Effects of Smoking Marijuana on the Respiratory System: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of marijuana use and its derivatives has surged over the past century, largely due to increasing legalization globally. Despite arguments advocating its benefits, marijuana smoking exposes the lungs to harmful combustion byproducts, leading to various respiratory issues such as asthma, pneumonia, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: We embarked on an extensive literature search, utilizing PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases, identifying 200 studies. After the elimination of duplicates, and meticulous review of abstracts and full texts, 55 studies were included in our analysis. RESULTS: Current literature demonstrates that marijuana use negatively impacts lung function, triggering symptoms like chronic cough, sputum production, and wheezing, and diminishing FEV1/FVC ratio in spirometry tests. Moreover, prolonged or chronic marijuana use augments the risk of respiratory function impairment. While the carcinogenic effects of marijuana are still contested, a weak correlation between marijuana use and lung cancer has been observed in some studies. Additionally, instances of other pathologies linked to marijuana use have been reported, including the development of COPD, pulmonary bullae, spontaneous pneumothorax, pleuritic pain, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, hemoptysis, and pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence underscores that marijuana use is detrimental to respiratory health. In light of the escalating trend of marijuana use, particularly among the youth, it is imperative to advocate public health messages discouraging its consumption.

Prolonged Capillary Refilling as a Predictor of Mortality in Patients With Septic Shock.

INTRODUCTION: Microcirculatory alterations characterize septic shock; increased blood lactate level has been described as markers of microcirculation alteration in patients with septic shock. Although useful, this serological analysis is not always feasible in all settings worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To determine if a prolonged capillary refilling is a predictor of mortality in patients with septic shock. METHODOLOGY: A 10-months prospective cohort study was carried out on 175 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with the diagnosis of septic shock. The capillary refilling time (CRT) was evaluated Immediately upon admission and after 6 hours post-resuscitation. Traditional tissue perfusion markers were also used to compare and analyze their predictive value on mortality at 28 days. RESULTS: The area under the ROC curve (AUC) to estimate mortality in patients with septic shock with CRT at admission was 0.666 (0.584-0.748), while at 6 hours was 0.819 (0.753-0.885), with a cut-off point of 4.5 seconds at admission (PPV 52.87% NPV 72.73%) and 3.5 sec at 6 hours (PPV 95.56% NPV 79.23%). In those with CRT > 3.5 seconds at 6 hours, they had a RR of 4.60, while a CRT > 4.5 seconds at admission had a RR of 1.94, with a non-survivor proportion of 95.56% for a CRT > 3.5 sec at 6 hours vs 20.77% for CRT ≤ 3.5 sec (P value < 0.001). The CRT at 6 hours showed significant differences in the survival curves with P-value < 0.001, where for values > 3.5 sec, survival at 28 days was 4.44% vs 79.20% for values ≤ 3.5 sec. CONCLUSION: CRT is a strong predictor of mortality in patients with septic shock. Evaluating changes in CRT during resuscitation from septic shock might be used as an important clinical tool to predict mortality; especially in low-resources settings where using other biomarkers might be sometimes difficult.

Urgent Response Needed: Addressing the Dengue Crisis in the Andean and Southern Cone Latin American Regions.

The dengue crisis in the Latin American region is currently intensifying, exacerbated by heavy rains, widespread flooding, and the onset of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. The indirect consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, which weakened healthcare systems, have further compounded the situation. Comparing the first 15 weeks of 2023 with the same period in 2024, we observed a significant average increase of 600% in the number of new cases. This translates to a 536% rise in the composite rate per 100,000 inhabitants across all countries. Brazil experienced a staggering surge from 1,425,000 cases in the initial 15 weeks of 2023 to 5,177,989 cases in the corresponding period of 2024. Similarly, Paraguay witnessed a notable escalation, with cases soaring from 12,497 in 2023 to more than 240,000 thus far in 2024, marking an increase of more than 1,825%. Bolivia, however, witnessed a reduction in cases, though the cause remains unclear. Urgent action is imperative to address this escalating crisis. Strengthening surveillance systems, enhancing vector control programs, and implementing effective public health campaigns are critical. Immediate and coordinated action by regional governments and health authorities is essential to mitigate the growing dengue crisis and safeguard public health in the region.

