RESUMEN Objetivo. Evaluar la implementación de estrategias de la iniciativa HEARTS en una comunidad de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela. Métodos. Estudio cuasiexperimental, con la evaluación de la cascada de cuidado, factores impulsores e índices de madurez y desempeño cuatro meses después de la implementación de la iniciativa HEARTS en la comunidad La Marroquina en 52 pacientes con hipertensión (HTA). Los datos se procesaron en el programa SPSS® versión 25.0. Se aplicaron las pruebas t-Student y de ji cuadrado para determinar la significancia estadística. Resultados. Completaron los cuatro meses de seguimiento 50 pacientes, 63,5% con baja escolaridad y estrato socioeconómico bajo o muy bajo. Al inicio, 11,5% estaba controlado, y 40,4% inició con monoterapia. Al cuarto mes, 100% de las personas hipertensas recibieron el diagnóstico, 92% recibió tratamiento y 52% alcanzó la meta de control de HTA. El 72% recibía terapia combinada. De las personas hipertensas, 70% mantenía cifras de presión arterial <140/90 mmHg. El índice de madurez alcanzó nivel 4 de 5, y el índice de desempeño se clasificó en incipiente. Conclusión. Este trabajo muestra, en un corto tiempo, un buen índice de madurez en la implementación de un protocolo estandarizado de diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento de la HTA en una población rural, por parte de personal médico y no médico supervisado, que mejora las tasas de diagnóstico, tratamiento y control en los hipertensos, y empieza a mostrar su desempeño. El mantenimiento de esta iniciativa tendrá un gran impacto en la salud de esta población. Se recomienda su implementación como política de salud pública nacional.

ABSTRACT Objective. To evaluate the implementation of HEARTS strategies in a community in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Methods. Quasi-experimental study evaluating the cascade of care, driving factors, and maturity and performance indicators four months after implementation of the HEARTS initiative in 52 patients with high blood pressure (BP) in the community of La Marroquina. The data were processed using SPSS® Statistics, version 25.0. Student’s t-distribution and chi-square tests were applied to determine statistical significance. Results. Fifty patients, 63.5% of them with a low educational level and low or very low socioeconomic status, completed the four-month monitoring period. At baseline, 11.5% had controlled BP and 40.4% initiated monotherapy. By the fourth month, 100% of patients with high BP had been diagnosed, 92% had received treatment, and 52% had achieved control of their BP. Seventy-two percent were receiving combined therapy. Seventy percent of the hypertensive individuals maintained blood pressure levels <140/90 mmHg. The maturity index score was 4 of 5, and the performance index was classified as incipient. Conclusion. This work shows that, in a short time, a good maturity index was achieved through the implementation, by medical and supervised non-medical personnel, of a standardized protocol for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of high blood pressure in a rural population. Rates of diagnosis, treatment, and BP control improved, with incipient performance results. Sustaining this initiative will have a major impact on the health of this population. Its implementation as a national public health policy is recommended.

RESUMO Objetivo. Avaliar a implementação das estratégias da iniciativa HEARTS em uma comunidade da República Bolivariana da Venezuela. Métodos. Estudo quase-experimental que avaliou a cascata de cuidados, fatores determinantes e índices de maturidade e desempenho quatro meses após a implementação da iniciativa HEARTS na comunidade de La Marroquina, Venezuela. Foram avaliados 52 pacientes com hipertensão arterial. A análise estatística foi realizada no software SPSS®, versão 25.0. O teste t de Student e o teste qui-quadrado foram usados para determinar a significância estatística. Resultados. Cinquenta pacientes completaram o acompanhamento de quatro meses. Desses, 63,5% tinham baixa escolaridade e nível socioeconômico baixo ou muito baixo. No início do estudo, 11,5% apresentavam doença controlada e 40,4% estavam em monoterapia. No quarto mês, 100% dos pacientes com hipertensão arterial haviam sido diagnosticados, 92% haviam recebido tratamento, 52% haviam atingido a meta de controle da hipertensão e 72% estavam recebendo terapia combinada. Dos pacientes com hipertensão, 70% mantinham níveis pressóricos <140 × 90 mmHg. O índice de maturidade foi avaliado como nível 4 (de 5), e o desempenho foi classificado como incipiente. Conclusão. Este estudo demonstra, após pouco tempo, um bom índice de maturidade na implementação de um protocolo padronizado de diagnóstico, tratamento e acompanhamento da hipertensão arterial em uma população rural atendida por pessoal médico e não médico supervisionado. Observa-se melhoria das taxas de diagnóstico, tratamento e controle dos pacientes com hipertensão, demonstrando de forma incipiente seu desempenho. Dar continuidade a essa iniciativa terá uma repercussão importante na saúde dessa população. Recomendando-se que a iniciativa seja implementada como política nacional de saúde pública.

