ISSN (Online): 2389-7066 ISSN (Print): 0124-7107 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22267/rus H5 Index 47 Peer review: Double blind Periodicity: Quarterly Format: Online Start: 2000 Contact (temp.): revistauniversidadysalud@gmail.com The Universidad y Salud (Univ. Salud) Journal is a publication edited by the Centro de Estudios en Salud de la Universidad de Nariño (CESUN), located in San Juan de Pasto, Colombia. The journal is a means of dissemination, mainly of scientific and technological knowledge of national and international researchers, through unpublished works on topics of Health Sciences and related topics such as: public policies in health, health services, community care, health education, safety and health at work, health education, healthy lifestyles and chronic non-communicable diseases.
El sol ilumina los verdes y productivos campos custodiados por el Volcán Cumbal donde se destaca la producción láctea y agrícola, bases de la nutrición Nariñense
Copyright (c) 2026 Leonel Alejandro Cortez Castro https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Helicobacter pylori resistome analysis in Colombia
Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium closely associated with chronic gastritis and gastric cancer. In Colombia, its high prevalence, along with marked geographical differences in gastric cancer incidence, has prompted studies focused on the antimicrobial resistance of this bacterium. Objective: To characterize the resistome of Helicobacter pylori in Colombia through the analysis of phenotypic and genotypic studies, in order to evaluate resistance pa erns. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted in scientific databases, selecting 21 original studies. Mutations in resistance-associated genes were evaluated, and a descriptive statistical analysis was performed using R software. Results: High resistance to metronidazole was identified, along with variable resistance to clarithromycin and tetracycline, moderate resistance to amoxicillin and levofloxacin, and low resistance to furazolidone and rifampicin. Conclusion: The high resistance to metronidazole excludes it as a reliable first-line option. The variable resistance to clarithromycin and tetracycline requires regional susceptibility testing. Amoxicillin and levofloxacin retain moderate efficacy, while furazolidone and rifampicin stand out as promising alternatives. It is essential to implement phenotypic or genotypic susceptibility testing prior to treatment and to update empirical guidelines based on local resistance surveillance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Universidad y Salud https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Human resource perceptions of the quality in clinical laboratories: An ethnographic study in two municipalities in the Colombian Pacific
Introduction: A high-quality clinical laboratory plays a key role in healthcare delivery. Staff motivation and training directly influence the quality of service. Objective: To explore how laboratory personnel perceive the factors that influence service quality in clinical laboratories in two municipalities of the colombian pacific region. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study used an ethnographic approach and a constructivist paradigm. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 42 staff members and analyzed the data thematically using Atlas.ti software. Results: Participants identified regulatory knowledge, quality program implementation, ongoing training, and working conditions as key elements that drive performance and sustain quality systems. Conclusions: Strengthening technical skills, regulatory understanding, and employment conditions remains essential. Institutional commitment plays a critical role not only in developing sustainable quality systems but also in fostering a positive organizational climate, increasing motivation, and enhancing job satisfaction, factors that drive continuous improvement in service delivery.
Reflexiones, desafíos y renovación de las publicaciones en la era de la ciencia abierta
Copyright (c) 2025 Universidad y Salud https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Risk perception and electronic cigarette use among nursing students at a public university in Mexico
Introduction: Electronic cigarette consumption is an emerging public health problem, since this modality is attractive to users, a low-risk perception towards these devices predisposes to consumption, a risk group are nursing students. Objective: To determine the relationship between risk perception and electronic cigarette use among nursing students at a public university in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Materials and methods: Descriptive and correlational cross-sectional study, using non-probabilistic convenience sampling, the sample consisted of 50 participants over 18 years of age who signed informed consent. Results: 60 % of the participants reported using electronic cigarettes at some time in their lives and 14 % in the last week. The age of onset of use was 18,4 years (SD = 1.7), women presented higher use in the last month (Tau-b = -0.26; p < 0.05). There was a significant negative relationship between risk perception and electronic cigarette consumption (rs = -0.13; p < 0.05). Conclusion: It is necessary to consider risk perception in future studies and in nursing education to prevent the use of electronic cigarettes.
Prevalence, time of onset and duration of adverse effects of etonogestrel subdermal implant
Introduction: The subdermal implant is a highly effective family planning option. Identifying adverse effects allows us to understand the epidemiological behavior of this method. Objective: To determine the prevalence, time of onset, and duration of adverse effects of the etonogestrel subdermal implant. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was performed in 50 women who were users of etonogestrel subdermal implants. The types of adverse effects, their number, prevalence, time from onset to application, and duration of the effect from the time of implant application were identified. Results: The average age was 28.84 years (95% CI; 26.98–30.70). The most frequently occurring adverse effect was menstrual irregularities in 98.0% (95% CI: 93.9–100.0); the onset time was 3.31 months (95% CI' 1.40–5.21) after implant application, and the average duration was 35.76 months (95% CI; 26.97–44.54). In women with etonogestrel subdermal implants, 100% experienced one or more adverse effects. Conclusion: The prevalence of adverse effects from the use of etonogestrel subdermal implant is high, and several adverse effects occur at different times and durations.
Prevalence of zinc-rich food consumption and associated factors in children at a children's home in Pamplona, Colombia
Introduction: Zinc is an important mineral for the organism given its structural function and its importance in cell growth, therefore, a good intake of this mineral prevents infant mortality. Objective: to determine the prevalence of consumption of food sources of zinc and associated factors in children aged 1 to 4 years. Materials and methods: a descriptive observational study was carried out with an analytical, prospective, cross-sectional approach; a structured questionnaire was used for data collection, which was applied by personal interview. Results: The food groups with the highest prevalence of consumption were meats and meat products, cereals and cereal products, legumes, tubers, nuts and seeds; mean frequency/day was 1.1, mean/week between 1.2 to 5.0 and mean/month ranged from 1.8 to 6.6; the prevalence of zinc supplementation was 15.8%; statistically significant differences were found with some demographic and socioeconomic characteristics assessed. Conclusions: Factors such as sex, nationality, origin, marital status, socio-economic status, number of family members, income, money spent on food are related to the consumption of foods from the meat, cereals, fruits, vegetables, legumes and miscellaneous groups.
Relationship between physical activity levels and body fat percentage in gym users, Lima, Peru
Introduction: Physical activity is fundamental in lifestyle and is a determinant factor in body fat percentage. Physical inactivity leads to the risk of chronic noncommunicable diseases. Objective: To determine the relationship between physical activity and body fat percentage in gym users. Materials and methods: The study was quantitative and cross-sectional. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used and skinfolds were used to determine body fat. The sample was 100 subjects. Spearman's Rho statistical test and Mann-Whitney U test were used. Results: 92% had a moderate level of physical activity and 5% a vigorous level, 34% had a normal body fat percentage and 17% low. There is a relationship between the level of physical activity and body fat (p=0.009; Rho=-0.259), likewise there is a relationship between body fat and age (p=0.032; Rho=0.215). Physical activity level (MET sedentary) was found to be a significant predictor of BMI (B=-0.004; β=-0.239; p=0.034). Conclusion: Gym users with a vigorous level of physical activity had a lower fat percentage compared to sedentary physical activity users who had a higher fat percentage. Higher levels of physical activity are associated with lower body mass index.
Characterization of the labor market of dietitian nutritionists in Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Introduction: The working conditions and academic training of dietitian-nutritionists have not been extensively studied. Understanding their professional profile and career trajectories is essential to enhance employability and meet current labor market demands. Objective: This study aimed to characterize the labor and occupational market of dietitian-nutritionists in Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Materials and methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. An online survey was administered to 145 dietitian-nutritionists using non-probability convenience sampling. The instrument included 39 questions covering sociodemographic, academic, and occupational variables. Descriptive analyses were performed, and the Chi-square test was used to explore associations between categorical variables (p < 0.05). Results: Of those surveyed, 93% were women, with an average age of 32.5 years. Seventy percent had not pursued postgraduate studies, and 41% were working in clinical nutrition. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, 47% adopted a hybrid work model, and 34% reported earnings between 3 and 4 minimum legal monthly wages (MLMW). The highest salaries were reported in public and clinical nutrition. Conclusion: A high rate of labor insertion was observed, with a concentration in the urban private sector and low levels of postgraduate education.
Proposal to create a Technological Career in Forensic Medicine to optimize justice in Ecuador
Introduction: Forensic medicine has evolved significantly in Ecuador since the creation of the Institute of Criminology in 1936 and the establishment of the National Service of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences in 2015. In a context of increasing violence, it is essential to strengthen technical training in this field. Objective: To analyze the feasibility of implementing a technological degree in Forensic Medicine in Ecuador, with emphasis on improving evidence management and providing comprehensive care to victims of violent acts. Materials and methods: A mixed-method, cross-sectional observational study was conducted using quantitative instruments (structured surveys) and qualitative instruments (content analysis) applied to high school students from four educational institutions in the city of Tena (Ecuador). Results: A high level of interest and acceptance toward the academic proposal was evidenced, highlighting the need to strengthen technical and professional competencies in the forensic field, despite certain methodological limitations such as unequal access to technology. Conclusion: The creation of this program will contribute to improving the administration of justice, optimizing the chain of custody, and ensuring more specialized care for victims.
Influence of information published on Instagram about exclusive breastfeeding on first-time mothers in the Colombian League of La Leche
Introduction: Information posted on Instagram about exclusive breastfeeding has influenced the knowledge and practices of first-time mothers. Objective: To analyze the influence of exclusive breastfeeding information published on Instagram on first-time mothers in the city of Pamplona, Colombia. Materials and Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted. In the quantitative phase, a Likert-scale survey was applied to 57 first-time mothers who were members of the Liga de la Leche Colombia, in order to characterize the population and establish inclusion criteria. In the qualitative phase, a focus group was conducted with 8 of these mothers, selected according to the established criteria, to explore in depth their perceptions and experiences regarding exclusive breastfeeding information published on Instagram. Qualitative data were analyzed using Atlas.ti7 software and grounded theory methodology with open, axial, and selective coding. Results: Thirty-four codes were identified, highlighting the benefits of breastfeeding, strategies for verifying information on Instagram, and changes in exclusive breastfeeding practices after consulting this social network. Conclusions: Instagram has become a relevant source of information for first-time mothers, significantly influencing their exclusive breastfeeding practices.
Didactic strategies for the prevention of intestinal parasites in schoolchildren in the department of Antioquia, Colombia
Introduction: Health education imparts knowledge, skills, and awareness about health issues to promote healthy behaviors that contribute to improving the quality of life. It empowers individuals to take responsibility for their own health and to take proactive steps to prevent disease and promote a healthy lifestyle. Objective: To implement didactic strategies for focused on health and on the prevention of intestinal parasitosis. Materials and methods: Descriptive observational longitudinal study in which educational institutions were selected in the Chocó-Magdalena and Norandina biogeographic provinces of the department of Antioquia. In each school, two groups were formed: one with health education intervention, which received pedagogical support with educational health strategies for six months, and another without any educational intervention. Results: In the schools of Chocó-Magdalena biogeographic province, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.000 y p = 0.008 for schools 1 and 2, respectively) was observed between the schoolchildren in the intervention group and those in the non-intervention group regarding their knowledge of parasite prevention. Conclusions: The adequate implementation of these educational strategies is essential to ensure a positive impact on the health and well-being of the population.
Health management and user satisfaction in public health centers
Introduction: Health management is crucial for the quality and efficiency of health services. Objective: To identify the influence of health management on the satisfaction of users of the Metropolitan Health Center in Tacna, Peru, during 2022. Materials and methods: A quantitative correlational study was carried out with a convenience sample of 200 patients. Three proprietary questionnaires were applied to evaluate the perception of effectiveness, quality and satisfaction. The data were analyzed with the SPSS.25 program. Results: The results showed acceptable levels of effectiveness, quality and satisfaction. The majority of users agreed with the facilities (62 %), the staff (60 %) and the demand (62 %). In addition, 41.5% valued the administration of economic and human inputs positively. Users mentioned receiving comprehensive and empathetic care from medical staff (20.5 %). The Spearman correlation showed a significant relationship between health management and user satisfaction (p=0.000 < 0.05), being higher in the quality indicator (0.425). Conclusions: Health management had a positive influence on user satisfaction, highlighting quality and effectiveness, especially in health organization and administration.
Symbolic violence in nursing higher education: A narrative review
Introduction: Symbolic violence is one of the most common forms of interaction within society, imperceptible and naturalized, and it is also present in the academic field. Objective: To explore the existing literature towards the presence of symbolic violence in university pedagogical practices in nursing programs. Materials and methods: Narrative literature review between 2018 and 2024, using Scopus, Redalyc, Dialnet, Web of Science, Science Direct, DOAJ, and university repositories, through the methodology proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. Results: 24 articles were obtained for thematic analysis. The main subjects of study were found to be students; however, interactions between teachers and administrators are also protagonists. The use of qualitative methodologies is the most common, allowing for an understanding of the subjective dimension of symbolic violence. There is limited production related to pedagogical practices in nursing programs. Conclusions: The narrative suggest that scientific production towards the topic is increasing, violence based on gender has been the most analyzed topic in the academic context. It was found that there exist violent teaching practices in the classrooms, and that educational polices and institutional structures tend to generate discrimination and exclusion of some groups.
Active in Old Age: Validation and Usability of a Mobile Application for the Academia da Cidade e Saúde Program
Introduction: Aging, when associated with poor quality of life, contributes to the development of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). NCDs are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Objective: To validate the content and usability of the "Active in Old Age" app for professionals and users of the Academia da Cidade e Saúde/Academia da Saúde Program (PACID/PAS). Materials and Methods: An exploratory study conducted between March 2021 and January 2022 in four gyms from a city in the interior of Pernambuco, Brazil. The study included ten users (aged 60 years or older), ten professionals, and ten evaluators. The SUS, SAM, and CVI instruments were used for validation. Results: The overall SAM score was 87.04%, categorizing the material as superior. All items achieved a CVI ≥ 0.80, with a global average CVI of 0.94. Usability scores were 76.75% for users and 84.5% for professionals. Conclusion: The "Active in Old Age" app demonstrated satisfactory parameters for usability and content validity, making it suitable for use in PACID/PAS.
Copyright (c) 2024 Universidad y Salud https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Timelines associated with the neonatal jaundice care cycle and assessment of caregiver satisfaction
Introduction: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a major health problem, a common cause of morbidity. Worldwide, it affects up to 60% of term newborns. Its diagnosis is by means of serum bilirubin levels, which is associated with certain disadvantages, especially in terms of discomfort related to delayed results. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between caregiver satisfaction and the time associated with the cycle of care for the diagnosis of neonatal jaundice. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional observational study, neonates with clinical evidence of jaundice were included. Demographic data were collected, a satisfaction survey was applied to evaluate the level of caregiver satisfaction, and the times associated with the cycle of care from the moment of admission to the medical procedure were recorded. Results: A patient flow analysis was performed, and it was found that waiting time is significant, especially in obtaining laboratory results. Caregivers' satisfaction with waiting times influences their overall perception of service quality. Conclusions: The potential implementation of new diagnostic instruments could generate added value to the service by speeding up medical decision making.
Return to work, family functionality, and social support in women who experienced pregnancy after age 35 in Antioquia, Colombia
Introduction: Pregnancy after the age of 35 is an increasingly common trend in the contemporary world; however, aspects such as returning to work and its relationship with family functionality and social support remain underexplored. Objective: To assess work reentry, family functionality, and social support in women who experienced pregnancy after the age of 35 in Medellín and the metropolitan area of Antioquia, Colombia. Materials and methods: A descriptive study measuring sociodemographic characteristics, social support, family functionality, and satisfaction with work reentry following pregnancy in 106 women from the department of Antioquia, Colombia. Results: Of the participants, 82.1 % had an education level higher than secondary school, and over half belonged to the upper-middle class. No participant with normal family functionality reported unsatisfactory work reentry, and approximately 80 % of these women were still employed. 75 % of the participants reported not experiencing postpartum depression; however, only 43.8 % self-reported normal family functionality. Conclusion: For a pregnant woman over 35 years of age, a functional family and a positive perception of social support play a beneficial role in work reentry.
El cuidado desde la ética del cuidado: Feminismo e investigación
En nuestros días, aún los feminicidios no cesan, los cargos de poder siguen ocupados por una mayoría masculina, la protección de los hijos, de los adultos mayores y de los discapacitados, en muchos hogares y comunidades, sigue siendo una responsabilidad exclusiva de las mujeres, como tantas de las injusticias de género que no superamos en Colombia y en el mundo, es decir, el pasado no nos abandona. Actualmente, los pueblos indígenas siguen en riesgo de extinción por todos los tipos de violencias, el Estado colombiano no ha sido capaz de garantizar sus derechos fundamentales, mientras sus territorios son forzadamente utilizados por grupos armados ilegales, para actividades criminales, y por la industria que extrae recursos naturales.
A ten-year risk of developing diabetes mellitus in health personnel
Introduction: In Mexico, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is 10.2%. Objective: To determine the 10-year risk of developing diabetes mellitus in health personnel from a primary care institution. Materials and methods: A transversal descriptive study on primary care health personnel. The 10-year risk of developing diabetes was assessed through the FINDRISC instrument, which takes into account eight dimensions, each having a specific score to generate five risk categories. The statistical analysis included percentages, averages, and confidence intervals for both percentages and averages. The risk of diabetes at 10 years was identified for the general population, according to their job positions and gender. Results: The study demonstrated that the 10-year risk of developing diabetes was low (22.1%; 95% CI 35.4-48.0), mild (20.9 %; 95 % CI 15.7-26.1), high (13.2 %; 95 % IC 8.9-17.5), and very high (2.1 %; 95% CI 0.3-3.9). Conclusion: There is a slightly elevated 10-year risk of developing diabetes mellitus in the health personnel from the studied medical unit.
Geospatial approach to study the food environment according to the DASH diet guidelines, an Argentinian experience
Introduction: The characteristics of the food environment influence food choices. Objective: To design and implement a methodology to explore the characteristics of the food environment in a central neighborhood of Córdoba, Argentina, based on the availability of food stores and following the recommendations of the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). Materials and Methods: 223 stores were analyzed to determine the type of establishment and the availability of foods based on the mentioned approaches. They were georeferenced using coordinates extracted from the Google Earth platform. Then, stores were classified, constructing a continuous quantitative variable that summarizes information about product sales in each place (DASH score). The thematic mapping and score construction were carried out using QGIS 3.22 software. Results: A high predominance of kiosks, bakeries, and fast-food outlets (59.5%) was observed, while stores selling only fresh food represented 17.4% of the total. Additionally, establishments considered 'unhealthy' were mostly located in the northern part of the Alberdi neighborhood in Córdoba. Conclusions: The proposed approach contributes to the study of food environments as a tool for preventing non-communicable diseases and promoting health.
Evaluation of dentistry professors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Introduction: Student evaluations of professors through surveys are valuable instruments for adjusting to higher education. During the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face education was suspended to comply with health guidelines. Objective: To determine the effect of technology-mediated learning on professors' evaluations of students in the Dentistry academic program at Universidad del Valle for theoretical subjects before and during the pandemic. Materials and methods: A descriptive and retrospective study was conducted. The quantitative phase utilized the faculty evaluation system database. The periods 2018 (n = 218), 2019 (n = 296), 2020 (n = 68), and 2021 (n = 347) were reviewed, and the years 2018-2019 and 2020-2021 were compared. The qualitative phase employed the focus group technique. Results: The median faculty evaluation 2018 was 4.84/5.0, in 2019: 4.94/5.0, in 2020: 4.87/5.0, and in 2021: 4.75/5.0. Significant differences between 2018 and 2019 (p = 0.047) and 2019 and 2021 (p = 0.00) were found. The content analysis of the two focus groups generated four categories: student study methodologies, discipline and routines, professor teaching methodologies, and emotions and socialization. Conclusions: For students, face-to-face learning remains crucial in the educational process.
A narrative review of the positive development model for Chilean emerging adults
Introduction: Positive development is a stage of psychosocial adjustment that accentuates the potentials and resources of young people and their close contexts. The first positive development model for emerging adulthood was developed in Australia, which includes five components: social; life satisfaction; trust and tolerance of others; trust in the authorities and institutions; and action and civic engagement. However, this model has not been investigated in Chile. Objective: To analyze the evidence available in the scientific literature on the five components of the positive development model in emerging adults universities. Materials and methods: A narrative review of the literature published between 2013 and 2023 in the Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO, Redalyc, and Dialnet databases was conducted. Results: 83 articles were selected, of which 53 met the inclusion criteria; most of them were qualitative studies (81.13%) and in Spanish (75.47%). There is an evident disparity in terms of the number of studies and topics, e.g., there is more research on life satisfaction and civic action and commitment. Conclusions: There are gaps in the Chilean scientific literature in the study of positive development. In addition, idiosyncratic particularities and challenges associated with the stages of emerging adulthood are discussed.
Effects of COVID-19 on the quality of health care services in Colombia: a literature review
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the quality of health care services. Objective: To analyze the effects of COVID-19 on the quality of health care services focused on treating diseases other than COVID-19 in Colombia during the 2020-2022 period. Materials and methods: 24 articles were analyzed, which included some studies focused on national issues and others specific to the departments of Antioquia, Cordoba, Santander, and Cundinamarca. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic affected the quality of health services caring for diseases such as cancer, strokes, and critical circumstances like voluntary termination of pregnancy. Conclusion: All dimensions of health care were affected during the pandemic, especially impacting populations with chronic diseases and diseases related to child and maternal health. It is important to highlight that telemedicine and home care contributed to improving the quality of health in Colombia.
Physical dependence in older adults and job burnout in their informal caregivers in the COVID-19 context, a correlational study
Introduction: The functional status of older adults (OA) is usually used as an indicator of their health. Increased dependence raises the need for an informal caregiver (IC), leading to a state of work overload, which was frequently observed during the COVID-19 confinement. Objective: To assess the relationship between physical dependence of OA, job burnout of their IC, and the confinement conditions in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: The participants included 77 OA together with their respective IC. The OA filled out a sociodemographic data sheet and a Confinement Conditions Questionnaire. In addition to these two forms, the IC filled out the Zarit Caregiver Burnout Scale and the ABVD Barthel Scale. Results: Statistically significant correlations were found between: physical dependence and job burnout (rho=0.475, p<0.01); physical dependence and confinement degree (rho=0.441, p<0.01); and job burden and confinement degree (rho=0.344, p<0.01). Conclusion: Caregivers develop a greater job burnout as a consequence of the OA’s dependence. Furthermore, it seems that this burnout is more related to the confinement conditions experienced by older adults than to the caregiver’s own conditions.
