Resumen Introducción: El 15% de los promocionales de la industria farmacéutica (IF) incluyen información que no se fundamenta con los resultados del artículo original. Objetivo: Evaluar la validez de los artículos científicos originales que sustentan la información de los promocionales de la IF dirigidos a internistas y cardiólogos y conciliar la información del artículo científico original con la del promocional. Método: Los promocionales se obtuvieron en los congresos nacionales de Medicina Interna (MI) y Cardiología (C) realizados en México; aleatoriamente se seleccionaron 10 de cada especialidad; tres investigadores evaluaron la calidad de las referencias bibliográficas, la validez de los artículos originales y realizaron la conciliación de la información. Se realizó análisis descriptivo. Resultados: Se recolectaron 57 promocionales de MI y 16 de C; la calidad de las referencias bibliográficas de 4 promocionales de MI se evaluaron como evidencia “moderada” y las referencias de 4 promocionales de C como evidencia “no científica”. Los ensayos clínicos controlados de MI y C fueron válidos, un estudio observacional de C se catalogó sin validez. La conciliación de la información del promocional con la del artículo original reveló diferencias en cuatro promocionales de cada especialidad y de acuerdo con los criterios éticos para la promoción de medicamentos de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) predominó la falta de exactitud, en algunos casos la información no fue fidedigna y/o verdadera. Conclusiones: Es importante capacitar al médico en lectura crítica, para que evalúe objetivamente la información e identifique la promoción de medicamentos inefectivos y/o inseguros.

Abstract Introduction: It has been reported that 15% of the promotional products from the pharmaceutical industry (PI) include information not supported by the results of the original research. Objective: Evaluate the validity of the scientific information that supports the data included in the pharmaceutical industry promotional brochures for internists and cardiologists and reconcile the information. Method: Promotional brochures were collected during national conferences of Internal Medicine (IM) and Cardiology (C), and 10 promotional brochures of each medical specialty were randomly selected. Three researchers evaluated the quality of the references, and the validity of the original research and compared the information from the promotional brochure and the original publication. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: 57 IM and 16 C promotional brochures were collected; the quality of the references of 4 promotional brochures from IM was classified as “moderate” evidence and the references of 4 promotional from C were identified as “non-scientific” evidence. Clinical trials of IM and C were evaluated as valid and an observational study of C was classified as invalid. Comparison between promotional information and the original study detected differences in four IM and four C promotions, according to the ethical criteria for the promotion of medicines by the World Health Organization (WHO) the lack of accuracy predominated, and in some cases, the information was not reliable and/or true. Conclusions: Training in critical lectures is crucial for medical doctors. This will allow them a critical review of promotional information from PI, to identify the ones that may lead to inappropriate prescription.

Abstract Background: Falls have a multifactorial origin. Objective: To estimate the risk of falls and their association with some intrinsic and extrinsic factors in elderly. Methods: Case-control study that included individuals of both genders aged ≥ 60 years. Cases were patients who were admitted to the emergency department of a secondary care hospital diagnosed with injury or fracture secondary to a fall; the controls were patients who attended family medicine units. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate statistical analysis was carried out. The SPSS program, version 22.0, was used. Results: Three-hundred and forty-two patients were included (171 cases and 171 controls). Mean age was 76.1 ± 8.8 years, 66 % were women and 97.1 % had self-reported chronic diseases. Differences were observed in body mass index, in the proportion of cases with cognitive impairment, use of walking devices and dependence to perform basic and instrumental activities of daily living. Adjusted multivariate analysis revealed an association between the fall event and cognitive impairment and dependence to perform instrumental activities of daily living. Conclusions: Cognitive impairment and dependence to perform instrumental activities of daily living were associated with the risk of falling.

Resumen Antecedentes: Las caídas tienen un origen multifactorial. Objetivo: Estimar el riesgo de caídas y su asociación con algunos factores intrínsecos y extrínsecos en adultos mayores. Métodos: Estudio de casos y controles que incluyó pacientes de ambos sexos con edades ≥ 60 años. Los casos fueron pacientes que ingresaron al servicio de urgencias de un hospital de segundo nivel, con diagnóstico de lesión o fractura secundaria a una caída; los controles fueron pacientes que acudieron a unidades de medicina familiar. El análisis estadístico que se realizó fue descriptivo, bivariante y multivariante. Se utilizó el programa SPSS versión 22.0. Resultados: Se incluyeron 342 pacientes (171 casos y 171 controles). La edad promedio fue 76.1 ± 8.8 años, el 66 % fueron mujeres y por autorreporte el 97.1 % tenían enfermedades crónicas. Se observaron diferencias en el índice de masa corporal, en la proporción de casos con deterioro cognitivo, uso de dispositivos para caminar y dependencia para realizar actividades básicas e instrumentales de la vida diaria. El análisis multivariante ajustado reveló asociación entre el evento caída con deterioro cognitivo y dependencia para realizar actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria. Conclusiones: El deterioro cognitivo y la dependencia para realizar actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria se asociaron al riesgo de caer.

