The European Journal of Health Research (EJHR), e-ISSN: 2445-0308, was created in 2015 by the Spanish Scientific Society for Research and Training in Health Sciences (ASUNIVEP) and since its creation it has been oriented to disseminate research in health sciences, carried out in Latin America in close collaboration with the Universidad Autónoma de Chile. As of 2021 the journal is edited in Santiago de Chile by the Universidad Autónoma de Chile, in this way the EJHR journal becomes the official organ of its Faculty of Health Sciences and of the Spanish Scientific Society for Research and Training in Health Sciences (ASUNIVEP). Your e-ISSN registration: 2445-0308 was transferred to the ISNN Chile agency (https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/2445-0308#) The European Journal of Health Research (EJHR) is a peer-reviewed, serialized publication, continuous publication. The objective is the dissemination and publication of empirical - research and / or theoretical works in any field related to Health, in its broadest aspect, extending its coverage to professionals from other related disciplines. All manuscripts will be sent to members of the Editorial Committee and experts on the subject for their evaluation, which will be anonymous and in pairs. This Journal DOES NOT APPLY PUBLICATION CHARGES at any stage of the process.
The publication are distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license (CC BY 4.0). The rights of the works published in this journal are the property of the author and they are free to distribute and disseminate them, as long as the source is correctly cited.
Dietary fiber as a therapeutic strategy to protect intestinal barrier function and reduce neuroinflammation in alcohol use disorder: implications for depression and relapse
Introduction: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are highly comorbid conditions sharing a common neuroinflammatory substrate. Chronic alcohol consumption disrupts the intestinal barrier and induces gut dysbiosis, leading to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) translocation, systemic inflammation, and central neuroinflammation that persists during abstinence and increases relapse vulnerability. Objective: This perspective review discusses the mechanistic links between alcohol-induced gut barrier dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter imbalances underlying depression and relapse in AUD, and proposes dietary fiber intake—as a source of intestinal butyrate through microbial fermentation—as a potential adjunct therapeutic strategy. Discussion: Butyrate, the principal short-chain fatty acid produced by colonic fermentation of dietary fiber, is the primary energy substrate of colonocytes and exerts anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of NF-κB and histone deacetylases. It promotes intestinal barrier integrity by upregulating tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1), reduces LPS translocation, and attenuates the peripheral-to-central inflammatory cascade. By reducing neuroinflammation, butyrate may contribute to restoring the balance of glutamate, dopamine, and serotonin, neurotransmitter systems disrupted by alcohol and critically implicated in depression and relapse. Conclusions: Increasing dietary fiber intake to enhance endogenous butyrate production represents a safe, accessible, and mechanistically grounded strategy to complement existing therapies for AUD-related depression and relapse prevention.
Copyright (c) 2025 Diliana Pérez-Reytor, Eduardo Karahanian https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Methodological and reporting quality of randomized controlled trials assessing health outcomes after bariatric surgery in obese adolescents: a methodological study
Objective: To assess the methodological and reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have evaluated the impact of bariatric surgery on health outcomes in adolescents with obesity. Materials and Methods: A systematic search and methodological analysis was conducted using data retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and SciELO up to May 2025. Two independent reviewers selected RCTs involving adolescents who underwent gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or gastric banding as surgical interventions. The CONSORT 2025 checklist (39 sub-items) and the Joanna Briggs Institute tool for RCTs (13 items) were employed for evaluation. Results: Three RCTs published between 2010 and 2024 were included, totaling 141 adolescents (mean of 47 per trial). All studies were prospectively registered, and 67% were multicenter trials. Surgical interventions consistently demonstrated superiority in weight control (mean weight loss of 12-35 kg) and remission of metabolic syndrome (0-22% in controls vs. 78-100% in surgical groups). No significant effects were observed on global cognitive function (mean difference: 0.4 IQ points; 95% CI: -3.9 to 4.8). The mean CONSORT checklist adherence was 71.8%. Methodological quality averaged 74% compliance, with two studies fulfilling 10 out of 13 items, and one fulfilling 9. Conclusions: Although studies on bariatric surgery suggest that it offers benefits for weight loss and metabolism in adolescents, the evidence is based on a limited number of studies with significant gaps in transparency and in control of surgical biases.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jhony Stiven Franco Zuluaga, Jhonatan Nieto Centeno, Juliana María Durango Velásquez , Steven Sierra Madera, María Alejandra Brito Mugno , Gustavo Adolfo Díaz Cervantes , Carolina Rodríguez Ocampo, Luisa María Muñoz Orozco, Matias Salvador Alamo Anich, Oriana Pérez Rubio, Johana Galván Barrios https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Anatomical variations of the frontal sinus drainage pathway according to the IFAC classification: frequency and interobserver agreement in a Paraguayan population
