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The aim of this study was to describe the perception of changes that Alzheimer’s disease in grandparents has made to the relationship with their grandchildren of between 6 and 13. Qualitative methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 25 grandchildren living in Catalonia, Spain. Participants reported a change in roles from being the care receiver to being the caregiver, changes in the activities that they did together and a positive impact on the grandparent’s emotional wellbeing. In the physical sphere, sleeping problems were reported in grandchildren that cohabited with their grandparents. The feelings they described include fear of not being recognized by their grandparents and sadness, as well as satisfaction resulting from their affection and participating in caring. These findings suggest the need to provide information and resources for grandchildren and their families to enable them to deal with the disease.

To delve into the experiences of people living with gout regarding its causes and triggers, recommended treatments and therapeutic measures, and the impact of living with this problem.Descriptive qualitative study. Opinion sampling, looking for discursive variability according to sex, age, socioeconomic position and treatments. Three focus groups were made with 11, 6 and 7 people, following a pre-established script of topics. Analysis following thematic content analysis procedures.Participants were 19 men and 5 women, of different ages, socioeconomic status and treatments. Frequent comorbidities: hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Genetics and the lack of renal elimination of urate were mentioned as causes of gout. They reported little knowledge of the causes and need more explanations about them. As triggers of the attack they identified: excess food and/or alcohol, trauma, stress or not following the treatment. Various drug treatment and expressed concern about their possible adverse effects were listed. Difficulties in adherence to the recommendations were also described. Non-pharmacological measures: rest, cold, proper footwear, walking, drinking water, and diet were also described. Chronic gout has an important impact on the daily life of patients and their families. Pain invalidates and leads to difficulties in performing daily activities. Irritations and mood swings were reported, which affect their family relationships.These findings provide proposals to improve the care of people with gout. Information on its causes, the triggers of the crisis, dietary recommendations and exercise should be improved. The variability of treatments and recommendations on lifestyle should be analysed in depth.

Resumen La participación pública en los proyectos de investigación es un ámbito emergente en España y en los países latinoamericanos. Existen cinco tipos de proyectos según el grado de implicación que las personas participantes tienen en los procesos: contributivos, colaborativos, cocreados, contractuales e independientes. Para promover la participación pública en los equipos de investigación del ámbito de la salud es necesario redefinir sus prácticas y sus competencias. Para ello, puede ser útil formularse preguntas en las diferentes fases de la investigación, así como desarrollar estrategias que incluyan audiencias que cuenten con menos canales de participación en pro de favorecer la equidad en salud. Esta forma de hacer ciencia permite reunir experiencia y experticia priorizando y adecuando la investigación a las necesidades de la población, lo que aumenta su capacidad transformadora y el impacto social de sus resultados.

Participatory research (PR) is on the rise. In Spain, PR is scarce in the field of health, although there is an increasing interest in the matter. A comprehensive understanding of the meanings and practical implications of “public participation” is essential to promote participation in health research. The aim of the study is to explore the discursive positions on PR among individuals with experience in participatory processes in different areas and how this understanding translates into practice. We conducted a critical discourse analysis of 21 individuals with experience in PR and participatory processes (13 women, 8 men), mainly from the field of health and other areas of knowledge. Sixteen were Spanish and the rest were from the United Kingdom (3), United States (1), and Canada (1). Interviews were conducted in person or by telephone. The fieldwork was conducted between March 2019 and November 2019. The dominant discourses on public participation are situated along two axes situated on a continuum: the purpose of public participation and how power should be distributed in public participation processes. The first is instrumental public participation, which sees participatory research as a tool to improve research results and focuses on institutional interests and power-decision making is hold by researchers and institutions. The second, is transformative public participation, with a focus on social change and an equitable sharing of decision-making power between the public and researchers. All discursive positions stated that they do not carry out specific strategies to include the most socially disadvantaged individuals or groups. A shift in the scientific approach about knowledge, along with time and resources, are required to move towards a more balanced power distribution in the processes involving the public The project has received funding from a Network for Prevention and Health Promotion in Primary Care (redIAPP, RD16/0007/0001) grant from the Institute of Health Carlos III (Instituto de Salud Carlos III) of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Spain), co-financed with European Union ERDF funds. In addition, was funded through the grants for the creation and configuration of Cooperative Research Networks Oriented to Health Results (RICOR), file RD21/0016/0029, co-funded by the European Union – Next Generation EU

Resumen: Objetivo: Explorar las debilidades, amenazas, fortalezas y oportunidades (DAFO) para el desarrollo de la participación de la ciudadanía en los proyectos de investigación gestionados por el Institut Universitari d’Investigació en Atenció Primària Jordi Gol (IDIAPJGol) según los investigadores de atención primaria de salud de Cataluña. Método: Estudio transversal realizado en 2017 con 36 equipos de investigación de atención primaria de salud acreditados por el IDIAPJGol y su personal de gestión. Se diseñó y pilotó un cuestionario abierto (papel y online) para desarrollar una técnica DAFO. Se obtuvieron 65 respuestas (14 en papel y 51 online). Se realizó un análisis de contenido temático. Resultados: La mayoría de informantes considera la participación de la ciudadanía en la investigación una estrategia útil, innovadora, viable e imprescindible, pero exige un cambio de mentalidad y un alejamiento del paradigma jerárquico. Puede ser difícil su ejecución y complicar los estudios. Les preocupa a qué ciudadanos implicar, cómo seleccionarlos, los posibles conflictos de intereses y las necesidades de formación. Las principales propuestas para su implementación son difundir estrategias previas, fomentar la motivación y las sinergias entre ciudadanos, investigadores e instituciones, y clarificar los roles de los actores implicados. El IDIAPJGol debería elaborar recomendaciones para la participación de la ciudadanía en la investigación, incentivar su inclusión, disponer de un referente y asesorar a los equipos investigadores. Conclusiones: A pesar de los retos, desarrollar la participación de la ciudadanía en la investigación en atención primaria de salud es imprescindible y factible, pero partiendo de una estrategia participativa con todos los actores. La ciudadanía puede participar en cualquier diseño y fase de la investigación adaptando cada proyecto, siendo la atención primaria un ámbito privilegiado para desarrollar la participación ciudadana en la investigación. Abstract: Objective: Explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) for development of public involvement in research by Institut Universitari d’Investigació en Atenció Primària Jordi Gol (IDIAPJGol) according to primary health care researchers in Catalonia (Spain). Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out in 2017 with 36 primary health care research teams accredited by IDIAPJGol and its management staff. An open questionnaire (paper and online) was designed and piloted to develop a SWOT technique, and 65 answers were obtained (14 in paper and 51 online). A thematic content analysis was carried out. Results: Most informants consider public involvement in research a useful, innovative, viable and essential strategy, but it requires a change of mentality and a move away from the hierarchical paradigm. It can be difficult to execute and can complicate studies. They are concerned about which citizens should be involve, how to select them, possible conflicts of interest and training needs. The main proposals for its implementation are to disseminate previous strategies, encourage motivation and synergies among citizens, researchers and institutions, and to clarify the roles of the actors involved. IDIAPJGol should develop recommendations for the public involvement in research, encourage their inclusion, have a mentor and advise the research teams. Conclusions: Despite the challenges, developing public involvement in research in primary health care is essential and feasible, what it is more should be based on a participatory strategy with all actors. The citizens can participate in any kind of design and phase of the research, adapting each project, being the primary health care a privileged area to develop the public involvement in research. Palabras clave: Atención primaria de salud, DAFO, Investigación, Participación ciudadana, Keywords: Primary health care, SWOT, Research, Citizen participation

Objetivo: Comprender a qué modelos teóricos se ajusta la práctica actual de la prevención primaria ypromoción de la salud en atención primaria de salud en diferentes centros de salud de siete comunidadesautónomas de España, según los/las profesionales de distintas disciplinas de este ámbito asistencial. Método: Investigación cualitativa descriptiva en la que participaron 145 profesionales de 14 centros desalud de siete comunidades autónomas de España. El muestreo fue teórico. Se realizaron 14 grupos dediscusión. El análisis de datos se realizó siguiendo procedimientos del análisis de contenido temático y de acuerdo con siete modelos teóricos de promoción de la salud a nivel micro, meso y macro. Resultados: Las prácticas de los profesionales de los centros participantes en relación con las actividadesde prevención primaria y promoción de la salud se adhieren principalmente a modelos intrapersonales, centrándose en ayudar a que las personas se empoderen aumentando la conciencia de riesgo y de los beneficios del cambio en los comportamientos, y guiándolas en la implementación de un comportamientosaludable. Algunos/as profesionales realizan actividades que encajan en modelos interpersonales, implicando a la familia y al propio profesional en las estrategias. Solo en algunos casos las prácticas actualesencajan en modelos comunitarios de promoción de la salud. Conclusiones: Las prácticas de prevención primaria y promoción de la salud de los profesionales de atención primaria siguen principalmente modelos intrapersonales, en algunos casos modelos interpersonalesy más puntualmente modelos comunitarios. Es necesario potenciar la participación de la ciudadanía y laorientación comunitaria de los servicios de atención primaria de salud. Objective: To understand which theoretical models apply to current primary care practice of primary prevention and health promotion in a sample of primary health centres of seven autonomous regions in Spain according to the various professionals involved. Method: Descriptive qualitative research with the participation of 145 professionals from 14 primary health centres of seven autonomous regions in Spain. Theoretical sampling was used and 14 discussion groups were carried out. Data analysis followed thematic contents analysis procedures and was based on seven health promotion theoretical models at micro-, meso- and macro-level. Results: Current practice of primary prevention and health promotion activities mainly follow intrapersonal models, which focus on assisting the empowerment of patients by means of raising awareness of risk and benefits of behavioural change and on guiding the adoption of the new healthy behaviour. To a lesser degree, the activities of some professionals adhere to interpersonal models, which involve also the family and the health professional. In only a few instances community models of health promotion were used. Conclusions: Primary prevention and health promotion practice of primary healthcare professionals follow mainly intrapersonal models, few cases use interpersonal models and community models are only occasionally employed. Advance of public participation and community orientation in primary healthcare services is needed.

