Irritable bowel syndrome and erectile dysfunction in medical students at a Peruvian university: an analytical cross-sectional analysis.

Background: There is inconclusive evidence regarding the role of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the development of erectile dysfunction (ED), especially among medical students due to high academic stress. Aim: To determine the association between IBS and ED in medical students from a Peruvian university in 2022. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with secondary data analysis on 133 medical students from a university in northern Peru during the 2021-II academic semester. The dependent variable was ED as measured with the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function, and the exposure variable was IBS as assessed with the Rome IV-Bristol questionnaire. Outcomes: The results were the prevalence rates of IBS and ED and the association of these variables. Results: Of the 133 medical students surveyed, the median age was 22 years (IQR, 19-24). The median score on the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function was 21 (IQR, 10-24). The prevalence of ED was 38.4% (95% CI, 30.05%-47.17%). Among the medical students 3% and 9% displayed moderate and severe ED, respectively, and 24.8%, 13.5%, and 24.1% showed moderate depressive, anxious, and severe symptoms. An overall 10.5% had IBS. Medical students with IBS had a 108% higher prevalence of ED than those without the syndrome (prevalence ratio, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.06-4.06). Other confounding variables were not significantly associated (P > .05). Clinical Implications: The results underline the importance of comprehensive sexual and mental health assessment, with an emphasis on the relationship between IBS and ED in medical students. Strengths and Limitations: Strengths include the use of validated and reliable instruments and rigorous biostatistical methods, and this is the first Peruvian investigation to explain the association between IBS and ED in medical students. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and nonprobability sampling, and there may be bias in applying the instruments. Conclusion: This study reveals a significant association between IBS and a higher prevalence of ED in these students.

Prevalence and associated factors of premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction in young, single men who have sex with men in Lima, Peru.

Background: While there is literature on erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) in men, conclusive evidence regarding these sexual health issues and potential associated factors in the young, single men who have sex with men (MSM) population is lacking. Aim: The study sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with PE and ED in young single MSM in the capital of Peru. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study in MSM using an online questionnaire. The presence of ED and PE was assessed using the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function and 5-item Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool questionnaires, respectively. In addition, their association with personal, physical health, and sexual behavior variables was evaluated. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were estimated through regression models. Outcomes: Premature ejaculation and Erectile dysfunction in MSM. Results: Of 315 participants, most were between 20 to 29 years of age (71.8%), 43.5% identified as homosexual, 59.1% had between 2 and 5 sexual partners, and 40.6% reported that the duration of their sexual relationship was between 1 and 12 months. The prevalence of ED was 53.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 47.66%-58.95%), and PE was present in 8.3% (95% CI, 5.46%-11.86%). Factors associated with a higher prevalence of ED were having between 6 and 9 sexual partners (PR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.05-2.11) and having a sexual relationship lasting 13 to 24 months (PR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.50-0.98). Furthermore, for each additional year from the onset of the first sexual encounter with another man, the prevalence of PE increased by 7% (PR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.13). Clinical Implications: These findings suggest that there is a relationship between an increased number of sexual partners and a higher prevalence of ED. It also suggests that relationships that last for some time may have a protective effect against ED. Strengths and Limitations: Strengths include the use of validated instruments, adequate sample size, robust multivariate analysis, and being one of the few studies in Latin America assessing PE and ED in the MSM population. Limitations include the cross-sectional design, nonprobability sampling, and access to participants. Conclusion: Having more sexual partners is associated with increased ED, while relationships lasting 13 to 24 months are associated with decreased ED. Each additional year from the onset of the first sexual relationship increases the prevalence of PE. These findings can guide the design of health policies and programs tailored to the MSM community to enhance their well-being and sexual quality of life.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome in medical students at a Peruvian university: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Irritable Bowel Syndrome has emerged as a significant public health challenge, particularly relevant in medical students due to the high demands of their studies, academic stress, and susceptibility to eating disorders. Nevertheless, conclusive evidence regarding the factors associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome in the Latin American student population remains limited. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Human Medicine students at a university in northern Peru. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study conducted in Lambayeque, northern Peru. With 403 Human Medicine students (66.5% female, 33.5% male). A simple random probabilistic sampling type was used, based on a list of students enrolled. A multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the factors associated using simple and multiple regression models. Generalized Linear Models were applied, using the Poisson distribution family, robust variance, and the academic year as a cluster. Results: The prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome was 16.9% (95% CI: 13.37-20.86). The median age was 21 years, with 66.5% being female. In the multiple regression analysis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome was associated with a higher prevalence of depression (PR: 3.63; 95% CI: 1.26-10.49) and eating disorders (PR: 1.57; 95% CI: 1.01-2.43). For each additional year of age, the prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome decreased by 9% (PR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.83-0.99). Conclusion: This study reveals that approximately two out of every 10 students exhibit symptoms related to IBS, underscoring its significance in the Human Medicine student population. Furthermore, depression and eating disorders were identified as significant factors associated with IBS in students. Consequently, it is essential to focus efforts on early identification and the implementation of preventive measures to mitigate the development of this pathology, given its substantial prevalence in this context of Human Medicine students.