Objective: To determine the frequency of anatomical variations of the frontal sinus drainage pathway (FSDP) according to the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification (IFAC) and to assess interobserver agreement in a Paraguayan population. Methods: An observational, descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted in 203 patients (406 FSDPs) with paranasal sinus computed tomography. Two otolaryngologists independently classified frontal-ethmoidal cells following the IFAC system. Frequencies, 95 % confidence intervals (CI95 %), and interobserver agreement were analyzed using Cohen’s κ, PABAK, and Gwet’s AC1, with clustering adjustment for paired sides per patient. Results: Mean age was 37.3 ± 16.3 years; 54.7 % were female. The most frequent cells were agger nasi (95.1 %), suprabullar (85.2 %), and supra-agger nasi (50.3 %). Less frequent variants included frontal suprabullar (18.7 %) and frontal supra-agger nasi (17.5 %). No significant differences were found by sex, age group, or laterality (p > 0.05). Overall interobserver agreement was moderate-to-good (κ = 0.693; 95 % CI 0.64–0.74), with high consistency confirmed by PABAK (0.74) and Gwet’s AC1 (0.77). Conclusion: The most frequently identified anatomical variations of the frontal sinus drainage pathway according to the IFAC classification were the agger nasi cell (95.1%), the suprabullar cell (85.2%), and the supra-agger nasi cell (50.3%). Application of the IFAC classification demonstrated moderate to good interobserver agreement (κ = 0.693), confirmed by the PABAK and AC1 indices, supporting its reproducibility and usefulness for anatomical assessment of the frontal recess in clinical practice and endoscopic surgical planning.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rodrigo González, Juan Santacruz, Enrique Pérez Girala, Carlos Mena Canata https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Structural changes in respiratory emergency demand in Chile (2017–2024): a retrospective Bayesian time-series analysis
Objective: to identify structural changes in respiratory emergency demand in Chile between 2017 and 2024 using a Bayesian time-series framework incorporating annual seasonality, day-of-week effects, and smooth change points, stratified by level of care. Materials and Methods: An ecological time-series study was conducted using official administrative records of 33,597,638 respiratory emergency visits in Chile from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2024. Daily counts were stratified by care level: primary care emergency services (APS) and hospital emergency departments. Bayesian negative binomial regression models were fitted incorporating Fourier-based annual seasonality, day-of-week effects, and two a priori structural change points with smooth transitions aligned to key COVID-19 epidemiological milestones. Structural effects were summarized using multiplicative ratios and 90% credible intervals, and compared with classical methods including CUSUM, moving averages with Z-score thresholds, and deterministic segmentation. Results: Of the 33,597,638 visits recorded, 24,617,474 occurred in primary care and 8,980,164 in hospital emergency departments. The series exhibited marked annual seasonality and two structural transitions consistent with the early and later pandemic phases. Both care levels showed multiplicative ratios below unity at the first change point and above unity at the second. The Bayesian approach demonstrated shorter detection latency than classical methods in retrospective comparison. Conclusions: Respiratory emergency demand in Chile between 2017 and 2024 displayed structural changes clearly distinguishable from seasonal variation, with distinct patterns across care levels. Bayesian time-series modeling enabled more precise characterization of demand transitions, supporting its use as an analytical tool for health system surveillance in high-variability contexts.
Copyright (c) 2026 Eric Comincini Cantillo, Jorge Homero Wilches Visbal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Burnout syndrome among workers referred to an occupational health unit
Background: Burnout syndrome is an occupational phenomenon that affects the health and well-being of workers. However, its frequency in populations referred to specialized occupational health units in specific territorial contexts is poorly documented. Objective: To estimate the frequency of suspected burnout syndrome and to explore its association with sociodemographic, occupational, and lifestyle variables in workers referred from Primary Care to the occupational health unit of Lleida, Alt Pirineu, and Aran during 2024. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 51 workers referred from Primary Care to the occupational health unit in Lleida, Alt Pirineu, and Aran in 2024. Sociodemographic data were collected, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey (MBI-GS) was administered. The main outcome was MBI-GS positivity. Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to explore the association between positivity and the independent variables. Main results: Nineteen of the 51 workers (37.3%) presented positive results, indicating suspected burnout in this referred population. Most of the associations analyzed were not statistically significant. Workers aged 26 to 45 years showed a lower risk of positivity. Conclusion: In this specific sample of workers referred to the occupational health unit, suspected burnout was a frequent occurrence. The findings should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size and the selected nature of the population; therefore, the results are considered exploratory.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jesica Pardos Plaza, Meritxell Soler Saña, Montserrat Puiggené Vallverdú https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Cognitive status of older adults and psychological burden on their primary caregivers
Introduction: Caregivers of older adults with neurocognitive disorders present high levels of stress and health problems. Objective: Determine the relationship between the patient’s cognitive status and the burden of their primary caregiver seen in the Specialized Consultation of the CITED (National Center for the Study of Neurocognitive Disorders) between January and December 2021. Methodology: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. The sample was intentionally and non-probably formed with 80 older adults who met the selection criteria and an equal number of primary caregivers. Caregiver interviews were conducted, and the Zarit Burden Scale was used, as well as the MoCA, Katz, and Lawton scales for the patients. The dependent variable was burden, and the explanatory variables selected were: patient cognitive status, age, sex, education level, relationship, time and type of care, and functionality for basic and implemented activities of daily living. Results: 51.3% of caregivers presented burden. The change in caregiver burden was influenced by the patient’s cognitive functioning status, although adjusting the regression model for other caregiver, patient, and care variables slightly reduced the effect on caregiver burden B (IC95%) of -3.550 to -1.571. Conclusion: Caregiver burden levels are high, and are associated with the cognitive functioning of older adults.
