Discrimination, stigma and mental health: what's next?

Stigma and discrimination are a major ongoing problem in the field of mental health as these impact on patient outcomes, access to and acceptability of therapeutic interventions, their quality of life, general wellbeing, social inclusion and opportunities. Social stereotypes, culture and prejudices all contribute to continuing discrimination in mental health. Different settings where people function may also be sources of discrimination such as work and educational environments. The lack of knowledge and understanding of mental health/illness by individuals, their families, carers and policymakers as well as the social media reporting also impact on social attitudes to discrimination. It has been also described a relevant impact of stigma among specific social minorities reporting poor mental health such as elderly people, youths, sexual variants, persons with disability. Educational programs, raising awareness trainings and proper public policies may be developed in order to reduce stigma at social level with favourable outcomes for people with mental illness.

Latin American perceptions of fear and exaggeration transmitted by the media with regard to COVID-19: frequency and association with severe mental pathologies.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the spread of abundant misinformation by the media, which caused fear and concern. Objective: To determine the association between the pathologies of the mental sphere and the perceptions of fear and exaggeration transmitted by the media with respect to COVID-19 in Latin America. Methodology: The present study has an analytical cross-sectional design that is based on a validated survey to measure fear and exaggeration transmitted by the media and other sources (Cronbach's α: 0.90). We surveyed more than 6,000 people, originally from 12 Latin American countries, who associated this perceived exaggeration with stress, depression, and anxiety (measured through DASS-21, Cronbach's α: 0.96). Results: Social networks (40%) or television (34%) were perceived as the sources that exaggerate the magnitude of the events. In addition, television (35%) and social networks (28%) were perceived as the sources that generate much fear. On the contrary, physicians and health personnel are the sources that exaggerated less (10%) or provoked less fear (14%). Through a multivariate model, we found a higher level of global perception that was associated with whether the participant was older (p = 0.002), had severe or more serious anxiety (p = 0.033), or had stress (p = 0,037). However, in comparison with Peru (the most affected country), there was a lower level of perception in Chile (p < 0.001), Paraguay (p = 0.001), Mexico (p < 0.001), Ecuador (p = 0.001), and Costa Rica (p = 0.042). All of them were adjusted for gender and for those having severe or major depression. Conclusion: There exists an association between some mental pathologies and the perception that the media does not provide moderate information.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in University Students in Paraguay during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

We aimed to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress in university students in Paraguay during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 293 students from four universities in Paraguay in 2021. The DASS-21 mental health scale was used to measure the outcomes (depression, anxiety, and stress) and evaluate their association with socio-educational variables. A total of 77.1% of the participants were women and 136 (46.4%) were between 21 and 25 years old. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 74.7%, 87.4%, and 57%, respectively. We found that being a woman and studying at a public university was positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Receiving COVID-19 training increases the prevalence of mental health problems. In conclusion, high levels of anxiety, depression, and stress were found in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being a woman, studying at a public university, and receiving training on COVID-19 were factors associated with a higher prevalence of presenting all the mental health problems evaluated. Furthermore, students aged 31 and over had a higher prevalence of depression and stress.

Revalidation of an ultra-short scale for the measurement of perceived job security in Latin America. / Revalidación de escala ultracorta para la medición de la seguridad percibida para conservar el trabajo en Latinoamérica.

Introduction: Due to the measures imposed by governments to reduce the spread of this new virus, the economic sector was one of the most affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several labor sectors had to undergo a virtual adaptation process resulting in job instability and job loss. The objective of this study was to revalidate an ultra-short scale for measuring perceived job security in Latin America. Methods: A revalidation study was done on a short scale that measures worker's perceived security about losing or keeping their job in the near future. Results: The four items remained on the revalidated scale, where all four explained a single factor. The goodness-of-fit measures confirmed the single-factor model (χ: 7.06; df: 2; p = 0.29; mean square error: 0.015; goodness-of-fit index: 0.998; adjusted goodness-of-fit index: 0.991; comparative fit index: 0.999; Tucker-Lewis index: 0.997; normalized fit index: 0.998; incremental fit index: 0.999; and root mean square error of approximation: 0.036). The scale's reliability was calculated using McDonald's omega coefficient, obtaining an overall result of ω = 0.72. Conclusions: The scale was correctly revalidated in Latin America, and the four items were kept in a single reliable factor.