This is a multicentric, descriptive, cross-sectional study of child and adolescent sexual abuse in women over 18 years in 24 primary care sexual and reproductive health centers in Catalonia. A total of 1,013 women were recruited; 345 (37.6%, 95% CI: 34.6-40.9) reported exposure to child sexual abuse: 32.4% disclosed being touched in a sexual way, and 9.6% reported completed sexual intercourse. Abuse occured before the age of 13 in 63.4% of respondents. The perpetrator was a relative or an acquaintance in almost 80% of cases. The risk was higher among women of Central or South American origin (OR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.33-6.12). Only 31.9% of women disclosed the abuse and 17.3% were blamed. Abuse that involved attempted or completed sexual intercourse was significantly associated with recurrence, physical violence, and revictimization in adulthood.

This project was supported by Arthritis New Zealand (grant reference R259 to WJT). The US data collection was funded by Pfizer (undertaken commercially by Adelphi Values). The NZ data collection was supported by the Maaori Gout Action Group of Counties Manukau District Health Board and the Auckland Rheumatology Fund (to KL). The Spanish data were collected with the direct support of the authors. The funders had no direct role in the conduct of the reported study, analysis of the data or writing of the manuscript. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) aims to comprehensively describe the ways in which a person's health condition affects their life. This study aimed to contribute to the development of an ICF core set for gout through patient opinion derived from focus groups and interviews. We conducted a secondary qualitative analysis of data from three studies investigating the patient experience of gout. In total there were 30 individual interviews and 2 focus groups (N = 17) comprising 47 participants. We conducted thematic analysis of the textual data to extract meaning units, which were then linked to the ICF. A large number of ICF categories were relevant to patients with gout. Participants mentioned 93 third level categories, 17 of which were mentioned by more than 50% of patients. The most references for a single category was for b280, Sensation of pain, followed by personal factors (not yet categorised by the ICF). The most participants mentioned the environmental factor e355, Health professional support, followed by b280, Sensation of pain. The categories identified in this study as relevant to patients with gout highlight the severe pain associated with this disease, the impact on mobility and corresponding life areas. The roles of health professional support, medication, and personal attitudes to disease management are also reflected in the data. These results will contribute to the development of the ICF core set for gout.

Public participation in research projects is an emerging area in Spain and Latin American countries. There are five types of projects according to the degree of involvement that the participants have in the processes: contributory, collaborative, co-created, contractual and independent. In order to promote public participation in health research teams, their practices and competencies need to be redefined. To this end, it may be useful to ask questions in the different phases of the research, as well as to develop strategies that include audiences that have fewer channels of participation in favour of favouring equity in health. This way of doing science allows gathering experience and expertise prioritizing and adapting the research to the needs of the population, which increases its transforming capacity and the social impact of its results.

Background Low back pain (LBP) is a multifactorial condition with individual and societal impact that affects populations globally. Current guidelines for the treatment of LBP recommend pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. The aim of this study was to compare usual clinical practice with the effectiveness of a biopsychosocial multidisciplinary intervention in reducing disability, severity of pain and improving quality of life in a working population of patients with subacute (2–12 weeks), non-specific LBP. Methods Longitudinal cluster randomized clinical trial conducted in 39 Primary Health Care Centres (PHCC) of Barcelona, with patients aged 18–65 years (n = 501; control group = 239; 26 PHCC, intervention group = 262; 13 PHCC). The control group received usual clinical care. The intervention group received usual clinical care plus a biopsychosocial multidisciplinary intervention, which consisted of physiotherapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy and medication. The main outcomes were changes in the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and the minimal clinically important differences. Secondary outcomes were changes in the McGill Pain (MGPQ) and Quality of Life (SF-12) questionnaires. Assessment was conducted at baseline, 3 and 12 months. Analysis was by intention-to-treat and analyst-blinded. Multiple imputations were used. Results Of the 501 enrolled patients, 421 (84%) provided data at 3 months, and 387 (77.2%) at 12 months. Mean age was 46.8 years (SD: 11.5) and 64.7% were women. In the adjusted analysis of the RMDQ outcome, only the intervention group showed significant changes at 3 months (− 1.33 points, p = 0.005) and at 12 months (− 1.11 points, p = 0.027), but minimal clinically important difference were detected in both groups. In the adjusted analysis of the RMDQ outcome, the intervention group improvement more than the control group at 3 months (− 1.33 points, p = 0.005) and at 12 months (− 1.11 points, p = 0.027). The intervention group presented a significant difference. Both groups presented a minimal clinically important difference, but more difference in the intervention group. The intervention group presented significant differences in the MGPQ scales of current pain intensity and VAS scores at 3 months. No statistically significant differences were found in the physical and mental domains of the SF-12. Conclusions A multidisciplinary biopsychosocial intervention in a working population with non-specific subacute LBP has a small positive impact on disability, and on the level of pain, mainly at short-term, but no difference on quality of life. Trial registration ISRCTN21392091 (17 oct 2018) (Prospectively registred).

Qualitative research; Mobile apps; Smoking cessation; Social support Recerca qualitativa; Aplicacions mòbils; Deshabituació del tabac; Suport social Investigación cualitativa; Aplicaciones móviles; Deshabituación del tabaco; Apoyo social Background: Smoking is one of the most significant factors contributing to low life expectancy, health inequalities, and illness at the worldwide scale. Smoking cessation attempts benefit from social support. Mobile phones have changed the way we communicate through the use of freely available message-oriented apps. Mobile app-based interventions for smoking cessation programs can provide interactive, supportive, and individually tailored interventions. Objective: This study aimed to identify emotions, coping strategies, beliefs, values, and cognitive evaluations of smokers who are in the process of quitting, and to analyze online social support provided through the analysis of messages posted to a chat function integrated into a mobile app. Methods: In this descriptive qualitative study, informants were smokers who participated in the chat of Tobbstop. The technique to generate information was documentary through messages collected from September 2014 through June 2016, specifically designed to support a smoking cessation intervention. A thematic content analysis of the messages applied 2 conceptual models: the Lazarus and Folkman model to assess participant's experiences and perceptions and the Cutrona model to evaluate online social support. Results: During the study period, 11,788 text messages were posted to the chat by 101 users. The most frequent messages offered information and emotional support, and all the basic emotions were reported in the chat. The 3 most frequent coping strategies identified were physical activity, different types of treatment such as nicotine replacement, and humor. Beliefs about quitting smoking included the inevitability of weight gain and the notion that not using any type of medications is better for smoking cessation. Health and family were the values more frequently described, followed by freedom. A smoke-free environment was perceived as important to successful smoking cessation. The social support group that was developed with the app offered mainly emotional and informational support. Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that a chat integrated into a mobile app focused on supporting smoking cessation provides a useful tool for smokers who are in the process of quitting, by offering social support and a space to share concerns, information, or strategies.

CDATA[CDATA[Background: Health promotion is a key process of current health systems Primary Health Care (PHC) is the ideal setting for health promotion but multifaceted barriers make its integration difficult in the usual care. The majority of the adult population engages two 01 more risk behaviours, that is why a multiple intervention might be more effective and efficient The primary objectives are to evaluate the effectiveness, the cost effectiveness and an implementation strategy of a complex multiple risk intervention to promote healthy behaviours in people between 45 to 75 years attended in PHC. CDATA[CDATA[Methods: This study is a cluster randomised controlled hybrid type 2 trial with two parallel groups comparing a complex multiple risk behaviour intervention with usual care It will be carried out in 26 PHC centres in Spam The study focuses on people between 45 and 75 years who carry out two or more of the following unhealthy behaviours tobacco use, low adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern or insufficient physical activity level The intervention is based on the Transtheoretical Model and it will be made by physicians and nurses in the routine care of PHC practices according to the conceptual framework of the '5A's It will have a maximum duration of 12 months and it will be carried out to three different levels (individual, group and community) Incremental cost per quality adjusted life year gamed measured by the tanffs of the EuioQo! 5D questionnaire will be estimated. The implementation strategy is based on the 'Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, a set of discrete implementation strategies and an evaluation framework. CDATA[CDATA[Discussion: EIRA study will determine the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of a complex multiple risk intervention and will provide a better understanding of implementation processes of health promotion interventions in PHC setting. It may contribute to increase knowledge about the individual and structural barriers that affect implementation of these interventions and to quantify the contextual factors that moderate the effectiveness of implementation., This project is funded by the Institute of Health Carlos III, Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Spain), with a grant for research projects on health (PI15/00114) through the Network for Prevention and Health Promotion in Primary Care (redIAPP, RD12/0005/0001; RD16/0007/0001), and by European Union ERDF funds, (European Regional Development Fund). This study was also funded by the Health Department (SLT002/16/00112) from the Generalitat of Catalunya.

