South Health and Policy (Journal)
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Epidemiological characterisation of sedentary patients at the Hermanos Cruz Polyclinic. June 2021 – June 2023
No full textIntroduction: Sedentary lifestyle is defined as a lack of regular physical activity, less than 30 minutes of exercise per day and less than 3 days per week. It is the fourth leading risk factor for death. It doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and high blood pressure. Objective: To characterise epidemiologically sedentary patients at the 138 Policlínico Hermanos Cruz clinic between June 2021 and June 2023. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional observational study was conducted. The universe consisted of 157 sedentary individuals registered in the ASIS, and the sample consisted of 150 who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The variables used were: age, sex, nutritional assessment, occupation, PA, type and risk factors for sedentary lifestyle. The information was obtained from Family and Individual Health Records, the ASIS, the survey and the Pérez-Rojas-García test. Descriptive statistical methods were used, the results were tabulated and expressed in absolute numbers and percentages. Results: Females, the 65-74 age group, overweight individuals, retirees, high blood pressure as a PHD, severe sedentary lifestyle, and lack of interest in physical exercise as a risk factor were prevalent. Conclusions: Lack of physical activity is a rapidly growing global health risk, so educational work with the population and the implementation of government strategies and policies are needed
Information management in university residences: an experience from the UCM in Pinar del Río
No full textThis study addressed the fundamental role played by information management at the Student Residence of the University of Medical Sciences in Pinar del Río. It analysed how, from an organisational perspective, information was a key resource for decision-making, strategic planning and continuous process improvement. Through a detailed characterisation of the entity, the specific management needs that arose in the handling of data related to enrolment, inventory and the control of scholarship students were identified. The background of automated systems applied in other Cuban universities, such as Holguín, Ciego de Ávila and Pinar del Río, was reviewed, highlighting their contributions and limitations. The work also delved into agile software development methodologies, particularly extreme programming (XP), and tools such as UML and Axure RP, selected for their effectiveness in modelling and prototyping information systems. As a result, a customised technological solution was proposed that responded to the specific characteristics of the institutional environment, with the aim of optimising information management processes. This initiative aimed to facilitate operational efficiency and strengthen the university\u27s social role in the comprehensive training of its students
Quality of life in the older adult population of a geriatric center in Metropolitan Lima
No full textQuality of life in older adults is essential for good physical and mental health, enabling them to carry out their activities and interact socially. Therefore, the objective of this research is to determine the quality of life of older adults in a geriatric center in Metropolitan Lima. This is a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study with a total population of 153 older adults who responded to a questionnaire on sociodemographic data and the WHOQOL-OLD quality of life questionnaire. The results show that 11.8% (n=18) have a poor quality of life, 77.1% (n=118) have a moderately good quality of life, and 11.8% (n=18) have a good quality of life. In conclusion, strategies or campaigns should be implemented to provide comprehensive preventive and promotional health care for older adults
Quality of life in residents with arterial hypertension during the COVID-19 pandemic in North Lima
No full textMost people with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure consider it to be a condition that will not disrupt their lifestyle, although over time their quality of life will decline if they do not follow an appropriate treatment regimen. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the quality of life of people with high blood pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic in northern Lima. This is a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study with a total population of 127 participants who responded to an online survey on sociodemographic aspects and a questionnaire on quality of life in high blood pressure. The results show that 8.7% (n=11) have a high quality of life, 79.5% (n=101) have a medium quality of life, and 11.8% (n=15) have a low quality of life. It can therefore be concluded that the promotion of quality of life in patients with hypertension should be taken into account, as there are multiple factors that can put the person at risk if the disease is at high levels
Basic surgery. Asepsis and antisepsis. Concepts. Surgical bacteriology. Sterilisation and maintenance of sterilisation equipment
No full textIntroduction: They studied basic oral surgery as a fundamental discipline of dentistry, focused on the surgical treatment of pathologies affecting teeth, jaws and surrounding tissues. They analysed how the correct application of asepsis and antisepsis was crucial to prevent infections in an environment with a high bacterial load, such as the oral cavity.Development: They described asepsis as comprising techniques to prevent contamination by microorganisms, while antisepsis involved the use of chemicals to eliminate pathogens in living tissues. They explained the mechanisms of action of disinfectants and antiseptics, assessing factors such as toxicity, time of action and antimicrobial spectrum. They detailed various methods of disinfection (immersion, lotion, vaporisation, among others) and emphasised the need to sterilise surgical instruments correctly. They also assessed the importance of staff hygiene, operating theatre behaviour and the use of protective equipment. In addition, they recognised frequent occupational hazards - physical, chemical, biological and ergonomic - faced by professionals.Conclusions: They concluded that basic oral surgery required not only technical skills, but also in-depth knowledge of infection control. They identified that poor oral hygiene, systemic diseases and inadequate techniques increased the risk of complications. They reaffirmed the need to follow strict biosafety protocols to protect both the patient and the clinical team. Finally, they stressed the importance of continuous training to prevent and effectively manage the risks inherent in the surgical environment
Clinical simulation in the Argentine context: student perception and educational challenges