Copyright (c) 2023 Universidad y Salud http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Senses and meanings of primary health care academic visions in nursing
Introduction: Primary Health Care (PHC) has acquired different meanings for different people, at specific times and places, which poses important challenges for its understanding. Objective: To analyze the meaning(s) and sense(s) of Primary/Basic Health Care in the academic views on Nursing/Health in the context of undergraduate Nursing courses offered at two public Higher Education Institutions. Materials and methods: Qualitative study with an exploratory approach. Semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis were used as data collection techniques. Results: The senses/meanings of Primary Health Care converge with the population's gateway to the health system at the first care level and with the first contact of a person with the health service. However, it is still considered as a less important service within the care network. Conclusion: Primary Health Care means a relevant possibility for Nursing/Health care through health promotion and disease prevention actions, with a commitment to respond to most of the population's health needs.
Entre los días 17 y 19 de noviembre de 2022 se realizó el 18° Coloquio de Investigación en Salud Pública en el Centro de Estudios en Salud de la Universidad de Nariño (CESUN) de la Universidad de Nariño. Este es un evento anual que se lleva a cabo por iniciativa del Doctorado Interfacultades en Salud Pública de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, pero cada vez más participan escuelas de formación de investigadores(as) en el campo de la salud pública de todo el país y, recientemente, algunas de México.
Iron deficiency and child psychomotor development in a rural region of Chota, Peru, 2022
Introduction: Iron deficiency and psychomotor developmental delay are two public health problems that cause high childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide, which can be related to social, economic, cultural and health factors that affect the environment where children and their family live. Objective: To determine the relationship between iron deficiency anemia and psychomotor development in children aged 2 to 4 years treated at the Cuyumalca Clinic, Chota. Materials and methods: Relational, cross-sectional study conducted on 48 children, who underwent hemoglobin testing through a portable hemoglobinometer and were subjected to the Psychomotor Development Test. Results: 31.2% of the children displayed some type of anemia, with the most common being moderate anemia (17.7%). On average, 10.9% showed some type of psychomotor developmental delay, including coordination (6.3%), language (8.4%), motor skills (16.7%), and overall development (12.5%). 4.2% of the children who had minor to moderate anemia showed developmental delay risks in the three assessed areas as well as in their overall development. Conclusion: There is no statistically significant relationship between iron deficiency anemia and several domains of psychomotor development, including coordination, language, motor skills as well as overall development.
Depression in older adults from the municipality of Mochitlan, Guerrero (Mexico)
Introduction: Depression in older adults in an important aspect since it affects significantly their health and quality of life. As people age, they may experience physical, emotional, and social changes that make them more susceptible to depression. Based on estimations from the World Health Organization, the global population over 60 years of age with some depressive symptoms will increase from 12% to 22% between 2015 and 2050. Objective: To identify the prevalence and factors associated with depression in older adults from the municipality of Mochitlan, Guerrero. Materials and methods: Mixt quantitative research with an analytical cross-sectional design and a simple random sampling of 26 older adults. Information was collected through a multiple choice survey administered by the researchers using an instrument with four sections. The ethnographic method was used for the qualitative approach, through a semi-structured interview to a focus group of seven older adults, with 3 open questions. Results: Mild (38.46%), moderate (7.69%), and serious (3.85) was found. The associated factors were: female gender; type of work; and monthly income. The qualitative analysis showed positive and negative emotions. Conclusions: 50% of the population had some type of depression.
Knowledge of biosafety measures taken by nursing students at a university (2022)
Introduction: Biosafety standards knowledge promotes quality and risk-free care for patients and health personnel. Objective: To identify the level of knowledge about biosafety measures in senior students from a Nursing program at a university in Barranquilla, Colombia. Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological study with 89 students chosen through a non-probabilistic sampling method. The instrument used was “level of knowledge of biosafety measures in Nursing students.” A Chi-square test (95% CI) was applied to analyze the relationship between the study variables and participants’ level of knowledge. The statistical techniques were performed using version 16 of the Statgraphics statistical software. Results: Medium and low knowledge levels were registered, with percentages of 24.72% and 75.28%, respectively. Furthermore, a minimal difference was observed when the level of knowledge of students was related to academic semesters. Finally, 85% of participants were not cognizant about the concept of hazardous waste. Conclusion: Medium and low levels of knowledge reflect an alarming scenario, which was probably caused by virtual teaching due to the confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Criminality rates in those sentenced for femicide in Mexico
Introduction: Violence against women is a problem that affects the worldwide population, with its maximum expression being femicide. Due to the recent and unequal legislation regarding this phenomenon, recent studies have focused on identifying types of aggressors where criminal behavior plays an important role as a risk factor. Likewise, very few studies exist with people who have committed femicide. Objective: To determine the criminality rates in those sentenced for the crime of femicide. Materials and methods: A list with 20 dimensions was used to evaluate 62 people arrested for the crime of femicide. Results: 4 levels of criminality were found, which can be classified from low to high; the principal indicators that marked differences between these levels where domestic violence and a history of alcohol and drug use. Conclusion: The indicators that marked the differences between the levels of criminality are a history of intimate partner violence used to resolve conflicts which is associated with use of alcohol and psychoactive drugs.
Hygienic – sanitary quality and food manufacturing practices in a student cafeteria in Mexico
Introduction: Adherence to official health standards is essential to prevent human health risks. Objective: To assess the hygienic-sanitary quality and good food manufacturing practices (GMP) in a student cafeteria in Mexico. Materials and methods: Quasi-experimental and analytical study. During 2020, bacteriological tests were carried out on samples taken from food, water, surfaces, and hands of food handlers. In addition, GMP were evaluated. Based on the current Mexican official health regulations, 57 samples were collected to isolate and identify pathogens. GMP were assessed in 20 food handlers before and after a 10-week training intervention and a test was used with α=0.05. Results: More than 50% of samples were found to have microorganisms associated with health risks, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter baumanni complex and total coliforms. The analyses before and after the GMP training intervention showed statistically significant differences in terms of the presence of these pathogens (p≤0.05). Conclusions: The hygienic-sanitary quality of the analyzed cafeteria turned out to be a risk for the health of students, which was related to the first assessment of GMP in food handlers. Consequently, the results improved after the intervention.
Effectiveness of the Flipped Classroom in Health Sciences University Programs: A Literature Review
Introduction: Higher education institutions have implemented active learning approaches, such as the Flipped Classroom, to promote the education of their students. Nevertheless, there is conflicting evidence regarding the benefits derived from its implementation. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the Flipped Classroom application in the education of university students from Health Sciences undergraduate programs. Materials and methods: A systematized narrative review of the literature published between 2012 and 2022. Pubmed, SciELo, Scopus y Web of Science were used as sources of primary articles. A revised version of the Kirkpatrick model was used to assess the effectiveness of the Flipped Classroom. Results: 34 out of the 1020 retrieved articles reached the quantitative synthesis phase. Students value positively this didactic model and acknowledge its contributions in the development of attitudes, knowledge and skills. In contrast, some studies show an increase in the workload and stress levels of students. Conclusions: The evidence suggests that Flipped Classroom is a valid didactic model for the education of Health Sciences students. Future studies should consider the effectiveness of its implementation at a long term organizational level.
Sars-CoV-2 infection rate in employees of a medium and high complexity hospital
Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was originally identified in the city of Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Current evidence indicates that the COVID-19-causing virus is transmitted person-to-person through direct contact and droplets. Objective: To estimate Sars-CoV-2 virus infection rate in hospital employees according to their job responsibilities. Materials and methods: Retrospective cohort study to detect Sars-CoV-2 infection in hospital employees, carried out between February 2020 and October 2021. The Kaplan Meier procedure was carried out to estimate the virus infection rate based on variables such as gender, age and job description. Results: There was a difference in infection rate between young and older adult age groups (Log Rank=18.6 gl=1 p=<0.0001). A significant difference was also found between young adult and older adult groups (Log Rank=10.6 gl= 1 p=0.0011). Conclusions: The older adult group showed a higher infection rate than that observed in younger age groups. These findings highlight the occupational risk of Sars-CoV-2 infection in health workers, especially in older employees. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain safety measures in order to reduce infection risks.
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Fifth wave of COVID-19 and use of masks in open and enclosed spaces
Introduction: The management of the COVID-19 pandemic demands adaptations to each epidemiological moment. Objective: To analyze the epidemiological behavior of COVID-19 in Cali (Colombia) after removing the mandatory use of mask in open and enclosed spaces between March 1st to July 11th of 2022. Materials and methods: A descriptive observational study of COVID-19 cases and incidence proportion (IP) for 7 days, with two temporary milestones: desisting from mandatory mask use in open and enclosed spaces, using data published by the Instituto Nacional de Salud. The temporary trend was evaluated with the non-parametric Mann-Kendall test. Results: Differences between the first and second milestones were shown: 922 cases in 75 days versus 12,037 in 59 days; Tau=-0.22 versus 0.57, S=-608 versus 968, Var(S)=47,574.66 versus 233,280.66; Sen’s slope=-0.10 (CI95%: -0.18 and -0.03) versus 7.39 (CI95%: 5.23 and 8.88). After the second milestone, the IP increased with a positive trend (S=23, p=0.006). Conclusions: The significant increase in COVID-19 cases and in IP coincided with removing the mandatory use of mask mandates in enclosed spaces. This reinforces the recommendations to use masks in enclosed spaces, strengthen the management of the infodemic, promote vaccination and increase natural ventilation.
Spatio-temporal distribution of Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya in Cali, Colombia: 2014-2016
Introduction: Emerging and re-emerging arboviral infections have become a public health challenge in the Americas due to their epidemic potential. Objective: To determine the spatio-temporal distribution of the dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses during an epidemic period in Cali, Colombia. Materials and methods: Multi-method descriptive ecological and exploratory study of confirmed and suspected cases reported to the epidemiological surveillance system between 2014 and 2016. Results: 40,168 cases were analyzed, and it was found that dengue was the most frequent arboviral infection (59.2 %). The most affected individuals were women (65 %) and those with a mean age of 34.5 years. Although arboviral infections spread out throughout the city, the three diseases were concentrated in significant groups located at the center-east and northeast areas of Cali (p<0.01; z=-203.7). Conclusions: This study identified critical zones for the three arboviral infections, which are located in areas with low socioeconomic status. Likewise, the results suggest that in addition to eco-epidemiological and bio-psychosocial factors, temperature, precipitation, and the aedic index may play an important role in the spatio-temporal behavior of these diseases. A multidisciplinary and collaborative approach is necessary, which must involve communities and authorities to implement effective control strategies, especially during epidemic periods.
A strategy to improve exclusive breastfeeding through prenatal and postnatal information and communication, Cali (Colombia): 2014-2017
Introduction: Accomplishing exclusive breastfeeding goals has been a challenge. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a strategy to promote and achieve exclusive breastfeeding during the first months of life. Materials and methods: A quasi-experimental randomized non-masked study was carried out during the 2014-2017 period. Adult first-time pregnant women at gestational age between 12-27 weeks from Cali, Colombia were included. While the control group received standard care only, the intervention group was also subjected to a prenatal and postnatal strategy that included information and communication technologies. Follow-up was carried out until 6 months postpartum. Results: The 141 participants were distributed in two groups: control (73) and intervention (68). The mean adherence to exclusive breastfeeding was greater in the intervention group (1.1 ± 0.65, p<0.001), reaching an average of 4.8 months (IC95%=[4.4; 5.3]). The control group was 11.68 times more likely to end exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months postpartum as compared to the intervention group. Conclusion: The incorporation of prenatal and postnatal counseling through information and communication technologies promoted a sustained exclusive breastfeeding.
Exercise dosing considerations in times of COVID-19 pandemic: A review
Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, international organizations recommended regular physical exercise to maintain physical and mental health during confinement, however, it is an emerging disease, the evidence is not conclusive regarding the relationship between a physical inactivity and the risk of serious outcomes in patients with COVID-19, therefore, it is essential to identify the contribution of the type of physical exercise modality and the contribution to the immune system. Objective: To demonstrate the immunological response of different physical exercise modality in the population between 18 and 84 years of age, the population identified with the highest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, in the report n°198 of the World Health Organization. Materials and methods: A review of the literature was carried out between Central Pubmed, Google Scholar and Scielo from January 2016 to December 2021. Results: Of the selected articles, it was possible to identify the main benefits in the immune response with both modalities of physical exercise (aerobic and/or resistance) in the target population. Conclusion: At present, the benefits on the immune response in patients with COVID-19 are completely unknown, which is why it is essential to identify the contribution on the immune response in different modalities of physical.
Usefulness of the Alvarado scale in pediatric patients with abdominal pain at the University Hospital of Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Introduction: The diagnosis of appendicitis in young boys and preadolescent girls who are beginning their sexual development is difficult. Objective: To determine the usefulness of the Alvarado scale in children aged between 1 to 14 years, who have abdominal pain. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study using information from clinical records of minors who were admitted due to abdominal pain at the University Hospital of Valle del Cauca, Colombia, between January 2017 and December 2018. A cut-off point greater than seven was applied to estimate both the operative characteristics of the scale and its operative characteristics curve. Results: 323 out of the 451 records analyzed included children with acute appendicitis. Male patients with an average age of 9.4 ± 2.8 years predominated, 26% of which experienced appendix rupture. 66.6% of the 13 minors aged 4 years old diagnosed with appendicitis also had appendix rupture. The scale had a 96% specificity and a 38.8% sensitivity. Likewise, a value of 7.5 was the best cut-off value of the ROC curve to discriminate between children with and without appendicitis. Conclusion: The scale was accurate to discriminate between children with and without appendicitis. Early ultrasonography is recommended for children under 4 years of age.
Effect of climate variability on the incidence of dengue in Palmira, Colombia (2010-2015)
Introduction: Sociocultural and economic conditions as well as climate variability can affect the incidence of dengue. Objective: To determine the impact of climate variability on the frequency of dengue cases in Palmira, Colombia, between 2010 and 2015. Materials and methods: Ecological and exploratory study, which related temperature, precipitation, and reported and confirmed cases of dengue. The frequency of dengue as well as its annual and monthly averages and medians were registered. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze cases and climate variables. Results: 2,832 cases of dengue were analyzed during the study period, with an annual average of 472. The association between the analyzed climate variables and the incidence of dengue was confirmed in 65 % of the cases. In 2010, the highest incidence of dengue and the highest average rainfall level were both reported. Also, the incidence of dengue increased coincidentally after the end of La Niña Phenomenon (2011). Conclusion: Between 2010 and 2015, a correlation between the incidence of dengue and climate variables (temperature and precipitation) was found in Palmira. However, future studies should analyze sociodemographic, cultural, behavioral, and geographic variables to better understand the dynamics of dengue.
Social stigmas towards people living with HIV in the Sars-CoV-2 vaccination process
Introduction: Social stigmas in people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) have been part of their history and can still be identified in today's care environments. Objective: To analyze the social stigmas in relation to the care of people living with HIV by those who provide the anti Sars-CoV-2 vaccination service. Materials and methods: A descriptive quantitative research were developed that included a census sample of 126 people. The scale of social stigma in the care of people with HIV/AIDS (Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) was applied. The information was analyzed through SPSS version 25. Results: Most of the participants reported not knowing people with HIV, but they have been treated as users (54%) and considered that they are discriminated (88.1%). Although a low level of stigma was evidenced (71.4%), these are present in 85.7%. Having had contact as a user with people with HIV was associated with the level of stigma (p=0.008). Conclusions: It is necessary to promote training in which the complexity of the phenomenon is addressed and aspects such as social stigmas are identified, incorporating the biopsychosocial paradigm together with a gender perspective in favor of the comprehensive provision of care.
Factors associated with the stigma-discrimination complex towards healthcare workers among university students during the coronavirus pandemic in Mexico
Introduction: COVID-19-related stigma towards healthcare professionals negatively influences their job performance and well-being, however, this issue has not been sufficiently investigated. Objective: To determine the frequency and variables associated with COVID-19-related stigma toward health care workers in a university population in Mexico. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study. An online questionnaire was sent to 1,054 students between 18 and 29 years of age. Demographic variables, religiosity, fear of COVID-19 and its association with COVID-19-related stigma-discrimination towards health workers (dependent variable) were analyzed. Bivariate analysis and a generalized linear model were performed to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios. Results: The proportion of high stigma-discrimination was 12.4% and was associated with high fear of COVID-19 RPa= 1.51 (95% CI 1.06 - 2.23). Conclusion: the findings highlight the importance of establishing programs to reduce COVID-19-related stigmatization towards healthcare professionals.
Monitoring of food handlers and their influence on the preparation of ready-to-eat foods
Introduction: Transmission of foodborne pathogens is related to inadequate sanitary conditions, which are derived from either the food preparation process or the person who prepares it. Food handlers are essential to preserve food innocuousness and protect consumer’s health. Objective: To evaluate demographic characteristics, hygiene practices, knowledge, work conditions and the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in food handlers at public school restaurants in Antioquia, Colombia. Materials and methods: The study evaluated 104 food handlers in a municipality in Antioquia. Demographic data and stool samples were collected to identify intestinal parasites, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus. Results: The presence of intestinal parasites (e.g. Entamoeba Complex and Trichuris trichiura) was identified in 61% of female participants. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 49% of food handlers. Conclusion: Infection of food handler was confirmed, making them potential sources of food contamination. They are committed to their work and have the knowledge to preserve basic hygiene conditions. It is highlighted their importance and influence in adequate hygienic practices to minimize the risks of transmission, as well as the need for medical treatment and regular checkups of food handlers to counteract the risk to consumers.
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The association between intestinal parasites and anemic syndrome in schoolchildren: A literature systematic review
Introduction: Intestinal parasitic infections and anemia are a global public health problem. These parasites have a tropism for the small intestine, which affects the micronutrients absorption during erythropoiesis and causes an anemic syndrome due to a low red blood cell count and hemoglobin deficiency. Objective: To establish the association of intestinal parasite infection and anemic syndrome in schoolchildren. Materials and methods: Systematic search of literature published between 2010 and 2021 about the association between intestinal parasitic infections and anemic syndrome in schoolchildren. Results: 1151 publications were identified, which were reduced to 33 when the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. There were 9 parasites, and the helminths commonly associated with anemia were A. lumbricoides (27.27%), A. duodenalis y T. trichiura, whereas G. duodenalis (6.06%) was the most frequent protozoan. The regions with most publications were Africa (21), Asia (6), South America (5), and Central America (1). There was a significant association between parasitic infection and anemia (CI=95%). Conclusion: High prevalence of deficiency anemia, such as iron deficiency and megaloblastic anemia, was observed. Also, there was a significant association between a higher percentage of helminth infections and anemic syndrome compared to infections caused by protozoans.
Outcomes and bioethical implications of lymphadenectomy in mastectomized patients: Importance and indication of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy
Lymph node involvement is the main prognostic factor in breast cancer. Mastectomized patients usually undergo lymphadenectomy (LA) of micrometastatic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) despite the evidence of AMAROS trial to replace this therapy with radiotherapy in select cases. We demonstrate the ability of ultrasonography to detect non-metastatic or micrometastatic SLNs. Method: 132 patients who underwent mastectomy were evaluated. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) was indicated for suspicious lymph nodes. LA and SNL biopsy (SLNB) were performed in patients with positive and negative FNAB, respectively. LA was performed in cases of positive FNAB or positive SLNB except in the presence of isolated tumor cells and micrometastatic SLNs. The tumor burden after LA in patients with negative FNAB and positive SLNB was measured, and the presence of two or fewer positive SLNs was considered a low burden. Results: Sensitivity of FNAB for detecting positive lymph nodes in patients with a high tumor burden was 93% in our series, specificity was 84%. Positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were respectively 60% and 79%. Conclusions: LA could have been avoided in 90% of mastectomized patients with negative FNAB and a low tumor burden who met the AMAROS criteria with a high NPV (79%).
The informal caregiver experience in Colombia: A systematic review and meta-synthesis
Introduction: Caregivers have a particular way of experiencing their caring roles. They have to adapt to a health system that does not recognize them as subjects of care and, at the same time, makes them responsible for tasks for which they are not prepared, without any support. Objective: To incorporate primary studies findings into a qualitative meta-synthesis to describe informal caregivers experience in Colombia. Materials and methods: Systematic review of qualitative literature. A systematic search was carried out using meta-search engines with the following descriptors: caregivers; experience; qualitative research; and Colombia. The study selection followed the PRISMA methodology and the COREQ tool, which is available on the EQUATOR network. Results: 20 qualitative studies were included, which were encoded with 250 nominal codes and classified in 6 central categories: relationship between the dyad and its context; hitting rock bottom to strengthen spiritually; commitment; overprotection and self-limitation; key moments to adapt to the caregiving task; relationship with self; health system; policies and institutional support. Conclusion: Caregivers share the illness experience with their loved ones. The health system needs to change in order to meet the needs of the dyads rather than the needs of the sick of disabled.
The communicative role of caregivers assisting stroke patients from Sincelejo, Colombia
Introduction: Cerebrovascular diseases are a public health problem affecting the different capabilities of patients, including communication. Thus, caregivers play a fundamental role in their recovery. Objective: To describe the communicative role of caregivers in the support of patients with stroke sequelae in the city of Sincelejo, Colombia. Materials and methods: A positivist paradigm, quantitative approach, and descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with 40 caregivers, who were selected according to criteria sampling and chain recruitment. A sociodemographic survey about favorability and communicative well-being as well as the Likert Scale were applied. A reliability and internal consistency analysis was conducted. Results: The majority of caregivers were women. Informal caregivers, with high school education, and belonging to low socioeconomic status were also predominant. A positive attitude regarding competences such as being and knowing what to do; appropriate treatment of patients, with justice and respect, were observed as common features. The knowledge competence was considered unfavorable, which was characterized by limited understanding regarding pathology, strategies used, and insufficient skills, techniques, and abilities to fulfill their functions. Conclusions: Caregivers of stroke patients should be qualified through programs that improve the being, knowing, and knowing how to do competencies.
Continuing education for forensic medical analysis of the constitutional appeals in Costa Rica
Introduction: Judicially demanding the right to health involves different elements and can lead to changes in continuing education programs. The current trend is to follow this pathway to access low-frequency and high-cost medications. In addition, the Constitutional Court of Costa Rica requests a technical concept from forensic doctors. Objective: To raise the need for continuous updating in specific theoretical-practical academic knowledge required by forensic doctors to guarantee the right to health services. Reflection: The training of forensic medical doctors is focused on evidence and encourages continuous education. Nevertheless, a commitment is necessary in continuing medical education programs such as literature search strategies, critical assessment of evidence, and academic practices that incorporate particular circumstances comparing them with scientific studies. These programs must take into account prevalent medications and pathologies as well as technical-scientific factors that differ in each service provider. Conclusion: A continuing education program about the interpretation and assessment of scientific evidence for proper decision making on health issues would allow medical doctors to judge existing health problems and choose a medication that is the most beneficial for a patient.