Abstract Objective: Waist circumference (WC) value reflects abdominal adiposity, but the amount abdominal fat that is associated to cardiometabolic risk factors varies among ethnicities. Determination of metabolic abnormalities has not undergone a WC adaptation process in Venezuela. The aim of the study was (1) to determine the optimal WC cutoff value associated with ≥2 cardiometabolic alterations and (2) incorporating this new WC cutoff, to determine the prevalence of abdominal obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors related in Venezuela. Methods: The study was national population-based, cross-sectional, and randomized sample, from 2014 to 2017. To assess performance of WC for identifying cardiometabolic alterations, receiver operating characteristics curves, area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratios were calculated. Results: Three thousand three hundred eighty-seven adults were evaluated with mean age of 41.2 ± 15.8 years. Using the best tradeoff between sensitivity and specificity, WC cutoffs of 90 cm in men (sensitivity = 72.4% and specificity = 66.1%) and 86 cm in women (sensitivity = 76.2% and specificity = 61.4%) were optimal for aggregation of ≥2 cardiometabolic alterations. AUC was 0.75 in men and 0.73 in women using these new cutoffs. Prevalence of abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome was 59.6% (95 CI; 57.5-61.7) and 47.6% (95 CI; 45.2-50.0), respectively. Cardiometabolic risk factors were associated with being men, higher age, adiposity, and living in northern or western regions. Conclusion: The optimal WC values associated with cardiometabolic alterations were 90 cm in men and 86 cm in women. More than half of the Venezuelan population had abdominal obesity incorporating this new WC cutoff.

Resumen Objetivo: El valor de la circunferencia abdominal (CA) refleja la adiposidad abdominal, pero la cantidad de grasa abdominal asociada a factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos varía según la etnia. La determinación de anomalías metabólicas no se ha adaptado a la CA en Venezuela. 1) Detrerminar el valor de corte óptimo de CA asociados a ≥ 2 alteraciones cardiometabólicas. 2) Incorporando este nuevo límite de CA, determinar la prevalencia de obesidad abdominal y factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos relacionados en Venezuela. Métodos: Fue un estudio poblacional, transversal, de muestreo aleatorio de 2014 a 2017. Para evaluar el valor de CA para identificar alteraciones cardiometabólicas, se realizaron curvas características operativa del receptor y se calculó área bajo la curva (ABC), sensibilidad, especificidad y razón de similitud. Resultados: se evaluaron 3387 adultos con una edad promedio de 41.2 ± 15.8 años. Utilizando la mejor relación entre sensibilidad y especificidad, se determinó que los valores de corte de 90 cm en hombres (sensibilidad = 72.4% y especificidad = 66.1%) y 86 cm en mujeres (sensibilidad = 76.2% y especificidad = 61.4%) fueron óptimos para la agregación de ≥ 2 alteraciones cardiometabólicas. El ABC fue de 0,75 en hombres y de 0,73 en mujeres usando estos nuevos puntos de corte. La prevalencia de obesidad abdominal y síndrome metabólico fue 59.6% (95IC; 57.5 - 61.7) y 47.6% (95CI; 45.2 - 50.0), respectivamente. La presencia de factores de riesgo cardiometabólicos se asoció con ser hombre, mayor edad, adiposidad y vivir en regiones del norte o del oeste. Conclusión: Los valores óptimos de CA asociados con alteraciones cardiometabólicas fueron 90 cm en hombres y 86 cm en mujeres. Más de la mitad de la población venezolana tenía obesidad abdominal al incorporar este nuevo corte de CA.

