2001, Number 3
Self help groups evaluation
Velázquez MO, Lara EA, Martínez MMY, Tapia OF, Jiménez RA, Martínez AF
Full text
Language: Spanish
References: 4
Page: 126-132
PDF size: 190.25 Kb.
ABSTRACT
Background. Along the history, the physician role as health intermediary to get a quality life style always has been weil appreciated by all society. Somehow, this important work in the last decades has seen increases in the prevention and promotion of health care. The benefits in every area are obvious, but there are some fields in which one the applications is more important than others. Mexico is showing a demographic and epidemiological transition which has been leading to a major life expectancy. Up to 75 years and could rise to 78.8 years in 2025. Its important to mention how population of the third age is growing, in whom the risk is higher because of chronic and degenerative diseases. We considered that this growing rate will be at least for the fifty next years. For this reason The Center of Epidemiological Surveillance of the Ministry of Health through the adult and elderly program has promoted since 1995 the self care groups whose main objectives has been: 1. To warrantee that every patient will obtain the necessary training and knowledge enough to handle his own disease. 2. To contribute in some way to the prevention and control of the diabetes and high blood pressure. 3. To promote the reduction of premature morbidity and mortality in chronic and degenerative diseases with priority in diabetes and high blood pressure. Methods. We applied a questionnaire called “Detección integrada de diabetes e hipertensión arterial”, in a segment of fifteen states of Mexico, with a total of 6162 patients in a period of six months. Patients older than 25 years where included in the study without background of this diseases. Findings. We found that 62% (3820) were females, and 38% (2342) males. They had capillary glycemia with values lower than 110 mg/dL. In 22% (1356) of the cases; 110-126 mg/dL; 22% (1356) and higher that 126 mg/dL as 56% (3450). Talking about high blood pressure 47.5% (2927) had a lower value of 140/90 mmHg; 140/90-160/95 28.7% (1769), and higher of 160/95 23.8% (1466). Body Mass Index (BMI) was determinate finding that 17.2% (1060), had lower than 25; 30% (1848) between 25-27 and 52.8% (3254) higher than 27. We also find that 68.8% (4239) practice physical activity; 31.2% (1923) were sedentary. The patients were divided in three groups evaluating gender and glycemia and BMI, high blood pressure, capillary glycemia and physical activity. Conclusions. Self care groups are considered a great instrument for prevention of diabetes in the patient’s relatives, since they are in high risk to develop this disease. This groups has been very useful because for persons with diabetes or high blood pressure. Because of the emphasis in non-pharmacology, we considerate that education and training are the key elements for the metabolic control. Discussion. The results of this and another researches have been proof that the prevention is fundamental to have a weilbeing status. The change in the way they think is not only responsibility of health professionals and institutions, education programs, social environment, non governmental organizations, and the community and patients themselves should be the leaders of the behavior and policy that should be taken for prevention.REFERENCES