Prevalence and factors associated with fear of COVID-19 in military personnel during the second epidemic wave in Peru.

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mounting workload and heightened stress may contribute to exacerbated mental health challenges, including an increased fear of COVID-19, among military personnel. Despite the potential influence of these factors, there remains a scarcity of studies addressing mental health issues, particularly the fear of COVID-19, within this specific population. We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with fear of COVID-19 among military members. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2 and 9, 2021, during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Lambayeque region, Peru. The outcome variable was fear of COVID-19, assessed using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. The association with resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, abbreviated as CD-RISC), food insecurity (Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, abbreviated as HFIAS), physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, abbreviated as IPAQ-S), eating disorder (Eating Attitudes Test-26, abbreviated as EAT-26), and other socio- demographic variables was assessed. Results: Among the 525 participants, the median age was 22, 95.8% were male, and 19.2% experienced fear of COVID-19. A higher prevalence of fear of COVID-19 was associated with age (PR=1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.06), religion (PR=2.05; 95% CI: 1.04-4.05), eating disorder (PR=2.95; 95% CI: 1.99-4.36), and having a relative with mental disorder (PR=2.13; 95% CI: 1.09-4.17). Overweight (PR=0.58; 95% CI: 0.37-0.90) and a high level of resilience (PR=0.63; 95% CI: 0.43-0.93) were associated with a lower prevalence of fear of COVID-19. Discussion: Two out of ten military personnel were afraid of COVID-19. Our results highlight the need for targeted interventions addressing the factors contributing to fear of COVID-19 among military personnel, emphasizing the significance of mental health support and preventive measures within this specific population.

Depression, anxiety, and stress in medical students in Peru: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with depressive, anxious, and stress symptoms in medical students in Peru, during the second pandemic wave of COVID-19. Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study in 405 medical students from a university in northern Peru. The DASS-21 instrument was used to evaluate mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, and stress), and to investigate their association with socio-educational characteristics. Results: We found a prevalence of depressive, anxious, and stress symptoms of 71.6% (95% CI: 66.94-75.95), 71.9% (95% CI: 67.2-76.2), and 62.7% (95% CI: 57.8-67.4); respectively. Students with eating behavior disorders had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (PR: 1.35), anxious symptoms (PR: 1.27), and stress symptoms (PR: 1.31). The prevalence of depressive symptoms (PR: 1.57), anxious symptoms (PR: 1.27), and stress symptoms (PR: 1.24) increased in students who did not report regular physical activity. In addition, having almost always academic exhaustion increased the prevalence of depressive symptoms (PR: 1.46), stress symptoms (PR: 1.72). On the contrary, the prevalence of depressive symptoms (PR: 0.79), anxious symptoms (PR: 0.73) and stress symptoms (PR: 0.82) decreased in male students. Students who reported sleeping 8 or more hours daily had a lower prevalence of stress symptoms (PR: 0.82). Conclusion: Symptoms of depression and anxiety occurred in 7 out of 10 students, and stress in 6 out of 10. Among the factors associated with the presence of anxiety, depression, and stress were eating behavior disorder and not regularly exercising. Periodic evaluations of mental symptomatology are required and counseling should be promoted in medical schools.

