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Background: The aim of the research was to translate, culturally adapt and validate the Caring Behaviors Assessment (CBA) tool in Spain, ensuring its appropriateness in the Spanish cultural context. Methods: Three-phase cross-cultural adaptation and validation study. Phase 1 involved the transculturation process, which included translation of the CBA tool from English to Spanish, back-translation, and refinement of the translated tool based on pilot testing and linguistic and cultural adjustments. Phase 2 involved training research assistants to ensure standardized administration of the instrument. Phase 3 involved administering the transculturally-adapted tool to a non-probabilistic sample of 402 adults who had been hospitalized within the previous 6 months. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the consistency of the item-scale, demographic differences, validity of the tool, and the importance of various caring behaviors within the Spanish cultural context. R statistical software version 4.3.3 and psych package version 2.4.1 were used for statistical analyses. Results: The overall internal consistency of the CBA tool was high, indicating its reliability for assessing caring behaviors. The subscales within the instrument also demonstrated high internal consistency. Descriptive analysis revealed that Spanish participants prioritized technical and cognitive aspects of care over emotional and existential dimensions. Conclusions: The new version of the tool proved to be valid, reliable and culturally situated, which will facilitate the provision of objective and reliable data on patients beliefs about what is essential in terms of care behaviors in Spain. Key points: • This paper provides a culturally translated, adapted, and validated version of the Caring Behaviors Assessment tool in the Spanish context, which can be used to obtain reliable and culturally adapted data on essential aspects of patient care. • The findings of this study contribute to the wider global clinical community by demonstrating the importance of considering cultural factors when assessing and evaluating patient care from patients' own perspective, and also emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive approaches in healthcare settings. • This validated instrument facilitates the measurement of caring behaviors in the Spanish context, allowing for objective evaluation and improvement. Use of the Caring Behaviors Assessment tool could thus serve as a valuable resource for both future research and clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Avian Plasmodium in invasive and native mosquitoes from southern Spain" published in the journal Parasites & Vectors. The authors of the article have acknowledged that they mistakenly omitted a funding acknowledgement from their original declaration. The funding for the research was provided by Programa QUALIFICA, Junta de Andalucía, Consejería de Universidad, Investigación e Innovación. The authors apologize for any inconvenience caused. Springer Nature, the publisher, remains neutral in terms of jurisdictional claims and institutional affiliations. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Decision making is a pivotal component of nursing education worldwide. This study aimed to accomplish objectives: (1) Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the Nursing Anxiety and Self-Confidence with Clinical Decision Making (NASC-CDM©) scale from English to Spanish; (2) Comparison of nursing student groups by academic years; and (3) Analysis of the impact of work experience on decision making. Methods: Cross-sectional comparative study. A convenience sample comprising 301 nursing students was included. Cultural adaptation and validation involved a rigorous process encompassing translation, back-translation, expert consultation, pilot testing, and psychometric evaluation of reliability and statistical validity. The NASC-CDM© scale consists of two subscales: self-confidence and anxiety, and 3 dimensions: D1 (Using resources to gather information and listening fully), D2 (Using information to see the big picture), and D3 (Knowing and acting). To assess variations in self-confidence and anxiety among students, the study employed the following tests: Analysis of Variance tests, homogeneity of variance, and Levene's correction with Tukey's post hoc analysis. Results: Validation showed high internal consistency reliability for both scales: Cronbach's α = 0.920 and Guttman's λ2 = 0.923 (M = 111.32, SD = 17.07) for self-confidence, and α = 0.940 and λ2 = 0.942 (M = 80.44, SD = 21.67) for anxiety; and comparative fit index (CFI) of: 0.981 for self-confidence and 0.997 for anxiety. The results revealed a significant and gradual increase in students' self-confidence (p =.049) as they progressed through the courses, particularly in D2 and D3. Conversely, anxiety was high in the 1st year (M = 81.71, SD = 18.90) and increased