Open Access
Individual- and community-level determinants of maternal health service utilization in southern Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis
(SAGE, 2023) Yoseph, Amanuel; Teklesilasie, Wondwosen; Guillén Grima, Francisco; Astatkie, Ayalew; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: Maternal health service utilization decreases maternal morbidity and mortality. However, the existing evidence is inadequate to design effective intervention strategies in Ethiopia. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the utilization of maternal health service and identify its determinants among women of reproductive age in southern Ethiopia. Design: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October 21 to November 11, 2022 on a sample of 1140 women selected randomly from the Northern Zone of the Sidama region. Methods: Data were collected using the Open Data Kit mobile application and exported to Stata version 15 for analysis. We used a multilevel mixed-effects modified Poisson regression with robust standard error to identify determinants of maternal health service utilization. Results: Utilization of antenatal care, health facility delivery, and postnatal care was 52.0% (95% confidence interval: 49.0%, 55.0%), 48.5% (95% confidence interval: 45.6%, 51.4%), and 26.0% (95% confidence interval: 23.0%, 29.0%), respectively. Antenatal care use was associated with receiving model family training (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.19; 95% confidence interval: 1.06, 1.35), knowledge of antenatal care (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.54; 95% confidence interval: 1.31, 1.81), perceived quality of antenatal care (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.02; 95% confidence interval: 1.01, 1.03), and having birth preparedness plan (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.13; 95% confidence interval: 1.02, 1.25). The identified determinants of health facility delivery use were middle wealth rank (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.35; 95% confidence interval: 1.03, 1.77), perceived quality of health facility delivery (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.02; 95% confidence interval: 1.01, 1.03), antenatal care (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.76; 95% confidence interval: 1.36, 2.26), and high community-level women literacy (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.55; 95% confidence interval: 1.10, 2.19). Postnatal care use was associated with facing health problems during postpartum period (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.79; 95% confidence interval: 1.18, 2.72), urban residence (adjusted prevalence ratio: 3.52; 95% confidence interval: 2.15, 5.78), knowledge of postnatal care (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.11; 95% confidence interval: 1.04, 1.19), and low community-level poverty (adjusted prevalence ratio: 0.43; 95% confidence interval: 0.25, 0.73). Conclusion: Maternal health service use was low in the study area and was influenced by individual- and community-level determinants. Any intervention strategies must consider multi-sectorial collaboration to address determinants at different levels. The programs should focus on the provision of model family training, the needs of women who have a poor perception, and knowledge of maternal health service at the individual level.
Open Access
Evaluation of the degradation of materials by exposure to germicide UV-C light through colorimetry, tensile strength and surface microstructure analyses
(Elsevier, 2022) Mitxelena Iribarren, Oihane; Mondragón, Beñat; Pérez Lorenzo, Eva; Smerdou, Cristian; Guillén Grima, Francisco; Sierra-García, J. Enrique; Rodríguez Merino, Fernando; Arana, Sergio; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Due to the COVID19 pandemic, solutions to automate disinfection using UV-C combined with mobile robots are beginning to be explored. It has been proved that the use of these systems highly reduces the risk of contagion. However, its use in real applications is not being as rapid as it needs to be. One of the main market input barriers is the fear of degrading facilities. For this reason, it is crucial to perform a detailed study on the degradation effect of UV-C light on inert materials. This experimental study proves that, considering exposition times equivalent to several work years in hospital rooms, only the appearance of the material is affected, but not their mechanical functionalities. This relevant result could contribute to accelerate the deployment of these beneficial disinfection technologies. For that purpose, a colorimetry test, tensile strength test, and analysis of the surface microstructure were carried out. The results showed that polymers tend to turn yellow, while fabrics lose intensity depending on the color. Red is hardly affected by UV-C, but blue and green are. Thus, this study contributes to the identification of the best materials and colors to be used in rooms subjected to disinfection processes. In addition, it is shown how the surface microstructure of the materials is altered in most of the materials, but not the tensile strength of the fabrics.