Food insecurity in Piura, Peru, in the context of post-earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: Piura, located in a seismic zone, faces challenges related to food security. The aim of this study was to analyze aspects related to food insecurity in the region following the 6.1-magnitude earthquake that occurred in 2021, within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A secondary analysis was performed in 177 people exposed to the earthquake in Piura. Food insecurity was assessed with the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Its association with insomnia, resilience, anxiety/depressive symptoms, and general variables were determined using generalized linear models. Results: Food insecurity was observed in 31.1% (95% CI: 24.3-38.4) of participants. This prevalence was higher in people with mild (PR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.12-2.70) and moderate (PR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.09-2.22) anxiety symptoms, severe depressive symptoms (PR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.24-6.03), and previous exposure to the El Niño Phenomenon (PR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.06-2.81). An income higher than 5000 Peruvian soles (approximately 1300 US dollars) was associated with a lower prevalence of food insecurity (PR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.13-0.40). Conclusions: Overall, three out of 10 individuals experienced food insecurity after the 2021 earthquake in Piura. Food insecurity may be aggravated by mental disorders, previous exposure to the El Niño phenomenon, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Our study contributes to the field by exploring a range of variables related to food insecurity in a unique context: post-earthquake and during the COVID-19 health emergency in Peru. These findings enhance our understanding of food insecurity at the regional level and highlight the need for preventive food security programs in seismic events.

Association between Love Breakup and Suicidal Ideation in Peruvian Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: We aimed to determine the association between a major romantic breakup and suicidal ideation in medical students from three universities in Peru. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the first pandemic wave in 2021 on medical students from three universities in northern Peru. The outcome was suicidal ideation, measured with question nine of the PHQ-9. The exposure was the experience of a major love breakup during the pandemic. In addition, its association with other covariates (age, sex, family members infected with COVID-19, deceased family members with COVID-19, insomnia, and anxiety, among others) was examined. Results and discussions: Out of 370 students, 19.5% reported a major love breakup during the pandemic (95%CI: 15.5-23.8), and 34.3% had suicidal ideation (95%CI: 29.4-39.4). Having a major love breakup was associated with a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation (PR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.32-1.67). Moderate insomnia (PR: 2.56, 95%CI: 1.70-3.87) and anxiety symptoms (PR: 1.94, 1.10-3.44) were also associated with suicidal ideation. Conclusion: Our study provides evidence of a significant association between a major love breakup and suicidal ideation. This finding emphasizes the need for further research to better understand this association and inform the development of effective suicide prevention policies in medical education.

Internet addiction and mental health disorders in high school students in a Peruvian region: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between internet addiction disorder (IAD) and anxiety and depressive symptomatology in high school students in two private schools in Chiclayo, Peru, during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analytical cross-sectional investigation of 505 adolescents from two private schools. The dependent variables were anxiety and depressive symptomatology, measured with the Beck Adapted Depression Questionnaire (BDI-IIA) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), respectively. The main independent variable was IAD, measured with the Internet Addiction Test instrument(IATI). Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated. RESULTS: The average age was 14.16 years and 54.9% were women. 22.2% and 3.2% presented mild and moderate IAD; respectively. 9.3% presented severe anxiety and 34.3% severe depressive symptomatology. In the simple regression, adolescents with mild, moderate and severe IAD presented 19% (PR = 1.19; 95%CI: 1.05-1.35), 25% (PR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.02-1.53) and 53% (PR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.47-1.60) higher prevalence of depressive symptomatology; however, this association was not maintained in the multiple model. Anxiety increased 196% in adolescents with severe IAD (PR = 2.96; 95%CI: 1.86-4.71). CONCLUSION: We found that 2, 1, and 3 out of 10 students presented IAD, depressive symptomatology, and anxiety, respectively. We did not find an association between IAD and depressive symptomatology, but we did find an association with anxiety. Among the factors associated with the development of depressive symptomatology were the male sex, the presence of eating disorders, subclinical insomnia, using devices for more than 2 h, and using the Internet for academic activities. About anxiety, the associated factors are the female sex, the presence of eating disorders, subclinical insomnia, and the use of the Internet as social interaction. We recommend implementing counseling programs in view of the imminent introduction of the Internet as a pillar in education.

