Ciencia e Innovación en Salud

Forecasting infant survival rates and life expectancy in Latin American countries: 2016-2019

2022-09-28T23:46:08+00:00

Background: In recent years, the survival rate of infants (neonatal and under-five) as well as life expectancy has increased globally, these levels have been increasing almost in a linear fashion with respect to countries' spending on health systems.

Methods: Retrospective descriptive research on health indicators. A prediction of infant survival rates and life expectancy at birth is made in 19 Latin American countries using classic polynomial regression models for the period 2016-2019. We used data from 2000 to 2015 from the World Health Organization and World Bank data repositories.

Results: The research results show that the models developed have an average R2 value of 0.9963 for Neonatal Survival Rate, 0.9965 for Survival Rate of children up to 5 years and 0.9599 for Life Expectancy, as well as very low values of the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) indicating a good fit of the models.

Conclusion: The proposed models can be used by the different countries of the region since the adjustment of the models is very good and the results obtained can serve as a basis for the different social and economic planning processes of a country.

Breast self-examination in students of a public university in the Colombian Caribbean

2022-10-01T21:12:26+00:00

Introduction: Breast self-examination is considered the most relevant, simple and affordable method for the prevention and early diagnosis of breast cancer. Objective: To evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices on breast self-examination (BSE) in female university students in the health area. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 female students of a public university. An anonymous ad-hoc self-report questionnaire was applied, which included sociodemographic variables and variables related to knowledge, attitudes and practices on BSE. Data were analyzed from proportions, Poisson regression estimating prevalence ratios and associations with 95% confidence interval. Results: 55.7%, 51.0% and 54.5% had adequate knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding WEA, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the model that best explained inadequate knowledge was being adolescents (PR=1.36), rural origin (PR=1.30), studying in programs not related to AEM (PR=1.92) and consuming alcohol (PR=1.28); inadequate attitudes: belonging to programs not related to AEM (PR=1.44) and consuming alcohol (PR=1.48) and inadequate practices with being an adolescent (PR=1.74) and belonging to programs not related to AEM (PR=1.37). Conclusions: Knowledge, attitudes and inadequate practices about AEM in university students are associated with age, origin, alcohol consumption and studying in academic program not related to AEM, offering specific lights to intervene from health promotion..

Characterization of intertrochanteric fracture in adults treated at a third/fourth level hospital in Tunja

2022-10-26T15:27:10+00:00

Background: Hip fractures are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in adults, being the most prevalent in the ESE University Hospital San Rafael of Tunja.

Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional observational study with a population of legal age with intertrochanteric fracture treated in the months of study. Studying variables such as fracture classification, laterality and treatment, among others. Information analyzed from medical records in the hospital database.

Results: They were identified 56 patients with intertrochanteric fractures, November being the month with the most cases (26.79%); Tronzo III B fractures are the most frequent (40.35%), with the left laterality being the most affected (61.40%). Surgical treatment was performed with a cephalomedullary nail (93%). The female sex is predominant with a 3:1 ratio; the age group of 81-100 years is the most affected (58.93%), with Tronzo III B predominating. Surgical care time is 106.83 hours (SD=13.05), with the subsidized regimen being the most prevalent (75%).

Conclusions: Intertrochanteric fracture is the most treated pathology in the institution, increasing the morbidity and mortality of the elderly in Tunja and Colombia. It is suggested to strengthen promotion and prevention campaigns in the identified population, improving their quality of life.

Reactivation of the elective surgical practice and prioritization strategies during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a successful experience

2022-09-12T16:49:15+00:00

Objective: To describe the clinical/epidemiological characteristics and prioritization strategy in adult patients undergoing elective surgery during the SARS-CoV2 pandemic.

Method: Descriptive observational study of 297 surgical patients in a high complexity clinic in the city of Cali-Colombia, from April 27 to August 5, 2020. Four phases were established in the patients: Risk Stratification, Pre-surgical Strategy, Surgical Phase and Post-Surgical Follow-up.

Results: In the institution, 9 of the 20 authorized surgical services underwent surgical interventions during the study period. There were 21.9% of low severity complications (type I and II) according to Clavien-Dindo classification. A total of 189 oncologic (63%) and 108 non-oncologic (36%) procedures were performed. Risk stratification according to the MeNTS score was predominantly ≤50 (294 patients). Post-surgical follow-up was performed by telephone and face-to-face; only one patient presented symptoms suggestive of SARS-CoV2 infection.

Conclusion: During the resume of ambulatory surgical activities, strict protocols were established with defined criteria for the selection of patients undergoing surgical procedures and measures to minimize the risk of nosocomial SARS-CoV2 infection in patients and healthcare team personnel.

Functional food prototype with ingredients associated with the reduction of symptoms of gastritis in adults

2022-10-19T19:46:06+00:00

Gastritis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which has been related to infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, among others, leading to symptoms such as localized pain in the epigastrium or dyspepsia, which in the long term and in the company of unhealthy lifestyle habits, there is a greater risk of developing gastric cancer. Therefore, the general objective of this article was to develop a functional food prototype with ingredients associated with the reduction of gastritis symptoms in adults; Methods: food prototype innovation project based on validation of scientific information on functional foods related to the reduction of gastritis symptoms. The prototype was validated through sensory tests to expert and consumer panels and development of the CANVAS model; Results: Aloe Vera and Calendula were used as functional ingredients included in two strawberry-blackberry and mango flavored beverages, finding that the first had greater acceptance and sensory quality with both the expert panel and the consumer; Conclusions: a food prototype with accepted sensory characteristics was obtained, with the functional ingredients calendula and Aloe Vera that have been related in the general public and by scientific evidence for the management of gastritis symptoms.

Active congenital toxoplasmosis, an underestimated threat: case report

2022-08-13T22:02:14+00:00

Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) is a consequence of vertical transmission of the toxoplasma gondii parasite during gestation. We present a case of premature CT, adolescent mother diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy with gestational toxoplasmosis, without treatment. After birth, the patient was admitted to the neonatal intermediate unit, with normal vital signs, on physical examination with mild signs of shortness of breath, splenomegaly approximately 7cm, hepatomegaly 3 cm, generalized micropapular lesions, chest X-ray without alteration and positive IgG and IgM serologies, confirming a severe CT diagnosis due to ocular, cerebral, hematologic and skin involvement; she received pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, folinic acid and prednisolone. The appearance of these cases of severe component sets off alarms in prioritizing maternal and family education and also human talent at the time of approaching and monitoring the pregnant woman, contributing substantially to the decrease in vertical transmission, and in turn the long-term impact on the newborn and her family.