Search

ObjectivesThis study explores the use and perceptions of thermal comfort and wellbeing among the local community in the schoolyards in Barcelona that had been transformed into accessible climate shelters.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative evaluation through a spontaneous ethnographic approach, combining 22 non-participant observations in the 11 transformed schoolyards with brief spontaneous interviews with 76 users and 18 caretakers who supervised the schoolyards during non-school days (June–July 2022). We conducted a thematic content analysis. We analyzed user characteristics, thermal comfort and wellbeing, activities and differences by age and gender, social behavior, additional benefits, and areas for improvement.ResultsAdapted schoolyards were mostly visited by families and groups of adolescents with a higher proportion of boys. Participants reported that shade provided coolness and comfort, vegetation offered pleasant and naturalized environments, and water features were enjoyed for their cooling capacity and play opportunities. Schoolyards were mainly used as places for outdoor recreation and socialization.ConclusionThis study provides policymakers with evidence to support the transformation of schoolyards into climate shelters, creating comfortable outdoor recreational areas for the surrounding urban community. more...

Introduction Children are vulnerable to secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure, especially those with lower socioeconomic status. This study assesses the changes in prevalence and socioeconomic inequalities in SHS exposure in children younger than 12 years old in Spain between 2016 and 2019. Methods We conducted two cross-sectional studies among representative samples of households with children aged 0.05), while decreased in smoke-free rules in cars (p=0.039). Conclusions Reported SHS exposure among children in Spain remained high between 2016 and 2019. Inequalities persisted at home, highlighting the need for measures to reduce such exposure with an equity perspective. more...

RESUMEN: Objetivo: Describir el consumo de tabaco y el cumplimiento de la normativa en las terrazas de hostelería de Barcelona. Método: Estudio transversal en una muestra de 120 terrazas de hostelería de Barcelona. Se realizaron observaciones de 30 minutos mediante una ficha de registro estandarizada. Las variables de estudio fueron personas fumando, número de cigarrillos fumados, presencia de colillas, nivel socioeconómico del barrio, momento de la observación, normativa de consumo, número de sillas y número de personas. Resultados: En el 97,5% de las terrazas había personas fumando en el momento de la observación, sin diferencias según el nivel socioeconómico del barrio o la normativa de consumo de tabaco en la terraza. La ley se incumplía en el 100% de las terrazas en las que estaba prohibido fumar. Conclusiones: El incumplimiento generalizado de la actual ley pone de manifiesto la necesidad de implementar la prohibición de fumar sin excepciones en las terrazas de hostelería. ABSTRACT: Objective: To describe tobacco consumption and the compliance with the law on hospitality terraces in Barcelona. Method: Cross-sectional study by observation in a sample of 120 hospitality terraces in Barcelona. 30-minute observations were made using a standardized record sheet. The study variables were number of people smoking, number of cigarettes smoked, cigarette butts, socioeconomic status of the neighborhood, time of observation, consumption regulation, number of chairs and number of persons. Results: There were people smoking at the time of the observation in 97.5% of the terraces, with no differences according to socioeconomic level of the neighborhood or the regulation of the terrace. There was no compliance with the law in 100% of the terraces where smoking was banned. Conclusions: The widespread non-compliance with the current law indicates the need to implement a smoking ban without exceptions on hospitality terraces. more...