Depression and anxiety in peruvian military personnel during the pandemic context: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased workload and stress could have increased mental health problems (anxiety and depression) in military personnel. However, the number of studies in military members is scarce, especially in regard to mental health. The objective of this study was determine the prevalence and factors associated with depression and anxiety in Peruvian military personnel. METHODS: We undertook an analytical cross-sectional study. The survey was distributed face to face between November 02 and 09, 2021, during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among the military personnel. We used some instruments to measure depression (Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD-7), insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index, ISI), food insecurity (Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, HFIAS), physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaires, IPAQ-S), resilience (abbreviated CD-RISC), and fear of COVID-19 scale. The exclusion criteria included those who did not completely fill out the evaluation instruments. RESULTS: We analyzed the data of 615 military personnel that participated in the survey. Of them, 93.7% were male and the median age was 22 years old. There was a prevalence of 29.9% and 22.0% in regard to depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. In addition, it was found that being married (PR: 0.63; 95% IC: 0.42-0.94), having a relative with mental health problems (PR: 2.16), having experienced food insecurity (PR: 1.48), insomnia (PR: 2.71), fear of COVID-19 (PR: 1.48), and a high level of resilience (PR: 0.65) were factors associated with depression. In regard to anxiety, the factors associated were working for more than 18 months since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (PR: 0.52), a high level of resilience (PR: 0.50; 95% IC: 0.33-0.77), insomnia (PR: 3.32), fear of COVID-19 (PR: 2.43). CONCLUSION: We found a prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety of 29.9% and 22.0%, respectively. In regard to the factors that attenuate depression, we can mention being married and having resilience; and among the aggravating factors, having a relative with mental health problems, food insecurity, insomnia, and fear of COVID-19. Finally, anxiety increased through working time, insomnia, and fear of COVID-19.

Poor sleep quality and erectile dysfunction in students from a Peruvian University: A cross-sectional study.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the association between sleep quality and erectile dysfunction in young university students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in men aged 18-30 years from Universidad Ricardo Palma, Lima, Peru. The survey comprised the International Index of Erectile Function, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Berlin questionnaire, and questions related to sociodemographic data. Prevalence ratios were estimated with generalized linear models. Results: Of 381 participants, the median age was 23 years. Half of the students (50.9%) had poor sleep quality, of which 72.7% had mild erectile dysfunction and 20.6% mild to moderate dysfunction. Prevalence of erectile dysfunction was significantly higher in students with poor sleep quality than in students with good sleep quality (aPR = 6.48; 95% CI: 4.58-9.17) after adjusting for age, academic year, nutritional status, and sleep apnea. In a subsequent exploratory analysis, sleep apnea was associated with a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction (aPR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.01-1.39), while overweight (aPR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.76-0.95) and obesity (aPR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.52-0.82) were associated with a lower prevalence of this condition. Conclusion: Poor sleep quality was independently associated with erectile dysfunction in young university students. This finding suggests that male students are at risk for sexual problems due to possible academic demands and relationship issues.

Association between love breakup and suicidal ideation in Peruvian medical students: a cross-sectional study during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: We aimed to determine the association between a major romantic breakup and suicidal ideation in medical students from three universities in Peru. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the first pandemic wave in 2021 on medical students from three universities in northern Peru. The outcome was suicidal ideation, measured with question nine of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were also used to assess mental health symptoms. The exposure was the experience of a major love breakup during the pandemic. In addition, its association with other covariates (age, sex, family members infected with COVID-19, deceased family members with COVID-19, insomnia, and anxiety, among others) was examined. Results and discussions: Out of 370 students, 19.5% reported a major love breakup during the pandemic (95%CI: 15.5-23.8), and 34.3% had suicidal ideation (95%CI: 29.4-39.4). Having a major love breakup was associated with a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation (PR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.32-1.67, p < 0.001). Moderate insomnia (PR: 2.56, 95%CI: 1.70-3.87, p < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (PR: 1.94, 1.10-3.44, p = 0.023) were also associated with suicidal ideation. Conclusion: Our study provides evidence of a significant association between a major love breakup and suicidal ideation. This finding emphasizes the need for further research to better understand this association and inform the development of effective suicide prevention policies in medical education.