Integrity at stake: confronting "publish or perish" in the developing world and emerging economies.

The scientific community faces significant ethical challenges due to the "publish or perish" culture, particularly in developing and emerging economies. This paper explores the widespread unethical practices in scientific publishing, including the sale of authorships, the proliferation of "paper mills," and the misuse of artificial intelligence to produce fraudulent research. These practices undermine the integrity of scientific research, skew publication metrics, and distort academic rankings. This study examines various instances of academic fraud, emphasizing the impact on low-income countries, with specific cases from Latin America. Recommendations include stricter verification of authorship, disciplinary measures for scientific fraud, and policies promoting transparency and accountability in research. Addressing these challenges is crucial for maintaining the integrity and credibility of scientific endeavors globally.

Cardioembolic stroke in Chagas disease: unraveling the underexplored connection through a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease (CD), triggered by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, is originally endemic across Latin America, affecting millions. While cardiac complications are widely recognized, the association between CD and stroke remains underexplored. This systematic review aims to elucidate the relationship between CD and stroke, highlighting the cardioembolic origins of stroke in CD patients and assessing the elevated stroke risk compared to non-infected individuals. METHODOLOGY: Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed and Scopus databases without date restrictions, including articles in both Spanish and English. This approach enabled the identification and analysis of relevant studies to understand the interplay between CD and stroke risk. RESULTS: Our analysis of 25 selected studies indicates that strokes in CD patients predominantly arise from cardioembolic sources. The data underscore a significant increase in stroke risk among individuals infected with T. cruzi compared to uninfected counterparts. Additionally, CD patients face a higher stroke and mortality risk than those with other heart failure etiologies, irrespective of disease severity. CONCLUSION: The review establishes CD as a critical contributor to stroke incidence, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and diagnosis of CD in stroke patients, particularly in regions with high CD prevalence. Recognizing the increased stroke risk associated with T. cruzi infection is crucial for developing targeted educational and preventive strategies in endemic areas.

Stroke as a rare complication of scorpion stings: A systematic review and analysis.

Approximately 1 million scorpion stings are recorded annually worldwide, resulting in 3000 deaths. Scorpion venom has various effects on the human body, with neurological complications occurring in about 2% of cases. Among these complications, stroke-whether ischemic or hemorrhagic-is particularly significant. A systematic literature review was conducted through a bibliographic search using key terms in the PubMed, Scopus, Scielo, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS) and Google Schoolar databases without date restrictions. Articles related to stroke due to scorpion stings in Spanish, English, and Portuguese were included. Our protocol was registered in PROSPERO. A total of 24 articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. The primary neurological symptoms caused by scorpion stings include hemiplegia, hemiparesis, seizures, and limb weakness. Stroke should be suspected in the presence of these symptoms, as scorpion stings can lead to both hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes in both adults and pediatric populations. While stroke is a rare complication of scorpion stings, it is crucial to consider this diagnosis in patients presenting with neurological symptoms, necessitating the use of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging if stroke is suspected.

A proposed analytical approach to estimate excess daily mortality rates in Ecuador.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has proved deadly all over the globe; however, one of the most lethal outbreaks occurred in Ecuador. Aims: This study aims to highlight the pandemic's impact on the most affected countries worldwide in terms of excess deaths per capita and per day. Methods: An ecological study of all-cause mortality recorded in Ecuador was performed. To calculate the excess deaths relative to the historical average for the same dates in 2017, 2018, and 2019, we developed a bootstrap method based on the central tendency measure of mean. A Poisson fitting analysis was used to identify trends on officially recorded all-cause deaths and COVID-19 deaths. A bootstrapping technique was used to emulate the sampling distribution of our expected deaths estimator µâŒ¢deaths by simulating the data generation and model fitting processes daily since the first confirmed case. Results: In Ecuador, during 2020, 115,070 deaths were reported and 42,453 were cataloged as excess mortality when compared to 2017-2019 period. Ecuador is the country with the highest recorded excess mortality in the world within the shortest timespan. In one single day, Ecuador recorded 1,120 deaths (6/100,000), which represents an additional 408% of the expected fatalities. Conclusion: Adjusting for population size and time, the hardest-hit country due to the COVID-19 pandemic was Ecuador. The mortality excess rate shows that the SARS-CoV-2 virus spread rapidly in Ecuador, especially in the coastal region. Our results and the proposed new methodology could help to address the real situation of the number of deaths during the initial phase of pandemics.