Consumption pattern and pH of beverages ingested by Dentistry students
Introduction: The beverage consumption pattern has changed in recent years due to their accessibility and sociocultural changes. However, their high sugar content and pH represent a risk factor for oral and systemic disorders. Objective: To determine the consumption pattern and pH of beverages ingested by Dentistry university students. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 138 students who fulfilled a self-completed survey. The consumption frequency and volume were assessed through a validated instrument, adapted to locally marketed beverages. A portable digital pH meter was used to measure pH and the data were analyzed through descriptive statistics using 2016 Microsoft Excel®. Results: The frequency of beverage consumption was considered occasional, the most common brands being Hit® processed juices (blackberry and tropical) and Postobon® soda (apple). The most common consumed volume was 12 fl oz, being more frequent in the time periods between meals. Conclusion: A high percentage of participants consume processed beverages with a critical pH of <5.5. Their frequent consumption represents a risk factor for oral diseases.
Respuesta a la carta al editor publicada en el Vol. 23 Núm. 1 de 2021
El proceso del envejecimiento del organismo humano no debe reducirse al proceso biológico, debe analizar el contexto del hombre como un ser biológico, cultural, social, mental y espiritual integradamente (1).
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Soberanía sanitaria: una política prioritaria para las democracias
La Covid-19 no solamente expandió su estela de enfermos y muertos a lo largo de un mundo globalizado, sino que reveló también grandes brechas de una sindemia que socava desde mucho antes la salud pública y las bases de la sociedad en general. Los efectos de la sindemia han puesto en evidencia, de forma antes inédita, la importancia de proteger la salud pública y la poca relevancia de este sector en la economía de muchos países, donde se sigue considerando una externalidad y no un componente esencial del desarrollo sostenible(1).
Musculoskeletal disorders in university professors who telework due to COVID-19 pandemic
Introduction: Teaching virtually can cause symptoms related to muscle pain due to bad postures when working with computers. Objective: To determine the presence of musculoskeletal disorders in university professors who telework during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: Analytical cross-sectional study in professors from health programs at a northeastern Colombian university. The validated Spanish version of the Nordic Kuorinka questionnaire was used (Cronbach’s alpha 0.8-0.9). Using non-probabilistic sampling and an instrument applied virtually, 68 professors were included in the study. The dependent variable was presence of musculoskeletal disorder, whereas the independent ones were the sociodemographic conditions related to telework. The Fisher or were used for qualitative variables. Comparison of means were carried out through Student’s t test. p<0.05 values were interpreted as statistical association. Results: 67.7% of participants reported musculoskeletal disorder in at least one anatomical site, being the neck the one mostly affected. Female gender and seniority in teaching practice showed an association with the disorder (p<0.05). Conclusion: Working conditions triggered by teleworking during the pandemic are associated with the presence of musculoskeletal disorders in professors.
Emotional work in occupational groups of Latin America: A scoping review
Introduction: Emotional work deteriorates the mental health of employees who interact with the public and therefore must regulate their emotions in order to express those established by the organization. Objective: To systematically map the main findings of Emotional Work in occupational groups of Latin America based on the revision of scientific articles published between 2009 and 2020 through a scoping review. Materials and methods: A PRISMA-ScR methodology with the keywords “trabajo emocional” (Spanish), “emotional labor”/“emotional work” (English) and “trabalho emocional” (Portuguese) was used to search the following databases: LILACS, Redalyc, Dialnet, DOAJ, BVS, Gale One File: Psychology and EBSCOhost. A document record matrix was used as format for data graphic. Results: From 186 articles, 17 were selected with the following characteristics: majority were from Brazil; included health employees and professors; defined emotional work using 6 categories; used 11 measurement instruments. Conclusions: There is a wide understanding of the topic of emotional work, however the evidence in Latin America is limited, which is why it is necessary to continue investigating its incidence in different work environments in order to obtain a global understanding of the construct.
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing in a College Setting
Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic has had a great impact on health systems. Many non-urgent visits were done virtually to limit exposure risks. Objective: Assess the impact of the pandemic on STI (sexually transmitted infections) testing in a college health setting. Material and methods: Quantitative assessment of the number of STI tests done, positive rates and percentage of “compliance to follow-up” for diagnosed STI from March to December 2020 and its comparison with historical data (2015-2019) at the University Health Services, UW-Madison. Measurement: Observed (2020) vs expected (2015-2019) number of STI tests, positive rates and compliance to follow-up testing for STIs. Results: The 2020 period showed a significant decrease in the number of tests done and an increase of positive rate when compared to historical data for total sample and per sex. There was a decrease in the percentage of follow-up for the entire sample and for females and an increase for males. Conclusions: In accordance with national data, our analysis shows significant declines in STI testing and follow-up during 2020 compared to previous years and an increase in positivity rate. A higher positivity with lower number of tests is likely due to triaging patients, facilitating testing for those at highest risk.
Helicobacter pylori: Pathogenic or mutualistic microorganism in Colombian populations
Introduction: The risk to develop gastric cancer varies between continents, countries and regions. Although there is a high prevalence of Helicobater pylori, its role as either pathogen or mutualistic bacteria defines the risk of gastric cancer in Colombian regions. Objective: To discuss the role of Helicobacter pylori in the risk of gastric cancer in Colombia. Materials and methods: A literature review based on searching LILACS, SciELO, and PubMed databases. Results: Helicobacter pylori role as either a pathogen or mutualistic microorganism associated with gastric cancer risk in Colombia can be explained by analyzing elements such as: human and Helicobacter pylori coevolution; cagA and vacA gene virulence; inflammatory (Th1) or anti-inflammatory (Th2) responses induced by Helicobacter pylori; human susceptibility to gastric cancer (IL1β, IL10); diet; and environmental factors. Conclusions: Even though Helicobacter pylori has a mutualistic role in populations at low gastric cancer risk (coastal regions), its role as a pathogen in populations at higher risk (Andean regions) justifies its eradication as a key strategy to mitigate the incidence of this cancer in Colombia.
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Quality of life related to the health and mood states of students in educational institutions from Antioquia, Colombia
Introduction: Even though health-related quality of life (HRQL) and mood states are key indicators of the well-being of adolescents, their relationship has not been analyzed in students from Antioquia, Colombia. Objective: To determine HRQL and mood states in schoolchildren from Antioquia. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,957 schoolchildren and adolescents aged between 9 and 20 years. Measurements of HRQL, anxiety, depression, hostility and happiness, physical activity, sedentary behavior, parental social support, and socioeconomic status were applied. Results: A high quality of life (HQL) was observed more frequently in male participants, students with parental support, physically active, and those belonging to medium and high socioeconomic status. HQL decreased 15% as their age increased by one year. Also, HQL was reduced when depression, anxiety, and sedentary behavior increased. Furthermore, depression and anxiety levels were higher in women, older students, as well as in those without parental control and with sedentary behavior. Conclusions: HRQL is associated with mood states, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and parental support. In contrast, mood states are related to gender, parental support, HQL, and sedentary lifestyle.
Attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine in residents of the Guerrero State, México
Introduction: Vaccines have become a promising solution to mitigate COVID-19. However, it faces important challenges, including people’s attitude towards this new therapeutic. Objective: To determine the attitude of the inhabitants of the Guerrero State (Mexico) towards the vaccine to mitigate COVID-19. Materials and methods: Quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive, and cross-sectional research was conducted using a conglomerate-type sampling method. The sample included 296 people from the different regions of the State. The study included participants who were older than 18 years of age and expressed their desire to participate through the informed consent. Questionnaires in Google were used for data collection. The scale to determine the attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine contained two sections: sociodemographic data and attitude towards the vaccine. The last section was subdivided into cognitive, subjective, and behavioral (which includes cognitive and subjective) dimensions. The instrument had 25 items with closed answer options on a Likert-type scale. Results: The attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine is predominantly negative (52.70%) in the population from Guerrero. Conclusions: The behavioral dimension could be considered a predictor of acceptance towards the COVID-19 vaccine.
Anthropometric characteristics and physical condition of active older adults from the municipality of Armenia, Colombia 2022
Introduction: Changes in body composition in aging populations are associated with their health and functionality. Objective: To determine the anthropometric characteristics and physical condition of physically active older adults from the city of Armenia. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study. The assessment of the body composition was conducted following the guidelines of the International Society for the Advancement in Kinanthropometry. The Senior Fitness Test (SFT) battery was used to evaluate physical condition. Results: 468 older adults were evaluated. The mean height and body mass were 1.57 m and 69.46 kg for women, respectively, while the mean values for male participants were 1.67 m and 78.29 kg. Female older adults had higher percentages of adipose tissue respect to muscle tissue, whereas male participants showed the opposite pattern. Finally, physical condition was below the normal reference range of the SFT battery. Conclusion: In general terms, older adults were overweight. Based on the WHO guidelines and the various analyzed indicators (waist-hip ratio, muscle mass index, abdominal circumference, among others), older adults are at a moderate-high risk to suffer chronic non-communicable diseases.
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Is critical epidemiology different from social epidemiology?
Sr Editor, la concepción ecológica funcionalista de la epidemiología clásica no parece ser suficiente para abarcar el fenómeno salud-enfermedad, por ser fundamentalmente biologicista sin historia y desligado de la cultura que define a la sociedad, por centrarse en el reduccionismo empírico y cuantitativista, por abrigar las teorías totalizantes impositivas que sobreponen el conocimiento científico sobre el popular y por preferir la lógica de los factores de riesgo sobre la metacrítica y multicultura, de allí la necesidad de generar nuevas construcciones epistemológicas de la epidemiología en procura de recuperar y renovar este pensamiento científico clave para el estudio del complejo proceso salud-enfermedad con base en reflexiones sobre desigualdad, etnia, género, derechos humanos, justicia social, privación, exclusión social, subjetividad y en los modos de vida en lugar de factores de riesgo, entonces nacen la epidemiología social y crítica
Opening doors to life: A suicidal behavior prevention program involving Gatekeeper teachers
Introduction: Suicide is the third cause of death in young people aged between 15 to 19 years. Thus, school environments can promote mental health of adolescents through early identification of risk factors and prevention of suicidal behaviors. One prevention strategy is the training of “gatekeepers”. Objective: To determine the impact of the “Opening Doors to Life” program on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding prevention of suicidal behavior in a set of high school teachers from an educational institution in San Juan de Pasto, Colombia. Materials and methods: A pre-experimental study with an intervention group and pre- and post-follow-up measurements. Nine volunteer teachers participated during two training sessions. Results: Positive changes regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the participants during pretest and posttest were observed for the majority of evaluated sub-dimensions. However, after three years, the positive measures prevailed only for knowledge about suicidal behavior and attitudes toward prevention. Conclusion: The “Opening Doors to Life” program showed effectiveness and relevance. However, maintaining its impact requires follow-up actions and support of trained teachers.
¿Jugando con el tiempo? Seguridad de la ampliación del intervalo entre dosis de la vacuna Pfizer (BNT162b2). El caso de Colombia
Ampliar el intervalo de la vacunación más allá de los 21 días con la segunda dosis de la vacuna BNT162b2 (Pfizer) ha sido una decisión polémica, que le ha suscitado al Ministerio de Salud y al Gobierno de Colombia un sinfín de críticas, a tal punto que ha pasado al ámbito legal(1). Lo cual, probablemente se hubiera atenuado si se hace una divulgación mediática más acertada, centrada en los estudios existentes y tomando como referencia el Sistema de Salud del Reino Unido.
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Feminicide in Cali Colombia: A view from public health
Introduction: In most cases, violence against women is committed by their partners or ex-partners and this violence is a global public health problem that almost always ends in their death. Femicide is understood as the murder of a woman just for the fact of being a female individual, perpetuating gender inequality. Objective: To analyze femicide in Cali from its epidemiological characterization. Materials and methods: A descriptive population-based study was carried out using secondary sources that included 287 records of violent deaths of women. 53 cases between 2017 and 2019 were identified and analyzed, which were investigated and classified as femicide by the Crimes Against Women Unit of the Prosecutor’s Office. The epidemiological characterization was conducted based on the information provided, which was useful to identify the study variables: age, method, place of occurrence, imprisonment of perpetrator, and sentence. Results: Femicide occurred between the ages of 9 and 89, with stabbing being the most commonly used killing method. A conviction was executed only in 18.9% of the total cases. Conclusions: Femicide occurs at any age and has a high impunity degree mostly because of an ineffective judicial system.
Perception of time and mental health during COVID-19 pandemic quarantines
Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic made it necessary to implement obligatory quarantine measures in order to contain viral spreading. This situation generated lifestyle changes and diverse responses such as fear, anxiety, monotony, and uncertainty. This affected the people’s capacity to perceive time resulting in changes in mental health. Objective: Synthesize the neurological bases of the phenomenon of time perception, its importance and the scientific evidence regarding the possible alterations in the conditions of quarantine. Materials of methods: A thematic bibliographic review was carried out in Pubmed, Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. The Spanish and English keywords used were: perception of time, estimation of time, pandemic, cognition, emotional states, and mental health. Results: The concept of time perception, its neurological bases and the alterations that can be generated are described. Conclusions: Mental health was affected during pandemic, yet its effects in the short-term and long-term are not understood clearly.
Association between endodontic treatment quality and apical periodontitis assessed through cone beam computarized tomography in a colombian population
Introduction: The prevalence of apical periodontitis in teeth with endodontic treatment ranges between 35% and 60%, and a strong association has been found with respect to high levels of systemic inflammation markers (pro-inflammatory cytokines, protein C-reactive and interleukin 6) caused by apical periodontitis. Studies have shown that an adequate endodontic treatment can reduce C-reactive protein levels in healthy individuals and those with apical periodontitis. Objective: To evaluate the frequency of apical periodontitis in a selected Colombian adult population and its correlation with the quality of endodontic treatment. Materials and methods: Observational, analytical, cross-sectional study. The frequency of apical periodontitis was determined in 318 CBCTs of patients from Bucaramanga and Medellin, and the association between quality of endodontic treatment and periapical status was analyzed. Results: Only 37.66% of the observed teeth were considered healthy, whereas 44.81% were classified as teeth with appropriate endodontic treatment. Quality of endodontic treatment significantly affected the condition of the apical periodontium. Conclusions: The analyzed treatments had a high apical periodontitis frequency, which was associated with a high frequency of inadequate endodontic treatments.
Antibacterial activity of actimycetes against multiresistant Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from a hospital
Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AR) is a public health problem that reveals the diminished efficacy of these agents in the prevention and treatment of an increasingly larger number of pathologies. Actinomycetes are an important bacterial producer group of metabolites that are active against pathogens. Objective: To isolate actinomycetes from the tropical forest of Nariño (Colombia), which have the potential to produce inhibitory metabolites against multi-drug resistant bacteria. Materials and methods: Soil samples were taken from the Humid Tropical Forest of the Río Ńambí Natural Reserve and analyzed through microbiological and molecular assays. In vitro production of secondary metabolites was first stimulated, followed by the assessment of the inhibitory effect of these extracts against multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Results: 11 presumptive isolates were obtained, confirming that four of them corresponded to the Streptomycess sp. genus. The bacterial isolate P3772 was identified as the one with the highest inhibitory effect against multi-drug resistant E. coli and S. aureus. Conclusions: All the actinomycetes evaluated presented antibacterial activity. The isolate P3772 stands out, which inhibited both E. coli and S. aureus. The compounds associated with this antibacterial activity will be characterized in future studies.
Knowledge and attitudes regarding interruption of pregnancy in students of a University in Cartagena (Colombia)
Introduction: Voluntary interruption of pregnancy is a political issue that polarizes opinions and generates controversy within the health, social, economic, and cultural sectors. Objective: To determine the level of knowledge and attitudes regarding voluntary interruption of pregnancy in university students from two Health Sciences programs of Cartagena. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study; the questionnaire adapted by Marceliano and Medrano was given to 231 students within the Nursing and Medical programs; the data was analyzed through relative and absolute frequencies. Results: The level of knowledge of the students was high with a 92.20% (213). Yet, a 37.2% (86) did not know the three reasons why abortion is not considered a crime. 56.7% have negative attitudes regarding signing a petition to legalize abortion and an 18.8% believe that a woman who has an abortion should go to jail. Conclusion: The level of knowledge in medical and nursing students is high, yet the patterns show lack of knowledge of the reasons for legalization of abortion according to the current laws and a variety of positive and negative attitudes regarding the voluntary interruption of pregnancy.
Changes in sleep quality during an academic semester in health careers students
Introduction: Sleep quality affects physical and mental health and its alteration in university students hinders memory processes, concentration, and learning capacity. In Colombia, studies on sleep patterns focus mainly on medical and nursing students and few of them identify its relationship with academic load. Objective: To describe sleep quality changes during an academic semester and according to education cycles in university students from a health and rehabilitation program in Cali, Colombia. Materials and methods: Descriptive prospective study, which applied the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index at the beginning and end of the semester to 241 Physiotherapy, Nutrition, and Occupational Therapy students. Results: Most participants were women, aged 20 years old or younger, and belonged to medium to low socioeconomic strata. At the beginning of the semester, 76.35% of students were able to sleep 7 hours or more and at the end this population decreased to 49.79%. At the beginning of the study, 24.9% displayed poor sleep quality, whereas this group increased to 54.36% at the end. Conclusions: There was a significant increase in poor sleep quality at the end of the academic semester, the change being greater in students from the professional cycle.
Which drugs are being treated patients with bipolar affective disorder in Colombia
Introduction: Bipolar disorder (BP) is a serious psychiatric condition characterized by progressive changes in social and cognitive functions. Objective: To determine which medications are being used to treat a group of patients diagnosed with BP who receive treatment from the Colombian Health System. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study to identify medication prescriptions of outpatients (regardless of their age) using a population database. Sociodemographic, clinical, and pharmacological variables were considered, searching for medications that are both approved and not approved by regulatory agencies. Results: 1,334 patients were identified, who had a mean age of 40.2±18.5 years, 50% of which were women. A total of 809 (60.6%) patients followed monotherapy, mainly using valproic acid (286/615 patients, 46.4%), quetiapine (259/525, 49.3%), and lithium carbonate (98/275, 35.6%). The most common combination of medications to treat these patients were valproic acid combined with quetiapine (n=162, 12.1%), valproic acid combined with risperidone (n=73, 5.5%), and lithium carbonate combined with quetiapine (n=62, 4,6%). 57.4% (n=766) of patients had prescriptions with non-approved medications. Conclusions: BP patients are mostly treated with monotherapy and more than half of them received drugs that are not approved.
Walk test: Ventilatory and cardiovascular responses and their relationship with the walking distance covered by patients with tuberculosis sequelae
<span class="NormalTextRun SCXW105320746 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Resumen" data-ccp-parastyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"986dfd32-bcdb-4f5c-a256-cb7ea477bee7|75","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"Resumen",201340122,"2",134234082,"true",134233614,"true",469778129,"Resumen",335572020,"1",469777841,"Cambria",469777842,"Times New Roman",469777843,"MS Mincho",469777844,"Cambria",469769226,"Cambria,Times New Roman,MS Mincho",335551500,"4278190080",335557856,"4278190080",268442635,"19",335551547,"13322",335559740,"240",201341983,"0",335559739,"180",335551550,"6",335551620,"6",469778324,"Normal"]}">Introduction: The assessment of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis is useful to establish health intervention goals. The 6-minute walk test is key to observing the response of all of the body systems involved in the exercise. Objective: To describe the physiological response of some ventilatory and cardiovascular variables during the 6-minute walk test in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae and possible correlations between physiological variables and the covered distance. Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study on 21 patients diagnosed with sequelae caused by pulmonary tuberculosis, who attended a pulmonary rehabilitation program and performed a 6-minute walk test. Results: The mean age of patients was 49.33±18.82 years, mostly men, and the mean distance was 348.35±127833 m. There was a significant difference in heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation during the four analyzed moments, with a p value < 0.0001. There was a strong correlation for age, oxygen consumption (VO2), number of stops, dyspnea modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), functional capacity measured as metabolic equivalents (METS) and oxygen saturation (SpO2). Conclusion: Most male patients with pulmonary tuberculosis sequelae show statistically significant changes during the test.
What is the current evidence on family caregivers of children with cancer? An umbrella review
Introduction: Childhood cancer has a large impact not only on children but also on their family caregivers. Objective: To determine the current state of the evidence on family caregivers of children with cancer through literature reviews conducted between 2010 and 2020. Materials and methods: An umbrella-type review was carried out, including literature and systematic reviews as well as meta-analysis, which had as a main topic family caregivers of children with cancer. The Academic Search complete, Scopus, Science Direct, Complementary index, Google Scholar and Scielo databases were searched, finding 21 relevant articles. Results: 6 prevalent research topics were determined: 1) Psychosocial symptoms: impact of cancer on the family caregiver; 2) Needs of the caregiver in the transition of the role of caregiver; 3) Parental communication in the context of childhood cancer; 4) Coping with the child’s disease; 5) Overload of the family caregiver; 6) Grief of the family caregiver at the moment of the child’s death. Conclusions: The evidence mostly describes the needs of caregivers, the psychosocial- and emotional-type impacts derived from the disease, grief, and communication. More research is required on the coping strategies of these caregivers.
Introduction: Eculizumab is an IgG type monoclonal antibody designed to treat paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and its pharmacological target is a member of the complement system. Its mechanism of action has permitted its use in the treatment of orphan diseases such as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and myasthenia gravis, all of which have a low incidence. Likewise, eculizumab is a viable treatment for Guillain Barré and catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAS). Objective: To describe the therapeutic applications of eculizumab and its most significant benefits in some illnesses. Materials and methods: A bibliographic search was carried out during the 2010-2021 period in Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed y Scielo databases using the keyword eculizumab. Then, the search was refined by using keywords associated with diseases treated with this medication. Results: The mechanism of action of the antibody and its effect on the pathogenesis of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, refractory generalized myasthenia gravis, neuromyelitis optic spectrum disorder, catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome, and Guillain Barré were identified. Conclusions: Eculizumab has high safety and capacity in treating and diminishing symptoms of diverse illnesses, which involve the complement system.
Morbidity and mortality rates of childhood cancer in a southern department of Colombia
Introduction: Childhood cancer affects the short-term and long-term quality of life of the sick children. In Colombia, this disease represents the third cause of death in children between 1 and 14 years of age. Objective: To describe morbidity and mortality rates caused by childhood cancer in the department of Huila during the 2012-2016 period. Materials and methods: A descriptive exploratory study was conducted in children under 18 years of age diagnosed with cancer from 2012 to 2016 in Huila. The information was obtained from the Integral Information System of the Social Protection Ministry and the National Administrative Department of Statistics of Colombia. Results: 568 cases of childhood cancer were identified during the study period. 54.3% corresponded to pediatric male patients, of which 39.8% were aged between 10 to 14 years and 60.4% lived in the northern area of the department. 117 deaths due to cancer were reported, the most frequent cases being male children with ages between 5 to 9 years. Conclusions: High morbidity and mortality rates because of childhood cancer were identified in the northern part of the department. This highlights the need for future research to understand the behavior of childhood tumors and define health intervention programs
Molecular evidence of Leptospira interrogans sensu stricto in Cavia porcellus (guinea pig) grown for human consumption in Pasto, Nariño
Introduction: Leptospirosis is an emerging zoonosis that is endemic in Colombia and affects both domestic and wild animals. It is considered an occupational risk since human transmission is associated with exposure to infected animals or environments. In the department of Nariño, the production of guinea pigs for human consumption applies traditional rearing systems that could cause animals to get infected with Leptosipira interrogans. Objective: To molecularly identify natural infection by pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira in guinea pigs used for human consumption in the municipality of Pasto (Colombia). Materials and methods: 270 kidney tissue samples were taken from guinea pigs slaughtered in two facilities. Samples were analyzed through conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Warthin Starry (W-S) differential staining. Results: While 4 (1.5%) out of the 270 samples were categorized as positive using PCR, only 1 sample showed the presence of Leptospira through W-S staining. Conclusions: Molecular techniques were useful to identify L. interrogans in kidney tissue of Cavia porcellus. Dissemination of this pathogen within this population represents an infection risk for humans and domestic animals that are in close proximity to these productive systems.