Abstract Background: No previous study has evaluated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in more than one region in Venezuela. Objective: To determine the prevalence of MS in three Venezuelan regions. Methods: From 2006 to 2010, a total of 1,320 subjects aged ≥ 20 years were selected by multistage stratified random sampling from the regions of Lara State (western region), Mérida State (the Andean region), and Capital District (Capital Region). Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical analysis were obtained from each participant. MS was defined according to the harmonized Joint Interim Statement (2009) definition. Results: Mean age was 44.8 ± 0.39 years and 68.5% of the participants were female. The overall prevalence of MS was 35.7% (95% confidence interval 32.2 - 39.2%), while the prevalence was 42.5% (95% CI 38.8 - 46.1%) among men and 32.6% (95% CI 29.1 - 36.0%) among women (p < 0.001). In women, the prevalence of MS increased at almost every decade of life, while in men, the prevalence was similar from the age of 30 years onwards. The most prevalent abnormalities were low HDL-c levels (58.6%, 95% CI 54.9 - 62.1%), abdominal obesity (52.0%, 95% CI 48.4 - 55.7%), and elevated triglycerides levels (39.7%, 95% CI 36.1 - 43.2%). The prevalence of MS increased with increasing body mass index categories. Conclusion: In Venezuela, MS is a highly prevalent condition, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in a large number of subjects. (Int J Cardiovasc Sci. 2018; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Resumen Introducción: Ningún estudio ha reportado la prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiometabólico en varias regiones de Venezuela. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiometabólico en 3 poblaciones de Venezuela. Materiales y Métodos: El estudio VEMSOLS es un estudio sub-nacional, transversal, poblacional, de muestreo aleatorio bi-etápico, evaluando 751 sujetos de 20 o más años de edad de 3 municipios de Venezuela. Mediciones antropométricas y bioquímicas fueron obtenidas. Analysis of Variance se utilizó para variables continuas y Chi-cuadrado para proporciones, significancia fue p<0,05. Resultados: 69% fueron mujeres y 81,4% del área urbana. Colesterol HDL bajo fue la alteración más prevalente (63,8% [Intervalo de Confianza –IC- 95%: 60,1-67,4]), siendo más común en mujeres que en hombres (74,1% [69,9 -77,9] y 40,4% [33,7-43,4], respectivamente, p< 0,05); seguidos por obesidad abdominal (47,4% [43,8 -51,1]) e hipertrigliceridemia (45,2% [41,5 – 49,0]). Un tercio (30,0% [26,7-33,4]) tenía hipertensión, 11,8% (9,5 -14,5) diabetes, 23,1% (20,2 – 26,3) obesidad y 20,1% (17,2-23,4) colesterol LDL elevado. El síndrome metabólico estuvo presente en 29,9% (26,5-33,5) de la muestra. La población rural de los Andes (Páramo) presentó una baja prevalencia de obesidad y colesterol HDL bajo comparado con las muestras urbanas (p < 0,05). La población de Lara, quien tenía el índice de masa corporal más elevado de las 3 municipalidades, mostró una alta prevalencia de obesidad abdominal, dislipidemia aterogénica y colesterol LDL elevado en comparación con las otras dos poblaciones (p< 0.05). Conclusión: Se observó una elevada prevalencia de anormalidades cardiometabólicas en 3 poblaciones de Venezuela con una menor prevalencia de alteraciones en el área rural. MÉD.UIS. 2018;31(1):15-22.

Abstract Introduction: No previous studies had reported the prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases various regions of Venezuela. Objective: To determine the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in 3 populations of Venezuela. Methods: The VEMSOLS study is a sub-national, cross-sectional, population based, with bi-stage random sampling study, evaluating 751 subjects aged 20 or older from 3 selected municipalities of Venezuela. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were obtained. ANOVA was used to continous variables and Chi-square to proportions, a p<0.05 was significant. Results: 69% were females and 81.4% from urban areas. Low HDL-c was the most prevalent disorder (63.8% [–CI- 95% 60.1-67.4]), being more common in women than in men (74.1% [69.9 -77.9] and 40.4% [33.7-43.4], respectively, p < 0.05); followed by abdominal obesity (47.4% [43.8 -51.1]) and hypertriglyceridemia (45.2% [41.5 - 49.0]). One third (30.0% [26.7-33.4]) had hypertension, 11.8% (9.5 -14.5) diabetes, 23.1% (20.2-26.3) obesity, and 20.1% (17.2-23.4) elevated LDL-cholesterol. Metabolic syndrome was present in 29.9% (26.5-33.5) of the sample. Rural population from the Andeans mountains (Páramo) presented a lower prevalence of obesity and low HDL-c (p < 0.05) comparing with urban samples. Lara’s population, which had the highest Body Mass Index of the 3 municipalities, had a higher prevalence of abdominal obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia and elevated LDL-c than the other two populations (p < 0.05). Conclusion: A high prevalence of cardiometabolic abnormalities in 3 populations of Venezuela was observed with a lower prevalence of alterations in the rural area. MÉD.UIS. 2018;31(1):15-22.

