Oral health in 6-year-old schoolchildren from Berisso, Argentina : falling far short of WHO goals

Objectives: Dental diseases in children have been reduced in recent decades in developed countries, although trends remain unclear in other countries. Oral healthcare in Argentina is based on demand and depends on a patient?s health insurance coverage. The objective of this study was to determine the oral health situation of the population of six-year-olds in Berisso, Buenos Aires province (Argentina). Study design: A cross-sectional observational study was performed on schoolchildren from public and private schools. The following factors were evaluated: DMFT, DMFS, dft, dfs, significant caries (SiC), filled, decayed and missing teeth, and the prevalence of caries in both primary and permanent teeth. Data was recorded concerning malocclusion, ankylosis, dental fluorosis, DDE index modified, urgent healthcare needs, healthcare system use, orthodontic treatments, filling materials, school type and socioeconomic position. Results: The study was carried out on 804 schoolchildren. The overall prevalence of caries was 70% (temporary dentition 67.9%, permanent dentition 16.3%). The dft index was 4.52 for males and 4.77 for females. For males, dfs index scored 8.78 and for females, it scored 9.27. DMFT index was 0.45 for males and 0.51 for females. DMFS index scored 0.68 for males and 0.80 for females. There were differences between socioeconomic groups (employees and manual workers) in DMFT and DMFS indexes. Of the study population, 54% had never been seen by a dentist prior to the study. For children who had visited a dentist, 71% attended state public services. Conclusions: Oral indices in Berisso were worse than in other Argentinean studies and were far from the World Health Organization global goals. There is an urgent need to strengthen the effectiveness of preventive care

Population study of the prevalence of anaemia in the adult population of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Objective. To determine the prevalence and causes of anaemia among adults in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Design. Community-based, cross-sectional, quantitative study, with descriptive and analytic stages. Setting. Study conducted in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Participants. Rigorous selection from randomised sampling, with 3-stage stratification: geographical area, health aspects, and social/economic status. Adults >18 years old. Results and main measurements. Social-economic and nutritional data and blood samples were obtained from each participant. If anaemia was detected, either treatment was given until complete recovery or further studies were conducted until definitive diagnosis was reached. Weight, height, haemoglobin, erythrocytes, haematocrit, transferrin, iron and ferritin levels, daily intake of calories, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, calcium, iron, and vitamin C were measured. One thousand and thirty-six patients out of 1200 selected were analyzed. The prevalence of anemia in adults was 26.3%. Variables such as low social/ economic status, nutritional questions, and frequency of doctor's consultation were associated with risk of anaemia. However, basic unsatisfied needs - a variable consisting of precarious housing and low educational level - , female sex, and living in slums were significant in the multivariate analysis (OR>2.5). Conclusions. One in 4 adults has anaemia, with iron deficiency as the major cause. Anaemia diagnosis is mainly associated with social and gender questions and the area of residence. This information, if used by the State to plan appropriate and focused preventive measures, could benefit not just adults but the entire community that depends on them.Objetivo. Establecer la prevalencia de anemia en población adulta y determinar los factores asociados. Diseño. Estudio poblacional de corte transversal, con etapa descriptiva y analítica. Emplazamiento. Estudio realizado en La Plata, Argentina. Participantes. Muestra aleatoria, con estratificación trietápica considerando área geográfica, aspectos sanitarios y nivel socioeconómico de adultos mayores de 18 años. Resultados y mediciones principales. Encuestas socioeconómica y nutricional, estudios hematológico y sérico. A quienes se detectó anemia, se les aseguró un tratamiento completo o estudios ulteriores hasta el diagnóstico de certeza. Se valoró: peso y talla, hemoglobina, hematíes, hematocrito, ferremia, transferrina, ferritina, ingesta diaria de calorías, hidratos de carbono, lípidos, proteínas, calcio, hierro y vitamina C. Se analizó a 1.136 pacientes de los 1.200 seleccionados. La prevalencia de anemia en adultos fue del 26,3%. Numerosas variables, como nivel socioeconómico, aspectos nutricionales o frecuencia de consulta médica, se asocian al riesgo de anemia. Sin embargo, las necesidades básicas insatisfechas —variable compuesta por vivienda precaria y bajo nivel de instrucción—, sexo femenino y residencia en suburbios mantienen la significación en el análisis multivariable (odd> ratio > 2,5). Conclusiones. Una de cada 4 personas adultas presenta anemia, y la ferropenia es la causa más importante. El diagnóstico de anemia se asoció, predominantemente, a aspectos sociales, el sexo o el área geográfica de residencia. Dicha información, utilizada por el Estado para planificar las medidas preventivas, oportunas y focalizadas, podrá lograr beneficios no sólo en los adultos, sino en toda la comunidad que depende económicamente de ellos.La lista completa de autores del GIS puede consultarse en el archivo.Facultad de Ciencias Médica