Copyright (c) 2026 Elaine Hernández Ulloa, Humberto Arencibia Pérez, Adialys Guevara González, Yaime Duvergel Despaigne https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Neuropsychological intervention in the cognitive functioning of older adults with mild cognitive impairment
Introduction: Mild cognitive impairment represents a high-risk state for progression to dementia, making neuropsychological interventions a promising therapeutic strategy. Objective: To evaluate the clinical utility of a neuropsychological intervention program on the overall cognitive functioning of older adults with mild cognitive impairment who attended the Center for Research on Longevity, Aging, and Health during 2022. Materials and methods: A pre-post quasi-experimental study with a single intervention group included 26 purposive older adults who participated in 12 sessions of cognitive training and activities of daily living, reality orientation therapy, and reminiscence therapy. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Although the change in the overall MoCA score was not statistically significant (p = 0.65), a relevant clinical impact was observed: 73% of the patients maintained or improved their cognitive performance. Improvements were identified in specific domains (executive functions, attention, and visuospatial skills), while memory proved to be the most resilient domain. In the functional sphere, 73.1% maintained their independence. A notable finding was that participants with hypertension showed significantly greater improvement in instrumental activities of daily living (p = 0.04). Conclusions: The evaluation of the neuropsychological program suggests that the intervention can contribute to the stabilization of cognitive and functional performance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Although no statistically significant changes were observed overall, most participants maintained or improved their performance, representing a preliminary indication of benefit. The heterogeneity in response indicates the need to adapt future interventions according to individual clinical profiles.
Copyright (c) 2026 Elaine Hernández Ulloa, Pedro de Jesús Rodríguez Arenas, Niurka Cascudo Barral, Adialys Guevara González , Klency González Hernández, Norge de Jesús Santiesteban Velázquez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Diet quality and nutrition knowledge of in-school adolescents in private and public schools at Odeda local government area
Introduction: Adolescence is a critical developmental stage where nutrition plays a vital role in growth and long-term health. Despite this, many adolescents fail to meet dietary recommendations, resulting in poor diet quality and increased risk of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases. Objective: To examine the associations between diet quality and nutrition knowledge among in-school adolescents in private and public schools in Odeda Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria.. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving 402 adolescents aged 13–17 years selected through multi-stage random sampling from two public and two private schools. Dietary intake was assessed using the Global Diet Quality Project tool, while nutrition knowledge was measured with a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple regression at p < 0.05 significance level. Results: The mean age of respondents was 15.24 ± 1.03 years, with females comprising 65.2%. While 56.5% of adolescents had adequate dietary diversity, 84.8% fell below global dietary recommendations. Nutrition knowledge was moderate in 73.6%, good in 15.4%, and poor in 10.9%. Private school students had significantly higher nutrition knowledge (p = 0.001), though no significant differences were found in dietary diversity or adherence to dietary recommendations between school types. Multiple regression revealed that household position (p = 0.001) and number of siblings (p = 0.025) significantly predicted dietary diversity, while gender (p = 0.014) and maternal education (p = 0.020) predicted adherence to global dietary recommendations. Conclusion: Adolescents in Odeda LGA showed moderate dietary diversity but poor adherence to global dietary recommendations. While private school students demonstrated slightly better nutrition knowledge, overall diet quality was inadequate. These associations, given the cross-sectional design, should be interpreted with caution. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to better understand and address adolescent dietary behaviors.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dare Ademiluyi, Yewande Uthman-Akinhanmi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Fibrinogen concentration correlates with glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients and elevated fibrinogen concentration has been described as an important risk factor. Objective: to determine the plasma concentration of fibrinogen and its association with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with DM2. Materials and methods: An observational, non-experimental, correlational, cross-sectional, cross-sectional research was conducted between November 2023 and August 2024. We selected 120 participants of both sexes diagnosed with DM2 who attended the Internal Medicine office of the Hospital Provincial General Docente Riobamba, Ecuador (90 patients with DM2 and 30 controls). Subjects with a diagnosis of DM2 were divided into three groups according to their HbA1c levels: group 1 (HbA 1c <6.5 %), group 2 (≥ 6.5% <10.0 %), and group 3 (HbA1c ≥ 10.0 %). Blood glucose levels, lipid profile, and plasma fibrinogen were evaluated. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed between subjects with DM2 and controls regarding age, BMI, serum glucose concentration, and triacylglycerides (p<0.05). Patients with DM2 showed higher mean plasma levels of fibrinogen than controls (P<0.001). A significant positive correlation was observed between fibrinogen and HbA1c (r=0.8380, P<0.0001). Conclusion: The correlation observed between fibrinogen concentration and HbA1c levels in the subjects with DM2 evaluated in this investigation, together with the increase in triacylglyceride concentration, supports the value of these markers for the early prediction of the main complications observed in diabetes, such as vascular dysfunction, the development of atherosclerosis and consequent cardiovascular damage.
