Abstract Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had an important impact on the training of nursing professionals, affecting the mental health of students due to the experiences they have faced. Objective: Assess the level of academic stress in nursing students and its relationship to anxiety, depression, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: Correlational study with 1009 nursing students who agreed to participate. A virtual survey was applied, collecting sociodemographic and COVID-19 Pandemic experiences data, in addition to questionnaires on anxiety, depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic and academic stress, with prior authorization from the research and ethics committee. Statistical analysis such as Square Chi, Spearman's Rho and logistic regression model were used. Results: 68.1 % presented anxiety, 64.3 % depression, 56.3 % insomnia and 85.7 % academic stress. Academic stress showed statistical association with sex, school period, diagnosis in a family member and contact with a person suspected or confirmed of having COVID-19. Presenting academic stress is 3.9 times higher with moderate anxiety, 10.6 times higher with moderate depression, 12.7 times higher with moderate clinical insomnia, 1.8 times higher with a family member diagnosed with the disease, and 2.6 times higher with contact of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases. Conclusions: Mental health problems were related to academic stress levels in nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nursing professional must design educational and training strategies to reduce the levels of these problems, applicable from educational training to the workplace.

Abstrato Introdução: A Pandemia do COVID-19 teve um impacto significativo na formação dos profissionais de enfermagem, afetando a saúde mental dos estudantes devido às vivências por eles enfrentadas. Objetivo: Avaliar o nível de estresse acadêmico em estudantes de enfermagem e sua relação com ansiedade, depressão, insônia, transtorno de estresse pós-traumático e experiências durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Metodologia: Estudo correlacional com 1009 graduandos de enfermagem que concordaram em participar. Foi aplicada uma pesquisa virtual, coletando dados sociodemográficos e experiências da Pandemia da COVID-19, além de questionários sobre ansiedade, depressão, insônia e estresse pós-traumático e acadêmico, com autorização prévia do comitê de ética e pesquisa. Foram utilizadas análises estatísticas como Qui-cuadrado, Rho de Spearman e modelo de regressão logística. Resultados: 68.1 % presented anxiety, 64.3 % depression, 56.3 % insomnia and 85.7 % academic stress. Academic stress showed statistical association with sex, school period, diagnosis in a family member and contact with a person suspected or confirmed of having COVID-19. Presenting academic stress is 3.9 times higher with moderate anxiety, 10.6 times higher with moderate depression, 12.7 times higher with moderate clinical insomnia, 1.8 times higher with a family member diagnosed with the disease, and 2.6 times higher with contact of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases. Conclusões: Problemas de saúde mental foram relacionados aos níveis de estresse acadêmico em estudantes de enfermagem durante a pandemia de COVID-19. O profissional de enfermagem deve traçar estratégias educacionais e de treinamento para reduzir os níveis desses problemas, aplicáveis desde a formação educacional até o ambiente de trabalho.

Resumen Introducción: La pandemia por COVID-19 ha generado un impacto importante en la formación de profesionales de enfermería, afectando la salud mental en estudiantes debido a las experiencias enfrentadas. Objetivo: Evaluar el nivel de estrés académico en estudiantes de enfermería y su relación con la ansiedad, depresión, insomnio, estrés postraumático y experiencias durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Metodología: Estudio correlacional con 1009 estudiantes matriculados de licenciatura en enfermería que aceptaron participar. Se aplicó encuesta virtual, recolectando datos sociodemográficos y de experiencias durante la pandemia de COVID-19, además de los cuestionarios sobre ansiedad, depresión, insomnio, estrés postraumático y académico, con previa autorización del comité de investigación y ética. El análisis se realizó con Ji cuadrada, Rho de Spearman, y el modelo de regresión logística. Resultados: El 68.1 % presentaron ansiedad, el 64.3 % depresión, el 56.3 % insomnio y el 85.7 % estrés académico. El estrés académico mostró asociación estadística con sexo, periodo académico, diagnóstico en familiar y contacto con persona sospechosa/confirmada de COVID-19. Presentar estrés académico es 3.9 veces mayor con ansiedad moderada, 10.6 veces mayor con depresión moderada, 12.7 veces mayor con insomnio clínico moderado, 1.8 veces mayor con familiar diagnosticado con la enfermedad y 2.6 veces mayor con contacto de casos sospechosos/confirmados de COVID-19. Conclusión: Problemas de salud mental mostraron relación estadística con estrés académico en estudiantes de enfermería durante la pandemia por COVID-19. El profesional de enfermería debe diseñar estrategias educativas y de capacitación para disminuir los niveles de estos problemas, aplicables desde la formación hasta lo laboral.