Maternal mortality and COVID-19: A nationwide ecological analysis from Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, distinct population subsets, including pregnant women, have been differentially affected. While over 90% of COVID-19-infected pregnant women experience a benign course, a subset demonstrates marked clinical exacerbation. Symptomatic pregnant individuals, in particular, present a heightened risk of severe disease in comparison to their non-pregnant counterparts. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to systematically evaluate the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in pregnant women, assess related maternal mortalities, ascertain the case fatality rate, and delineate associated risk factors. DESIGN: This is a comprehensive population-based ecological study. METHODOLOGY: A population-based study was conducted to investigate the epidemiological patterns of COVID-19-associated morbidity and mortality in pregnant women in Ecuador from 27 February 2020 to 14 May 2021. RESULTS: A total of 3274 positive COVID-19 cases were identified among pregnant women, with 22 official fatalities, yielding a case fatality rate of 0.67%. The majority of cases were of Mestizo ethnicity (92.66%); however, the highest case fatality rate was noted among indigenous pregnant women (case fatality rate = 1.25%), those aged between 40 and 44 years (case fatality rate = 2.68%), and those with a history of comorbidities (2.08%). Pregnant women residing at lower altitudes (<2500 m) exhibited a higher incidence rate (0.20/100,000) compared to those at higher altitudes (>2500 m), which stood at 0.17/100,000. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted pregnant women in Ecuador during the first 14 months, particularly those with comorbidities, older age, and of indigenous ethnicity. These factors have heightened their vulnerability and susceptibility to severe COVID-19 infection and subsequent mortality. This underscores the urgency for comprehensive protective measures, including prioritization for vaccination. Further studies are needed to inform tailored prevention strategies and therapeutic interventions for these high-risk groups.

Reduced Violence-Related Burden and Mortality at Higher Altitudes: Examining the Association between High Altitude Living and Homicide Rates in Ecuador.

Esteban Ortiz-Prado, Juan Sebastian Izquierdo-Condoy, María G. Dávila-Rosero, Jorge Vásconez-González, Ana M. Diaz, Carla E. Moyano, Vanessa Arcos-Valle, Ginés Viscor, and Joshua H. West. Reduced Violence-Related Burden and Mortality at Higher Altitudes: Examining the Association between High Altitude Living and Homicide Rates in Ecuador. High Alt Med Biol. 00:000-000, 0000. Background: Homicides are a major public health concern and a leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide. The relationship between altitude and homicides remains unclear, and evidence of the possible effects of living at high altitudes on homicide rates is limited. This research aimed to investigate the mortality rates resulting from various types of aggression that culminated in homicides in Ecuador and to explore potential differences associated with altitude. Methods: An ecological analysis of homicide rates in Ecuador was conducted from 2001 to 2022. Homicide cases and the population at risk were categorized based on their place of residence according to two altitude classifications: a binary classification of low (<2,500 m) and high altitude (>2,500 m), and a detailed classification according to criteria by the International Society for Mountain Medicine, which includes low (<1,500 m), moderate (1,500-2,500 m), high (2,500-3,500 m), and very high altitude (3,500-5,500 m) categories. Both crude and directly age-sex standardized mortality rates were calculated for each altitude category. Results: We analyzed a total of 40,708 deaths attributed to aggressions (ICD-10 codes X85-Y09). The total homicide rate for men was 21.29 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.55-32.37), whereas for women, it was 2.46 per 100,000 (95% CI: 1.44-3.27). Average rates across the 22 analyzed years were higher at low altitudes (men: 13.2/100,000 and women: 1.33/100,000) as compared with high altitudes (men: 5.79/100,000 and women: 1.05/100,000). Notably, the male-to-female rate difference was more pronounced at low altitudes (898%) than at high altitudes (451%). Conclusions: Our study revealed a higher prevalence of homicides in certain provinces and significant disparities in mortality rates between men and women. Although we cannot establish a direct relationship between altitude and homicide rates, further research is needed to explore potential confounding factors and a better understanding of the underlying causes for these variations.