The purpose of this study was to ascertain multimorbidity patterns using a non-hierarchical cluster analysis in adult primary patients with multimorbidity attended in primary care centers in Catalonia. Methods Cross-sectional study using electronic health records from 523,656 patients, aged 45–64 years in 274 primary health care teams in 2010 in Catalonia, Spain. Data were provided by the Information System for the Development of Research in Primary Care (SIDIAP), a population database. Diagnoses were extracted using 241 blocks of diseases (International Classification of Diseases, version 10). Multimorbidity patterns were identified using two steps: 1) multiple correspondence analysis and 2) k-means clustering. Analysis was stratified by sex. Results The 408,994 patients who met multimorbidity criteria were included in the analysis (mean age, 54.2 years [Standard deviation, SD: 5.8], 53.3% women). Six multimorbidity patterns were obtained for each sex; the three most prevalent included 68% of the women and 66% of the men, respectively. The top cluster included coincident diseases in both men and women: Metabolic disorders, Hypertensive diseases, Mental and behavioural disorders due to psychoactive substance use, Other dorsopathies, and Other soft tissue disorders. Conclusion Non-hierarchical cluster analysis identified multimorbidity patterns consistent with clinical practice, identifying phenotypic subgroups of patients The project has been funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (Spain) through the Network for Prevention and Health Promotion in Primary Health Care (redIAPP, RD12/0005), by a grant for research projects on health from ISCiii (PI12/00427) and co-financed with European Union ERDF funds). Jose M. Valderas was supported by the National Institute for Health Research Clinician Scientist Award NIHR/CS/010/024

Cardiovascular diseases are highly represented in multimorbidity patterns. Nevertheless, few studies have analysed the burden of these diseases in the population with multimorbidity. The objective of this study was to identify and describe the cardiovascular diseases among the patients with multimorbidity. Methods We designed a cross-sectional study in patients ≥19 years old assigned to 251 primary health care centres in Catalonia, Spain. The main outcome was cardiovascular morbidity burden, defined as the presence of one or more of 24 chronic cardiovascular diseases in multimorbid patients (≥2 chronic conditions). Two groups were defined, with and without multimorbidity; the multimorbidity group was further divided into cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular subgroups. The secondary outcomes were: modifiable major cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes) and cardiovascular risk score (REGICOR, Registre Gironí del Cor). Other variables analysed were: sex, age (19–24, 25–44, 45–64, 65–79, and 80+ years), number of chronic diseases, urban setting, active toxic habits (smoking and alcohol), physical parameters and laboratory tests. Results A total of 1,749,710 individuals were included (mean age, 47.4 years [SD: 17.8]; 50.7 % women), of which nearly half (46.8 %) had multimorbidity (95 % CI: 46.9–47.1). In patients with multimorbidity,, the cardiovascular burden was 54.1 % of morbidity (95 % CI: 54.0–54.2) and the four most prevalent cardiovascular diseases were uncomplicated hypertension (75.3 %), varicose veins of leg (20.6 %), “other” heart disease (10.5 %) and atrial fibrillation/flutter (6.7 %). In the cardiovascular morbidity subgroup, 38.2 % had more than one cardiovascular disease. The most prevalent duet and triplet combinations were uncomplicated hypertension & lipid disorder (38.8 %) and uncomplicated hypertension & lipid disorder & non-insulin dependent diabetes (11.3 %), respectively. By age groups, the same duet was the most prevalent in patients aged 45–80 years and in men aged 25–44 years. In women aged 19–44, varicose veins of leg & anxiety disorder/anxiety was the most prevalent; in men aged 19–24, it was uncomplicated hypertension & obesity. Patients with multimorbidity showed a higher cardiovascular risk profile than the non-multimorbidity group. Conclusions More than 50 % percent of patients with multimorbidity had cardiovascular diseases, the most frequent being hypertension. The presence of cardiovascular risk factors and the cardiovascular risk profile were higher in the multimorbidity group than the non-multimorbidity group. Hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia constituted the most prevalent multimorbidity pattern

BACKGROUND Smoking is one of the most significant factors contributing to low life expectancy, health inequalities, and illness at the worldwide scale. Smoking cessation attempts benefit from social support. Mobile phones have changed the way we communicate through the use of freely available message-oriented apps. Mobile app–based interventions for smoking cessation programs can provide interactive, supportive, and individually tailored interventions. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to identify emotions, coping strategies, beliefs, values, and cognitive evaluations of smokers who are in the process of quitting, and to analyze online social support provided through the analysis of messages posted to a chat function integrated into a mobile app. METHODS In this descriptive qualitative study, informants were smokers who participated in the chat of Tobbstop. The technique to generate information was documentary through messages collected from September 2014 through June 2016, specifically designed to support a smoking cessation intervention. A thematic content analysis of the messages applied 2 conceptual models: the Lazarus and Folkman model to assess participant’s experiences and perceptions and the Cutrona model to evaluate online social support. RESULTS During the study period, 11,788 text messages were posted to the chat by 101 users. The most frequent messages offered information and emotional support, and all the basic emotions were reported in the chat. The 3 most frequent coping strategies identified were physical activity, different types of treatment such as nicotine replacement, and humor. Beliefs about quitting smoking included the inevitability of weight gain and the notion that not using any type of medications is better for smoking cessation. Health and family were the values more frequently described, followed by freedom. A smoke-free environment was perceived as important to successful smoking cessation. The social support group that was developed with the app offered mainly emotional and informational support. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis suggests that a chat integrated into a mobile app focused on supporting smoking cessation provides a useful tool for smokers who are in the process of quitting, by offering social support and a space to share concerns, information, or strategies.

Explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) for development of public involvement in research by Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Atenció Primària Jordi Gol (IDIAPJGol) according to primary health care researchers in Catalonia (Spain).Cross-sectional study carried out in 2017 with 36 primary health care research teams accredited by IDIAPJGol and its management staff. An open questionnaire (paper and online) was designed and piloted to develop a SWOT technique, and 65 answers were obtained (14 in paper and 51 online). A thematic content analysis was carried out.Most informants consider public involvement in research a useful, innovative, viable and essential strategy, but it requires a change of mentality and a move away from the hierarchical paradigm. It can be difficult to execute and can complicate studies. They are concerned about which citizens should be involve, how to select them, possible conflicts of interest and training needs. The main proposals for its implementation are to disseminate previous strategies, encourage motivation and synergies among citizens, researchers and institutions, and to clarify the roles of the actors involved. IDIAPJGol should develop recommendations for the public involvement in research, encourage their inclusion, have a mentor and advise the research teams.Despite the challenges, developing public involvement in research in primary health care is essential and feasible, what it is more should be based on a participatory strategy with all actors. The citizens can participate in any kind of design and phase of the research, adapting each project, being the primary health care a privileged area to develop the public involvement in research.

Background The detection of elder mistreatment is emerging as a public health priority; however, abusive behaviors exercised by caregivers are little known and rarely detected among primary health care professionals. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of risk of abuse against community-residing elderly with moderate to severe dependency whose caregivers are relatives. In addition, we aim to describe the association between such a risk and socio-demographic variables, cognitive and dependency state of the victim, and the scale of the caregiver’s anxiety, depression, and burden. Methods Cross-sectional study developed in 72 Primary Health Care teams from Barcelona, Spain. Participants were caregivers and their dependent care recipients (N = 829). Home interviews included the Caregiver Abuse Screen (CASE); self-reported abuse from care recipient; activities of daily living and cognitive state of the care recipient; anxiety and depression in caregivers and Caregiver Burden Scale. The relationship prior to the dependency, positive aspects of caregiving, and social support for the caregiver were also assessed. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression with risk of abuse as dependent variable. Results Caregivers were mainly women (82.8%) with a mean age of 63.3 years. Caregivers and care recipients lived in the same household in 87.4% of cases, and 86.6% had enjoyed a good previous relationship. Care recipients were women (65.6%), with a mean age of 84.2 years, and 64.2% had moderate to severe cognitive impairment. CASE demonstrated a prevalence of 33.4% (95% CI: 30.3-36.7) of abuse risk by the caregiver. Logistic regression showed as statistically significant: caregiver burden (OR = 2.75; 95% CI: 1.74-4.33), caregiver anxiety (OR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.40-3.02), caregiver perception of aggressive behavior in the care recipient (OR = 7.24; 95% CI: 4.99-10.51), and a bad previous relationship (OR = 4.66; 95% CI: 1.25-17.4). Conclusions Prevalence of risk of abuse is high among family caregivers. Our study has found risk factors in family caregivers that are preventable to an extent, namely: anxiety and feelings of burden. It is essential to become aware of these risk factors and their causes to intervene and help primary as well secondary prevention.

BackgroundPrimary health care (PHC) is the ideal setting to provide integrated services centred on the person and to implement health promotion (HP) activities. ObjectiveTo identify proposals to approach HP in the context of primary care according to health-care users aged 45-75years, key community informants and primary care centre (PCC) workers. MethodsDescriptive-interpretive qualitative research with 276 participants from 14 PCC of seven Spanish regions. A theoretical sampling was used for selection. A total of 25 discussion groups, two triangular groups and 30 semi-structured interviews were carried out. A thematic interpretive contents analysis was carried out. ResultsParticipants consider that HP is not solely a matter for the health sector and they emphasize intersectoral collaboration. They believe that it is important to strengthen community initiatives and to create a healthy social environment that encourages greater responsibility and participation of health-care users in decisions regarding their own health and better management of public services and resources. HP, care in the community and demedicalization should be priorities for PHC. Participants propose organizational changes in the PCC to improve HP. PCC workers are aware that HP falls within the scope of their responsibilities and propose to increase their training, motivation, competences and knowledge of the social environment. Informants emphasize that HP should be person-centred approach and empathic communication. HP activities should be appealing, ludic and of proven effectiveness. ConclusionsAccording to a socio-ecological and intersectoral model, PHC services must get actively involved in HP together with community and through outreach interventions., This project has been funded by the Carlos III Health Institute (Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Spain) with a grant for research projects on health (PI12/01914; PI12/00616; PI12/02608; PI12/01974; PI12/02774; PI12/02635; PI12/02379) through the Network for Prevention and Health Promotion in Primary Care (redIAPP, RD12/0005/0001) and by European Union ERDF funds.