in the 3rd year (M = 86.32, SD = 26.38), and significantly decreased only in D3. Work experience positively influenced self-confidence in D2 and D3 but had no effect on anxiety. Conclusion: The Spanish version (NASC-CDM-S©) was confirmed as a valid, sensitive, and reliable instrument, maintaining structural equivalence with the original English version. While the students' self-confidence increased throughout their training, their levels of anxiety varied. Nevertheless, these findings underscored shortcomings in assessing and identifying patient problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare professionals often face ethical conflicts and challenges related to decision-making that have necessitated consideration of the use of conscientious objection (CO). No current guidelines exist within Spain's healthcare system regarding acceptable rationales for CO, the appropriate application of CO, or practical means to support healthcare professionals who wish to become conscientious objectors. As such, a procedural framework is needed that not only assures the appropriate use of CO by healthcare professionals but also demonstrates its ethical validity, legislative compliance through protection of moral freedoms and patients' rights to receive health care. Our proposal consists of prerequisites of eligibility for CO (individual reference, specific clinical context, ethical justification, assurance of non-discrimination, professional consistency, attitude of mutual respect, assurance of patient rights and safety) and a procedural process (notification and preparation, documentation and confidentiality, evaluation of prerequisites, non-abandonment, transparency, allowance for unforeseen objection, compensatory responsibilities, access to guidance and/or consultative advice, and organizational guarantee of professional substitution). We illustrate the real-world utility of the proposed framework through a case discussion in which our guidelines are applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The association between socioeconomic status and depression is weaker in older adults than in younger populations. Loneliness may play a significant role in this relationship, explaining (at least partially) the attenuation of the social gradient in depression. The current study examined the relationship between socioeconomic status and depression and whether the association was affected by loneliness. Methods: A cross-sectional design involving dwelling and nursing homes residents was used. A total of 887 Spanish residents aged over 64 years took part in the study. Measures of Depression (GDS-5 Scale), Loneliness (De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale), Socioeconomic Status (Education and Economic Hardship), and sociodemographic parameters were used. The study employed bivariate association tests (chi-square and Pearson's r) and logistic regression analyses. Results: The percentage of participants at risk of suffering depression was significantly higher among those who had not completed primary education (45.5%) and significantly lower among those with university qualifications (16.4%) (X2 = 40.25;p <.001), and respondents who could not make ends meet in financial terms faced a higher risk of depression (X2 = 23.62;p <.001). In terms of the respondents who experienced loneliness, 57.5% were at risk of depression, compared to 19% of those who did not report loneliness (X2 = 120.04;p <.001). The logistic regression analyses showed that having university qualifications meant a 47% reduction in the risk of depression. This risk was 86% higher among respondents experiencing financial difficulties. However, when scores for the loneliness measure were incorporated, the coefficients relating to education and economic hardships ceased to be significant or were significantly reduced. Conclusion: Loneliness can contribute to explaining the role played by socioeconomic inequalities in depression among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The growing use of cannabis in adolescence is a public health problem that must be addressed through prevention. In Spain, the average age of initiation of cannabis use in the adolescent population is 14.8 years. At 14 years, the lifetime prevalence of cannabis use is 11.7%, which increases to 51.,5% at the age of 18; the prevalence of cannabis use in the population aged 14 to 18 years is 28.6%, a figure that must be tried to reduce, that is why this school prevention program is proposed: Alerta Cannabis. Methods: The Alerta Cannabis research project consists of design, implementation, and evaluation. In the first phase, a computer-tailored eHealth program (Alerta Cannabis) is developed based on the I-Change Model, an integrated model based on three main behavioral change processes: awareness, motivation, and action. This program consists of four 30-minute sessions that will provide culturally adapted and personalized advice to motivate students not to use