Resumo Fundamento: A prevalência de dislipidemia em várias regiões da Venezuela é desconhecida. A Síndrome Metabólica venezuelana, Obesidade e Estilo de Vida Estudo (VEMSOLS) foram realizados para avaliar os fatores de risco cardiometabólico na Venezuela. Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de dislipidemia em cinco populações de três regiões da Venezuela. Métodos: Durante os anos de 2006 a 2010, 1320 indivíduos com 20 anos ou mais foram selecionados por amostragem aleatória estratificada de vários estágios de todas as famílias em cinco municípios a partir de 3 regiões da Venezuela: Estado Lara (região Oeste), Estado de Mérida (região andina) e Capital Distrito (região Capital). medidas antropométricas e análise bioquímica foram obtidas de cada participante. Dislipidemia foi definida de acordo com as definições NCEP / ATPIII. Resultados: A idade média foi de 44,8 ± 0,39 anos, e 68,5% eram do sexo feminino. A prevalência de lípidos anormalidades relacionadas à síndrome metabólica (HDL-c baixo [58,6%; IC95% 54,9-62,1] e triglicerídeos elevados [39,7%; 36,1-43,2]) foram as alterações lipídicas mais prevalente, seguida pela dislipidemia aterogênica ( 25,9%; 22,7-29,1), LDL-C elevado (23,3%; 20,2-26,4), hipercolesterolêmica (22,2%; 19,2-25,2), e misturar dislipidemia (8,9%; 6,8-11,0). Dislipidemia foi mais prevalente com o aumento do índice de massa corporal. Conclusão: As dislipidemias são fatores de risco cardiometabólico prevalentes na Venezuela. Entre elas, uma maior prevalência de baixo HDL é uma condição também consistentemente relatada na América Latina.

Abstract Background: The prevalence of dyslipidemia in multiple regions of Venezuela is unknown. The Venezuelan Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (VEMSOLS) was undertaken to evaluate cardiometabolic risk factors in Venezuela. Objective: To determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia in five populations from three regions of Venezuela. Methods: During the years 2006 to 2010, 1320 subjects aged 20 years or older were selected by multistage stratified random sampling from all households in five municipalities from 3 regions of Venezuela: Lara State (Western region), Merida State (Andean region), and Capital District (Capital region). Anthropometric measurements and biochemical analysis were obtained from each participant. Dyslipidemia was defined according to the NCEP/ATPIII definitions. Results: Mean age was 44.8 ± 0.39 years and 68.5% were females. The prevalence of lipids abnormalities related to the metabolic syndrome (low HDL-c [58.6%; 95% CI 54.9 - 62.1] and elevated triglycerides [39.7%; 36.1 - 43.2]) were the most prevalent lipid alterations, followed by atherogenic dyslipidemia (25.9%; 22.7 - 29.1), elevated LDL-c (23.3%; 20.2 - 26.4), hypercholesterolemia (22.2%; 19.2 - 25.2), and mix dyslipidemia (8.9%; 6.8 - 11.0). Dyslipidemia was more prevalent with increasing body mass index. Conclusion: Dyslipidemias are prevalent cardiometabolic risk factors in Venezuela. Among these, a higher prevalence of low HDL is a condition also consistently reported in Latin America.