Self-perceived academic stress and related factors in a private dental school from Cartagena, Colombia
Introduction: Academic stress arises from an interaction between environmental stressors and student reactions, which are associated with academic frustration and academic failure. Likewise, there are demographic and family factors that affect stress. Objective: To analyze academic stress, demographic and family factors in Dentistry students at a private school in Cartagena. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with 158 students. The APGAR family sociodemographic questionnaire and SISCO inventory were used. Descriptive statistics and the X2 test were applied to analyze data. Results: Family dysfunction and low friend support were observed in almost half of the participants, 70% displayed moderate anxiety levels. Also, a high frequency of environmental demands (stressors), behavioral reactions, and the presence of symptoms in response to the stressors were found. There were associations between: high frequency of restlessness in everyday situations and belonging to initial semesters; low frequency of using coping strategies and female gender; and high frequency of behavioral reactions and family dysfunction. Conclusions: The main factors identified were belonging to initial semesters, being a woman, and family dysfunction. Levels of stress and family dysfunction can be used as a signal for university welfare services to intervene and prevent unfavorable student health and academic performance conditions.
Literature review on nursing knowledge and its curriculum
Introduction: Nursing knowledge has evolved from its nature of study and has taken into account its curricular conditions in order to give meaning to the role of this discipline. Objective: To identify the aspects that contribute to the consolidation of the nursing knowledge and its curriculum. Materials and methods: An integrative literature review was carried out using the descriptors: nursing, curriculum, nursing theory, nursing education, nursing professors and students, through the LILACS, SciELO y ProQuest databases. Results: 63 articles published between 2015 and 2020 were selected and analyzed. Also, 4 manuscripts were chosen due to their theoretical richness. Two categories emerged: i) Nursing; and ii) Nursing curriculum. In the first category, topics related to profession and discipline, theories, care models, and knowledge patterns are developed. The second category covers teaching methods to strengthen training. 2018 and 2019 were the years with the largest number of publications. The highest number of articles were published in Colombia, followed by Brazil and Mexico. Conclusion: Even though nursing has a clearly established hierarchy of knowledge, it is necessary that the curricula and teaching practices make such knowledge visible.
Oxygen therapy and respiratory support strategies after the administration of a pulmonary surfactant in a neonatal intensive care unit
Introduction: The preferred ventilation and oxygen therapy strategies for preterm newborns are ventilation and alveolar oxygenation, which trigger clinical and hemodynamic changes in patients. Objective: To determine the ventilation and oxygen therapy strategies applied after the administration of a pulmonary surfactant in newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the San Rafael Hospital of Tunja (Colombia). Materials and methods: A retrospective cross-sectional and correlational study using a non-probabilistic sampling for convenience and 172 patient records. A univariate analysis through the Wilcoxon method was used, taking into account central tendency and correlation measures. Results: Most patients were male and almost all showed pulmonary surfactant deficiency with survival. The gestational age and average weight were 30 weeks and 1,532 g, respectively. Most required invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation, being intermittent positive pressure ventilation and conventional nasal cannula the most commonly used ventilation and oxygenation strategies. Finally, there was a relationship between weight and gestational age with the type of pulmonary surfactant, ventilation strategies, and the clinical outcome of the newborn. Conclusions: Birth weight and gestational age were significant indicators to determine the type of pulmonary surfactant to be administered, the ventilation and oxygen therapy strategies, and the patient’s clinical outcome.
Curcuma longa as an anti-carcinogen: A literatura review
Introduction: Curcuma longa (turmeric) is a plant of Hindu origin that is mainly composed of curcumin and has many attributes, including hypolipidemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatatory and anticancer properties. Objective: To determine whether turmeric has anticancer properties, based on scientific evidence. Materials and methods: A literature review of PubMed, MEDLINE and Scielo databases was conducted. The review covered the first semester in 2006 to first semester of 2018 time period. Results: Anticancer characteristics as well as other benefits of curcumin such as inhibition of tumor growth, autophagy activities, oxidative damage protection, and reduction of proliferation of tumor cells were confirmed. Conclusion: Curcuma longa can be used for the prevention and treatment of cancer, which generates new knowledge and different applications in the fight against this disease.
Economic investment in health programs in North, Central and South American countries during the last twenty years
<span class="NormalTextRun SCXW98584843 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Resumen" data-ccp-parastyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"61d23850-0b3a-4472-89a1-e4129747fb02|93","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469775450,"Resumen",201340122,"2",134234082,"true",134233614,"true",469778129,"Resumen",335572020,"1",469777841,"Cambria",469777842,"Times New Roman",469777843,"MS Mincho",469777844,"Cambria",469769226,"Cambria,Times New Roman,MS Mincho",335551500,"4278190080",335557856,"4278190080",268442635,"19",335551547,"13322",335559740,"240",201341983,"0",335559739,"180",335551550,"6",335551620,"6",469778324,"Normal"]}">Introduction: Health investment is essential to provide patient care and develop prevention programs for the wellbeing of citizens. Objective: To compare investment in health programs by American countries during the last twenty years. Methods: A General Linear Model based on the MANOVA technique was applied, which was supplemented with cluster analysis. The assessed variables were: investments in health by the public sector (expressed as a percentage); percentage of the total spending invested in health; and health GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and public health expenditure per capita (presented in Euros). Results: In reference to GDP and public spending per capita allocated to health (in Euros), the United States shows a statistically significant difference compared to other nations of the continents (p<0.05). Venezuela has the lowest public expenditure in health, expressed as percentage. Conclusions: There is a large difference in terms of investment in health in the Americas, where the economically strongest countries such as the United States and Canada show the highest figures. Venezuela is the country with the lowest GDP investment in health, being the only nation that reduced this variable in recent years.
Prediabetes and its impact on cardiovascular health: A review article
Introduction: Prediabetes is an intermediate state of hyperglycemia with a high prevalence in the Colombian population. The relationship between prediabetes and cardiovascular disease as well as its association with macro and microvascular complications has been established, with scientific evidence increasing in recent literature. Objective: To describe cardiovascular diseases (macrovascular complications) related to prediabetes, their diagnosis, physiopathology, management approach, and treatment to prevent those complications. Materials and methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted, searching for scientific articles in Medline during the 2015-2021 period. Results: 83 articles were selected, which described the relationship between prediabetes with cardiovascular disease, mortality, diagnosis, and treatment based on recent reports. Conclusions: The importance of prediabetes lies in its association with macrovascular complications and its mortality. This association highlights the importance of studying, monitoring, and treating this disease to avoid its progression to diabetes mellitus, the development of outcomes that end in increased morbidity and mortality, diminished quality of life, and increased health care costs.
Over-the-counter medication consumption habits in health students from Cartagena-Colombia
Introduction: Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are widely used worldwide, however they are responsibly used only in countries with legalized professional community pharmacies. Objective: To describe over-the-counter medication use habits in university students from health programs. Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in three universities from Cartagena. A survey-type instrument was applied to 140 students, asking about their use habits and knowledge regarding OTC, beliefs, attitudes and practices. Results: The questionnaire showed a high internal inconsistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.77. 59% of participants were women aged between 16 to 30 years old and 91% agreed that self-medication is harmful. Nevertheless, 61% self-medicated because of minor and frequent conditions. OTC medications with the highest use were acetaminophen (52.9%) and NSAIDs (16.48%). Conclusions: Even though students are aware of the self-medication risks, they still practice it frequently. Many participants reported the use of medications such as amitriptyline, antibiotics, opioids, furosemide, and corticosteroids.
Psychosocial and intra-labor risk factors and their relationship with skeletal muscle pain in university professors
Introduction: One of the first conditions for the appearance of skeletal muscle diseases is osteomuscular pain, which is the most frequent factor that increases the risk for occupational illnesses. Objective: To identify the presence of intra-labor psychological factors and their relationship with musculoskeletal pain in professors. Materials and methods: A quantitative descriptive approach with a transactional design was applied with 83 university professors from the city of Sincelejo (Colombia). The Nordic Kourinka questionnaire and the Battery to measure psychosocial risk proposed by the Health and Social Protection Ministry were used. Information was processed with the SPSS 25 software, and data analysis was carried out through trend measures and association tests. Results: Symptoms of pain associated with musculoskeletal diseases were found, with prevalence of neck, dorsal or lumbar column pain. Also, there was a statistically significant difference between the pain variable and psychosocial intra-labor risk, in its work control domain (p>0.05). Conclusion: The timely report of reliable data is important for the assessment and control of pain symptoms and their relationship with labor load internal factors.
Job related risks in agriculture workers from Latin America: a systematic review
Introduction: International Labour Organization (ILO) guidelines promote inter-sectorial alliances in areas such as health and safety in agricultural sector jobs. Objective: To identify labor risks and their health consequences in Latin American workers by means of a systematic review covering the 2010 – 2020 period. Materials and methods: A search in the Scielo, EBSCO, and LILACS databases was conducted using the PRISMA-P guide. The keywords used were: “salud”, “agrícola”, and “agricultura” in Spanish; “health”, “agriculture”, and “agricultural” in English; and “saúde” and “agrícola” in Portuguese. Proper definitions of inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Results: a total of 65 articles were retrieved, identifying the prevalence of several occupational risks (OR) such as chemical risks and ergonomic and biological risks (animal contact), which were classified as the first and second most prevalent risks, respectively. Brazil and Colombia have the largest number of publications in reference to this topic. Conclusions: An understanding of the rural context in relation to the labor risks was accomplished. Likewise, the importance of the comprehension of health determinants from a structural point of view is highlighted, which have become challenges in promoting public health care.
Work fatigue in people who worked at home during times of confinement by COVID-19
Introduction: The social isolation triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic forced employees to work from home and experience diverse feelings, which together with labor factors as well as physical, emotional, and/or mental demands, led to work fatigue and in turn, to health consequences. Objective: This study was aimed at identifying symptoms related to labor fatigue in people working from home due to COVID-19. Materials and methods: A quantitative study with a descriptive-cross sectional approach. Data was collected from 511 participants who worked at home using a labor fatigue virtual scale and the informed consent. Results: 47.7% of participants experienced a medium fatigue level, in dimensions such as physical load, mental load, psycho-physiological effects, and perception of changes in job dynamics. Likewise, they reported negative experiences associated with job dissatisfaction and health issues. On the other hand, positive events were identified, such as sharing time with family, job autonomy, and learning experiences. Conclusions: Work related fatigue was evidenced in half of the participants, which was expressed through symptoms associated with different dimensions. They were perceived frequently and may affect the quality of life of participants if these symptoms are not treated properly.
Steroid-resistant minimal change disease and hypothyroidism: Case report
Introduction: Minimal change disease is a rare cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults, and its association with hypothyroidism is even more exceptional. This renal pathology is considered to respond favorably to glucocorticoid management and has a low resistance frequency. How to approach this disease is currently under investigation. Objective: To describe a rare etiology of adult nephrotic syndrome with unusual presentation, treatment, and outcome. Case presentation: A 53 years-old female patient who initially experienced nephrotic syndrome due to steroid-resistant minimal change disease, which was also associated with uncontrolled hypothyroidism. She required management with rituximab and control of the associated endocrinological disease, which was considered as the underlying disease. Conclusions: This clinical case shows (i) how the two aforementioned diseases can coexist and (ii) that a joint treatment is necessary. Establishing new therapies may be beneficial for adult populations, such as the benefits seen in this case with the use of rituximab. However, further studies are needed to strongly validate the effectiveness of the different treatments for these types of patients.
Scales of subjective perception of effort and physical activity in times of SARS-CoV2/COVID 19
Sr. Editor; recientemente leímos con interés el artículo publicado en la Revista Universidad y Salud en su volumen 22, número 2, denominado “Recomendaciones prácticas para evitar el desacondicionamiento físico durante el confinamiento por pandemia asociada a COVID-19.”(1). Felicitamos a los autores por el gran valor y alta pertinencia del artículo en general, cuyos resultados contribuyen a elevar el nivel de conocimiento respecto a recomendaciones prácticas para evitar el sedentarismo asociado a las medidas de confinamiento por SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. Sin embargo, con el fin de aportar mayor e importante información nos gustaría exponer algunas reflexiones centradas en las recomendaciones de actividad física (AF).
Relationship between PM2.5 and Acute Respiratory Disease in a Colombian region: Generalized Additive Models
Introduction: The harmful effect of fine particulate matter on the respiratory health of child and elderly populations is a concern for public health. Objective: To establish the effect of pollution by less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) particulate matter on Acute Respiratory Disease (ARD) during 2008-2015 in children younger than 5 and adults older than 65 from the Metropolitan Area of the Aburrá Valley (Colombia), adjusting for meteorological and climate variables. Materials and methods: Ecological study with information from the air quality surveillance network and individual records of health providers. Generalized Additive Models were developed using smoothing spline Poisson models. The assessment of the association and confidence intervals were calculated for each distributed lag. Results: For each 10 µg/m3 increment in PM2 and the day 15 post-exposure, ARD cases increased significantly in populations who are younger than 5 and older than 65 in Envigado and Caldas (43.3% vs. 29.6%) and Medellín (13.2%), respectively. Conclusions: Daily respiratory events had a special frequency in Medellín and the municipalities of the southern region.
Synopsis of systematic reviews on the clinical effect of Ketamine in the agitated patient
Introduction: The scientific literature about Ketamine use shows high heterogeneity in terms of design, populations, outcomes, and clinical specialties. Nevertheless, available evidence systematically consolidated to guide clinical decisions for anxious patients was not found. Objective: To analyze evidence available in systematic reviews about the use of Ketamine in anxious patients. Materials and methods: Systematic search in multidisciplinary databases. The “A measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews-2” was used to guarantee comprehensiveness of the searching protocol and study selection, reproducibility, and analysis of the methodological quality. A quantitative synthesis of the extracted variables and proportion estimation with a 95% CI were performed. Results: 10 out of 134 screened studies met the protocol criteria. The systematic reviews included a population of 26,936 patients and the evidence comes mainly from two case series, 7 observational studies, and 9 controlled clinical trials. Ketamine has multiple adverse effects, some of them more critical than those caused by Midazolam. Conclusion: Some patient subgroups showed a high frequency of adverse effects such as respiratory, neuropsychiatric, and cardiovascular dysfunctions, but it was difficult to generalize them to other contexts. It is necessary to improve clinical and epidemiological evidence in order to prescribe Ketamine to manage anxiety.
Informal caregivers’ knowledge about the prevention of pressure injuries in dependent homebound patients. Cross-sectional study with a psychometric phase
Introduction: Skin lesions associated with home care affect patient quality of life and have negative effects on informal caregivers. Objective: To determine informal caregivers’ knowledge regarding the prevention of pressure injuries in dependent homebound patients in Tunja, Colombia. Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study with a psychometric phase. Experts from the COCU-LCRD 23 performed facial validation, which assessed coherence, relevance, and pertinence of each item. The application of the instrument was carried out on population samples based on household census, after which its reliability was calculated. Results: Facial validation showed moderate concordance, requiring improvements in the wording of the Kappa de Fleiss items: 0.4582 (p=0.000). Most of caregivers were women (83.3%), with an average age of 40 years (SD±13.39) and 43.3% of them have a knowledge index of 83.33, which includes aspects such as hydration, position changes, among others. The adjusted version of the questionnaire reached a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.6322. Conclusions: Informal caregivers have low education levels. Also, they are not knowledgeable and have limited experience regarding preventive care of dependent people at risk of pressure ulcers.
A systematic review: adverse events and human talent management in the Latin American hospital context
Introduction: The occurrence of adverse events (AE) is a public health problem that affects patient health status and generates risks for the health personnel, affecting labour wellbeing and leading to accidents, occupational diseases, and unsafe health care procedures. Objective: To determine the most frequent factors when reporting AE and the implications for the human talent management (HTM) in the Latin American hospital context. Materials and methods: A systematic review was carried out by searching articles published between 2009 and 2019 in the BVS, Dialnet, DOAJ, LILACS, MedlinePlus, PubMed, SciELO, ScienceDirect, Redalyc, and EBSCOhost databases. Results: 41 articles were analyzed, identifying both risk and protective factors related to the occurrence of AE, which were grouped within three categories: related to the patients; to the organization; and to the health personnel. Conclusions: EA are complex phenomena that affect health systems. Their causes are associated with multiple factors that are linked to the organization, the health personnel performance, and the behavior of the patients and their families.
Family functionality, friend support and academic performance in Odontology college students
Introduction: Academic dropout in college students could be associated with family functionality, which could also negatively impact their academic performance. Objective: To describe the relationship between sociodemographic and family characteristics with family functionality, friend support, and academic performance in Odontology students from a public university in the city of Cartagena (Colombia). Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 438 students. A survey-type instrument was used to obtain information regarding sociodemographic variables as well as family and home characteristics. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis with a Pearson’s Chi square test. Results: A statistically significant relationship was observed between students’ age and family functionality (p=0.0029). Likewise, a significant relationship was found between the origin of the students and friend support (p=0.0230), as well as between low education level and family functionality (p=0.0018). Conclusions: The identification of factors related to family functionality and friend support can contribute to determining important aspects to be considered for the design and implementation of academic interventions focused on Odontology students.
Addition of a probiotic containing microenscapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum to chicken feed
Introduction: Introduction: Usage of growth-promoting antibiotics in poultry production is limited due to the increase in bacterial resistance. An alternative to assess microencapsulated probiotics and their effect on gut health is presented in this study. Objective: To determine the effect of microencapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum on intestinal and immunological parameters in broilers. Materials and methods: 240 Ross-308-AP chickens (one day old) were fed with or without the addition of a probiotic, under the following model: without probiotic (T0); with commercial probiotic (T1); with probiotic containing either microencapsulated (T2) or non-microencapsulated (T3) L. plantarum. ATCC-8014 was microencapsulated by spray drying, assessing its viability in (%). Alcian blue, scanning microscopy, and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate intestinal, morpho-histopathological, and immunological parameters. Microbial abundance was quantified by UFC/ml. Results: Microencapsulation of L. plantarum induced an 88.1% in vivo viability. T2 treatment improved both immunological parameters and the intestinal population of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus) (9.13x105 UFC/ml), which was significantly higher than that found in T1 (8.91x105), T3 (8.23x105), and control T0 (9.18x104), (p<0.05). Conclusion: Adding microencapsulated L. plantarum to chicken feed improves immunological parameters and increases the population of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal microbiota.
Diet in pregnant teenagers with hypertension: Care and Culture
Introduction: Pregnancy in adolescents is a common reality faced by family, community and society, which can also bring health complications such as hypertension. Therefore, care of these teenagers is fundamental and can vary according to cultural contexts. Objective: To describe cultural care practices related to diet in pregnant adolescents with hypertension, who are inpatients in a Level III health care institution in Sincelejo (Colombia). Materials and methods: Qualitative ethnographic research. In-depth semi-structured interviews were done with thirteen participants. The ethnographic assessment facilitated the identification of terms, domains, taxonomies, and semantic relationships. Results: High consumption of traditional Caribbean food and processed products was observed. Care practices related to diet changes and their cultural meaning were common in subcategories such as healthy food and hypertension related diet. Conclusions: Diet care practices show diversity in terms of the cultural significance given by participants, which is an essential knowledge to provide coherent and humanized nursing care. Likewise, it is necessary to implement intervention programs to treat these patients both at home as well as at health care institutions.
Affectivity and physical habits in adolescents: A systematic review
Introduction: Affectivity has a fundamental role in educational systems' training process. However, there are no updated studies that show the different socio-affective agents used in the creation of physical habits in the child and adolescent population in school systems. Objective: To review and analyze previously published research that studied the influence of affectivity on children and adolescents' physical habits in school systems. Materials and methods: A systematic review was conducted with articles published between 2010 and 2020, which connected affectivity and physical habits. The electronic search was performed through Web of Science, Scopus, and Scielo databases. All articles that studied the influence of affectivity on the population's physical habits were included. Results: Three studies that analyzed the influence of affectivity on children and adolescents' physical habits were found. Conclusions: At the end of the systematic review, it was demonstrated that there is a significant relationship between affectivity and the physical habits in child and adolescent populations. It was also possible to observe that this influence, positive or negative, determines the child and adolescent population's interest in physical activity and sports in adult life.
A centenarian institutionalized patient who recovered from COVID-19 and developed immunity: a case study
Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the disease it causes (COVID-19), severely affects older adults (OA), especially those with multimorbidity and frailty. This is due to physiological mechanisms such as immunosenescence or poor control of inflammatory activity in this population. Studies of the diagnoses and treatments in these patients are scarce and many of them have low levels of evidence. Objective: To describe the clinical and paraclinical characteristics of a frail institutionalized centenarian female patient with multimorbidity who survived COVID-19 infection, developed immunity, and was treated in an acute geriatric unit. Case presentation: Institutionalized centenarian patient with multimorbidity and frailty who fulfilled the criteria for severe COVID-19 disease, was managed early, recovered, and eventually developed immunity. Conclusion: early diagnosis, early management and a comprehensive and interdisciplinary geriatric approach are essential for a favorable outcome in OA patients at high risk of COVID-19 disease progression.
Family and empowerment. A review of dengue from a social point of view
Introduction: Dengue prevalence in Central and South America requires comprehensive and contextualized interventions that ensure greater participation, responsibility, and awareness of the involved key players. Objective: To document scientific evidence on the role of family as a capacity-building environment in the prevention and control of dengue. Materials and methods: An integrative literature review was conducted through the search, selection, organization, and analysis of scientific articles published in Jstor, Scopus, Sciencedirect, Scielo and Pubmed databases during the 2015-2020 time period. The inclusion criteria were useful to select 20 articles. Results: The family is recognized as an important environment for human health care. Family’s participation, commitment, and empowerment constitute elements of interest for the design, implementation, and assessment of programs for the prevention and control of diseases such as dengue. Likewise, the need to incorporate comprehensive and contextualized approaches was identified. Conclusions: Families are fundamental for the construction of human capacities. Thus, they require support, motivation, improvement of living conditions, and acknowledegement of their natural ways of learning and teaching as an integrative strategy in social approaches to prevent and control dengue.
