USMA-Speiro (Repositorio Institucional de la Univ. Católica Santa María la Antigua)
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MEDICIÓN DEL IMPACTO DE UN PROGRAMA DE ARTETERAPIA SOBRE LOS ESTADOS EMOCIONALES Y COGNITIVOS DE PERSONAS MAYORES INSTITUCIONALIZADAS EN UN ALBERGUE PÚBLICO DE LA CIUDAD DE PANAMÁ DURANTE EL PERIODO 2024, 2025.
la institucionalización de personas mayores va en aumento
debido a la falta de atención domiciliaria, recursos económicos y apoyo familiar
limitados, aunado a las dificultades para acceder a servicios de salud. Esto se asocia
con una alteración del estado emocional y cognitivo y con un mayor riesgo de
enfermedades cardiovasculares, metabólicas y, en algunos casos, negligencia o
maltrato. La arteterapia ha demostrado ser una intervención no farmacológica eficaz en
entornos geriátricos, reduciendo síntomas depresivos y ansiosos, y mejorando la
cognición
Relación Entre Variables Psicosociales y la Adherencia al Tratamiento Antirretroviral en Pacientes con VIH de la Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas del Hospital Santo Tomás en la Ciudad de Panamá, entre los años 2022 y 2024
Introduction: HIV/AIDS remains one of the deadliest infections globally, impacting 39.9 million people in 2023, with 2.7 million cases in Latin America and the Caribbean. Adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) is crucial for effectively controlling the disease. In the Americas and the Caribbean, the epidemic disproportionately affects certain groups, including individuals with mental health conditions, social vulnerabilities, and those facing stigma—factors that complicate adherence to treatment. Objective: Establish the relationship between stigma, quality of life and psychosocial variables with adherence to antiretroviral treatment in patients with VIH the Infection Disease Clinic of the Hospital Santo Tomás in the City of Panama, between the years 2022 and 2024. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted, involving 100 adult patients who had been on the ART program at the Infectious Diseases Clinic of the Santo Tomás Hospital for over 6 months. The patients were divided into two groups: a group of participants adherent to treatment (n=50) and a non-adherent group (n=50).
Different scales were used to measure the different variables. The Berger Stigma Scale in HIV patients was used to measure stigma. Quality of life was measured with Vilagut's SF-36 scale. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy was obtained with the Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ) scale and finally the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scale was used to measure depression, and the General Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) to measure anxiety. Additionally, participants filled out a survey to assess sociodemographic variables. Results: Participants not adhering to treatment were significantly younger and reported significantly greater internal stigmatization, as well as more symptoms of depression and anxiety. Non-adherent participants reported significantly lower physical function, physical role, bodily pain, general health, vitality, vitality, social function, emotional role, and mental health compared to adherent participants. However, no significant
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differences were found when comparing adherers and non-adherers in terms of distance from housing to clinic, time with HIV, completed academic degree, monthly income, and perceived external stigmatization. Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of assessing stigma, depression, and anxiety levels in new patients to ensure better follow-up care. Additionally, these findings provide valuable insights for developing interventions that target these factors, which could enhance treatment adherence. This study lays the groundwork for designing and evaluating the effectiveness of such interventions
ASOCIACIÓN ENTRE DISCRIMINACIÓN, SALUD MENTAL, IDENTIDAD Y NIVELES DE CORTISOL EN UNA MUESTRA LGBTQ+ EN PANAMÁ EN EL AÑO 2023
Discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people can affect overall health, causing psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and suicidal ideation and behavior. It has been evidenced that vulnerability factors in LGBTQ+ people are related to discrimination and hateful behaviors, generating low self-esteem and psychopathological symptoms. Data on the Latin American region indicate that cases of discriminatory acts against LGBTQ+ people are on the rise. According to the Registry of Violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex persons in the Americas of the Organization of American States, Panama is one of the countries in the region that reports cases of discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons, however, there is no data that establish the incidence of these cases. Chronic exposure to experiences of discrimination can lead to imbalances in mental health and in the biological stress regulation system. The objective of this
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research was to identify the association between perceived discrimination, mental health, and cortisol levels in a sample of LGBTQ+ people in Panama in the year 2023. This study has a cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach and a descriptive correlational non-experimental scope. The sample consisted of 48 LGBTQ+ participants of legal age residing in Panama. Sociodemographic data were collected, and the following scales were used: the Perceived Discrimination Scale, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale and the Dimensions of Sexual Orientation Identity Scale for Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals. Two saliva samples were collected to assess morning and evening cortisol using an in vitro immunological test. A Pearson correlation was performed to analyze the relationship between perceived discrimination, mental health, identity and cortisol levels. The results showed that younger people present more depressive, anxious and stress symptoms. In addition, a positive correlation was found between discrimination by society and the presence of symptoms of depression and stress. In turn, a positive correlation was found between concern about sexual orientation acceptance and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. A moderated multiple regression model was also performed and showed that perceived group discrimination predicts the occurrence of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, being moderated by concern about the acceptance of sexual orientation identity. However, no relationship was found between cortisol levels and psychological variables. These results show that discrimination is related to the quality of mental health of LGBTQ+ people. The present study is the first of its kind to be conducted in Panama and the results contribute to the literature on sexual diversity from a biopsychosocial perspective and promote governmental decision-making based on scientific evidence for the benefit of the health of LGBTQ+ persons
FACTIBILIDAD Y GRADO DE SATISFACCIÓN DE UNA EVALUACIÓN TELENEUROPSICOLÓGICA EN UNA MUESTRA DE ADULTOS MAYORES QUE TUVIERON O NO COVID-19 EN LA REPÚBLICA DE PANAMÁ, 2023- 2024
Teleneuropsychology is a modality of neuropsychology that has gained more relevance
since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, feasibility of these kind of evaluation is
unknown in Panamá.