Open Access
The influence of gender and atopy in the relationship between obesity and asthma in childhood
(Elsevier, 2017-01-24) Álvarez Zallo, Noelia; Aguinaga Ontoso, Inés; Álvarez Álvarez, Ismael; Guillén Grima, Francisco; Azcona San Julián, María Cristina; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Background: the objective of the study was to examine the relationship between asthma and overweight¿obesity in Spanish children and adolescents and to determine whether this relationship was affected by gender and atopy. Methods: the study involves 8607 Spanish children and adolescents from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood phase III. Unconditional logistic regression was used to obtain adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the association between asthma symptoms and overweight-obesity in the two groups. Afterwards, it was stratified by sex and rhinoconjunctivitis. Results: the prevalence of overweight and obesity in 6-7-year-old children was 18.6% and 5.2% respectively and in 13-14 year-old teenagers was 11.4% and 1.1% respectively. Only the obese children, not the overweight children, of the 6-7 year old group had a higher risk of any asthma symptoms (wheezing ever: OR 1.68 [1.15-2.47], asthma ever: OR 2.29 [1.43-3.68], current asthma 2.56 [1.54-4.28], severe asthma 3.18 [1.50-6.73], exercise-induced asthma 2.71 [1.45-5.05]). The obese girls had an increased risk of suffering any asthma symptoms (wheezing ever: OR 1.73 [1.05-2.91], asthma ever: OR 3.12 [1.67-5.82], current asthma 3.20 [1.65-6.19], severe asthma 4.83[1.94-12.04], exercise-induced asthma 3.68 [1.67-8.08]). The obese children without rhinoconjunctivitis had a higher risk of asthma symptoms. Conclusions: obesity and asthma symptoms were associated in 6-7 year-old children but not in 13-14 year-old teenagers. The association was stronger in non-atopic children and obese girls.
Open Access
Influence of the Mediterranean diet during pregnancy in the development of wheezing and eczema in infants in Pamplona, Spain
(Codon Publications, 2017-06-17) Álvarez Zallo, Noelia; Aguinaga Ontoso, Inés; Álvarez Álvarez, Ismael; Marín Fernández, Blanca; Guillén Grima, Francisco; Azcona San Julián, María Cristina; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
Background: this study examined the relationship between different food groups and the adherence to a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy and the risk of wheezing and eczema in children aged 12-15 months. Methods: the study involves 1087 Spanish infants from the International Study of Wheezing in Infants (Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes, EISL). The study of the association of the different food consumption and Mediterranean diet with wheezing, recurrent wheezing and eczema was performed using different models of unconditional logistic regression to obtain adjusted prevalence odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: no association was found between a good adherence to the Mediterranean diet during pregnancy and the development of wheezing (p=0.372), recurrent wheezing (p=0.118) and eczema (p=0.315). The consumption once or twice a week of white fish (OR: 1.95[1.01-3.75]), cooked potatoes (OR: 1.75[1.22-2.51]) and industrial pastry (OR: 1.59[1.13-2.24]), and the consumption more than three times a week of industrial pastry (OR: 1.47 [1.01-2.13]) during pregnancy increases the risk of "wheezing" at 12 months. Instead, high fruit consumption during the pregnancy has a protective effect against "wheezing" in 12-month-old infants (OR: 0.44 [0.20-0.99]). No statistically significant differences were observed between food intake during pregnancy and "recurrent wheezing". No statistically significant differences were observed between the consumption of any food during pregnancy and the presence of eczema at 12 months. Conclusions: the present study showed that the consumption of Mediterranean diet during pregnancy did not have a protective effect for wheezing, recurrent wheezing or eczema.
Open Access
Influence of type of uniform and days of usage in microbiological contamination of nurses uniform in a university hospital
(BioMed Central, 2011) Guillén Grima, Francisco; Aguinaga Pérez, A.; Núñez Córdoba, J.; Sara, C.; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Nurse uniforms can act as a reservoir of infections, with the areas around the pockets, cuffs and aprons the most contaminated. The aim of this study is compare the contamination of Standard nurse’s uniform consisted of a dress, pinafore apron with the “scrub dress” type of uniform, as well as to measure the influence of the number of shifts as uniform was used in its contamination.
