Prevalence of child-adolescent chronic pathologies in Cantabria (Spain)

Abstract

Objective: The study of child-adolescent chronic pathologies (CACPs) is a relevant aspect for public health and this knowledge is necessary for prevention and control. Our objective was to analyze the prevalence and distribution of the main CACPs in the region of Cantabria (Spain).

Methodology: The stratified data were obtained from the whole child and adolescent population treated by the Cantabria Health Service in the year 2019. The prevalence of the most frequent CACPs and their differences based on sex, urban non-urban location and levels of complexity and risk were assessed. The statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS program.

Results: 90,163 people aged from birth to 17-year-olds were analyzed (48.7% girls and 51.3% boys). At least one CACP was present in 29.1% of the population studied (26,234). CACPs were less prevalent in girls (25.5%) than in boys (32.6%), (?2, p <0.001; OR: 0.708; IC 95%: 0.688-0.729). The two most common CACPs were: asthma (16.7%) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (6.3%). Multimorbidity occurred in 1,978 girls (4.5%) and in 2,916 boys (6.3%). Those chronic pathologies were less prevalent in urban areas (26.5%) than in non-urban areas (28.0%), (?2, p <0.001; OR: 1.037; 95% CI: 1.023-1.052). CACPs level of complexity was slightly higher in girls and in non-urban locations. The level of risk was similar when sex and location where compared.

Conclusion: CACPs were very common in the age group studied. Our data indicate that not only is there a need for a greater number of descriptive studies, but also a greater accuracy on the clinical records of CACPs. These actions would allow the implementation of effective programs for prevention and early detection of CACPs and better treatment and control, once they are diagnosed.