Food, nutrition and public health in contemporary Spain, 1900-1936

Within the context of the health reforms introduced in Spain in the early 20th century and the influence of international health organisations on their development, this article analyses the growing interest that surrounded nourishment and food-related problems at that time in relation to healthcare, the diagnosis provided by hygienists of such problems, and the public health measures applied to resolve them. The issue of hygienic diet and the collective aspect of nutritional problems became priorities in the field of healthcare. Two of the most prominent initiatives involved setting up a Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene and Bromatological Technique during the early years of the Second Republic, as part of the National School of Health, as well as a Food Hygiene Service. Spanish hygienists underlined the importance of education and the dissemination of information about food hygiene, health and nutrition, in order to overcome the qualitative and quantitative deficiencies observed in the average diet of the Spanish population.

Beach nourishment impact on Posidonia oceanica: Case study of Poniente Beach (Benidorm, Spain)

The importance of nourishment processes on the beaches of Mediterranean Sea has been increasing since the end of the 20th century due to its socio-economical awareness (tourismboost) and environmental implications (possible impact on Posidonia oceanica meadows and important processes of dredging and earth movements). However, in many cases, and especially in eastern Spain, relevant actions have been made which had caused that, after 20 years, the beaches in which these works were carried out will be in a similar situation with the original one. The present study analyzed the Poniente Beach (Benidorm, Spain), a beach where the nourishment works of 1991 have caused the disappearance of the Posidonia oceanica meadows and a regression process that will lead to the disappearance of the beach in a few years. To this end, data from bathymetry, georeferenced orthophotos, grain size analysis and swell study have been obtained and analyzed, understanding the importance of the works done to be consistent with the environment in which they were developed, and providing a work process which can ensure the existence of the nourished beach starting from the maintenance of Posidonia oceanica meadows.

Evaluación de la higiene bucal en los pacientes de un hospital de media/larga estancia

Objetivo: Conocer los hábitos higiénicos en el colectivo de pacientes durante su estancia en el Hospital de la Magdalena de Castellón e identificar patologías causadas por posibles hábitos higiénicos bucodentales inadecuados. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo transversal observacional basado en datos de registro e información de pacientes y cuidadores principales. Se seleccionó una muestra de 50 pacientes en el Hospital de la Magdalena de Castellón hospitalizados. Se realizó un examen odontológico a partir de datos recogidos en un registro diseñado para tal fin. Se usó el índice de LÖE y SILNESS y el índice VIGILD M. Para evaluar la satisfacción se utiliza el test GOHAI. El análisis de los datos se realiza con el programa estadístico R, en el cual saldrán los porcentajes de las patologías BD y hábitos de higiene diarios de los pacientes hospitalizados. Resultados: La edad media de los pacientes estudiados es de 68 años; la mayoría hombres (70%). Observamos en nuestro estudio que las mujeres no fuman y que sus hábitos higiénicos, patologías encontradas son mejores que en los hombres. Sin embargo un 100% de los pacientes estudiados necesitan atención bucodental. Conclusiones: En este estudio se observan problemas de higiene bucodental en los pacientes hospitalizados en un centro de larga estancia de Castellón.

Conhecimento e adesão da prática de higienização das mãos dos profissionais da saúde: revisão de literatura

O presente estudo objetiva conhecer a produção científica da saúde acerca da higienização das mãos realizada pelos profissionais e relacionar o conhecimento e adesão do profissional a essa prática. Trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica sistemática, realizado na Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS), nas bases de dados LILACS e SCIELO, com os descritores: pessoal de saúde, lavagem de mãos e adesão. Selecionou-se 13 artigos no período de 2002 a 2012, que foram analisados em categorias. Os critérios de inclusão para a seleção dos artigos foram: artigos publicados em português e estar disponível em texto completo. Os resultados da pesquisa evidenciaram que a grande maioria dos profissionais tem embasamento teórico e prático sobre higienização das mãos. Porém, no campo de trabalho temos resultados contrários, não há adesão esperada nem a técnica correta da lavagem das mãos. Por diversos motivos ainda não realizam por completo essa tarefa. Concluindo assim que as ações de educação que tem função de orientar e motivar esses profissionais devem ser discutidas e implementadas, a fim de sanar todas as dúvidas que ainda existem sobre a técnica de higienização das mãos.

Catheter-related bloodstream infection: burden of disease in a tertiary hospital

Background: Surveillance programmes have become the most effective tool for controlling catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). However, few studies have investigated programmes covering all hospital settings. Aim: To describe the results of a control and prevention programme for CRBSI based on compliance with recommendations for insertion and maintenance, using annual burden of disease in a tertiary level hospital. Methods: A CRBSI control and prevention programme involving all hospital settings was implemented. The programme consisted of CRBSI surveillance, direct observation of insertion and maintenance of catheters to determine performance, and education for healthcare workers. Findings: In total, 2043 short-term catheters were inserted in 1546 patients for 18,570 catheter-days, and 279 long-term catheters were inserted in 243 patients for 40,440 catheter-days. The annual incidence density was 5.98 (first semester 6.40, second semester 5.64) CRBSI per 1000 catheter-days for short-term catheters, and 0.57 (first semester 0.66, second semester 0.43) CRBSI per 1000 catheter-days for long-term catheters. One hundred and forty insertion procedures were observed, with an average insertion time of 13 (standard deviation 7) min. Compliance with recommendations was as follows: hand hygiene, 86.8%; use of alcoholic chlorhexidine solution for skin disinfection, 35.5%; use of mask, 93.4%; use of gloves, 98.7%; use of gown, 75.0%; use of sterile cloth, 93.8%; use of cap, 92.2%; bandage application, 62.7%; and use of aseptic technique, 89.5%. Forty-five maintenance procedures were observed, and compliance rates were as follows: hand hygiene, 42.1%; use of gloves, 78.1%; and port disinfection with alcoholic chlorhexidine solution, 32.5%. Conclusion: The CRBSI control and prevention programme implemented at the study hospital has decreased the rate of CRBSI, provided important information about the total burden of disease, and revealed possible ways to improve interventions in the future.