Seminars in Medical Writing and Education
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Barriers and opportunities in the fight against HIV in Latin America
Get PDFHIV continues to represent a public health challenge in Latin America, where social, structural and psychological factors have hindered its prevention and treatment. Despite advances in the distribution of condoms and antiretroviral treatments, unequal access to health services and the persistence of social stigma have limited the effectiveness of these strategies. In 2024, men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be one of the most affected populations, accounting for 44% of new HIV cases in Latin American countries.Studies have shown that inconsistent condom use in this population is influenced by multiple factors. HIV risk perception remains low, largely due to misinformation and reliance on treatments such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), access to which remains limited in many regions. Lack of sexual assertiveness has also been an obstacle, as sociocultural norms prevent MSM from being able to negotiate condom use with their partners. In addition, sensation seeking and substance use have been identified as determinants of risky sexual decision making.To reduce HIV incidence in Latin America, it is essential to implement public policies that consider these factors. A comprehensive approach that includes comprehensive sexuality education, universal access to PrEP and awareness campaigns targeting key populations is required. Only through an inclusive and evidence-based strategy will it be possible to mitigate the impact of HIV in the regio
Effect of dietary characteristics on food consumption in humans
Get PDFThe Specific Sensory Satiety Theory (SSST) has attempted to explain the mechanism of modification of self-regulatory behaviour (Hetherington & Rolls, 1996), proposing that subjects tend to consume a greater quantity of food when it has diverse sensory properties (varied diet). In contrast, subjects consume a smaller amount of food if it has similar sensory properties (monotonous diet). With regard to the effects of presenting diets with monotonous and varied sensory characteristics on humans, there are numerous studies that affirm that the availability of diverse foods is one of the factors that contribute to their overconsumption and, therefore, self-regulatory behaviours are not observed (McCrory, Fuss, McCallum, Yao, Vinken, Hays & Roberts, 1999; Rolls, 1985; Rolls, 2007). The main objective of this work was to experimentally evaluate the effect of foods with monotonous and varied sensory characteristics on food consumption in humans. To this end, three experiments were carried out: 1) Experiment 1: aimed to assess the consumption behaviour of monotonous and varied diets, presented in different sequences with intervals of approximately 23 hours between each presentation. Sixteen naïve experimental university students of both sexes, aged between 18 and 27, took part. The main results of Experiment 1 showed that the groups exposed to a single type of food presented a stable consumption. On the other hand, in the groups exposed to monotonous and varied foods, it was observed that the variety influenced the increase in consumption by the participants; Experiment 2: aimed to evaluate the effect of exposing the participants to monotonous or varied diets presented in different sequences with intervals of approximately 23 hours between each presentation. Sixteen naïve experimental university students of both sexes, aged between 18 and 27, took part; the main results showed that the groups exposed to the varied diet selected and consumed a greater quantity of food in comparison with the groups exposed to the monotonous diet, regardless of whether the food was provided simultaneously or successively. On the other hand, it was observed that the group exposed to monotonous foods simultaneously selected and consumed more foods than the group exposed to foods successively, while the group exposed to varied foods successively selected and consumed a greater quantity of foods in comparison to the group exposed to varied foods simultaneously. and, 3) Experiment 3: Experiment 2 was replicated with the following objectives: a) To evaluate the effects of exposing participants to monotonous or varied diets, simultaneously or successively, on consumption behaviour; and b) To identify the differences and/or similarities between the effects on the resulting behavioural parameters and the effects on the behavioural parameters observed in Experiment 2. Sixteen naïve experimental university students of both sexes, aged between 18 and 27, took part; the main results showed that the groups exposed to varied foods selected and consumed a greater quantity of food compared to the groups exposed to monotonous foods, regardless of whether the foods were provided simultaneously or successively. On the other hand, it was observed that the group exposed to monotonous foods simultaneously selected and consumed more portions than the group exposed to foods successively, while the group exposed to varied foods successively selected and consumed a greater number of portions compared to the group exposed to varied foods simultaneously.