Cost of nursing care for patients with venous vascular ulcer
Introduction: The venous vascular ulcers care has become a public health problem due to its high incidence and the social and economic impact it causes. Objective: To determine the direct costs of nursing care of people with venous vascular ulcers treated at a health service provider facility in Bogota, Colombia. Materials and methods: Observational, descriptive, retrospective study carried out between January 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020, which focused on the review of medical records of patients with venous vascular ulcer. The sample included 52 medical records that were selected through a nursing assessment instrument. The variables of age and gender were analyzed through descriptive statistics and cost analysis. Results: Female was the predominant gender (69.24%) and the average age was 64 years. The direct cost was $70.109.504.76 COP, whereas the average estimate was $1.348.259 COP, which included the cost of dressings, elastocompression, cleaning, and consultation. Conclusion: The costs of venous vascular ulcers care are included in the care packages, which include costs of healing and consultation. Nevertheless, they are not explicit for nursing.
Psychological well-being and coping strategies in dealing with COVID-19 in university students
Introduction: The pandemic caused by COVID-19 is an unprecedented worldwide situation. It is predicted that COVID-19 will have a significant impact on humans as it can cause changes in their dynamics, habits, and routines that affect their psychological well-being and coping strategies. Objective: To identify whether there is an association between psychological well-being and the different coping strategies in confronting the psychological impact of COVID-19 in university students. Materials and methods: A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive-correlational, and cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 201 university students from the southwestern region of Colombia. The Ryff ‘s Psychological Well-Being Scale and the Modified Coping Strategies Scale (EEC-M) were used. Data analysis was performed with SPSS software. Results: A statistically significant direct association was found between psychological well-being and coping strategies, problem solving, seeking social support, religion, cognitive avoidance, positive reassessment, and denial. Conclusion: Coping strategies are related to the psychological well-being of students, so their use can provide important inputs to face the psychological consequences generated by the pandemic.
Barriers to preventive actions in oral health perceived by pregnant women in Monteria, Colombia
Introduction: The low effectiveness of programs for the promotion and maintenance of oral health in pregnant women is caused by various barriers. Objective: To understand the barriers perceived by pregnant women from Monteria (Colombia) for the application of preventive behaviors in oral health. Materials and methods: A qualitative micro-ethnographic study that applied direct observation, field diary, and in-depth interviews to 19 pregnant women from section 4 of Monteria, Colombia. Results: The main barrier for pregnant women was fear to request dental care. Dental cavities and loss due to pregnancy, perception of fear of the treating dentist as well as the precariousness of the dental care service were the reasons why pregnant women used home practices as dental alternatives to mitigate oral conditions. Conclusions: Barriers experienced by pregnant women may be the cause of the inefficiency of the health promotion programs aimed at them. Therefore, maternal health care teams must work together in order to recognize them as active participants and learn how to minimize health-risk beliefs and attitudes.
Knowledge of oral health related to dental caries and its relationship with the father-child dyad in Cartagena, Colombia
Introduction: Currently, some men take care of their children in single-parent families. Therefore, it is important for them to know the factors that could affect the oral health (OH) of their children. Objective: To estimate the association between knowledge of OH and presence of dental caries (DC) and its relationship with the father-child dyad. Materials and methods: Analytical cross-sectional study conducted on a black population (153 dyads) in 2017. A self-administered questionnaire was applied to father to assess: sociodemographic variables, OH’s knowledge and self-perception, and child habits. Fathers and children were surveyed about presence and experience regarding DC. Finally, association estimation and nominal logistic regression were carried out. Results: The prevalence of DC was 60.1% and 98% in children and fathers, respectively. The multivariate model showed an association between OH insufficient knowledge, presence and experience of DC, inadequate oral hygiene habits of the child, unsupervised oral tooth brushing, working fathers, low income, and Catholic religion. Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries in children is associated with inadequate knowledge in oral health and low income of working fathers. These factors should be taken into account in oral health educational programs.
COVID-19 la pandemia que nos prepara para un nuevo enfoque de salud-enfermedad
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Sick Leave in Colombia in the 2016–2018 period: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Introduction: To understand the sick leave situation and the causes and effects of a temporary loss of capacity to work allows for the strengthening of policies and management in the provision of health services. Objective: To analyze sick leave in Colombia in the 2016–2018 period. Materials and methods: A retrospective cross-sectional observational study and the relative risk was calculated. Sick leave reports were provided by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection. 12,410,837 reports from formal workers between the ages of 18–70 years and had at least one temporary disability were processed. Results: The average age of people with sick leave was 37.11 years, 53% corresponding to females. On average, sick leave was 90.6% and 5.6% for dependent and independent workers, respectively. The principal causes of disability were musculoskeletal diseases and were more likely in men and adults according to RR. Men in comparison to females and adults in comparison to youths are less likely to have sick leave due to respiratory disease. Conclusions: In Colombia, females presented more temporary sick leave, even if males had more days of disability, even though the median was three days in both genders. Youth and adults had more sick leave days.
Theoretical and methodological elements of a community strategy for the prevention of the consumption of psychoactive substances (PAS) in young university students
Introduction: The use of psychoactive substances in the university environment has been a public health problem that must be addressed to strengthen the integral development of students. Objetive: The purpose of the study carried out was to inquire about theoretical and methodological elements that allow to prevent, control and mitigate the problem within the University. Materials and methods: The research process was developed under the logic of the qualitative paradigm, with an ethnographic design, in the construction of the methodological strategy, Action research techniques were used. Results: The strategy was based on factors related to the structural and intermediate determinants of health that were the guides in the construction of activities related to community psychology, promotion, communication and health education, as well as actions proposed by the Health authorities in Colombia. Conclusions: The study made it possible to show that there are points of confluence between the different perspectives where it was recognized that aspects such as norms and laws, family environment, social bond, race, ethnic group and customs of society, are factors of social determinants that can influence a young person to consume psychoactive substances within the University.
Intra-gender violence in homosexual university students from Bucaramanga, Colombia
Introduction: Research on partner violence has mainly focused on studies of heterosexual couples, while data on same-sex dating violence are scarce. Objective: To analyze intra-gender violence in homosexual university couples in Bucaramanga. Materials and methods: A quantitative research with a snowball sampling approach was applied to obtain a population of 132 participants who were older than 18 years of age. The pre-validated instrument Check List for Partner Abuse Experience was used. Data were analyzed with SPSS software (version 23), using the X2 test and one-way ANOVA, considering an α=0.05. Results: 91.7% of participants experience violence with at least one of the studied behaviors. Psychological violence was the most predominant form in the studied couples, followed by emotional, physical, sexual, and economic violence. Significant differences between males and females were found for some items of the instrument. Conclusions: Psychological violence was the most frequent in the study’s participants.
Engagement and optimism in a group of Colombian workers: analysis of some predictors
Introduction: Engagement and optimism contribute to mental health. Therefore, it is important to carry out research on these psychological phenomena that are poorly studied in Colombia. Objective: To analyze the relationship between engagement and optimism in a group of Colombian workers and identify the role of age and job seniority in predicting these two phenomena. Materials and methods: An associative strategy was applied, with the participation of 298 workers (124 men and 174 women) from a Telecommunications company. The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-17 and Life Orientation sociodemographic questionnaires were used. The hypothesis was tested through Pearson correlation, variance analysis, and multiple linear regression model with successive steps. Results: The engagement dimensions correlated with optimism (vigor (r=0.42, p<0.01), commitment (r=0.26, p<0.01) and absorption (r=0.20, p<0.01)). Overall, there were differences between commitment in reference to age (p=0.01) and seniority (p=0.04). Predictive models showed associations between age and vigor (β=0.25, t=4.2, p<0.000), commitment (β=0.202, t=3.38, p<0.001) and absorption (β=0.145, t=2.4, p<0.017). Conclusions: There is a positive relationship between engagement and optimism. Based on this study, even though age is a predictor of engagement, it does not play the same role for optimism.
Childhood disorders and sociodemographic characteristics associated with depression in adults from a Colombian city
Introduction: Emotional and behavioral disorders that begin in childhood lead to adult changes, which have social consequences. Objective: To determine the association of adult depression with childhood onset of mental disorders and other factors in Envigado (Colombia). Materials and methods: A quantitative observational and cross-sectional study was carried out. The sample size was 737 individuals aged between 18 to 65 years. The CIDI-CAPI instrument of the WHO was used. Data processing and analysis was conducted through SPSS v. 21 software from the CES University and Epidat 4.2. Results: The percentage of depression in adults was 10.8%. This figure was 5.6 times greater in the study population that had history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to individuals who did not have this disorder (OR= 6.62; 95% CI 1.92–22.7). Conclusions: Childhood ADHD increases the probability of depression in the adult population of Envigado, which supports the importance of promoting mental health programs in children in order to prevent adulthood depression.
Gastrointestinal bleeding prophylaxis in internal medicine patients of a univeristy hospital
Introduction: Anti-ulcer medications are frequently used in hospitalized patients, yet their use is not usually indicated. Objective: To describe the frequency of prescription and indication of medications to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding in hospitalized patients. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, prospective study was carried out in the Internal Medicine service of the Surgery Society of Bogota-San Jose Hospital of Bogota (Colombia). Excluded patients were those with either a gastrointestinal bleeding diagnosis or a history of allergy to anti-ulcer medications. Demographic data and information regarding prescribed medications were collected. It was determined whether the medicine indication was adequate and the type of prescription error was identified. Results: 179 patients were included in the study, 57% (102) of which were women. The average age was 61.3 (±20.2) years old. Infectious disease was the main admission diagnosis (76; 42.4%). A 92.17% (165) of the total number of patients received medications to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding. This indication was adequate for 75 (41.89%) patients. The most frequent error was their use in bleeding low-risk patients (101; 97.1%). Conclusion: A high percentage of patients received medication to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding. However, in about half of these patients it was not indicated.
Analysis of COVID-19 mortality in Colombia: Measures of disease occurrence
Introduction: The risk of dying from COVID-19 varies considerably between regions and countries and it is assessed through fatality indices and mortality rates. Objective: To describe the measures of mortality occurrence due to COVID-19 in Colombia. Materials and methods: Cases of coronavirus infections reported to the National Institute of Health of Colombia during the months of March and October 2020 were included. The fatality indices and mortality rates are presented as proportions and million/people ratios, respectively. Results: The fatality index for confirmed COVID-19 cases varied between regions, changed as the pandemic progressed and was initially high because diagnostic tests were conducted on severe symptomatic cases. Also, this index was underestimated due to delays in notification. In Bogota, Cali, Medellin and Cartagena, the impact of the pandemic was minor, with gradual increases and decreases in the mortality rates. On the contrary, in Barranquilla, Bucaramanga and Pasto, the curves showed sudden increments and declines, which were related to more deaths registered during the peak of the pandemic. Conclusions: The fatality indices and mortality rates of COVID-19 facilitate the monitoring of the pandemic, but they can be distorted by posthumous diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and delays in notification.
Recommendations for pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COVID-19
Introduction: COVID-19 is a disease that triggers serious respiratory infections such as severe acute respiratory syndrome, which requires treatment on an inpatient and outpatient basis. Objective: To provide recommendations and guidelines for the appropriate assessment and treatment of COVID-19 patients through pulmonary rehabilitation. Materials and methods: A literature review using MEDLINE, PEDRO, Scielo and Google Scholar databases and the keywords: COVID-19, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Pulmonary diseases, Rehabilitation, Respiratory function tests, Intensive Care Unit. Articles that described information regarding rehabilitation in COVID-19 patients and other similar dysfunctions such as Acute Respiratory Syndrome and Diffuse Interstitial Lung Diseases. Results: It is necessary to carry out an appropriate disease diagnosis, a detailed integral assessment, and an intervention based on the needs of each patient in order to intervene with either COVID-19 patients or cases with other respiratory dysfunctions such as Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Diffuse Interstitial Lung Disease. Conclusions: Inpatients can be subjected to an intervention focused on avoiding functional failure. Once they are discharged, outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation could be an effective treatment alternative for these patients.
Association between time spent on a cell phone, physical activity level, and academic performance in college students
Introduction: Low academic performance of college students has been associated with an increase in time spent on cell phones and a low physical activity. Objective: To analyze the relationship between time spent on cell phones, physical activity level, and academic performance in college students. Materials and methods: A study with a correlational and longitudinal temporality approach. During a semester, 36 college students were assessed on the time they spent using cell phones and their physical activity levels through the Moment and Pacer applications, respectively. Academic performance was monitored through report cards. Results: Men engaged in more physical activity and used cell phones more frequently during the analyzed period, while women showed higher physical activity levels and lower cell phone usage during evaluation periods (p=0.019 y p=0.033, respectively). Also, men who had better grade averages showed lower number of daily pickups (p=0.032). Conclusions: College men show higher physical activity levels and longer cell phone usage during the semester, while women tend to be more active and use their cell phones less frequently during evaluation periods. College students who use cell phones less regularly also have a better academic performance.
Exercise and education improve balance and quality of life in women with stress urinary incontinence
Introduction: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has high prevalence in adult women, affecting psychological, social and functional variables, including decreased balance capacity, due to a lack of trunk movements that contribute to postural correction. Objective: To determine how a program based on pelvic floor muscle exercises and education affects static balance and quality of life of women with SUI. Materials and methods: 18 SUI female patients participated in a 12 week/10 sessions program that included pelvic floor muscle exercises and education (hygiene habits, urination, fluid intake). Static balance and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention using postural oscillography and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form(ICQ-SF), respectively. Data were analyzed with the non-parametric Wilcoxon test. Results: The displacement area of the center of pressure in the open (p=0.027) and closed (p=0.006) subtests showed a significant reduction. Likewise, the amount of symptoms associated with SUI decreased (p=0.0001). Conclusions: Intervention improves static balance and quality of life, confirming the positive effects of this program, which can serve as a guide for health professionals who work with women with SUI.
Depressive symptomatology and its relationship to physical activity in students from sport-oriented universities
Introduction: Depression is a public health problem that has a burden of high mortality, mainly affecting the young university student population. The evidence suggests that participation in physical activity generates mental health benefits. It is important to study this association as well as the relationship between depression and sociodemographic variables and university program. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of depressive symptomatology and assess whether physical activity levels can be a Protective factor in university students enrolled in sports programs. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study with a representative sample of 291 students. The Beck II questionnaire and long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were applied. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed with prevalence ratios for depression, according to the level of physical activity adjusted by generalized regression models with logarithmic link of binomial distribution. Results: The prevalence rates of depression symptoms and physical inactivity were 27% and 22%, respectively. The prevalence of depression symptoms is 46% higher in those who are not sufficiently active (RP: 1.46 IC95%:0.95–2.25). Conclusions: Prevalence of depressive symptoms and physical inactivity were lower compared to similar populations and are probably related to the sport focus of the institution.
Variables associated with the awareness and use of cervical cytology in women from a university in Cartagena (Colombia)
Introduction: 500,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed yearly, 80% of which belong to developing countries. The low incidence of this disease is related to implementation of early detection programs. Objective: To determine the sociodemographic and family variables associated with the knowledge and proper use of cervical cytology (CC) in female students from a University in Cartagena. Materials and methods: An analytical study was performed on 259 female students and female employees of a university. The data was collected using sociodemographic and family typology surveys together with questions assessing knowledge and use of CC. Results: 42.3% (109) of participants belonged to nuclear families, followed by atypical families (29.5%; 67). 85.3% (221) have knowledge about cervical cytology and the main source of information being health institutions (22.4%; 57). 54.12% (140) of the female participants had a previous cytology, and 26.5% (67) did it annually. Their knowledge was associated with the perception of family functionality (OR 2.1245 (1.0338-4.3662). Conclusions: Perception of family dysfunction is an element that reduces the practice of cytology in the women studied, this decrease being more important among women from lower social strata and not being covered by health insurance.
Trends in public health policy designs for the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America
Introduction: The Latin American countries had to design public health policies to confront the imminent arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To determine the trends in the designs of public health policies facing the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America. Materials and methods: An analytical and methodological approach was applied to reconstruct the characteristics of the social problem and the designs of public policies in ten Latin American countries, using data from secondary sources. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic triggered social problems in Latin America that were caused by the unpreparedness of the countries’ health systems and their inability to contain it. Thus, countries designed social protection policies that can be outlined within three main approaches: (i) strong and strict (Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru); (ii) flexible (Chile and Uruguay) and (iii) lax (Brazil and Mexico). Conclusions: The trends in the designs of public health policies are divergent, which will affect the intensity and length of the pandemic in each country.
COVID-19 and the global pandemic caused by a new coronavirus
Introduction: COVID-19 is a new respiratory disease reported initially as an atypical pneumonia in December 2019. SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of this pathology, probably originated from a bat viral pathogen. The unexpected transmission and pathogenicity capacities that this coronavirus acquired turned COVID-19 into a pandemic with a wide and complex arrangement of symptoms. Objective: To analyze evolutionary, molecular, biological, immunological and epidemiological aspects of this disease. Materials and methods: A narrative review of the literature concerning these topics was conducted, which was published in Pubmed mostly from January 2020. Results: SARS-CoV-2 is a new coronavirus that uses its surface protein S to infect human cells that exhibit ACE2 receptors. This pathogen is transmitted through respiratory secretions and triggers a harmful increase in pro-inflammatory chemical mediators in vulnerable individuals, an immune reaction known as cytokine storm. This hyper-inflammatory response is the cause of the alveolar lesions behind the respiratory failure observed in severe cases of COVID-19. Conclusions: In susceptible individuals, SARS-CoV-2 triggers an acute respiratory distress syndrome that requires assisted ventilatory support and immunomodulatory therapy. New therapeutic and prevention strategies are being developed to reduce the high transmission and mortality rates associated with COVID-19.
History repeats itself: great challenges for weak governments
Introduction: COVID-19 represents an unprecedented phenomenon in recent human history. This new situation requires a strong official intervention to mitigate the socioeconomic impact caused to date. Objective: To assess the measures adopted by the Colombian government and oficial institutions of the Nariño Department (State) facing the social and economic challenges associated with COVID-19. Materials and methods: A documentary review based on government data, reports released by national and international research institutes, press communications and the Web of Science and Science Direct databases. Results: Information from fiscal administrative acts promulgated by different government entities to meet the obligations derived from COVID-19 during the March-May 2020 period was structured. Conclusions: Both the Colombian national government and local authorities from the Nariño Department have had to assume extraordinary expenditures to confront the costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these measures seem insufficient and belated in the face of the magnitude of the effects caused by the pandemic.
Accordance between different nutritional classification criteria in older adults, Colombia
Introduction: Aging is an irreversible process that generates a permanent increase in the 60 and older population. This vulnerable population lives in conditions of disability, neglect, lack of attention, and they present with illnesses related to their nutritional status, which is why it is necessary to understand it fully. Objective: To analyze the accordance between different criteria of nutritional classification according to the Body Mass Index, using an aging population survey, Colombia 2015. Materials and methods: Four criteria were used as well as accordance between categories of nutritional status. Direct and weighted Kappa indices were calculated. Results: The accordance was moderate and good, the lowest proportion of low weight (3.4%) was obtained using the World Health Organization criteria and the highest (22.6%) with the Pan American Health Organization (p<0.05). Low weight is increased as one ages, while excessive weight decreases. Conclusions: Nutritional classification changes depending on the criteria and cut-off points. The criteria of the Spanish Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition had the highest accordance with the World Health Organization and the best capacity in detecting nutritional deficiency in the older adult population.
Prevalence of low levels of Vitamin D in patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis. Popayán, Colombia
Introduction: Vitamin D has gained interest because it is a hormone whose low levels are associated with different pathologies such as bone mass disorders. Objective: To determine the prevalence of low levels of vitamin D in adult patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis who received care at an outpatient endocrinology clinic in Popayan, Cauca. Materials and methods: A retrospective and descriptive study that included patients diagnosed with osteopenia and osteoporosis through bone densitometry between 2013 and 2016, who also had their vitamin D levels measured by means of any laboratory method. Sociodemographic characteristics, bone densitometry results as well as vitamin D, parathormone and ionic calcium levels were described. Results: A total of 300 patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis were included in the study, of which 211 had low levels of vitamin D, representing a prevalence of 71.3%. Finally, the average level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was 24.35 ng/ml. Conclusion: The high prevalence of low levels of vitamin D in patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis highlights the importance to measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in this population in order to carry out an appropriate therapeutic intervention.
Incidence of phlebitis in patients with peripheral catheter in a health care institution in Manizales (Colombia)
Introduction: Nursing care in clinical areas requires knowledge, skills, and experience. Treatment of a hospitalized person usually requires venous access, which carries frequently reported complications such as phlebitis and infiltrations. Objective: To determine the incidence of phlebitis in patients with short peripheral catheter according to its grade and various factors involved in its appearance. Materials and methods: Quantitative, prospective, observational, and documentary study carried out between October 2018 and February 2019. Results: An incidence rate of phlebitis of 18.5% was observed. Phlebitis was reported in 157 out of 849 children with peripheral venous catheter. Grade I, II, III, and IV phlebitis was documented in 52.2%, 29.9%, 15.3%, and 2.5%. respectively. 78% of the children showed adequate weight and height for their age group. These cases of phlebitis were related to preventive catheter and associated with the use of medications such as cephalothin and dipyrone. In the case of grade I phlebitis, it was more frequent in childhood and adolescent populations. Conclusions: The identification of phlebitis, its grades, and its correlation with sociodemographic variables is necessary to establish health care actions and promote strategies in order to improve care and achieve high quality standards.
Etiological factors of periodontal abscesses: an emerging pathology. A three-case report
Introduction: Periodontal abscesses are the third most frequent dental emergency (6%-14%). Objective: To describe different etiological factors of periodontal abscesses in three patients. Case description: The first case was a 52-year-old woman who sought treatment due to spontaneous bleeding. During the examination, she revealed bleeding on probing (BP), presence of periodontal pockets (PP), and calculi (C). Scaling and root planning (SRP) was performed as treatment, which was complemented with detoxification with tetracycline and postoperative pharmacological treatment. The second case was a 27-year-old man who came to the clinic due to gum enlargement and showed BP and PP. The lesion was treated and SRP was performed. Finally, the third patient was a 21-year-old male who sought a follow-up consultation. The clinical examination showed the presence of dental calculi and periodontal pockets in teeth 16 and 17. SRP complemented with detoxification with tetracycline and postoperative pharmacology were used as treatments. Conclusion: The etiology of the periodontal abscesses in the first and third cases was based on the lack of depth during root scaling and planning. The cause in the second case was effects of food. Identifying this etiology is useful to achieve proper diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of periodontal abscesses.