Abstract Introduction: The physician-pharmaceutical industry relationship has been identified as an ethical problem, due to conflicts of interest motivated by the benefits that doctors receive and that can affect their clinical judgment. Objective: To identify the frequency of physicians participation in activities financed by the pharmaceutical industry (PI), their attitudes towards PI representatives (PIRs), their prescriptive behavior and the association between their characteristics and their workplace with their participation in activities financed by the PI. Method: Cross-sectional survey to internists and cardiologists. The questionnaire included characteristics of the doctors and their workplace, participation in activities financed by the PI, attitudes towards PIRs, and prescription behavior. Results: 455 questionnaires were analyzed; 78.5 % of surveyed subjects were aware of the physician-PI relationship, the majority acknowledged meeting with PIRs, 30 % indicated having received financial subsidies and 10 % considered that gifts affect their prescription. Having prior knowledge of the physician-PI relationship was associated with less participation in PI-financed educational activities. Conclusion: Practices and preferences towards the PI show the need to design strategies to avoid inappropriate prescription.

Resumen Introducción: La relación médico-industria farmacéutica (IF) se ha identificado como un problema ético por favorecer conflictos de interés derivados de los beneficios que reciben los médicos y que pueden afectar su juicio clínico. Objetivo: Identificar la frecuencia de participación de médicos en actividades financiadas por la IF, las actitudes de estos profesionales hacia los representantes de la IF, su conducta prescriptiva y la asociación de sus características y del trabajo con la participación en actividades financiadas por la IF. Método: Encuesta transversal a médicos internistas y cardiólogos. El cuestionario incluyó características de los médicos y centro de trabajo, participación en actividades financiadas por la IF, actitudes hacia los representantes y conducta de prescripción. Resultados: Se analizaron 455 cuestionarios, 78.5 % de los encuestados tuvo conocimiento de la relación médico-IF, la mayoría respondió reunirse con representantes de la IF, 30 % indicó haber recibido subsidios financieros y 10 % consideró que los obsequios afectan su prescripción. Tener conocimiento previo de la relación médico-IF se asoció con menor participación en actividades educativas financiadas por por la IF. Conclusión: Las prácticas y preferencias hacia la IF muestran la necesidad de diseñar estrategias para evitar la prescripción inapropiada.

Abstract Introduction: The relevance of medications for health depends on their quality, accessibility and appropriate use. Objective: To determine the potential therapeutic value of antibiotics that are not included in the World Health Organization Essential Medicines List (EML) but that are part of the National Essential Medicines List (NEML) of the Mexican Ministry of Health, and categorize them according to their intrinsic value. Method: Descriptive analysis of antibiotics not included in the 2013 World Health Organization EML; literature review to obtain efficacy and safety evidence; and application of quality and intrinsic value scales. Results: Four hundred and fifty-two abstracts were identified for 19 antibiotics; 56.9 % were excluded; 195 clinical trials were reviewed in full-text articles, out of which 37.9 % were of good quality, and intrinsic value was determined; 54 % were superiority studies, whereas 46 % were non-inferiority or equivalence studies; 32 % of the antibiotics were classified without intrinsic value and nearly 50 % were inconclusive. Conclusion: An elevated proportion of antibiotics of the NEML had uncertain or no intrinsic value, which favors their inappropriate use, bacterial resistance and puts the population at risk.