Copyright (c) 2025 Pablo Aguirre-Villegas, Adriana Pedreáñez 3 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Retraction: Biogenic amines as a diagnostic biomarker in inflammatory bowel diseases
Title: Aminas Biógenas como biomarcador diagnóstico en enfermedades inflamatorias intestinalis [Aminas Biógenas como biomarcador diagnóstico en enfermedades inflamatorias intestinales] Authors: Juan A. López-Ayala, María Virtudes López-Ayala, Pablo Navarro-Hernández, Manuel Sánchez-Fernández. Indexing information: European Journal of Health Research - 2015, Vol. 1, Nº 3 (Págs.79-94) DOI: https://doi.org/10.30552/ejhr.v1i3.7
Copyright (c) 2025 Editorial Comitee EJHR https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Systemic Intervention in Psychosocial Factors to Improve Organizational Health: A Case of Implementation in Ecuador
Every labor organization or company is a dynamic and complex system that has a structure, is related to the socioeconomic and cultural context where it develops its activity and has its own purpose. When the working conditions and the individual characteristics of those who make up a company come into conflict, a state of discomfort can occur that negatively affects the relational process within the organization, but also become risk factors for the mental health of its workers. On this basis, an intervention program has been developed consisting of 21 workshops that address three areas related to psychosocial conditions at work: 1) holistic aspect (diagnosis in alienation and work stress; 2) focused on man-work relationships (job satisfaction and involvement) and 3) focused on interpersonal relationships (social support and social-psychological climate of the group). Among the main results in the companies where it has been carried out, the cohesion at group level, improvements in the levels of job satisfaction, increase in productivity and decrease in work burnout are mentioned. Among the main challenges is the program evaluation under the parameters of evidence-based programs.
Copyright (c) 2024 Virginia Marrero Laceria, Shirley Arias-Rivera https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Biochemical parameters and dietary adherence in type 2 diabetics on hemodialysis
Introduction: Non-adherence to diet and fluid intake of the patient on hemodialysis can lead to the accumulation of toxic metabolites in the blood, resulting in increased morbidity and premature death. Objective: to determine biochemical parameters and diet adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes on hemodialysis attending the dialysis unit of the General Hospital IESS Riobamba. Methods: A quantitative correlational, prospective, quasi-experimental, longitudinal design study was carried out in 87 subjects with diabetic nephropathy of both sexes between 40 and 70 years of age, who were receiving dialysis treatment. Biochemical measurements were taken (hematological, metabolic and lipid profile, albumin and electrolytes) and the questionnaire of non-adherence to diet and fluids for hemodialysis (DDFQ) was applied. Results: Significant differences were found (p<0.05) in the male gender in the following parameters: hemoglobin, creatinine and albumin. While in women significant differences were found in uric acid concentration. In both sexes significant differences were observed in phosphorus and potassium concentrations (p<0.05). About 80% of the patients manifested a degree of deviation from 1 to 3 (between no deviation and moderate deviation) to diet and fluid restrictions. Conclusion: most of the patients showed a good adherence to diet and liquid restrictions, which was related to the main biochemical parameters studied
Copyright (c) 2024 Patricio Salazar Luna, Hazel Anderson Vásquez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Anxiety: emotional disturbance in health students during pandemic restrictions
Introduction: COVID-19 was one of the greatest crises that the population has suffered, causing illness and death, forcing confinement to try to stop this virus. It produced serious effects on mental health, including the presence of anxious processes among university students. Objective: Identify the emotional disturbance of an anxious type in students in the health area during the restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2021. Method: Descriptive, transversal. The sample was 350 university students. Administering a sociodemographic characterization sheet and the Manifest Anxiety Scale for University Students AMAS-C. Supported under the law regarding research in Mexican territory. Results: Female participation of 77.7%. Ages ranging between 18 and 38 years. 64.0% presented some type of emotional or physical affectation. 74.0% presented extreme global anxiety, where the distribution behaviors between men and women are similar. By dimensions, 94.4% presented significant restlessness and/or hypersensitivity, 78.3% extreme physiological anxiety, 33.4% significant exam anxiety and 24.3% expected levels of social concerns and/or stress. Conclusion: The confinement experienced by these students was identified as the main trigger for the presence of anxiety. It is important that educational, governmental and health authorities provide them with knowledge and tools to face serious situations that threaten their mental health.
Copyright (c) 2024 Flor Esthela Carbajal Mata, Carlos Alberto Carreón Gutiérrez, Patricia Rivera Vázquez, Alma Rosario Castillo Torres, Gabriela Maldonado Guzmán, Luis Jesús Banda Rangel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Transient acute parkinsonism secondary to organophosphate poisoning:- Case report
Although organophosphate poisoning presents a frequent clinical picture in different health services, the association with symptoms related to Parkinsonism is unusual, in initial stages they configure syndromic pictures such as acute cholinergic syndrome until its progression to more complex forms of polyneuropathies. We present the case of a 62-year-old male patient who, after ingesting organophosphates, developed a cholinergic syndrome until presenting transient manifestations of parkinsonism.