ABSTRACT Financing is relevant to deal with business crises, even more after the COVID-19 pandemic, therefore, the objective of the study is to determine the influence of the characteristics of the companies and the managers of the organizations registered in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Azogues on the decision of additional financing during the health crisis, for this a questionnaire was applied to 135 partners. Using Spearman's correlation and binary logistic regression, it is evident that the characteristics of the companies (economic sector, legal structure, experience, number of workers, paralysis of activities and capital structure) partially influence the decision of additional financing, given that only the capital structure has a positively significant relationship with the treatment variable, while the characteristics of the manager (age, sex, level of education and years of experience) have no influence.

RESUMEN El financiamiento es relevante para afrontar las crisis empresariales, más aún luego de la pandemia por la COVID-19, por tanto, el objetivo del estudio es determinar la influencia de las características de las empresas y de los directivos de las organizaciones registradas en la Cámara de Comercio e Industrias de Azogues en la decisión de financiamiento adicional durante la crisis sanitaria, para lo cual, se aplica un cuestionario a 135 socios. Mediante el uso de correlación de Spearman y regresión logística binaria, se evidencia que las características de las empresas (sector económico, estructura legal, experiencia, número de trabajadores, paralización de actividades y estructura de capital) influyen parcialmente en la decisión de financiamiento adicional, dado que únicamente la estructura de capital tiene una relación positivamente significativa con la variable de tratamiento, mientras que las características del administrador (edad, sexo, nivel de educación y años de experiencia) no tienen ninguna influencia.

Abstract The objective is to analyze the relationship between carbon accounting and environmental committees in companies listed on the BMV. While the carbon accounting literature amply explains the existence of various levels of implementation, from simple carbon footprint recording to more preferred accounting methods for expressing companies' responsibilities, there remains an ongoing debate about how these different Carbon accounting levels are related to the establishment of environmental committees within companies. Within the research method, logistic regression was used to test the effect of carbon accounting levels (independent variable) on the presence of environmental committees (dependent variable), controlling for type of industry and company size. The results show that not all levels of carbon accounting increase the probability that an environmental committee exists. The findings suggest that the more superficial levels of carbon accounting applied in Mexico increase the likelihood that companies have environmental committees to encourage carbon-related activity. The originality lies in the measurement of carbon accounting, which lacks exploration in studies that address Latin American contexts. The limitations of the study point to the need to carry out longitudinal studies to observe the effect of the relationship between the variables over time.

Resumen El objetivo es analizar la relación entre la contabilidad del carbono y los comités ambientales en las empresas que cotizan en la BMV. Mientras la literatura sobre la contabilidad del carbono explica ampliamente la existencia de varios niveles de implementación, desde el simple registro de la huella de carbono hasta métodos de contabilidad más sofisticados para expresar las responsabilidades de las empresas, aún permanece un debate continuo sobre cómo estos diferentes niveles de contabilidad de carbono se relacionan con el establecimiento de comités ambientales dentro de las empresas. Dentro del método de investigación se utilizó la regresión logística para probar el efecto de los niveles de contabilidad de carbono (variable independiente) sobre la presencia de comités ambientales (variable dependiente) controlando por tipo de industria y tamaño de la empresa. Los resultados muestran que no todos los niveles de contabilidad del carbono aumentan la probabilidad de que exista un comité medioambiental. Los hallazgos sugieren que los niveles más superficiales de contabilidad del carbono que se aplican en México aumentan la probabilidad de que las empresas cuenten con comités medioambientales para fomentar la actividad relacionada con el carbono. La originalidad radica en la medición de la contabilidad de carbono, la cual carece de exploración en estudios que aborden contextos latinoamericanos. Las limitaciones del estudio vislumbran la necesidad de realizar estudios longitudinales para observar el efecto de la relación entre las variables en el tiempo.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate whether the consumption of anticoagulants was associated with a difference in the frequency of thrombosis of any site, major bleeding and mortality, in adults with both diseases. Method: A retrospective cohort study was carried out in four high complexity centers. Patients older than 18 years with CKD on hemodialysis and non-valvular AF, with an indication for anticoagulation (CHA2DS2VASc ≥ 2), were included. The primary outcome was the occurrence of: major bleeding, thrombotic event (cerebrovascular accident, acute myocardial infarction or venous thromboembolic disease) or death. Adjustment for confounding variables was performed using logistic regression. Results: From 158 patients included, 61% (n = 97) received an anticoagulant. The main outcome was found in 84% of those who received anticoagulation and 70% of those who did not (OR: 2.12, 95%CI: 0.98-4.57; after the adjusted analysis OR: 2.13, 95%CI: 1.04-4.36). Separate outcomes were bleeding in 52% vs. 34% (OR: 2.03; 95%CI: 1.05-3.93), thrombosis in 35% vs. 34% (OR: 1.03; 95%CI: 0.52-2-01) and death in 46% vs. 41% (OR: 1.25; 95%CI: 0.65-2.38). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest an increased risk of bleeding in patients with AF and CKD on hemodialysis receiving anticoagulation, without a decrease in the risk of thrombotic events or all-cause mortality.