Poor regulation, desperation, and misinformation, a countrywide analysis of self-medication and prescription patterns in Ecuador during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the early phase of the pandemic led to an unprecedented global health crisis. Various factors have influenced self-medication practices among the general population and unsubstantiated prescribing practices among healthcare professionals. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe trends in the purchase and sale of medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic period (2020-2022) in Ecuador, by comparing them with pre-pandemic periods. METHODS: In this study, a cross-sectional design was employed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of 28 pharmacological groups, categorized according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification (ATC). Utilizing an integrated drug consumption database, the study examined physician prescribing data, medicine usage, and spending levels in Ecuador during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis involved computing absolute differences in monthly resolution, calculating excessive expenditure in comparison to previous yearly averages, and using Defined Daily Dose (DDD) methodology for internationally comparable results. Furthermore, a correlation analysis was performed to investigate potential associations between prescribed and consumed medicines and the number of new cases and deaths. RESULTS: In Ecuador, the average yearly expenditure among these groups prior to the pandemic (2017-2019) amounted to $150,646,206 USD, whereas during 2020 and 2021, the same groups represented a total expenditure of $228,327,210, reflecting a significant increase. The excess expenditure during this period reached 51.4%, equivalent to $77,681,004 USD. Notably, 13% of this expenditure consisted of Over the Counter (OTC) Medicines. The study also identified a remarkable surge in sales of ivermectin, which increased by 2,057%, and hydroxychloroquine, which increased by 171%, as measured by DDD. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the substantial consumption of medicines by the population in Ecuador during the pandemic. It is concerning that many medications were sold without proven therapeutic indications, indicating that misinformation and desperation may have led to improper prescribing by physicians and patients resorting to ineffective drugs. Moreover, since the sale of these therapeutic drugs requires a prescription, poor regulation, and a lack of control within pharmacies likely contributed to such practices.

The Pharmaceutical Market for Biological Products in Latin America: A Comprehensive Analysis of Regional Sales Data.

The global market for biologics and biosimilar pharmaceutical products is experiencing rapid expansion, primarily driven by the continuous discovery of new molecules. However, information regarding Latin America's biological market remains limited.

A nationwide epidemiological and geodemographic analysis of lymphatic filariasis in Ecuador: a neglected and often forgotten disease in Ecuador.

Introduction: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes and affecting the lymphatic system. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with LF during the last 11 years of available data in Ecuador. Methods: A 11-year nationwide analysis of hospital admission and in-hospital mortality based on the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) data was conducted in Ecuador from 2011 to 2021. The International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10) code for filariasis (ICD: B74) was used to retrieve information on severe LF as a proxy for incidence among 221 Ecuadorian cities. Results: A total of 26 hospital admissions and 3 deaths due to LF were registered. The highest mortality rate was found in populations over 80 years. Men accounted for 62.5% (n = 17) of total number of cases with an average incidence rate of 1.7 cases per/1,000,000, while females accounted for 34.6% (n = 9), representing 1 case per/1,000,000 woman. Cities located at lower altitude (459/1,000,000) reported higher incidence rates than those located at higher altitudes (7.4/1,000,000). Conclusion: This is the first study on LF in Ecuador. Although, Ecuador is not considered endemic for LF, we found evidence of the presence of this disease in recent years. The implementation and improvement of an adequate integrated epidemiological surveillance system will allow early identification of cases and therefore their respective treatment.

Severe Chagas disease in Ecuador: a countrywide geodemographic epidemiological analysis from 2011 to 2021.

Background: Chagas disease is a neglected and often forgotten tropical disease caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi. This parasite can be transmitted through the direct contact of human skin with feces and urine of the triatomine insect. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 6-7 million people are infected worldwide, killing at least 14,000 every year. The disease has been reported in 20 of the 24 provinces of Ecuador, with El Oro, Guayas, and Loja being the most affected. Methodology: We analyzed the morbidity and mortality rates of severe Chagas disease in Ecuador on a nationwide, population-based level. Hospitalization cases and deaths were also examined based on altitude, including low (< 2,500 m) and high (> 2,500 m) altitudes, according to the International Society. Data was retrieved from the National Institute of Statistics and Census hospital admissions and in-hospital mortality databases from 2011 to 2021. Results: A total of 118 patients have been hospitalized in Ecuador since 2011 due to Chagas disease. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 69.4% (N = 82). Men have a higher incidence rate (4.8/1,000,000) than women, although women have a significantly higher mortality rate than men (6.9/1,000,000). Conclusion: Chagas disease is a severe parasitic condition that primarily affects rural and poorer areas of Ecuador. Men are more likely to be infected due to differences in work and sociocultural activities. Using average elevation data, we conducted a geodemographic analysis to assess incidence rates by altitude. Our findings indicate that the disease is more common at low and moderate altitudes, but recent increases in cases at higher altitudes suggest that environmental changes, such as global warming, could be driving the proliferation of disease-carrying vectors in previously unaffected areas.

