Ambulatory care sensitive conditions hospitalization for emergencies rates in Colombia

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the emergency hospitalizations trend for ambulatory care sensitive conditions between 2011 and 2015 in a health insureance company of the Colombian Social Security General System. METHODS: A log-linear analysis based on age-adjusted hospitalization rates for ambulatory care sensitive conditions in the Entidad Promotora de Salud Sanitas was used to estimate the annual percentage change in these rates and to identify joinponts of the rates. Data was collected from administrative sources. RESULTS: There were 38,530 hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions in 26,501 Entidad Promotora de Salud Sanitas enrollees, with a significant decrease in hospitalization rates. The annual percentage change estimated for the period was -9.5% with no significant joinpoints throughout the time interval. CONCLUSIONS: A significant reduction in hospital admissions due to ambulatory care sensitive conditions in Entidad Promotora de Salud Sanitas enrollees were reported for the last five years in this study

Autoantibodies against type I IFNs in patients with life-threatening COVID-19

Interindividual clinical variability in the course of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is vast. We report that at least 101 of 987 patients with life-threatening coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia had neutralizing immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies (auto-Abs) against interferon-w (IFN-w) (13 patients), against the 13 types of IFN-a (36), or against both (52) at the onset of critical disease; a few also had auto-Abs against the other three type I IFNs. The auto-Abs neutralize the ability of the corresponding type I IFNs to block SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro. These auto-Abs were not found in 663 individuals with asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection and were present in only 4 of 1227 healthy individuals. Patients with auto-Abs were aged 25 to 87 years and 95 of the 101 were men. A B cell autoimmune phenocopy of inborn errors of type I IFN immunity accounts for life-threatening COVID-19 pneumonia in at least 2.6% of women and 12.5% of men

4to. Congreso Internacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación para la Sociedad. Memoria académica

Este volumen acoge la memoria académica de la Cuarta edición del Congreso Internacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación para la Sociedad, CITIS 2017, desarrollado entre el 29 de noviembre y el 1 de diciembre de 2017 y organizado por la Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (UPS) en su sede de Guayaquil. El Congreso ofreció un espacio para la presentación, difusión e intercambio de importantes investigaciones nacionales e internacionales ante la comunidad universitaria que se dio cita en el encuentro. El uso de herramientas tecnológicas para la gestión de los trabajos de investigación como la plataforma Open Conference Systems y la web de presentación del Congreso http://citis.blog.ups.edu.ec/, hicieron de CITIS 2017 un verdadero referente entre los congresos que se desarrollaron en el país. La preocupación de nuestra Universidad, de presentar espacios que ayuden a generar nuevos y mejores cambios en la dimensión humana y social de nuestro entorno, hace que se persiga en cada edición del evento la presentación de trabajos con calidad creciente en cuanto a su producción científica. Quienes estuvimos al frente de la organización, dejamos plasmado en estas memorias académicas el intenso y prolífico trabajo de los días de realización del Congreso Internacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación para la Sociedad al alcance de todos y todas

Quality of life by proxy and mortality in institutionalized older adults with dementia

Aim: This study aimed at analyzing the effect of quality of life (QoL) on mortality in older adults with dementia living in long-term care facilities. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was carried out on 412 residents aged older than 60 years, diagnosed with dementia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition. Besides assessment of QoL (EQ-5D index by proxy) and perceived health status (EQ-VAS), baseline measurements included severity of dementia (Clinical Dementia Rating Scale [CDR]), comorbidity (number of self-reported chronic conditions), disability evaluation (Barthel Index), cognitive state (Mini Examen Cognoscitivo, a validated and modified Spanish version of the Mini-Mental State Examination) and depression (Cornell Depression Scale for Dementia). Sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed as potential effect modifiers and confounders in the relationship between QoL and mortality using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: After an 18-month follow up, 138 residents had died. Adjusting for CDR and Barthel Index, the odds of mortality were multiplied by 0.25 (95% CI 0.09-0.70) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.26-2.42) for every unit of change in the EQ-5D index in the residents with Cornell score <6 and ≥6, respectively. Conclusion: The present study suggests that the effect of QoL on mortality in institutionalized adults with dementia should take into account the presence or absence of depression. In addition, residents with a greater disability and more advanced dementia should be a target for interventions in rehabilitation care

Self-perceived health and quality of life by activity status in community-dwelling older adults

Geriatrics & Gerontology International, VOLUMEN: 14, Nº 2, Pág. inicial: 464 Pág. final: 473 FECHA: 2014Aim: The present study aimed at analyzing whether activity status is associated with self-perceived health status and quality of life (QoL) in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: We used a cross-sectional design based on a semi-structured QoL questionnaire in a representative sample of 1106 community-dwelling adults aged 60 years and older in Spain. Logistic regression models were used to explain the association of activity status with self-perceived health status and QoL, assessed by means of the EQ-5D-3L index, controlling for the influence of sociodemographic, social and support network variables, and health indicators. Results: The mean age ± standard deviation was 72.1 ± 7.8 years. For the activity status, 8.5% were working people, 53.7% retirees, 30.6% homemakers and 7.2% pensioners. All homemakers and 93.6% pensioners were women. In the model to assess perceived health status, when controlling for sociodemographic, social and support network variables, we found that working people rated their health better than the retired group. In this model, pensioners rated their health status worst, whereas homemakers did not show any significant difference compared with the retired group. However, there were no differences in the model of QoL by activity status. Conclusion: Activity status was associated with self-perceived health status, but not with QoL. This study draws attention to the need of considering the activity of older adults for actions aimed at maintaining and improving their health.Peer reviewe

Determinantes de adherencia a presión positiva continua de la vía aérea en adultos con apnea del sueño