Introducción: El sector económico fue uno de los más afectados durante la pandemia de COVID-19, debido a las medidas impuestas por los gobiernos para reducir la propagación de este nuevo virus. En consecuencia, varios sectores laborales tuvieron que pasar por un proceso de adaptación virtual, resultando en la inestabilidad o pérdida de empleos. El objetivo fue revalidar una escala ultra corta para la medición de la seguridad percibida para conservar el trabajo en Latinoamérica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de validación de una escala corta que mide la seguridad percibida por el trabajador acerca de poder perder o mantener su trabajo en un corto tiempo. Resultados: Los cuatro ítems se mantuvieron en la escala revalidada, también estuvieron en un único factor. Los índices de bondad de ajuste confirmaron dicho factor único: χ2: 7,06; df: 2; p = 0,29; junto a los índices de error de cuadrático medio: 0,015; de bondad de ajuste: 0,998; ajustado de bondad de ajuste: 0,991; de ajuste comparativo: 0,999; de Tucker-Lewis: 0,997; de ajuste normalizado: 0,998; de ajuste incremental: 0,999 y el error cuadrático medio de aproximación: 0,036. En todo momento se mostró un ajuste adecuado. Posterior a eso se midió la confiabilidad, la cual se calculó con el coeficiente de Ω de McDonald, obteniendo un resultado de 0,72.

Validity of a scale of Latin American perception of fear and concern transmitted by the media during the pandemic (MED-LAT-COVID-19).

Introduction: The pandemic has caused fear, especially due to the daily disseminated news; however, there is not an instrument to measure this fear in multiple realities. Objective: To validate a scale for Latin American perception of fear and concern transmitted by the media during the pandemic. Methodology: This is an instrumental study. The survey was based on an instrument which was pre-validated in Peru and submitted to 15 experts in almost 10 countries. Subsequently, thousands of people were surveyed in 13 Latin American countries, whose answers were used for descriptive statistics for validation. Results: Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) generated two re-specifications, where four items were eliminated from the original scale. With these changes, the global goodness of fit (absolute and incremental) were satisfactory (CFI = 0.978; TLI = 0.964; GFI = 0.976; AGFI = 0.949; RMSEA = 0.075 and RMR = 0.029). The first factor measures the media exaggeration (three questions); the second, the fear transmitted by the media (three questions); and the third, the fear transmitted by others different from the media (two questions). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was higher than 0.70 for the scale and its factors. Conclusion: The MED-LAT-COVID-19 scale reported a good adjustment. It has eight items in three factors, which could be measured in an isolated way, or along with other tests that assess mental health in the current pandemic context.

Basic COVID-19 knowledge according to education level and country of residence: Analysis of twelve countries in Latin America.

Introduction: Knowing a disease is crucial for being able to fight it, especially in a region in which COVID-19 caused so many deaths, such as Latin America. Objective: To determine the association between basic knowledge of COVID-19 and education level according to country of residence in Latin America. Methodology: This is an analytical cross-sectional study. Basic level of knowledge was measured through nine close-ended questions (scale validated in Peru). The score obtained was analyzed through performing a crosstab vs. gender, age, education level, and country of residence. Results: Of a total of 9,222 respondents, almost all of them knew the common symptoms (99%), modes of transmission (93%), and knew how to recognize which was not a specific symptom (93%). Through the multivariate model, we found that there was no association with gender (p = 0.716) or age (p = 0.059), in comparison with those who had primary or a lower education level. All the other higher education levels had statistically significant scores (all p-values p < 0.001). When comparing knowledge according to countries, and using Peru as reference for comparison, Chile, Paraguay, Mexico, Bolivia, Panama, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Colombia had a better level of knowledge (all p-values < 0.001); however, only El Salvador had a lower level (p < 0.001). Discussion: There was lack of knowledge of some topics, difference according to academic degree and country. As Peru was one of countries that obtained the lowest level of knowledge, it could have influenced the fact that it was the most affected country in the world.