Population study of the prevalence of anaemia in the adult population of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Objective. To determine the prevalence and causes of anaemia among adults in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Design. Community-based, cross-sectional, quantitative study, with descriptive and analytic stages. Setting. Study conducted in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Participants. Rigorous selection from randomised sampling, with 3-stage stratification: geographical area, health aspects, and social/economic status. Adults >18 years old. Results and main measurements. Social-economic and nutritional data and blood samples were obtained from each participant. If anaemia was detected, either treatment was given until complete recovery or further studies were conducted until definitive diagnosis was reached. Weight, height, haemoglobin, erythrocytes, haematocrit, transferrin, iron and ferritin levels, daily intake of calories, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, calcium, iron, and vitamin C were measured. One thousand and thirty-six patients out of 1200 selected were analyzed. The prevalence of anemia in adults was 26.3%. Variables such as low social/ economic status, nutritional questions, and frequency of doctor's consultation were associated with risk of anaemia. However, basic unsatisfied needs - a variable consisting of precarious housing and low educational level - , female sex, and living in slums were significant in the multivariate analysis (OR>2.5). Conclusions. One in 4 adults has anaemia, with iron deficiency as the major cause. Anaemia diagnosis is mainly associated with social and gender questions and the area of residence. This information, if used by the State to plan appropriate and focused preventive measures, could benefit not just adults but the entire community that depends on them.Objetivo. Establecer la prevalencia de anemia en población adulta y determinar los factores asociados. Diseño. Estudio poblacional de corte transversal, con etapa descriptiva y analítica. Emplazamiento. Estudio realizado en La Plata, Argentina. Participantes. Muestra aleatoria, con estratificación trietápica considerando área geográfica, aspectos sanitarios y nivel socioeconómico de adultos mayores de 18 años. Resultados y mediciones principales. Encuestas socioeconómica y nutricional, estudios hematológico y sérico. A quienes se detectó anemia, se les aseguró un tratamiento completo o estudios ulteriores hasta el diagnóstico de certeza. Se valoró: peso y talla, hemoglobina, hematíes, hematocrito, ferremia, transferrina, ferritina, ingesta diaria de calorías, hidratos de carbono, lípidos, proteínas, calcio, hierro y vitamina C. Se analizó a 1.136 pacientes de los 1.200 seleccionados. La prevalencia de anemia en adultos fue del 26,3%. Numerosas variables, como nivel socioeconómico, aspectos nutricionales o frecuencia de consulta médica, se asocian al riesgo de anemia. Sin embargo, las necesidades básicas insatisfechas —variable compuesta por vivienda precaria y bajo nivel de instrucción—, sexo femenino y residencia en suburbios mantienen la significación en el análisis multivariable (odd> ratio > 2,5). Conclusiones. Una de cada 4 personas adultas presenta anemia, y la ferropenia es la causa más importante. El diagnóstico de anemia se asoció, predominantemente, a aspectos sociales, el sexo o el área geográfica de residencia. Dicha información, utilizada por el Estado para planificar las medidas preventivas, oportunas y focalizadas, podrá lograr beneficios no sólo en los adultos, sino en toda la comunidad que depende económicamente de ellos.La lista completa de autores del GIS puede consultarse en el archivo.Facultad de Ciencias Médica

Evaluation of the state intervention project to improve quality of life and reduce the complications associated with aging: "Add health to your years"

Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de un programa de promoción de salud y prevención de patologías asociadas al envejecimiento, para evitar complicaciones asociadas y mejorar la calidad de vida en adultos mayores. Metodología: Estudio desarrollado durante 12 meses (años 2006-2007) en 700 adultos mayores de Buenos Aires-Argentina, separados de forma aleatoria en 2 grupos: intervención y control. A todos se les realizaron mediciones pre y postintervención de peso, talla, tensión arterial, colesterol, triglicéridos, glucemia y problemas cardiovasculares (infarto, accidente vascular cerebral), osteoarticulares (fracturas), ingresos hospitalarios y calidad de vida evaluada con la Encuesta-SF12. La intervención consistió en actividad física periódica (bisemanal) destinada a fortalecer grupos musculares que otorgan autonomía de movimientos, así como actividades recreativas, talleres de nutrición y manipulación de alimentos. A cada individuo del grupo intervención se le asignó un estudiante de medicina que semanalmente lo visitó y acompañó en las actividades. El grupo control continuó con actividades habituales. Resultados: El grupo de intervención mostró una reducción significativa en valores de tensión arterial, triglicéridos y colesterol respecto al control. Además, redujo un 31% los eventos cardiovasculares, 18,2% las fracturas de cadera, 21,1% los ingresos hospitalarios por problemas cardiovasculares, osteoarticulares y de salud mental respecto al control. La encuesta de calidad de vida postintervención incrementó un 28,7% las respuestas favorables respecto su registro basal y 33,4% respecto al grupo control. Conclusión: El programa implementado logró reducir los factores de riesgo y las complicaciones asociadas al envejecimiento en el grupo de intervención respecto al control.Objective: This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a Public Health program for the elderly based on health promotion and pathologies prevention, in order to avoid complications associated with illnesses and improves the quality of life (QOL) in elderly adults (EA). Methods: A 12 month intervention studies used 700 EA randomized in 2 groups: intervention and control. Each group was submitted to pre-post intervention measurements that included weight, height, blood pressure (BP), cholesterol, lipids, glycaemia, cardiovascular (infarct, stroke) and bone fractures events, hospitalization, and a QOL survey. Intervention consisted of periodic physical activity to fortify muscular groups, as well as recreational activities, nutritional and food manipulation training visits. A medical student was assigned to each participant from the intervention group to assure periodical contact and to share activities. The control group continued with their normal activities during observational period. Results: The intervention group showed a significant reduction in the BP, lipids and cholesterol values compared to control group. Reduction on cardiovascular events (-31%), hip fractures (-18.2%) and number of hospital admittance (-21.1%) were obtained for group A in relation to B. The QOL survey showed 28.7% improvement for group A compared with 33.4% improvement compared with control group. Conclusion: The health program with exhaustive follow-up administration, significantly reduced risk factors and complications associated with aging.Facultad de Ciencias Médica

