580 research outputs found
Unconditional quantile regressions to determine the social gradient of obesity in Spain 1993-2014
No full textBackground: There is a well-documented social gradient in obesity in most developed countries. Many previous
studies have conventionally categorised individuals according to their body mass index (BMI), focusing on those
above a certain threshold and thus ignoring a large amount of the BMI distribution. Others have used linear BMI
models, relying on mean effects that may mask substantial heterogeneity in the effects of socioeconomic variables
across the population.
Method: In this study, we measure the social gradient of the BMI distribution of the adult population in Spain over
the past two decades (1993–2014), using unconditional quantile regressions. We use three socioeconomic variables
(education, income and social class) and evaluate differences in the corresponding effects on different percentiles
of the log-transformed BMI distribution. Quantile regression methods have the advantage of estimating the
socioeconomic effect across the whole BMI distribution allowing for this potential heterogeneity.
Results: The results showed a large and increasing social gradient in obesity in Spain, especially among females. There
is, however, a large degree of heterogeneity in the socioeconomic effect across the BMI distribution, with patterns that
vary according to the socioeconomic indicator under study. While the income and educational gradient is greater at
the end of the BMI distribution, the main impact of social class is around the median BMI values. A steeper social
gradient is observed with respect to educational level rather than household income or social class.
Conclusion: The findings of this study emphasise the heterogeneous nature of the relationship between social
factors and obesity across the BMI distribution as a whole. Quantile regression methods might provide a more
suitable framework for exploring the complex socioeconomic gradient of obesity
Métricas de autor Alejandro Gómez Jaramillo
No full textInforme de las métricas de autor del Dr. Alejandro Gómez Jaramillo de las publicaciones indexadas en Google Académico cuyo objetivo es entregar un insumo para el fortalecimiento de las capacidades y potencialidades de los autores de la Universidad Santo Tomás en el posicionamiento y visibilidad de sus publicacionesReport of the author metrics Alejandro Gómez Jaramillo of the publications indexed in Google Scholar whose objective is to provide an input for the strengthening of the capacities and potentialities of the authors of the Santo Tomás University in the positioning and visibility of their publications.http://unidadinvestigacion.usta.edu.c
El trasfondo económico de las intervenciones sanitarias en la prevención de la obesidad
No full textIn spite of methodological, organizational and economical difficulties, it is necessary to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of obesity prevention policies and the resources that society allocates to fighting this epidemic. This paper reviews the economic reasoning behind these policies and presents a review of the scientific literature on the economic burden of disease and on the cost-effectiveness of individual and community interventions to prevent obesity.Aunque hay dificultades metodológicas, organizativas y económicas para evaluar el coste-efectividad de las políticas contra la obesidad, es necesario conocer la rentabilidad social de los recursos que la sociedad destina a afrontar la epidemia. Este artículo revisa de forma ordenada los argumentos económicos relacionados con dichas políticas, y presenta una revisión de la literatura sobre los costes macro de la enfermedad y sobre la efectividad y el coste-efectividad de las intervenciones individuales y comunitarias ontra la obesidad.41250,747Q
Formulas for Consumer Price Index at the elementary aggregate - A new proposal from the economic point of view
No full textThe price level in the aggregate economy and, more concretely, controlling its changes, has become one of the high-priority objectives within the framework of the regional macroeconomic analysis. Its different evolution could modify the interregional capital and commercial flows, being able to cause strong shocks, and of asymmetric nature, in each economy. The first step to reach this objective is obtaining a trustworthy and comparable measurement of the inflation in the different regions to be compared. The Index Number Theory is then used to calculate Consumer Price Indexes (CPI) the regional level. The calculation of CPI is made, at least, in two phases. In the first one, Elementary Price Index is considered (EPI). In the second and later phases, these EPI are combined, along with weighting information based on household’s expenditure, to obtain CPI for different aggregation levels to the country level. As previous step to the calculation of the IPE and CPI, the set of goods and services has to be defined based on households’ consumption behaviour. These sets are grouped in layers, named elementary aggregates, based on their homogeneity of satisfying consumer’s necessities. The COICOP (Classification Of Individual Consumption by Purpose) has important implications at the time of analyzing