Perceived Fatality Prior to COVID-19 Infection in 13 Latin American Countries (FAT-LAT-COVID-19): Revalidation of a Shortened Scale.

Introduction: COVID-19 has generated great repercussions for the population globally; millions of deaths have been reported worldwide. The idea of death is especially exacerbated when there are close to death experiences that remind us how close we are to fatality. This is why it is important to measure fatalistic ideas of those who have not yet been infected. Objective: To revalidate a scale that measures fatalistic perception prior to COVID-19 infection in a population of 13 Latin American countries. Methodology: We conducted an instrumental study. We used a previously validated scale in Peru, with seven items divided into two factors and with five possible Likert-type responses (from strongly disagree to strongly agree). It was administered to a large population in 13 Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America; for each of the seven questions, 886 people were surveyed. With these results, descriptive and analytical statistics were performed. Results: The mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis of the seven initial questions were adequate in most cases. In the confirmatory factor analysis, the lack of fit was improved with the indexes' modification technique, which let us delete items 1 and 6. Thus, we could obtain satisfactory goodness-of-fit indices (CFI = 0.972, TLI = 0.931, GFI = 0.990, AGFI = 0.961, RMSEA = 0.080, and RMR = 0.047). Therefore, the final two-factor structure had a fairly adequate Cronbach's α (0.72, with a 95% confidence interval = 0.70-0.73). Conclusions: The scale that measures fatalism of Latin American countries in the face of the pandemic generated by COVID-19 was revalidated and shortened.

Motivation towards medical career choice and academic performance in Latin American medical students: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Motivation in medical students is positively associated with learning strategies. However, the evidence of a direct relationship between motivation and performance is vague. The objective of this study is to determine if the motivation that pushed students to choose the medical career is associated with their academic performance during their university years. METHODS: The study was conducted in 4,290 medical students from 10 countries in Latin America. The "Attribution Scale of General Achievement Motivation" was used to evaluate their general performance. The "Medical motivation Scale" test was used to measure social, altruist, economic, and prestige motivators. For statistical analyses, frequencies and percentages were described, and generalized linear models were used to establish statistical associations. RESULTS: Fifty percent of the students surveyed were females and the mean student age was 21 years old. This study showed that male students had a higher social/altruist motivation (PR:1.11,95%CI: 1.03-1.18; p<0,01) than females. Those who had familial pressure had a lower social/altruist motivation (PR:0.17,95%CI:0.08-0.36; p<0,001). The positive vocational test was associated with a higher social/altruist motivation (PR:1.85,95%CI:1.03-3.30; p<0,05). Moreover, good grades at school were related with a higher economical/prestige motivation (PR:1.39,95%CI:1.05-1.83; p<0,05), but lower social/altruist motivation (PR:0.85,95%CI:0.74-0.98; p<0,05) and academic performance (PR:0.63,95%CI:0.50-0.79; p<0,001). We found a higher frequency in the general motivation was associated to a lowest social/altruist motivation (PR: 0.57; CI95%: 0.46-0.70; p<0.001), and that it increased according to the year of study (PR: 1.15; CI95%: 1.03-1.28; p:0.013) and was higher when pressure by the family was present (PR: 1.36; CI95%: 1.17-1.59; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study indicated that male medical students and having a positive vocational test were associated with a higher social/altruist motivation. Conversely, those who had familial pressure and good grades at school had a lower social/altruist motivation. Is necessary to conduct further studies that assess other factors related to motivation as demographics, personality, and learning styles.