Resumen Introducción: La relevancia de los medicamentos para la salud depende de su calidad, acceso y correcto uso. Objetivos: Determinar el valor terapéutico potencial de los antibióticos no incluidos en la lista de medicamentos esenciales (LME) de la Organización Mundial de la Salud pero que forman parte del Cuadro Básico de Medicamentos (CBM) de la Secretaría de Salud de México y categorizarlos por su valor intrínseco. Método: Análisis descriptivo de los antibióticos no incluidos en la LME de la Organización Mundial de la Salud 2013, revisión de la literatura para obtener evidencia de eficacia y seguridad y aplicación de escala de calidad y de valor intrínseco. Resultados: Se identificaron 452 resúmenes para 19 antibióticos, se eliminaron 56.9 %. In extenso se revisaron 195 ensayos clínicos; 37.9 % fueron de calidad y se determinó valor intrínseco; 54 % fueron estudios de superioridad y 46 % de no inferioridad o equivalencia; 32 % de los antibióticos fueron clasificados sin valor intrínseco y aproximadamente 50 % fueron dudosos. Conclusión: Una elevada proporción de antibióticos del CBM tuvo valor intrínseco dudoso o nulo, lo que favorece su uso inapropiado, resistencia bacteriana y coloca a la población en riesgo.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between sociodemographic, health and disability-related factors and the perception of environmental barriers outside the home environment by individuals with permanent disabilities in Mexico. METHODS: In this cross-sectional, population-based study, we used data from the 2010 National Survey of Perceptions of Disability in the Mexican Population of 2,041 participants older than 18 with permanent disability. The perceptions of barriers take into consideration the challenges of getting around and using transportation outside the home environment. The covariates consisted of sociodemographic, health-related and disability-related factors. Multivariate logistic regression was used. RESULTS: The perception of environmental barriers outside the home environment was associated with being a woman, living in an urban area, speaking an indigenous language, experiencing emotional symptoms, having walking/movement, visual or self-care disabilities, having severe/extreme disability, having disability caused by illness, using physical devices, and receiving assistance and care in the home environment. CONCLUSIONS: This information is valuable for the design of public policies and programs that promote the participation of individuals with permanent disabilities, a high-priority issue in low- and middle-income countries.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between sociodemographic, health and disability-related factors and the perception of environmental barriers outside the home environment by individuals with permanent disabilities in Mexico. METHODS: In this cross-sectional, population-based study, we used data from the 2010 National Survey of Perceptions of Disability in the Mexican Population of 2,041 participants older than 18 with permanent disability. The perceptions of barriers take into consideration the challenges of getting around and using transportation outside the home environment. The covariates consisted of sociodemographic, health-related and disability-related factors. Multivariate logistic regression was used. RESULTS: The perception of environmental barriers outside the home environment was associated with being a woman, living in an urban area, speaking an indigenous language, experiencing emotional symptoms, having walking/movement, visual or self-care disabilities, having severe/extreme disability, having disability caused by illness, using physical devices, and receiving assistance and care in the home environment. CONCLUSIONS: This information is valuable for the design of public policies and programs that promote the participation of individuals with permanent disabilities, a high-priority issue in low- and middle-income countries.

OBJECTIVE: To describe patients’ knowledge of non-opioid analgesics (NOA) and to identify factors associated with patients’ lack of basic knowledge (LBN) on this type of medication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 629 ambulatory patients older than 50 years of age, with non-malignant pain syndrome, attended to two family medicine clinics and received seven day prescriptions for NOA. The data on patients’ general characteristics, the information they received and their actual knowledge of NOA were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 64.2% had LBN; 28% did not know how to take NOA properly, and 48% knew that these drugs cause gastrointestinal adverse effects. The factors significantly associated with LBN on NOA included: failure to receive information on NOA (OR:2.22, 95%CI 1.32-3.70), education <7 years (OR:1.87, 95%CI 1.33-2.63) and pain duration <4 years (OR:1.70, 95%CI 1.22-2.37). CONCLUSION: Patients lack knowledge and receive little information on NOA. It is important to encourage actions to tackle this problem.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el conocimiento básico de los pacientes acerca de los analgésicos no opioides (ANOP) e identificar los posibles factores relacionados con la falta de información sobre este tipo de analgésicos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Participaron 629 pacientes >50 años con síndrome doloroso de origen no oncológico y que recibieron ANOP. Se analizaron sus características generales, la información recibida y su conocimiento sobre ANOP. La variable dependiente fue la falta de conocimiento básico (FCB) sobre ANOP. Se realizó análisis descriptivo y bivariado. RESULTADOS: Del total de participantes, 64.2% tuvo FCB; 28% desconocía la forma correcta de tomar ANOP y 48% sabía que ocasionan trastornos gastrointestinales. Factores asociados con la FCB: no recibir información sobre ANOP (RM= 2.22; IC95% 1.32-3.70), escolaridad < 7 años (RM= 1.87; IC95% 1.33-2.63) y duración del dolor < 4 años (RM=1.70; IC95% 1.22-2.37). CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes carecen de conocimiento y reciben poca información acerca de ANOP. Es indispensable promover acciones para solucionar este problema.