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar el programa «Transformem els patis» de Barcelona en términos de uso del patio, interacción social, actividad física y diversificación del juego, con perspectiva de género. Método: Estudio de evaluación piloto transversal con metodología mixta en el que participaron ocho escuelas de primaria (cuatro en el grupo de intervención y cuatro en el grupo de comparación). Para el análisis cuantitativo se realizaron 16 observaciones sistemáticas en los patios escolares de ambos grupos. Se analizó el tamaño del grupo de escolares, su composición según sexo, la actividad física, la actividad realizada, el uso del mobiliario o material, y variables del entorno. Para el análisis cualitativo se realizaron tres entrevistas grupales estructuradas con profesorado de infantil y primaria, y con personal monitor del grupo de intervención. Se realizó un análisis temático de contenido con perspectiva fenomenológica, explorando cambios relacionados con la transformación física del patio, su uso escolar, las relaciones entre los escolares y la valoración general de la transformación. Resultados: Se observaron 192 grupos de escolares en el grupo de intervención y 203 en el grupo de comparación. Los patios transformados presentaban más elementos naturales, mobiliario de juego, lugares para sentarse y suelo no cementado. Además, en comparación con los patios no transformados, hubo una mayor proporción de juego activo en niños y niñas, una mayor proporción de juego no deportivo e imaginativo en niños, y una menor proporción de niñas que solo miraban. Conclusiones: Los patios transformados son más inclusivos, naturales, jugables e igualitarios, con mayor diversidad de elementos y mobiliario. Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the “Transformem els patis” (Let's transform the schoolyards) program in Barcelona in terms of schoolyard use, social interaction, physical activity, and diverse forms of play with a gender perspective. Method: A cross-sectional pilot evaluation study with mixed methodology involving eight primary schools (four in intervention group and four in control group). For the quantitative analysis, 16 systematic observations were performed in the schoolyards of both groups. The group size, group composition according to sex, physical activity, the carried-out activity and play structures or material use, and environmental variables were analyzed. For the qualitative analysis, three structured group interviews were held with teachers and the monitoring team of the intervention group. A thematic content analysis with a phenomenological perspective was conducted, exploring changes related to the physical schoolyard transformation, its educational use, and interactions among children, and the overall assessment of the schoolyard transformation. Results: 192 groups of schoolchildren were observed in the intervention group and 203 in the control group. The transformed schoolyards had more natural elements, play structures, places to sit and non-cemented flooring. Compared to the non-transformed schoolyards, both in the boys’ and girls’ groups, a higher proportion of active play was registered, as well as a higher proportion of non-sport games and imaginative games among boys and a lower proportion of girls watched the schoolyard. Conclusions: Transformed the schoolyards are more inclusive, naturalized, playable, and equitable, with a greater diversity of elements and play structures. more...

Objective: Implementation fidelity is a key dimension in process evaluation but has been scarcely studied. Reptes is a selective alcohol and cannabis use prevention program performed in vulnerable young people (16-21 years) from different educational and leisure settings. The study aimed to describe the components of this program, its implementation fidelity, and satisfaction among participants and facilitators. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Implementation fidelity was assessed in terms of adherence, dose, participant responsiveness, and quality of the intervention through self-reports completed by 15 facilitators and self-administered questionnaires by 99 youth from the 15 groups completing the program. Results: 70.7% of the groups performed 30 of the 43 planned activities with high use of various teaching methods, except for Information and Communication Technology resources. Fidelity implementation was above 70%. 2/3 groups completed an acceptable intervention and 1/3 completed a qualified intervention. Satisfaction was higher than 7. Conclusions: Our results show high implementation fidelity and satisfaction compared with those from similar studies. Resumen: Objetivo: La fidelidad en la implementación es una dimensión clave en el proceso de evaluación, pero ha sido escasamente estudiada. Reptes es un programa de prevención selectiva del consumo de alcohol y cánnabis dirigido a jóvenes vulnerables (16-21años) de diferentes espacios educativos y de ocio y tiempo libre. El estudio pretende describir los componentes de este programa, su fidelidad de implementación y la satisfacción de los/las participantes y los/las facilitadores/as. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal. La fidelidad de implementación fue valorada en clave de adherencia, dosis, capacidad de respuesta de los/las participantes y calidad de la intervención a través de los informes autocumplimentados por los/las 15 facilitadores/as del programa y los cuestionarios autocompletados por los/las 99 jóvenes de los 15 grupos que completaron el programa. Resultados: El 70,7% de los grupos realizaron 30 de las 43 actividades planificadas, con un uso elevado de las estrategias de aprendizaje, excepto para los recursos basados en las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación. La fidelidad de implementación se situó por encima del 70%. Dos tercios de los grupos completaron una intervención aceptable y un tercio completó una intervención cualificada. La satisfacción se situó por encima de 7. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados muestran una alta fidelidad en la implementación y la satisfacción en comparación con estudios similares. more...