Autorregulación del aprendizaje y rendimiento académico en estudiantes de Medicina: el caso de tres Universidades de Paraguay / Self-regulation of learning and academic performance in medical students: The case of three Universities of Paraguay

Introducción: La autorregulación del aprendizaje se refiere a la modulación de los procesos afectivos, cognitivos y conductuales a lo largo de una experiencia de aprendizaje para alcanzar un nivel de logro deseado. Los estudiantes que tienen un mejor manejo de sus habilidades cognitivas y metacognitivas aprenden de una mejor forma que aquellos que no, por lo tanto, es fundamental estudiar a qué nivel los estudiantes universitarios son capaces de aprender a aprender y a ser gestores de su aprendizaje. Objetivos: Analizar la relación entre la autorregulación del aprendizaje y el rendimiento académico en estudiantes de la carrera medicina de tres universidades en el año 2022. Materiales y métodos: Esta investigación siguió un enfoque cuantitativo, el tipo de investigación fue observacional de tipo descriptivo. Se utilizó un instrumento previamente validado para identificar los tipos de autorregulación, la Autorregulación del Aprendizaje a partir de Textos (ARATEX-R). Resultados: No se encontró relación significativa entre el perfil académico de los estudiantes de medicina y el puntaje total del ARATEX-R. Al estudiar la relación entre las dimensiones de la autorregulación se encontró relación entre el rendimiento académico y la planificación y la gestión de la motivación, lo que implica que los que tienen mejores habilidades de planificación y que son capaces de gestionar su motivación tienen mejor rendimiento académico. Conclusión: Las principales dimensiones que caracterizan la autorregulación del aprendizaje en estudiantes de medicina fueron: gestión del contexto, gestión de la cognición y evaluación de la comprensión.

Introduction: Self-regulation of learning refers to the modulation of affective, cognitive and behavioral processes throughout a learning experience to reach a desired level of achievement. Students who have a better management of their cognitive and metacognitive skills learn in a better way than those who do not, therefore, it is essential to study at what level university students are capable of learning to learn and to be managers of their learning. Objectives: To analyze the relationship between self-regulation of learning and academic performance in medical students from three universities in the year 2022. Materials and methods: This research followed a quantitative approach; the type of research was observational and descriptive. A previously validated instrument was used to identify types of self-regulation, the Self-Regulation of Learning from Texts (ARATEX-R). Results: No significant relationship was found between the academic profile of medical students and the total ARATEX-R score. When studying the relationship between the dimensions of self-regulation, a relationship was found between academic performance and motivation planning and management, which implies that those who have better planning skills and who are able to manage their motivation have better academic performance. Conclusion: The main dimensions that characterize the self-regulation of learning in medical students were: context management, cognition management and comprehension evaluation.

Impacto de la virtualización de la educación médica en el rendimiento académico en 2020 / Impact of virtualization of medical education on academic performance in 2020

RESUMEN Introducción: La declaración de la pandemia en marzo del 2020 ha obligado a las universidades del mundo a adaptarse a una nueva metodología basada totalmente en la virtualidad. Objetivo: Identificar el impacto generado por la virtualización de la educación en el rendimiento académico de estudiantes de medicina en el año 2020. Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal. Los datos del rendimiento académico de los estudiantes del cuarto y quinto curso de los años 2019 y 2020 fueron obtenidos de manera anónima de la base de datos de la universidad. La información recolectada fue ingresada en Excel y analizada en EpiInfo; las variables cualitativas se expresaron como frecuencia absoluta y relativa, las continuas como media y desviación estándar. Resultados: En el cuarto año en cuanto a la asignatura farmacología, el porcentaje promedio durante el año 2020 fue del 80 %, en semiología quirúrgica 87,3 % y en semiología médica 87,9 %. En el quinto año en cuanto a la asignatura ginecología y obstetricia el porcentaje promedio durante el año 2020 fue del 92 %, en pediatría 74,7 % y en clínica médica 89,6 %. Conclusión: Hay importante impacto generado por la virtualización de la educación en el rendimiento académico de estudiantes de medicina en el año 2020, en comparación con el año 2019.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The declaration of the pandemic in March 2020 has forced the world's universities to adapt to a new methodology based entirely on virtuality. Objective: To identify the impact generated by the virtualization of education on the academic performance of medical students in 2020. Methods: An observational, descriptive study with a cross-sectional. The data of the academic performance of the students of the fourth and fifth years of the years 2019 and 2020 were obtained anonymously from the university's database. The data were entered in Excel and analyzed by EpiInfo; qualitative variables were expressed as absolute and relative frequency, continuous ones as mean and standard deviation. The chi square test was used at a significance level of 0,05 to establish associations between variables. Results: In the fourth year regarding the pharmacology subject, the average percentage during 2020 was 80 %, in surgical semiology 87.3 % and in medical semiology 87.9 %. In the fifth year in terms of gynecology and obstetrics, the average percentage during 2020 was 92 %, in pediatrics 74.7 % and in medical clinic 89.6 %. Conclusion: There was a significant impact generated by the virtualization of education on the academic performance of medical students in 2020 compared to 2019.