Factors Associated with Anxiety, Depression, and Stress in Peruvian University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, university students have adopted measures that completely transformed their educational environment, and this has generated an increase in psychological stress. The present study aimed to identify the factors associated with anxiety, depression, and stress in students at a university in Peru during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study in students in Lima, Peru. The DASS-21 scale was used to measure levels of depression, anxiety, and stress and associate it with socio-educational and COVID-19-related variables using generalized linear models with Poisson distribution, log link, and robust variance. Of 400 students surveyed, 19.2%, 23.2% and 17.2% of students presented depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. The frequency of depression (PR = 0.91, 95%CI: 0.84-0.99), anxiety (PR = 0.90, 95%CI: 0.83-0.99) and stress (PR = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.86-0.99) was lower in women. The students of the engineering and business faculty presented a higher frequency of anxiety (PR = 1.11, 95%CI: 1.00-1.22). There was a greater frequency of presenting anxiety, depression and stress in students who worked in a different area of health or did not work. Our results suggest the importance of promoting mental health awareness campaigns in university students due to the constant academic load they have.

Hypertriglyceridemic waist and arterial hypertension in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Cintura hipertrigliceridémica e hipertensión arterial en adultos: una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis

Objective: To develop a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the association between hypertriglyceridemic waist (CHTG) and arterial hypertension (HBP) in adults. Materials: The present study is a systematic review (SR) with meta-analysis of analytical cross-sectional observational studies. Search strategies will be used in different databases, which will be Pubmed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase. The qualitative analysis was presented in a table with the characteristics of each study. For quantitative analysis, random-effects meta-analysis was performed due to the heterogeneity of the studies. These variables were compared using Odds Ratios (OR) as a measure of association with their corresponding 95% confidence interval. Results: Five studies were included for statistical analysis. Overall, a statistically significant association was found between both variables (OR: 1.36; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.71). In turn, there was a high heterogeneity (I squared 92%). Conclusions: This SR found that CHTG is associated with the presence of hypertension. However, given the few studies found, it is recommended to carry out more primary studies with a prospective design before carrying out a next SR on the subject, and with standardized cut-off points to make a more homogeneous comparability.

Objetivo: Desarrollar una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis para determinar la asociación entre la cintura hipertrigliceridémica (CHTG) e hipertensión arterial (HTA) en adultos. Materiales: El presente estudio es una revisión sistemática (RS) con metanálisis de estudios observacionales de corte transversal analítico. Se utilizarán estrategias de búsqueda en diferentes bases de datos las cuales serán Pubmed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase. El análisis cualitativo fue presentado en una tabla con las características de cada estudio. Para el análisis cuantitativo, se realizó el metaanálisis de efectos aleatorios debido a la heterogeneidad de los estudios. Dichas variables fueron comparadas usando como medida de asociación Odds Ratios (OR) con su correspondiente intervalo de confianza al 95%. Resultados: Se incluyeron 5 estudios para el análisis estadístico. De manera global, se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre ambas variables (OR: 1,36; IC 95% 1,07 a 1,71). A su vez, se presentó una alta heterogeneidad (I cuadrado del 92%). Conclusiones: La presente RS encontró que la CHTG está asociado con la presencia de HTA. No obstante, dado los pocos estudios encontrados, se recomienda la realización de más estudios primarios con un diseño prospectivo antes de la realización de una siguiente RS del tema, y con puntos de corte estandarizados para hacer una comparabilidad más homogénea.