Hip adductor moment during gait in asymptomatic older adults
Introduction: Although joint moment during waking has been associated with different clinical processes in the elderly population, there is a lack of reports in Colombia. Objective: To analyze the hip adductor moment during gait in asymptomatic older adults. Materials and methods: 110 participants were assessed using the VICON NEXUS 2.8.1. Full Body model software. 2 force platforms were used and the capture volume was delimited through 8 Bonita-10 optoelectronic cameras. Anthropometric, sociodemographic, spatiotemporal, and kinetic variables were included during the support phase, highlighting the two maximum peaks of the adductor moment. Results: The figures for Adductor Moment Peaks 1 and 2 (AMP1 and AMP2) were 0.76 and 0.70 Nm/Kg, respectively, which were related to mass, height and body mass index. Thus, a reference for the analysis of asymptomatic older adults was developed. Conclusion: The hip adductor moment graph is similar to that described by other researchers, but to a lesser extent than the values seen in coxarthrosis symptomatic population.
Quality of life, Burnout and health indicators in nurses who work in rotating shifts
Introduction: Rotating shift work has the potential to disrupt family and social life and can cause chronic fatigue, drowsiness, and somatic symptoms associated with circadian rhythm disorders. Objective: To compare quality of life, work stress, and health indicators in nursing professionals who work rotating and daytime shifts. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of observational design was conducted with 24 participants, who were divided into 2 groups according to type of work system that they performed: daytime or rotating shifts. The SF36 and Burnout questionnaires were applied and some health indicators were assessed. Results: Compared to nurses who work during daytime hours, those who work rotating shifts had a lower quality of life in the emotional role dimension (p=0.039), greater emotional fatigue (p=0.046), lower feelings of personal fulfillment at work (p=0.022), lower levels of basal insulin (p=0.005), lower HOMA-IR index value (p=0.007), and a higher amount of METs (Metabolic equivalents of task) spent weekly (p=0.041). Conclusions: Nurses who work rotating shifts show a lower quality of life and higher levels of physical activity and work stress than those who work during only daytime hours.
Grip strength as a predictor of Trait-Anxiety in university students
Introduction: Research has revealed that the implementation of physical activity programs improves mental health. However, there are still doubts about the relationship between muscle strength and the presence of psychosocial disorders such as anxiety and stress in the university student population. Objective: To study the association of a physical condition (grip strength) and the presence of Trait-Anxiety in female students. Materials and methods: An empirical research with a predictive associative strategy was conducted on a sample of 30 female undergraduate students. The predictor physical variables assessed were anthropometry, grip strength, and maximum oxygen consumption. Trait-Anxiety was evaluated using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Statistical analysis was performed through ordinal logistic regression between predictor physical variables and level of Trait-Anxiety Results: Only grip strength was statistically significant (p=0.033). This analysis, expressed as Odds Ratio, assumes a 74.36% probability that the lower level of grip strength, the greater chances of having Trait-Anxiety. Conclusions: Grip strength is not only a physical parameter to detect cardiovascular risks and associated pathologies, but also it should be used to identify mental health disorders.
Physical activity level, sociodemographic and family aspects, healthy habits and health care for older adults
Introduction: The practice of physical activity in the elderly is affected by social, cultural and demographic aspects. Objective: To compare the relationship between physical activity level and various population and medical characteristics (sociodemographic, family, healthy habits, illnesses, and health care) in a group of older adults. Materials and methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted with an elderly population from Cali (Colombia), using a simple standardized sampling. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity, comparing groups with intense-moderate physical activity (IMPA) and those showing low-inactive physical activity (LIPA). Results: The study included 189 and 364 patients with IMPA and LIPA, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found for the variables: housing area, employment, source of income and dependency (p=0.000); family composition (p=0.008), living alone (p=0.031), social network (p=0.000), alcohol consumption, exercise, high blood pressure, medication use (p=0.000), diabetes mellitus (p=0.045), body mass index (p=0.032), health insurance affiliation, distance from health care center, and costs (p=0.000). Conclusions: Habits such as alcohol and tobacco consumption together with diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus are related to LIPA. Also, older adults residing in rural areas showed higher activity levels.
Quality of life related to health, anxiety and depression in people with cardioverter defibrillators
Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases have caused a rise in arrhythmias, increasing the use caridoverter defibrillators. Although, these devices prevent arrhythmias, they may also affect the quality of life. Objective: To describe the association between quality of life and health, anxiety and depression in people who use cardioverter defibrillators. Materials and methods: A qualitative, descriptive, correlational and cross-sectional study was carried out with 85 patients using implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Sociodemographic records, the Health Questionnaire (SF-36), and the Beck Anxiety and Depression Questionnaire were used. Results: 81.2% of participants were men with their ages ranging between 36 and 92 years. The health-related quality of life showed a negative correlation with respect to anxiety (r = - 0.622) and a slight correlation with depression (rs = -0.599; p<0.001). Conclusions: The use of a cardioverter-defibrillator can trigger anxiety and depression that can deteriorate the health-related quality of life if not timely intervened. It is important to implement early actions that generate well-being.
Use of inertial sensors in physiotherapy: an approach to human movement assessment processes
Introduction: Inertial measurement units (IMU) are small devices capable of measuring linear acceleration and angular velocity. Therefore, they are useful in the health field for the quantification and objective assessment of the human body movement. Objective: To analyze information about the inertial sensors usage, as a way to approach to processes of evaluation of the human body movement. Materials and methods: A database search was performed, using the following terms: inertial sensors, health, physiotherapy, accelerometer physical activity, movement, rehabilitation and their multiple combinations. The exclusion criteria were exclusive articles from the engineering field covering information not relevant for physical therapy. Results: IMUs are devices that are compatible with applications, which can obtain three-dimensional movement data. They can also be used for assessment and intervention to quantify results of motor action. Conclusions: IMUs may have wide applications in fields such as rehabilitation, training and sports. As a result, it is necessary to standardize protocols to measure motor patterns and facilitate rehabilitation processes.
Practical recommendations to avoid physical deconditioning during confinement due to pandemic associated with COVID-19
Introduction: Social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic includes home confinement, which results in increased physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors, favoring physical deconditioning. Deconditioned people have metabolic and systemic disorders due to the lack of movement. Objective: To present practical, low-cost recommendations on evidence-based activities to avoid physical deconditioning during home confinement, which can be maintained over the long term, even after the pandemic. Materials and methods: Documentary review on strategies to support healthy lifestyles at home that decrease the negative effects at a physiological level produced by the confinement derived from the pandemic. Results: Evidence indicates that home confinement increases the levels of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior; executing physical activity under particular conditions, among other effects, can strengthen the respiratory and immune systems, maintain physical condition and generate positive effects on mental health. Conclusions: The habits related to the practice of physical activity at home should be maintained over time, it is recommended to do it on a scheduled basis, define rest times between activities and during the night, and choosing those that generate enjoyment.
Using a Calgary Scale adaptation to detect vasovagal syncope in Colombian university students
Introduction: Vasovagal syncope has an incidence between 10% and 19% in the general population, whose first episodes appear in youth. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of vasovagal syncope in a university student population from the southern Colombia, using a diagnostic questionnaire adapted from the Calgary Scale. Materials and methods: After voluntary signing of the informed consent form, students were surveyed through the Calgary Scale, and a subsequent follow-up questionnaire was conducted on positive participants. Results: 280 students participated in the study and 17% of them obtained a positive score for vasovagal syncope, being positive female participants the largest group. The mean age of participants was 21.45±5.18 years. At the follow-up, 10% of the positive cases had sought out treatment in emergency rooms because of consciousness loss, 4% were hospitalized, and 10% had secondary injuries. Conclusions: Even though an important number of patients was positive on the Calgary Scale, none of them had been diagnosed with neutrally mediated syncope, despite being treated in emergency rooms and/or presenting secondary lesions due to consciousness loss. The use of the Calgary Scale during the assessment of patients being treated for consciousness loss could help to early diagnose vasovagal syncope.
Factors associated with low birth weight at a university hospital from the department of Nariño (Colombia)
Introduction: Low Birth Weight (LBW) has multiple causes and continues to be a problem that affects different regions of Colombia. Objective: To determine factors associated with LBW in the Departmental University Hospital of Nariño (Colombia). Materials and methods: A case-control study that included newborns and mothers whose delivery took place between November 2014 and June 2015. Results: Risk of LBW was higher in: women aged between 10-19 years (OR=7.79, 95%CI=2.61-23.23); with history of vaginal infection during pregnancy (OR=4, 95%CI=1.26-12.66); and those affiliated with the subsidized health regimen (OR=4.96, 95%CI=1.71-14.41). The risk of having a newborn with LBW was reduced by 10% (OR=0.90, 95%CI=0.84-0.96) for each one unit increase in Body Mass index, and by 76% (OR=0.23, 95%CI=0.16-0.34) for each increase in one week of gestation. Conclusions: Most of the identified risk factors can be prevented or intervened with through an early public health approach.
Characterization of patients with cerebrovascular accident admitted to a primary care hospital in Chile
Introduction: Cerebrovascular accidents constitute a critical public health problem, whose major risk factors are hypertension, tobacco use and diabetes, among others. Objective: To characterize patients admitted with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident to the San Luis de Buin-Paine Hospital, which is a primary care institution belonging to the Southern Metropolitan Health Service of Chile. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional research was carried out with patients who were hospitalized in the rehabilitation unit with a diagnosis of ischemic or hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident. A review of each electronic record was carried out with a sample containing 135 patients. Absolute frequencies and percentages were used for statistical processing of the data. Results: Ischemic stroke was observed in 85.92% of patients, with a significant percentage increase in the population over 51 years of age. The most frequent risk factors were high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus. The most common profession or trade was retiree (27.4%). Conclusions: This work found similar results to those reported by previous studies. Prevention of cerebrovascular diseases is associated with the maintenance of healthy habits and lifestyles that prevent the appearance of modifiable risk factors.
Dolor perineal en relación con las tasas indiscriminadas de episiotomía
Sr. Editor, de acuerdo con el artículo: "Caracterización del dolor perineal postparto en puérperas"(1), vengo a través de esta Carta a difundir el conocimiento técnico y científico sobre las notas del manuscrito publicado en el año 2016 en la Revista Universidad y Salud. Además de ser Enfermero Obstetra y Profesor, confieso a la Junta Editorial, a los lectores y a los autores del manuscrito que todas las producciones científicas son extremadamente relevantes y significativas en el campo de la Educación y la Investigación. Por esta razón, utilizaré este medio para hacer mis anotaciones relacionadas con las prácticas profesionales y el uso indiscriminado de la episiotomía, especialmente en Brasil.
Real health care in the face of the vulnerability of the nursing student
Introduction: The exchange of daily practicing experiences with peers is useful for students to learn about nursing care. Objective: To understand the social representations of health care that are constructed from the daily life experiences of the Mexican nursing student. Materials and methods: A qualitative study based on the social representation theory with 46 students who carried out clinical practices. A semi-structured interview was applied, which was analyzed through grouping of empirical categories that support the composition of the subsequent results, comparing the data with reports from the participants. Results: The conception of the health care process is structured with ranges that represent the social aspects of the students during their training, which in turn makes them vulnerable. The experiences are constructed and re-constructed as a consequence of the students’ eagerness to discover their experiences in health care in order to respond to their challenges. However, these experiences affect the students’ world, disrupting their peace of mind. Conclusions: Interaction processes position students in the face of the social world of health care based on philosophical bases in order to reflect with their being and doing, an action that guides their behavior in the daily care of the other.
Adherence factors to hypertension treatment in primary care services
Introduction: In 2008, uncontrolled hypertensive arterial disease (UHAD) was associated with a high cardiovascular mortality that caused 9.4 million deaths and 7% of the disease burden expressed as Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). The reasons why 50% of the patients treated in primary care facilities in Colombia do not adhere to UHAD treatment are unknown. Objective: To identify factors associated with UHAD treatment adherence in a Public Health Care institution from a Colombian city. Materials and methods: A case-control study with 75 cases and 75 controls randomly selected from a patient database of the arterial hypertension control program. Results: Being older than 50 years was the only factor associated with lack of adherence to treatment. Participants who were 50-59 (OR=3.18; IC95% 1.01-10.00) and 60-69 (OR=3.70; IC95% 1.17-11.60) are less likely to adhere to treatment. Conclusions: Patients who are 50-69 years old had the highest probability of non-adherence to UHAD treatment. Follow-up measures are necessary to improve this figure.
Management of a central deciduous tooth retained by dental trauma: A case study
Introduction: Dentoalveolar trauma is a common type of condition in children, which mostly affects the teeth, alveolar segment of the maxilla, mandibula and adjacent soft tissues. It can vary in terms of extension and severity, affecting the functionality and integrity of the oral structures. Therefore, a correct diagnosis and a timely treatment are necessary to avoid future sequelae in the permanent dentition. Objective: To report a case of dentoalveolar trauma in a child and its interdisciplinary dental approach. Case presentation: A 7-year-old male child with no relevant history attends a consultation with his mother due to the persistence of a temporary tooth in the anterosuperior sector. It is associated with dentoalveolar trauma that occurred when he was 18 months old. Exodontia and orthopedic treatment were performed on the temporary tooth to guide the eruption of the permanent tooth, showing a favorable evolution afterwards. Conclusions: An interdisciplinary approach for cases of dentoalveolar trauma constitutes an appropriate alternative for successful rehabilitation and reduces possible sequelae.
Cytological characteristics prior to the diagnosis of cervical cancer in women from Medellin (Colombia)
Introduction: Currently, cervical cancer continues to be an important disease because of its high incidence and mortality. Even though its etiology (Human Papilloma Virus infection) and screening methods (conventional cytology and HPV-DNA test) are well known, understanding the various characteristics associated with the appearance of cervical cancer is fundamental. Objective: To describe the cytological characteristics that precede the diagnosis of cervical cancer in women diagnosed in a health care institution from the city of Medellín. Materials and methods: A descriptive study. The clinical records corresponding to women with a confirmed diagnosis of cervical cancer between 2012 and 2017 were used. Also, the citology results obtained before the diagnosis were reviewed. An univariate analysis was carried out in oder to describe the study variables. Results: The sample size of women with cervical cancer was 714, the age median was 51 years old (interquartile range: 42-60), the most frequent cytological alteration was high-grade intraepithelial lesion (33.8%), and the main diagnosed cancer type was squamous cell carcinoma (70.6%). Conclusions: Results showing an altered cytology are indicators of cervical cancer risk. Therefore, it is important to continue with the stablished screening protocol.
Meaning of caregiving in relationships of people living with HIV/AIDS
Introducción: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) unexpectedly affects the daily lives of people and has an impact on their personal and family dimensions. Relationships become crucial in the caregiving experience and it is not yet known how they exist. Objective: To construct the theoretical approach that describes and explains the processes of person-to-person relationships in people with HIV/AIDS. Materials and methods: A quantitative study that applies grounded theory was carried out with 25 HIV patients from the Republic of El Salvador. Results: The basic social process has four variables: (i) recognizing shared risks and return to the family; (ii) knowing and sharing with others; (iii) moving between suffering and change; and (iv) harmonizing life and relationships. Conclusions: The experience of having HIV/AIDS demonstrates the capacity of human beings to make use of their freedom and make decisions in the midst of the alternating rhythms of suffering, which allows them to begin to find the meaning of life in an indeterminate period of time.
Human Herpesvirus type 6 infection related to dermatological manifestations and chronic fatigue: case series
Introduction: The most frequent clinical manifestations of Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) in children under 2 years of age are roseola-like skin lesions and sudden rash. In adults, the clinical manifestations associated with HHV-6 are highly variable and can overlap with other conditions. Objective: To present a case series of patients diagnosed with active HHV-6 infection, who showed neurological, dermatological and chronic fatigue manifestations. Materials and methods: An analysis of medical records of 6 patients who were diagnosed with active HHV-6 infection through molecular methods was performed. Results: 6 patients were diagnosed with active HHV-6 infection using molecular methods, who had common clinical manifestations such as fever, headache, depression, tiredness, loss of memory and concentration, fibromuscular pain, polyarticular pain, nonrestorative sleep, rash, ruby nevus, lichen planus and paresthesia. Conclusions: This case series highlights the importance of identifying active HHV-6 infection through molecular methods and creating awareness in the medical community of the role that the virus plays on the development of diverse pathologies.
Comentarios del artículo: “Niveles de sedentarismo de una institución educativa en Popayán, Colombia”
Sr. Editor, recientemente leímos con interés el artículo publicado en la Revista Universidad y Salud en su volumen 21, número 3, denominado “Niveles de sedentarismo de una institución educativa en Popayán, Colombia, cuyo objetivo fue “determinar los niveles de sedentarismo de los estudiantes de una Institución Educativa de Popayán-Colombia”(1). Felicitamos a los autores por el gran valor y alta pertinencia del artículo en general, cuyos resultados contribuyen a elevar el nivel de conocimiento respecto a los niveles de sedentarismo relacionado a variables sociodemográficas, antropométricas y estilos de vida en niños y adolescentes, sin embargo, con el objetivo de aportar mayor e importante información nos gustaría exponer algunas reflexiones y complementar la información entregada a partir de los resultados, la discusión que se despliega del trabajo y la conclusión de este. Para realizar nuestros comentarios, nos permitimos en la Tabla 1, describir la clasificación para el Índice de Masa corporal (IMC), Circunferencia de Cintura (CC) e Índice Cintura/Cadera (ICC) según los estudios FUPRECOL sobre valores referenciales para escolares de Bogotá-Colombia(2,3).
Copyright (c) 2019 Universidad y Salud https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Respuesta a la carta al editor publicada en el Vol. 21 Núm. 1 de 2019
Agradecemos su interés en el artículo “Prevalencia y determinantes sociales de malnutrición en menores de 5 años afiliados al Sistema de Selección de Beneficiarios para Programas Sociales (SISBEN) del área urbana del municipio de Palermo en Colombia 2017” 1. En nuestro trabajo, para identificar malnutrición utilizamos los lineamientos y clasificación de la resolución 2465/2016 del Ministerios de Salud y Protección Social2. Su propuesta de conocer el análisis de los datos según la OMS para IMC, nos parece interesante, y consideramos que la comparación que propone aportaría más conocimiento; motivo por el cual, hemos decidido volver a tabular la información teniendo en cuenta éstos criterios y presentarlo a la revista como un nuevo artículo corto.
Prevalence of anti-Hepatitis E IgG analyzed in sera through three commercial kits
Introduction: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a nonenveloped, RNA virus. HEV genotypes 3 and 4 are considered zoonosis transmitted by contaminated water and/or food. The presence of antibodies against this virus have not been described in communities inhabiting the “Coffee Axis” region of Colombia. Objective: To determine the prevalence of anti-Hepatitis E IgG in serum samples analyzed in a clinical laboratory from the Colombian Coffee Axis. Materials and methods: 90 serum samples from patients treated at a clinical laboratory in the city of Armenia (Quindio) were analyzed and compared through three different methods that characterize antibodies. Results: The Mikrogen recomWell ELISA kit (IgG anti-HEV) identified two positive sera (2.2%). The Diapro HEV IgG ELISA (version ULTRA®) test registered a false positive sample (1.1%). The Mikrogen recom Line HVE western blot assay detected 4 positive samples (4.4%). Conclusions: Depending on the commercial kit used, the prevalence of anti-HEV IgG antibodies fluctuated between 0% to 4.4%, which demonstrates that the virus is circulating and that a possible infectious cycle in this region exists.
Oral health between systemic health and public health
Introduction: Despite the implementation of diverse strategies to address oral health problems, they still lack an integral vision of both the human being and health practice. Objective: To analyze oral health as a medical and professional practice from an interpretative and critical perspective. The Colombian context was highlighted as well as the association of oral health with systemic and public health. Materials and methods: A documentary narrative review was conducted, searching the Boolean terms: (periodontitis or oral pathology) and (systematic diseases). The guiding question used was, “How does oral pathology affect chronic non-communicable diseases?” and the search included the last five years. Results: Associations of oral health with systemic health, CNCDs (diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, eclampsia, perinatal disease, and Alzheimer’s), among others, were identified. Conclusions: A biunivocal relationship between periodontal disease and chronic non-communicable diseases is consistent in the literature, but causal relationships are difficult to conclude. Both public health strategies and an articulation of the interprofessional health practice are proposed.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices about Chagas disease in Aguazul, Casanare (Colombia)
Introduction: Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It is considered a public health problem in Colombia that requires a baseline to face this pathology. Objective: To identify knowledge, attitudes and practices of the inhabitants of the municipality of Aguazul-Casanare to handle Chagas disease. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 389 families of the municipality. Sociodemographic and epidemiologic factors as well as knowledge, attitudes and practices were investigated. Results: 221 women (56.8%) and 168 men (43.2) participated in the study. 31.4% and 31.6% of participants have optimal and appropriate knowledge, respectively. Optimal attitudes were observed in 85.9% of people, whereas 56.3% show improper practices, and 43.3% have good and regular practices. Conclusions: Even though, the community has positive attitudes towards prevention of the infection, there is a reduced percentage of people showing optimal knowledge, which is reflected in unhealthy practices. Thus, it is important to establish educational actions aimed at strengthening knowledge related to the Chagas that have an impact on the reduction of this endemic disease.
Morphological profile of federated weightlifters from the Valparaiso region, Chile
Introduction: Anthropometric profiles allow better planning and execution of sports training in weightlifting. Objective: To describe and compare, according to gender, the anthropometric profile and somatotype of federated weightlifters from the Valparaiso region of Chile. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study that included 40 adult weightlifters. The anthropometric assessment was carried out using the measurement and marking protocol of the International Society for Advances in Kinanthropometry, Ross and Kerr pentacompartmental method, and Heath-Carter somatotype. A Student’s t test was applied for independent samples and U Mann-Whitney was used to compare anthropometric characteristics between groups. The statistical power and effect size were calculated using Cohen’s “d”. Results: There are significant differences between groups for: relative (p=0.003; d=0.96) and absolute (p≤0.001; d=2.42) muscle mass; relative fat mass (p≤0.001; d=1.46); absolute bone mass (p≤0.001; d=1.41); relative (p≤0.001; d=1.96) and absolute (p≤0.001; d=0.97) skin mass; relative (p=0.006; d=1.08) and absolute (p≤0.001; d=2.09) residual mass. Based on the somatotype distribution, the male and female groups were classified as Endo-Mesomorph and Mesomorph-Endomorph, respectively, which showed significant differences in mesomorphism (p≤0.001; d=1.48). Conclusions: There is a predominance of the mesomorphic somatotype, with significant differences in the components of the body composition.
Mortality of young Nicaraguan inmigrants in Costa Rica during the 2000-2017 period
Introduction: Poverty, discrimination, and social isolation are some elements that affect Nicaraguan immigrants residing in Costa Rica, conditions that have an impact on the mortality figures observed in this migrant population. Objective: To determine mortality rates caused by diseases and external reasons in both the young Nicaraguan immigrant population and native Costa Rican natives. Materials and methods: Data on deaths between 2000 and 2017 and the 2011 Census information of the Costa Rican population were used to calculate mortality rates and the relative risk (RR) associated with different causes of mortality. Results were compared to a study that analyzed this phenomenon between 1998-2008. Results: Compared to the deaths in the Costa Rican population (57%), 64% of deaths in immigrants are due to external causes. With respect to the data from 10 years ago, there is a 2-percentage point reduction in deaths of immigrants caused by external reasons. Immigrants show higher RRs of mortality due to external causes (other accidents 1.85, homicides 1.72, car accidents 1.22, and suicide 1.14). A reduction of 2.27 and 0.15 in the RR of homicides and alcoholism, respectively, is highlighted. Conclusions: Mortality patterns in immigrants begin to behave as those of the Costa Rican population.
