Open Access
Prevalencia y evolución temporal de síntomas de asma en España. Estudio Global Asthma Network (GAN)
(Asociación Española de Pediatría, 2022) Bercedo Sanz, Alberto; Martínez-Torres, Antonela; González Díaz, Carlos; López Silvarrey Varela, Ángel; Pellegrini Belinchón, Francisco Javier; Aguinaga Ontoso, Inés; García Marcos, Luís; Grupo GAN Espana; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Introduction: the temporal evolution of the prevalence of asthma described in the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) in 2002 is unknown, or if the geographical or age differences are maintained in Spain. Objective: to describe the prevalence of asthma symptoms in different Spanish geographical areas and compare it with that of those centers that participated in the ISAAC. Methods: cross-sectional study of asthma prevalence, carried out in 2016-2019 with 19,943 adolescents aged 13-14 years and 17,215 schoolchildren aged 6-7 years from six Spanish geographical areas (Cartagena, Bilbao, Cantabria, La Coruña, Pamplona and Salamanca). Asthma symptoms were collected using a written questionnaire and video questionnaire according to the Global Asthma Network (GAN) protocol. Results: the prevalence of recent wheezing (last 12 months) was 15.3% at 13-14 years and 10.4% at 6-7 years, with variations in adolescents, from 19% in Bilbao to 10.2% in Cartagena; and in schoolchildren, from 11.7% in Cartagena to 7% in Pamplona. These prevalences were higher than those of the ISAAC (10.6% in adolescents and 9.9% in schoolchildren). About 21.3% of adolescents and 12.4% of schoolchildren reported asthma at some time. Conclusions: there is a high prevalence of asthmatic symptoms with an increase in adolescents and a stabilization in Spanish schoolchildren with respect to the ISAAC. Geographical variations in asthma prevalence are not so clearly appreciated, but areas with high prevalences maintain high numbers.
Open Access
Trends in mortality from stroke in Latin America and the Caribbean, 1979-2015
(Ubiquity Press, 2022) Soto Venegas, Álvaro; Guillén Grima, Francisco; Morales Illanes, Gladys; Muñoz, Sergio; Aguinaga Ontoso, Inés; Vanegas, Jairo; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: stroke is the second largest single cause of death and disability in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). There have been large overall declines in stroke mortality rates in most LAC countries in recent decades. Objective: to analyze trends in mortality caused by stroke in LAC countries in the period 1979-2015. Methods: we extracted data for age-standardized stroke mortality rates per 100,000 in LAC for the period 1979-2015 from the World Health Organization Mortality Database. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze the trends and compute the annual percent change (APC) in LAC as a whole and by country. Analyses were conducted by gender, region and World Bank income classification. Results: mortality from stroke has decreased in LAC over the study period by an average APC of -1.9%. Most countries showed significant downward trends, with the sharpest decreases in Chile, Colombia and Uruguay. We recorded statistically significant decreases of -1.4% and -2.4% in mortality rates in men and women, respectively, in the whole LAC. Southern and high-income countries showed the steepest decreases. Conclusions: stroke mortality has decreased in LAC, in both sexes, especially in southern and high-income countries. Our results could serve as a reference for the development of primary prevention and acute management of stroke policies focused on countries with higher mortality.
Open Access
Prevalencia e incidencia de la enfermedad de Alzheimer en Europa: metaanálisis
(Elsevier España, 2017) Niu, Hao; Álvarez Álvarez, Ismael; Guillén Grima, Francisco; Aguinaga Ontoso, Inés; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Introducción: La enfermedad de Alzheimer es el principal tipo de demencia, y una enfermedad de etiología desconocida. Con el aumento de la población anciana mundial, el número de pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer muestra una tendencia de crecimiento rápido. El objetivo de este metaanálisis es evaluar la prevalencia e incidencia de la enfermedad de Alzheimer en Europa. Metodología: La búsqueda de artículos se realizó en las bases de datos Medline, Scopus y CINAHL Complete utilizando las palabras claves “Alzheimer”, “Alzheimer’s disease” y “AD”; combinadas con “prevalence”, “incidence” y “epidemiology”. Se utilizó el modelo Bayesiano de efectos aleatorios, mostrando intervalos de credibilidad al 95%. Para estimar la heterogeneidad se usó el estadístico I2. Resultados: La prevalencia de enfermedad de Alzheimer en Europa fue 5,05% (IC 95% 4,73-5,39). La prevalencia por sexo en los hombres y las mujeres fue 3,31% (IC 95% 2,85-3,80) y 7,13% (IC 95% 6,56-7,72), respectivamente, y se encontró una tendencia creciente por grupos de edad. La incidencia de enfermedad de Alzheimer en Europa fue 11,08 por 1000 personas-año (IC 95% 10,30-11,89), siendo en los hombres y las mujeres de 7,02 por 1000 personas-año (IC 95% 6,06-8,05) y 13,25 por 1000 personas-año (IC 95% 12,05-14,51), respectivamente, con igual tendencia creciente con el aumento de la edad. Conclusiones: Los resultados del metaanálisis permiten una mejor comprensión de la enfermedad y su impacto en Europa.