Validez de contenido por juicio de expertos de un instrumento para medir conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre el consumo de sal en la población peruana / Content validity by expert judgment of an instrument to measure knowledge, attitudes and practices about salt consumption in the peruvian population

Introducción: Ante el alto consumo de sal en la población, surge la necesidad de contar con una herramienta validada que mida los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas del consumo de sal (CAP-sal). Objetivo: Validar el cuestionario de CAP-sal. Métodos: Estudio psicométrico de validez de contenido a través de juicio de expertos. Se contó un total de 5 médicos de diferentes especialidades. Para calcular el grado de acuerdo entre los jueces expertos se utilizó la V de Aiken Como criterio de decisión para mantener un ítem, se consideró un valor ≥ 0,7. Resultados: En relación a la claridad, se presentaron valores V superiores a 0,80, además, de un coeficiente de variación menor a 25%, por tanto, ninguno de los ítems fue eliminado. Con respecto a coherencia, presentaron un coeficiente de variación por encima del 20% y valores V superiores a 0,71, confirmando la decisión de no excluir alguno de ellos. Sobre la relevancia de los ítems, se evidenció también valores V superiores a 0,90 y tampoco presentó alguno un valor por debajo del crítico. Conclusiones:El cuestionario ha presentado suficientes evidencias de validez de contenido en claridad, coherencia y relevancia de los ítems a través de los análisis antes mencionados. Por eso mismo, debería ser utilizado para cuantificar el CAP-sal de diferentes grupos poblacionales del país.

Introduction: Given the high consumption of salt in the population, the need arises to have a validated tool that measures the knowledge, attitudes and practices of salt consumption (CAP-salt). Objective: To validate the questionnaire on CAP-salt. Methods: Psychometric study of content validity through expert judgment. A total of 5 physicians from different specialties were counted. To calculate the degree of agreement between the expert judges, Aiken's V was used. As a decision criterion to keep an item, a value ≥ 0.7 was considered. Results: In relation to clarity, V values greater than 0.80 were presented, in addition to a variation coefficient of less than 25%, therefore, none of the items was eliminated. Regarding coherence, they presented a coefficient of variation above 20% and V values greater than 0.71, confirming the decision not to exclude any of them. Regarding the relevance of the items, V values higher than 0.90 were also evidenced and neither did any of them present a value below the critical one. Conclusions: The questionnaire has presented sufficient evidence of content validity in terms of clarity, coherence and relevance of the items through the aforementioned analyses. For this reason, it should be used to quantify the KAP of different population groups in the country.

Cintura hipertrigliceridémica y su asociación con la hipertensión arterial una muestra de pobladores adultos peruanos / Hypertriglyceridemic waist circumference and its association with arterial hypertension in a sample of Peruvian adult population

Objetivo: Evaluar la prevalencia de cintura hipertrigliceridémica (CHTG) y su asociación con hipertensión arterial (HTA) en pobladores adultos peruanos. Metodología: Estudio transversal analítico de base de datos secundario de la "Encuesta Nacional de Indicadores Nutricionales, Bioquímicos, Socioeconómicos y Culturales relacionados con las Enfermedades Crónicas-Degenerativas". La CHTG se midió de acuerdo con la presencia de hipertrigliceridémica (≥ 150 mg/dl) y cintura abdominal aumentada, según los criterios JIS (hombres ≥ 94 cm y mujeres ≥ 80 cm) y ATPIII (hombres ≥ 102 cm y mujeres ≥ 88 cm). Resultados: La prevalencia de HTA fue 12,48 %, de CHTG-JIS fue 21,49% y CHTG-ATPII fue 13,96%. En la regresión múltiple, la CHTG-JIS mostro que tenían 1,35 mayor frecuencia de tener HTA versus quienes no presentaban CHTG (RP=1,35; IC95%: 1,13 ­ 1,61; p = 0.001) y la CHTG-ATPIII observó que tenían 1,38 mayor frecuencia de tener HTA versus quienes no presentaban CHTG (RP=1,38; IC95%: 1,14 ­ 1,67; p=0.001), ambos ajustados por variables convenientes. Conclusión: La CHTG se asoció positivamente con HTA.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) and its association with arterial hypertension (AHT) in Peruvian adults. Methodology: Cross-sectional analytical study of the secondary database from the "National Survey of Nutritional, Biochemical, Socioeconomic and Cultural Indicators related to Chronic-Degenerative Diseases". HTGW was measured according to the presence of hypertriglyceridemia (≥ 150 mg/dl) and increased abdominal waist, according to JIS (men ≥ 94 cm and women ≥ 80 cm) and ATPIII (men ≥ 102 cm and women ≥ 88 cm) criteria. Results: the prevalence of AHT was 12.48%, HTGW -JIS was 21.49%, and HTGW-ATPII was 13.96%. In multiple regression, HTGW-JIS showed that they had 1.35 higher frequency of having AHT versus those without HTGW (PR=1.35; CI95%: 1.13 - 1.61; p = 0.001) and HTGW-ATPIII showed that they had 1.38 higher frequency of having AHT versus those without HTGW (PR=1.38; CI95%: 1.14 - 1.67; p = 0.001), both adjusted for convenience variables. Conclusion: HTGW was positively associated with AHT.