cannabis through text feedback, animations, and gamification techniques. This phase will also include usability testing. In the implementation phase, secondary school students from Western Andalusia, Spain (Seville, Cádiz, Huelva, and Córdoba) and Eastern Andalusia (Jaén, Málaga, and Granada) will be randomized to an experimental condition (EC) or a control condition (CC) for a cluster randomized clinical trial (CRCT). Each condition will have 35 classes within 8 schools. GI will receive the online intervention Alerta Cannabis. EC and CC will have to fill out a questionnaire at baseline, six months, and twelve months of follow-up. In the last phase, the effect of Alerta Cannabis is evaluated. The primary outcomes are the lifetime prevalence of cannabis use and its use in the last 30 days and at 6 months. At 12 months of follow-up, the prevalence in the last 12 months will also be assessed. The secondary outcome is the intention to use cannabis. Discussion: The study tests the effect of the innovative program specifically aimed to reduce the use of cannabis in the adolescent population through eHealth in Spain. The findings aim to develop and implement evidence-based cannabis prevention interventions, which could support school prevention, for instance, the assistance of school nurses. If the program proves to be effective, it could be useful to prevent cannabis use on a national and international scale. Trial registration: NCT05849636. Date of registration: March 16, 2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The development of cities and transport infrastructure produces a large volume of mineral waste (e.g. excavated earth material). At the same time, cities are increasingly trying to develop green infrastructures, given the ecosystem services they provide to people, but this comes with considerable economic and environmental costs associated with the transfer of fertile soil from rural areas to cities. In a circular economy approach, the reuse of mineral waste to build fertile soil is a substantial opportunity to reduce the economic and environmental costs of both mineral waste management and green infrastructure development. Soils constructed from these materials (constructed Technosols) must be able to support vegetation growth and become a suitable living environment for soil organisms. This requires ecological engineering to maximise the potential of constructed soils for biodiversity, both from a taxonomic and functional perspective. In this context, we systematically mapped the evidence related to the ability of soils constructed from mineral wastes to support biodiversity. Methods: We gathered published and grey literature through searches in two publications databases (Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection), one search engine (Google Scholar), nine organisational websites and through a call for literature. Titles, abstracts, and full-texts were successively screened using eligibility criteria. All included studies were described with coded variables and a database was produced. The extent of evidence was assessed and knowledge clusters and gaps were identified. Review findings: The searches yielded 9265 articles, and 153 articles were retained after the screening process. More than half of these articles were from European countries, with France leading the field with 40 articles, followed by Spain (15 articles) and Italy (10 articles). Most of the articles (75%) were produced after 2015. The main reasons for constructing soils from mineral waste were for mine rehabilitation (35%), waste recycling (16%) and experimental purpose (15%). The 153 articles were divided into 1962 studies, a study being a combination of a taxon, an intervention (i.e. soil construction) and a measured outcome. Among these studies, the most studied biological group is plants (69% of studies) and especially herbaceous species (32%), followed by microorganisms (17%) and invertebrates (14%). The most used type of mineral waste is mine waste (31% of studies) followed by excavated soil (16%) and demolition waste (14%). Finally, the most frequently measured outcome is plant growth (42% of studies), followed by organism abundance (16%) and diversity (10%). Conclusions: Three main knowledge clusters were identified which could be addressed in the future for full synthesis of the results: (1) How well do plants grow in soils constructed from mineral wastes? (2) What is the potential of soils constructed from mineral wastes to support biodiversity? and (3) How do microbial communities develop in soils constructed from mineral wastes? There is a lack of studies investigating several biological groups at the same time: only 6 articles out of 153 investigated the response of both plants, invertebrates and microorganisms to soil construction. More research is therefore needed on the ability to support a diversity of organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: End-of-life (EoL) care volunteers in