La relación entre el uso de tabaco no inhalado (TBNI) y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) ha sido únicamente reportada en hombres de Suecia, con resultados contradictorios. En Venezuela, el chimó es la preparación más común de TBNI. La relación entre el chimó y la DM2 en Venezuela es desconocida. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la relación entre el uso de chimó y la DM2 en una población con elevada prevalencia de uso de TBNI en la región de los Andes de Venezuela. Se diseñó un estudio observacional, transversal, tipo correlacional. Durante 2013-2014, 759 sujetos de 20 o más años fueron evaluados de forma consecutiva en un centro médico. La edad promedio fue 53,1 años, 58% fueron mujeres y 24,1% reportó uso de TBNI. El uso de TBNI fue más frecuente en hombres que en mujeres (32,9% vs. 17,7%; p < 0,001). Los consumidores de TBNI mostraron menor índice de masa corporal (IMC), grasa corporal y colesterol total, pero mayor frecuencia de DM2 que los no consumidores de TBNI. El análisis de regresión logística ajustado por edad, historia familiar de DM2 e hipertrigliceridemia, demostró que el uso de TBNI se asoció con un incremento de 77% de probabilidad de presentar DM2 (OR 1,77; 95% CI 1,15 - 2,72). En conclusión, el chimó, una forma de TBNI frecuentemente usada en la región de los Andes de Venezuela, está asociada con una mayor frecuencia de DM2 y con una menor masa grasa. Se discuten las implicaciones de este hallazgo.

The relationship between smokeless tobacco (ST) use and type-2 diabetes (T2D) has only been reported in Swedish men, though with contradictory results. In Venezuela, chimó is the most common ST preparation. The relationship between chimó and T2D in Venezuela is unknown. The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between chimó use and T2D in a population with high prevalence of ST use in the Andes region of Venezuela. An observational, cross-sectional, correlational study was designed. During 2013-2014, 759 consecutive subjects aged 20 years or older were evaluated in a medical center. Anthropometric measurements and responses to a standard questionnaire were obtained. Blood glucose and lipid concentrations were measured. The mean age was 53.1 years, 58% were female, and 24.1% reported ST use. ST use was more frequent in men than women (32.9% vs. 17.7%; p < 0.001). ST users showed lower body mass index (BMI), body fat and total cholesterol, but a higher frequency of T2D, than non-ST users. Logistic regression analysis, adjusted by age, family history of T2D, and hypertriglyceridemia, demonstrated that ST use was associated with an increased odd for T2D by 77% (OR 1.77; 95% CI 1.15 - 2.72) among ST-users. In conclusion, chimó, a ST form frequently used in the Andes region of Venezuela, is associated with a higher frequency of T2D and lower fat mass. Implications of these findings are discussed.

The EVESCAM (EstudioVenezolano de Salud Cardio-Metabólica) is the first national, population survey in Venezuela, designed to examine the prevalence of diabetes and cardio-metabolic risk factors and its relationship with lifestyle. It is a cross-sectional, cluster sampling study, which recruited 4454 participants aged ≥ 20 years. The data were collected in community health-care centers by trained health professionals and medical students. The data collected from each subject included, after informed consent, structured questionnaires (clinical, demographic, physical activity, nutritional and psychological), anthropometric measurements (weight, height and waist circumference), body fat by bioelectrical impedance, hand grip, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and biochemical measurements (standard 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides). The data will be used to estimate the prevalence of overweight, obesity, prediabetes, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemias, sarcopenia and metabolic syndrome; and to examine their relationships with lifestyle factors. The risk of coronary heart disease and impaired glucose regulation will be estimated using the Framingham Coronary Heart Disease Risk Score and the Latin America adaptation of the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (LA-FINDRISC), respectively. These results will guide national cardiovascular and diabetes prevention strategies, and will be available for government agencies to help in the implementation of public health policies.