Background No studies of Health Coach Interventions for knee OA sufferers that include patients’ perspectives have been published. The study assesses current clinical practice and primary care professionals’ advice from the patients’ perspective, in order to obtain a participative design for a complex intervention based on coaching psychology. Moreover, wants to analyse the experiences, perceptions, cognitive evaluation, values, emotions, beliefs and coping strategies of patients with knee osteoarthritis, and secondly the impact of these factors in the Self-management of this condition. Methods It is an interpretative qualitative study. The study included patients with diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis (OA) from 4 primary health care centres in Barcelona. A theoretical sampling based on a prior definition of participants’ characteristics was carried out. Ten semi-structured interviews with knee OA patients were carried out. A content thematic analysis was performed following a mixed-strategy text codification in Lazarus framework and in emerging codes from the data. Results The results are structured in two blocks: Experiences and perceptions of informants and Experiences of knee osteoarthritis according to the Lazarus model. Regarding experiences and perceptions of informants: Some participants reported that the information was mostly provided by health professionals. Informants know which food they should eat to lose weight and the benefits of weight loss. Moreover, participants explained that they like walking but that sometimes it is difficult to put into practice. Regarding experiences of knee osteoarthritis according Lazarus model: Cognitive evaluation is influenced by cognitive distortions such as obligation, guilt, dramatization and catastrophism. Values: Family is the value most associated with wellbeing. Helping others is another recurring value. Emotions: Most participants explain that they feel anxiety, irritability or sadness. Beliefs: To some, physiotherapy helps them feel less pain. However, others explain that it is of no use to them. Participants are aware of the association overweight– pain. Coping strategies: The strategies for coping with emotions aim to reduce psychological distress (anxiety, sadness, anger) and some are more active than others. Conclusions The study highlights that patients with knee osteoarthritis require a person-centered approach that provides them with strategies to overcome the psychological distress caused by this condition. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-017-1584-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Burnout is a very prevalent type of stress among health professionals. It affects their well-being, performance, and attitude toward patients. This study assessed the effectiveness of a training program for primary health care professionals designed to reduce burnout and mood disturbance, increase empathy, and develop mindfulness.Pragmatic randomized controlled trial with pre- and postintervention measurements of 68 primary health care professionals (43 in the intervention and 25 in the control group) in Spain. The intervention consisted of presentations of clinically relevant topics, mindfulness-based coping strategies, mindfulness practice, yoga, and group discussions (8 sessions of 2.5 hours per week plus a 1-day session of 8 hours). Outcome measures included the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Profile of Mood States, Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy, Baer's Five Facets Mindfulness Questionnaire, and a questionnaire on changes in personal habits and mindfulness practice. Measurements were performed at baseline and after 8 weeks.The intervention group improved in the 4 scales measured. The magnitude of the change was large in total mood disturbance (difference between groups -7.1; standardized effect-size [SES] 1.15) and mindfulness (difference between groups 11; SES 0.9) and moderate in the burnout (difference between groups -7; SES 0.74) and empathy scales (difference between groups 5.2; SES 0.71). No significant differences were found in the control group.Our study supports the use of mindfulness-based programs as part of continuing professional education to reduce and prevent burnout, promote positive attitudes among health professionals, strengthen patient-provider relationships, and enhance well-being.

ResumenObjetivosIdentificar las competencias actuales y las necesarias para el futuro de los directivos y técnicos de salud pública de Cataluña.MétodosInvestigación cualitativa de perspectiva fenomenológica. Se realizaron 31 entrevistas individuales semiestructuradas a profesionales de la salud pública de Cataluña, entre noviembre de 2009 y febrero de 2010. La muestra fue teórica, intencionada y razonada para incluir la máxima pluralidad discursiva. Se realizó un análisis de contenido temático.ResultadosSe ha obtenido una amplia variedad de competencias actuales y necesarias para el futuro, clasificadas por perfil profesional. Como competencias transversales destaca la necesidad de compartir un marco teórico general sobre la disciplina y la institución. Las más enfatizadas son la gestión del conocimiento, las habilidades comunicativas, el trabajo en equipo interdisciplinario, la orientación intersectorial, los conocimientos jurídicos, las habilidades informáticas y el inglés. Es importante que cada profesional disponga de competencias específicas en su área de actuación. En las competencias específicas hay más diferencias entre técnicos y directivos. Los técnicos priorizan competencias en gestión de recursos humanos y materiales, por las dificultades que se encuentran diariamente. Los directivos dan más importancia a los valores profesionales y organizativos relacionados con la salud pública.ConclusionesSe requieren competencias transversales, en consonancia con un profesional versátil, y competencias específicas según el ámbito de actuación. Estos resultados confirman que la salud pública es un área de conocimiento multidisciplinario que trabaja estableciendo alianzas y colaboraciones más allá de disciplinas, profesiones y organizaciones.AbstractObjectivesTo identify current and future competencies (managers and technicians) for public health professionals in Catalonia (Spain).MethodsQualitative research with a phenomenological approach. Between November 2009 and February 2010, 31 semistructured interviews were completed with public health professionals working in Catalonia. We purposely used a theoretical sample to include the maximum multiplicity of discourses. We conducted a thematic content analysis.ResultsWe obtained a wide range of current professional competencies, as well as those required for the future, classified according to professional profile. The participants highlighted transversal competencies, such as the importance of sharing a general theoretical framework of the discipline and the institution. Among the most frequently reported competencies were knowledge management, communication skills, teamwork, multidisciplinary and intersectoral orientation, legal knowledge, computer skills and languages, particularly English. It was also important for individual professionals to have specific skills in their areas of activity. In terms of differences between managers and technicians, the study showed that technicians prioritize management skills concerning human and material resources, while managers emphasize organizational and professional public health expertise.ConclusionsThere is a need for transversal and specific competencies in distinct areas. Public health is a multidisciplinary field, which collaborates with a wide range of professionals and organizations.

Background: Although some articles have analysed the definitions of health and health promotion from the perspective of health-care users and health care professionals, no published studies include the simultaneous participation of health-care users, primary health care professionals and key community informants. Understanding the perception of health and health promotion amongst these different stakeholders is crucial for the design and implementation of successful, equitable and sustainable measures that improve the health and wellbeing of populations. Furthermore, the identification of different health assets and deficits by the different informants will generate new evidence to promote healthy behaviours, improve community health and wellbeing and reduce preventable inequalities. The objective of this study is to explore the concept of health and health promotion and to compare health assets and deficits as identified by health-care users, key community informants and primary health care workers with the ultimate purpose to collect the necessary data for the design and implementation of a successful health promotion intervention. Methods: A descriptive-interpretive qualitative research was conducted with 276 participants from 14 primary care centres of 7 Spanish regions. Theoretical sampling was used for selection. We organized 11 discussion groups and 2 triangular groups with health-care users; 30 semi-structured interviews with key community informants; and 14 discussion groups with primary health care workers. A thematic content analysis was carried out. Results: Health-care users and key community informants agree that health is a complex, broad, multifactorial concept that encompasses several interrelated dimensions (physical, psychological-emotional, social, occupational, intellectual, spiritual and environmental). The three participants' profiles consider health promotion indispensable despite defining it as complex and vague. In fact, most health-care users admit to having implemented some change to promote their health. The most powerful motivators to change lifestyles are having a disease, fear of becoming ill and taking care of oneself to maintain health. Health-care users believe that the main difficulties are associated with the physical, social, working and family environment, as well as lack of determination and motivation. They also highlight the need for more information. In relation to the assets and deficits of the neighbourhood, each group identifies those closer to their role. Conclusions: Generally, participants showed a holistic and positive concept of health and a more traditional, individual approach to health promotion. We consider therefore crucial to depart from the model of health services that focuses on the individual and the disease toward a socio-ecological health model that substantially increases the participation of health-care users and emphasizes health promotion, wellbeing and community participation., This work was supported by the Carlos III Health Institute (Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Spain) with a grant for research projects on health (PI15/00114) through the Network for Prevention and Health Promotion in Primary Care (redIAPP, RD16/0007), and by European Union ERDF funds.

Introduction : Although in our cultural context death and end of life are still taboos, clinical approaches based on shared decision-making and person-centered care are emerging. Advance care planning (ACP) is a core example of these new approaches that mainly rely on knowledge and respect for the autonomy of patients. Respect for autonomy involves the active participation of the person in the caring process, being essential for professionals to apply the person-centered model to know in advance the values and preferences of patients and their families regarding their health problems and the way decisions will be taken, mainly in situations of advanced disease or when the patient can not decide for him o herself. These arguments justify the need to develop an ACP model to suit individual needs and, at the same time, to integrate the social and health components of each clinical stage. The basis of ACP is the recognition and respect for the autonomy of the other, encouraging the participation of persons in the management of their own existence and the creation of their own life plan. In this context, we still don’t have enough information about Catalan population`s experience and perspective on ACP. Objectives : Identify the perspectives, values and experiences of citizens related to ACP. Integrate the inputs from citizenship in order to validate both the conceptual framework as well as the practical guide of the Catalan model of ACP. Provide practical recommendations for the implementation of the ACP model in real practice. Object population : Persons older than 18 years living in Catalonia, of both genders, from rural and urban areas, with an appropriate distribution regarding levels of education and health status (healthy, non complex chronicity, complex chronicity, advanced disease and caregivers) that agreed to participate. A theoretical sampling seeking the maximum discoursing variability was selected. Recruitment of participants was from January to December 2015. Involved interested main ones : Catalan Ministry of Health, citizenship, patients, caregivers, social and health professionals. Method : Design: socio-constructivist qualitative study Data collection: eight focus groups from eight to twelve participants. Data analysis: successive readings of transcriptions (systematic, literal and anonymous), followed by a discourse analysis: formulation of pre-analytic intuitions, discoursing positions and fractions, textual overall interpretation (symbolic configurations), internalistic analysis searching the semantic attractors and the associative chains (semantic configurations). Aids to the research : Formal research grant from the College of Nurses of Barcelona. Impact : This qualitative approach is useful to provide: - Generation of new knowledge about citizenship’s position. - Integration of groups’ contributions on the conceptual framework. - Practical recommendations for implementation, adapted to the continuum of chronicity. - Encouragement of good practices in the clinical management of advanced disease and palliative needs, improving the experience of care for patients and their families. Conclusions : Although the complete results of the qualitative analysis will be available in April 2015, preliminary information shows its feasibility to identify the perspectives, values and experiences of the citizenship regarding ACP process and use them in the validation of both the ACP Catalan model’s conceptual frame as well as its practical guide. As a consequence, we’ll be able to compile useful recommendations for ACP implementation as a paradigmatic example of integrated person-centered good practices and of the collaborative work between patients and professionals.