Population study of the prevalence of anaemia in the adult population of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Objective. To determine the prevalence and causes of anaemia among adults in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Design. Community-based, cross-sectional, quantitative study, with descriptive and analytic stages. Setting. Study conducted in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Participants. Rigorous selection from randomised sampling, with 3-stage stratification: geographical area, health aspects, and social/economic status. Adults >18 years old. Results and main measurements. Social-economic and nutritional data and blood samples were obtained from each participant. If anaemia was detected, either treatment was given until complete recovery or further studies were conducted until definitive diagnosis was reached. Weight, height, haemoglobin, erythrocytes, haematocrit, transferrin, iron and ferritin levels, daily intake of calories, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, calcium, iron, and vitamin C were measured. One thousand and thirty-six patients out of 1200 selected were analyzed. The prevalence of anemia in adults was 26.3%. Variables such as low social/ economic status, nutritional questions, and frequency of doctor's consultation were associated with risk of anaemia. However, basic unsatisfied needs - a variable consisting of precarious housing and low educational level - , female sex, and living in slums were significant in the multivariate analysis (OR>2.5). Conclusions. One in 4 adults has anaemia, with iron deficiency as the major cause. Anaemia diagnosis is mainly associated with social and gender questions and the area of residence. This information, if used by the State to plan appropriate and focused preventive measures, could benefit not just adults but the entire community that depends on them.Objetivo. Establecer la prevalencia de anemia en población adulta y determinar los factores asociados. Diseño. Estudio poblacional de corte transversal, con etapa descriptiva y analítica. Emplazamiento. Estudio realizado en La Plata, Argentina. Participantes. Muestra aleatoria, con estratificación trietápica considerando área geográfica, aspectos sanitarios y nivel socioeconómico de adultos mayores de 18 años. Resultados y mediciones principales. Encuestas socioeconómica y nutricional, estudios hematológico y sérico. A quienes se detectó anemia, se les aseguró un tratamiento completo o estudios ulteriores hasta el diagnóstico de certeza. Se valoró: peso y talla, hemoglobina, hematíes, hematocrito, ferremia, transferrina, ferritina, ingesta diaria de calorías, hidratos de carbono, lípidos, proteínas, calcio, hierro y vitamina C. Se analizó a 1.136 pacientes de los 1.200 seleccionados. La prevalencia de anemia en adultos fue del 26,3%. Numerosas variables, como nivel socioeconómico, aspectos nutricionales o frecuencia de consulta médica, se asocian al riesgo de anemia. Sin embargo, las necesidades básicas insatisfechas —variable compuesta por vivienda precaria y bajo nivel de instrucción—, sexo femenino y residencia en suburbios mantienen la significación en el análisis multivariable (odd> ratio > 2,5). Conclusiones. Una de cada 4 personas adultas presenta anemia, y la ferropenia es la causa más importante. El diagnóstico de anemia se asoció, predominantemente, a aspectos sociales, el sexo o el área geográfica de residencia. Dicha información, utilizada por el Estado para planificar las medidas preventivas, oportunas y focalizadas, podrá lograr beneficios no sólo en los adultos, sino en toda la comunidad que depende económicamente de ellos.La lista completa de autores del GIS puede consultarse en el archivo.Facultad de Ciencias Médica

Evaluation of the state intervention project to improve quality of life and reduce the complications associated with aging: "Add health to your years"

Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de un programa de promoción de salud y prevención de patologías asociadas al envejecimiento, para evitar complicaciones asociadas y mejorar la calidad de vida en adultos mayores. Metodología: Estudio desarrollado durante 12 meses (años 2006-2007) en 700 adultos mayores de Buenos Aires-Argentina, separados de forma aleatoria en 2 grupos: intervención y control. A todos se les realizaron mediciones pre y postintervención de peso, talla, tensión arterial, colesterol, triglicéridos, glucemia y problemas cardiovasculares (infarto, accidente vascular cerebral), osteoarticulares (fracturas), ingresos hospitalarios y calidad de vida evaluada con la Encuesta-SF12. La intervención consistió en actividad física periódica (bisemanal) destinada a fortalecer grupos musculares que otorgan autonomía de movimientos, así como actividades recreativas, talleres de nutrición y manipulación de alimentos. A cada individuo del grupo intervención se le asignó un estudiante de medicina que semanalmente lo visitó y acompañó en las actividades. El grupo control continuó con actividades habituales. Resultados: El grupo de intervención mostró una reducción significativa en valores de tensión arterial, triglicéridos y colesterol respecto al control. Además, redujo un 31% los eventos cardiovasculares, 18,2% las fracturas de cadera, 21,1% los ingresos hospitalarios por problemas cardiovasculares, osteoarticulares y de salud mental respecto al control. La encuesta de calidad de vida postintervención incrementó un 28,7% las respuestas favorables respecto su registro basal y 33,4% respecto al grupo control. Conclusión: El programa implementado logró reducir los factores de riesgo y las complicaciones asociadas al envejecimiento en el grupo de intervención respecto al control.Objective: This paper evaluates the effectiveness of a Public Health program for the elderly based on health promotion and pathologies prevention, in order to avoid complications associated with illnesses and improves the quality of life (QOL) in elderly adults (EA). Methods: A 12 month intervention studies used 700 EA randomized in 2 groups: intervention and control. Each group was submitted to pre-post intervention measurements that included weight, height, blood pressure (BP), cholesterol, lipids, glycaemia, cardiovascular (infarct, stroke) and bone fractures events, hospitalization, and a QOL survey. Intervention consisted of periodic physical activity to fortify muscular groups, as well as recreational activities, nutritional and food manipulation training visits. A medical student was assigned to each participant from the intervention group to assure periodical contact and to share activities. The control group continued with their normal activities during observational period. Results: The intervention group showed a significant reduction in the BP, lipids and cholesterol values compared to control group. Reduction on cardiovascular events (-31%), hip fractures (-18.2%) and number of hospital admittance (-21.1%) were obtained for group A in relation to B. The QOL survey showed 28.7% improvement for group A compared with 33.4% improvement compared with control group. Conclusion: The health program with exhaustive follow-up administration, significantly reduced risk factors and complications associated with aging.Facultad de Ciencias Médica