the behaviour of the consumer within each elementary aggregate, because of a high possibility of substitution between products. Nevertheless, this possibility diminishes and can get to be null when the goods and services satisfy necessities with very different nature. Whether what is wanted it is to calculate an EPI that correctly reflects the consumer behaviour, the described homogenous character cannot be forgotten, especially if, in addition, we take into account that National Statistics Agencies have no expenditure information available for weighting purposes, only data of prices to calculate EPI. This paper is focussed on analysis of the formula used to obtain the IPE, with the limitations of available information just commented. The election of the formula for the IPE has not been widely studied in the economic literature, being the proposal by Carli in 1764 and Dutot in 1738 [ extracted Reference of OIT (2003), chapter 20, pages 12-13 ] the most often used for practical purposes. Nevertheless, Fisher (1922) had already recommended not using the Carli’s formula because of the bias to the rise that it introduces [Fisher (1922), pages 29-30]. Throughout the 20th century different authors has continued looking for the ideal formula extending possible approaches to the subject: the approach of Divisia, the stochastic approach, the economic approach and the axiomatic approach. The final summary of these studies can be synthesized in "Toward to Dwells Accurate Measure of The Cost of Living” by the Advisory Commission To The Study The Consumer Price Index presented in 1996. This report, also known as Boskin’s Report, suggests the use of geometric mean price indices at the elementary aggregate for the EPI, this formula is attributed to Jevons in 1983 [OIT (2003), chapter 20, pages 12-13 ]. In the present paper, we demonstrate that all usually formulas for the calculation of the IPE are incoherent with the theory of consumer behaviour, in an aggregate characterized by the high level of substitution caused by homogeneity in the consumption purpose. In addition, the formula proposed by Rodriguez, González and Rodriguez (2004), is not only superior from the axiomatic point of view, but also from the economic approach, is the only one that is able to reflect the expected consumer behaviour.
Differences in healthcare utilisation between users and non-users of homeopathic products in Spain: Results from three waves of the National Health Survey (2011-2017)
No full textObjectiveTo compare the differences in the use of healthcare services: visits to the doctor and hospitalisation, performance of routine tests, and preventive influenza vaccination, between users and non-users of homeopathic products.MethodsWe used the microdata for adults over 15 years old from three waves of the Spanish National Health Survey, corresponding to the years 2011, 2014 and 2017. We proposed a comparative design of a quasi-experimental type, considering as the treatment group the respondents who said that they had used homeopathic products in the past two weeks; and another group, for control, comprising respondents who said that they had not used this type of products, but only conventional medicines, with observable characteristics similar to those of the treatment group. We used a model for rare events logistics regression (relogit) to estimate the probability of using homeopathy. From the propensity score and a vector of control variables, we used techniques of genetic matching to match individuals from the treatment group with similar individuals belonging to the control group.ResultsThere are no statistically significant differences between users and non-users of homeopathy in visits to the general practitioner (P>|z| 0.387), to the specialist (P>|z| 0.52), in hospitalisations (P>|z| 0.592) or in the use of emergency services (P>|z| 0.109). Nor were there any statistically significant differences in the performance of routine tests, except for the faecal occult blood test, which is more prevalent in users of homeopathic products. 20.9% of users of homeopathy had done this test compared with 15.3% of non-users (P>|z| 0.022). There are also significant differences in vaccination against influenza with 12.6% of homeopathy users stating that they had been vaccinated in the last influenza campaign, against 21.0% of non-users (P>|z| ConclusionsDifferences in the use of healthcare resources between users and non-users of homeopathic products have not been found to be statistically significant in Spain. It has been shown that most homeopathic products are used as a complement to treatment with conventional medicine. Nevertheless, our results highlight some warning signs which should raise the attention of healthcare authorities. The use of these therapies in patients with malignant tumours and the rejection of vaccines are warning signs of a possible health hazard in the long term.</div
Markov Chain approach to Purchasing Power Convergence in the 15 European Union
