Most patients with brain tumors suffer cognitive and behavioral alterations that impact their quality of life and that of their family environment. Understanding the complexity of these alterations allows for the establishment of appropriate intervention strategies and therapeutic protocols. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the main neuropsychological alterations observed in patients with brain tumors treated at the Central Hospital of Maracay, Venezuela. A descriptive, crosssectional field study was conducted between June and August 2023. The sample was non-probabilistic, consisting of 31 patients diagnosed with brain tumors who voluntarily agreed to participate and met the inclusion criteria. Data collection was done through medical records and a checklist. It was found that the majority of patients were male (61.29%), with a mean age of 57.41 +/- 18.50 years. Among the most common neuropsychological alterations were sudden mood swings (93.5%; CI95%: 78.58-99.20) and short-term memory loss (90.30%). Other findings were disorientation (51.60%), changes in tastes (61.30%), dysarthria (67.70%), long-term memory loss (61.30%), changes in cleaning habits (51.60%), and personality changes (61.30%). It was concluded that the psychological well-being of these patients is compromised, and therefore, clinical work should include psychoeducational aspects involving the patient and their family.
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, and in Colombia it particularly affects women aged 70 and older. To analyze mortality and risks associated with breast cancer in Colombians, a review of available information for the period 1999-2020 was conducted to propose a broad and comprehensive approach with clinical and preventive recommendations tailored to the population. The findings showed that 15,509 new cases and 4,411 deaths from breast cancer were recorded in Colombia in 2020, with a higher incidence in departments that require strengthening early detection strategies. The mortality rate in older women has varied between 1999 and 2019, with elevated body mass index (+21.95%), elevated fasting glucose (+19.79%), and low physical activity (+2.56%) being critical risk factors. Modifiable factors, such as obesity, excessive consumption of red meat, alcohol, and sedentary lifestyle, play an important role in mortality in this population. Promoting healthy lifestyles, including a balanced diet, physical activity, exercise, and reducing unhealthy habits, are essential to reducing the incidence of breast cancer and improving quality of life. The conclusion is that it is important to implement projects and strategies to promote early diagnosis and strengthen public health policies, particularly those aimed at preventing and reducing breast cancer among older Colombian women.
All four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes circulate in the Americas, sometimes simultaneously. The number of cases has grown in recent years, reaching a record high in 2024. DENV serotypes and genotypes play a fundamental role in the increase in cases and the occurrence of severe forms of the disease. Through the genotypic classification of DENV strains circulating in the Americas for 2024, 261 nucleotide sequences of the NS5 gene deposited in the NCBI GenBank of the different DENV serotypes were analyzed. Initially, the DENV genomic sequences were aligned using the CLUSTAL W program, and the phylogenetic analysis was performed using the MEGA11 (c) bioinformatics program. Optimal phylogenetic trees were generated using the Maximum Likelihood method. The results indicated that genotype V (DENV-1), Cosmopolitan and Asian American genotypes (DENV-2), genotype III (DENV-3), and genotype II (DENV-4) circulated in the Americas that year. The majority of the sequences analyzed corresponded to patients who traveled from countries in the region to the United States, where they were classified as travel cases. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening molecular epidemiological surveillance programs, vector control, and early diagnosis, with special attention to travelers and migrants, who can potentially promote the spread of DENV variants in areas where they have likely not circulated previously, with epidemiological implications related to the risk of outbreaks, severe clinical presentations of the disease, and increased morbidity.
Gender inequity in the construction of knowledge persists despite efforts to promote greater accessibility, participation, and leadership in research. Therefore, a critical analysis was carried out on the inequalities present in editorial boards within the health field, examining their consequences for knowledge production and scientific development. Possible solutions are proposed to achieve greater female representation in editorial spaces. In this way, gender inclusion positively impacts the diversity of scientific publications and increases women's representation in knowledge creation. The underrepresentation of women on editorial boards results in delays in scientific production. Recognizing inequalities in publications will lead to actions that enable meaningful transformations in the editorial and research sectors. In conclusion, it is necessary to promote research that more fully acknowledges structural inequalities so that real participation policies can be built, contributing to transformations in the academic sector, the social sphere, and human development.
