The Lived Experiences of Female Immigrant Carers in Madrid, Spain: A Phenomenological Study.

BACKGROUND: Immigration and population ageing represent circumstances with important sociocultural and economic repercussions. METHODS: A qualitative study using interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted to understand the daily lives and the work of immigrant women dedicated to caring for older citizens. In-depth interviews and discussion groups were carried out in a group of 40 immigrant carers. Data were analysed via the constant comparative method. RESULTS: Three qualitative themes emerged from the data: 'difficult lives', 'working in the home', and 'the vision of the other'. This study highlights the many difficulties encountered by this population. A sense of vulnerability was described while fulfilling their professional duties due to their migrant condition, experiences of gender inequality, and work status. An emotional connection is necessary to provide care, which is impossible in cases of discrimination. DISCUSSION: Administrative regularisation is necessary to improve the quality of immigrant carers' working conditions.

The Effect of a Sleep Intervention on Sleep Quality in Nursing Students: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

We develop a protocol for assessing the impact of an intervention aimed at improving sleep quality among university nursing students. The study is designed as a pilot randomized controlled trial to be applied during the 2022-23 academic year and is registered at Clinical Trials Gov website (NCT05273086). A total of 60 nursing students will be recruited from a Spanish university. They will be divided into two groups: (30) intervention group and (30) control group. The intervention group will attend two cognitive-behavioural therapy sleep programme sessions focused on knowledge of anatomical structures involved in sleep, chronotype, synchronization, and good sleeping habits. Subjective and objective sleep quality will be assessed before and after the intervention for both groups. In addition to sleep quality, socio-demographic parameters, physical activity, lifestyle habits, and anthropometric measures will be considered prior to intervention. Finally, a satisfaction questionnaire will be applied for posterior analysis. This study is an innovative, relevant intervention that aims to improve sleep quality among university nursing students. Both the approach and the use of objective and subjective validated outcome measurements are key features of this study.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Lifestyles of University Students: A Spanish Online Survey.

The present study aimed to investigate the perceived changes in lifestyle behaviors among Spanish university students during COVID-19-related confinement. An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional survey study was conducted during April 2020. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were then obtained. The FANTASTIC questionnaire was used to assess the lifestyles of the 488 participants who took part in the study. Of the participants, 76.3% were female. Overall, the lifestyles of university students significantly deteriorated during the period of confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. University female students were especially affected compared to their male fellows (p = 0.010). For women, social and family relationships (p < 0.001), personality (p < 0.001), interior (p < 0.001), and career (p < 0.001) were the aspects that worsened during confinement. For men, lack of physical exercise (p < 0.001), social and family relationships (p < 0.001), and career (p = 0.002) were affected to a greater extent. In both cases, confinement was a protective factor against the consumption of tobacco, toxins (p < 0.001), and alcohol (p < 0.001). Gender (p = 0.008) and obesity (p = 0.044) were the two factors that most affected the change in the score of the FANTASTIC questionnaire. Spanish university students' lifestyles worsened during the lockdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those of women, who were the most affected. Some aspects, such as those related to social and emotional behaviors, were deeply affected, while confinement could be a protective factor against previous toxic habits.

Health Problems Encountered by Short-Term European Volunteers in a Nongovernmental Organization in Cambodia.