Intrauterine exposure to endocrine disruptors (phthalates): sources of exposure and quantification of urinary metabolites
Introduction: Phthalates are endocrine disruptors used in the manufacture of various industrial products, mainly plastics. The fetal period represents the principal window of vulnerability, and the exposure to Phthalates in this stage of life generates adverse fetal and post-natal effects. The most reliable biomarker for the assessment of Phthalates is urine. Objective: To characterize the different exposure sources of endocrine disruptors and quantify the urinary concentration of Phthalates in pregnant women. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study which included 400 pregnant women who received prenatal care in the Genesis and Metrosalud health institutions (Medellín-Colombia). Exposure sources were characterized and urine samples were collected from all pregnant women and the Phthalate concentration was quantified in 38 women. Results: The geometric measures of Phthalate Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(DEHP), Mono-n-butyl phthalate(MnBP), Mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate(MEHHP) and Mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate(MEOHP) were 162.72µg/L, 58.5 µg/L, 33.93µg/L and 31.63µg/L respectively. Conclusions: The majority of pregnant women that were evaluated were exposed to potential sources of endocrine disruptors throughout their life, which are present in household chemicals, tobacco, and frequent use of facial and body cosmetics. The concentrations of MnBP, MEHHP y MEOHP in urine of participants were higher than those found worldwide
Risk factors and symptoms of childhood asthma in students from two schools in Cali (Colombia)
Introduction: Allergies, family history, respiratory infections, low birth weight, and exposure to tobacco smoke are risk factors for asthma, whose symptoms in children include wheezing, dyspnea, and persistent cough. There is a lack of studies about asthma in Cali (Colombia). Objective: To describe risk factors and symptoms in students diagnosed with asthma in two schools from the city of Cali. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was developed, which gathered information from caregivers of children aged between 6 and 14 years old using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. Results: Out of the 324 surveys completed by caregivers, 77 children had asthma. 60% of this population were older than 9 years of age, 56% were girls, and 68% belonged to the lower-middle socioeconomic stratum. History of diseases such as child bronchiolitis and asthma and rhinitis in the parents were revealed. Some risk factors that were identified included inadequate flooring of the house, lack of breastfeeding, and attendance to kinder garden. 40.3% of children had dyspnea, cough and wheezing. Conclusions: Risk factors like gender, inadequate flooring, and symptoms such as dyspnea, cough and wheezing were the most frequent in children with asthma.
Family cohesion and related factors in school adolescents
Introduction: The level of cohesion within a family nucleus is useful to characterize connections and relationships established between its members. It also constitutes a fundamental factor in the development of family intervention programs and policies. Objective: To identify factors associated with family cohesion in adolescents from the municipality of Envigado (Colombia). Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study using a primary source of information and a sample of 1008 students from two schools from Envigado. The following instruments were used: family cohesion scale; Zung’s Depression scale; Gismero’s Social Skills scale; and sociodemographic and substance use questions. Results: 61.5% of adolescents were not at risk for alcoholism, 73.8% were not drug dependent, 16.5% were at risk of depression, and 81.7% had adequate social skills. The prevalence of family cohesion was 96.6%. A feeling of satisfaction with their families and absence of depression were associated with good family cohesion. Conclusions: Depression in adolescents and a high level of dissatisfaction towards their family are factors associated with the lack of family cohesion. Factors such as domestic violence, social skills, and use of psychoactive substances did not show an association with the variable of interest.
Limitations and barriers for condom use in college students from Cali, Colombia
Introduction: Condom is a method to prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and pregnancy. However, the use of condom by the young Colombian population is low. Objective: To identify individual, cultural, and institutional barriers and limitations of condom use in university students. Materials and methods: A qualitative research was developed with 4 mixed focus groups of young people aged from 17 to 24 years. Coding was carried out with ATLAS.TI together with a thematic analysis. Results: At the individual level, it was observed: a low intention of condom use; trust in partner that reduces the fear of STDs; and pregnancy is the main reason why condom is replaced by a different contraceptive method. At the cultural level, gender relationships reinforce the view that women and men are responsible for the use of contraceptives and condoms, respectively. At the institutional level, health policies and services restrict the access to condoms. Mercantilism logic and risk approach limit free and massive distribution of condoms. Conclusions: The recognition of individual and social factors that limit the use of condoms facilitates the promotion of care for one self and for others as well as the coordination of strategies to promote adequate sexual and reproductive health services.
Healthy eating index and sodium/(potassium+calcium) indicator in Chilean university students
Introducción: Unhealthy eating habits of university students constitutes an important concern for future medical and nutritional care. Objective: To determine the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and the sodium/(potassium+calcium) indicator in Chilean university students. Materials and methods: An analytical cross-sectional research was carried out with a non-probabilistic sample of 420 students, who answered a survey covering sociodemographic and anthropometric issues. The HEI and sodium/(potassium+calcium) indicator were determined using the consumption frequency and 24-hour reminder questionnaire. A descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was applied through the SPSS (v22.0) program. Results: The weight, height and the body mass index (BMI) of the participants showed statistically significant differences according to their gender (p<0.05). A similar pattern was found in the average intake of calories, lipids, carbohydrates, fiber, calcium and sodium (p<0.05). Intake of fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products was higher in women (p<0.01). The majority of participating students had an unhealthy diet, with the situation being more severe in men (p<0.05). Only 6% of men and 17% of women had a cardio-protective diet. Conclusions: Students follow diets with a deficient intake of cardio-protective micronutrients, which increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Heart rate variability and anthropometric indices in university males of Santiago de Chile
Introduction: Low heart rate variability (HRV) has been associated with autonomic imbalances and cardiovascular risk in various populations. Objective: To relate HRV and anthropometric indices in young, physically active university male students with low cardiometabolic risk. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study, which included 10 men aged 23.15 ± 2.91 years, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25.48 ± 2.19 kg / m2, and a Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) of 0.81 ± 0.02. Resting heart rate variability was measured over a 5 minute period. A correlational analysis was performed between BMI and WHR with the low frequency / high frequency ratio (LF / HF), standard deviation of the instantaneous variation of RR intervals (SD1), and complexity of the RR intervals (α-1). In addition, statistical power (1- β) and effect size (Cohen's "d") were determined. Results: LF / HF is only significantly related to WHR (r = 0.638; p = 0.047; d = 0.80), while SD1 and α-1 did not show any association with BMI and WHR. Conclusions: There is a parasympathetic predominance that suggests a protective mechanism on intra-abdominal adipose tissue related to WHR. Further studies are required to explain all the modulating variables of the heart rate variability.
Introduction: The obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) syndrome, also known as the Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome, is a rare müllerian anomaly characterized by didelphic uterus, hemivaginal obstruction, and ipsilateral renal anomaly. The incidence of müllerian malformations is 2% - 3%, OHVIRA being the least common of these cases. Objective: To describe an exceptional case of a müllerian disorder. Case presentation: A 14-year-old adolescent with a history of pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and recurrent urinary infections. Renal gammagraphy analysis revealed right renal agenesis, and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed a didelphic uterus with right hematocolpos. These findings were confirmed by diagnostic laparoscopy. Conclusions: This syndrome is not well known. Renal anegesis, chronic pelvic pain, and menstrual abnormalities in post-pubertal patients must be presumed as indicators of OHVIRA, whose treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach.
Interdisciplinary stomatognathic and postural assessment in a pediatric mouth-breathing patient: A case report
Introduction: Oral respiration is associated with speech organs disorders, which are generally combined with facial deformities and dental occlusion problems. Objective: To conduct an interdisciplinary assessment of the physiology of the stomatognathic and postural system in a 11-year old mouth-breathing patient. Case presentation: The male subject underwent orofacial examination using myoscanography, dynamometry, electromyography, Payne technique, and Rosenthal test. Postural alignment, stability (Romberg index) and plantar pressures (baropodometry) were evaluated. Results: The subject displayed: class I malocclusion; hyperdivergent maxillary hypoplasia, and micrognathism in muscular activity; a 34% asymmetry index in masseters during mastication; the symmetry in temporals was 67% and 62% during protrusion; alteration of the static stability with a Romberg index of 1.22; and 42.2% and 57.8% plantar pressure distributions in the left and right feet, respectively. Conclusions: The subject showed a reduction in orofacial muscle strength activity, alterations in the alignment of the head, shoulders and pelvic region, an alteration of the static stability, and plantar pressures with a greater distribution on the bilateral hindfoot and right lower limb.
Physical exercise and nutritional supplementation to reduce sarcopenic obesity in older adults
Introduction: Although sarcopenic obesity is not clearly defined, it is understood as the synergistic relationship between the loss of muscle mass and function with an increase in fat mass, which characterizes the obesity that increases with age. Objective: To analyze the effects of physical exercise and nutritional supplementation on sarcopenic obesity in older adults. Materials and methods: A bibliographic search of reports published between 2015 and 2020 in Pubmed, SciELO and Google Scholar databases was conducted, using the terms Sarcopenia, Obesity, Frail Elderly Exercise and Dietary Supplements. The search included narrative and systematic reviews, with or without meta-analyses of the effect of interventions through exercise and/or nutritional supplementation in older adults. Results: The definition criteria and relationship between obesity and sarcopenia were addressed using interventions with physical and nutritional exercises to prevent and/or treat sarcopenic obesity. Conclusions: The different strategies of physical exercise and nutritional supplementation, either individually or in combination, can prevent and/or counteract sarcopenic obesity in older adults, since they affect fundamental parameters such as body composition and the physical performance associated with quality of life.
Functional physical condition in institutionalized elderly adults
Introduction: Quantification of the functional physical condition (FPC) in the elderly population is an important indicator to define their state of health, level of dependence, and quality of life. Objective: To determine FPC in a group of elderly people residing at nursing homes in the city of Bogotá (Colombia). Materials and methods: Body composition variables were estimated by anthropometry. The functional physical condition was assessed by the Rikli and Jones Senior Fitness Test battery. Results: 253 older adults (42.6% men and 57.3% women), their age (75.5±9.6), and BMI (24.9 ±3.6) were evaluated. Functional physical condition values were: getting up and sitting down (10.9±3.6 for men and 10.6±3.5 for women), arm flexion (13.3±3.3 men and 11.7±3.8 women), trunk flexion (-11.4±8.2 men and -1.1±4.8 women), joining hands (-16.5±10.7 men and -7.3±6.3 women), aerobic capacity (77.4±13.6 men and 63.9±14.2 women), and agility and balance (7.5±2.3 men and 7.6±2.4 women). Conclusions: Institutionalization of the elderly has a negative impact on their functional physical condition. In particular, it affects their strength, agility and balance, which increases the risk of falls and physical disability.
Acute pesticide poisoning and its relationship with intentionality in patients from a hospital in Ibague-Colombia
Introduction: Acute pesticide poisoning associated with suicide is a public health problem that requires special attention by state agencies. Objective: To establish the relationship of patient’s intent with acute pesticide poisoning and describe some sociodemographic and exposure characteristics registered by a hospital in Ibagué (Colombia), from 2013 to 2016. Materials and methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study was conducted on 137 reports of acute pesticide poisoning that were registered according to ICD 10 codes. A descriptive and stratified statistical analysis was applied to establish the association between characteristics of poisoning intentionality. Results: 50% of the cases corresponded to people who were under 20 years of age. 79.6% of the poisonings were due to suicide attempt and 45% had had a previous attempt. A high educational level corresponded to a lower risk of intentional poisoning (OR 0.05; IC 95% 0.01-0.56; p=0.01). Conclusions: Cooperation between health care authorities and public institutions is necessary to implement measures and strategies in order to prevent acute pesticide poisoning events, especially those associated with suicide attempts, the frequency of which is growing in this city.
Attraction and expulsion factors that affect physician migration. The Pedro Aguirre Cerda case study
Introduction: Migration is a worldwide phenomenon that affects workers from different areas, including health professionals. Objective: To determine the attraction-expulsion factors that have motivated foreign medical doctors to migrate to Chile, this study analyzed the perspective of those who are responsible for health care in the Primary Health Care model. Materials and methods: A theoretical-explanatory case study was carried out in the municipality of Pedro Aguirre Cerda (Chile), using a qualitative approach in critical epidemiology. Individual semi-structured interviews were administered to decision-making personnel in the Primary Health Care model. Results: The following were identified as attraction factors: (i) job stability of foreign physicians at the PHCs; (ii) recognition of Chile as their home; and (iii) the supply-demand relationship seen in high-rotation jobs. On the other hand, the absence of policies of inclusion and incentives for physicians working at PHCs, and differences in medical professional training abroad were characterized as expulsion factors. Conclusions: The identification of factors that influence the attraction and expulsion of medical doctors to/from Chile contributes to generating public policies that improve the working conditions of these health professionals.
A propósito del artículo: “Conocimiento y uso de método anticonceptivo de emergencia en estudiantes universitarios, Pereira, Colombia”
Nutritional profiles according to socioeconomic levels and the menu offered in a community restaurant from Mexico
Introduction: Mexico is one of the main countries that face a nutritional problem caused by a deficit or excess of nutrients that causes malnutrition or overweight to the Mexican population. Objective: To identify the eating habits between three different social strata (ES) (low, medium and high) to compare it with the nutritional profile in a social canteen that offers breakfast and lunch in the City of Tepic, Nayarit. Materials and methods: These are surveys in the different social strata that correspond to a reminder of a day of breakfast and lunch with their snacks and drinks. Results: Protein consumption was found that exceeded the recommended daily intake, low consumption of dietary fiber (associated with low intake of fruits and vegetables) and high incidence in consumption of carbonated drinks. In addition, the highest total caloric intake was the high ES (attributed to its greater purchasing power), followed by the social canteen, however, neither ES nor the social canteen affected a balanced diet. Conclusions: The purchasing power of the different socioeconomic strata is not the main factor that limits a balanced diet, if not the lack of information and bad food of the Mexican population due to the loss of food culture.
Emotional exhaustion in university students within the health field
Introduction: Emotional exhaustion (EE) is a state of emotional and physical burnout and energy depletion that are associated with feelings of frustration and failure. University students experience situations that combine various stressful elements. Objective: To describe EE health field students from universities of the city of Bucaramanga – Colombia. Materials and methods: A qualitative study with a flexible, descriptive and interpretative design was carried out, which included 175 open interviews conducted in a consensual and voluntary manner. Results: Three categories and respective subcategories were revealed: (i) emotional exhaustion (physiological and psychological consequences); (ii) associated difficulties (academic, social and familiar); and (iii) coping strategies (active and decisive or passive and negative). Conclusions: Students experience EE, which affects their physical and mental health, decreases their academic performance and disturbs their familiar and social interactions. Some students apply decisive coping strategies, while others use negative ones. EE can be mitigated through prevention strategies and psychosocial support.
Carbohydrate mouthwashes and their effect on running time trial performance: Systematic review
Introduction: Currently, the effects of carbohydrate mouthwash use on sports performance are controversial. While some studies have shown ergogenic effects, others have not demonstrated any advantage. Objective: To determine whether there is scientific evidence to support the different protocols for carbohydrate mouthwashes use and their effect on sports performance in cycling races time trial. Materials and methods: A search of literature published between 2015 and 2019 was conducted in the Medline, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases using the terms "Carbohydrates", "Mouth rinses" and "Athletic performance". Results: 7 out of 96 reviewed studies were selected, which included different population groups, evaluation methods, and doses of rinsing carbohydrates. The results obtained on the impact of carbohydrate mouthwashes on sport performance were controversial as only some studies demonstrated an ergogenic effect. Conclusions: As the effects of carbohydrate mouthwashes are debatable, it cannot be assured that they improve performance in different cycling races time-trial. More randomized controlled studies are required to homogenize and identify the specific action mechanisms through which carbohydrate mouthwashes act on different study populations.
Nuevos lineamientos en la evaluación integral del adulto mayor
Estimado editor, Hemos leído con atención el artículo “Calidad de vida en adultos mayores de Guerrero, México” publicado en esta revista. El blasón del autor es, sin duda, el análisis riguroso que genera a la hora de determinar la asociación de variables relacionadas a la calidad de vida del adulto mayor, siempre orientado a fomentar políticas públicas que favorezcan una perspectiva de salud positiva; así mismo, en vista de la escasez de estudios en esta área, destacamos la audacia del autor al atreverse a divulgar este asunto de interés colectivo que nos permitirá mantener la autonomía y la calidad de vida de los adultos mayores en el mundo...
Breast and cervical cancer: the problem of the lack of preventive actions in women
Introduction: The prevalence of cancer is a problem that goes beyond medical concern since it involves subjective and social aspects that affect the lives of those who either suffer from cancer or are at risk for it. Therefore, it is important to detect it early, especially among women due to their exposure to risk factors for breast and cervical cancer. Objective: To analyze women’s abstention from mammography and Papanicolaou screening in Chile. Materials and methods: A multivariate binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted with available data from the Health Module of the National Socioeconomic Characterization Survey (NSCS) from 2015. Results: Even though there is a high prevalence of both types of cancer, there is a generalized female abstention from preventive actions. Personal reasons are the most common justifications given for avoidance of mammography and/or Papanicolaou test, especially undervaluing their importance. Factors that increase the probability of abstention include low education level, lack of medical affiliation, and presence of a partner. Conclusions: It is important to increase the coverage of preventive services, focus resources towards vulnerable populations, and create incentive strategies for women to take these exams.
Primary family caregivers of children with cancer and their available social support in Cartagena (Colombia)
Introduction: Social support for caregivers of children with cancer is a source of help that strengthens them to face this situation. Objective: To determine the association between sociodemographic and care conditions with the perceived and actual social support received by primary family caregivers of children with cancer in two health institutions in Cartagena-Colombia. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional analytical study with 126 caregivers, using cronica© and Duke-UNK-11 instruments to characterize family caregivers of people with chronic diseases. The results are presented in absolute and relative values and the associations are shown as Odds ratio. Results: 42.9% of caregivers function alone, with ages between 18 and 59 years. 78.8% are women and 56.3% have been caregivers for more than 19 months, of which 94.4% have been caregivers since the diagnosis. 50% serve as caregivers all day, 38.9% report that social support is scarce, 75.4% that support is confidential and 23% report it as affective. Conclusions: Being a caregiver causes loneliness, fatigue and neglect of their own care. Even though emotional support of caregivers becomes an important resource to strengthen them, the participating caregivers did not perceive it. Leadership is required to foster values of coexistence and make social support available for caregivers.
Prevalence of malnutrition in children under 5 years of age. Comparison between OMS parameters and their adaptation to Colombia
Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO), has established the growth patterns of children under 5 years of age. Colombia has adopted anthropometric indicators and cut-off points to classify nutritional status. However, weight/height are the only measurements taken into account for defining malnutrition, instead of Body Mass Index (BMI). Objective: To identify malnutrition prevalence in children who are younger than 5 years of age and live in the metropolitan area of the municipality of Palermo-Huila (Colombia), comparing the results with the WHO reference standards and with the IMC/Age parameter of Resolution 2465 of 2106. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study with an analytical approach was conducted on 254 children younger than 5 years old from Palermo. Results: According to the BMI/Age parameter 11.81% of the children showed some nutrition problem: 1.9% malnutrition and 9.8% overweight and obesity. 25.5% of children were at risk of having some type of malnutrition, with the risk of overweight (17.7%) being the highest. According to WHO parameters, 12.2% of child participants showed malnutrition: 9.8% due to excess and 2.4% because of a deficient intake of nutrients. It was observed that 18,5% and 7,9% of the minors were at risk of being overweight and underweight, respectively.
Factors associated with burnout syndrome in nursing assistants
Introduction: The Burnout syndrome is understood as a low resilience to face work stress. Objective: To identify factors and constructs associated with Burnout and its overall prevalence in nursing assistants in a reference hospital of medium and high complexity level from Colombia. Materials and methods: A case-control study was conducted on 183 nursing assistants from a hospital. The Maslach instrument and Log-Binomial regression were used to identify associated factors, determining their Odds Ratios (OR). Results: The factors found associated with Burnout that increase its probability of occurrence are: working more than 48 hours a week (OR=1.02 (1.01-1.05) 90% CI) and feeling negatively about the work being done (OR=3.87 (1.18-10.71)). However, sleeping 7 or more hours a day reduces such probability (OR=0.70 (0.53-0.91)). The total Burnout prevalence was 44.7%, the main causes being personal fatigue (11.8%), depersonalization (14.9%), and poor personal fulfillment (47.81%). Conclusions: Associated factors, such as not getting enough sleep and feeling negatively about the work being done, increase the probability to develop Burnout, while this probability decreases by sleeping 7 or more hours a day. These findings will facilitate the implementation of institutional control measures.
Consumption pattern of vegetables in a child population of Pamplona: Qualitative study
Introduction: Adequate nutrition is fundamental for the physical and intellectual development of children. Objective: To analyze the vegetable consumption pattern of a child population in Pamplona (Colombia). Materials and methods: We conducted a qualitative research with mothers that used children’s day care facilities applying the focus group discussion methodology. The information was analyzed with the Attride-Stirling tool. Results: Participating mothers considered that vegetable consumption is important and has a positive effect on children’s health. A poor consumption is caused by low quantity and frequency of supply, limited preferences for some food preparations, and inadequate examples set by parents. The purchasing frequency, place, price and organoleptic characteristics of vegetables are important factors that limit their purchase at home. Some positive and negative strategies are suggested to encourage the ingestion of vegetables in children. Conclusions: Mothers have assertive knowledge about vegetable consumption and its relation to children’s health. The level of vegetable consumption was low as it differs from the established recommendations. Praise, motivation and companionship of parents are positive strategies to encourage vegetable consumption, although some prefer punishment and reward.
Clinical and gasometric behavior in acute respiratory failure treated with a high-flow nasal cannula
Introduction: High-flow nasal cannula offers an alternative treatment approach to conventional oxygen therapy in adults. Objective: To establish the clinical and gasometric behavior of patients with acute respiratory failure who live at 2,600 m.a.s.l. and are treated with high-flow nasal cannula in an adult intensive care unit. Materials and methods: Quasi-experimental pilot study with a pretest-posttest within-subject design and a sample size of 14 patients calculated through Epidat. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling was conducted for fourteen months. Results: 78% of the patients were women and their average age was 68 years. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) was diagnosed in 71.42% of the cases. An oxygen flow rate of 30 L/min was administered to patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, while higher rates were used for the rest of the diagnoses. Nasal cannula treatment led to (i) a decreased respiratory function, (ii) a gradually improved arterial blood pressure in patients with hypoxemic failure, (iii) and a progressively increased oxygenation rate. Conclusions: High-flow nasal cannula is a useful therapeutic option in the management of patients with acute respiratory failure living at 2,600 m.a.s.l. because it improves oxygenation and reduces respiratory function.