Background One of the most remarkable features of patient safety research in primary care is the sparse attention paid to patients’ own experiences. Objective To explore patient’s perceptions and experiences of patient safety in primary care in England. Methods We conducted a qualitative study in the South of England with an opportunistic sample of 27 primary care users. Information was obtained from four patient focus groups. A thematic content analysis was conducted by three analysts and consensus reached within the research team on the key themes that emerged. Results Participants’ conceptualizations of patient safety referred to high standards of healthcare delivery within a relationship of trust. Participants identified four main factors that they believed could potentially affect patient safety. These included factors related to: 1) the patient (attitudes, behaviours, and health literacy), 2) the health professional (attitudes, behaviours and accuracy of diagnoses), 3) the relationship between patients and health professionals (communication and trust), and 4) the healthcare system (workload, resources, care coordination, accessibility, interdisciplinary teamwork, and accuracy of health care records). Confidentiality, continuity of care and treatment-related safety emerged as cross-cutting major threats to patient safety. Conclusion The exploration of participants’ perceptions and experiences allowed the identification of a wide variety of themes that were perceived to impact on patient safety in primary care. The findings of this study could be used to enrich current frameworks that are exclusively based on professional or healthcare system perspectives.

The study aimed to determine which drug combinations achieve better control in comorbid diabetes and hypertension in a pragmatic sample of primary health care patients.Cross-sectional study.251 primary health care centres in Catalonia, Spain.individuals ≥65 years old with a dual diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes.good control criteria were established as glycated haemoglobin ≤7% and blood pressure140/90mmHg. Antihypertensive and hypoglycaemic drugs and treatment adherence were analysed in relation to their association with good control.27,637 patients (58.0% women) had hypertension and diabetes and met selection criteria. Mean age was 75.9 years (standard deviation [SD]: 6.7). Both diseases were well controlled simultaneously in 34.2% of patients. The combination of biguanides and diuretics achieved the highest association with good control. Adherence to pharmacological treatment was more difficult in diabetes than in hypertension. Lack of control was associated significantly with non-adherence to treatment, 0-12 PHC visits, obesity and increasing number of diabetes prescriptions.Good control of diabetes and hypertension comorbidity with pharmacological treatment in elderly patients is challenging. Some drug combinations achieved better control than others. The greatest effort should focus on improving the low adherence to diabetes treatment.

To analyse perceived sexual satisfaction, sexual dysfunction, satisfaction with affective relationships and confidence and communication in existing relationships, related to a past history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and type suffered, among women treated as part of the Catalonian Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Programme (PASSIR).Multicentric, descriptive, cross-sectional study. A total of 1,013 women over the age of 18 years, who underwent psychological therapy at any of the 24 PASSIR centres, were enrolled. A structured, anonymised, self-administered Sex History Questionnaire adapted from Wyatt (1985)Dubé et al. (2005), and the Female Sexual Function Index (Rosen, 2000), were used. Statistical analysis was descriptive, bivariate and multivariate.Women who suffered childhood sexual abuse had a significantly higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction, with lower perceived sexual satisfaction. CSA with penetration or attempted penetration was associated with greater arousal difficulties and greater rejection. Women who experienced CSA were less confident and experienced greater communication difficulties with their partner.It is necessary to identify potential childhood sexual abuse among women who seek therapy due to relationship problems. It is also necessary to continue research into protective factors and therapeutic interventions to alleviate the consequences of CSA in adult life.

ResumenObjetivoObtener versiones adaptadas para la población española de una versión específica del Illness Perception Questionnaire Revised (IPQ-Re) y el Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), conceptual y lingüísticamente equivalentes a los originales.DiseñoAdaptación cultural de cuestionarios: validación lingüística.EmplazamientoCinco equipos de atención primaria y un hospital de tercer nivel.ParticipantesSe seleccionó un equipo investigador multidisciplinario. Se realizó un estudio piloto en 30 pacientes con enfermedades crónicas (hipertensión, diabetes mellitus tipo 2, cardiopatía isquémica estable, asma, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica o artrosis).MétodoSe procedió en 3 fases: I) doble traducción, II) estudio piloto y III) doble retrotraducción. Se realizaron 3 reuniones de consenso, una en cada fase y otra con uno de los autores del cuestionario original. En esta última se conoció el BIPQ, una versión reducida del IPQ-R. Se decidió incluir su validación realizando una doble traducción, doble retrotraducción y consenso en ambas etapas.ResultadosFase I) La mayoría de ítems del IPQ-Re no planteó problemas de traducción. Fase II) En el estudio piloto se detectaron algunas dificultades para la autoadministración y la comprensión de algunos ítems. Se decidió disponer de entrevistadores entrenados, introducir cambios en el vocabulario y formato del cuestionario y adaptar una versión específica con menor cantidad de ítems, que solventaba gran parte de las dificultades encontradas. Fase III) Las retrotraducciones fueron muy similares al cuestionario original. El proceso de traducción-retrotraducción del BIPQ no presentó dificultades.ConclusionesTras la validación lingüística del IPQ-Re y del BIPQ, se obtuvieron versiones conceptual y lingüísticamente equivalentes a los cuestionarios originales.AbstractObjectiveTo obtain adapted versions for the Spanish population of a specific version of the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire Revised (IPQ-Re) and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), conceptually and linguistically equivalent to the original questionnaires.DesignCultural adaptation of questionnaires: linguistic validation.SettingFive primary care centres and a tertiary hospital.ParticipantsA multidisciplinary team was selected. A pilot study was performed on 30 people with chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, stable ischaemic heart disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or osteoarthritis)MethodThe project proceeded in 3 phases: I) Double forward-translation, II) Pilot study and III) Double back-translation. Three consensus meetings were held, one in each phase. Another meeting was held with one of the authors of the original questionnaire, where we knew about a short version, the BIPQ. It was also included in the study. Double forward and back-translations were performed and consensus was reached in both stages.ResultsPhase I) The majority of IPQ-Re items did not raise problems of translation. Phase II) In the pilot study we detected that patients found some difficulties in connection with the comprehension and self administration of some items. Therefore it was decided to employ trained interviewers, to introduce changes in the IPQ-Re format and vocabulary and to adapt a specific version with fewer items that solved most of these difficulties Phase III) Back-translations were very similar to the original version. The BIPQ forward and back-translation process caused no difficulties.ConclusionsAfter lingüistic validation, IPQ-Re and BIPQ versions conceptually and lingüistically equivalent to original instruments were obtained.

Objectives: The main aim of this study was to identify the experiences of professionals in nongovernmental organizations (NGO) in Catalonia (Spain) working in HIV/AIDS prevention and control activities and potential areas of improvement of these activities and their evaluation. A further aim was to characterize the experiences, knowledge and practices of users of these organizations with regard to HIV infection and its prevention. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted with the participation of both professionals and users of Catalan nongovernmental organizations (NGO) working in HIV/AIDS. Theoretical sampling (professional) and opportunistic sampling (users) were performed. To collect information, the following techniques were used: four focus groups and one triangular group (professionals), 22 semi-structured interviews, and two observations (users). A thematic interpretive content analysis was conducted by three analysts. Results: The professionals of nongovernmental organizations working in HIV/AIDS adopted a holistic approach in their activities, maintained confidentiality, had cultural and professional competence and followed the principles of equality and empathy. The users of these organizations had knowledge of HIV/AIDS and understood the risk of infection. However, a gap was found between knowledge, attitudes and behavior. Conclusions: NGO offer distinct activities adapted to users' needs. Professionals emphasize the need for support and improvement of planning and implementation of current assessment. The preventive activities of these HIV/AIDS organizations are based on a participatory health education model adjusted to people's needs and focused on empowerment.Objetivos: Identificar las experiencias y actividades de las organizaciones no gubernamentales (ONG) que trabajan en la prevención y control del VIH/sida, las posibles áreas de mejora de las actividades y de su evaluación, e identificar las experiencias, conocimientos y prácticas de sus usuarios sobre el VIH y su prevención. Métodos: Estudio cualitativo fenomenológico en el que participan los profesionales y usuarios de las ONG que trabajan en VIH. Se realizó un muestreo teórico (profesionales) y un muestreo opinático (usuarios). Se utilizaron cuatro grupos focales y uno triangular (profesionales), 22 entrevistas semi-estructuradas y dos observaciones (usuarios). Se realizó un análisis de contenido temático realizado por tres analistas. Resultados: Los profesionales de las ONG ofrecen un enfoque holístico, confidencialidad, competencia cultural y profesional, y aplican los principios de igualdad y empatía. Los usuarios tienen conocimientos sobre el VIH/sida y comprenden el riesgo de infección. Existe una separación entre conocimiento, actitud y conducta. Conclusiones: Las ONG ofrecen diversas actividades adaptadas a las necesidades de los usuarios. Los profesionales destacan la necesidad de apoyo y mejora de la planificación y ejecución del proceso de evaluación actual. Las actividades preventivas de las ONG que trabajan en VIH/sida se basan en un modelo de educación sanitaria participativa ajustado a las necesidades de la población, basada en el empoderamiento.