Revalidación de escala ultracorta para la medición de la seguridad percibida para conservar el trabajo en Latinoamérica / Revalidation of an ultra-short scale for the measurement of perceived job security in Latin America

Introducción: El sector económico fue uno de los más afectados durante la pandemia de COVID-19, debido a las medidas impuestas por los gobiernos para reducir la propagación de este nuevo virus. En consecuencia, varios sectores laborales tuvieron que pasar por un proceso de adaptación virtual, resultando en la inestabilidad o pérdida de empleos. El objetivo fue revalidar una escala ultra corta para la medición de la seguridad percibida para conservar el trabajo en Latinoamérica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de validación de una escala corta que mide la seguridad percibida por el trabajador acerca de poder perder o mantener su trabajo en un corto tiempo. Resultados: Los cuatro ítems se mantuvieron en la escala revalidada, también estuvieron en un único factor. Los índices de bondad de ajuste confirmaron dicho factor único: χ2: 7,06; df: 2; p = 0,29; junto a los índices de error de cuadrático medio: 0,015; de bondad de ajuste: 0,998; ajustado de bondad de ajuste: 0,991; de ajuste comparativo: 0,999; de Tucker-Lewis: 0,997; de ajuste normalizado: 0,998; de ajuste incremental: 0,999 y el error cuadrático medio de aproximación: 0,036. En todo momento se mostró un ajuste adecuado. Posterior a eso se midió la confiabilidad, la cual se calculó con el coeficiente de Ω de McDonald, obteniendo un resultado de 0,72. Conclusiones: La escala se revalidó de forma correcta en Latinoamérica y se mantuvieron los cuatro ítems en un único factor, siendo fiable.

Introduction: Due to the measures imposed by governments to reduce the spread of this new virus, the economic sector was one of the most affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several labor sectors had to undergo a virtual adaptation process resulting in job instability and job loss. The objective of this study was to revalidate an ultra-short scale for measuring perceived job security in Latin America. Methods: A revalidation study was done on a short scale that measures worker's perceived security about losing or keeping their job in the near future. Results: The four items remained on the revalidated scale, where all four explained a single factor. The goodness-of-fit measures confirmed the single-factor model (χ: 7.06; df: 2; p = 0.29; mean square error: 0.015; goodness-of-fit index: 0.998; adjusted goodness-of-fit index: 0.991; comparative fit index: 0.999; Tucker-Lewis index: 0.997; normalized fit index: 0.998; incremental fit index: 0.999; and root mean square error of approximation: 0.036). The scale's reliability was calculated using McDonald's omega coefficient, obtaining an overall result of ω = 0.72. Conclusions: The scale was correctly revalidated in Latin America, and the four items were kept in a single reliable factor.

COVID-19 en estudiantes de medicina en una universidad privada en el periodo académico 2020-2021. Frecuencia y características clínicas / COVID-19 in medical students at a private university in the 2020-2021 academic period. Frequency and clinical characteristics