Copyright (c) 2024 Luis Fernando Orozco - Idrobo , Juan Santiago Serna Trejos, Esteban Agudelo-Quintero, José Mauricio Cardenas-Prieto https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Correlations between burnout and mental health in a sample of teachers
The burnout is a topic in the field of occupational health that has been worked during the last deans, which is a chronic wear, produced by stress, it is considered important to work in professionals of the educational field in virtue of the topic of pandemic and perception of some teachers has interpreted this transmission as an adverse load and stressful the topic of telework. The objective of the present investigation was to identify the existing relation between burnout and mental health in a sample of teachers. A cross-sectional methodology with a quantitative approach was used, with a correlational design, with a non-probabilistic sample of 178 teaching professionals, using Maslach and Jackson’s MBI Inventory and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale DASS-21. The results reveal that most of the teachers had an average of emotional exhaustion 15.69 and depersonalization 3.6, a mean of personal accomplishment 39.24. With respect to mental health, the highest mean was stress with 4.16, followed by anxiety 3.05 with a mean of and depression of 2.65. Among the most important correlations, it was possible to identify the relationship between anxiety, depression and stress with emotional fatigue, depression and depersonalization and personal fulfillment with each of the scales: anxiety, depression and stress. It is considered important to work in clinical practice based on these results to implement lines of action to reduce stress within educational organizations.
Copyright (c) 2024 Marina del Rocío Ramírez Zhindón https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Validation of the maternal communication scale on sexual health
Communication between parents, sons and daughters is fundamental and has been shown to be a predictor of protective or risk behaviors in different areas. Although there are instruments that assess it, there are not culturally valid and reliable instruments that allow us to know what men who have sex with men talk about and how they perceive the communication they have with their mothers regarding sexual health. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to validate the maternal sexual communication scale in men who have sex with men. The participants were 219 single young men with an average age of 21 years, who attended a clinic specializing in HIV care, of whom 64.7% reported identifying themselves as homosexual, all of whom mentioned living with their mother. The maternal communication scale on sexual health (ECM-SS), consisting of 14 items in Likert-type format with five response options, was applied individually. A descriptive analysis was performed for each of the items, and an exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was obtained, as well as the internal consistency (ω McDonald’s). According to the exploratory factor analysis, the scale consisted of 14 items grouped into two factors, the first with eight and the second with six items, with a total explained variance of 76.6. The confirmatory factor analysis was adjusted in the second model obtaining the following values of adjustment x2=196, p<.001, CFI=0.9, RMSEA=.08, finally ω=.90 was obtained for each factor. The psychometric properties of the scale are adequate, it is suggested to extend the evidence in similar samples, allowing the use of this scale in the evaluation of maternal communication on sexual health, to promote protective sexual behaviors.
Copyright (c) 2023 Consuelo Rubi Rosales Piña, Ricardo Sánchez Medina, David Javier Enríquez Negrete https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Coping strategies in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus from a community in Tamaulipas, Mexico
Objective: Identifying coping strategies among a group of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus from an urban community in Tamaulipas. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out on 215 adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A sociodemographic data form and the Coping Strategies Inventory (CSI) were completed. The data were processed using the statistical package SPSS version 21. The research was conducted in accordance with the regulations of the General Health Law on Research in Mexico. Results: Females accounted for the majority with a prevalence of 72.09%. Of the participants, 58.13% had adequate coping strategies, 35.37% had good coping strategies, and the remainder had poor coping strategies. In specific domains, 43.7% showed adequate emotional expression. 79.0% reported wishful thinking, 55.3% had good social support, and 32.0% exhibited low cognitive restructuring. Insufficient problem-solving avoidance was observed in 45.1%, while 33.9% had low problem-solving avoidance. Additionally, 66.0% experienced negative social withdrawal, while 30.6% exhibited moderate social withdrawal. Conclusions: Coping strategies should be considered as the physical and mental demands that need to be put into practice to promote the quality of life for individuals with a chronic illness. They are a crucial aspect in advancing or stagnating disease management, which is not transient but permanent, and when properly
Copyright (c) 2023 Rosa Elvira Montoya García, Sandra Angélica Ramírez Hernández, Sanjuana de Jesús Ramos Luna, María Elena Torres Rubio , Alma Rosario Castillo Torres , Artemisa Sánchez Leo, María Isabel Campos Torres , Imelda Lizeth Muñoz Vázquez , Laura Virginia Loredo Larraga , Nancy Lissette Jaramillo Saldívar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Analysis of the Benefits of Equine Therapy in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy in the child population encompasses alterations in motor functions, usually accompanied by other impairments in language and cognitive and sensory development. Complementary support therapies are a great ally in the treatment of minors, having been shown to improve psychosocial and behavioral skills and the general development of children with cerebral palsy. In this sense, equine therapy provides multiple benefits, both physically and psychologically. The aim of this work was to analyze the benefits of equine therapy and hippotherapy for children with cerebral palsy. For this, a systematic review was carried out on the articles published in the last 10 years in the Web of Science, PubMed, Tripdatabase and Cochrane databases. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 9 were finally selected. The studies found indicate that, among the multiple areas affected and that experience improvement with this type of therapy, the benefits that it reports to children on a physical level are high. . Among them are the improvement of the elimination pattern, body control and posture. And at a socio-psychological level, an increase in interest in the game, learning capacity, curiosity and communicative intention is noted, as well as an improvement in proprioception, attention and socialization skills. Therefore, this work highlights the advances generated by equine therapy in different areas of the life of minors with cerebral palsy.