Short-term volunteers are susceptible to a wide spectrum of morbidities, mostly infectious diseases preventable with general hygiene and preventive measures. This study aimed to identify the health problems encountered by European short-term volunteers collaborating for 1 month with a nongovernmental organization (NGO) in Cambodia and to describe their characteristics. A prospective, descriptive observational study was conducted on short-term volunteers who collaborated with an NGO in Cambodia during August 2018. Informed consent and sociodemographic, clinical, and preventative health-related questionnaire data were provided by 198 volunteers. The health problems encountered were confirmed in a primary care consultation with healthcare professionals. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed. The median age of the volunteers was 22 years (interquartile range = 21-24), and 64% were women. Some (18.2%) had allergies, 8.6% had preexisting health conditions, and 10.6% were under regular treatment. A total of 77.3% visited a pretravel consultation clinic, 39.9% completed a specific pretravel health course, 21.7% took malaria prophylaxis, 92.4% received hepatitis A vaccination, and 82.3% received typhoid fever vaccination. Medical assistance was sought by 112 (57.3%) of the volunteers. The average number of health problems was 2.5 (standard deviation = 1.5), and the total number of health problems attended by the medical team was 279. The most common health problems were upper respiratory infections (12.2 per 1,000 person/days), wounds (10.8 per 1,000 person/days), and diarrhea (6.3 per 1,000 person/days). Short-term volunteers experienced a high rate of health problems during their stay in Cambodia, but most of the problems were mild and preventable and resolved quickly. Pretravel consultation and specific pretravel health training seemed to increase disease awareness.

Learning musculoskeletal anatomy through new technologies: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the influence of the application of new methodologies on learning and the motivation of students of the Anatomy discipline. METHOD: randomized, longitudinal, prospective, intervention study. Sixty-two students were recruited to assess the impact of different methodologies. The sample was randomized to compare the results of teaching with a 3D atlas, ultrasound and the traditional method. The parameters were assessed through a satisfaction evaluation questionnaire and anatomical charts. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: in terms of the usefulness of the seminars, 98.1% of the students considered them to be very positive or positive, stating that they had stimulated their interest in anatomy. The students who learned with the 3D atlas improved their understanding of anatomy (p=0.040). In general, the students improved their grades by around 20%. CONCLUSION: the traditional method combined with new technologies increases the interest of students in human anatomy and enables them to acquire skills and competencies during the learning process.

[The influence of physical activity as an alternative treatment to chronic prostatitis: A meta-analysis]. / La influencia de la actividad física como tratamiento alternativo a la prostatitis crónica: un metaanálisis.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic prostatitis is one of the most common diagnoses in outpatient clinics in Urology. It is presented as a heterogeneous group of diseases, whose etiology is often unknown, showing as a common denominator a set of painful, irritative and obstructive symptoms of the genitourinary tract and perineum. OBJECTIVES: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis of this pathology was performed in relation to the damages or benefits that physical activity could have in chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain. METHODS: The Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, PEDro, The Cochrane Library, Dialnet and SciELO databases were consulted until June 2018 (the last paper used in this meta-analysis was published in March 2018). RESULTS: The research team reviewed a total of 93 studies, of which 10 were selected, with a subsequent examination of their methodological quality using the PEDro scale. The comparison of the body mass index, the quality of life related to the body mass index and the correlation of the urinary incontinence were made. The overall analysis of the interventions within the urinary incontinence was significant (effect size: 0.11; 95% CI 0.038 to 0.43; P=.024). CONCLUSIONS: The variability associated with experimental designs represents a heterogeneity in the effects of different programs or physical activity interventions for the treatment of chronic prostatitis. The effect sizes obtained suggest that the effectiveness of alternative treatment programs, using vehicular physical activity, may be related to the type of intervention performed.

Learning musculoskeletal anatomy through new technologies: a randomized clinical trial / Aprendizagem de anatomia musculoesquelética por meio de novas tecnologias: um ensaio clínico randomizado / Aprendizaje de la anatomía musculoesquelética a través de las nuevas tecnologías: ensayo clínico aleatorizado

Objective: to investigate the influence of the application of new methodologies on learning and the motivation of students of the Anatomy discipline. Method: randomized, longitudinal, prospective, intervention study. Sixty-two students were recruited to assess the impact of different methodologies. The sample was randomized to compare the results of teaching with a 3D atlas, ultrasound and the traditional method. The parameters were assessed through a satisfaction evaluation questionnaire and anatomical charts. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine statistical significance. Results: in terms of the usefulness of the seminars, 98.1% of the students considered them to be very positive or positive, stating that they had stimulated their interest in anatomy. The students who learned with the 3D atlas improved their understanding of anatomy (p=0.040). In general, the students improved their grades by around 20%. Conclusion: the traditional method combined with new technologies increases the interest of students in human anatomy and enables them to acquire skills and competencies during the learning process.