Introduction Home is one of the main places for children’s secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. The implementation of smoke-free rules at home might be influenced by caregivers’ risk perception of SHS exposure. This study aimed to analyze factors related to caregivers’ risk perception of SHS exposure in children. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey among a representative sample of 2411 parents or legal guardians of children aged more...

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar los patrones de consumo de alcohol y cannabis, y sus factores asociados, en jóvenes de 16-21 años en contexto de vulnerabilidad. Método: Estudio transversal a partir del cuestionario pretest de un estudio de evaluación, administrado a una muestra de conveniencia de 365 jóvenes provenientes de Programas de Formación e Inserción (PFI) o que asistieran a actividades de entidades comunitarias de barrios desfavorecidos de Barcelona. Las variables dependientes fueron el consumo de alcohol y cannabis experimental, regular y problemático. Las variables independientes fueron la impulsividad, la búsqueda de sensaciones, las expectativas y las creencias en relación con el consumo de drogas, las habilidades sociales y variables contextuales. Las asociaciones se establecieron mediante modelos de regresión logística multivariados. Resultados: La prevalencia de consumo intensivo de alcohol (24,2% para binge drinking y 33,3% para borracheras) y de consumo de cannabis experimental (51,1%) y problemático (12,9%) fue mayor en estudiantes de PFI que en jóvenes de entidades. Asimismo, presentaban mayores puntuaciones en las escalas de impulsividad, búsqueda de sensaciones, expectativas y creencias favorables al consumo de alcohol. En general, la prevalencia de consumo de alcohol experimental fue superior en las chicas que en los chicos. El binge drinking regular se asoció con la búsqueda de sensaciones intensas (odds ratio ajustada [ORa]: 1,06; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 1,01-1,12), mientras que asistir a PFI se asoció con un consumo problemático de cannabis (ORa: 2,73; IC95%: 1,26-5,89). Las expectativas favorables al consumo de alcohol y cannabis se asociaron con un consumo problemático respectivo. Conclusión: El riesgo individual, vinculado a las trayectorias de mayor riesgo de los estudiantes de PFI, se asocia con un mayor consumo problemático de alcohol y de cannabis que en los/las jóvenes de entidades comunitarias expuestos/as a un riesgo ambiental de alta frecuencia de consumo. Abstract: Objective: To analyze the patterns of alcohol and cannabis consumption, and their associated factors, in young people aged 16 and 21 in a context of vulnerability. Method: Cross-sectional study based on a pre-test questionnaire from an evaluation study, administered to a convenience sample of 365 young people from Social Guarantee Programs (SGP), or who attended activities of community entities from disadvantaged neighborhoods in Barcelona. Dependent variables were experimental, regular, and problematic alcohol and cannabis consumption, while independent variables were impulsivity, sensation seeking, expectations, and beliefs regarding drug use, social skills, and contextual variables. Associations were established using multivariate logistic regression models. Results: The prevalence of intensive alcohol consumption (24.2% for binge drinking and 33.3% for binge drinking) and experimental (51.1%) and problematic cannabis use (12.9%) was higher in SGP students than entity youth. Likewise, they presented higher scores on the impulsivity scales, sensation seeking, expectations and beliefs favorable to alcohol consumption. In general, the prevalence of experimental alcohol consumption was higher in girls than in boys. Regular binge drinking was associated with intense sensations seeking (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.06; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.01-1.12), while attending SGP was associated with problematic cannabis use (aOR: 2.73; 95%CI: 1.26-5.89). Positive expectations to alcohol and cannabis use were associated with problematic substance use. Conclusion: Individual risk, linked to the higher risk trajectories of SGP students, is associated with a higher problematic consumption of alcohol and cannabis than in young people from community entities exposed to an environmental risk of high frequency of consumption. more...

