of drugs and the geographical background of immigrants. CONCLUSION: Prescription drug utilization is much greater in Spanish children than in immigrant children, particularly with reference to bronchodilators (montelukast and terbutaline) and attention-disorder hyperactivity drugs such as methylphenidate. There are important differences regarding drug type and depending on immigrants' geographical backgrounds that suggest there are social, cultural and access factors underlying these disparities.