El pterigión: más allá de los aspectos médicos / Pterygium: going beyond the medical aspects

Se realizó un estudio exploratorio acerca de los aspectos ambientales, económicos, psicológicos y sociales relacionados con el pterigión, con el objetivo de realizar un análisis integral del tema que nos permita comprenderlo en toda su amplitud y elevar la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Se llegó a las siguientes conclusiones: la distribución geográfica del pterigión se encuentra íntimamente relacionada con las características ambientales, el costo del diagnóstico y tratamiento del pterigión apunta en los próximos años a la mayor presencia de la gratuidad de los servicios, la continua información por todas las vías acerca de la Misión milagro, y por tanto de todo el proceso salud-enfermedad del pterigión, influye notoriamente en la toma de decisiones de nuestros pacientes. Los elementos psicológicos de imagen, autoimagen y nivel de frustración son aspectos que deben tenerse en cuenta para el análisis integral del pterigión. La ocupación laboral y las características del medio ambiente resultan determinantes en la implementación de estrategias de promoción y prevención de salud efectivas, atendiendo a zonas y grupos de riesgo(AU)

An exploratory study was conducted about the environmental, economic, psychological and Social aspects related to pterygium, with the objective of making a comprehensive analysis of this topic that allows us to fully understand it and raise the quality of life of those patients suffering this disorder. The following conclusions were drawn> the geographical distribution of pterygium is closely related to the environmental characteristics, the cost of diagnosis and treatment of this disease points to an extension of free services in the coming years; the ongoing information using all the possible channels about Miracle Mission and the whole health-disease process of pterygium has a remarkable impact on the decision-making process of our patients. The psychological elements of image, self-image and level of frustration are aspects to be taken into consideration for the comprehensive analysis of this disease. Occupation and the characteristics of the environment are determining factors in the implementation of effective health promotion and prevention strategies according to risky areas and risk groups(AU)

El pterigión: más allá de los aspectos médicos / Pterygium: going beyond the medical aspects

Se realizó un estudio exploratorio acerca de los aspectos ambientales, económicos, psicológicos y sociales relacionados con el pterigión, con el objetivo de realizar un análisis integral del tema que nos permita comprenderlo en toda su amplitud y elevar la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Se llegó a las siguientes conclusiones: la distribución geográfica del pterigión se encuentra íntimamente relacionada con las características ambientales, el costo del diagnóstico y tratamiento del pterigión apunta en los próximos años a la mayor presencia de la gratuidad de los servicios, la continua información por todas las vías acerca de la Misión milagro, y por tanto de todo el proceso salud-enfermedad del pterigión, influye notoriamente en la toma de decisiones de nuestros pacientes. Los elementos psicológicos de imagen, autoimagen y nivel de frustración son aspectos que deben tenerse en cuenta para el análisis integral del pterigión. La ocupación laboral y las características del medio ambiente resultan determinantes en la implementación de estrategias de promoción y prevención de salud efectivas, atendiendo a zonas y grupos de riesgo.

An exploratory study was conducted about the environmental, economic, psychological and Social aspects related to pterygium, with the objective of making a comprehensive analysis of this topic that allows us to fully understand it and raise the quality of life of those patients suffering this disorder. The following conclusions were drawn> the geographical distribution of pterygium is closely related to the environmental characteristics, the cost of diagnosis and treatment of this disease points to an extension of free services in the coming years; the ongoing information using all the possible channels about Miracle Mission and the whole health-disease process of pterygium has a remarkable impact on the decision-making process of our patients. The psychological elements of image, self-image and level of frustration are aspects to be taken into consideration for the comprehensive analysis of this disease. Occupation and the characteristics of the environment are determining factors in the implementation of effective health promotion and prevention strategies according to risky areas and risk groups.

Pterygium in Australia: a cost of illness study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this report was to describe the number of Australians affected by pterygium in recent years, treatment options, number of treatment encounters and costs of treatment. METHOD: A review of published literature was conducted to identify the prevalence of pterygium in Australian populations. Costs of primary care were based on national general practitioner (GP) survey data. Costs of surgical intervention were based on Health Insurance Commission claims data and Australian Institute of Health and Welfare National Hospital Morbidity Data. RESULTS: Pterygium occurs in 1.1% of Australians. It is more prevalent in populations with higher exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and older men (occurring in 12% of males over 60 years). The estimated annual number of GP contacts was 58,900. Forty per cent of primary care contacts for pterygium were referred to an ophthalmologist and topical medication was prescribed by GPs in 32% of contacts. The estimated annual cost of GP visits, specialist visits and topical medication was AUD$3.2 m. There were 6997 claims for pterygium removal in 1999/2000 with 3192 conjunctival autografts. Rates of pterygium removal were highest in Queensland with 56 per 100,000 population. The annual costs of surgical intervention were estimated at AUD$4.8 m. CONCLUSIONS: The direct medical costs of pterygium in Australia are AUD$8.3 m annually. This is likely to be an underestimate of total cost because indirect costs such as loss of work time could not be measured. More data are needed on the long-term benefits of pterygium intervention.