Background: Population data on tobacco use and its determinants require continuous monitoring and careful inter-country comparison. We aimed to provide the most up-to-date estimates on tobacco smoking from a large cross-sectional survey, conducted in selected European countries. Methods: Within the TackSHS Project, a face-to-face survey on smoking was conducted in 2017–2018 in 12 countries: Bulgaria, England, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, and Spain, representing around 80% of the 432 million European Union (EU) adult population. In each country, a representative sample of around 1,000 subjects aged 15 years and older was interviewed, for a total of 11,902 participants. Results: Overall, 25.9% of participants were current smokers (31.0% of men and 21.2% of women, P < 0.001), while 16.5% were former smokers. Smoking prevalence ranged from 18.9% in Italy to 37.0% in Bulgaria. It decreased with increasing age (compared to more...

Resumen: Objetivo: El objetivo principal del estudio es analizar la relación entre la exposición al humo ambiental de tabaco (HAT) en niños/as y el asma, las sibilancias y la salud percibida. Método: Estudio transversal mediante encuesta telefónica a una muestra representativa de 2411 menores de 12 años de España. Se describió la exposición al HAT en el ámbito privado y en el ámbito público, así como la prevalencia de asma, sibilancias y mala salud percibida autodeclaradas. La asociación entre los indicadores de salud y la exposición al HAT se analizó mediante modelos multivariados de regresión de Poisson con variancia robusta según edad y nivel de estudios. Resultados: La prevalencia de exposición al HAT en menores fue del 29,2% en el ámbito privado y del 42,5% en el ámbito público. No se observó asociación entre la exposición al HAT y el asma, las sibilancias y la mala salud percibida en menores de 5 años. En menores de 6-11 años con padres/madres con estudios primarios o secundarios, presentar asma (razón de prevalencia ajustada [RPa]: 2,1; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 1,2-3,8) y una peor salud percibida (RPa: 1,6; IC95%: 1,1-2,1) se asociaron positivamente con la exposición al HAT en el ámbito privado. En menores con progenitores o tutores con estudios universitarios se observó una asociación negativa entre presentar asma (RPa: 0,3; IC95%: 0,1-0,7) y sibilancias (RPa: 0,3; IC95%: 0,1-0,8) y la exposición al HAT. Conclusiones: Existen diferencias en la asociación entre la exposición al HAT y el asma, las sibilancias y una peor salud percibida según el nivel de estudios. Se deberían planificar intervenciones con perspectiva de equidad dirigidas a disminuir la exposición al HAT en la infancia. Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to estimate the association between second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure in children and asthma, wheezing and perceived health. Method: A cross-sectional study based on a telephone survey was performed on a representative sample of 2411 children under 12 years old in Spain. Exposure to SHS in private and public settings, and the prevalence of asthma, wheezing and perceived poor health were described. The association between health indicators and SHS exposure was analyzed using multivariate Poisson regression models with robust variance according to age and educational level. Results: The prevalence of SHS exposure in children was 29.2% in private settings and 42.5% in public settings. There was no association between SHS exposure and asthma, wheezing and perceived poor health in children ≤5 years. In children aged 6-11 years with parents with primary/secondary education, presenting asthma (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 2.1; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.2-3.8) and worse perceived health (aPR: 1.6; 95%CI: 1.1-2.1) were positively associated with SHS exposure in private settings. In children with parents with university studies, a negative association between SHS exposure and asthma (aPR: .3; 95%CI: 0.1-0.7) and wheezing (aPR: 0.3; 95%CI: 0.1-0.8) was observed. Conclusions: There are differences in the association between SHS exposure and asthma, wheezing and poor perceived health according to educational level. Interventions with an equity perspective aimed at reducing SHS exposure in childhood should be implemented. more...