Analyzing the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Medical Training and Patient Communication
Get PDFA game-changing technology in medicine, virtual reality (VR) might enable physicians to pick up fresh skills and improve their patient communication. Using VR in medical education generates realistic experiences that help medical professionals learn by doing in a regulated environment. Professionals and students may mimic difficult operations and apply therapies using this technology. Learning more about the human body also aids in their development of skills and improves their decision-making. Since VR allows physicians explain medical issues, treatment plans, and procedures in enjoyable and engaging ways that let patients comprehend and follow through, it is also rather vital for doctors interacting with patients. Two key uses for VR are teaching physicians and enabling patients to communicate with one another; this article explores both uses. Regarding medical training, we examine how VR models enable medical students practice again and over in real-world scenarios and assist in learning and memory of operations. Especially for patients with complex diseases, adopting VR to visualise medical concepts in 3D is a major step forward from the past approaches of interacting with patients. Virtual environments help patients be happy and less stressed as they simplify the understanding of how treatments operate. The research examines present VR usage as well as potential future applications for both hospitals and educational institutions. According to many case studies, virtual reality (VR) not only improves patient-provider interactions but also aids in more effective learning. For many individuals, however, issues like cost, simplicity of access, and restricted technology still make usage difficult. Improvements in VR technology—that which makes VR more affordable and user-friendly may help to address these issues going forward. This would enable VR use in medicine much further
Biosynthesis of Quantum Dots: Mechanisms and Applications in Biotechnology
Get PDFThis article discusses the processes and applications of biosynthesized quantum dots (QD) in biotechnology. QD are nanoscale semiconductor particles with unique optical and electronic properties, making them attractive for various applications. The biosynthesis of QD involves the use of biological entities to produce nanoparticles (NPs), allowing for precise control of size and shape. QD is highly advantageous over organic fluorophores because of their distinct optical and chemical properties, and they can be utilized as fluorescent indicators for various biological applications. This article also discusses the advantages of biosynthesis over traditional chemical synthesis methods, including the use of less toxic materials and a lower environmental impact. In the future, the potential of QD is closely tied to the advancement of new generations of particles that possess precise and uniform dimensions, as well as unique optical properties
Systematic Review of Educational Efforts on Early Cancer Detection Awareness Among College Students
Get PDFinding cancer early is very important for raising mortality rates, especially in groups that are more likely to get it. Because college students are still forming health-related habits, they are in a key stage for getting training programs to raise knowledge about early cancer screening. The goal of this systematic study is to find out how well teaching efforts are at making college students more aware of early cancer screening. A thorough search of all the studies released between 2000 and 2023 was done in several sources, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Studies were included if they looked at training programs or other treatments that were meant to change college students’ knowledge, attitudes, or actions about early cancer diagnosis. There were 22 studies that met the conditions for inclusion. They used a wide range of intervention methods, such as classes, lectures, online campaigns, peer education, and mobile health apps. The results show that teaching programs made college students much more aware of early cancer discovery. They learned a lot more about the different types of cancer, their risk factors, screening methods, and how important it is to find cancer early. Workshops and classes held in person had some success, but digital and online treatments, like e-learning programs and social media efforts, touched more people and were especially good at getting students more involved. Peer education programs also had good results, using social pressure to spread lessons about early cancer discovery. But the success of these treatments depended on a number of things, such as the type, length, and delivery method of the teaching material. Most of the time, programs that were interactive, had follow-up tests, and tailored the content to the needs of the students were the ones that raised awareness the most. Some problems with the studies were that they had small sample groups, short follow-up periods, and didn’t look at behavioral changes over a long period of time, even though the results were hopeful
Entrepreneurial Education at University in Health, Social Sciences, and Engineering: Analysis of Student Narratives on Prior Knowledge from the Resource-Based Theory
Get PDFThis article presents an exploration of the prior knowledge of entrepreneurship expressed by higher education students from various disciplines (health, social sciences, and engineering). A qualitative exploratory research design was created by asking students from areas such as Dentistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and Public Accounting to write narratives about entrepreneurial stories they identified before taking an entrepreneurship course. The content expressed was analyzed using a theoretical coding approach based on the Resource-Based View (RBV) as the framework for investigating the students\u27 narratives. The results showed that the student population emphasized human resources, social networks, innovation, adaptability, material and technological resources, and financial accessibility as critical factors for entrepreneurship. The narratives highlighted the importance of teamwork, community support, and continuous innovation in business development. The study concluded that students\u27 prior knowledge of entrepreneurship is closely related to the availability and management of these resources, which are essential for both starting and sustaining a competitive business. The findings suggest that a solid understanding and management of these resources are fundamental for the success and sustainability of ventures valued by students from various disciplines, reinforcing the need to integrate these elements into entrepreneurship education across any academic field
Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Qualitative Analysis
Get PDFExclusive breastfeeding is recognized for its nutritional, immunological, and emotional benefits. However, various barriers hinder its practice. This study analyzed mothers\u27 knowledge and attitudes toward exclusive breastfeeding through a qualitative analysis of open- and closed-ended responses, collected via a questionnaire distributed through the WhatsApp application. Key themes related to perceived benefits, difficulties, and reasons for discontinuation were identified.The results showed that most mothers acknowledged the benefits of breastfeeding, such as disease prevention, better infant nutrition, and strengthened maternal-infant bonding. However, significant obstacles were identified, including lack of time due to work responsibilities, discomfort with breastfeeding in public, and the perception of low milk supply.Despite a good level of knowledge, social and workplace barriers influenced the discontinuation of breastfeeding. It was concluded that education on strategies to maintain milk production should be reinforced, and workplace policies should be promoted to support the continuation of exclusive breastfeeding.