Objectives: The main aim of this study was to identify the experiences of professionals in nongovernmental organizations (NGO) in Catalonia (Spain) working in HIV/AIDS prevention and control activities and potential areas of improvement of these activities and their evaluation. A further aim was to characterize the experiences, knowledge and practices of users of these organizations with regard to HIV infection and its prevention. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted with the participation of both professionals and users of Catalan nongovernmental organizations (NGO) working in HIV/AIDS. Theoretical sampling (professional) and opportunistic sampling (users) were performed. To collect information, the following techniques were used: four focus groups and one triangular group (professionals), 22 semi-structured interviews, and two observations (users). A thematic interpretive content analysis was conducted by three analysts. Results: The professionals of nongovernmental organizations working in HIV/AIDS adopted a holistic approach in their activities, maintained confidentiality, had cultural and professional competence and followed the principles of equality and empathy. The users of these organizations had knowledge of HIV/AIDS and understood the risk of infection. However, a gap was found between knowledge, attitudes and behavior. Conclusions: NGO offer distinct activities adapted to users' needs. Professionals emphasize the need for support and improvement of planning and implementation of current assessment. The preventive activities of these HIV/AIDS organizations are based on a participatory health education model adjusted to people's needs and focused on empowerment.

Background Health promotion is a key process of current health systems. Primary Health Care (PHC) is the ideal setting for health promotion but multifaceted barriers make its integration difficult in the usual care. The majority of the adult population engages two or more risk behaviours, that is why a multiple intervention might be more effective and efficient. The primary objectives are to evaluate the effectiveness, the cost-effectiveness and an implementation strategy of a complex multiple risk intervention to promote healthy behaviours in people between 45 to 75 years attended in PHC. Methods This study is a cluster randomised controlled hybrid type 2 trial with two parallel groups comparing a complex multiple risk behaviour intervention with usual care. It will be carried out in 26 PHC centres in Spain. The study focuses on people between 45 and 75 years who carry out two or more of the following unhealthy behaviours: tobacco use, low adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern or insufficient physical activity level. The intervention is based on the Transtheoretical Model and it will be made by physicians and nurses in the routine care of PHC practices according to the conceptual framework of the “5A’s”. It will have a maximum duration of 12 months and it will be carried out to three different levels (individual, group and community). Incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year gained measured by the tariffs of the EuroQol-5D questionnaire will be estimated. The implementation strategy is based on the “Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research”, a set of discrete implementation strategies and an evaluation framework. Discussion EIRA study will determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a complex multiple risk intervention and will provide a better understanding of implementation processes of health promotion interventions in PHC setting. It may contribute to increase knowledge about the individual and structural barriers that affect implementation of these interventions and to quantify the contextual factors that moderate the effectiveness of implementation. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03136211.Retrospectively registered on May 2, 2017.

ObjectiveThe aim was to compare multimorbidity patterns identified with the two most commonly used methods: hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in a large primary care database. Specific objectives were: (1) to determine whether choice of method affects the composition of these patterns and (2) to consider the potential application of each method in the clinical setting.DesignCross-sectional study. Diagnoses were based on the 263 corresponding blocks of the International Classification of Diseases version 10. Multimorbidity patterns were identified using HCA and EFA. Analysis was stratified by sex, and results compared for each method.Setting and participantsElectronic health records for 408 994 patients with multimorbidity aged 45–64 years in 274 primary health care teams from 2010 in Catalonia, Spain.ResultsHCA identified 53 clusters for women, with just 12 clusters including at least 2 diagnoses, and 15 clusters for men, all of them including at least two diagnoses. EFA showed 9 factors for women and 10 factors for men. We observed differences by sex and method of analysis, although some patterns were consistent. Three combinations of diseases were observed consistently across sex groups and across both methods: hypertension and obesity, spondylopathies and deforming dorsopathies, and dermatitis eczema and mycosis.ConclusionsThis study showed that multimorbidity patterns vary depending on the method of analysis used (HCA vs EFA) and provided new evidence about the known limitations of attempts to compare multimorbidity patterns in real-world data studies. We found that EFA was useful in describing comorbidity relationships and HCA could be useful for in-depth study of multimorbidity. Our results suggest possible applications for each of these methods in clinical and research settings, and add information about some aspects that must be considered in standardisation of future studies: spectrum of diseases, data usage and methods of analysis.

Objetivo: Conocer la prevalencia de la enfermedad cardiovascular en el momento del diagnóstico de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo realizado en un centro de atención primaria urbano entre 1991 y 2000. Revisión de las características clínicas, factores de riesgo y enfermedad cardiovascular el año del diagnóstico de diabetes. Se excluyeron los pacientes sin glucemias previas al diagnóstico. Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística para identificar las variables asociadas a la presencia de eventos cardiovasculares. Resultados: De los 598 nuevos casos de diabetes diagnosticados se analizaron los 487 que tenían valores previos de glucemia (media de edad [desviación estándar]: 60,4 [10,9] años; un 53% eran mujeres). La prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular fue: obesidad 61,1%, hipertensión arterial 71,9%, hipercolesterolemia 52%, hipertrigliceridemia 35,3% y tabaquismo actual 24% o previo 16,6%. El 96,9% tenía algún factor de riesgo cardiovascular y el 53,4% tres o más. Un total de 78 pacientes presentaron enfermedad cardiovascular anterior o detectada durante el primer año de diagnóstico (16%; intervalo de confianza del 95%[IC95%]: 12,8-19,3; varones 21,4% y mujeres 11,2%). La prevalencia de enfermedad cardiovascular aumentó con el número de factores de riesgo cardiovascular. El análisis de regresión logística mostró una asociación de la enfermedad cardiovascular y la edad >55 años (odds ratio [OR]=2,91; IC95%: 1,46-5,80), el tabaquismo (OR=2,28; IC95%: 1,15-4,51) y los valores de hemoglobina glucosilada (HbA1c) >7% (OR=1,85; IC95%: 1,10-3,1). Conclusiones: Se observa una elevada prevalencia de factores de riesgo y enfermedad cardiovascular en el momento del diagnóstico de la diabetes; la edad, el tabaquismo y la HbA1c son las variables relacionadas con la enfermedad cardiovascular.Objective: To determine the prevalence of cardiovascular disease at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Retrospective observational study in an urban primary health care centre between 1991 and 2000. Review of clinical patient characteristics, cardiovascular disease and risk factors, in the year of diabetes diagnosis. Patients without any glycaemia recorded before diagnostic were excluded. Logistic regression was done to identify the variables associated to cardiovascular events. Results: From 598 cases of diabetes diagnosed, 487 with previous glycaemia were included for the analysis (mean age [SD], 60.4 [10.9]; 53% women). The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was: obesity 61.1%, hypertension 71.9%, hypercholesterolemia 52%, hypertriglyceridemia 35.3% and present or previous smoking habit (24 and 16,6%). 96.9% of them presented at least one of the studied cardiovascular risk factors and 53.4% three or more. 78 patients (16%; CI95%: 12.8-19.3) had cardiovascular disease before or during the first year of diagnosis (men 21.4% and women 11.2%). The prevalence of cardiovascular disease increased progressively with the number of cardiovascular risk factors. The significant predictive variables of cardiovascular disease (logistic regression) were: age >55 years (OR=2.91; CI95%: 1.46-5.80), smoking habit (OR=2.28; CI95%: 1.15-4.51) and HbA1c >7% (OR=1.8; CI95%: 1.1-3.1). Conclusions: A high prevalence of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors at diabetes diagnosis was observed. Age, smoking habit and elevated glycated haemoglobin were the variables related to cardiovascular disease.

ObjetivoValorar la adecuación de la prescripción de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINE) y la gastroprotección asociada a su uso.DiseñoEstudio descriptivo, transversal.EmplazamientoCentro de Atención Primaria de La Mina (Barcelona).ParticipantesDe las 4.054 personas con prescripción de AINE, se seleccionó una muestra aleatoria estratificada por facultative de 500 pacientes.Mediciones principalesLas variables dependientes fueron la adecuación de la prescripción de AINE y gastroprotección. Las variables independientes fueron: edad, sexo, enfermedades previas, tratamientos concomitantes, tipo y número de AINE, motivo y tipo de prescripción del AINE. Las variables se recogieron de la historia clínica.ResultadosSe incluyó a 476 pacientes con prescripción de AINE. El 63,4% eran mujeres y la media ± desviación estándar de edad fue 47,9 ± 18,1 años. Los AINE más prescritos fueron ibuprofeno (60,3%), diclofenaco (23,1%) y naproxeno (4%). El motivo de prescripción más frecuente fue la afección del aparato locomotor (45,4%). Las prescripciones fueron adecuadas en el 44,7% (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 40,2- 49,3) e inadecuadas en el 23,5% (IC del 95%, 19,8-27,6). La inadecuación en mayores de 65 años fue del 49,5%, mientras que en menores de 65 años fue del 15,6%. La gastroprotección fue inadecuada en el 28,2% (IC del 95%, 22,7-35,7); el 12,8% por exceso y el 16% por defecto. En el análisis multivariable, la probabilidad de inadecuación de los AINE es 5,45 veces mayor en los pacientes de 65 años o más que en los menores.ConclusionesLa prescripción de AINE y la gastroprotección pueden considerarse inadecuadas en una cuarta parte de los pacientes. La edad avanzada es el principal factor de riesgo de prescripción inadecuada.ObjectiveTo assess whether prescribing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is adequate for gastrointestinal protection associated with NSAID use.DesignCross-sectional descriptive study.SettingPrimary Care Centre in La Mina, Barcelona, Spain.ParticipantsA random sample of 500 patients, stratified by doctor was selected from a total of 4504 patients with an NSAID prescription.Main measurementsThe dependent variables were the adequacy of NSAID prescription and gastrointestinal protection. The independent variables were: age, sex, concomitant treatments, type and number of NSAIDs. The variables were collected from the clinical history.ResultsThe 476 patients included with an NSAID prescription had a mean age of 47.9 (18.1) years, and 63.4% were women. The NSAIDs most prescribed were, ibuprofen (60.3%), diclofenac (23.1%), and naproxen (4.0%). The most common reason for prescribing the NSAID was locomotor system pathology; 45.4%. The prescription was adequate in 44.7% (95% CI, 40.2-49.3), and inadequate in 23.5% (95% CI, 19.8- 27.6). It was inadequate in 49.5% of patients over 65 years, while in under 65 year-olds 16.5% were inadequate. Gastrointestinal protection was inadequate in 28.2% (95% CI, 22.7-35.7); 12.8% excessive and 16% insufficient. In the multivariate analysis, the inadequacy probability of NSAIDs is 5.45 times greater in patients of 65 or more years than in younger patients.ConclusionsNSAID prescribing and gastrointestinal protection can be considered to be inadequate in 25% of patients. Advanced age is a major risk factor in inadequate prescribing.