No full textIn the present paper we study the degree of convergence in the European Union from the Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) point of view. The price of the shopping basket can be the cause of disparities in a global market in construction that, like the European Union, is formed by different countries with different consumption habits. In addition, in this construction process twelve out of fifteen countries of the EU have left its national currency to adopt the Euro like common currency. Therefore, it is necessary for the stability of the Union process in the long run that, among others, purchasing power of the different state members tends towards a same common value. Moreover, the question is whether that process of convergence within the European Union is taking place or not. In order to solve this question, the series of the Absolute Purchasing Power Parity (APPP) are estimated through the suggestion of Rodriguez et al (2004). These authors use the Harmonized Consumer Price Index in the European Union and the nominal exchange rates of the different currencies with euro. Monthly estimates of the APPP series for the 1995-2002 period are obtained for each of the fifteen countries. These figures show, for each country, their relative position to the average value of the European Union. Using these series we applied the Markov Chain methodology to study the time evolution of the distribution of APPP in the European Union. This methodology has been very used by its facility of calculation and interpretation of the results. Nevertheless, with the purpose of obtaining good estimations it is necessary to solve the discretization problem of a continuous variable. This is, to use a finite set, and relatively small number of states, for a variable with infinite values. In the present work different approaches are used to solve the problem. We test for structural change on the estimated probabilities using adapted test to Markov Chains. This allows us to study if an effect exists on the Purchasing Power Parity with the entrance of the Euro. Markov Chains are estimated by Maximum likelihood, and allow us to do different analyses. In the first place, we can study the mobility of the distribution, measured through the probabilities of permanence or not in the same state, and in the degree of diagonal structure of the resulting matrix. This objective can obtained by direct observation, calculating Mobility Index, or using expected time of first passage. Secondly, we can obtain the ergodic or long term distribution. This one shows the temporary evolution in the long run of the distribution, under the hypothesis of maintenance of the present conditions. This distribution would show the possible convergence or not of the whole distribution. We also estimate elasticities of ergodic probabilities, to analyze the effect of each probability in the Markov chain in the long run distribution. Results show differences with the Euro Entry, mobility towards convergence within the distribution is slow, with high elasticities of the ergodic distribution to changes in the transition probabilities.
Methods for quarterly disaggregation without indicators; a comparative study using simulation
No full textVarious methods have been proposed to estimate quarterly figures from annual time series, but these methods have not been systematically evaluated in order to know which to use with which kind of data. This study compares, with a Monte Carlo simulation, those methods that use only information from annual series. Differences in the results of the methods, analyzed as functions of characteristics such as the number of years or variability of the original annual time series, suggest which methods to use under which conditions.78630,711Q2SCI
Fruit and Vegetable Prices and Perceptions in Mercalaspalmas Wholesale Market
No full textThis paper studies the behavior of fruit and vegetable prices in a wholesale market. Its aims are: a) to examine price behavior and changes; and b) to identify statistically significant factors
in the perception of prices and to quantify the effect of these factors on the market price. For this purpose, daily data were obtained on modal prices at the Mercalaspalmas wholesale market from 2006 until mid-2010. The results obtained show there is a similar degree of flexibility in price increases and decreases, and show the product to be the determinant element in setting prices. There was found to be a strong degree of price permanence, in the sense that changes take place slowly and following a lag. The following significant factors were identified in the perception of prices: the length of time a price has remained unchanged in the market; the period during which a product has been absent from the market; the quantities traded at a given price; and the index of market prices. However, the quantitative effect of this body of factors on the perceived price is very limited
Plan hospitalario de emergencias en el Hospital Isaías Duarte Cancino
No full textUn plan hospitalario de emergencias es un trabajo que tiene como fin orientar la
respuesta en caso de crisis. El objetivo de este trabajo es el de definir una serie de
procedimientos que preparen al personal médico-hospitalario para prevenir o
actuar (según sea el caso) ante la presencia de un evento adverso de cualquier
tipo que amenace las instalaciones del Hospital Isaías Duarte Cancino y
desarrollar en ellos destrezas y condiciones, que les permitan responder rápida y
coordinadamente frente a una emergencia.