hospitals are a novel approach to support patients and their close ones. The iLIVE Volunteer Study supported hospital volunteer coordinators from five European countries to design and implement an EoL care volunteer service on general wards in their hospitals. This study aimed to identify and explore barriers and facilitators to the implementation of EoL care volunteer services in the five hospitals. Methods: Volunteer coordinators (VCs) from the Netherlands (NL), Norway (NO), Slovenia (SI), Spain (ES) and United Kingdom (UK) participated in a focus group interview and subsequent in-depth one-to-one interviews. A theory-inspired framework based on the five domains of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used for data collection and analysis. Results from the focus group were depicted in radar charts per hospital. Results: Barriers across all hospitals were the COVID-19 pandemic delaying the implementation process, and the lack of recognition of the added value of EoL care volunteers by hospital staff. Site-specific barriers were struggles with promoting the service in a highly structured setting with many stakeholders (NL), negative views among nurses on hospital volunteering (NL, NO), a lack of support from healthcare professionals and the management (SI, ES), and uncertainty about their role in implementation among VCs (ES). Site-specific facilitators were training of volunteers (NO, SI, NL), involving volunteers in promoting the service (NO), and education and awareness for healthcare professionals about the role and boundaries of volunteers (UK). Conclusion: Establishing a comprehensive EoL care volunteer service for patients in non-specialist palliative care wards involves multiple considerations including training, creating awareness and ensuring management support. Implementation requires involvement of stakeholders in a way that enables medical EoL care and volunteering to co-exist. Further research is needed to explore how trust and equal partnerships between volunteers and professional staff can be built and sustained. Trial registration: NCT04678310. Registered 21/12/2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The emergence of diseases of public health concern is enhanced by factors associated with global change, such as the introduction of invasive species. The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), considered a competent vector of different viruses and parasites, has been successfully introduced into Europe in recent decades. Molecular screening of parasites in mosquitoes (i.e. molecular xenomonitoring) is essential to understand the potential role of different native and invasive mosquito species in the local circulation of vector-borne parasites affecting both humans and wildlife. Methods: The presence of avian Plasmodium parasites was molecularly tested in mosquitoes trapped in five localities with different environmental characteristics in southern Spain from May to November 2022. The species analyzed included the native Culex pipiens and Culiseta longiareolata and the invasive Ae. albopictus. Results: Avian Plasmodium DNA was only found in Cx. pipiens with 31 positive out of 165 mosquito pools tested. None of the Ae. albopictus or Cs. longiareolata pools were positive for avian malaria parasites. Overall, eight Plasmodium lineages were identified, including a new lineage described here. No significant differences in parasite prevalence were found between localities or sampling sessions. Conclusions: Unlike the invasive Ae. albopictus, Cx. pipiens plays a key role in the transmission of avian Plasmodium in southern Spain. However, due to the recent establishment of Ae. albopictus in the area, further research on the role of this species in the local transmission of vector-borne pathogens with different reservoirs is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and the waning of immunity raise concerns about vaccine effectiveness and protection against COVID-19. While antibody response has been shown to correlate with the risk of infection with the original variant and earlier variants of concern, the effectiveness of antibody-mediated protection against Omicron and the factors associated with protection remain uncertain. Methods: We evaluated antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) antigens from Wuhan and variants of concern by Luminex and their role in preventing breakthrough infections 1 year after a third dose of mRNA vaccination, in a cohort of health care workers followed since the pandemic onset in Spain (N = 393). Data were analyzed in relation to COVID-19 history, demographic factors, comorbidities, vaccine doses, brand, and adverse events. Results: Higher levels of anti-S IgG and IgA to Wuhan, Delta, and Omicron were associated with protection against vaccine breakthroughs (IgG against Omicron S antigen HR, 0.06, 95%CI, 0.26–0.01). Previous SARS-CoV-2 infection was positively associated with antibody levels and protection