Child abuse is a serious social problem worldwide, which has spread to Latin America and affects children and adolescents. It is define as abuse and neglect, as well as any action that violates the health development, and dignity of children and adolescents or a situation that jeopardizes their survival including physical, psychological, and sexual violence, neglect and negligence, and commercial exploitation. In Venezuela anyone who witnesses a situation of child abuse has the responsibility to report it to the appropriate agencies, such as the Public Prosecutor`s Office, Child and Adolescent Protection Council and nearby police stations. Child abuse, in all its forms, carries a series of consequences that go beyond the physical effects, influencing the short-medium and long-term psychosocial and emotional development of children and adolescents. It also triggers a series of effects during their growth, placing them at high risk for developing behavioral problems and subsequent psychopathologies, behavioral disorders that fall under the general umbrella of antisocial behavior. Given the socio-health relevance of the topic, this essay was written to promote reflection and encourage dialogue within the Venezuelan society, in particular on the importance of preventing and combating child abuse in all its forms, as a guarantee of the rights of children and adolescents.
Chagas disease is the main endemic vector-borne anthropozoonosis in the Americas, a potentially fatal disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The objective of this study was to retrospectively determine the seroprevalence of Chagas disease in an endemic community in Anzo & aacute;tegui State, Venezuela. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted with 161 blood samples from individuals taken in 2018 and collected on filter paper. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for processing, and for positive results, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied. Fifteen positive results (9.32%) were obtained using the ELISA method, of which 14 (8.70%) were positive using the PCR technique. A seroprevalence of 9.32% for Chagas disease was observed. The sociodemographic characteristics reported that the age groups with greater frequency corresponded to 0-10 years (25.46%) and over 50 years (23.6%), female sex (50.93%), social stratum IV (57.14%), primary school and high school education level (46.58%). Likewise, a higher frequency of students (34.16%), ranch-type housing (59.63%), with ignorance of the vector (73.29%), ignorance of the disease (68.32%) and asymptomatics (93.17%). Risks (OR): ranch-type housing (OR: 1.97; p = 0.38), farmer (OR: 3.42; p = 0.50), heart disease (OR: 2.34; p = 0.27), vector bite (OR: 1.17; p = 0.93). The risk of exposure to Trypanosoma cruzi has continued to persist in recent years, with a higher frequency among individuals with agricultural occupations and poor housing conditions.
Osteoporosis is a systemic bone disease that causes loss of density and alterations in bone microarchitecture, increasing bone fragility and the risk of fractures, diminishing patient quality of life, and generating high economic costs. This study sought to characterize the clinical-epidemiological profile of patients seen in the osteoporosis clinic of the Dr. Enrique Tejera Hospital City from January to December 2023. It was a descriptive, observational, and retrospective case series study. A non-probabilistic sample of 68 medical records was used, selected from a total of 90 consecutive cases seen at that clinic. Records of patients with a diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis, confirmed by central bone densitometry, who had all the variables required for the research were included.The study demonstrated that 100% of patients were female, with a mean age of 64 years (+/- 8.71 years). The primary diagnosis was osteoporosis in 66.18% of cases. The most frequently associated comorbidity was high blood pressure (58.23%). All participants were postmenopausal, with natural menopause being the most common presentation (58.21%). Breastfeeding predominated as a risk factor, accounting for 45.36%. In summary, it can be highlighted that the increase in life expectancy among the population is driving a rapid increase in the incidence of osteoporosis. This phenomenon is worrisome, as there are few robust awareness-raising strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and timely treatment of the disease.
The objective of this study was to determine the experience, prevalence, and treatment needs of early childhood caries (ECC) in children aged 24 to 71 months treated in the dental clinics of a public university in Mexico. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a non-probability sample of 207 medical records belonging to these patients aged 24 to 71 months. Dental caries was considered the dependent variable, obtaining experience (average CEOD index) and prevalence (CEOD greater than 0). The treatment needs index (TNI), the care index (CI), and the significant caries index (SIC) were also calculated. The independent variables were age and sex. The results showed an age of 4.30 +/- 0.81, and 54.6% were male. The average CEOD in the sample was 4.58 +/- 3.92. The "decayed tooth" component accounted for 91.0% of the total index (4.17 +/- 3.75). The prevalence of ECC in the sample was 81.2%. No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed in the experience and prevalence of ECC by age and sex. The overall INT was 99%, while the CI was 0.9%. According to age and sex, the INT was estimated to be greater than 99.0%, and the CI was less than 1.0%. In conclusion, the experience and prevalence of ECC in the sample were high. A need for treatment for dental caries and low experience with care were observed. Implementing interventions to improve the oral health of the child population is essential.