Se desconoce la prevalencia de hipertensión arterial (HTA) en múltiples regiones de Venezuela. El objetivo fue determinar la prevalencia de HTA en cinco poblaciones de tres regiones. Durante 2006 a 2010, 1392 sujetos de 20 o más años de edad fueron seleccionados mediante un muestreo aleatorio estratificado polietápico, de todas las casas en 5 municipios de: Estado Lara (región Oeste), Estado Mérida (región Andina) y Distrito Capital (región Capital). Se obtuvieron medidas antropométricas, presión arterial y análisis bioquímico. La media de edad fue 45,2 ± 0,4 años, y 68% fueron mujeres. La prevalencia de HTA fue 31,3% (IC 95%: 28,9 - 33,8), mayor en hombres que en mujeres (38,1% [33,5 - 42,8] vs 28,2% [25,4 - 31,2], respectivamente; p <0,001). Los sujetos hipertensos mostraron mayor edad, índice de masa corporal (IMC), glucemia, colesterol total, c-LDL y triglicéridos; y valores más bajos de c-HDL, que los sujetos pre-hipertensos y normotensos (p< 0,05). En las mujeres, la prevalencia de HTA aumentó linealmente en cada década de la vida y en cada categoría de IMC; en los hombres, se incrementó hasta la quinta década, siendo similar en sujetos con sobrepeso y obesidad. El riesgo de HTA se incrementó con la edad, presencia de sobrepeso/obesidad, diabetes, e historia familiar de HTA. Sólo 17,7% de los sujetos hipertensos se encontraban tratados y controlados. En conclusión, un tercio de los sujetos evaluados presentó HTA y alrededor de un quinto está bajo control. En Venezuela, la HTA es un grave problema de salud pública exacerbado por la edad y el sobrepeso.

The prevalence of hypertension in multiple regions of Venezuela is unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in five populations from three regions. During 2006 to 2010, 1392 subjects aged 20 or older were selected by multistage stratified random sampling from all households in five municipalities from: Lara State (Western region), Merida State (Andean region), and Capital District (Capital region). Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical analysis were obtained from each participant. Mean age was 45.2 ± 0.4 years and 68% were females. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 31.3% (CI 95% 28.9 - 33.8), it was higher in men than women (38.1% [33.5 - 42.8] vs. 28.2% [25.4 - 31.2], respectively; p <0.001). The hypertensive participants were older, with higher body mass index (BMI), glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-c, and triglycerides; and lower values of HDL-c, than pre-hypertensive and normotensive participants (p < 0.05). In women, hypertension prevalence increased linearly for every decade of life and by category of BMI; whereas in men it increased until the fifth decade of life, and was similar in patients with overweight and obesity. The risk of hypertension increased with age, the presence of obesity, diabetes, overweight and family history of hypertension. Only 17.7% of the hypertensive subjects were both treated and controlled. In conclusion, about one third of the subjects evaluated had hypertension and about one fifth of them had their hypertension under control. In Venezuela, hypertension is a serious public health problem exacerbated by age and overweight.

Objetivo Con el propósito de determinar la prevalencia de caries dental en personas con retraso mental (RM) y Síndrome de Down (SD) se realizó una investigación descriptiva transversal. Métodos Se visitó la escuela especial ubicada en el Municipio Morán, Estado Lara, Venezuela, la cual cumplía con los criterios de inclusión, se realizó el diagnostico de salud bucal de 60 alumnos y entrevistó a los padres y/o representantes. Resultados La edad promedio de los participantes fue de 14,5 ± 8,17 y 48,3 % pertenecen a la clase social obrero. En relación con la salud bucal 53 % presentaba caries dental, de ellos 51,7 % en los molares. Las personas con RM moderado presentaron el mayor porcentaje de caries dental (75 %). Aproximadamente 53 % de las mujeres y 46,2 % de los varones, 64,4 % y 31,9 % de los participantes con RM y SD, tenían caries dental, respectivamente. Requerían tratamiento dental urgente 28,3 % de los participantes, y 45 % utilizaban los servicios odontológicos públicos. Conclusiones Las personas con RM y SD presentan una precaria salud bucal por lo que se recomienda la creación de programas dirigidos a estas personas.

Objective A descriptive investigation was conducted for determining the prevalence of dental caries amongst mentally retarded (MR) people and those suffering from Down's syndrome (DS). Methods A special school located in Morán county in the State of Lara was visited. The inclusion criteria involved dental examination of 60 students and their parents/or the person responsible for them being interviewed. Results Participants' mean age was 14,5 ± 8,17; 48,3 % were from a blue collar level. Regarding oral health, 53.0% had dental caries, 51,7 % being in the molars. Moderately MR people had the highest proportion of dental caries (75 %). About 53 % of the females and 46,2 % of males, 64,4 % and 31,9,% of RM and DS participants had caries. 28,3 % needed non-urgent dental treatment and 45 % were using public dental health services. Conclusions People suffering from MR and DS have precarious oral health; it is thus recommended that health programmes be created which are specifically directed towards these people.