Copyright (c) 2023 Laura Guzmán Fernández, Ana Belén Gracia Velasco, Rocío Madrid López https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Perception of health personnel and patients about hospital noise
Acoustic pollution and noise have a direct relationship with health. Despite the fact that in Spain there are laws that legislate noise aimed at reducing the risks of its exposure among workers, in general there is no real awareness of the harmful effects it entails. That is why the aim of this work is proposed: to analyze the perception of health personnel and patients about hospital noise. For this, there was a sample of 48 individuals, between hospitalized patients and active health personnel. For the evaluation of the participants, an ad hoc survey was used. Participation was voluntary and statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS program. The results indicate that mornings are considered the time of day with the highest rate of noise. Among the perceived causes, the visit of relatives is identified by health workers as the one with the greatest weight. On the other hand, regarding the effects of noise, the majority of professionals point out that noise has a negative impact on health, however, only 25% of patients agree with this statement. In relation to the possible measures to reduce noise and improve the rest of the patients, both the professionals and the patients themselves, indicate that the majority use individual rooms. In conclusion, the multiple factors that are linked to excessive noise in the hospital environment and the negative repercussions of this type of pollution for both patients and workers stand out.
Copyright (c) 2023 Víctor Gallego Herrera, Nereida María Albaladejo Garrido, Vanessa Roldan Barreiro, María del Carmen Cuines Rodríguez, Ana Belén Gracia Velasco https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Approach to the overload of the main caregiver of patients with dementia from its prevalence, protection and risk factors
A high percentage of people with Alzheimer’s disease are cared for by a relative who acts as a non-professional caregiver. Caring for a person with dementia produces negative effects on the well-being of the caregiver, as a result of a high overload. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence, as well as the risk and protection factors, of the overload of non-professional caregivers of patients with dementia. For this, a systematic review of articles published in the Medline, Pubmed, PEDro, Scielo, and Dialnet databases published in the last 10 years was carried out. After analyzing 17 documents, the high prevalence of overload and burnout in non-professional caregivers of nurses with dementia is established. In addition, as patients’ dependency and inability to perform basic activities of daily living increase, so does the burden on caregivers. Among the factors linked to overload, the most notable are age, perceived state of health, educational and socioeconomic level, and the social and family support network. The findings are discussed, taking into account the need to develop multidisciplinary programs that increase resources for early detection of the disease and reduce the socio-sanitary and economic burden of dementia on caregivers and society as a whole.
Copyright (c) 2023 Rocío Madrid López, Laura Guzmán Fernández, Nereida María Albaladejo Garrido https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Tamoxifen: adverse effects and possible interactions with antidepressants in patients with breast cancer
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in women. Tamoxifen is the adjuvant drug of choice in the endocrine treatment of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. It has effects that are very useful with respect to the vaginal epithelium and bone, in addition, it is cardioprotective. On the other hand, it should be noted that after the diagnosis of the disease, there are notable physical and psychological changes that have a great impact on the patient and that, in many cases, is linked to the appearance of depression. The aim of this work was to analyze the evidence regarding the possible interactions between tamoxifen and different antidepressants, as well as their adverse effects in breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen treatment. For this, a systematic review of the articles published in the last 10 years in the Science Direct, Dialnet, Scielo, Medigraphic and PubMed databases was carried out. After the final selection of 12 documents, the results indicate that the choice of antidepressant in the case of women with breast cancer undergoing treatment with tamoxifen should be made based on the profile, side effects, and possible drug interaction potential. It is essential to pay special attention to the importance of the interactions that can occur between tamoxifen and antidepressants, since this interaction can have an impact on the prognosis of breast cancer and the indication of antidepressants arises from non-oncology specialists. In short, it is essential to take into account that there is no clinical evidence that supports prescribing one antidepressant instead of another with respect to their efficacy and safety, therefore attention must be paid to the different interactions that may arise.
Copyright (c) 2023 Víctor Gallego Herrera, María de los Ángeles Blasco Rocamora, Dolores María Martínez Buendía, María del Carmen Cuines Rodríguez, Vanessa Roldan Barreiro https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Advances in the management of sepsis: New therapeutic aspects
Copyright (c) 2022 Juan Santiago Serna–Trejos, Stefanya Geraldine Bermudez-Moyano , Luis Miguel Ramírez-Burbano, Laura Carolina Neira–Ruiz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Quality of life in parents of children with neuromusculoskeletal disabilities
Objective: to know the quality of life of parents of children with disabilities through a quantitative, exploratory and cross-sectional study. Participants: sample of 137 parents, 74.5% women and 22.5% men. Instrument: The Family Quality of Life Scale [ECVF] adapted to the Colombian population was used. Data processing: they were processed in the statistical program SPSS-24, using a parametric distribution (KS≥.05), with descriptive statistics, Pearson's bivariate correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression model by the method of successive steps to predict the total quality of life score based on the ECVF subscales. Results: most caregivers are women, housewives, married. The majority of caregivers have higher education and work full time. Most of the children of the participants have moderate disabilities. Regarding the Family Quality of Life Scale, the subscales are related in terms of measuring a total quality of life for parents of children with disabilities. Regarding the linear regression model, the "satisfaction with health and safety" subscale helps predict a higher quality of life for parents.
Copyright (c) 2022 Diana Isabel López Rodríguez , Bárbara de los Ángeles Pérez Pedraza , Karla Patricia Valdés García https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Clinical and imaging evaluation of patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage. Observational study of a series of cases.