Objectives Adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) determines the effectiveness of the treatment. Likewise, the assessment of the control of the disease must consider the information referred by the patient, among other value-based health measures related to the satisfaction of the intervention. The objectives of this study were a) Determine the factors related to adherence to CPAP devices in subjects with OSA affiliated to an insurance company of the healthcare system in Colombia. b) Assess symptom control associated to the disease from the individual ́s perspective and his/her satisfaction with the treatment received. Materials and Methods 1,501 subjects with OSA were surveyed by telephone to explore: sociodemographic factors, habits and lifestyles, use of CPAP and its adverse events, control of the disease, comorbidities, access to care and therapy satisfaction. Using multilevel logistic regression techniques, the influence of the various factors on adherence to CPAP was analyzed, using Stata 13 software. Results Adherence to CPAP therapy was of 58% and the control of symptoms was of 41.7%. The factors that determined the use of CPAP were knowledge on how the device operates, and the disturbances during sleep due to the mask or nasal pad. Therapy satisfaction was predominantly very good or good. Conclusion Even with moderate adherence values and a good experience with CPAP therapy, symptomatic control of the disease is poor. Many of the factors that affect the use of CPAP are modifiable with a proper approach by the devices ́ service provider.Objetivos La adherencia a los dispositivos de presión positiva continua de la vía aérea (CPAP) en pacientes con síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño (SAOS) define la efectividad del tratamiento. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron: a) Determinar los factores relacionados con la adherencia al CPAP en pacientes con SAOS de una aseguradora del Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud colombiano y b) evaluar el control de los síntomas de la enfermedad desde la perspectiva del individuo y su satisfacción con la terapia. Materiales y Métodos Mediante encuesta telefónica a 1 501 pacientes con SAOS se exploraron factores sociodemográficos, hábitos y estilos de vida, uso del CPAP y eventos adversos relacionados, control de la enfermedad, comorbilidad, acceso a la atención y satisfacción con la terapia. Utilizando técnicas de regresión logística multinivel, se analizó la influencia de los distintos factores sobre la adherencia al CPAP mediante el software Stata 13. Resultados La adherencia al CPAP fue del 58% y el control de los síntomas del 41,7%. Los factores que determinaron el uso del CPAP fueron el conocimiento del funcionamiento del equipo y la dificultad para dormir debida a la mascarilla o la almohadilla nasal. La satisfacción con la terapia fue buena o muy buena predominantemente. Conclusiones Aún con valores de adherencia moderados y una buena experiencia con la terapia CPAP, el control sintomático de la enfermedad es pobre, pues varios de los factores afectan el uso del CPAP. Dichos factores se pueden intervenir con un adecuado abordaje por parte del prestador de servicios del dispositivo

Ambulatory care sensitive conditions hospitalization for emergencies rates in Colombia

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the emergency hospitalizations trend for ambulatory care sensitive conditions between 2011 and 2015 in a health insureance company of the Colombian Social Security General System. METHODS A log-linear analysis based on age-adjusted hospitalization rates for ambulatory care sensitive conditions in the Entidad Promotora de Salud Sanitas was used to estimate the annual percentage change in these rates and to identify joinponts of the rates. Data was collected from administrative sources. RESULTS There were 38,530 hospitalizations for ambulatory care sensitive conditions in 26,501 Entidad Promotora de Salud Sanitas enrollees, with a significant decrease in hospitalization rates. The annual percentage change estimated for the period was -9.5% with no significant joinpoints throughout the time interval. CONCLUSIONS A significant reduction in hospital admissions due to ambulatory care sensitive conditions in Entidad Promotora de Salud Sanitas enrollees were reported for the last five years in this study

Self-perceived health status, gender, and work status

This study analyzes the relationship between gender and self-perceived health status in Spanish retirees and housewives from a sample of 1,106 community-dwelling older adults. A multivariate linear regression model was used in which self-perceived health status was measured by the EQ-5D visual analogue scale and gender according to work status (retired men and women and housewives). Retired males reported a significantly better health status than housewives. Self-perceived health status was closely associated with physical, mental, and functional health and leisure activities. Finally, being a woman with complete dedication to domestic work is associated with a worse state of self-perceived health.This study was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (National R&D&I Plan [grant numbers ref. SEJ2006-15122-C02-00]). Dr. Forjaz had full access to all the data in the study and takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysi

Cost–utility analysis of a palliative care program in Colombia

Abstract Background The economic assessment of health care models in palliative care promotes their global development. The purpose of the study is to assess the cost-effectiveness of a palliative care program (named Contigo) with that of conventional care from the perspective of a health benefit plan administrator company, Sanitas, in Colombia. Methods The incremental cost-utility ratio (ICUR) and the incremental net monetary benefit (INMB) were estimated using micro-costing in a retrospective, analytical cross-sectional study on the care of terminally ill patients enrolled in a palliative care program. A 6-month time horizon prior to death was used. The EQ-5D-3 L questionnaire (EQ-5D-3 L) and the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL) were used to measure the quality of life. Results The study included 43 patients managed within the program and 16 patients who received conventional medical management. The program was less expensive than the conventional practice (difference of 1,924.35 US dollars (USD), P = 0.18). When compared to the last 15 days, there is a higher perception of quality of life, which yielded 0.25 in the EQ-5D-3 L (p < 0.01) and 1.55 in the MQOL (P < 0.01). The ICUR was negative and the INMB was positive. Conclusion Because the Contigo program reduces costs while improving quality of life, it is considered to be net cost-saving and a model with value in health care. Greater availability of palliative care programs, such as Contigo, in Colombia can help reduce existing gaps in access to universal palliative care health coverage, resulting in more cost-effective care