Objective A descriptive investigation was conducted for determining the prevalence of dental caries amongst mentally retarded (MR) people and those suffering from Down's syndrome (DS). Methods A special school located in Morán county in the State of Lara was visited. The inclusion criteria involved dental examination of 60 students and their parents/or the person responsible for them being interviewed. Results Participants' mean age was 14,5 ± 8,17; 48,3 % were from a blue collar level. Regarding oral health, 53.0% had dental caries, 51,7 % being in the molars. Moderately MR people had the highest proportion of dental caries (75 %). About 53 % of the females and 46,2 % of males, 64,4 % and 31,9,% of RM and DS participants had caries. 28,3 % needed non-urgent dental treatment and 45 % were using public dental health services. Conclusions People suffering from MR and DS have precarious oral health; it is thus recommended that health programmes be created which are specifically directed towards these people.

Objetivo Con el propósito de determinar la prevalencia de caries dental en personas con retraso mental (RM) y Síndrome de Down (SD) se realizó una investigación descriptiva transversal. Métodos Se visitó la escuela especial ubicada en el Municipio Morán, Estado Lara, Venezuela, la cual cumplía con los criterios de inclusión, se realizó el diagnostico de salud bucal de 60 alumnos y entrevistó a los padres y/o representantes. Resultados La edad promedio de los participantes fue de 14,5 ± 8,17 y 48,3 % pertenecen a la clase social obrero. En relación con la salud bucal 53 % presentaba caries dental, de ellos 51,7 % en los molares. Las personas con RM moderado presentaron el mayor porcentaje de caries dental (75 %). Aproximadamente 53 % de las mujeres y 46,2 % de los varones, 64,4 % y 31,9 % de los participantes con RM y SD, tenían caries dental, respectivamente. Requerían tratamiento dental urgente 28,3 % de los participantes, y 45 % utilizaban los servicios odontológicos públicos. Conclusiones Las personas con RM y SD presentan una precaria salud bucal por lo que se recomienda la creación de programas dirigidos a estas personas.

Se realizó una investigación para determinar la salud oral y características generales de las personas con retraso mental (RM) en cuatro Municipios del Estado Lara. Para ello se utilizó un muestreo bietápico por conglomerados, seleccionando aleatoriamente 15 de 88 instituciones educativas especiales, quedando la muestra constituida por 155 personas que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. Previa autorización se interrogó a los padres y examinó a las personas con RM. La edad de las personas fue de 14,6 ± 7,11 años de edad y la edad de la madre en el momento del parto fue de 29,03 ± 7,26 años de edad. La mayoría pertenece a la clase social obrera (60,6%). El RM leve fue el más común (32,9%). Con relación a la salud oral, 65,2% de las personas presentaba caries dental. Sesenta y cuatro coma cinco (64,5%) tenían signos gingivales. Requería tratamiento urgente 24,5% de los participantes. Hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p= 0,017) entre el estrato social y el tipo de servicio odontológico al que acudían, también entre el tipo de RM y la presencia de signos gingivales (p = 0,04). De los resultados se puede concluir que los participantes presentan una higiene oral deficiente, la mayoría de las cuales pertenecen a las clases sociales más desposeídas, por lo que los servicios odontológicos a nivel público deben estar acondicionados y los profesionales y personal auxiliar capacitados para la prevención, tratamiento y rehabilitación de esta población a riesgo.

Abstract An investigation was conducted to determine the oral health and general characteristics of the mentally retarded (MR) people in four counties at the State of Lara. A multi-stage sampling design was used, selecting randomly 15 out of 88 special education schools. The sample was conformed by 155 subjects who filled the inclusion criteria. Previous authorization, parents were interviewed and the persons with MR were examined. The mean age was 14,6±7,11, and the mean age of the mother at the time of delivery was 29,03±7,26. Most of the people belong to blue collar social status (60,6%). The most common type of MR was mild (32,9%). Regarding oral health, 65,2% of the persons had dental caries. Sixty four point five percent (64,5%) had gingival signs. Urgent treatment was needed by 24,5% of the participants. Statistical significant difference was found between socioeconomic status and dental health service (p=0,017), and between type of MR and gingival signs (p=0,04). From these results one may conclude that the participants show a poor oral health, most of them belong to the lower social class, therefore public dental health services must be equipped, and their personnel trained for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of this population at risk