Resumen Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar si el uso de anticoagulantes se asociaba con una diferencia en la frecuencia de trombosis de cualquier sitio, hemorragia mayor y mortalidad en adultos con coexistencia de ambas patologías. Método: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en cuatro centros de alta complejidad. Se incluyeron mayores de 18 años con ERC en hemodiálisis y FA no valvular, con indicación de anticoagulación (CHA2DS2VASc ≥ 2). El desenlace primario fue la ocurrencia de sangrado mayor, evento trombótico (accidente vascular cerebral, infarto agudo al miocardio o enfermedad tromboembólica venosa) o muerte. Se realizó ajuste por variables de confusión por regresión logística. Resultados: De los 158 pacientes incluidos, el 61% (n = 97) recibieron anticoagulante. El desenlace principal se encontró en el 84% de quienes recibieron anticoagulación y en el 70% de quienes no la recibieron (OR: 2.12, IC95%: 0.98-4.57; luego del ajuste OR: 2.13, IC95%: 1.04-4.36). De los desenlaces mayores se presentaron sangrado en el 52% vs. el 34% (OR: 2.03; IC95%: 1.05-3.93), trombosis en el 35% vs. el 34% (OR: 1.03; IC95%: 0.52-2.01) y muerte en el 46% vs. el 41% (OR: 1.25; IC95%: 0.65-2.38). Conclusiones: Los resultados de este estudio sugieren un incremento en el riesgo de sangrado en los pacientes con FA y ERC en hemodiálisis que reciben anticoagulación, sin disminución del riesgo de eventos trombóticos ni de muerte.

BACKGROUND. In South Africa (SA), malaria is endemic in three of nine provinces - KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. During 2010 - 2014, SA reported that ~47.6% of all malaria cases were imported. Contemporary estimates for the prevalence of malaria in the five districts of Limpopo Province are limited, with unknown proportions of imported malaria cases. We estimated the prevalence of malaria, and the proportion of imported malaria cases in the five districts of Limpopo, from January 2015 to December 2017. OBJECTIVE. To measure the prevalence of malaria in Limpopo Province, the proportion of malaria cases that are imported and to determine factors associated with malaria from January 2015 to December 2017. METHODS. We retrospectively reviewed data routinely collected through the Malaria Information System and Laboratory Information System of the National Health Laboratory Services, and assessed associations with age, sex and district, using a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS. From 2015 to 2017, a total of 43 199 malaria cases were reported, of which 3.5% (n=1 532) were imported. The prevalence of malaria in Limpopo Province was the highest in 2017, at 331.0 per 100 000 population. The highest malaria prevalence district was Vhembe, with 647.9 in 2015, 220.3 in 2016 and 659.4 in 2017 per 100 000 population. However, Waterberg had the highest proportion of imported malaria cases 28.5% (437/1 532). In adjusted analyses, ages 15 - 49 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.48 - 1.68, p<0.001) and <1 year (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.37 - 0.74, p<0.001) were at higher odds of having malaria compared with ages >65 years. CONCLUSION. These findings highlight the significant burden of imported malaria in Limpopo Province. There is a need for strengthened surveillance and control programmes in neighboring countries (such as Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana) to reduce the importation and spread of malaria in this region.