Active teaching-learning methodologies -Educational proposals focused on the learner-
Get PDFIn recent years, learning scenarios have been radically transformed, driven by the advancement of technology and the growing demand for competent professionals for the 21st century. This transformation has given rise to new forms of teaching through active methodologies that involve students in their own learning process. These methodologies, in addition to strengthening knowledge, develop practical and professional skills applicable in various contexts, always under the guidance of teachers or facilitators who share the responsibility of learning with the students.
The present documentary study recovers a set of active teaching-learning methodologies, such as problem-based learning, flipped learning or gamification among others, which facilitate the development of key professional competencies for learners, especially in the field of health. Active methodologies allow you to put into practice what you have learned, solve real problems, develop innovative projects and generate on-site experiences that simulate professional environments. In the field of health, these learning experiences are especially relevant, since they allow students to apply and test the knowledge acquired in the classroom, and then build and redefine it in the light of a contextualized reality. This study offers an overview of the most effective active methodologies for the health field and provides practical recommendations for their implementation in the classroom, to contribute to the training of highly competent and professionally committed health professionals
Circular economy as a learning necessity in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in Health
Get PDFIntroduction: Education is central to building a different world. Learning about the circular economy transforms people, helps us think and change everyday realities with reflections ranging from the way we consume food to how we dress. In the same way, it allows us to see that plastics are in our lives to provide value and that they can follow a sustainable and circular process if we consume them responsibly, separate them and do not abandon them in the environment.Objective: to offer a vision of the circular economy as a necessity for undergraduate and graduate health teaching.Methods: narrative bibliographic review, where a search was made in the MEDLINE/Pubmed, Scielo, LILACS databases, in the last 5 years, the terms Circular Economy were used as descriptors, with the alternative terms: circular economy and education, sustainable development; sustainable economy; systematic review.Development: The importance of the circular economy in undergraduate and graduate teaching in the health sector, the education of university students and the management of sustainability, as well as the curricular strategies based on the comprehensive training of graduates of medical sciences and the possibility of introducing the circular economy are defined.Conclusions: In Cuba, there is all the potential to achieve learning about the circular economy in undergraduate and graduate studies in the health sector, and it is also necessary because this will improve the results for people, families, communities, and the health system itself in particular
Psychosocial aspects for treating mental health in the post-Covid phase
Get PDFIn order to address mental health in the context of Covid-19 as a pandemic, it is urgent to address this issue from the perspective of some psychosocial aspects and the intervention pyramid for mental health and psychological support. Objective: to identify the psychosocial aspects involved in addressing post-Covid mental health as a pandemic event. A bibliographic and documentary review was carried out on the subject in digital data sources on the subject. Different scientific information search engines were used: PubMed and Google Scholar. Review articles, research articles and published web pages were evaluated. Very important psychosocial aspects were found such as: related to the general context, to the strengthening of local care, protective environments, which includes key psychosocial principles, aspect about the whole community, as well as general activities for all aspects and/or interventions and public messages. The COVID-19 pandemic is a major threat to both physical and mental health and the well-being of society