[Importance of the information systems in public health programs: diabetic patients databases].
OBJECTIVE
To describe the characteristics of diabetic patients' population attended in the public health sector of Alta Gracia city. To analyze the use of amount of monthly dispensations as indicator of adherence to treatment, by comparing the results between settings. To assess the coordination of public facilities for patients attention.


METHODS
observational descriptive-analytical study.


METHODS
Hospital Arturo Umberto Illia (HAUI) and Dirección de Salud Pública (DSP). Alta Gracia (province of Córdoba, Argentina).


METHODS
diabetic patients belonging to health programs at public facilities.


METHODS
demographic and epidemiological variables, amount of monthly dispensations, percentage of global adherence and coordination of settings.


RESULTS
From diabetic patients' total (n=540): 52% were attended at HAUI, 39% at DSP, and 9% at both settings; 55% were female, and the average age was about 56 years old; 81% were type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM), 1% type 2 insulin-requiring DM, and 17% type 1 DM; the general mean of amount of monthly dispensations by patient was 4,9 in 12 months. Lack of trained personnel for information managing in both facilities was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
The databases allowed knowing some demographic characteristics of diabetic population attended in the public sector of Alta Gracia. The dispensing frequency during 12 months was able to be used as an adherence to treatment indicator. The scarce coordination between care levels and jurisdictions (provincial and municipal) were confirmed. For decision making it is necessary to generate and maintain information systems.
Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina.
Sonia A
SA
Uema
Maria E
ME
Olivera
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007256:Information Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017150:Public Sector; D055815:Young Adult