Objetivo: investigar a influência da aplicação de novas metodologias na aprendizagem e a motivação de alunos da disciplina de Anatomia. Método: estudo de intervenção, prospectivo, longitudinal e randomizado. Um total de 62 alunos foram recrutados para se avaliar o impacto de diferentes metodologias. Eles foram distribuídos de forma aleatória para comparar os resultados de ensino usando o atlas 3D, o ultrassom e o método tradicional. Os parâmetros foram medidos por meio de um questionário de avaliação de satisfação do aluno e uma prova usando lâminas anatômicas. O teste ANOVA de medidas repetidas foi usado para determinar significância estatística. Resultados: relativo à satisfação dos alunos, 98,1% consideraram muito positivo ou positivo o uso dos seminários, além de afirmarem que o seminário havia estimulado seu interesse pela anatomia. Os alunos submetidos ao método com o atlas 3D apresentaram uma melhora em sua compreensão de anatomia (p=0,040). De forma geral, os alunos melhoraram suas pontuações em aproximadamente 20%. Conclusão: o método tradicional, junto com as novas tecnologias, contribui para aumentar o interesse dos alunos pela Anatomia Humana assim como na aquisição de habilidades e competências em seu processo de aprendizagem.

Objetivo: investigar la influencia de la aplicación de nuevas metodologías en el aprendizaje y en la motivación de los alumnos en la asignatura Anatomia. Método: estudio de intervención, prospectivo, longitudinal y aleatorizado. Fueron convocados 62 alumnos para evaluar el impacto de diferentes metodologías. Se los dividió aleatoriamente para comparar resultados entre enseñanza con atlas 3D, ultrasonido y metodología tradicional. Los parámetros fueron analizados mediante un cuestionario de evaluación de satisfacción y láminas anatómicas. Se usó ANOVA de medidas repetidas para determinar la significancia estadística. Resultados: el 98,1% de los alumnos consideraron muy positiva o positiva la utilización de los seminarios, afirmaron asimismo que el seminario había estimulado su interés por la anatomía. Los alumnos que realizaron el aprendizaje con atlas 3D mejoraron su compresión de la anatomía (p=0,040). En general, los alumnos mejoraron sus puntajes en alrededor del 20%. Conclusión: el método tradicional con el agregado de las nuevas tecnologías permite a los alumnos incrementar su interés por la Anatomía Humana, así como adquirir habilidades y competencias en su proceso de aprendizaje.

One Year of Pilates Training for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Pilot Study.

Objectives: This prospective long-term study examines the effects of a Pilates training intervention on spinal mobility, disease activity, and functional capacity in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Design: The study design was quasi experimental and single blind. Subjects: 11 subjects were recruited among patients undergoing followup of AS diagnosed according to modified New York criteria at the rheumatology clinic. Interventions: Over a 12-month period, 11 patients completed a training program consisting of two sessions per week of selected Pilates exercises. There was no control group. Outcome measures: The primary outcome variable was functional capacity measured using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) questionnaire. Exploratory outcome measures were Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI), and chest expansion and fingertip-to-floor (FTF) test. Baseline and follow-up examinations were performed immediately before the intervention and during the course of treatment at 4, 8, and 12 months. Results: After the exercise intervention, improvements were observed in BASFI (77.51%), BASDAI (64.39%) and BASMI (58.95%) scores, FTF distance (71.92%), and chest expansion (88.74%). Conclusions: These findings suggest that Pilates training could be useful in AS patients and provide direction for larger controlled trials designed to determine the therapeutic benefits of Pilates in the management of these patients.