RESUMEN Introducción: La glomerulonefritis pos infecciosa (GNPI) en la infancia es un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de enfermedad renal crónica a largo plazo. La adherencia al control médico permite realizar la nefroprevención secundaria. Objetivo: evaluar la relación entre los factores de riesgo relacionados a la falta de adherencia al control médico de pacientes con GNPI en una cohorte pediátrica. Metodología: estudio descriptivo de asociación cruzada de cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes internados entre enero de 2000 a diciembre de 2018 en un hospital de referencia. Se analizó la relación entre: hacinamiento, colecho, escolaridad materna y paterna, número de hermanos, de convivientes y procedencia, con la falta de adherencia al control médico. Se utilizaron la prueba de chi cuadrado y regresión logística a un nivel de significancia de 0,05. Resultados: Se incluyeron 148 pacientes (103 niños y 45 niñas) entre 2 a 16 años (edad promedio: 8,5± 3,4 años). La falta de adherencia fue encontrada en 73 pacientes (49,3%) que se asoció a procedencia rural (p= 0,012, RR: 1,50, IC95%: 1,10-2,06), baja escolaridad materna (p= 0,046, IC95%: 1,54:1,14-2,08), baja escolaridad paterna (p= 0,02; RR: 1,483, IC95%: 1,09-2,01), >3 convivientes (p=0,007, RR: 1,630, IC95%: 1,21-2,19), colecho (p=0,026; RR: 1,52, IC95%: 1,02-2,27) y hacinamiento (p<0,0001; RR: 1,92, IC95%: 1,39-2,65). Por regresión logística, el hacinamiento (p=0,005; OR= 4,8) y procedencia rural (p=0,022; OR: 2,4) se mantuvieron asociados a la falta de adherencia. Discusión: El hacinamiento y la procedencia rural se asociaron en forma independiente con la pérdida de seguimiento. Se recomienda mayor intervención de la atención primaria de salud.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) in childhood is a risk factor for the development of long-term chronic kidney disease. Adherence to medical control allows secondary nephroprevention to be carried out. Objective: to evaluate the relationship between risk factors related to non-adherence to medical control of patients with IPGN in a pediatric cohort. Methods: descriptive study, with an analytical component of a retrospective cohort of patients hospitalized between January 2000 and December 2018 in a reference hospital. The relationship between: overcrowding, co-sleeping, maternal and paternal education, number of siblings, cohabitants and origin, with lack of adherence to medical control was analyzed. The chi-square test and logistic regression were used at a significance level of 0.05. Results: a total of 148 patients (103 boys y 45 girls) between 2 and 16 years old (mean age: 8.5± 3.4 years) were included. The lack of adherence was found in 73 patients (49.3%) that was associated with rural origin (p= 0.012, RR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.10-2.06), low maternal education (p= 0.046, 95%CI: 1.54:1.14-2.08), low paternal education (p= 0.02; RR: 1.483, 95%CI: 1.09-2.01), >3 cohabitants (p=0.007, RR: 1.630, 95% CI: 1.21-2.19), co-sleeping (p=0.026; RR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.02-2.27) and overcrowding (p<0.0001; RR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.39-2.65). By logistic regression, overcrowding (p=0.005; OR= 4.8) and rural origin (p=0.022; OR: 2.4) remained associated with lack of adherence. Discussion: Overcrowding and rural origin were independently associated with loss to follow-up. Greater intervention by primary health care is recommended.