Objective This study aimed to determine in detail the risk perception of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, and the contextual circumstances, in Nigerian commercial sex workers (CSWs) in Barcelona. Design A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach. Setting Raval area in Barcelona. Participants 8 CSWs working in Barcelona. Methods A phenomenological study was carried out with Nigerian CSWs in Barcelona. Sampling was theoretical, taking into account: different age ranges; women with and without a partner; women with and without children; and women participating or not in STI/HIV-prevention workshops. Information was obtained by means of eight semistructured individual interviews. An interpretative content analysis was conducted by four analysts. Results Illegal immigrant status, educational level, financial situation and work, and cultural context had mixed effects on CSW knowledge of, exposure to, and prevention and treatment of STI and HIV. CSWs were aware of the higher risk of STI associated with their occupation. They identified condoms as the best preventive method and used them during intercourse with clients. They also implemented other preventive behaviours such as personal hygiene after intercourse. Control of sexual services provided, health education and healthcare services had a positive effect on decreasing exposure and better management of STI/HIV. Conclusions Nigerian CSWs are a vulnerable group because of their poor socioeconomic status. The perception of risk in this group and their preventive behaviours are based on personal determinants, beliefs and experiences from their home country and influences from the host country. Interventions aimed at CSWs must address knowledge gaps, risk behaviours and structural elements.

Background and Objectives Prolonged sitting time has negative consequences on health, although the population is not well aware of these harmful effects. We explored opinions expressed by primary care patients diagnosed as overweight or moderately obese concerning their time spent sitting, willingness to change, and barriers, facilitators, goals and expectations related to limiting this behaviour. Methods A descriptive-interpretive qualitative study was carried out at three healthcare centres in Barcelona, Spain, and included 23 patients with overweight or moderate obesity, aged 25 to 65 years, who reported sitting for at least 6 hours a day. Exclusion criteria were inability to sit down or stand up from a chair without help and language barriers that precluded interview participation. Ten in-depth, semi-structured interviews (5 group, 5 individual) were audio recorded from January to July 2012 and transcribed. The interview script included questions about time spent sitting, willingness to change, barriers and facilitators, and the prospect of assistance from primary healthcare professionals. An analysis of thematic content was made using ATLAS.Ti and triangulation of analysts. Results The most frequent sedentary activities were computer use, watching television, and motorized journeys. There was a lack of awareness of the amount of time spent sitting and its negative consequences on health. Barriers to reducing sedentary time included work and family routines, lack of time and willpower, age and sociocultural limitations. Facilitators identified were sociocultural change, free time and active work, and family surroundings. Participants recognized the abilities of health professionals to provide help and advice, and reported a preference for patient-centred or group interventions. Conclusions Findings from this study have implications for reducing sedentary behaviour. Patient insights were used to design an intervention to reduce sitting time within the frame of the SEDESTACTIV clinical trial.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar los patrones de multimorbilidad en pacientes de 19-44 años atendidos en atención primaria en Cataluña en el año 2010. Diseño Estudio descriptivo transversal. Emplazamiento Doscientos cincuenta y un centros de salud. Participantes Fueron 530.798 personas con multimorbilidad de 19-44 años. Mediciones principales La multimorbilidad fue definida como la coexistencia de ≥2 diagnósticos de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades registrados en la historia clínica informatizada. Los patrones de multimorbilidad fueron identificados a través de un análisis jerárquico de clústeres y descritos por sexo y grupos de edad (19-24 y 25-44 años). Resultados De las 882.708 personas de la población inicial, 530.798 (60,1%) presentaron multimorbilidad. La media de edad fue de 33,0 años (DT: 7,0) y el 53,3% fueron mujeres. La multimorbilidad fue más alta en el grupo de 25-44 años respecto al grupo más joven (60,5 vs. 58,1%, p

Background The prevalence of osteoarthritis and knee osteoarthritis in the Spanish population is estimated at 17% and 10.2%, respectively. The clinical guidelines concur that the first line treatment for knee osteoarthritis should be non-pharmacological and include weight loss, physical activity and self-management of pain. Health Coaching has been defined as an intervention that facilitates the achievement of health improvement goals, the reduction of unhealthy lifestyles, the improvement of self-management for chronic conditions and quality of life enhancement. The aim of this study is to analyze the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of a health coaching intervention on quality of life, pain, overweight and physical activity in patients from 18 primary care centres of Barcelona with knee osteoarthritis. Methods/Design Methodology from the Medical Research Council on developing complex interventions. Phase 1: Intervention modelling and operationalization through a qualitative, socioconstructivist study using theoretical sampling with 10 in-depth interviews to patients with knee osteoarthritis and 4 discussion groups of 8–12 primary care professionals, evaluated using a sociological discourse analysis. Phase 2: Effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and cost-utility study with a community-based randomized clinical trial. Participants: 360 patients with knee osteoarthritis (180 in each group). Randomization unit: Primary Care Centre. Intervention Group: will receive standard care plus 20-hour health coaching and follow-up sessions. Control Group: will receive standard care. Main Outcome Variable: quality of life as measured by the WOMAC index. Data Analyses: will include standardized response mean and multilevel analysis of repeated measures. Economic analysis: based on cost-effectiveness and cost-utility measures. Phase 3: Evaluation of the intervention programme with a qualitative study. Methodology as in Phase 1. Discussion If the analyses show the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of the intervention the results can be incorporated into the clinical guidelines for the management of knee osteoarthritis in primary care. Trial registration ISRCTN57405925. Registred 20 June 2014.

BACKGROUND: Health organisations continually seek good output indicators of family medicine health care provision because they are accountable to society, they need to compare services, and need to evaluate the impact of organisational reforms. OBJECTIVES: Using the sources of information routinely available in health-service management, we sought to assess the groups of components of primary health care output that best serve to define the outcome of family medicine services. DESIGN: Cross-sectional descriptive study. SITE: Primary health care in Catalunya. PARTICIPANTS: 213 primary health care teams. MEASUREMENTS: Information was collected on team structure, user satisfaction, quality-of-professional-life of the health care professionals, and physicians' drug prescription. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used to assess the number of dimensions that best explained the family medicine outcome. RESULTS: The model that best fits the structure of the data (AGFI=0.778) is that which consists of three dimensions i.e. (1) the individual accessibility to the services and professional-patient relationship; (2) the coordination within the health care team; (3) the scientific-technical quality of the service. The first two of these dimensions were correlated between themselves, but the third was totally independent of the other two. CONCLUSIONS: Using sources of information that are routinely employed in primary health care services management, the model enables the measurement of the output of family medicine by considering the dimensions such as inter-personnel relationships, internal coordination of the team and the scientific-technical quality of the service. Despite its simplicity, this measure of the output incorporates the views not only of the users but of the health care professionals, as well.

Fundamento y objetivo: Conocer la incidencia anual y los motivos de diagnóstico de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) en el período 1991-2000. Pacientes y método: Estudio longitudinal retrospectivo. Revisión de las historias clínicas de todos los nuevos casos de DM2 registrados en un centro de salud urbano durante 10 años. Cálculo de la prevalencia e incidencia anuales en la población mayor de 14 años. Análisis de las tendencias temporales y periodicidad en la incidencia de DM2 (mensual, estacional y anual) mediante modelos ARIMA (Box-Jenkins), modelo paramétrico de regresión de Poisson y modelos semiparamétricos (GAM). Resultados: Se identificaron 598 nuevos casos de DM2 (edad media [DE], 59,7 [11,4] años; 51,3% mujeres). Los factores de riesgo cardiovascular más frecuentes fueron la obesidad (58,5%) y la hipertensión arterial (68,2%). Los principales motivos de diagnóstico fueron: hiperglucemias previas (64,7%) y la aplicación de protocolos de otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular (12,4%). La incidencia anual fue de 37,9 por 10.000 personas (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 34,9-40,9), sin diferencias significativas entre ambos sexos. La prevalencia de DM2 al principio y al final del estudio fue del 4,4% (IC del 95%, 2,0-4,8) y el 5,5% (IC del 95%, 5,2-5,9) (un 25% de incremento relativo), sin que el análisis de tendencias mostrara un incremento progresivo de la incidencia. Conclusiones: La incidencia observada es superior a la descrita en otros estudios. El incremento de la prevalencia no se relaciona con un incremento progresivo de la incidencia. Los motivos de diagnóstico más frecuentes fueron el seguimiento de hiperglucemias previas y la aplicación de protocolos de otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Este hecho parece indicar un diagnóstico precoz que podría beneficiar a estos pacientes.Background and objective: To determine the annual incidence and reasons for diagnosing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from 1991 to 2000. Patients and method: We performed a retrospective, longitudinal study. The clinical records of all new cases of T2DM registered in an urban primary care center over a 10-year period were reviewed. The annual incidence and prevalence in the population aged more than 14 years old were calculated. Statistical analyses of temporal trends and periodicity (monthly, seasonal and annual) were performed with ARIMA models (Box-Jenkins), Poisson parametrical regression and semiparametrical (GAM) models. Results: There were 598 true new cases of T2DM (mean age [SD]: 59.7 [11.4] years; 51.3% women). The most frequent associated cardiovascular risk factors were obesity (58.5%) and hypertension (68.2%). The main reasons for diagnosing T2DM were the presence of previous hyperglycemia (64.7%) and the application of protocols for other cardiovascular risk factors (12.4%).The annual incidence was 37.9 per 10,000 persons (95% CI, 34.9-40.9) with no differences between sexes. The prevalence of T2DM at the beginning and end of the study period was 4.4 (95% CI, 2.0-4.8) and 5.5% (95% CI, 5.2-5.9) (25% relative increase). There was no significant temporal trend in the incidence of T2DM over the years. Conclusions: The observed incidence of T2DM is high compared with that reported in other studies. The increase in prevalence was not related to a progressive increase in the incidence. The most frequent reasons for diagnosing T2DM were previous hyperglycemia and the application of protocols for other cardiovascular risk factors. This finding seems to be related to an early diagnosis and could benefit these patients.