Introducción: el primer caso de COVID-19 se confirmó en Paraguay el 7 de marzo de 2020. No se han encontrado publicaciones que haya caracterizado la frecuencia y características clínicoepidemiológica de COVID-19 en estudiantes de medicina. Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia de infección por SARS-CoV-2 y características clínicas de estudiantes de medicina de la Universidad del Pacífico en el periodo académico 2020-2021. Metodología: estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal, que incluyó a estudiantes de medicina de la Universidad del Pacifico. Los datos se obtuvieron mediante una encuesta virtual por Google Docs© que incluía la edad, sexo, curso, síntomas, secuelas, pruebas laboratoriales y resultados para SARS-CoV-2 y gravedad del cuadro. Resultados: se encuestaron 342 estudiantes entre 18 a 42 años de los 6 cursos, 70,8 % de sexo femenino, 66,4 % presentó síntomas compatibles con COVID-19, el más frecuente (44,2 %) fue el dolor de cabeza. El 67,5 % estuvo en contacto con alguna persona con COVID-19 y 40,4 % informó no haber respetado estrictamente la cuarentena, el 61,7 % se realizó alguna prueba laboratorial y de ellos el 42,7 % resultó positivo para el SARS-CoV-2, 98,9 % cursó con cuadro leve. El 86,7 % conocía el nexo de contagio. Se observó significativamente (p<0,001) mayor frecuencia de COVID19 en los estudiantes ≤21 años (65 % vs 32 %), los que tuvieron contacto con persona con COVID19 (49,1 % vs 10,5 %), y aquellos que presentaron síntomas compatibles (48,8 % vs 18,6 %). Conclusiones: casi la mitad de los participantes presentaron resultados positivos para SARS-CoV2, lo que pone de manifiesto una alta transmisión comunitaria.

Introduction: the first case of COVID-19 in Paraguay was confirmed on March 7, 2020. No publications characterizing the frequency and clinical-epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in medical students have been found. Objective: to determine the frequency of infection by SARS-CoV-2 and clinical characteristics of medical students at the Universidad del Pacífico during the 2020-2021 academic period. Methodology: this was a cross-sectional descriptive observational study, that included medical students from the Universidad del Pacífico. The data was obtained through an online survey by Google Docs© that included age, sex, academic year, symptoms, sequelae, laboratory testing and results for SARS-CoV-2 and severity of the condition. Results: 342 students between 18 and 42 years of age from the 6 courses were surveyed, 70.8% were female; 66.4 % presented symptoms compatible with COVID-19, the most frequent (44.2 %) was headache. 67.5 % were in contact with someone with COVID-19 and 40.4 % reported not strictly following quarantine guidelines, 61.7 % underwent some laboratory testing and 42.7 % of them were positive for SARS-CoV-2, 98.9 % had a mild infection. 86.7 % knew the contagion source. A significantly (p<0.001) higher frequency of COVID-19 was observed in students ≤21 years old (65 % vs 32 %), those who had contact with a person with COVID-19 (49.1 % vs 10.5 %), and those who presented compatible symptoms (48.8 % vs 18.6 %). Conclusions: almost half of the participants presented positive results for SARS-CoV-2, which shows high community transmission.

Perfil epidemiológico de niños 2 - 5 años con quemaduras atendidos en el Centro Nacional del Quemado y Cirugías Reconstructivas Dr. Arnaldo Bendlin en el periodo 2019-2020 / Epidemiological profile of children aged 2-5 years with burns admitted to the Centro Nacional del Quemado y Cirugías Reconstructivas "Dr. Arnaldo Bendlin" in the period 2019-2020

Las quemaduras son lesiones producidas en un tejido vivo por la acción de diversos agentes físicos: térmicos, eléctricos, radiantes, químicos, cáusticos, agentes biológicos, entre otros. El objetivo del estudio fue describir el perfil epidemiológico de niños entre 2 - 5 años de ambos sexos que ingresaron al Centro Nacional del Quemado y Cirugías Reconstructivas Dr. Arnaldo Bendlin de la ciudad de Asunción-Paraguay en el periodo 2019-2020. Estudio observacional, descriptivo en el que se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de las historias clínicas de los niños de entre 2 a 5 años que sufrieron quemaduras y consultaron en el Centro Nacional del Quemado y Cirugías Reconstructivas Dr. Arnaldo Bendlin entre el 2019 y 2020. Se estudiaron 338 pacientes, de los cuales 299 (54,4%) eran del sexo masculino, 131 (38,8%) de 2 años de edad y 215 (63,6%) del departamento Central. En 255 (75,4%) pacientes, la fuente de la quemadura fue líquido caliente, en 118 (34,9%) la lesión fue en miembros inferiores, y en 276 (81,7%) la quemadura fue de segundo grado. En 323 (95,6%) la quemadura ocurrió en su propio hogar, 337 (99,7%) recibieron tratamiento médico y 8 (2,4%) recibieron balneoterapia. La mayoría de las quemaduras fueron de segundo grado y causadas por líquidos calientes. La localización más frecuente fue en los miembros inferiores. Es urgente implementar programas educacionales en las escuelas, centros comunitarios y medios de comunicación ya que gran parte de los accidentes ocurrieron en el ambiente doméstico pudiendo ser evitados