RESUMEN Introducción: La Comisión Nacional de Residencias Médicas (CONAREM) es el principal sistema de admisión para la tutoría clínica de residencias médicas en Paraguay, avalado por Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social. Objetivos. Determinar la relación entre el puntaje final obtenido y el promedio de grado en postulantes a convocatorias CONAREM 2019-2023. Metodología: Estudio transversal con variables sociodemográficas, académicas, puntajes del examen y puntaje final. Se aplicaron métodos descriptivos y pruebas de Kolmogórov-Smirnov, t de Student, U de Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis y correlación de Spearman; utilizando software Stata© 17.0 de StataCorp LLC. Se consideraron significativos cuando p<0.05. Resultados: De 2019 a 2023, 4.768 médicos postularon examen CONAREM. 62,12 % eran mujeres, 34,51 % tenían entre 22 y 25 años y 95,30 % estaban solteros. El promedio de grado fue 3,56 0, 49. La mayoría (69,09 %) provenían de universidades privadas. En las especialidades preferidas, clínica médica fue más común (20,31 %), luego cirugía general y pediatría (ambas 14,30 %), 39,14 % pudo acceder a especialidad preferida. El puntaje final promedio fue 67,92 (RIC 60,78 - 76,76) con diferencias significativas según edad, universidad de procedencia y año de examen. Con modelo de regresión logística se demostró que promedio de grado, edad, universidad pública y primera participación en examen estaban asociados con mayor probabilidad de obtener mejores puntajes. El modelo tenía coeficiente de ajuste de 0, 318, indicando que solo predice el 32 % de resultados. La correlación fue moderada y significativa entre puntaje final y promedio general de grado. Según universidad, la correlación fue baja y no significativa para universidades extranjeras, mientras que universidades públicas y privadas mostraron correlación moderada pero significativa. Discusión. Los mejores promedios de grado se correlacionan moderadamente con mayor probabilidad de puntajes altos y acceder a especialidades de preferencia de los médicos recientemente graduados, provenientes de universidades públicas que hayan rendido por primera vez el examen de la CONAREM.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The National Commission of Medical Residencies (CONAREM) is the main admission system for clinical tutoring of medical residencies in Paraguay, endorsed by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare. Objectives: Determine the relationship between the final score obtained and the average degree in applicants to CONAREM calls 2019-2023. Methods: Cross-sectional study with sociodemographic and academic variables, exam scores and final score. Descriptive methods and tests of Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Student's t, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman's correlation were applied; using Stata© 17.0 software from StataCorp LLC. They were considered significant when p<0.05. Results: From 2019 to 2023, 4,768 doctors applied for the CONAREM exam. 62.12% had a female female, 34.51% from 22 to 25, and 95.30% were single. The grade point average was 3.56(0.49. The majority (69.09%) came from private universities. As for preferred specialties, medical clinic was more common (20.31%), then general surgery and pediatrics (both 14.30%). 39.14% could access preferred specialty. The average final score was 67.92 and significant differences were found according to age, university of origin and year of examination. With logistic regression model, it was shown that average grade, age, public university and first participation in the exam were associated with a higher probability of obtaining better scores. The model had an adjustment coefficient of 0.318, indicating that it only predicts 32% of outcomes. The correlation was moderate and significant between final score and overall grade point average. By type of university, the correlation was low and not significant for foreign universities, while public and private universities showed moderate but significant correlation. Discussion: The best grade point averages correlate moderately with higher probability of high scores and access to specialties of preference and are associated with recently graduated doctors from public universities and took the exam for the first time.

RESUMEN La presente investigación busca analizar en qué medida la asociatividad permitirá que pequeños agricultores peruanos puedan insertarse, crecer y mantenerse en el mercado internacional. Para esto, nos centramos en la región Cajamarca, por ser uno de los recientes liderazgos en cuanto a la exportación de café orgánico debido a las asociaciones cafetaleras que se han ido formando. Para medir el impacto de la asociatividad en las exportaciones, se hace uso de un modelo de regresión logística, teniendo como fuente de información el IV Censo Nacional Agropecuario, el cual permite construir todas las variables mencionadas. Los resultados son robustos y confirman la hipótesis de la presente investigación.

ABSTRACT This research aims to analyze to what extent associativity will allow small Peruvian farmers to enter, grow and maintain themselves in the international market. For this we focus on the Cajamarca region, for being one of the recent leaders in terms of organic coffee exports due to the coffee associations that have been formed. To measure the impact of associativity on exports, a logistic regression model is employed, having as a source of information the IV National Agricultural Census, which allows to construct all the mentioned variables. The results are robust and confirm the hypothesis of this research.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidaemia and hypertension care have not been reported in large samples of community-based participants with known diabetes (KD) nor compared with individuals at high risk for diabetes. OBJECTIVES: To describe the management and associations of dyslipidaemia and hypertension in adults with KD, newly diagnosed diabetes (NDD) and normoglycaemia. METHODS: This urban population-based cross-sectional study comprised participants with KD, NDD and normoglycaemia. Participants at high risk for diabetes but without KD underwent oral glucose tolerance tests; those who were subsequently classified as NDD or normoglycaemic were included in this study. Data collection comprised administered questionnaires, clinical measurements and biochemical analyses. Multivariable logistic regressions determined the associations with hypertension and dyslipidaemia management in separate models. RESULTS: Among 618 participants (82% women), aged median 58 years, there were 339 participants with KD, 70 with NDD and 209 with normoglycaemia. Prevalence of hypertension (BP >140/90 mmHg or on treatment) and dyslipidaemia (raised low-density lipoprotein cholesterol >3 mmol/L or on treatment) was highest in KD (89% and 83%) compared with NDD (64% and 74%) and normoglycaemia (66% for both) (p<0.001). Detected or known hypertension was highest in KD (97.4%), followed by NDD (88.9%) and normoglycaemia (80.3%). Among participants with known or detected hypertension, those with KD were most likely to be treated (90.2%) compared with NDD (77.5%) and normoglycaemia (74.5.%). Hypertension control among participants on treatment was highest in KD (69.5%) compared with NDD (51.6%) and normoglycaemia (61.0%). Participants with KD had significantly higher rates of previously detected dyslipidaemia (85.1%) compared with NDD (36.5%) and normoglycaemia (35.5%). KD participants were also more likely to be treated for their previously detected dyslipidaemia (85.4%) and to be controlled when on treatment (56.3%) compared with their counterparts (NDD: 63.2% and 33.3%, normoglycaemia: 61.2% and 43.3%, respectively). Diabetes control was poor; only 20% of those with KD had HbA1c <7%. In the regression models, compared with normoglycaemia, KD was associated with hypertension detection (odds ratio (OR) 6.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.25 - 21.22) and control (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.04 - 4.02). KD compared with normoglycaemia was associated with dyslipidaemia detection (OR 10.29, 95% CI 5.21 - 20.32) and treatment (OR 3.94, 95% CI 1.68 - 9.27). Sociodemographic and cardiovascular disease risk factors were generally not associated with hypertension or dyslipidaemia management CONCLUSION: Albeit that diabetes control was poor and required better management, dyslipidaemia and hypertension prevalence were higher and better managed in KD than NDD and normoglycaemia. Different approaches are required to improve glucose control in KD, better identify NDD and monitor and prevent diabetes in high-risk individuals. Also important would be to improve care of hypertension and dyslipidaemia in those without KD.