against breakthroughs, and a longer time since last infection was associated with lower protection. In addition, priming with BNT162b2 followed by mRNA-1273 booster was associated with higher antibody responses than homologous mRNA-1273 vaccination. Conclusions: Data show that IgG and IgA induced by vaccines against the original strain or by hybrid immunization are valid correlates of protection against Omicron BA.1 despite immune escape and support the benefits of heterologous vaccination regimens to enhance antibodies and the prioritization of booster vaccination in individuals without recent infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) in older population is often accompanied by drug-related complications. Inappropriate BZD use significantly alters older adults' clinical and functional status. This study compares the prevalence, prescribing patterns and factors associated with BZD use in community-dwelling older patients in 7 European countries. Methods: International, cross-sectional study was conducted in community-dwelling older adults (65 +) in the Czech Republic, Serbia, Estonia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Turkey, and Spain between Feb2019 and Mar2020. Structured and standardized questionnaire based on interRAI assessment scales was applied. Logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with BZD use. Results: Out of 2,865 older patients (mean age 73.2 years ± 6.8, 61.2% women) 14.9% were BZD users. The highest prevalence of BZD use was identified in Croatia (35.5%), Spain (33.5%) and Serbia (31.3%). The most frequently prescribed BZDs were diazepam (27.9% of 426 BZD users), alprazolam (23.7%), bromazepam (22.8%) and lorazepam (16.7%). Independent factors associated with BZD use were female gender (OR 1.58, 95%CI 1.19–2.10), hyperpolypharmacy (OR 1.97, 95%CI 1.22–3.16), anxiety (OR 4.26, 95%CI 2.86–6.38), sleeping problems (OR 4.47, 95%CI 3.38–5.92), depression (OR 1.95, 95%CI 1.29–2.95), repetitive anxious complaints (OR 1.77, 95%CI 1.29–2.42), problems with syncope (OR 1.78, 95%CI 1.03–3.06), and loss of appetite (OR 0.60, 95%CI 0.38–0.94). In comparison to Croatia, residing in other countries was associated with lower odds of BZD use (ORs varied from 0.49 (95%CI 0.32–0.75) in Spain to 0.01 (95%CI 0.00–0.03) in Turkey), excluding Serbia (OR 1.11, 95%CI 0.79–1.56). Conclusions: Despite well-known negative effects, BZDs are still frequently prescribed in older outpatient population in European countries. Principles of safer geriatric prescribing and effective deprescribing strategies should be individually applied in older BZD users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spain currently lacks a competency framework for palliative care nursing. Having such a framework would help to advance this field in academic, governmental, and health management contexts. In phase I of a mixed-methods sequential study, we collected quantitative data, proposing 98 competencies to a sample of palliative care nurses. They accepted 62 of them and rejected 36. Methods: Phase II is a qualitative phase in which we used consensus techniques with two modified nominal groups to interpret the quantitative findings with the objective of understanding of why the 36 competencies had been rejected. Twenty nurses from different areas of palliative care (direct care, teaching, management, research) participated. We conducted a thematic analysis using NVivo12 to identify meaning units and group them into larger thematic categories. Results: Participants attributed the lack of consensus on the 36 competencies to four main reasons: the rejection of standardised nursing language, the context in which nurses carry out palliative care and other factors that are external to the care itself, the degree of specificity of the proposed competency (too little or too great), and the complexity of nursing care related to the end of life and/or death. Conclusions: Based on the results, we propose reparative actions, such as reformulating the competencies expressed in nursing terminology to describe them as specific behaviours and insisting on the participation of nurses in developing institutional policies and strategies so that competencies related to development, leadership and professional commitment can be implemented. It is essential ​​to promote greater consensus on the definition and levels of nursing intervention according to criteria of complexity and to advocate for adequate training, regulation, and accreditation of palliative care expert practice. Locally, understanding why the 36 competencies were rejected can help Spanish palliative care nurses reach a shared competency framework. More broadly, our consensus methodology and our findings regarding the causes for rejection may be useful to other countries that are in the process of formalising or reviewing their palliative care nursing model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common RASopathies predisposing affected