With the aim of increasing knowledge about sexually transmitted infections among nursing students in the Songo-La Maya municipality of Cuba, an educational intervention study was conducted from January to December 2023 with a nonprobability sample of 40 first-year nursing students. The educational intervention consisted of three stages: diagnosis, intervention, and evaluation. At the end, a predominance of participants aged 18 to 20 years was evident. The main challenges in terms of knowledge were the different types of infections and the sexually transmitted infections transmission routes, as well as the clinical manifestations. This educational intervention program proved effective in increasing knowledge about sexually transmitted infections among these students. Behavioral changes were confirmed 10 weeks later through a post-intervention survey. The scientific community is encouraged to expand these types of studies to other universities with similar characteristics and evaluate the long-term impact of psychosocial interventions on behavior modification and the reduction of sexually transmitted infections in medical students. This research had some limitations, including the lack of inclusion of family members and/or sexual partners.
With the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of the infusion of the leaves of Phyllanthus amarus (Schumach. & Thonn) as an adjuvant in the control of patients with type 2 Diabetes mellitus, belonging to Medical Office 15. Carlos Juan Finlay Polyclinic, Songo-La Maya municipality, period January-2023 to January-2024; a quasi-experimental study was carried out, with a population of 198 diabetic patients, and through non-probabilistic and intentional sampling, 100 patients were selected, distributed into 2 groups, one for conventional treatment plus infusion (study group) and another with conventional drug treatment (control group). Patients in both groups were evaluated at 60 minutes, 24 and 72 hours and 7 days after the start of the procedure, considering improvement and no improvement according to the presence or absence of symptoms of metabolic decompensation and normalization of glycemia. The results reported a predominance of patients aged 50 to 59 years and females in both groups. Of the patients treated with the P. amarus leaf infusion, 50% (n=25) showed improvement after 60 minutes; while in the control group, no patients improved within this period. The effectiveness of the P. amarus leaf infusion as an adjuvant in the treatment of type 2 DM is evident. It constitutes a natural therapeutic option for controlling this disease, reducing decompensation and the appearance of short- and long-term complications in the patient, which prevent them from carrying out their daily activities and from functioning in society.
Brucellosis, a zoonosis of public health importance due to its economic and social impact on the population, is transmitted through contact with infected animals or the ingestion of contaminated dairy products. Information gaps exist regarding factors associated with its prevalence among slaughterhouse workers in Venezuela, particularly in the Alberto Adriani and Sucre municipalities of M & eacute;rida state in the western part of the country. To evaluate occupational factors associated with human brucellosis in workers at three slaughterhouses in these municipalities, a cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in 2023 with a field design involving 193 workers. Data collection forms and checklists (COVENIN Standard 794-86) were used to assess occupational hygiene and sanitary conditions. Blood samples were taken from these workers by venipuncture and analyzed with Rose Bengal and Brucella-PBA. The results showed a brucellosis seroprevalence of 2.1% (Brucella-BPA) and 0.5% (Rose Bengal). Demographic characteristics identified that 81.3% of the workers were men, 35.8% were between 39 and 49 years old, and 64.2% had a low educational level. Regarding occupational health, 19.7% were on the slaughter line and 91.2% used personal protective equipment, although minor hygiene lapses were detected. It is concluded that the seroprevalence of human brucellosis in these workers is low (2.1%), associated with the high use of personal protective equipment and basic structural conditions that mitigate occupational risk. It is recommended that biosafety measures be maintained and strengthened for this vulnerable population.
The Oropouche virus is an emerging arbovirus that poses a growing global threat. It is transmitted primarily by the Culicoides paraensis midge, with wild and urban life cycles, facilitating its zoonotic and person-to-person transmission. This virus is the etiological agent of Oropouche fever, a disease whose symptoms include high fever, headaches, and muscle aches. Diagnosis is complicated due to the overlaping of symptoms with other arboviruses. Climate change, deforestation, and unplanned urbanization drive its spread. Historically confined to the Amazon, recent outbreaks in 2024 have revealed its geographic expansion, with confirmed cases in the Americas and reports in Europe and North America. Oropouche fever has been documented to include neurological complications and vertical transmission. Detection in semen suggests sexual transmission. Given the rapid spread of this arbovirus in the Americas, particularly in Latin America, and the possibility of cases appearing in other continents, this review aims to analize the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the disease, to highlight the importance of identifying early cases and adopting a multifaceted approach by health authorities with effective preventive measures including vector control, strengthening epidemiological and genomic surveillance, diagnosis, health promotion, and community participation to limit its dispersion, control its spread, and mitigate its impact on human health.
