[Intervention to improve hand hygiene compliance in Catalonia, Spain].

Hand hygiene (HM) is the single most important measure and effective in reducing the risk of Healthcare acquired infections (IRAS). Although HM is an effective, simple and cheap measure, it is usual to find results of low compliance among health professionals. The main objective of this strategy has been to give new force to the promotion of HM in hospitals and educate professionals about the importance of this single action.

Seroepidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection in pregnant women in Catalonia (Spain).

Background: In recent years there has been a substantial reduction in hepatitis B incidence as a result of routine vaccination of preadolescents and the selective vaccination of high risk groups and newborns of HBsAg+ mothers.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection markers and of serologic markers of hepatitis B vaccination in a representative sample of pregnant women in Catalonia.

Study Design: A representative sample was obtained by random cluster sampling (hospitals with maternity units) stratified by provinces.

Prevalence of varicella-zoster antibodies in pregnant women in Catalonia (Spain). Rationale for varicella vaccination of women of childbearing age.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies against varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in pregnant women in Catalonia (Spain).

Setting: The prevalence of antibodies against VZV was assessed in a representative sample (n = 1522) of pregnant women of Catalonia obtained in 2003.

Method: The sample was obtained including all women attended for childbirth, during 2 months of 2003, in 27 randomly selected hospitals with maternity clinics.

Declining hepatitis A seroprevalence in adults in Catalonia (Spain): a population-based study.

Background: One of the main uses of seroprevalence studies it to evaluate vaccination programmes. In 1998, a programme of universal vaccination of preadolescents in schools with the hepatitis A vaccine was begun in Catalonia. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis A virus infection (HAV) in a sample of the adult population of Catalonia in 2002 and to evaluate the changes with respect to a survey carried out in 1996.

Rubella immune status of indigenous and immigrant pregnant women in Catalonia, Spain.

Background: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of rubella antibodies in representative samples of pregnant women in Catalonia.

Methods: A representative sample of pregnant women in Catalonia was obtained by random sampling by clusters (hospitals with maternity units) stratified by provinces. Blood was obtained from the umbilical cord at childbirth in 1538 women (of whom 308 were immigrants) and was tested for rubella antibodies by ELISA (Enzime-linked immunosorbent assay).