patients to melanic lesions and benign tumors. NF1 is associated with considerable esthetic and functional burden negatively affecting the patient's quality of life (QoL). This study aims to assess the clinical features of NF1 patients and evaluate their impact on QoL. We identified NF1 patients from a public health database of a region in Spain. All patients underwent clinical and ophthalmological evaluation for NF1 features. We measured QoL using the Spanish version of the Skindex-29. Results: Forty patients fulfilled the NF1 National Institute of Health criteria when we recruited patients. The median age was 42.00 years (IQR 26.5 -53.75). The median total Skindex-29 score was 12.3 (IQR 5.9–22.4); (emotion: 15.0, IQR 5.0-37.5; symptoms 8.9, IQR 0.0-17.9 and functioning 8.3; IQR 0.5–18.3). Women and NF1 patients with lower educational levels were associated with poorer QoL scores. We identified itching and sleep troubles to influence NF1 patients' QoL negatively. Conclusion: NF1 considerably influences the psychological well-being of NF1 patients. We observed that female and low-educated patients scored higher on the emotional dimension of the Skindex-29 and could, therefore, be more at risk of depression. We also pointed out some "minor symptoms" that negatively impact NF1 patients' QoL such, as itching and sleep troubles which doctors could treat if sought by doctors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH), an alteration of tooth enamel with an estimated worldwide prevalence rate of 14%, among children using primary care services in the Community of Madrid, Spain. Materials and methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional and multicentre study. After calibrating all researchers and following the diagnostic criteria of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD), children aged between 8 and 16 years who were users of the dental services at 8 primary oral health units of the Madrid Health Service (SERMAS) were included. The children underwent a dental examination, and the parents were asked to complete a questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of MIH was 28.63% (CI: 24.61–32.65%). The age cohorts most affected by MIH were 8 years (21.4%) and 11 years (20.7%). The presence of MIH was greater among girls (85; 60.71%) than among boys (55; 39.28%). The mean number of affected teeth per patient was 4.46 ± 2.8. The most frequently affected molar was the upper right first molar (74.3%), and the upper left central incisor was the most affected incisor (37.85%). Opacities were the defects most frequently recorded (63.57%). Conclusions: The prevalence of MIH in this study is the highest of all relevant studies conducted in Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The quality of the statistics on causes of death (CoD) does not present consolidated indicators in literature further than the coding group of ill-defined conditions of the International Classification of Diseases. Our objective was to assess the territorial quality of CoD by reliability of the official mortality statistics in Spain over the years 1980–2019. Methods: A descriptive epidemiological design of four decades (1980-, 1990-, 2000-, and 2010–2019) by region (18) and sex was implemented. The CoD cases, age-adjusted rates and ratios (to all-cause) were assigned by reliability to unspecific and ill-defined quality categories. The regional mortality rates were contrasted to the Spanish median by decade and sex by the Comparative Mortality Ratio (CMR) in a Bayesian perspective. Statistical significance was considered when the CMR did not contain the value 1 in the 95% credible intervals. Results: Unspecific, ill-defined, and all-cause rates by region and sex decreased over 1980–2019, although they scored higher in men than in women. The ratio of ill-defined CoD decreased in both sexes over these decades, but was still prominent in 4 regions. CMR of ill-defined CoD in both sexes exceeded the Spanish median in 3 regions in all decades. In the last decade, women's CMR significantly exceeded in 5 regions for ill-defined and in 6 regions for unspecific CoD, while men's CMR exceeded in 4 and 2 of the 18 regions, respectively on quality categories. Conclusions: The quality of mortality statistics of causes of death has increased over the 40 years in Spain in both sexes. Quality gaps still remain mostly in Southern regions. Authorities involved might consider to take action and upgrading regional and national death statistics, and developing a systematic medical post-grade training on death certification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: International mobility of health workforce affects the performance of health systems and has major relevance in human resources for health policy and planning. To date, there has been little research exploring the reasons why general practitioners (GPs) migrate. This mixed methods study aimed to investigate the reasons why Spain-trained GPs migrate