The objective of this study is to describe the feasibility and satisfaction with the
application of a teleneuropsychological battery in people 50+ years older in Panamá,
and the relation between cognitive health of the participants and suffering COVID-19
previously.
This is a descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional and observational study, with an
applied focus. The study´s sample corresponded to 50+ years older adults in Panamá.
Participants were contacted to confirm if they complied with inclusion criteria,
Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status of Memory (TICS-M) and the National
Alzheimer´s Coordinating Center (NACC) Health Questionnaire were applied to
confirm if the participant could be assessed virtually. If eligible, sociodemographic
questionnaires were applied. Teleneuropsychological assessments were made using a
teleneuropsychological battery using zoom and REDCap platforms. COVID-19
background questionnaire was applied and participants were asked to fill a satisfaction
formulary.
The sample consisted of 67 participants 50+ years older (M=62.16, DE=7.64) that
completed the assessments and answered the sociodemographic questionnaires.
Participants had high levels of education (M=16.67, DE=1.95). Chronic health issues
were majorly reported (M=1.09, DE=0.96) and there were few depressive symptoms
(M=1.50, DE=1.83). Regarding the teleneuropsychological tests, there were not
significant differences in most of the applied tests when compared by sex, age or
COVID-19 background, with the exception of the Multilingual.Naming Test (MINT),
with better performances from men compared to women (p < .001), the verbal fluidity
test with better performances from men compared to women (p = .032), the Wisconsin
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Sorting Card Test where younger participants had better results (p = .020) similar to
participants who had COVID-19 background (p = .009) and the Oral Trail Making Test
B (OTMTB), were participants with COVID-19 background finished the test faster (p
= .010). When comparing z scores controlling for education, there were not significant
differences in most of the applied tests, with the exception of the RAVLT Delayed (p =
0.01) were men with COVID-19 background recalled more words from the list; and in
the OTMTB (p = 0.05) were women with COVID-19 background had more points.
Significantly high (p < .05) and very high (p < .001) correlations were found between
teleneuropsychological tests that assessed the same domains. 2 factors were identified
with a principal component analysis that explained 33.1 % of the variance in the
correlation matrix. Finally, most of the sample was satisfied (33.8 %) or very satisfied
(60.0 %) with the teleneuropsychological assessment.
Feasibility of the teleneuropsychological assessment was described in Panamá with
50+ years older adults without cognitive impairment. No significant relation was found
between COVID-19 background and participant´s cognitive health. These results
should be verified in future studies. The cognitive profile of the sample corresponded
with that of an older adult without cognitive impairment. Significantly high and very
high correlations were found between tests that assessed the same domains and 2
factors explained 33 % of the variance in the correlation matrix, all these tests assessed
memory. Finally, the sample showed high levels of satisfaction with the cognitive
assessment
Abuso de Menores en Panamá y su Contexto Social: (ODS16) Paz, Justicia e Instituciones Sólidas
Sexual abuse against children continues to affect thousands of children. It constitute-s a violation of their rights, enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child ratified by Panama in 1990. Through this investigative book, it helps to understand the current situation of child abuse in Panama. In this book, you will find the analysis of Panamanian regulations related to child abuse, statistical results of public data on said topic, and the systematization of secondary information published in the media. That made it possible to evaluate the actions of the institutions binding on the issue of the prevention and protection of minors and propose a roadmap to implement public policies, together with social actors, institutions, and civil society organizations that have been carrying out a work on prevention and protection of children's rights, whose analysis is linked to compliance with SDG16. Because child sexual abuse constitutes an extreme dimension of abuse of children and adolescents, it has an impact on peace and justice, where it is necessary to have solid institutions for this vulnerable group, with which sustainable human development is strengthened
EVALUACIÓN DE UN PROGRAMA DE INTERVENCIONES COGNITIVAS Y FÍSICAS EN ADULTOS MAYORES EN LA CIUDAD DE PANAMÁ DURANTE 2023 Y 2024
Introduction: Dementia, as the most severe form of cognitive impairment, is the
leading cause of disability in older adults and currently affects nearly 50 million people
globally, with projections reaching 82 million by 2030 and 152 million by 2050.