Objective: The TackSHS project aims to comprehensively elucidate the impact that exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) from cigarettes and second-hand aerosols (SHA) from electronic cigarettes have on the respiratory health of the European population according to socioeconomic characteristics and other determinants. Method: The TackSHS project involves a series of coordinated studies carried out by 11 academic and public health organisations from six European countries. The project will investigate: a) the determinants of SHS and SHA exposure assessed at the individual level (surveys on representative general population samples) and in common environments (environmental sampling in specific settings); b) the overall disease burden, mortality and morbidity attributable to such exposure; and c) its economic impact in terms of direct health care costs. The project will also examine specific acute respiratory health changes in healthy individuals and patients with respiratory diseases exposed to SHS and SHA. In addition, the project will examine the effectiveness of a novel intervention to reduce SHS exposure in households where smoking is permitted. All these studies are inter-related and involve collaborative coordination among the participant organisations. Conclusion: The comprehensive, integrated approach of the TackSHS project will enable a significant step forward from the current status quo in the understanding of the impact of SHS and SHA exposure on health and provide the basis for health policy recommendations to help European countries to further reduce the harm caused by SHS and SHA exposure. Resumen: Objetivo: El proyecto TackSHS pretende caracterizar el impacto global de la exposición al humo ambiental de tabaco (HAT) y al aerosol de los cigarrillos electrónicos (ACE) en la salud respiratoria de la población europea según variables socioeconómicas y otros determinantes. Método: El proyecto TackSHS consiste en una serie de estudios coordinados y gestionados por 11 organizaciones académicas y de salud pública de seis países europeos. El proyecto estudiará: a) los determinantes de la exposición al HAT y al ACE a nivel individual (encuestas en muestras representativas de la población general) y en espacios comunes (muestras ambientales en lugares específicos); b) su carga general de enfermedad y la morbimortalidad atribuible a tal exposición; y c) su impacto económico en términos de costes sanitarios directos e indirectos. Además, el proyecto investigará cambios específicos a corto plazo en la salud respiratoria en personas sanas y en pacientes con enfermedades respiratorias expuestos al HAT y al ACE. También examinará la efectividad de una intervención novedosa para reducir la exposición al HAT en hogares donde se permite fumar. Todos estos estudios están interrelacionados y conllevan una coordinación colaborativa entre las instituciones participantes. Conclusión: El enfoque integral del proyecto TackSHS permitirá un avance significativo en la evidencia sobre la comprensión del impacto de la exposición al HAT y al ACE en la salud, y proporcionará una base para desarrollar recomendaciones políticas sanitarias para ayudar a los países europeos a reducir los daños causados por la exposición al HAT y al ACE. Keywords: Second-hand smoke, Passive smoking, Electronic cigarette, Electronic nicotine delivery systems, Aerosols, Second-hand aerosols, Respiratory health, Burden of disease, Economic impact, Palabras clave: Humo ambiental del tabaco, Tabaquismo pasivo, Cigarrillos electrónicos, Sistemas electrónicos de administración de nicotina, Exposición al aerosol, Salud respiratoria, Carga de enfermedad, Impacto económico more...

Introduction: Tobacco presence in outdoor children’s playgrounds is concerning not only because it leads to secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure, but also cigarette butt pollution and tobacco normalization. Objectives: This study aimed to assess SHS exposure in children’s playgrounds, according to area-level socioeconomic status (SES), smoke-free regulations, national smoking prevalence, and SHS exposure prevalence in playgrounds (2017–2018). Methods: We monitored vapor-phase nicotine concentration and tobacco-related variables in 20 different playgrounds in 11 European countries (n = 220 measurements) from March 2017 to April 2018. Playgrounds were selected according to area-level SES. Data on the number of people smoking, and cigarette butts inside the playground and on playground surroundings ( more...