Abstract We conducted a nested case-control study within a cohort with the aim of studying the association between illicit drug use and congenital syphilis (CS). Cases were diagnosed based on treponemal and non-treponemal tests conducted both in the mother and the newborn (NB). Multivariate analysis with logistic regression was performed. A total of 6171 births with a mean gestational age of 37.8 weeks were recorded and 62 CS events were diagnosed (incidence 10.5 events/1000 NB). Associated maternal factors were illicit drug use (OR 14.08, 95% CI 1.19-166.6), <5 prenatal visits (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.12-7.53), more than two sexual partners (OR 3.76, 95% CI 1.62-8.71) and professional education level (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.005-0.85). Among the mothers of the cases presented, the prevalence of illicit drug use was 22.6% and the most frequent drugs were methamphetamines and cannabis.

Resumen Realizamos un estudio de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte con el objetivo de estudiar la asociación del consumo de drogas ilícitas y sífilis congénita (SC). Los casos se diagnosticaron mediante pruebas treponémicas y no treponémicas en la madre y el recién nacido (RN). Se realizó un análisis multivariado con regresión logística. Se registraron 6.171 nacimientos con edad gestacional promedio 37,8 semanas y se diagnosticaron 62 eventos de SC (incidencia: 10,5 eventos/1.000 RN). Los factores maternos asociados fueron el uso de drogas ilícitas (OR = 14,08; IC 95% = 1,19-166,6), menos de cinco consultas en el control prenatal (OR = 2,9; IC 95% = 1,12-7,53), más de dos parejas sexuales (OR = 3,76; IC 95% = 1,62-8,71) y estudios universitarios (OR = 0,06; IC 95% = 0,005-0,85). Entre las madres de los casos, la prevalencia del consumo de drogas ilícitas fue de 22,6% y las más frecuentes fueron las metanfetaminas y la marihuana.

BACKGROUND. Hypertension, a consistent elevation in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, poses a global health challenge and likely develops early in life. Research suggests that socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with hypertension in childhood and adolescence. However, pathways through which SES leads to hypertension in adolescents remain unclear. OBJECTIVE. To examine the relationship between SES and hypertension among adolescents in South Africa (SA) and identify possible pathways linking SES and hypertension in this demographic group. METHODS. We analysed cross-sectional data from the South Africa Demographic and Health Survey 2016 comprising 1 062 adolescents aged between 15 and 19 years. SES was based on wealth quintiles. Multivariable logistic regression models and generalised structural equation modelling (GSEM) were employed to examine the relationship between SES and hypertension in adolescents. RESULTS. The unadjusted and adjusted relationships between SES and hypertension were not statistically significant. According to the GSEM, age (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.63 - 0.82) and BMI (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02 - 1.11) were the only factors directly associated with hypertension. Being female had a significant indirect effect on hypertension (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.03 - 1.36). CONCLUSION. Although no association was observed between SES and hypertension, sex-specific patterns emerged among the correlates of hypertension. This emphasises a need for further social epidemiology research on hypertension in this age group, ideally incorporating other proxies of socioeconomic status besides the wealth index.