Comparative analysis of long-term self-reported COVID-19 symptoms among pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: The negative effects of COVID-19 infections during pregnancy have been amply described, however, the persistent sequels of this infection have not been explored so far. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe persisting symptoms after COVID-19 infection in pregnant and non-pregnant women in Ecuador. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis based on an online, self-reporting questionnaire was conducted in Ecuador from April to July 2022. Participants were invited by social media, radio, and TV to voluntarily participate in our study. A total of 457 surveys were included in this study. We compared risk factor variables and long-term persisting symptoms of pregnant and non-pregnant women in Ecuador. RESULTS: Overall, 247 (54.1 %) responders claimed to have long-term symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most of these symptoms were reported by non-pregnant women (94.0 %). The most common Long-COVID symptoms in pregnant women were fatigue (10.6 %), hair loss (9.6 %), and difficulty concentrating (6.2 %). We found that pregnant women who smoked had a higher risk of suffering fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent Long-COVID symptoms in pregnant women were fatigue, hair loss, and difficulty concentrating. Apparently, the patterns of presentation of long-term sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women do not differ significantly from reports available from studies in the general population.

An 11-year epidemiological analysis of schistosomiasis in Ecuador: Investigating a non-endemic, neglected, and challenging-to-identify parasitic disease.

Schistosomiasis is a neglected disease caused by parasites of the genus Schistosoma and transmitted by snails of the genus Biomphalaria. At least five species have the potential to infect humans living in or visiting tropical areas worldwide. In Latin America, Schistosoma mansoni is particularly common; however, it has not been reported in Ecuador. In this study, we assess the available official data on schistosomiasis in Ecuador to describe the prevalence of this neglected disease. We conducted a nationwide study to determine the demographic and spatial distribution patterns of schistosomiasis infection in Ecuador, using hospital discharge official data as a proxy for infection incidence from 2011 to 2021. We calculated crude and age-sex-adjusted morbidity and hospital admission rates by region, province, canton, and elevation. In the last decade of available data, schistosomiasis accounted for at least 551 hospital admissions in Ecuador. Women represented 53.7% (n = 296) of cases, equivalent to 3.2 cases per 1,000,000 inhabits. The highest number of cases (61.2%, n = 337) was found in the Coastal region. However, the highest incidence rates were observed in the Amazon region's provinces of Pastaza (173.44 cases/1,000,000).

Epidemiological characterization of ischemic heart disease at different altitudes: A nationwide population-based analysis from 2011 to 2021 in Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic heart disease, are the leading cause of premature death and disability worldwide. While traditional risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and diabetes have been thoroughly investigated, non-traditional risk factors like high-altitude exposure remain underexplored. This study aims to examine the incidence and mortality rates of ischemic heart disease over the past decade in Ecuador, a country with a diverse altitude profile spanning from 0 to 4,300 meters. METHODS: We conducted a geographic distribution analysis of ischemic heart disease in Ecuador, utilizing hospital discharge and mortality data from the National Institute of Census and Statistics for the years 2011-2021. Altitude exposure was categorized according to two distinct classifications: the traditional division into low (< 2,500 m) and high (> 2,500 m) altitudes, as well as the classification proposed by the International Society of Mountain Medicine, which delineates low (< 1,500 m), moderate (1,500-2,500 m), high (2,500-3,500 m), and very high (3,500-5,800 m) altitudes. FINDINGS: From 2011-2021, we analyzed 49,765 IHD-related hospital admissions and 62,620 deaths. Men had an age-adjusted incidence rate of 55.08/100,000 and a mortality rate of 47.2/100,000, compared to 20.77/100,000 and 34.8/100,000 in women. Incidence and mortality surged in 2020 by 83% in men and 75% in women. Altitudinal stratification revealed higher IHD rates at lower altitudes (<2500 m), averaging 61.65 and 121.8 per 100,000 for incidence and mortality, which declined to 25.9 and 38.5 at elevations >2500 m. Men had more pronounced rates across altitudes, exhibiting 138.7% and 150.0% higher incidence at low and high altitudes respectively, and mortality rates increased by 48.3% at low altitudes and 23.2% at high altitudes relative to women. CONCLUSION: Ecuador bears a significant burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD), with men being more affected than women in terms of incidence. However, women have a higher percentage of mortality post-hospital admission. Regarding elevation, our analysis, using two different altitude cutoff points, reveals higher mortality rates in low-altitude regions compared to high-altitude areas, suggesting a potential protective effect of high elevation on IHD risk. Nevertheless, a definitive dose-response relationship between high altitude and reduced IHD risk could not be conclusively established.