Abstract Background The proportion of older people has dramatically increased in recent decades. Moreover, social and demographic trends show a global increase of older people at risk of loneliness and lack of social relationships. The objective of this study was to evaluate the process, the effectiveness and the cost-effectiveness of a planned 22 weekly group sessions called School of Health for Older People to reduce social isolation. Methods This is a mixed methods multi-approach evaluation that includes: 1) A qualitative evaluation among coordinators and participants taking part in the intervention, through in depth-interviews and focus groups, respectively. The main topics covered will be positive and negative aspects of the intervention, suggestions for its improvement, opinions on different aspects of the intervention, and perceived benefits; 2) A quantitative quasi-experimental design, comparing a group of individuals taking part in the intervention with another group with similar characteristics not receiving the intervention. Data will be collected at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. Social support will be measured through questions drawn from the Medical Outcomes Study and the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project questionnaires. Psychological morbidity will be measured through Goldberg’s General Health Questionnaire, and Health-related Quality of Life will be measured through the EuroQoL questionnaire. Information on visits to the primary care center in the years before and after the intervention will be obtained from the electronic records of the primary care centers; 3) A cost-utility analysis, which will be conducted from a health system (primary care) perspective, including direct costs of the program and the primary care health services used. The effects of the intervention will be measured on quality-adjusted life years. Discussion There is an urgent need for studies assessing the effectiveness and the efficiency of potential interventions to reduce social isolation among older persons. The results of this study will help to fill the knowledge gap in this area and might be especially useful for the development of social and public health policies and programs for older people in disadvantaged neighborhoods in urban areas. Trial registration NCT03142048 retrospectively registered (April 11, 2017). more...

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA), as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and associated factors among teenagers from Barcelona in 2012. Methods: Cross-sectional survey to assess risk factors in a representative sample of secondary school students (aged 13–16 years, International Standard Classification of Education [ISCED] 2, n = 2,162; and 17–18 years, ISCED 3, n = 1016) in Barcelona. We estimated MVPA prevalence overall, and for each independent variable and each gender. Poisson regression models with robust variance were fit to examine the factors associated with high-level MVPA, and obtained prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: Only 13% of ISCED 2 and 10% of ISCED 3 students met the WHO physical activity recommendations. This percentage was lower among girls at both academic levels. MVPA was lower among ISCED 3 compared to ISCED 2 students, and among students with a lower socioeconomic status. Physical activity was associated with positive self-perception of the health status (e.g., positive self-perception of health status among ISCED 2 compared to ISCED 3 students: PR = 1.31 [95%CI: 1.22–1.41] and 1.61 [95%CI: 1.44–1.81] for boys and girls, respectively]. Conclusions: The percentage of teenagers who met WHO MVPA recommendations was low. Strategies are needed to increase MVPA levels, particularly in older girls, and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. more...

Objective: We aimed to analyse the prevalence of having multiple lifestyle risk behaviours (LRB) and the potential relationship between excess weight (including overweight and obesity) and cumulative multiple LRB among adolescents in Barcelona, Spain. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among a representative sample of 3,114 secondary school students in Barcelona. Height and weight were objectively measured and excess weight was defined in accordance with World Health Organization criteria. Information on screen time, breakfast, physical activity and sleep duration was obtained through a self-administered questionnaire. Results: More than 80% of the students had at least two LRBs. In compulsory schooling, the adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) of excess weight increased with a higher number of reported LRBs (four LRBs: aPR = 1.56; 95% confidence interval: 1.19-2.05). Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of a multiple-behaviour approach in preventive programmes aimed at reducing adolescent obesity. more...