Levels of physical activity and time spending in front of screens in schoolchildren: differences in age and gender
Introducción: Use of electronic screen technologies are increasingly widespread among children and their frequent use has led to a sedentary lifestyle that increases health risks in this population. Objective: To study the association of physical activity and the use of electronic screen devices with the body mass index (BMI) and gender in urban schoolchildren aged between 10 to 12 years from the city of Popayán (Cauca, Colombia). Materials and methods: A comparative prospective cross-sectional study, with univariate and bivariate analyses, was carried out using a simple random sampling of 440 students between the ages of 10 and 12 years (220 boys / 220 girls). The Physical activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) was applied. Results: There is an association between moderate levels of physical activity and hours spent in front of electronic screen devices (X2 =598.6; p=0.00). Likewise, an association between the level of physical activity and gender of schoolchildren was found (X2 =13.551; p= 0.004). Conclusions: Children who frequently use television, computers, and/or video games show low to moderate levels of physical activity.
Burnout syndrome in teachers from Latin America: A systematic review
Introduction: The Burnout Syndrome (BS) is understood as a phenomenon that includes emotional fatigue, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment, which have multivariate consequences at physical, psychological, social, and occupational levels. Objective: To examine Latin American reports on BS in teachers that were published between 2008 and 2018. Materials and methods: A systematic literature search was conducted, which was based on the PRISMA-P guidelines and included the Web of Science, Scopus, Directory of Open Access Journals and EBSCOhost databases. The keywords used were: “Burnout” AND “teachers”, together with the corresponding translation in English. Results: A total of 53 articles were selected, which were mostly published in Brazil in 2014, 2017, and 2018. The majority of reports were on teachers from basic education institutions and corresponded to quantitative studies focused on the analysis of variables related to BS. Conclusions: Latin American research on BS is mostly concentrated in some Latin American countries and has specific paradigmatic and methodological scopes. The need to carry out primary studies about this phenomenon is highlighted.
Search strategy for scientific information applied to the return to work of people with disabilities
Introduction: The professionals to exercise their practice in an updated and effective way in the matter of return to work of persons with disabilities must support their actions in the scientific evidence. With technology you have access to a lot of information. To be effective and retrieve the data that is required the use of search strategies. Objective: To demonstrate the relevance of a search strategy to recover scientific publications, in this case, labor reimbursement of persons with disabilities. Materials and methods: The search strategy is systematically presented based on the definition of the question, identification of search terms in common and controlled language, search equation, search-retrieval of articles, inclusion-exclusion criteria, selection of articles, critical reading and answer to research question. The above can be reproduced by adjusting descriptors according to professional interest. Results: 15 articles were retrieved that answer the example question evidencing the relevance of the search strategy. Conclusions: An academic information search strategy allows retrieving articles that are relevant for the researcher and professionals in their daily practice.
Psychosocial factors associated with the use of psychoactive substances in children and adolescents from Pereira, Colombia
Introduction: The use of psychoactive substances is a public health problem with a high prevalence in adolescents, which also affects the individual and social development of adults. Objective: To determine the psychosocial factors related to the use of psychoactive substances in children and adolescents of a public school from Pereira (Colombia). Materials and methods: A descriptive correlational study was conducted on 235 students of a public school, aged between 10 and 19 years, who completed an anonymous survey to examine the prevalence and psychosocial factors associated with the use of psychoactive substances. Results: Adequate parental supervision is a protective factor against psychoactive drug use (p <0.05) (OR <1). Schoolchildren are 6.5 times more likely to engage in drug use when they interact with psychoactive-drug user friends (OR = 6.555. 95% CI (3.147-13.653)). Those with family members who engage in this drug use have a 2.2 times higher possibility to use psychoactive substances (OR = 2.231. 95% CI (1.292-3.852)). Conclusions: The use of psychoactive substances shows a high prevalence in the participating schoolchildren and is mainly related to factors such as being in higher grades in their school and having either a family member or a friend who uses psychoactive substances.
Relationship between organizational climate and workplace violence in public university officials
Introduction: Work environment isaffected by psychological harassment in the workplace. However, there are few studies on the relationship between workplace climate and violence in the university context. Objective: To analyze the relationship between workplace climate and violence in public university employees. Materials and Methods: A descriptive correlational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted with 410 workers. The Work Climate Questionnaire of the Administrative Department of Public Service of Colombia and the Inventory of Violence and Psychological Harassment at Work were used. Results: It was found that there is a negative relationship between climate and violence in the workplace (r = -0.441, p <0.005), in which two close associations are highlighted: (i) the dimension of work performance obstacles and the leadership style; and (ii) human talent management and general climate. Conclusions: The presence of workplace violence is related to low levels of a favorable work environment and vice versa. The characteristic behaviors of the dimension world performance obstacles and those related to the variable manipulation to induce punishment are the ones that contribute the most to this unfavorable association. This type of violence, without proper intervention, can become psychological harassment at work.
Comparison of quality of life in university students with different levels of physical activity
Introduction: University students are susceptible to unhealthy lifestyles, which could deteriorate their quality of life (QL). Objective: To compare the QL in university students who have different levels of physical activity (PA). Materials and methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study that included 126 university students of both sexes from Health, Education and Engineering programs of three universities in Talca (Chile). The QL was assessed through the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. A student’s t-test of independent samples was used to compare both the domains of the QL and the baseline characteristics between the groups. The effect size was calculated with Cohen's d. Results: Inactive university students had a higher body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.041). In contrast, active students showed significantly higher scores than inactive ones in overall QL (p=0.002; d=0.67), health QL (p=0.013; d=0.50), physical domain (0.038; d=0.43), psychological domain (p=0.003; d=0.63) and environment domain (p=0.001; d=0.80). Conclusions: Active university students (with moderate and high PA levels) have better overall and health QL. They also have better QL scores in the physical, psychological and environmental domains when compared to inactive students.
Incidence and demographic determinants of lymphocytic leukemia in pediatric patients with cancer, Antioquia
Introduction: Acute leukemias are the most frequent pediatric malignancies worldwide that have led to a great interest due to their implications for children and their families. Objective: To identify the incidence of acute lymphocytic leukemia and its association with demographic determinants in pediatric cancer patients from Antioquia (Colombia) in 2017. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study was carried out with an analytical approach to identify the incidence of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and its association with non-causal demographic determinants in patients with pediatric cancer. 190 records from the Public Health Surveillance System (SIVIGILA) were analyzed. Results: The incidence rates of childhood cancer and ALL were 10 and 4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants ≤18 years of age, respectively. The variables associated with ALL are: being male (APR: 1.02 95% CI: 0.52 – 2.02); living in rural areas (APR: 1.59 95% CI: 0.55 – 4.56); being affiliated to the subsidized regime (APR: 1.41 95% CI: 0.68 – 2.92); being ≥ 9 years of age (APR: 0.76 95% CI: 0.38 – 1.50); and having a confirmatory diagnosis after 16 days (APR: 0.34 95% CI: 0.10 – 1.15). Conclusions: The variables related to acute lymphocytic leukemia are: being a man; living in rural areas; and being affiliated to the subsidized regime.
Burnout syndrome, satisfaction, and quality of work life in Chilean public health workers
Introduction: The negative influence of the burnout syndrome (BS) on work performance has been demonstrated. However, data are still elusive regarding its specific relationship with Job Satisfaction (JS) and Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) in professions associated with public health. Objective: To analyze the association between BS, JS and ProQOL, and some socio-labor variables of 169 Chilean public health professionals. Materials and methods: A comparative cross-sectional associative study that applied the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Labor Satisfaction Scale (S20/23), and the Professional Life Questionnaire (PLQ-35). Results: 10% of participants perceived high BS levels and satisfactory HS and ProQOL, while 88.8% of health professionals acknowledged medium/moderate levels. 33.5% of the variability in Emotional Fatigue could be explained by chronological age, Intrinsic Motivation, Management Support, marital status and years of service. Good BS predictors are suggested. Conclusions: The data reflect a medium/moderate prevalence of BS, which can be understood in light of the insidious influence of this syndrome. Chronological age and marital status are suggested as protective factors. The results are discussed in the context of current literature.
Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on quality of life and exercise tolerance
Introduction: Pulmonary rehabilitation is an intervention that decreases the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). PR also improves exercise tolerance, emotional state, and functionality. Pulmonary rehabilitation leads to participation and perception of control of the disease, which ultimately enhances the quality of life. Objective: To describe the effects of PR on quality of life and its influence on the functional aerobic capacity in patients with COPD. Materials and methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with patients who attended PR. Functional aerobic capacity was assessed by a 6-minute walking test. The St. George Respiratory (SGRQ) and the Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRQ-SAS) Questionnaires were used to assess health-related quality of life. Results: There was a significant improvement in the 6-minute walking test. Based on the SGRQ, the categories of activity, symptoms, impact, and the total score revealed significant improvements (p≤ 0,005). Finally, the CRQ-SAS registered a positive effect of PR on the domains dyspnea, emotional and total score (p<0,001). Conclusions: PR improves quality of life and functional aerobic capacity of COPD patients.
Biliary ileus in a young adult. A case report
Introduction: Biliary ileus is defined as an intestinal obstruction caused by gallstones. It is due to the presence of a bile-digestive fistula and is common in people older than 60 years of age, mainly in women. Objective: To describe a case of biliary ileus in an average adult male patient treated with enterolithotomy and cholecystectomy. Presentation of the case: A 41-year-old male patient, with a diagnosis of biliary ileus and no known pathological history, who underwent surgical management with enterolithotomy and cholecystectomy at the same surgical time. He had subsequent surgical interventions and management in an intensive care unit, having a favorable outcome and hospital discharge. Conclusion: This case of intestinal obstruction in a patient with no abdominal surgical history and an atypical age presentation represents a challenge for clinical diagnosis of biliary ileus and its corresponding surgical management.
Quality of life in elderly adults from Guerrero, Mexico
Introduction: Quality of life is defined as a state of social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual and occupational wellbeing. Quality of life allows individuals to properly satisfy their needs and reach a level of adaptation to their own conditions and environments according to their health status, limitations and the support they receive to supplement them. Objective: To describe the quality of life of elderly adults in the State of Guerrero-Mexico, taking into account the social context where they live. Materials and methods: Quantitative research using a cross-sectional and analytical approach. The sample was probabilistic, with 75 adults older than or equal to 65 years of age, who were residents of asylums, day houses or rural areas. The applied selection criterion was their signature of the informed consent form. We used the sociodemographic questionnaire and the Spanish version 2 of the SF-36 Health Survey questionnaire that contains questions grouped within their respective items. Results: 80% of the older adults manifested a poor quality of life. Conclusions: Elderly adults from Guerrero displayed high percentages of physical, emotional and social problems, which ultimately lead to poor health and life perspectives.
Presurgical nasoalveolar molding in a patient with left unilateral cleft lip and palate
Introduction: Cleft lip and palate is a craniofacial birth defect that accounts for 1:1000 live birhts in Colombia. Performing nasoalveolar molding before surgery facilitates the reshaping of deformed nasal cartilage and alveolar processes. Objective: To make professionals aware of the importance of performing nasoalveolar molding in a patient with cleft lip and palate before surgical intervention. Materials and methods: A 17-day-old infant with a full left unilateral cleft lip and palate was treated at the dental clinic of the University of Sinú, Montería (Córdoba, Colombia). Once the dental clinical history was recorded, an orthosis plate was made. The plate was changed every 15 days and the molding appliance was repositioned every 8 days. Results: The orthosis plate promoted nasoalveolar molding, which facilitated feeding and improved the shape of nasal tissues. Consequently, this early intervention improved the preparation for the surgery of the cleft when the child reached 8 months of age. Conclusions: Nasoalveolar molding in patients with full cleft lip and palate is important to promote better physical conditions, which favor food intake and benefit their physical appearance.
Environmental carcinogens associated with childhood cancer
Introduction: The American Cancer Society indicates that each year 163,300 cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed worldwide. In Colombia, 300 deaths were reported from this cause in minors during 2015. Currently, the main etiological associations of childhood cancer are ionizing radiation and exposure to pesticides, making it an emerging priority in the global agenda for children's health. Objective: To identify carcinogenic factors associated with the increased risk in the onset of childhood cancer. Materials and methods: A review of scientific articles in English and Spanish was carried out in PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciELO, and statistical publications of the World Health Organization, American Cancer Association and the National Cancer Institute of Colombia. Results: Different carcinogenic factors were described as ionizing radiation, biological agents, dietary patterns, exposure to pesticides, tobacco and asbestos, highlighting their association in the development of childhood cancer. Conclusion: The recognition of the carcinogenic agents frequently associated with childhood cancer, allows the identification of their impact on health, and generates more effective preventive measures that can reduce the worldwide burden of the disease.
Teniendo en cuenta que el artículo de Barrera-Dussán et al.(1), “Prevalencia y determinantes sociales de malnutrición en menores de 5 años afiliados al Sistema de Selección de Beneficiarios para Programas Sociales (SISBEN) del área urbana del municipio de Palermo en Colombia 2017” publicado en el último número de la Revista Universidad y Salud Año 2018 Septiembre-Diciembre Volumen 20 Número 3 Páginas 236-246; no solamente será leído a nivel nacional/colombiano, sino a nivel internacional/mundial, mi comentario más que el desconocer las cifras obtenidas en este excelente artículo original, es tener la oportunidad de que con lo solicitado aquí, pueda aportar mayor e importante información. Para realizar mi comentario, me permito en las Tablas 1 y 2, describir la clasificación para el Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) para la edad y para el Peso para la Longitud/Talla (P/L-T) con relación a Obesidad, Sobrepeso y Desnutrición (DNT) según la Resolución 2465 del Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social Colombiano(2) y según la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS)(3). Como puede observarse, la Resolución 2465 de Colombia(2), según el IMC, no tiene en cuenta la clasificación para DNT, como si lo hace la OMS(3) (Tabla 1); sino, que lo hace con base al indicador P/L-T, en donde se utiliza el término DNT aguda(1) (Tabla 2).
Contribuciones de la Psicología comunitaria a la promoción de la salud
El origen de la psicología comunitaria se traza a una conferencia que tuvo lugar en mayo de 1965 en Swampscott, Massachusetts. Los asistentes a la conferencia estaban insatisfechos con las limitaciones de la psicología clínica tradicional y a su vez preocupados por promover cambio social y político; decidieron ir más allá del énfasis en las terapias individuales y moverse hacia la prevención y la utilización de un modelo ecológico, que considera al contexto del individuo como un factor determinante de la conducta, en lugar de su condición interna o su patología. Moritsugu et al.,(1) en uno de los libros comúnmente utilizados en clases de introducción a la psicología comunitaria, indicaron que la meta central de esta es “optimizar el bienestar de la comunidad y los individuos con intervenciones creativas o alternativas diseñadas en colaboración con miembros de la comunidad afectados por un problema común y en colaboración con otras disciplinas relacionadas.”
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Epidemiology of suicidal intent in children under 18 attended in Los Angeles children's hospital in Pasto, Colombia
Introduction: Suicide Attempt is a public health problem. Despite preventive programs, figures increase, so it is necessary to know its behavior in the pediatric population and in the region. Objective: To characterize clinically and socio-demographically children under 18 who presented suicidal intent and were attended at Los Angeles children's hospital. Materials and methods: An observational descriptive study was conducted with children under 18, who presented suicidal intent and were hospitalized between 2016 and 2017. Results: Data from 151 patients were analyzed. A prevalence of 0.8 cases per thousand incomes was found. 2% (3) died after Paraquat® intake. The average age was 14.7. 74% (112) were girls. 61.6% (58) of the population with suicidal intent had a dysfunctional family environment. Academic problems and depression were presented with high frequency. Cutting, tricyclic antidepressants consumption, acetaminophen and organophosphorus were found among the main mechanisms of suicidal intent. Conclusions: The prevalence of suicidal intent grows rapidly with respect to records reported in previous years in the same institution. This fact may reflect problems in health programs aimed at promoting adolescent mental health.
Health Promoting Universities: A reflection for its implementation from the social determinants of health
Introduction: The social determinants of health (SDH) are the social and economic conditions that affect the individual and collective differences in the state of health. Universities can play an important role in these processes. Objective: To identify the conceptions that professionals from Health Promoting Universities (HPU) of Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Peru, Mexico and Colombia have about SDH, their relationships, and the way to articulate them with the HPS strategy. Materials and methods: A qualitative study with a descriptive approach. 35 participants were divided into three focus groups. The analysis of the information followed the parameters proposed by Miels et al. Results: Participants have a clear conception of SDH. The following intervention strategies were identified: training of personnel, implementation of academic spaces in curriculums, inclusion of the approach of psychosocial skills for life, awareness of management and teaching staff. Conclusions: It is necessary that universities assume a broad conceptual framework on the social determinants of health. This aspect is important to (i) guide interventions and contribute to the health and life of university communities, (ii) contribute to the debate, and (iii) develop systems of political, economic and social action oriented towards the elimination of health inequities.
Effect of inspiratory muscle training with threshold valve on functional capacity of physically active women who are older than 60 years of age
Introduction: Physiological changes associated with aging generate a series of functional modifications, mainly a decrease in respiratory capacity. In this regard, an alternative strategy to improve such a condition could be inspiratory muscle training (IMT). Objective: To analyze the effect of IMT with threshold valve on the functional capacity of physically active women who are older than 60 years of age. Materials and methods: IMT with threshold valve was carried out over a period of 4 weeks, comparing data from the experimental group (GE; n:10) to the control group (GC; n:5). The following hemodynamic and anthropometric variables were assessed: weight, height, body mass index (BMI), lactate, double product (DP) and functional capacity. Pre and post training changes were evaluated. Results: The GE group showed a decrease in both post-intervention lactate concentration (from 3.16±0.51 to 2.5±0.39) and effort perception scale (from 5.56 ± 1.81 to 4±2). On the other hand, this group experienced a post-intervention increase in maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) from 42.11±14.57 to 60.44±14.47. The GC group did not present changes in its values. Conclusion: Although no evidence was found regarding favorable changes in the walked distance post-intervention, IMT induced a reduction in post-exercise lactate concentration, which could indicate a delay of onset of fatigue.
Flexibility, dynamic balance and core stability for injury prevention in university athletes
Introduction: Competitive sports demand intensive physical conditioning that leads to an increased risk of injury, consequently affecting the health, physical performance, participation in training, competition, and sport achievements of athletes. Objective: To determine core stability, lower limb dynamic balance and flexibility characteristics in university athletes. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study with 86 university athletes, which corresponds to 25% of the university population. Core stability, lower limb dynamic balance, and flexibility of the posterior chain, shoulders and hip region were evaluated. The assessment guide from the public policy guidelines in sports sciences for the prevention of injuries was taken into account. Results: 83.7% of athletes displayed a normal body mass index and 47.5% showed an average flexibility in the Sit and Reach test without the presence of hip retractions. Regarding the core, 77.9% of the participants showed a poor stability and 47% had a risk of injury due to the differences between the lower extremities in the dynamic balance. Conclusions: These results suggest implementing injury prevention programs for university athletes.
Physical load, stress and musculoskeletal morbidity in administrative workers in the public sector
Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders are associated with physical and organizational aspects of work, among others. Objective: To determine the relationship between physical load, levels of stress, and musculoskeletal morbidity in administrative workers in the public sector of Popayán (Colombia), between 2016 and 2017. Materials and methods: An analytical-correlational, cross-sectional, quantitative study of a random sample of 104 workers. The data collection instruments were: the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (Kuorinka et al., 1987). Uni- and bivariate analysis were conducted, as well as a Chi-square to test the hypothesis. Results: It was found that 76% of the workplaces require further research and need changes. 79% of employees experienced low fatigue levels, whereas 83% manifested depersonalization. During the last six months, the most common pains reported were neck pain (51%), followed by back pain (36%) and shoulder pain (33%). There was a statistically significant correlation between postural load and muscle pain (p=0.301). Conclusion: Although an increased postural load is related to neck pain, this pain is not associated with workplace stress.
Gender violence: an evolutionary analysis of the concept
Introduction: A concept is an idea about something or an action. Objective: To analyze the concept of “Gender Violence” from the Rodgers’ evolutionary perspective. Materials and methods: An evolutionary analysis of this concept was carried out through a review of literature published between 2000 and 2018. The inclusion criteria were: research articles related to implementation of strategies and politics; thesis; books; book chapters; and reports. They were found in the databases of Lilacs, Ebsco, SciELO, CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The review also included documents from international organizations published from 2000 to 2018 in Spanish, English or Portuguese, which discussed Ibero-American issues. Results: Gender violence is a phenomenon with structural, social and political dimensions and is caused by the structural discrimination triggered by a sex-gender-patriarchy system. Related terms such as gender inequality, control, asymmetric relationships were found. Likewise, surrogate terms, i.e., violence against intimate partners, women and domestic violence, were also identified. Conclusions: Gender violence constitutes a violation against human rights that affects the dignity, physical and moral integrity, freedom, and autonomy of people.
Low birth weight and food insecurity at home in Pasto-Colombia
Introduction: Birth weight is an important indicator of the health of the newborn and of the mother. It can also be used as a parameter to define sanitary conditions of societies. Low birth weight is well known as the main cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood. Objective: To determine the association between home food security during the last trimester of pregnancy and low birth weight. Materials and methods: A cases and controls study that included 73 full-term newborns with low weight and 73 normal weight neonates. Demographic, clinical and food security variables were analyzed. Results: Low birth weight was associated with home food insecurity (OR: 19,3; CI 95%: 6,5-56,9), when adjusted to mother’s arterial hypertension, vaginosis, antecedent of premature rupture of membranes and gestational malnutrition. Conclusions: We found a significant association between home food insecurity during the last gestational trimester and low birth weight of neonates born in San Pedro Hospital, Pasto. The strength of this association could be underestimated in the absence of adjustments to demographic and clinical variables.
Sociodemographic factors associated with suicide mortality rates in Mexico, 2012-2016
Introduction: Mortality due to suicide has increased steadily and continuously in Mexico for more than 40 years. Objective: The main objective was to analyze the sociodemographic factors associated with suicide mortality rates in Mexico between 2012 and 2016. Materials and methods: An observational and cross-sectional study was conducted. Death databases were obtained from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography in Mexico for 2012-2016. A binomial logistic regression model was adjusted to analyze which sociodemographic factors are related to the possibility that people die of suicide in Mexico. Results: Women had a lower chance of dying from suicide, and as age increases, people are less likely to commit suicide. Having some level of schooling or performing an economic activity increased the possibility of death by suicide. Conclusions: This study is expected to provide more evidence to help generate prevention policies, timely care, and the reduction of the impact of suicide on society.