Prioridades en prevención y promoción de la salud desde la atención primaria: la perspectiva de los profesionales.

The aim of the study was to define the health problems, preventive and promotional activities, and self care measures which have a high priority for the primary care professionals in our area. A Delphi study with two rounds of questionnaires. A 69.6% of a panel of professionals selected because of their remarkable degree of participation in clinical, educational, organizational or managerial activities in PHC participated in the study. Chronic diseases and the mental health disorders of the anxiety/depression type were considered the most important health problems. The detection and control of hypertension, medical counseling against smoking, and the compliance with the vaccination schedules were the most supported preventive interventions. Finally, the consulted professionals felt that it is necessary to promote self care in chronic diseases and in some acute conditions such as upper respiratory infections. The primary health care professionals considered as interventions with a high priority for health promotion the counseling of life style and the traditional interventions such as the compliance with the vaccination schedules of the hypertension programs. It is necessary to adapt the training of professionals to the priorities in PHC problems and activities.