Objectives: To describe food consumption frequency in adolescents in the context of the financial crisis in 2012, and to analyse potential fluctuations in excess body weight between 2008 and 2012. Method: A cross-sectional study of eating habits and excess body weight was conducted in adolescents aged 13 to 19 years old from public, subsidised and private secondary schools in Barcelona, Spain. The FRESC lifestyle risk factors survey was used, and food frequency consumption, food recommendations and body mass index were analysed according to gender, year of education and socioeconomic status. Results: Girls ate vegetables and fruits more frequently than boys, while the prevalence of junk food consumption was higher in boys. The prevalence of compliance with food recommendations was lower than 50% for all foods, and gender and socioeconomic differences were found for eggs, red meat and soft drinks. Regarding excess body weight, boys had a higher prevalence than girls in the 2 years analysed. Furthermore, a reduction in excess body weight was observed among girls in secondary education in the highest socioeconomic groups (28.7% [95% CI: 24.8-32.6%] in 2008 to 20.5% [95% CI: 17.1-23.8%] in 2012). Conclusions: The prevalence of adolescents following food recommendations is low, and gender differences were found in terms of food consumption frequency, even in the context of financial crisis. There is a need to promote programmes and policies to reduce inequalities related to eating habits and excess body weight in adolescents. Resumen: Objetivos: Describir la frecuencia de consumo de alimentos en adolescentes en un contexto de crisis económica en el año 2012, y analizar los potenciales cambios en el exceso de peso entre los años 2008 y 2012. Diseño: Estudio transversal de los hábitos alimentarios y el exceso de peso en adolescentes de entre 13 y 19 años de edad pertenecientes a escuelas públicas, concertadas y privadas de Barcelona. Se utilizó la encuesta FRESC sobre factores de riesgo asociados a estilos de vida y se analizaron, según sexo, curso académico y nivel socioeconómico, las frecuencias de consumo, recomendaciones alimentarias e índice de masa corporal. Resultados: Las chicas realizaban un mayor consumo de frutas y verduras, mientras que los chicos consumían comida no saludable con mayor frecuencia. La prevalencia de cumplimiento de las recomendaciones alimentarias es inferior al 50% para todos los alimentos, y se encontraron diferencias según el sexo y el nivel socioeconómico en el consumo de huevos, carne roja y refrescos. En relación al exceso de peso, la prevalencia fue mayor en los chicos que en las chicas en los 2 años analizados. Además, se observó una reducción del exceso de peso en las chicas cursando Educación Secundaria Obligatoria y de nivel socioeconómico alto (de 28,7% [IC95%: 24,8-32,6%] en 2008 a 20,5% [IC95%: 17,1-23,8%] en 2012). Conclusiones: La prevalencia de adolescentes que siguen las recomendaciones de consumo es baja. Hay diferencias de sexo en las frecuencias de consumo de los alimentos, incluso en un contexto de crisis económica. Existe una necesidad de promover programas y políticas para reducir las desigualdades relacionadas con los hábitos alimentarios y el exceso de peso en los adolescentes. Keywords: Adolescent, Food consumption, Overweight, Economic recession, Diet surveys, Palabras clave: Adolescente, Ingestión de alimentos, Sobrepeso, Recesión económica, Encuestas sobre dietas more...

En el ámbito de la salud, las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) pueden generar un espacio que, sin depender del lugar o del tiempo, permite compartir y difundir información rápidamente. A los retos habituales de la evaluación de intervenciones en salud pública, en la evaluación de intervenciones con TIC se añaden otras dificultades, como la falta de estándares previos, el desconocimiento sobre la exposición individual o la falta de información sobre las características de las personas expuestas. El objetivo de esta nota es describir algunas herramientas e indicadores que pueden contribuir a evaluar el alcance, la utilización y algunos parámetros relacionados con el posicionamiento de las páginas web, así como de las redes sociales vinculadas. more...