Resumo Introdução: Os inibidores do co-transportador de sódio-glicose 2 (iSGLT2) são fármacos cada vez mais utilizados no tratamento da diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) por apresentarem benefícios em doentes com comorbilidades como doença renal crónica e insuficiência cardíaca. Existe evidência que suporta a relação entre a terapêutica com iSGLT2 e o aumento do risco de infeções genitais. Em relação à sua associação com infeções do trato urinário (ITU) existem algumas incongruências na literatura. Objetivos: Avaliar se os utentes com DM2 medicados com iSGLT2 estão em risco aumentado de terem ITU e infeções genitais, numa amostra de doentes com DM2 seguidos numa Unidade de Saúde e Familiar (USF), em comparação com utentes sob terapêutica com outros grupos farmacológicos de antidiabéticos, que não os iSGLT2. Métodos: Estudo caso-controlo, com uma população com DM2 inscritos numa USF do Norte de Portugal. Foram comparados os registos, do ano de 2021, de ocorrência de cistite, pielonefrite/ pielite, balanite, prostatite, vaginite, candidíases e tricomoníase em utentes medicados com iSGLT2 com um grupo não medicado com estes fármacos (variável grupo: caso ou com iSGLT2 vs controlo ou sem iSGLT2). Foram efetuados modelos de regressão logística (simples e múltiplos) de forma a estudar a associação entre a terapêutica com iSGLT2 e as infeções mencionadas. Resultados: Amostra final: 953 utentes. Para a ocorrência de cistite, o grupo iSGLT2 mostrou-se protetor para este outcome, com um OR de 0,47 [0,24; 0,90]. Quando a variável grupo foi ajustada para os fatores de risco potencialmente confundidores perdeu a significância no modelo final 0,54 [0,27; 1,07]. Para o desenvolvimento de pielonefrite, balanite, vaginite e tricomoníase, a variável grupo não se mostrou significativamente associada. Conclusão: Este estudo parece favorecer a segurança a nível de infeções urinárias e genitais na utilização dos iSGLT2 que possam limitar a prescrição destes fármacos.

Abstract Introduction: Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (iSGLT2) drugs are being increasingly used in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), due to their benefit in chronic kidney disease and heart failure - frequent comorbidities in patients with DM2. Evidence has been found linking iSGLT2 usage to an increased risk of genital infections. Regarding iSGLT2’s association with urinary tract infections (UTI), the findings are inconsistent. Aim: Determine in a sample taken from a primary care center, to determine whether DM2 patients treated with iSGLT2 are at an increased risk of UTI and genital infections when compared to DM2 patients treated only with other antidiabetic drugs. Methods: A case-control study, of a population of DM2 patients from a primary care center in the north of Portugal. Records from the year 2021 of cystitis, pyelonephritis/pyelitis, balanitis, prostatitis, vaginitis, candidiasis, and trichomoniasis, of iSGLT2 medicated DM2 patients were compared to those without this treatment (group variable: case with iSGLT2 vs control without iSGLT2). Logistic regression models were utilized to derive the association between iSGLT2 usage and previously mentioned infections. Results: Final sample: 953 patients. The group iSGLT2 was protective of the outcome cystitis, with an OR=0.47 [0.24; 0.90]. After adjusting for potential confounding factors this association was no longer significant - OR=0.54 [0.27; 1.07]. There was no significant association found between iSGLT2 usage and pyelonephritis/pyelitis, balanitis, prostatitis, vaginitis, candidiasis, and trichomoniasis. Conclusion: The present study seems to favor iSGLT2 safety regarding urinary and genital infections that may limit the prescription of these drugs.

Abstract Within households, bulky solid waste serves as the predominant breeding ground for mosquitoes that transmit dengue fever. The aim of this study is to identify and describe the relationship between material and subjective factors, using socioecological theoretical frameworks for health prevention. A descriptive cross-sectional study is conducted, using a simple random sample of 350 households in Asunción, Paraguay. To compare households based on the presence or absence of large breeding sites, the chi-square test, non-parametric Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon statistical test, and Yuen's robust T statistical test is employed. Additionally, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to determinate the Odd Ratio (OR). The study concludes that individualistic approaches in dengue prevention must be transcended and management capacities in homes must be increased by addressing environmental barriers and social beliefs, given the factor that most significantly explaines the presence of obsolete objects in homes is the belief that these items could prove useful in the future. In the multivariate analysis, the perception of usefulness of the potential breeding sites was one of the two significant variables that explain this behavior. The other significant variable was the low coverage of waste collection.

