South Health and Policy (Journal)
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Prediction of Cardiovascular Diseases Using Machine Learning Models
No full textThe study addressed the global problem of cardiovascular diseases, which were one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity according to the World Health Organisation. Multiple risk factors, both modifiable and non-modifiable, were identified, and the need to implement technologies that would enable early and accurate detection was emphasised. Given this scenario, the use of machine learning algorithms such as Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), combined with traditional and alternative kernel functions, was proposed. A comparative approach was developed to validate the hypothesis that under-explored kernel functions could improve predictive performance in terms of accuracy and response time. To this end, models were trained with data extracted from recognised platforms such as Kaggle and UCI, and metrics such as accuracy, recall and F1-score were applied. The models were adjusted with hyperparameter optimisation techniques using random search. The results demonstrated that certain alternative kernel functions offered improvements in the error-time ratio, in some cases outperforming conventional kernels. The research not only contributed methodological advances in the development of predictive models, but also provided a support tool for clinical decision-making, particularly useful in contexts where timely diagnosis is crucial. Finally, the project contributed to strengthening artificial intelligence in public health, promoting well-being through the prevention and proactive management of cardiovascular diseases
Educational strategy to elevate knowledge has more than enough syndrome of the vaginal flow in pregnant
No full textIntroduction: in the pregnant ones the syndrome of vaginal flow is excellent because the risk of obstetric complications increases because it favors the development of upward infections in the vaginal channel, the uterus and the annexes that increase the risk of complications and the mortality perinatal, elevating the costs of the attention in health. Objective: to evaluate a strategy of educational intervention on the syndrome of vaginal flow in pregnant of area of health Villa 2, belonging to the Policlínico September 5, Consolation of the South in the period of January of the 2023 to December of the 2024. Method: was he/she carried out an observational, analytic, and longitudinal study, of type intervention, universe constituted by 35 pregnant, selecting for sampling non probabilístico 27 pregnant, was the investigation developed in three stages, a diagnóstica, is the intervention strategy designed, then it is applied and does it evaluate, were methods statistical dice used in absolute frequency and the percentage value as measure units, the statistical inferencial the test of McNemar, took like a significant difference when the value of p was? 0.05. results: In a general way the sample was characterized to have 62.9 gestantes% with ages between 21 and 35 years and 51.8% of pregnant with secondary school level. The level of knowledge on the sintomatología of the syndrome of vaginal flow in the gestante, as well as the factors of risk and the complications of the vaginal affection, it was able to modify with the educational intervention in a significant way. Conclusions: the carried out educational intervention was effective, since it was able to elevate the level of knowledge on the syndrome of vaginal flow, in the gestantes included in the study.
From taboo to practice: Integrating sexual health in rehabilitation nursing
No full textSexuality is recognized as an essential dimension of human life, with a direct impact on quality of life. However, it remained a taboo topic in society and healthcare, especially in the context of disabled persons. The aim of this article was to analyze the challenges of integrating sexual health into Rehabilitation Nursing care for disabled persons. A theoretical-reflective review was conducted, identifying cultural, social, and educational barriers that hindered clinical integration. It was found that, despite the competencies attributed to the Specialist Nurse in Rehabilitation Nursing, the lack of specific training and clear guidelines limited their intervention. Several Sexual Counseling Models (e.g., PLISSIT, BETTER, Check In, Affirm, Clarify, and Answer Tool) are identified as crucial tools to facilitate communication and clinical action, though their application requires adaptation. Training and health education proved to be key strategies for promoting sexual health literacy and ensuring the sexual rights of disabled person. It was concluded that integrating sexual health into clinical practice depends on professional training and the deconstruction of entrenched myths. Future research was suggested to evaluate the impact of Rehabilitation Nursing interventions on the experience of sexuality, as well as the effectiveness and applicability of Sexual Counseling Models in different clinical and sociocultural contexts
Neurological emergencies in cancer: pathophysiological and prognostic implications with a focus on the elderly
No full textIntroduction: Neurological emergencies in cancer patients are associated with high mortality. This mortality rate is particularly prevalent in the older adult population, for whom limited scientific evidence exists. The objective of this review was to describe the pathophysiological mechanisms and prognosis of the main neurological emergencies that occur in older patients with cancer and lead to their admission to the Intensive Care Unit. To this end, a narrative review of the literature available in databases and search engines such as PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Scielo, and Google Scholar was conducted using the search terms: neuro-oncological emergencies, neurological complications, oncological intensive care, prognostic factors for cancer mortality, and their English translations. The review was conducted between November 2024 and March 2025. Forty-nine references from articles that met the inclusion criteria were used. Among the main results, it is worth highlighting that the main neurological complications described are predominantly metabolic encephalopathy, stroke, status epilepticus, and intracranial hypertension. These factors share mechanistic relationships with neurocritical patients in general, although cancer appears to be a significant factor in their onset and mortality prognosis. This is accompanied by other variables of prognostic interest such as advanced age, cancer stage, individual functional status, hyperglycemia, sepsis, septic shock, and artificial ventilation. It is concluded that pathophysiological and prognostic knowledge of critically ill older neuro-oncology patients is still limited and warrants multiple investigations in their own clinical context. This is because the greatest available evidence corresponds to young adult neurocritical patients without cancer
Breastfeeding and Covid-19
No full textBreastfeeding is inherent to mammals, and without it, none would have survived. COVID-19 is caused by a new betacoronavirus officially named SARS-CoV-2, and the possibility of transmission through breast milk is being studied. A literature review was conducted to characterise how breastfeeding is carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic and to make recommendations. Journals and websites such as SciELO and Infomed were used, for a total of 14 references. The numerous benefits of skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding far outweigh the possible risks of transmission and disease associated with COVID-19. To date, there are no reasons to avoid or interrupt breastfeeding