Introduction Children are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of secondhand smoke (SHS). The objectives of this study are to describe SHS exposure of children younger than 12 years in Spain and to identify potential social inequalities associated with SHS exposure. Material and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in a representative sample of the population younger than 12 years in Spain. A computerassisted telephone interview was conducted with parents or legal guardians in 2016, to assess the children’s SHS exposure at home, in the car, at school and at the nursery gates, in public transport, and during leisure time. The socio-demographic variables included were the child’s age and sex, the highest educational attainment at home, and occupational social class. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for SHS exposure in each setting and for overall exposure. Results In all, 71.8% of the children were exposed to SHS: 25.8% were exposed at home, 4.6% in the car, 8.2% in public transport, 31.9% at outdoor nursery or school gates, and 48% during leisure time. The higher the educational attainment at home, the lower the exposure (38.8% for primary school or lower, 28.7% for secondary school and 20.8% university level). The more deprived the social class, the higher the exposure (21.7% class I-II, 23.4% class III-IV and 31.1% class V-VII). SHS exposure in cars and overall exposure also decreased with higher educational achievement. Conclusions In Spain, a large proportion of children are still exposed to SHS. Furthermore, there are clear social inequalities. To reduce SHS exposure, there is an urgent need for evidence-based interventions with an equity perspective. more...

Background Children are especially vulnerable to the detrimental health effects of secondhand smoke (SHS), which has been widely linked to asthma and otitis media (OM), among other diseases. This study aimed to estimate hospital admissions and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) attributable to SHS exposure in terms of asthma and OM among children under 5 years old in Spain during the year 2015. Methods The prevalence of SHS exposure in children under 5 was estimated through a telephone survey performed in 2016 in a representative sample of Spanish households with children. The Rate risks for asthma and otitis media were selected from different published international meta-analysis. The number of hospital admissions were obtained for each disease from the Minimum Basic Data Set provided by the Ministry of Health of Spain. Information about DALYs were obtained from estimations made by the World Health Organization. Both hospital admissions and DALYs attributable to SHS exposure were calculated using the population attributable fraction (PAF). Results 25.7% of children under 5 are exposed to SHS at home (any household member reported smoking either inside or on balconies or terraces). According to the literature, SHS exposure increases the risk of both asthma and OM by 1.32. The estimated percentage of children presenting each disease attributable to SHS exposure at home is 7.6%. In 2015, the number of children with at least one hospital admission for asthma (n=2,451) and OM (n=1,226) attributable to SHS exposure was 186 and 93, respectively. Likewise, attributable DALYs were 273 for asthma and 159 for OM. Conclusions 7.6% of burden disease for asthma and OM among young children is due to SHS exposure at home. This figure highlights the need of implementing smoke-free home interventions to reduce hospital admissions and DALYs for asthma and OM. more...

Background Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke (SHS), mainly due to presenting a respiratory and immune systems in development and a faster respiratory rate. The objective of this study is to describe the potential social inequalities in SHS exposure in households with children under 12 in Spain. Methods Cross-sectional study in a representative sample of population under 12 years of age in Spain. The sample size was 2,411 individuals, being proportional by regions, size of municipality of residence, sex and age groups. A telephone survey was administered to parents or legal tutors in 2016. It included sociodemographic variables and variables related to SHS exposure at home. A descriptive bivariate analysis of the main SHS exposure variables according to educational level and social class (based on occupation) was carried out. Results 25.8% of children are exposed to SHS at home (smoking reported either inside or on balconies or terraces). An exposure gradient is observed according to the level of studies of the household's main earner, being the prevalence of exposure higher as the educational level decreases (37.9% in primary studies or lower, 27.8% in secondary studies and 20% in university studies, p < 0.05). This reverse gradient is maintained by social class (31.1% in class V-VII (most deprived), 23.4% in class III-IV and 21.7% in class I-II (most affluent), p < 0.05). There are no significant differences according to the sex of the child. Conclusions In Spain, one out of every four children is exposed to SHS at home. This exposure presents a clear socioeconomic gradient, being children living in more deprived families at higher risk of SHS exposure. Interventions aiming to reduce SHS exposure in children, with a perspective of equity, are urgently needed. more...