Physiotherapy Treatments in Musculoskeletal Pathologies Associated with Haemophilia.

The aim of this study is to offer physiotherapists a synthesis of the main therapeutic tools available for the treatment of musculoskeletal pathologies in patients with haemophilia, according to the scientific literature. Although bleeds are recognised as no longer being a cause of death for people with haemophilia, the accompanying musculoskeletal injuries now represent the main problem associated with this disorder. There is a lack of clear guidelines to date regarding the physiotherapy treatment of these disorders. We performed a keyword searches of Pubmed, Scopus, Sciencedirect, Cochrane and PEDro databases. In total, 555 references were retrieved, of which only 55 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Publications were grouped by the main symptoms caused by haemophilia and the physiotherapy treatments available. The literature reviewed shows that physiotherapists have a range of therapeutic tools at their disposal for the treatment of the main musculoskeletal disorders suffered by patients with haemophilia. Physiotherapy interventions act upon inflammation and pain, as well as favouring the reabsorption of haematomas, preventing muscle fibrosis and joint ankylosis and recovering the joint range from prior to the lesions. Also, these interventions help prevent muscle atrophy and provide patients with the optimal physical conditions for facing the small and repetitive injuries that, over time, can have a detrimental effect on their quality of life. CONCLUSION: Haemophilic patients suffer from a series of musculoskeletal disorders, which are associated with important functional disability. Physiotherapy and adapted sports are essential for decreasing disability and improving the quality of life of affected patients.

Exploring Barriers to Breastfeeding Among Chinese Mothers Living in Madrid, Spain.

In Spain, immigrant women have high rates for initiating breastfeeding. In contrast, the case of immigrant Chinese mothers stands out, due to the low rate. In China, breastfeeding has historically been the cultural norm. An ethnographic study was conducted to explore aspects related to the low rate of breastfeeding. Field observations and informal interviews were conducted in two hospitals and a primary care center. Semi-structured interviews were performed with Chinese mothers and health workers. Among Spanish health workers, there is a belief that Chinese women do not breastfeed due to cultural reasons. The rapid return to work and the popular phenomenon of sending babies back to China for grandparents to raise constitute barriers for breastfeeding. Although in China breastfeeding is common practice, in Madrid the prioritization of productivity over reproduction and the existence of the so-called "satellite babies" and transnational maternity make the establishment and maintenance of breastfeeding difficult.

The use of reflective journaling as a learning strategy during the clinical rotations of students from the faculty of health sciences: An action-research study.

BACKGROUND: Reflective practice contributes significantly to the assimilation of knowledge in undergraduate health students. Reflective journals constitute a learning strategy that promotes student reflection during clinical practice. AIMS: The overall aim of the study was to explore teachers' perceptions and experiences regarding the use of reflective clinical journals as a learning tool for students in order to improve the implementation of clinical journal writing in all the Health Science degrees offered by our University. METHOD: A qualitative research study was performed using the Action-Research method. Students studying various degrees at our Health Faculty were considered for this study (Nursing Physiotherapy, and Physiotherapy and Physical Activity and Sport Science). Data were collected using triangulation of document analysis (102 student journals and 12 teacher journals, together with the teachers' responses to the student's journals) and transcripts from 2 discussion groups (1 student discussion group and 1 teacher discussion group). Data analysis was performed based on the constant comparative method using ATLAS.ti version 6.2 software. RESULTS: Four qualitative themes emerged from the data: the journal as a teaching strategy; building a relationship of trust between the tutor and the student; the role of the teacher and the world of emotions. CONCLUSIONS: Several recommendations for supporting clinical journal writing were identified: an informative meeting should be arranged with students; written guidelines should be provided; a personal interview with the student is recommended at the start of the activity; feedback should be offered over short time periods; teachers should provide constructive feedback; and students should adopt a free writing approach, or be guided by very open questions. Finally, it is important that students be familiarized with the assessment criteria.