University professors in Venezuela are experiencing the worst socioeconomic crisis of all time, affecting their quality of life. A non-experimental, correlational, cross-sectional field study was conducted to determine the relationship between quality of life, stress, and anxiety among professors at a School of Health at a Venezuelan public university. A non-probabilistic, purposive sample of 62 professors was selected. Following informed consent, the following instruments were administered: the Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF); the Perceived Scale and the Anxiety Disorder Inventory. The results showed that most professors were between normal to fairly satisfied with their quality of life in a frequency of 37% for each line, with a mean score of 63,11 +/- 15,89 points. However, 42% of these professors presented high levels of stress and in terms of anxiety, professors showed normal levels, with an inverse correlation between Quality of Life, stress and anxiety (- 0.82 and-0.79 respectively), while stress and anxiety were positively correlated (0.74). It is concluded that most teachers are normal to fairly satisfied with their quality of life, 42% present high levels of stress with a predominance of sleep and cognitive symptoms, although more than 80% showed normal to low levels of anxiety.
The purpose of this document is to share the content of the speech prepared and read on the occasion of the commemoration of the first solemn session, for the day of San Diego de Alcal & aacute;, of the Municipal Council of the municipality of San Diego in the state of Carabobo, Venezuela, an event to which I was invited to participate as Keynote Speaker. It was structured in two sections to address the following aspects: the first focused on the life and virtues of holiness of San Diego de Alcal & aacute;, the municipality's toponym and the second, oriented to climate change and the development of this municipality, from a scientific-environmental perspective. For this purpose, a bibliographic review was carried out and the chronicler of the municipality and other people familiar with its local history were consulted, enriching the text based on my life experience as a resident of this municipality. In this sense, we highlight that in recent years urban development processes have been increasing natural factors and anthropic factors; highlighting the importance of political decisions to plan the use of public spaces and the care and promotion of the plant cover, considering the variables of scientific susceptibility, threats and environmental risks to which we, the inhabitants, are exposed due to the global environmental crisis. From this perspective, it is essential to take into account the close relationship between environmental health and public health, reflecting on the environment in which we live and its effect on the health of the population.
To analyze the association between environmental pollution, climatic conditions, and the circulation of respiratory viruses in various communes of Santiago de Chile between 2020 and 2023, an ecological, analytical, retrospective, and longitudinal study was conducted in the Santiago, El Bosque, and Cerro Navia communes. Data were collected on atmospheric pollutans (PM2.5 , PM10 , NO2 , O-3), climatic variables (temperature and relative humidity), and viral circulation (Influenza A [Inf A], Influenza B [Inf B], Respiratory Syncytial Virus [RSV], COVID-19, adenovirus, and metapneumovirus). Descriptive analyses, Spearman correlations, and generalized linear regression models were performed to examine the associations between the studied variables. The results were reported with 95% confidence intervals, and statistical significance was established at p < 0.05. The findings indicated that PM10 exhibited the highest densities in El Bosque and Cerro Navia, while O-3 consistently showed low levels. Influenza A (Inf A) had the highest density in Santiago, whereas P-Inf and adenovirus were predominant in El Bosque. Spearman correlations revealed significant associations, highlighting a positive relationship between PM2.5 and Inf A and adenovirus, whereas O-3 showed a negative association with several viruses. Multilevel generalized linear models further confirmed these associations, emphasizing the influence of NO2 and relative humidity on Inf A, as well as a negative relationship between average temperature and Inf B and adenovirus. These findings suggest interactions between environmental pollution, climatic conditions, and viral circulation in the selected communes, underscoring the potential impact of the measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In peer support in mental health, the previous training of the person who facilitates the support (Peer Support Worker) is necessary. In this context, a descriptive study of a 5-year time series analysis is carried out, describing the results of the Acomp & aacute;& ntilde;ame!- basic course, a training program for people with mental health problems to work as Peer Support Workers. The program was implemented in collaboration with mental health social entities in Spain in 2019 and 2023. The non probabilistic sample, selected by convenience, consists of 68 people (32 men and 36 women) aged between 21 and 66 years (M: 46.93; SD: 10.149) to whom different tests and a satisfaction questionnaire were applied. The results show the scores obtained in the different tests and the satisfaction questionnaire. Inferential analysis were carried out, showing statistically significant differences related to the age group variables. In addition, positive correlations have been identified between the scores of different tests. Despite the lack of standardized metrics in Spain, the results are encouraging. The training program offers an approach to this practice, but it is necessary to continue with more training for the development of this new professional profile. Nevertheless, peer support is emerging as a very effective strategy to promote the social and professional inclusion of people with mental health experience.
