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Variability in screening prevention activities in primary care in Spain: a multilevel analysis
Magdalena Rosell-Murphy1,2, Teresa Rodriguez-Blanco3,4, Julio Morán5
1Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Atenció Primària Jordi Gol (IDIAP Jordi Gol), Av Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 587, 08007, Barcelona, Spain. mrosell.mn.ics@gencat.cat.
BMC Public Health
|May 8, 2015
Summary
Primary Health Care screening for hypertension and dyslipidaemia was most common, while tobacco and alcohol screenings were least prevalent. Factors like patient demographics and GP characteristics influenced screening rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Screening for chronic diseases in Primary Health Care (PHC) shows significant variability in clinical practice.
- Evidence supports the benefits of preventive activities, yet integration into routine care remains incomplete.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe PHC screening for arterial hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obesity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption in Spain in 2008.
- To assess screening variability and identify patient, general practitioner (GP), and PHC team factors associated with screening rates.
Main Methods:
- A multicentre, cross-sectional study involving 468,940 individuals aged 16 years and older.
- Data collected from 426 GPs across 44 PHC teams in Catalonia and Navarre, utilizing electronic health records.
Main Results:
- Dyslipidaemia (64.4%) and hypertension (50.8%) screenings were most prevalent; tobacco use (36.6%) was least prevalent.
- Higher odds of screening were observed for women, older patients, those with more comorbidities, and frequent visitors.
- Screening rates varied by GP characteristics (e.g., patient load, gender) and PHC team demographics, with lower rates in Navarre compared to Catalonia.
Conclusions:
- Screening for obesity, tobacco, and alcohol use requires significant improvement within the PHC setting.
- Targeted interventions are needed to enhance screening, particularly for tobacco and alcohol consumption, to improve preventive care delivery.