Resumen Dentro de los hogares, los residuos sólidos voluminosos constituyen el tipo de criadero más frecuente del mosquito transmisor del dengue. El objetivo de este estudio es identificar y describir la relación entre factores materiales y subjetivos, a través de un marco teórico socioecológico de prevención de la salud. Se realiza un estudio transversal descriptivo, mediante una muestra aleatoria simple de 350 hogares en Asunción, Paraguay. Para comparar los hogares, según la presencia o no de criaderos de gran tamaño, se usa la prueba de chi cuadrado, en el caso de variables categóricas, el test estadístico no paramétrico Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon, el test estadístico robusto T de Yuen y un análisis multivariado de regresión logística, para el cálculo del Odd Ratio (OR). El estudio concluye que se deben trascender los enfoques individualistas en la prevención del dengue y aumentar las capacidades de gestión en los hogares. Abordalas barreras del entorno y las creencias sociales, dado que el factor que explica con mayor fuerza estadística la existencia de objetos en desuso dentro de los hogares es la creencia de considerarlos de utilidad en el futuro. En el análisis multivariado, la percepción de utilidad del potencial criadero fue la variable que más explicaba la conducta. La otra variable significativa fue la baja cobertura de recolección de residuos.

Abstract Background: One of the main adverse reactions of adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer is radiodermatitis. Objective: To assess the incidence of radiodermatitis in women with breast cancer, identify factors associated with its severity and determine the time at which this event occurs. Methods: Prospective cohort study in 113 women with breast cancer who were evaluated before radiotherapy and at every fifth session until the end of treatment. Logistic regression and Cox proportional regression model were used for the assessment of risk factors; P values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: The incidence rate of radiodermatitis was 98.2% and it was demonstrated that for each additional point of the Body Mass Index (BMI), the chance of occurrence of grades II to IV radiodermatitis increases by 14% (OR = 1.14 [95% CI 1.04–1.26]; p = 0.004) and statin use increases the risk of more severe skin lesions by four-fold (OR = 4.27 [95% CI 1.11–16.42]; p = 0.035). The exclusive use of hydrogel for skin hydration was an independent factor in delaying the onset of radiodermatitis (HR = 0.55 [95% CI 0.36–0.82]; p = 0.004). Study limitations: The main limitation of this study was its external validity. The identified factors should be considered for services and populations similar to those in this study. Conclusions: There was a high incidence of radiodermatitis and its severity was related to higher BMI, statin use; there was a protective effect of hydrogel use.

BACKGROUND: There are variations in the numbers of pancreatic cancer deaths reported annually in South Africa (SA). Since pancreatic cancer deaths occurred in SA from 1997 to 2016, the number of cases has hugely increased, and reached 23 581 in both sexes. Sex differences are likely to contribute to the variations in the strength of associations between the risk factors and pancreatic cancer mortality OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer mortality in SA METHODS: A matched case-control study with 1:1 matching was conducted using data collected by Statistics SA from 1997 to 2016. Controls were randomly selected to be as similar as possible to the cases, and matched by age, sex and year of death. Conditional logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with pancreatic cancer mortality RESULTS: This case-control study comprised a final selection of 23 581 cases (12 171 males and 11 410 females) and 23 581 controls (12 171 males and 11 410 females). A significantly increased risk of pancreatic cancer mortality was observed among males who were managers (odds ratio (OR) 2.99; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36 - 6.60; p=0.006) and craft and related trade workers (OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.14 - 3.14; p=0.013). Elevated risks of pancreatic cancer mortality were also found among females who were managers (OR 6.13; 95% CI 1.32 - 28.52; p=0.021), professionals (OR 2.12; 95% CI 1.24 - 3.63; p=0.006), clerical support workers (OR 3.78; 95% CI 1.79 -7.98; p=0.001) and elementary occupation workers (OR 1.41; 95% CI 0.99 - 2.00; p=0.059). Smoking was significantly associated with pancreatic cancer mortality in females (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.02 - 1.82; p=0.039). Working in several occupations was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer mortality in males (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.01 - 1.71; p=0.045) and females (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.30 - 2.12; p<0.001 CONCLUSION: Smoking and certain occupations increased the risk of pancreatic cancer mortality. Further research is needed to evaluate the associations between other extrinsic and intrinsic factors and pancreatic cancer mortality