Caring for the health of people, families and social groups constitutes the axis and the reason for being of the nursing profession. Care has existed since the beginning of humanity; however, as societies have evolved, daily life has become increasingly complex, customs, habits and ways of life have been influenced by this progress, coupled with the advancement of science and specifically the development of technologies in all senses. Thus, the nursing professional relies on instruments, equipment and technologies available to carry out care, in order to optimize and make it more effective. The purpose of this qualitative approach essay, with an argumentative design, was to promote reflection on the importance of a practice that balances technological innovation with the maintenance of usual or daily nursing care. To this end, a discussion was presented on the nature of nursing care, the nursing profession and the use of technology by the nursing professional to care for the health of people in the human life cycle. Finally, the call is to look again and reflect on the use of nursing techniques and tools, recognizing the body as the first and most essential tool, the guiding thread of nursing care, and enhancing routine care such as hygiene, nutrition, and comfort, which do not require the use of complex technology.
This paper gives an overview about the need to have an interdisciplinary perspective when approaching Health Sciences. This should allow the professionals to face contemporary challenges and the reality of human beings. The hegemonic Health Sciences approach has brought limited progress when facing basic problems related to the health-disease process and the human condition itself. This think-piece paper raises challenges from the active relationship of collaboration between disciplines around the recognition of territory and culture for human health, the collaborative professional exercise and the mutual enrichment of knowledge, the construction of public policies transversalized by health in the variety of sectors, the strengthening of health from the arts and the generation and articulation with alternative knowledge. There is an urgent need to approach health and life care from an integrative vision that overcomes both the segmentation of knowledge and the fragmented spectrum of the human being, and the supreme explanation of the biological dimension in health problems. An interdisciplinary dialectic that starts from recognizing and exchanging knowledge with other disciplines in a horizontal perspective is proposed here, as the fundamental axis of such care.
Sexuality is an integral part of a person's overall health identity. The aim othis research was to evaluate the perception and opinion of sexual diversity among students of the medicine at the University of Carabobo. Using an observational, descriptive, crosssectional, non-probabilistic study design, data was collected from 100 regular and volunteer students enrolled in the first year and fifth year of Medicine. Information was gathered through a questionnaire developed by the authors and validated by a variable operating table and expert judgment. The results showed a majority of females, 68 and 60% in both groups respectively, aged 17-20 (82%) in first year, and 21-25-year-old (66%) in fifth year. It was observed that 22% and 20% respectively do not perform religious practices, 92% and 98% understand use the definitions of sexual orientation and diversity, and 96% age 78% its acronym LGBTIQ+. Regarding opinions on sexual diversity and legal aspects, both groups expressed agreement with same-sex marriage, its legalization, adoption of children, and holding public office, with over 70% in favor. However, there was a difference in opinions regarding the change in values associated with such legal approval. Likewise, these students recognize that diversity is a taboo subject, one that doesn't classify individuals, and they approve of the inclusion of sex education at the university without discrimination and the inclusion of a curricular unit on sexual health in the curriculum.
The objective of this research was to determine the factors associated with therapeutic adherence in patients with arterial hypertension in the hospital care area of Ci & eacute;naga, Department of Magdalena, Colombia. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of273 patients enrolled in the arterial hypertension control program at the San Cristobal Hospital in Ci & eacute;naga. A Likert-type scale was used to evaluate the factors that influence therapeutic adherence, based on Giarte, the Spanish version of Rodr & iacute;guez and Renter & iacute;a. The data were statistically analyzed with IBM SPSS software, applying descriptive and correlational tests to their study variables. Of the 273 patients studied, 77.3% were female, 91.9% were over 50 years old, 59.0% were homemakers, and 35.9% had basic secondary education. Regarding the doctor-patient relationship, 73% rated it as fair, and 33.3% indicated that the information provided was fairly clear. All patients (100%) adhered to their medication regimen, and 93.0% followed the prescribed schedule. According to disease characteristics, 38.5% of patients had been diagnosed with hypertension for more than 5 years, 57.9% had little knowledge about their health status, and 61.5% had physical problems. Regarding psychosocial factors, 69.2% were very concerned about the disease. The sample of these patients showed high adherence to antihypertensive treatment; however, this is a complex process that requires further research.