No full textThe research addressed the use of clinical simulation as an educational strategy for medical students at the Universidad Abierta Interamericana (UAI), in an Argentine context characterized by structural challenges in health and education. Since the reports of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 1999 and 2001, simulation has been promoted as a key tool for reducing medical errors and improving the quality of care. This descriptive cross-sectional study set out to identify areas for improvement in the implementation of clinical simulation, through surveys conducted with final-year students who had completed their rotating internship by March 2024.The results showed an overall positive assessment of clinical simulation, highlighting its effectiveness for skills development and its realism. However, opportunities for improvement were also identified. Fifty-one percent of the students pointed out deficiencies in curricular integration and in the measurement of results. In addition, 61% expressed the need for more time to master competencies, and 47% negatively evaluated team training. Instructor training and the educational context were rated as acceptable but perfectible.It was concluded that, although clinical simulation has been a valued training tool at the UAI, its impact could be optimized through structural adjustments in curriculum design, teacher training and the duration of internships. In the current Argentinean context, where educational inequalities are palpable, simulation is presented as a strategic resource for training competent doctors committed to patient safety
Autonomy and the End of Life: Reflections from Medicine and the Law
No full textEnd-of-life decisions (EOLD) represented a complex challenge in the medical, ethical, legal and cultural spheres in Argentina. Despite their frequency in clinical practice, these issues were not addressed in sufficient depth in medical training or in the local scientific literature. From an anthropological point of view, it was observed that Western culture reduced death to a biological fact, in contrast to other cultures that conceived of it as a transition or transformation. Euthanasia, understood as an action or omission to hasten death and avoid suffering, generated a wide-ranging ethical and philosophical debate. Although Thomas More introduced it from a humanist perspective, the term was distorted by the Nazi regime, being used to justify extermination. This provoked strong social and religious resistance, which persisted over time. In Argentina, Law 26.742 allowed patients to refuse disproportionate treatments and to establish advance directives, without authorising active euthanasia. Recent studies and surveys revealed a social shift towards a more secular and autonomous view of the human being, with growing support for the right to decide on the end of life. However, the legal framework has not yet addressed this demand. In view of this, the need for medical education that integrates the bioethical approach, for interdisciplinary work in care and for a legislative debate in line with social changes, in order to guarantee a dignified, autonomous and respectful death, was highlighted.
Knowledge and application of Natural and Traditional Medicine in stomatological emergencies. Arroyo Naranjo
No full textGiven the importance of the use of Natural and Traditional Medicine (NTM) in the treatment of stomatological emergencies, it was decided to carry out a cross-sectional descriptive observational research, with the purpose of evaluating the level of knowledge that stomatology professionals have about the use of NTM in stomatological emergency services during 2015. The universe consisted of 104 professionals of different categories. We analysed variables such as: sex, age, speciality, years of graduation, knowledge of MNT, and the most commonly used techniques. To achieve this, forms were developed to explore these aspects. In the sample of stomatologists studied, the female sex and the 20-35 age group predominated, representing 52.9% of the total number of stomatologists surveyed. The average level of experience was between 1 and 10 years of graduation, and the dentists were representative of all the stomatological specialities. The use of MNT was 68.2%, with the residents (EGI speciality) being the ones who applied it the most; this group of stomatologists had the most knowledge on this subject. The most applied techniques were Phytotherapy and the use of propolis, being the Residents and Basic General Stomatologists the ones who use it the most. The evaluation of the level of knowledge of the stomatologists in terms of MNT was not satisfactory; therefore, it is necessary to deepen in this subject in order to achieve a greater incorporation of professionals in the practice of MNT.
Quality of life in the older adult population of a human settlement in North Lima
No full textQuality of life in older adults is one of the most pressing issues in our country today, given that older adults do not have access to basic needs that would allow them to enjoy an optimal quality of life in terms of their health. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the quality of life of older adults living in a settlement in northern Lima. This is a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study with a total population of 122 older adults who completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic data and an instrument for assessing quality of life. The results show that 13.1% (n=16) of older adults have a poor quality of life, 73% (n=89) have a moderately good quality of life, and 13.9% (n=17) have a good quality of life. In conclusion, older adults should be prioritised with regard to their quality of life in order to identify their needs and improve their health with family support and advice from health professionals
Towards a dignified old age: policies, rights and realities
No full textPopulation ageing in Latin America, and especially in Argentina, has become a progressive phenomenon that has transformed demographic structures. The combination of increased life expectancy and low birth rates has resulted in an increasingly ageing population. In 2040, for the first time, the number of older adults will exceed the number of children in the region. In Argentina, it was projected that by 2030, people over 60 would represent 17.5% of the population. In response to this scenario, international organisations promoted actions such as the World Assembly on Ageing (1982), the Madrid Declaration (2002) and the Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030). The Inter-American Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Older Persons also established key principles such as autonomy, dignity and access to comprehensive health and justice services. However, beyond these regulatory frameworks, the real challenge lay in the effective implementation of policies that would ensure real rights. The health system played a fundamental role in sustaining the functional independence of older persons by providing care, rehabilitation and prevention. In addition, the need to rethink community and family practices to actively include older persons in social life was emphasised. Ultimately, ensuring a dignified old age involved not only recognising rights, but also transforming attitudes and social structures, promoting an inclusive and caring society.