Open Access
Production of vegetables and artichokes is associated with lower cardiovascular mortality: an ecological study
(MDPI, 2020) Arnedo Pena, Alberto; Puig Barberà, Joan; Bellido Blasco, Juan; Romeu García, María Ángeles; Guillén Grima, Francisco; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD), including cerebrovascular disease (CED) and ischaemic heart disease (IHD), was considerably different in eight municipalities of the province of Castellón, Community of Valencia (Spain) during the period of 1991–2011. In addition, these villages showed differences in agricultural practices and production. Since high vegetable consumption has been linked to decreased all-cause, CVD, and CED mortalities, we hypothesized that the diversity in vegetable and artichoke production, used as proxies for their consumption, could be associated with the diversity of mortality rates. In order to test our hypothesis, we estimated the smoothed standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) of CVD, CED, and IHD mortalities and a directed, age-adjusted mortality rate (AMR). We used a multilevel linear regression analysis to account for the ecological nature of our study. After adjustment, the CVD and CED SMRs were inversely associated with vegetable and artichoke production, with a reduction in SMRs for CVD: −0.19 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] −0.31 to −0.07) and −0.42 (95% CI −0.70 to −0.15) per hectare/103 inhabitants, respectively. The SMRs for CED also decreased: −0.68 (95% CI −1.61 to −0.19) and −1.47 (95% CI −2.57 to −0.36) per hectare/103 inhabitants, respectively. The SMRs for IHD were not associated with vegetal and artichoke production. When the directed AMR was used, CED mortality was consistent with the previous results, whereas the CVD mortality association was lost. Our results indicate that vegetable and artichoke production may act as protective factors of CED and CVD mortalities.
Open Access
Atopic dermatitis and indoor use of energy sources in cooking and heating appliances
(BioMed Central, 2012) Vicedo Cabrera, Ana M.; García Marcos, Luís; Llopis González, Agustín; López Silvarrey Varela, Ángel; Miner Canflanca, Izaskun; Batlles Garrido, José; Blanco Quirós, Alfredo; Busquets Monge, Rosa María; Díaz Vazquez, Carlos; González Díaz, Carlos; Martínez Gimeno, Antonio; Guillén Grima, Francisco; Arnedo Pena, Alberto; Morales Suárez Varela, María; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) prevalence has considerably increased worldwide in recent years. Studying indoor environments is particularly relevant, especially in industrialised countries where many people spend 80% of their time at home, particularly children. This study is aimed to identify the potential association between AD and the energy source (biomass, gas and electricity) used for cooking and domestic heating in a Spanish schoolchildren population. Methods: As part of the ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) phase III study, a cross-sectional population-based survey was conducted with 21,355 6-to-7-year-old children from 8 Spanish ISAAC centres. AD prevalence, environmental risk factors and the use of domestic heating/cooking devices were assessed using the validated ISAAC questionnaire. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (cOR, aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained. A logistic regression analysis was performed (Chi-square test, p-value < 0.05). Results: It was found that the use of biomass systems gave the highest cORs, but only electric cookers showed a significant cOR of 1.14 (95% CI: 1.01-1.27). When the geographical area and the mother’s educational level were included in the logistic model, the obtained aOR values differed moderately from the initial cORs. Electric heating was the only type which obtained a significant aOR (1.13; 95% CI: 1.00-1.27). Finally, the model with all selected confounding variables (sex, BMI, number of siblings, mother’s educational level, smoking habits of parents, truck traffic and geographical area), showed aOR values which were very similar to those obtained in the previous adjusted logistic analysis. None of the results was statistically significant, but the use of electric heating showed an aOR close to significance (1.14; 95% CI: 0.99-1.31). Conclusion: In our study population, no statistically significant associations were found between the type of indoor energy sources used and the presence of AD.