and develop GP retention and recruitment health policy recommendations relevant to Spanish primary care. Methods: The study followed an explanatory sequential mixed methods study design combining surveys with semi-structured interviews and focus groups with GPs who qualified in Spain and were living overseas at the time of the study. The survey data examined the reasons why GPs left Spain and their intention to return and were analysed using quantitative methods. The transcripts from interviews and focus groups centred on GPs' insights to enhance retention and recruitment in Spain and were analysed thematically. Results: The survey had 158 respondents with an estimated 25.4% response rate. Insufficient salary (75.3%), job insecurity and temporality (67.7%), excessive workload (67.7%), poor primary care governance (55.7%), lack of flexibility in the workplace (43.7%) and personal circumstances (43.7%) were the main reasons for leaving Spain. Almost half of the respondents (48.7%) would consider returning to Spanish general practice if their working conditions improved. Interviews and focus groups with respondents (n = 24) pointed towards the need to improve the quality of employment contracts, working conditions, opportunities for professional development, and governance in primary care for effective retention and recruitment. Conclusion: Efforts to improve GP retention and recruitment in Spain should focus on salary, job security, flexibility, protected workload, professional development, and governance. We draw ten GP retention and recruitment recommendations expected to inform urgent policy action to tackle existing and predicted GP shortages in Spanish primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently coexists with other chronic diseases, namely comorbidities. They negatively impact prognosis, exacerbations and quality of life in COPD patients. However, no studies have been performed to explore the impact of these comorbidities on COPD clinical control criteria. Research question: Determine the relationship between individualized comorbidities and COPD clinical control criteria. Study design and methods: Observational, multicenter, cross-sectional study performed in Spain involving 4801 patients with severe COPD (< 50 predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1%]). Clinical control criteria were defined by the combination of COPD assessment test (CAT) scores (≤16 vs ≥17) and exacerbations in the previous three months (none vs ≥1). Binary logistic regression adjusted by age and FEV1% was performed to identify comorbidities potentially associated with the lack of control of COPD. Secondary endpoints were the relationship between individualized comorbidities with COPD assessment test and exacerbations within the last three months. Results: Most frequent comorbidities were arterial hypertension (51.2%), dyslipidemia (36.0%), diabetes (24.9%), obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (14.9%), anxiety (14.1%), heart failure (11.6%), depression (11.8%), atrial fibrillation (11.5%), peripheral arterial vascular disease (10.4%) and ischemic heart disease (10.1%). After age and FEV1% adjustment, comorbidities related to lack of clinical control were cardiovascular diseases (heart failure, peripheral vascular disease and atrial fibrillation; p < 0.0001), psychologic disorders (anxiety and depression; all p < 0.0001), metabolic diseases (diabetes, arterial hypertension and abdominal obesity; all p < 0.001), sleep disorders (p < 0.0001), anemia (p = 0.015) and gastroesophageal reflux (p < 0.0001). These comorbidities were also related to previous exacerbations and COPD assessment test scores. Interpretation: Comorbidities are frequent in patients with severe COPD, negatively impacting COPD clinical control criteria. They are related to health-related quality of life measured by the COPD assessment test. Our results suggest that comorbidities should be investigated and treated in these patients to improve their clinical control. Take-home points: Study question: What is the impact of comorbidities on COPD clinical control criteria? Results: Among 4801 patients with severe COPD (27.5% controlled and 72.5% uncontrolled), after adjustment by age and FEV1%, comorbidities related to lack of clinical control were cardiovascular diseases (heart failure, peripheral vascular disease and atrial fibrillation; p < 0.0001), psychologic disorders (anxiety and depression; p < 0.0001), metabolic diseases (diabetes, arterial hypertension and abdominal obesity; p < 0.001), obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (p < 0.0001), anaemia (p = 0.015) and gastroesophageal reflux (p < 0.0001), which were related to previous exacerbations and COPD assessment test scores. Interpretation: Comorbidities are related to health-related quality of life measured by the COPD assessment test scores and history of exacerbations in the previous three months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]