OBJECTIVE: To describe patients’ knowledge of non-opioid analgesics (NOA) and to identify factors associated with patients’ lack of basic knowledge (LBN) on this type of medication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 629 ambulatory patients older than 50 years of age, with non-malignant pain syndrome, attended to two family medicine clinics and received seven day prescriptions for NOA. The data on patients’ general characteristics, the information they received and their actual knowledge of NOA were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 64.2% had LBN; 28% did not know how to take NOA properly, and 48% knew that these drugs cause gastrointestinal adverse effects. The factors significantly associated with LBN on NOA included: failure to receive information on NOA (OR:2.22, 95%CI 1.32-3.70), education <7 years (OR:1.87, 95%CI 1.33-2.63) and pain duration <4 years (OR:1.70, 95%CI 1.22-2.37). CONCLUSION: Patients lack knowledge and receive little information on NOA. It is important to encourage actions to tackle this problem.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el conocimiento básico de los pacientes acerca de los analgésicos no opioides (ANOP) e identificar los posibles factores relacionados con la falta de información sobre este tipo de analgésicos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Participaron 629 pacientes >50 años con síndrome doloroso de origen no oncológico y que recibieron ANOP. Se analizaron sus características generales, la información recibida y su conocimiento sobre ANOP. La variable dependiente fue la falta de conocimiento básico (FCB) sobre ANOP. Se realizó análisis descriptivo y bivariado. RESULTADOS: Del total de participantes, 64.2% tuvo FCB; 28% desconocía la forma correcta de tomar ANOP y 48% sabía que ocasionan trastornos gastrointestinales. Factores asociados con la FCB: no recibir información sobre ANOP (RM= 2.22; IC95% 1.32-3.70), escolaridad < 7 años (RM= 1.87; IC95% 1.33-2.63) y duración del dolor < 4 años (RM=1.70; IC95% 1.22-2.37). CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes carecen de conocimiento y reciben poca información acerca de ANOP. Es indispensable promover acciones para solucionar este problema.

Objectives. The primary was to assess the frequency of therapeutic non-compliance due to ADRs in a cohort of patients with recently diagnosed systemic hypertension. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the blood pressure control during the follow-up in the whole cohort and in patients who received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Methods. A cohort of 73 recently diagnosed ambulatory hypertensive patients was followed-up for 6 months. Validated questionnaires for identification of therapeutic scheme changes and ADRs were applied monthly, during each medical visit. Results. Family physicians selected monotherapy in 79% of patients. The frequency of therapeutic non-compliance was 44%; non-compliance secondary to ADR was 7%. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure at the beginning of the study were 140 ± 15/90 ± 15 mm Hg for the whole cohort. At the end of the study the figures were 130 ± 11/85 ± 6 (p < 0.001). Patients receiving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) had higher blood pressure levels than the groups of patients not receiving such kind of drugs (134 ± 10 vs. 128 ± 8 mm Hg, p = 0.025 and 88 ± 7 vs. 83 ± 5 mm Hg, p = 0.05). Conclusions. The drugs used in the present study as monotherapy are considered acceptable choices for hypertension treatment. The frequency of therapeutic non-compliance was within the limits reported in the literature and the frequency of therapeutic non-compliance secondary to ADRs in this cohort was lower than that reported in the literature. Higher blood pressure was found in the group of patients receiving NSAIDs.

Objetivos. El objetivo primario fue evaluar la frecuencia de falta de cumplimiento terapéutico debido a la presencia de reacciones adversas a medicamentos (RAMs) con el uso de antihipertensivos; los objetivos secundarios fueron evaluar el control de la presión arterial durante el seguimiento y en aquellos pacientes que recibieron fármacos antiinflamatorios no esteroideos. Métodos. Se integró una cohorte de 73 pacientes hipertensos de reciente diagnóstico, a los que se les vigiló durante seis meses. En cada visita médica mensual se les aplicaron cuestionarios validados, para identificar cambios en el esquema terapéutico y RAMs. Resultados. Los médicos familiares emplearon monoterapia en 79% de los pacientes. La falta de cumplimiento terapéutico se presentó en 44%; el incumplimiento terapéutico secundario a RAMs se observó en 7% de los casos. En todos los pacientes la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica al inicio del estudio fue 140 ± 15/90 ± 15 mm Hg y al final del estudio las cifras fueron 130 ± 11 / 85 ± 6 (p < 0.001). Los pacientes que recibieron fármacos antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINEs) tuvieron cifras de presión arterial más elevadas que pacientes que no recibieron este tipo de fármacos (134 ± 10 vs. 128 ± 8, p = 0.025 y 88 ±7 vs. 83 ± 5 mm Hg, p - 0.05). Conclusiones. Los fármacos empleados en este estudio como monoterapia son fármacos aceptados para el tratamiento de la hipertensión. La frecuencia de falta de cumplimiento terapéutico se ubicó dentro de los límites descritos en la literatura y la falta de cumplimiento terapéutico secundario a RAMs fue menor que lo informado en la literatura. Se observaron cifras de presión arterial elevadas en pacientes que recibieron AINEs.