The clinical and imaging evaluation of patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage is a fundamental step in the management and prognostic assessment of these patients. This research aimed to determine the behavior of the initial neurological status and the magnitude (imaging) of bleeding in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage. An observational, descriptive-correlational and retrospective study was carried out, which included 96 patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage between 2016 and 2021. The frequencies of the categories of the Hunt and Hess (clinical) and Fisher (imaging) scales were determined; the relationship between these scales and other variables was analyzed using bivariate analysis (Odds Ratio and its confidence interval). Among the results it is found that 54% of the patients were placed in the "grade II" category of the Hunt and Hess scale; only three patients (3%) presented grade V. There was a significant association between the condition of old age and the grouping of grades III-V of said scale (OR 2.6[1.1;6]). 77% of the cases were located in grades III and IV of the Fisher scale, with a predominance of the latter (46%); more than half of the patients 60 years of age or older were classified as grade IV (55%), unlike what was observed in those younger than that age (37%). It is concluded that the series was characterized by the predominance of favorable clinical status on admission, despite high degrees of bleeding according to the Fisher imaging scale. In older adults in particular, greater clinical deterioration was observed upon admission, and greater magnitude of bleeding.
Copyright (c) 2022 Luis Alberto Corona Martínez, Mercedes Soledad Corona Fonseca, Ada Sánchez Lozano, Ernesto Castro López https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Emotional intelligence as a protective factor of burnout and its consequences in Ecuadorian health personnel
Introduction: Several studies have found that emotional intelligence plays a beneficial role in stress, burnout and mental illness. Studies in the Latin American context and in the health field are scarce. Objectives: to determine the association between emotional intelligence and burnout syndrome in health personnel, as well as the predictive power of emotional intelligence and other physical and psychological health factors in burnout. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study carried out with 202 professionals from a hospital in Ecuador. The instruments consisted of a survey with sociodemographic and clinical data such as anthropometric measurements and vital signs. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS-24) and the PHQ-9 depression screening questionnaire were also used. Results: 71.2% of the participants presented clinical scores on at least one subscale of the MBI. 10.6% showed high emotional exhaustion, 23.7% showed high depersonalization and 50.5% showed low personal accomplishment. 12.4% showed burnout and 11.4% showed moderate to severe levels of depression. Emotional intelligence was found to be negatively associated with burnout and depression. Regression analysis indicates that high scores in depression are explained by the combined effect of excessive emotional attention, high burnout and low emotional repair. Conclusion: Healthcare personnel are exposed to human suffering and death, as well as to high levels of responsibility, which increase in times of crisis. All this leads to burnout, which in turn can lead to depression. It is necessary to implement individual and organizational protection strategies that enhance emotional intelligence as a way to avoid these psychosocial risks.
Copyright (c) 2022 Sylvia Azucena Hidalgo Jurado, Cristina Jenaro , Lourdes Moro Gutiérrez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Background: In Crohn's disease enterovesical fistula is relatively uncommon, the diagnosis of enterovesical fistula can be challenging, and often patients are monitored for months before the condition is recognized and effectively treated. Case presentation: This is a 38-year-old patient with a condition of dysuria, diagnosed with Crohn's Disease 7 years ago and repeated Urinary Tract Infections for the past two years.Although Crohn's Disease is a primary disorder of the digestive tract, typically patients with Crohn's Disease associated with enterovesical fistula seek medical attention as a result of urinary tract complaints, delaying the diagnostic time. Conclusion: Although infrequent, the occurrence of recurrent urinary tract infections associated with Crohn's disease should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent urinary tract infections due to the high morbidity and mortality and severity of the pathological process.
Copyright (c) 2022 Robson Francisco Ferreira Junior , Seidel Guerra López , María de los Ángeles Pedroso Rodríguez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Construction and validation of a scale to assess socio-psychological and affective consequences of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has generated different consequences, including susceptibility to infection with a potentially deadly virus, interpersonal relationships affected by confinement, and in some cases, a negative affective response to government decisions such as social distancing measures, school, workplaces and public transportation closures, and restrictions on meetings. The present study evaluated the psychometric fit of a scale that measures the socio-psychological and affective consequences of COVID-19. It was a cross-sectional, instrumental study; 582 Mexicans between 18 and 65 years of age (22.1% men, 77.9% women) participated. A scale was constructed with 14 Likert-type items with five answer options. The fit of the measurement model was evaluated through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). All items discriminated between high and low scores; the KMO and Bartlett's test of sphericity values were adequate to estimate the EFA. Four factors were identified: I) Deterioration of family relationships due to confinement (α=.88), II) Risk perception before COVID-19 (α=.84), III)Attitude about government health decisions (α=.94); and IV) Responsibility for health care (α=.70). The overall internal consistency index of the scale was α=.74 and ω=.75; the variance explained was 74.10%. However, the Parallel Analysis suggests only three dimensions: Factor I (α=.88; ω=.88), II (α=.94; ω=.94), and III (α=.84; ω=.84). This second model explains 79.28% and consists of 11 items. The model fit indices were acceptable: CMIN/DF=1.883; NFI=.984; CFI=.992; GFI=.979; AGFI=.964; SRMR=.029; RMSEA=.039. Having valid and reliable scales becomes a way to obtain relevant information as inputs for other research aimed at relating variables of interest or predicting preventive or risk behavior before COVID-19.