Open Access
Variability in the control of type 2 diabetes in primary care and its association with hospital admissions for vascular events. The APNA study
(MDPI, 2021) Guillén Aguinaga, Sara; Forga, Lluís; Brugos Larumbe, Antonio; Guillén Grima, Francisco; Guillén Aguinaga, Laura; Aguinaga Ontoso, Inés; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity, mortality, and hospital admissions. This study aimed to analyze how the differences in delivered care (variability of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) achieved targets) affect hospital admissions for cardiovascular events (CVEs) in T2D patients. Methods: We analyzed the electronic records in primary care health centers at Navarra (Spain) and hospital admission for CVEs. We followed 26,435 patients with T2D from 2012 to 2016. The variables collected were age, sex, health center, general practitioner practice (GPP), and income. The clinical variables were diagnosis of T2D, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), HbA1c, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), smoking, and antecedents of CVEs. We calculated, in each GPP practice, the proportion of patients with HbA1c ≥ 9. A non-hierarchical K-means cluster analysis classified GPPs into two clusters according to the level of compliance with HbA1C ≥ 9% control indicators. We used logistic and Cox regressions. Results: T2D patients had a higher probability of admission for CVEs when they belonged to a GPP in the worst control cluster of HbA1C ≥ 9% (HR = 1.151; 95% CI, 1.032–1.284).
Open Access
Perceived neighborhood environmental attributes associated with walking and cycling for transport among adult residents of 17 cities in 12 countries: the IPEN study
(National Institute of Environmental Health Science, 2016) Kerr, Jacqueline; Emond, Jennifer A.; Badland, Hannah; Reis, Rodrigo S.; Sarmiento, Olga L.; Carlson, Jordan; Sallis, James F.; Cerin, Ester; Cain, Kelli L.; Aguinaga Ontoso, Inés; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Introduction: Prevalence of walking and cycling for transport is low and varies greatly across countries. Few studies have examined neighborhood perceptions related to walking and cycling for transport in different countries. Therefore, it is challenging to prioritize appropriate built-environment interventions. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the strength and shape of the relationship between adults’ neighborhood perceptions and walking and cycling for transport across diverse environments. Methods: As part of the International Physical activity and Environment Network (IPEN) adult project, self-reported data were taken from 13,745 adults (18–65 years) living in physically and socially diverse neighborhoods in 17 cities across 12 countries. Neighborhood perceptions were measured using the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale, and walking and cycling for transport were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Long Form. Generalized additive mixed models were used to model walking or cycling for transport during the last seven days with neighborhood perceptions. Interactions by city were explored. Results: Walking-for-transport outcomes were significantly associated with perceived residential density, land use mix–access, street connectivity, aesthetics, and safety. Any cycling for transport was significantly related to perceived land use mix–access, street connectivity, infrastructure, aesthetics, safety, and perceived distance to destinations. Between-city differences existed for some attributes in relation to walking or cycling for transport. Conclusions: Many perceived environmental attributes supported both cycling and walking; however, highly walkable environments may not support cycling for transport. People appear to walk for transport despite safety concerns. These findings can guide the implementation of global health strategies.