El Hospital Isaías Duarte Cancino desempeña sus labores desde Noviembre del
2003 convirtiéndose, desde entonces, en un foco de desarrollo para el sur oriente
de la capital Vallecaucana, prestando sus servicios de salud a más de 700.000
personas de estratos 1 y 2, que habitan en el Distrito de Aguablanca. Y su meta es
seguir creciendo como institución prestadora de servicios de salud, razón por la
cual a partir de la fecha mencionada se han fundado nuevas áreas de trabajo y
consigo se ha incrementado el número de pacientes que les visitan.
La problemática que se quería enfrentar cono este trabajo consistía en que el
Hospital no contaba con un Plan de Emergencias y por ley toda institución
prestadora del servicio de salud debe contar con un documento de este tipo.
El presente escrito consiste en un trabajo de investigación de tipo cualitativo
realizado en el Hospital Isaías Duarte Cancino donde se hizo un estudio de
prevalencia que comprendía: encuestas, entrevistas, observaciones, estadísticas,
capacitaciones al personal del hospital, e implementación de un sistema de
análisis de riesgos y vulnerabilidad, el cual ha permitido tomar decisiones en el
momento de priorizar riesgos y la realización de los procedimientos del plan como tal. Se concluyó el mismo con la socialización del trabajo de campo en la
instituciónPregradoIngeniero(a) Biomédico(a
Plan hospitalario de emergencias en el Hospital Isaías Duarte Cancino
No full textUn plan hospitalario de emergencias es un trabajo que tiene como fin orientar la
respuesta en caso de crisis. El objetivo de este trabajo es el de definir una serie de
procedimientos que preparen al personal médico-hospitalario para prevenir o
actuar (según sea el caso) ante la presencia de un evento adverso de cualquier
tipo que amenace las instalaciones del Hospital Isaías Duarte Cancino y
desarrollar en ellos destrezas y condiciones, que les permitan responder rápida y
coordinadamente frente a una emergencia.
El Hospital Isaías Duarte Cancino desempeña sus labores desde Noviembre del
2003 convirtiéndose, desde entonces, en un foco de desarrollo para el sur oriente
de la capital Vallecaucana, prestando sus servicios de salud a más de 700.000
personas de estratos 1 y 2, que habitan en el Distrito de Aguablanca. Y su meta es
seguir creciendo como institución prestadora de servicios de salud, razón por la
cual a partir de la fecha mencionada se han fundado nuevas áreas de trabajo y
consigo se ha incrementado el número de pacientes que les visitan.
La problemática que se quería enfrentar cono este trabajo consistía en que el
Hospital no contaba con un Plan de Emergencias y por ley toda institución
prestadora del servicio de salud debe contar con un documento de este tipo.
El presente escrito consiste en un trabajo de investigación de tipo cualitativo
realizado en el Hospital Isaías Duarte Cancino donde se hizo un estudio de
prevalencia que comprendía: encuestas, entrevistas, observaciones, estadísticas,
capacitaciones al personal del hospital, e implementación de un sistema de
análisis de riesgos y vulnerabilidad, el cual ha permitido tomar decisiones en el
momento de priorizar riesgos y la realización de los procedimientos del plan como tal. Se concluyó el mismo con la socialización del trabajo de campo en la
instituciónPregradoIngeniero(a) Biomédico(a
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