A Systematic Review and Quality Evaluation of Studies on Long-Term Sequelae of COVID-19.

COVID-19 made its debut as a pandemic in 2020; since then, more than 607 million cases and at least 6.5 million deaths have been reported worldwide. While the burden of disease has been described, the long-term effects or chronic sequelae are still being clarified. The aim of this study was to present an overview of the information available on the sequelae of COVID-19 in people who have suffered from the infection. A systematic review was carried out in which cohort studies, case series, and clinical case reports were included, and the PubMed, Scielo, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases were extracted. Information was published from 2020 to 1 June 2022, and we included 26 manuscripts: 9 for pulmonary, 6 for cardiac, 2 for renal, 8 for neurological and psychiatric, and 6 for cutaneous sequelae. Studies showed that the most common sequelae were those linked to the lungs, followed by skin, cutaneous, and psychiatric alterations. Women reported a higher incidence of the sequelae, as well as those with comorbidities and more severe COVID-19 history. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused death and disease since its appearance, but it has also sickened millions of people around the globe who potentially suffer from serious illnesses that will continue to add to the list of health problems, and further burden healthcare systems around the world.

A Comparative Analysis of a Self-Reported Adverse Events Analysis after Receiving One of the Available SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Schemes in Ecuador.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a lot of pressure on health systems worldwide. Mass vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 has reduced morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite their safety profiles, vaccines, as with any other medical product, can cause adverse events. Yet, in countries with poor epidemiological surveillance and monitoring systems, reporting vaccine-related adverse events is a challenge. The objective of this study was to describe self-reported vaccine adverse events after receiving one of the available COVID-19 vaccine schemes in Ecuador. A cross-sectional analysis based on an online, self-reported, 32-item questionnaire was conducted in Ecuador from 1 April to 15 July 2021. Participants were invited by social media, radio, and TV to voluntarily participate in our study. A total of 6654 participants were included in this study. Furthermore, 38.2% of the participants reported having at least one comorbidity. Patients received AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Sinovac vaccines, and these were distributed 38.4%, 31.1%, and 30.5%, respectively. Overall, pain or swelling at the injection site 17.2% (n = 4500) and headache 13.3% (n = 3502) were the most reported adverse events. Women addressed events supposedly attributable to vaccination or immunization [ESAVIs] (66.7%), more often than men (33.2%). After receiving the first dose of any available COVID-19 vaccine, a total of 19,501 self-reported ESAVIs were informed (87.0% were mild, 11.5% moderate, and 1.5% severe). In terms of the vaccine type and brand, the most reactogenic vaccine was AstraZeneca with 57.8%, followed by Pfizer (24.9%) and Sinovac (17.3%). After the second dose, 6776 self-reported ESAVIs were reported (87.1% mild, 10.9% moderate, and 2.1% severe). AstraZeneca vaccine users reported a higher proportion of ESAVIs (72.2%) in comparison to Pfizer/BioNTech (15.9%) and Sinovac Vaccine (11.9%). Swelling at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, and fatigue were the most common ESAVIs for the first as well as second doses. In conclusion, most ESAVIs were mild. AstraZeneca users were more likely to report adverse events. Participants without a history of COVID-19 infection, as well as those who received the first dose, were more prone to report ESAVIs.