Open Access
Trends, projections, and regional disparities of maternal mortality in Africa (1990-2030): an ARIMA forecasting approach
(MDPI, 2023) Onambele, Luc; Guillén Aguinaga, Sara; Guillén Aguinaga, Laura; Ortega-Leon, Wilfrido; Montejo, Rocío; Alas Brun, Rosa María; Aguinaga Ontoso, Enrique; Aguinaga Ontoso, Inés; Guillén Grima, Francisco; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
With the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) (2015–2030) focused on the reduction in maternal mortality, monitoring and forecasting maternal mortality rates (MMRs) in regions like Africa is crucial for health strategy planning by policymakers, international organizations, and NGOs. We collected maternal mortality rates per 100,000 births from the World Bank database between 1990 and 2015. Joinpoint regression was applied to assess trends, and the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was used on 1990–2015 data to forecast the MMRs for the next 15 years. We also used the Holt method and the machine-learning Prophet Forecasting Model. The study found a decline in MMRs in Africa with an average annual percentage change (APC) of −2.6% (95% CI −2.7; −2.5). North Africa reported the lowest MMR, while East Africa experienced the sharpest decline. The region-specific ARIMA models predict that the maternal mortality rate (MMR) in 2030 will vary across regions, ranging from 161 deaths per 100,000 births in North Africa to 302 deaths per 100,000 births in Central Africa, averaging 182 per 100,000 births for the continent. Despite the observed decreasing trend in maternal mortality rate (MMR), the MMR in Africa remains relatively high. The results indicate that MMR in Africa will continue to decrease by 2030. However, no region of Africa will likely reach the SDG target.
Open Access
Infant mortality in the European Union: a time trend analysis of the 1994-2015 period
(Elsevier España, 2019) Onambele, Luc; San Martín Rodríguez, Leticia; Niu, Hao; Álvarez Álvarez, Ismael; Arnedo Pena, Alberto; Guillén Grima, Francisco; Aguinaga Ontoso, Inés; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Introducción: La mortalidad infantil es un indicador de la salud infantil y una variable explicativa del desarrollo socioeconómico. Nuestro objetivo fue examinar los cambios y tendencias de la mortalidad infantil en la Unión Europea (UE) y sus 28 países miembros en el período 1994-2015. Métodos: Se recopilaron datos de muertes de niños menores de un año entre 1994 y 2015 de la base de datos Eurostat. Estudiamos las tendencias en la UE, por países y regiones, utilizando elanálisis de regresión joinpoint. Se condujeron análisis adicionales para estudiar las tendencias de mortalidad neonatal y neonatal precoz. Resultados: La mortalidad infantil en la UE ha disminuido significativamente de 8.3 a 3.6 por 1.000 (porcentaje de cambio anual = −3.8%, intervalos de confianza del 95% −4.1; −3.6). Las tasas de mortalidad más altas se registraron en Rumanía y Bulgaria, y las tasas más bajas en países escandinavos (Finlandia, Suecia). Se encontraron tendencias descendentes significativas en los países de la UE, más pronunciadas en los países bálticos exsoviéticos y países de Europa oriental, mientras que los países de Europa occidental mostraron los descensos menos pronunciados. La mortalidad infantil ha aumentado significativamente en Grecia en los últimos años,mientras que en el Reino Unido e Irlanda las tasas se han estabilizado. Conclusiones: La mortalidad infantil ha disminuido en la UE y sus países en las últimas décadas, más pronunciadamente en los países de Europa oriental y los países bálticos exsoviéticos, mientras que en varios países de Europa occidental las tasas aumentaron o se han estabilizado enlos últimos años.
