Liliana Antunes

Factors associated to repeated influenza vaccination in the Portuguese adults with chronic conditions

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended to people with chronic conditions. This study aimed to estimate the proportion of chronically ill adults vaccinated against influenza in consecutive seasons and to identify associated factors. We used data from the first National Health Examination Survey (INSEF), a cross-sectional study conducted in 2015 on a probabilistic sample of individuals aged 25-74 years. The population was restricted to individuals who self-reported diabetes, a respiratory, cardiovascular, liver or kidney disease. Self-reported vaccination in 4 consecutive seasons was categorized in 3 levels: unvaccinated, occasionally (vaccinated 1-3 seasons) and repeatedly vaccinated (in all 4 seasons). A multinomial logistic regression was applied to estimate odds-ratio (OR) of influenza vaccination according to sociodemographic factors, chronic condition, health care use and status. In the target population, the 2014/15 influenza vaccine coverage was 33.8% (95% CI: 29.8-38.1). The higher coverage was found in individuals reporting renal disease (66.7%) and diabetes (43.8%). The coverage decreased to 32.6%, 26.0% and 20.8% for individuals with respiratory, cardiovascular and liver diseases, respectively. The probability of being repeatedly vaccinated, compared to unvaccinated, was higher in males (OR = 2.14: 95% CI: 1.31-3.52); aged 65 and 74 (OR = 4.39; 95% CI: 1.99-9.69); whom had an appointment with a general practitioner (OR = 2.77; 95% CI: 1.00-7.66) or other physician (OR = 3.95: 95% CI: 2.53-6.16); with no smoking habits (OR = 1.58; 95% I: 1.02-2.46) and reporting diabetes (OR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.02-4.45). Finally, having a self-reported cardiovascular condition decreased the likelihood of being occasionally (OR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.22-0.65) vaccinated against influenza. Younger individuals, females and the ones with a self-reported cardiovascular condition were identified as more likely of non-compliance to the vaccine uptake recommendation. Future vaccination strategies should focus on the previous identified population subgroups. Also, the medical recommendation of the influenza vaccine uptake should continue and be reinforced particularly in individuals with a cardiovascular condition.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of diabetes in Portugal: Results from the first National Health examination Survey (INSEF 2015)

AIMS Diabetes Mellitus is a major public health threat worldwide and continues to increase in numbers and significance. Estimates of diabetes prevalence, awareness, treatment and control are essential to effectively monitor its trends, plan and evaluate interventions. METHODS We conducted a nationwide health examination survey in the population residing in Portugal aged between 25 and 74 years old in 2015. It consisted in a cross sectional prevalence study which included the measurement of HbA1c, a physical examination and a general health interview of a probabilistic sample of 4911 individuals (Authorization n°9348/2010 of the National Committee for Data Protection). RESULTS The overall prevalence of diabetes was 9.9% (95%CI: 8.4; 11.5). It was higher in males than in females (12.1% vs 7.8%). Diabetes was more prevalent among individuals of lower education and without any professional activity. The majority of persons with diabetes was aware of their condition (87.1%) and was taking antidiabetic medication (79.7%). Of these, 63.2% had glycated hemoglobin levels lower than 7.0% (53 mmol/mol), but the majority failed to comply with the LDL and blood pressure recommended clinical targets (71.9% and 59.0%). Similarly, the prevalence of prediabetes was 16%, higher among women than men (17.5% vs 14.4%). CONCLUSION The prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes remains higher than the global and European estimates, although there is increasing awareness of this disorder.

Socioeconomic inequalities in obesity prevalence: Portuguese Health Examination Survey results

The Portuguese National Health Examination Survey is developed as a part of the project “Improvement of epidemiological health information to support public health decision and management in Portugal. Towards reduced inequalities, improved health, and bilateral cooperation”, that benefits from a 1.500.000€ Grant from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA Grants.

Prevalence of Elevated Cholesterol in Portugal: National Health Examination Survey (2015) results

The Portuguese National Health Examination Survey is developed as a part of the project “Improvement of epidemiological health information to support public health decision and management in Portugal. Towards reduced inequalities, improved health, and bilateral cooperation”, that benefits from a 1.500.000€ Grant from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA Grants.

Determinação dos ótimos térmicos em relação à mortalidade anual: análise de Porto, Coimbra e Lisboa

Este estudo e financiado pela FCT no âmbito do Projeto FRIESA -“Modelacao e previsao do efeito do frio extremo na saude da populacao: a base para o desenvolvimento de um sistema de alerta em tempo real” (EXPL/DTP-SAP/1373/2013).