Factores asociados a seropositividad para SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes atendidos en un hospital de zona altoandina peruana / Factors associated with seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 in patients treated at a hospital in the Peruvian highlands

Introducción:El COVID 19 es una enfermedad infecciosa causada por el SARS-CoV-2 que ha afectado en gran escala al Perú. No están documentados los potenciales factores clínicos y/o epidemiológicos que están relacionados a la positividad de SARS-CoV-2 en población altoandina. Determinar los factores asociados a positividad de SARS-Cov-2 en Objetivo:personas que viven en Ancash. Estudio transversal analítico. Se Material y métodos:utilizaron los registros de pacientes atendidos por sospecha de COVID-19 en un hospital público de Huaraz en marzo-mayo 2020. Se estimaron razones de prevalencia (RP) con intervalos de confianza. En el análisis de regresión simple, se estimaron razones de prevalencia e intervalos de confianza al 95%, utilizando familia de distribución Poisson, función de enlace log y varianza robusta De 903 pacientes, 13,7% pacientes Resultados:resultaron positivos a SARS-CoV-2. En la regresión simple, resultó que el sexo masculino (RP=2,98), presentar tos (RP=2,27), dificultad respiratoria (RP=2,97), diarrea (RP=2,69), malestar general (RP=1,82), odinofagia (RP=1,69) se asociaron positivamente a tener prueba SARS-CoV-2 positiva. En la regresión múltiple se mantuvo la asociación en cuatro características: ser varón (RP=2,7), presentar tos (RP=1,45), dificultad respiratoria (RP=2,15) y diarrea (RP=1,89). :En zona altoandina, los casos positivos en su Conclusiónmayoría presentan síntomas típicos. Los factores asociados a la positividad fueron el sexo masculino y la presencia de dificultad tos, respiratoria y diarrea

Background:COVID 19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 that has affected Peru on a large scale. Potential clinical and/or epidemiological factors that are related to the positivity of SARS-CoV-2 in the high Andean population are not documented. Objective: To determine factors associated with positivity of SARS-CoV-2 in people living in Ancash. Material and methods: Analytical transversal study. We used the records of patients treated for suspected COVID-19 in a public hospital in Huaraz in March-May 2020. Prevalence ratios (PR) with confidence intervals were estimated. In simple regression analysis, prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated, using Poisson distribution family, log-link function and robust variance. Out of 903 patients, Results: 13.7% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. In simple regression, male (RP=2.98), cough (RP=2.27), respiratory distress (RP=2.97), diarrhea (RP=2.69), general malaise (RP=1.82), odynophagia (RP=1.69) were positively associated with having a positive SARS-CoV-2 test. In the multiple regressions, the association was maintained in four characteristics: being male (RP=2.7), having a cough (RP=1.45), respiratory distress (RP=2.15), and diarrhea (RP=1.89). Conclusion: In high Andean areas, most positive cases present typical symptoms. The factors associated with positivity were male sex and the presence of cough, respiratory difficulty and diarrhea.