Burns are injuries produced in living tissue by the action of various physical agents: thermal, electrical, radiant, chemical, caustic, biological agents, among others. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological characteristics of male and female children aged 2 - 5 years admitted to the Centro Nacional del Quemado y Cirugías Reconstructivas "Dr. Arnaldo Bendlin" in the city of Asunción, Paraguay in the period 2019-2020. An observational, descriptive study consisting in a retrospective review of medical records of children between 2 and 5 years of age who suffered burns and consulted at the Centro Nacional del Quemado y Cirugías Reconstructivas "Dr. Arnaldo Bendlin" between 2019 and 2020 was carried out. A total of 338 patients were studied, 299 (54.4%) were male, 131 (38.8%) were 2 years old and 215 (63.6%) were from the Central department. In 255 (75.4%) patients, the source of the burn was hot liquid, in 118 (34.9%) the injury was in the lower limbs and 276 (81.7%) had second-degree burns. In 323 (95.6%), the burn occurred in their own home, 337 (99.7%) received medical treatment and 8 (2.4%) balneotherapy. The majority of the cases had second-degree burns and was caused by hot liquids. The most common location was in the lower limbs. It is urgent to implement educational programs in schools, community centers and the media since a large part of the accidents occurred in the domestic environment and can be prevented

Cobertura vacunal y nivel de conocimiento sobre la hepatitis B en estudiantes de medicina de la Universidad de Pacífico en el 2020

Resumen Introducción: Las enfermedades transmitidas por fluidos corporales, se las reconoce como enfermedades laborales y entre las herramientas que se disponen para prevenirlas, en el caso de la hepatitis B, es la vacuna. Los estudiantes de medicina por encontrase expuestos constantemente a accidentes laborales, deben tener pleno conocimiento sobre la enfermedad, y tener el esquema completo de vacunación. Objetivo: Determinar la cobertura de vacunación y conocimiento sobre la hepatitis B en estudiantes del sexto año de la carrera de medicina de la Universidad de Pacífico en el año 2020. Metodología: Estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal. Se aplicó una encuesta diseñado en google form que constaba de datos demográficos, cobertura de la vacuna anti hepatitis B y motivos de la no vacunación, además 12 preguntas de conocimiento sobre la hepatitis B. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva y la prueba de chi cuadrado para establecer asociación entre variables a un nivel de significancia de 0,05. Resultados: Participaron del estudio 112 estudiantes, 72,3% mujeres, 86,6% solteros, 85,0% entre 20 a 25 años. El 61,9% de los estudiantes informaron tener cobertura completa de la vacuna anti hepatitis B. Los motivos por no vacunarse fueron desinterés (32,6%) y desconocimiento de vacunatorios con disponibilidad de la vacuna (20,9%). El 64% de los estudiantes tuvieron conocimiento suficiente que se asoció con la cobertura completa de la vacuna anti hepatitis B. Conclusión: Una importante proporción de estudiantes tenía las tres dosis de la vacuna anti hepatitis B. El nivel de conocimiento sobre la infección fue regular.