Likewise, the prevalence of dementia, one of the highest globally in Latin America and
the Caribbean, is on the rise due to rapid population aging, social inequalities and
associated risk factors. Currently, pharmacological interventions to delay cognitive
decline have proven to be insufficient. On the other hand, non-pharmacological
approaches have gained attention in recent years because they are therapies with
minimal risk, which are aimed at preventing deterioration, improving clinical
symptoms and decreasing the burden on caregivers. Evidence suggests that physical
and cognitive interventions may have a positive effect on the health of older adults.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of a program of physical and cognitive interventions
on cognition, subjective well-being and physical health in older adults living in Panama
City, Panama. Methods: This was a three-arm, single-blind, randomized controlled trial
experimental intervention study. The sample consisted of 43 participants aged 60-80
years. Participants who entered the study completed a sociodemographic interview,
clinical scales, a battery of cognitive tests and a physical assessment at pre-assessment.
After randomization, they were divided into three groups: 1) experimental group 1
(n=15) participated in cognitive and physical interventions, including computerized
cognitive training in CogniFit, group sessions of cognitive stimulation and training,
and walks 3 to 5 times a week; 2) experimental group 2 (n=15) participated exclusively
in walks; and 3) active control group (n=13) received informative talks about health
once a month. In addition, experimental groups 1 and 2 participated in group walks
once a month. After the intervention, a post-evaluation was carried out applying the
same initial measures. Results: Improvements in performance on neuropsychological
tests were observed when comparing pre- and post-assessment scores for the three
groups. In terms of cognitive outcomes, the combined group showed significant
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improvements in global cognition (MoCA) and the executive function of abstraction
(INECO Refrains subtest). The group that received only physical interventions
presented improvements in learning (CERAD Short-term Memory test and Short-term
Visual Reproductive), visuospatial skills (Short-term Visual Reproduction Test) and
long-term memory (Long-term Visual Reproduction Test). In the control group,
increases in learning subtest scores (Short-term Visual Reproduction Test) and the
executive function of inhibition (Hayling subtest of the INECO) were observed. In
addition, improvements were observed for the combined group in depression (GDS -
15) and quality of life (WHOQoL-OLD total) scores. No significant differences were
found between pre- and post-assessment in physical variables for any group.
Conclusion: The results obtained suggest that a multidomain intervention program can
positively impact cognition and quality of life in older adults. Likewise, physical
activity may positively impact cognition. This study could serve as a basis for the
implementation of multimodal interventions at the community level aimed at the
prevention of cognitive decline
Intention to Purchase Foods Based on Insects, Arachnids, and Arthropods, Processed by 3D Printing in Panama Consumers
Currently, food access has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, various alternatives are required to improve the population’s diet. Among the many alternatives is the use of 3D printing technology to reproduce food that can reach the most vulnerable population. This remarkable study shows future generations the importance of seeking innovative food that guarantees a nutritious and accessible diet. The study focuses on the Panamanian population to determine which variables influence the decision to consume innovative foods. The innovative product to be tested is based on insects, arachnids, and arthropods, which may be difficult for the population to consume, but thanks to 3D printing technologies, it is possible to generate foods based on these raw materials that look like traditional foods. Likewise, processing these foods generates less water consumption, giving them an ecological attribute. The present study seeks to know the variables that determine the purchase intention of consumers in Panama regarding the food supply based on insects, arachnids, and arthropods that are transformed into traditional food formats using 3D printers. This information can help companies prepare food offers to consumers in Panama
IMPACTO PSICOLÓGICO EN EL PERSONAL DE ENFERMERÍA Y TÉCNICOS DE LA SALUD DE PANAMÁ POR LA PANDEMIA DE COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has generated unprecedented challenges for public health systems. Evidence indicates that, faced with a new and highly contagious virus, it is common to feel fear and uncertainty. Added to this, having to work long hours, being continually exposed to the virus, and not having adequate protective equipment supplies, are some of the stressors investigated that increase the risk of health personnel experiencing physical and psychological distress. The objective of this thesis was to describe the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-medical health personnel (nurses and technicians) in Panamá. To carry out this study, approval was obtained from the National Research Bioethics Committee of Panamá (CNBI EC-CNBI-2020-08-87).
A mixed research design was defined. A sample of 124 health workers (non-doctors) answered a battery of self-report questionnaires to measure sociodemographic data, work characteristics, coping strategies (COPE-28), stress due to COVID (CPDI), insomnia (Athens Scale) and anxious, depressive and stress symptoms (DASS-21). In a second qualitative stage, 25 people from the sample participated in a semi-structured interview