Open Access
Meta-analysis of prevalence of wheezing and recurrent wheezing in infants
(Elsevier, 2016) Álvarez Álvarez, Ismael; Niu, Hao; Guillén Grima, Francisco; Aguinaga Ontoso, Inés; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: Wheezing affects children’s quality of life, and is related with asthma in childhood. Although prevalence of wheezing has been previously studied in several countries, there are no reference of worldwide prevalence in infants. The aim of this meta-analysis is to estimate the prevalence of wheezing and recurrent wheezing in infants aged up to two years, and compare the prevalence across world regions. Methods: Literature search was conducted in MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases, looking for observational studies published up to June 2016, including as keywords “prevalence” or “epidemiology” combined with “wheeze”, “wheezing” or “asthma symptoms” and “infant” or “preschool”. Fast*Pro software and random effects Bayesian model were used. Heterogeneity was estimated using I2 statistic, and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results: We identified 109 studies after duplicates were removed. After exclusions, 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Prevalence of wheezing and recurrent wheezing were 36.06% (95% CI 35.17-36.96), and 17.41% (95% CI 16.74-18.09), respectively. In European countries, prevalence of wheezing was 30.68% (95% CI 28.97-32.45), and 12.35% (95% CI 11.27-13.47) for recurrent wheezing. Prevalence of wheezing and recurrent wheezing in Latin America were higher, 40.55% (95% CI 39.40-41.71), and 19.27% (95% CI 18.44-20.11), respectively. In Africa, prevalence of wheezing was 15.97% (95% CI 14.05-18.00). Low or no heterogeneity was found in all cases. Conclusions: More than one third of infants suffer from wheezing and almost one fifth from recurrent wheezing, being these illnesses especially prevalent in Latin American countries, pointing out an important public health problem.
Open Access
Prevalence and risk factors for wheezing in infants in the region of Pamplona, Spain
(Elsevier, 2016) Álvarez Álvarez, Ismael; Niu, Hao; Aguinaga Ontoso, Inés; Guillén Grima, Francisco; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua: 6106
Background: Wheezing in the first year of life affects life’s quality of the baby and the family. Risk factors such as male gender, nursery attending or a family history of asthma, and protective factors such as breastfeeding more than 6 months have been previously described. The aim of this study is to study the prevalence and risk factors for wheezing ever and recurrent wheezing in the first year of life in infants in the region of Pamplona, Spain. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was part of the International Study of Wheezing in Infants (Estudio Internacional de Sibilancias en Lactantes, EISL). Between 2006 and 2008, participating families answered a standardized validated questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, environmental factors or family issues. An analysis with the chi square test (statistical significance p<0.05) identified the risk factors for wheezing ever and recurrent wheezing, which were assessed using logistic regression. Results: 1065 questionnaires were answered. The prevalence of wheezing ever and recurrent wheezing were 31.2% and 12.3%, respectively. Male gender (p=<0.001), a history of pneumonia (p=<0.001) or nursery attendance (p=<0.001) were some of the risk factors found for wheezing ever. Infant eczema (p=<0.001), nursery attendance (p=<0.001) or prematurity (p=<0.001) were risk factors for recurrent wheezing. No associations with duration of breastfeeding (p=0.116 and p=0.851) or mould stains at home (p=0.153 and p=0.992) were found. Conclusion: The study of prevalence and risk factors for wheezing shows the importance of this public health problem, and allows the development of control and treatment strategies against preventable factors.
Open Access
Maternal mortality in Africa: regional trends (2000-2017)
(MDPI, 2022) Onambele, Luc; Ortega-Leon, Wilfrido; Guillén Aguinaga, Sara; Forjaz, Maria Joao; Yoseph, Amanuel; Guillén Aguinaga, Laura; Alas Brun, Rosa María; Arnedo Pena, Alberto; Aguinaga Ontoso, Inés; Guillén Grima, Francisco; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: United Nations Sustainable Development Goals state that by 2030, the global maternal mortality rate (MMR) should be lower than 70 per 100,000 live births. MMR is still one of Africa’s leading causes of death among women. The leading causes of maternal mortality in Africa are hemorrhage and eclampsia. This research aims to study regional trends in maternal mortality (MM) in Africa. Methods: We extracted data for maternal mortality rates per 100,000 births from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) databank from 2000 to 2017, 2017 being the last date available. Joinpoint regression was used to study the trends and estimate the annual percent change (APC). Results: Maternal mortality has decreased in Africa over the study period by an average APC of −3.0% (95% CI −2.9; −3,2%). All regions showed significant downward trends, with the greatest decreases in the South. Only the North African region is close to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals for Maternal mortality. The remaining Sub-Saharan African regions are still far from achieving the goals. Conclusions: Maternal mortality has decreased in Africa, especially in the South African region. The only region close to the United Nations’ target is the North African region. The remaining Sub-Saharan African regions are still far from achieving the goals. The West African region needs more extraordinary efforts to achieve the goals of the United Nations. Policies should ensure that all pregnant women have antenatal visits and give birth in a health facility staffed by specialized personnel.