Copyright (c) 2022 David Javier Enríquez Negrete, Ricardo Sánchez-Medina https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Levin & Peled's Scale of Attitudes Towards Prostitution and Prostituted Women (2011): Preliminary Study of Its Psychometric Properties
A topic of interest about prostitution research is the assessment of beliefs or attitudes related to. The Levin and Peled (2011) scale of Attitudes Toward Prostitutes and Prostitution is an innovative instrument with a quantitative methodology approach. Our aim will be to test the preliminary psychometric properties of this scale in Spanish population. Our sample included 357 students from the Miguel Hernández University. Most of them (74.8%; n = 267) are women and the rest are men (n = 90; 25.2%). The mean age was 20.8 years (SD: ± 4.6). The scale of Levin y Peled (2011) was culturally adapted by the research team and it was administered to selected sample. We analyze the internal consistency and construct validity. The Total Scale, Attitudes towards Prostitution Scale, and Election-Victim Prostitution subscale, showed internal consistency ≥.80. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test was ≥. 80 and Bartlett test was significant (p = .000) were satisfactory scores for 2 or 4 factor models. We could not get any model to reproduce the same structure of original scale. The item analysis showed some item-total correlations <.20 that suggest to review them. As a conclusion, the authors support both models for 2 or 4 factors represent the scale in a coherent way with the theoretical framework.
Copyright (c) 2022 M. Carmen Terol Cantero, Maite Martín-Aragón Gelabert, Carolina Vázquez Rodríguez, Ainara Rodríguez Nardi, María Cristina González Martínez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Factors associated to a critical condition at the moment of hospitalization in patients with community-acquired pneumonia
The acquired pneumonia community is one of the most common causes of hospital admissions, with high impact on mortality. The objective was to evaluate the association of various factors with the state of severity at admission in patients hospitalized for pneumonia. It was done a descriptive study with 1,809 patients hospitalized for pneumonia between 2012 and 2020. Factors related to the patient, the disease, and prehospital management were evaluated as independent variables; as a dependent variable, the status at admission was considered. Through bivariate and multivariate analysis, the association was measured through the odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval. It was showed association significant among various conditions and evaluated the state of gravity entry; the factors that showed the greatest strength of association were: bedridden (OR 5.4 [4.2;7]) , presence of a medium or large pleural effusion (OR 4.8 [3.2; 7.2] ) , age of 60 or more (OR 4.2 [3.5,7]), extension nonlocal a radiation lobe (OR 3.6 [2.8;4.6] ) and a history of advanced dementia (OR 2.2 [1.7,2.8]). As conclusions, there is a relationship between the occurrence of the state of severity of patients with community-acquired pneumonia at the time of their hospital admission and several adverse conditions, some inherent to the characteristics of the patients (previous bedridden, advanced dementia and diabetes mellitus) and others to the radiological behavior of the disease (the radiological extension of the affectation beyond one lobe and the presence of a medium or large pleural effusion at the time of admission).
Copyright (c) 2022 Luis Alberto Corona Martínez , Iris González Morales, María Caridad Fragoso Marchante https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Covid-19 vaccination coverage and break through infections in urban slums of Bengaluru, India: A cross sectional study
Background: The world health organization declared Covid-19 as pandemic on 11 March 2020. Vaccinating the people residing in urban overcrowded slums can decrease disease burden and control the Covid-19. Objectives: 1] To estimate COVID 19 vaccination coverage 2] To assess the factors responsible for COVID - 19 vaccination coverage and vaccine hesitancy 3] To study Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) pattern following COVID- 19 vaccination 4] To determine the prevalence of breakthrough infections after COVID - 19 Vaccination in urban slums of Bengaluru, India. Methodology: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in Urban slums belonging to field practice area of Akash Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, India. After obtaining Institutional ethical clearance, data was collected from 1638 participants and analyzed using SPSS version 24. Chi square test and Fischer’s exact test was applied. Results: In present study, 35.5% (583 out of 1638) of study participants had taken COVID Vaccine of which 533 (91.42%) were partially vaccinated and 50 (8.5%) were fully Vaccinated. 63.65% vaccinated with Covishield reported adverse events and 18.6% with Covaxin. Adverse events were reported by women (74.7%) compared to men (58.6%). Vaccination coverage was high among 18 – 45 years (37.75%), males (64.86%), graduates (95.67%), clerical and skilled workers (70.75%), Upper middle socioeconomic class (72.41%) which was statistically significant. Our study reported break through infections in 7 out of 583 vaccinated with prevalence of 1.2% and was very high among partially vaccinated (85.71%) compared to fully vaccinated individuals (14.28%). Conclusion: The Covid vaccine coverage was low in urban slums. The prevalence of break through infections in our study was higher compared to available data/reports in country. Breakthrough infections was very high among partially vaccinated individuals. The most important factor for vaccine hesitancy is mild or serious adverse effects following immunization which is biggest challenge in global response against pandemic.
Copyright (c) 2022 Dr. Sunil Kumar, Dodderi, Dr. Apoorva E, Patel, Dr. Srividya, Jayaram, Dr. Vidya, Ramesh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/