Level of Eye Care Among Eye Care Providers Themselves.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of eye disease and frequency of eye examinations among eye care providers themselves. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, an anonymous questionnaire was used to evaluate occurrence of eye disease and frequency of eye examinations among eye care providers including the clinicians (ophthalmologists, ophthalmology residents, and optometrists) as well as the support staff (ophthalmic technicians and eye clinic administrative staff). RESULTS: The survey response rate was 98 of 173 (56.6%) including 50 ophthalmic technicians, 27 ophthalmologists, 7 ophthalmology residents, 6 optometrists, and 8 eye clinic administrative staff members. The most common reported ocular condition was dry eye disease (36.7%). Myopia and hyperopia were present in 60 (61.2%) and 13 (13.3%), respectively. Myopia was significantly more prevalent among the clinicians (75.0%) than in the support staff (51.7%, P =0.02). The most recent eye examination was within the past year in 42 (42.9%), 1 to 2 years in 28 (28.6%), 3 to 5 years in 14 (14.3%), and over 5 years in 10 (10.2%). Four (4.1%) had never had an eye examination before. The number of eye examinations received was significantly higher in the support staff compared with the clinicians for the past one year (0.86±0.74 vs 0.43±0.59, respectively, P =0.003) and the past five years (2.81±2.08 vs 1.75±1.78, respectively, P =0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Dry eye disease and myopia are common among eye care providers. A significant portion of eye care providers do not have regular eye examinations for themselves.

Estudio de prevalencia de automedicación en niños que consultan por infección respiratoria aguda y enfermedad diarreica aguda a una clínica universitaria / Self Medication Prevalence in Child's who Consult for Respiratory Tract Diseases and Acute Diarrheal Disease to Clínica Universidad de la Sabana

RESUMEN Objetivo: La automedicación en niños tiene una prevalência mundial del 50 %. La enfermedad diarreica aguda y la infección del tracto respiratorio son enfermedades prevalentes de la infancia, y se ven afectadas por esta práctica. El objetivo fue establecer la prevalencia de automedicación en niños que consultan a un servicio de pediatría y explorar posibles factores asociados. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal. Se incluyeron niños que consultaron por infección respiratoria aguda y/o enfermedad diarreica aguda. Se desarrolló un instrumento (encuesta) para la recolección de la información. Con el objetivo de explorar los posibles factores asociados con la automedicación se realizaron análisis bivariados y se construyó un modelo de regresión logística. Se estimó como medida de efecto el OR con su intervalo de confianza. Se estableció el valor de significancia estadística con un valor de p< 0,05. Resultados: Se incluyeron 300 menores. La prevalencia de automedicación fue del 46 %. Los medicamentos más usados fueron el acetaminofén (78 %) y el ibuprofeno (15 %). Se encontró posible asociación de la automedicación con el antecedente de previo de automedicación y la edad del niño. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de automedicación es alta y similar a la encontrada en la literatura. Los posibles factores asociados a la automedicación en niños son la experiencia previa de automedicación y la edad del niño. Desde la atención primaria se deben realizar campañas educativas a la población de los riesgos de la automedicación.

ABSTRACT Objective: Self-medication in children has a worldwide prevalence of 50%. Acute diarrheal disease and respiratory tract infection are prevalent childhood diseases and are affected by this practice. The objective was established the prevalence of self-medication in children who consult a pediatric service and explore possible associated factors. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, children who consulted for acute respiratory disease or acute diarrheal disease were included. An instrument for information collection was developed and applied. In order to explore the possible risk factors associated with self-medication, bivariate analyzes were performed and a logistic regression model was constructed. The OR with its confidence interval was estimated as an effect measure. The statistical significance value was established with a value of p <0.05. Results: 300 children were included. The prevalence of self-medication was 46 %. The most used medications were acetaminophen (78 %) and ibuprofen (15 %). Association of self-medication was found with the history of prior self-medication and the child's age. Conclusions: The prevalence of self-medication is high and like that found in the literature. Possible associated factors are previous self-medication experience and the child's age. From primary care it is appropriate to carry out educational campaigns to the population of the risks of self-medication.