Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to M C Del Rio.
The major studies investigating substance use among Spanish university students are reviewed, their results and limitations noted, and current and future substance use trends are discussed.
The aim of the study was to assess patterns of the use of medicines by the general population older than 0 years. The study was based on the information contained in the computerized database from the 1993 Spanish Household Health Survey. A representative sample of the population older than 0 was identified, and a survey of 26,334 persons was carried out. Of the population 45.3% had taken some medicine in the last 2 weeks prior to the carrying out of the survey. The proportion was greater for women (50.6%) than for men (39.6%). With increasing age, the frequency and amount of medication use increased. A little over 20% of the medicines used were not prescribed by a doctor (self-medication). Data show the frequency of the use of medicines by the Spanish population.
This study investigated patterns of medicine use among Spanish drivers. The study was conducted in the fall of 1993 on 1500 drivers aged over 16, all of whom completed accordingly and then returned the questionnaires. Among those surveyed, 45.1% had used drugs at least once in the previous year, while 17.3% of drivers surveyed were using medicines chronically. Chronic users, the majority of whom were female and belonging to the older age group, were using an average of two drugs. Central nervous system drugs (21.7%), respiratory system drugs (19.2%), cardiovascular system drugs (14.9%) and alimentary tract drugs (14.3%) were the most frequent groups of medication used. Of those surveyed 76.5% who took drugs regularly had never been warned by health professionals about the effects of the medication use on driving skills. The study shows both how often drivers use medication as well as the need to inform patients and drivers about the effect of medication on driving performance.
A regional survey on peoples' attitudes towards drugs was conducted in the fall of 1992 on 2500 individuals aged 14-70 years. The great majority of those surveyed considered the taking of heroin (98%), cocaine (95.9%) and amphetamines (94.7%) to be "very risky" for one's health. These percentages were considerably lower in the case of tobacco (41.3%) and alcohol (26.7%). Those surveyed pointed to 'heroin' (35.6%), 'all illegal drugs' (27%), 'legal drugs' (17.2%) and 'cocaine' (14.2%) as the most dangerous drugs for society. The study shows how alcohol and tobacco are perceived by Spaniards as less dangerous than illegal drugs.
Sixty non-premedicated male patients, physically ASA III-IV, 50-80 years of age, undergoing translumbar aorthography, were randomly allocated into three groups. Group A received midazolam (0.13 mg.kg-1), group B received thiopental (4 mg.kg-1), and group C midazolam (0.13 mg.kg-1) combined with flumazenil (6 micrograms.kg-1) at the end of the operation. Three minutes before the anaesthesia began, fentanyl (1.5 micrograms.kg-1) was administered to all the patients. An evaluation was made of the time they took to open their eyes spontaneously, of time-space orientation, comprehension-collaboration, hypnosedation, psychomotor performance and memory. In groups "C" and "B" spontaneous opening of the eyes took place before that of group "A". The recovery of orientation, comprehension and hypnosedation was fastest with thiopental, next with midazolam combined with flumazenil, and later with midazolam. Psychomotor performance in Trieger test was impaired for a shorter period with thiopental than in the other two groups. Recovery in group "C" was incomplete within the time, with the result that resedation was detected in 20% of the subjects.
The CAGE scale has been used as a screening device for problem drinkers in a general population survey. The study was conducted in the fall of 1992 on 2,500 individuals, aged 14-70 years, who live in the region of Castile and Leon (Spain). Alcohol was consumed at least once a week by 51.3% of those surveyed. A total of 136 drinkers (10.6% of "weekly" drinkers, 5.4% of total sample) had positive CAGE scores, as determined by two or more affirmative answers, 120 men (14.3%) and 16 women (3.6%). Those with CAGE positive scores consumed a daily mean of 57.5 grams of pure alcohol per day. The utility of the CAGE scale in a general population survey and the difficulties in applying it are discussed.