Population study of the prevalence of anaemia in the adult population of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Objective. To determine the prevalence and causes of anaemia among adults in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Design. Community-based, cross-sectional, quantitative study, with descriptive and analytic stages. Setting. Study conducted in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Participants. Rigorous selection from randomised sampling, with 3-stage stratification: geographical area, health aspects, and social/economic status. Adults >18 years old. Results and main measurements. Social-economic and nutritional data and blood samples were obtained from each participant. If anaemia was detected, either treatment was given until complete recovery or further studies were conducted until definitive diagnosis was reached. Weight, height, haemoglobin, erythrocytes, haematocrit, transferrin, iron and ferritin levels, daily intake of calories, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, calcium, iron, and vitamin C were measured. One thousand and thirty-six patients out of 1200 selected were analyzed. The prevalence of anemia in adults was 26.3%. Variables such as low social/ economic status, nutritional questions, and frequency of doctor's consultation were associated with risk of anaemia. However, basic unsatisfied needs - a variable consisting of precarious housing and low educational level - , female sex, and living in slums were significant in the multivariate analysis (OR>2.5). Conclusions. One in 4 adults has anaemia, with iron deficiency as the major cause. Anaemia diagnosis is mainly associated with social and gender questions and the area of residence. This information, if used by the State to plan appropriate and focused preventive measures, could benefit not just adults but the entire community that depends on them.Objetivo. Establecer la prevalencia de anemia en población adulta y determinar los factores asociados. Diseño. Estudio poblacional de corte transversal, con etapa descriptiva y analítica. Emplazamiento. Estudio realizado en La Plata, Argentina. Participantes. Muestra aleatoria, con estratificación trietápica considerando área geográfica, aspectos sanitarios y nivel socioeconómico de adultos mayores de 18 años. Resultados y mediciones principales. Encuestas socioeconómica y nutricional, estudios hematológico y sérico. A quienes se detectó anemia, se les aseguró un tratamiento completo o estudios ulteriores hasta el diagnóstico de certeza. Se valoró: peso y talla, hemoglobina, hematíes, hematocrito, ferremia, transferrina, ferritina, ingesta diaria de calorías, hidratos de carbono, lípidos, proteínas, calcio, hierro y vitamina C. Se analizó a 1.136 pacientes de los 1.200 seleccionados. La prevalencia de anemia en adultos fue del 26,3%. Numerosas variables, como nivel socioeconómico, aspectos nutricionales o frecuencia de consulta médica, se asocian al riesgo de anemia. Sin embargo, las necesidades básicas insatisfechas —variable compuesta por vivienda precaria y bajo nivel de instrucción—, sexo femenino y residencia en suburbios mantienen la significación en el análisis multivariable (odd> ratio > 2,5). Conclusiones. Una de cada 4 personas adultas presenta anemia, y la ferropenia es la causa más importante. El diagnóstico de anemia se asoció, predominantemente, a aspectos sociales, el sexo o el área geográfica de residencia. Dicha información, utilizada por el Estado para planificar las medidas preventivas, oportunas y focalizadas, podrá lograr beneficios no sólo en los adultos, sino en toda la comunidad que depende económicamente de ellos.La lista completa de autores del GIS puede consultarse en el archivo.Facultad de Ciencias Médica