Open Access
Factores asociados al asma en los niños y adolescentes de la zona rural de Navarra (España)
(Elsevier, 2018) Elizalde Beiras, Itsaso; Guillén Grima, Francisco; Aguinaga Ontoso, Inés; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Objetivos: Conocer los factores asociados al asma y síntomas relacionados con asma en la población infantil y adolescente en la zona rural de Navarra (España) a través de la validación del cuestionario ISAAC. Participantes y métodos: Estudio transversal mediante la realización del cuestionario ISAAC y variables adicionales por 797 niños y adolescentes, a través del cual se obtuvieron datos de prevalencia sobre síntomas de asma y factores asociados sin realizar ninguna prueba diagnóstica adicional. Emplazamiento: Marco de atención primaria. A través de las zonas básicas de salud se hizo la selección de la muestra y en los centros educativos de dichas zonas se realizó el cuestionario. Mediciones y resultados: El análisis estadístico se hizo a través de regresión logística, chi cuadrado e intervalo de confianza al 95%. La prevalencia asma referida es del 11,7% en niños y del 13,4% en adolescentes. En cuanto a los factores relacionados, según los valores de OR destacan: OR = 9,5 entre sibilancias y asma, y OR = 3,5 entre rinitis recientes y asma. Respecto a las sibilancias recientes, hallamos un OR = 11,5 entre despertares y sibilancias recientes, y un OR = 3,4 entre rinitis recientes y sibilancias recientes. Conclusiones: El asma referida es una enfermedad prevalente ligeramente superior en la adolescencia y la población femenina de los escolares de la zona rural. Rinitis y otros síntomas de asma están relacionados con el asma y con las sibilancias, así como la utilización de los servicios de urgencias en el caso del asma y la bronquitis con las sibilancias.
Open Access
Accelerated bacterial identification with MALDI-TOF MS leads to fewer diagnostic tests and cost savings
(MDPI, 2024-12-02) Uzuriaga, Miriam; Guillén Grima, Francisco; Rua, Marta; Leiva, José; Yuste, José R.; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Introduction: Rapid microbiology reporting can enhance both clinical and economic outcomes. Material and Methods: This three-year, quasi-experimental study, single-group pretest¿posttest study, conducted at a university medical center, aimed to evaluate the clinical and economic impact of rapid microbiological identification reporting using MALDI-TOF MS. A total of 363 consecutive hospitalized patients with bacterial infections were evaluated, comparing a historical control group (CG, n = 183) with an intervention group (IG, n = 180). In the CG, microbiological information (bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility) was provided between 18:00 and 22:00 h, while in the IG, bacterial identification was reported between 12:00 and 14:00 h, and antibiotic susceptibility was reported between 18:00 and 22:00 h. Results: The IG demonstrated a significant reduction in the number of patients undergoing Microbiology (p = 0.01), Biochemistry (p = 0.05), C-Reactive Protein (p = 0.02), Radiological Tests (p = 0.05), Computed Tomography Tests (p = 0.04), and Pathology (p = 0.01). However, no statistically significant reduction was observed in economic costs related to microbiological testing (p = 0.76) or antibiotic consumption (p = 0.59). The timely reporting of microbiological identification to clinicians resulted in fewer patients undergoing additional diagnostic tests, ultimately contributing to reduced healthcare resource utilization without adversely affecting clinical outcomes.
Open Access
Validation study of a Spanish version of the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (STICS-m)
(Elsevier, 2018) Muñoz-García, Mariana; Cervantes, Sebastián; Razquin, Cristina; Guillén Grima, Francisco; Toledo, Juan B.; Martínez González, Miguel Ángel; Toledo, Estefanía; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Objetivo: Estudiar la correlación de la Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status modificada en español(STICS-m) con el Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) y predecir la capacidad de la primera para detectar el desarrollo de demencia. Método: Ciento seis sujetos de un estudio de intervención dietética fueron evaluados personalmente con el MMSE y por teléfono con la STICS-m. La correlación entre ambos se midió con el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (CCI) de consistencia. Además, 932 participantes mayores de 55 años de la cohorte 'Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra' fueron evaluados con la STICS-m. Durante una mediana de seguimiento de 6,5 años, se recogió información sobre el desarrollo de demencia. Mediante regresión logística se estudió la asociación entre la puntuación de la STICS-m o el cambio a 2 años en la puntuación y el riesgo de desarrollar demencia, ajustando por apolipoproteína E, edad y años de educación universitaria. Resultados: El CCI entre el MMSE y la STICS-m fue de 0,31 (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]:0,13-0,48). La odds ratio (OR) ajustada para el desarrollo de demencia para cada punto adicional en la puntuación basal de la STICS-m fue de 0,85 (IC95%: 0,72-1,02; p = 0,084). Al considerar el cambio en la puntuación a los 2 años como variable independiente, la OR fue de 0,79 (IC95%: 0,67-0,93; p = 0,006).