Objective To identify, from a systematic review of the literature, the attributes of Family Medicine (FM) that influence the primary health care outcome as measured by users' satisfaction, improvement in patient health and in costs. Data sources Literature search of Medline and the Cochrane library using MeSH terms 'Primary Health' or 'Family Practice' or 'Family Physicians' and 'Outcome Assessment' or 'Process Assessment'. Papers were excluded if they lacked a based on primary data, if no single component of FM was assessed; if indicators of evaluation were not related to health, satisfaction or costs. Results A total of 356 articles were initially identified and 19 finally met the inclusion criteria. Study methods were a systematic review of randomized control trials, a double-blind randomized trial, 4 systematic reviews of observational studies, 2 cohort studies and 12 descriptive cross-sectional studies. Conclusions There was evidence of relationships between the attributes of FM and the service outcomes measured by indicators of satisfaction, health and cost. User satisfaction was associated with accessibility, continuity of care, consultation time and the doctor-patient relationship. Improvement in patient's health was related to continuity, consultation time, doctor-patient relationship and the implementation of preventive activities. Coordination of care showed mixed results with health outcomes. Continuity, consultation time, doctor-patient communication and prevention were cost-effective in the primary care setting.

Background The Catalan Institute of Health (CIH) is the largest health services public provider in Catalonia. “CIH Code of Ethics Virtual Forum” (CEVF), was created within the Intranet of the CIH to facilitate participation among their employees. The current study aims to: a) Analyse the CIH workers’ assessment of their own, their colleagues’ and the organization’s observance of ethical values; b) Identify the opinions, attitudes, experiences and practices related to the ethical values from the discourse of the workers that contributed voluntarily to the CEVF. Methods Mixed methods study with convergent parallel design:Cross sectional study by means of a self-administered, ad hoc, anonymous questionnaire to assess the observance of the ethical values of the CIH according to the participants. A total of 712 workers responded to the questionnaire. A descriptive, bivariate analysis of the results was carried out.Qualitative study to determine the meaning for the workers of the ethical values put forward by the organization. Their individual opinions and experiences were explored by means of a thematic contents analysis of 225 comments posted in the CEVF. The study was conducted between May and December 2008. Results The average score for observance of the CE by the respondents themselves was high (over 4/5), between 3.5-4/5 for the observance by their colleagues and close to 3/5 for the CIH management. These results do not change when we compare by gender, age group and professional discipline. The comments on the values are information-rich, they mirror the ethical environment of the institution and show various ethical dilemmas and suggestions. Conclusions Results show that it is feasible for a publicly funded health care organization to develop a CE with the participation of employees and the support of the management. Results underscore the relevance of this strategy for the implementation, improvement and update of the CE as a responsibility shared by all workers. Practices consistent with ethical values are rewarded by social approval, enhance employee’s confidence and coherence in decision-making and improve public engagement and institutional policies.

an active role in the delivery of quality health care to the population. The relationship between the perception of satisfaction and occupational well-being and the quality of health services is known, therefore the measurement of the quality of professional life is increasingly included in the evaluation of the overall quality of an organisation. On the other hand, the importance of measuring it in the service unit setting is also recognised as an essential part of information systems, given that the results can be used to assess changes associated with continuous management and organisational improvement process aimed at maintaining human capital. Among the professional quality of life measurement tools widely used in the primary care setting in our country, are the Font Roja and the CVP-35 (QPL-35), both of which have been validated. The QPL-35, proposed by Salvador Garcia, designed based on the theoretical demand-control-social support model of Karasek and validated by Carmen Cabezas, is a valid and reliable tool and is well accepted by professionals. It obtains a multidimensional measurement of professional quality of life and has been used in various studies performed in different settings and situations, which have shown the internal consistency of the tool, its discriminatory capacity and its factorial structure. However, there is no single or specific criterion that can declare that a questionnaire is perfectly valid, particularly when we are talking about tools that attempt to assess complex and comprehensive concepts such as the quality of professional life, which includes the optimum and overall development of all spheres of the person. The validation of these tools is a lengthy, continuous and dynamic process,1 therefore the reevaluation of its measurement properties in a new setting with different organisational connotations is timely. Thus argue the authors of the article being commented upon, quality of life must be measured with valid and reliable tools as well as being able to detect changes. The lack of data on the sensitivity to change of the QPL-35 justifies the need to carry out the present study and to highlight its importance and usefulness. Sensitivity to change forms part of the attributes and criteria proposed by the Medical Outcomes Trust Scientific Committee2 to evaluate quality of life questionnaires, also used in our context by ePRO project. The evaluation of sensitivity to change is a subject of debate and raises numerous questions, associated with statistical aspects, as well as the interpretation of the results. This

BACKGROUND: Concurrent diseases, multiple pathologies and multimorbidity patterns are topics of increased interest as the world's population ages. To explore the impact of multimorbidity on affected patients and the consequences for health services, we designed a study to describe multimorbidity by sex and life-stage in a large population sample and to assess the association with acute morbidity, area of residency and use of health services. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Catalonia (Spain). Participants were 1,749,710 patients aged 19+ years (251 primary care teams). PRIMARY OUTCOME: Multimorbidity (≥2 chronic diseases). Secondary outcome: Number of new events of each acute disease. Other variables: number of acute diseases per patient, sex, age group (19-24, 25-44, 45-64, 65-79, and 80+ years), urban/rural residence, and number of visits during 2010. RESULTS: Multimorbidity was present in 46.8% (95% CI, 46.7%-46.8%) of the sample, and increased as age increased, being higher in women and in rural areas. The most prevalent pair of chronic diseases was hypertension and lipid disorders in patients older than 45 years. Infections (mainly upper respiratory infection) were the most common acute diagnoses. In women, the highest significant RR of multimorbidity vs. non-multimorbidity was found for teeth/gum disease (aged 19-24) and acute upper respiratory infection. In men, this RR was only positive and significant for teeth/gum disease (aged 65-79). The adjusted analysis showed a strongly positive association with multimorbidity for the oldest women (80+ years) with acute diseases and women aged 65-79 with 3 or more acute diseases, compared to patients with no acute diseases (OR ranged from 1.16 to 1.99, p < 0.001). Living in a rural area was significantly associated with lower probability of having multimorbidity. The odds of multimorbidity increased sharply as the number of visits increased, reaching the highest probability in those aged 65-79 years. CONCLUSIONS: Multimorbidity is related to greater use of health care services and higher incidence of acute diseases, increasing the burden on primary care services. The differences related to sex and life-stage observed for multimorbidity and acute diseases suggest that further research on multimorbidity should be stratified according to these factors.

Background The burden of chronic conditions and multimorbidity is a growing health problem in developed countries. The study aimed to determine the estimated prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity in urban areas of Catalonia, stratified by sex and adult age groups, and to assess whether socioeconomic status and use of primary health care services were associated with multimorbidity. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Catalonia. Participants were adults (19+ years) living in urban areas, assigned to 251 primary care teams. Main outcome: multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions). Other variables: sex (male/female), age (19–24; 25–44; 45–64; 65–79; 80+ years), socioeconomic status (quintiles), number of health care visits during the study. Results We included 1,356,761 patients; mean age, 47.4 years (SD: 17.8), 51.0% women. Multimorbidity was present in 47.6% (95% CI 47.5-47.7) of the sample, increasing with age in both sexes but significantly higher in women (53.3%) than in men (41.7%). Prevalence of multimorbidity in each quintile of the deprivation index was higher in women than in men (except oldest group). In women, multimorbidity prevalence increased with quintile of the deprivation index. Overall, the median (interquartile range) number of primary care visits was 8 (4–14) in multimorbidity vs 1 (0–4) in non-multimorbidity patients. The most prevalent multimorbidity pattern beyond 45 years of age was uncomplicated hypertension and lipid disorder. Compared with the least deprived group, women in other quintiles of the deprivation index were more likely to have multimorbidity than men until 65 years of age. The odds of multimorbidity increased with number of visits in all strata. Conclusions When all chronic conditions were included in the analysis, almost 50% of the adult urban population had multimorbidity. The prevalence of multimorbidity differed by sex, age group and socioeconomic status. Multimorbidity patterns varied by life-stage and sex; however, circulatory-endocrine-metabolic patterns were the most prevalent multimorbidity pattern after 45 years of age. Women younger than 80 years had greater prevalence of multimorbidity than men, and women’s multimorbidity prevalence increased as socioeconomic status declined in all age groups. Identifying multimorbidity patterns associated with specific age-related life-stages allows health systems to prioritize and to adapt clinical management efforts by age group.