Gender violence: a historical, artistic, and medical-legal approach
No full textGender violence is defined as any act that results in or may result in physical, sexual, or psychological harm to women, including threats, coercion, or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, both in public and private life. The phenomenon of violence has afflicted humanity throughout its history. Explicit violence can be found in the world of art, where it germinates with enormous ease. In terms of gender violence, the main medico-legal action that should be taken by health centers is to issue a certificate of injury. The objective of this study was to describe the historical, artistic, psychological, and medico-legal aspects of gender violence. It was concluded that gender violence is also a health problem that requires medico-legal action and intervention, and that its image in art has been reflected in all forms of expression. Twenty-one bibliographies were consulted
Addressing the Family in Family Medicine Postgraduate Training in Cuba: Historical Evolution and Contemporary Perspectives
No full textIntroduction: The concept of caring for the family, not just the isolated individual, is a cornerstone of Family Medicine. However, its application has evolved from a familistic biomedical model towards a more biopsychosocial and systemic one.Objective: To describe the historical evolution of the system of objectives and contents for addressing the family in the specialty\u27s training programs, from its beginnings as Comprehensive General Medicine to its consolidation as Family Medicine in the 2023 program.Methods: A descriptive, educational research study was conducted. Theoretical and empirical methods were used for the bibliographic and documentary review related to objectives and contents concerning the family and family medicine in postgraduate training. Analysis, synthesis, and comparison of criteria were performed based on the reviewed materials.Results: The Comprehensive General Medicine specialty has undergone several curricula up to 2023. Contents related to the family and family medicine are positioned from the third program onwards, aiming to deepen and consolidate the skills necessary for both educational and therapeutic family intervention. The initial program lacked comprehensiveness, while the most recent redesign (2023) presents a curricular restructuring that organizes the content into 29 modules and 5 courses, conceptualized as a multidisciplinary didactic structure.Conclusions: The redesign of the Family Medicine Specialty Program (2023) strengthens the competencies, knowledge, and skills necessary for providing comprehensive, timely, and systematic care to the family, based on the biopsychosocial approach within the healthcare process
Integration of epidemiological surveillance into the institutional preventive culture: Case study in a Venezuelan military component
No full textThe present study aimed to: Analyze epidemiological surveillance as an action strategy for the prevention of accidents and occupational diseases in a Venezuelan military component. A study was conducted, framed in the quantitative, field, non-experimental and descriptive paradigm. The sample consisted of 101 military workers from the military component. The survey was used as a data collection technique and the self-administered questionnaire as an instrument. The research was carried out in four phases. The data was analyzed from descriptive statistics, being ordered, classified, tabulated and presented in percentage graphs of columns grouped in 3D. As a result, it was obtained that the representation of 50% of a proportion of military workers considers that they are exposed to risks in the work environment; also, 60% indicates that they never or almost never have adequate breaks. In conclusion, it was shown that there are no permanent medical care controls, in addition to the fact that there is no epidemiological program, so the application of a coherent and structured epidemiological surveillance system was recommended, which carries out continuous monitoring of existing risks, through the application of preventive action strategies
Strengthening Health Systems through Nursing Education: The Role of Self-Efficacy in Academic and Clinical Competence
No full textIntroduction: The study addressed self-efficacy as a personal belief that significantly influenced the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours of nursing students. According to Bandura and Resnick, self-efficacy was defined as the perception of one\u27s own abilities to cope with situations and achieve goals, which proved to be a key factor in academic and clinical performance.Development: During the analysis, theories from psychology and nursing were considered that explained how self-efficacy impacted professional training. Bandura argued that individuals with high self-efficacy took on challenges with greater commitment and perseverance. Resnick\u27s theory proposed that this perception was built through real experiences, observation of models, verbal persuasion, and physiological feedback. Research showed that students with higher self-efficacy performed better academically, experienced less fatigue, and were more willing to face complex clinical situations. It was also stated that the institutional context and pedagogical support influenced the development of this competence.Conclusion: It was concluded that self-efficacy was fundamental in the training of nursing students, as it strengthened their personal confidence, clinical judgement, and ability to provide quality care. Therefore, it was recommended that academic programmes integrate strategies that foster this belief from the teaching-learning processes, thus promoting more competent, confident, and committed professionals
Exploring the Management of the Triage System in the Screening of Patients: The Case of Emergency Health Services in Portugal
No full textIntroduction: This study examines the effectiveness and management of triage systems, particularly the Manchester Triage System (MTS), in Portuguese emergency services. It explores the extent to which current screening practices align with the goals of prioritising critical patients and managing limited healthcare resources efficiently.Methods: A qualitative research design was adopted, using semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals working in emergency departments in Portugal. Thematic analysis was conducted to compare frontline experiences with theoretical insights from the existing literature, enabling a contextual assessment of the MTS’s operational effectiveness.Results: The Manchester Triage System was generally perceived as valid and functional. However, professionals reported challenges such as delayed diagnostic procedures, lack of material resources, and inconsistent adherence to triage priorities. Key suggestions included refining workflow structures, improving digital systems, and strengthening nurse training in Basic and Advanced Life Support.Conclusions: Reorganising emergency departments—by more clearly separating high- and low-priority cases, improving staff allocation, and enhancing IT infrastructure—can reduce waiting times, improve patient flow, and increase clinical safety. These changes may enhance patient satisfaction, reduce inequalities in emergency care delivery, and mitigate burnout among healthcare professionals.