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Alcohol-related mortality and years of potential life lost in Spain in 1986 have been studied according to the official statistics with regard to the population mortality in our country. 6.1% of the deaths in Spain in 1986 were related to alcohol consumption, mainly caused by malignant neoplasm (26.0%), digestive diseases (23.6%), and unintentional injuries (21.1%). Mean potential years of life lost for alcohol-related deaths until 65 was 7.3. Unintentional injuries were responsible for the greater part (61.2%) of alcohol-related years of potential life lost. The present study shows the high mortality rate associated with alcohol consumption in our country, as well as its importance in premature death.
A total of 2500 individuals, aged 14-70, who live in Castile and Leon (Spain), were surveyed in the spring of 1989 with regard to their alcohol consumption and its patterns. Among those surveyed 26.2% were 'daily' drinkers and 66.0% 'weekly' drinkers. Differences of alcohol use (frequency) and intake were reviewed with regard to sociodemographic factors such as gender, age, and marital status. Beer (52.6%) was the favourite drink, with wine (20.6%) the second most commonly consumed alcohol beverage. Most of those surveyed (54.6%) were 'light' drinkers (1-39 g/day of pure alcohol), while 3.0% had an intake of over 80 g/day ('heavy' drinkers). The average age at which they started drinking was 16.2 years. The results allow a better understanding of the pattern of alcohol consumption in Spain.
We have analysed patterns of alcohol and regular drug consumption by Spanish drivers. Six hundred and seventy five properly completed questionnaires were received from drivers attending three medical traffic centres in Valladolid (Spain) for medical examination prior to obtaining or renewing their driving licence in 1990. Among those surveyed, 24% were 'daily' drinkers and 56.7% were 'weekly' drinkers, the majority (55.5%) being 'light' drinkers (1-39 g/day of pure alcohol). Of those surveyed 28.9% took drugs. The most commonly consumed drugs were analgesics (6.5%), anti-allergic drugs (5.2%) and oral contraceptives (4.6%). Of those drivers taking drugs 28.2% were 'daily' drinkers and 53.8% were 'weekly' drinkers. The study indicates widespread consumption of alcohol and drugs by Spanish drivers.
The patterns of drug use were studied in 1886 14-30-year-olds in rural (less than 10,000 inhabitants) Spain in 1987. Cannabis was the most frequently consumed drug. For the 'past month', the frequency of drug consumption was 10.07% of the population for cannabis, and ranged between 1.01% for amphetamines and 0.11% for inhalants. Drug consumption was more frequent among males than among females. The earlier start in consumption was among inhalants (15.3 years) whereas cocaine consumers started later (20 years). 'New sensations and curiosity' was the most frequently reported reason for the initial consumption of the various drugs, whereas the 'search for pleasure and happiness', and 'to relax' (for tranquillizers) were the principal reasons given for continuing use. 'Euphoria' and 'well-being' were the principal effects felt under the influence of the different drugs. The present data show that drug consumption is common among young people in Spanish rural communities.
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We have analysed regular drug consumption by Spanish drivers. 675 properly completed questionnaires were received from drivers attending three medical traffic centres in Valladolid (Spain) for medical examination prior to obtaining or renewing of their traffic licence in 1990. Among those surveyed, 28.9% were taking regularly drugs, mainly analgesics (6.5%), antiallergic drugs (5.2%), oral contraceptives (4.6%), anti-inflammatory drugs (4.1%), antihypertensive drugs (3.6%), tranquillizers (3.4%), hypnotics (2.8%) and drugs for rheumatic disorders (2.7%). The study indicates the frequent consumption of drugs by Spanish drivers, and suggests the need to regulate drug consumption by drivers.
This study looks into patterns of benzodiazepine prescription for patients attending a primary health care setting. Fifty one general practitioners and nurses were involved in the project. Information was recorded over a week, four times a year. In total, there was information available on 571 patients. Patients receiving benzodiazepine treatment tended to be females (68.5 per cent), aged over 40 (84 per cent), married (63.8 per cent) and with primary education level (77.1 per cent). Most patients received long acting (48 per cent) or short acting (36.7 per cent) benzodiazepine treatment. In 46 per cent of the cases the treatment was longer than one year. Benzodiazepines were prescribed for anxiety (44.8 per cent), insomnia (23.8 per cent) and depression (10.1 per cent). The study showed the need to improve rational prescription of these drugs.
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