Abstract Introduction: Diseases transmitted by body fluids are recognized as occupational diseases and among the tools available to prevent them, in the case of hepatitis B, is the vaccine. Medical students, because they are constantly exposed to occupational accidents, must have full knowledge about the disease, and have the complete vaccination schedule. Objective: To determine the vaccination coverage and knowledge about hepatitis B in students of the sixth year of medicine at the Universidad de Pacífico in 2020. Methodology: Cross-sectional descriptive observational study. A survey designed in google form was applied. The questionnaire included demographic data, coverage of the hepatitis B vaccine and reasons for non-vaccination, in addition to 12 questions about knowledge of hepatitis B. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used to establish association between variables at a significance level of 0.05. Results: 112 students participated in the study, 72.3% female, 86.6% single, 85.0% between 20 and 25 years, 61.9% of the students reported having full coverage of the hepatitis B vaccine. The reasons for not being vaccinated were lack of interest (32.6%) and ignorance of places where vaccines are available (20.9%). 64% of the students had sufficient knowledge which it was associated with full coverage of the hepatitis B vaccine. Conclusion: A significant proportion of students had all three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine. The level of knowledge about the infection was fair.

Características clínicas, demográficas e histopatológicas de pacientes postoperados de cáncer colorrectal internados en el Servicio de Coloproctología del Hospital Nacional, Itauguá ­ Paraguay: periodo 2015 y 2018 / Clinical, demographic and histopathological characteristics of postoperative colorectal cancer patients admitted to Servicio de Coloproctología at the Hospital Nacional, Itauguá - Paraguay: period 2015 and 2018

RESUMEN Introducción: el cáncer colorrectal se desarrolla a partir de lesiones precursoras a nivel del colon, recto y ano, siendo responsable del 16,9 % de todas las muertes por cáncer y en los hombres es la tercera neoplasia maligna más común a nivel mundial. Objetivo: caracterizar a los pacientes postoperados de cáncer colorrectal del Servicio de Coloproctología del Hospital Nacional, Itauguá ­ Paraguay en el periodo entre 2015 y 2018. Metodología: estudio observacional descriptivo, retrospectivo de corte transversal. Se utilizaron fichas de pacientes postoperados de cáncer colorrectal del Servicio de Coloproctología del Hospital Nacional, Itauguá ­ Paraguay en el periodo entre 2015 y 2018. Resultados: del total de las 26 fichas de pacientes revisadas, el 70 % fue de sexo masculino y el rango etario más común fue entre 60 - 71 años (52 %); el tipo histológico de cáncer más frecuente fue el adenocarcinoma moderadamente diferenciado 78 %, el estadio más común fue adenocarcinoma de tipo II A (clasificación de la American Joint Committe on Cancer (AJCC-TNM) 65 %, presentó metástasis a distancia 3,81 % y la ubicación de cáncer más frecuente fue el recto 34,78 %. El motivo de consulta más frecuente fue hemorragia 70 %, la complicación más común fue la dehiscencia y no hubo óbitos. Conclusión: el mayor porcentaje de pacientes pertenece al sexo masculino y al grupo etario de mayores a 60 años, fue frecuente el adenocarcinoma moderadamente diferenciado y el estadio más común de tipo II A, la ubicación más frecuente fue el recto y motivo de consulta fue hemorragia (rectorragia)., por lo cual se deberían implementar medidas para la prevención de esta patología.

ABSTRACT Introduction: colorectal cancer develops from precursor lesions in the colon, rectum and anus, being responsible for 16,9 % of all deaths from cancer and in men it is the third most common malignant neoplasm worldwide. Objective: to characterize postoperative colorectal cancer patients of the Coloproctology Service of the Hospital Nacional, Itauguá - Paraguay in the period between 2015 and 2018. Methodology: descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional observational study. Cards of postoperative colorectal cancer patients from the Coloproctology Service of the Hospital Nacional, Itauguá - Paraguay in the period between 2015 and 2018 were used. Results: of the total of the 26 patient files reviewed, 70 % were male and the most common age range was between 60 - 71 years (52 %); the most frequent histological type of cancer was moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma 78 %, the most common stage was adenocarcinoma type II A (classification of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC-TNM) 65 %, present distant metastases 3,81 % and the most frequent location of cancer was the rectum 34,78 % .The most frequent reason for consultation was hemorrhage 70 %, the most common complication was dehiscence and there were no deaths. Conclusion: the highest percentage of patients belongs to the male sex and to the age group over 60 years old, moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma was frequent and the most common stage was type II A, the most frequent location was the rectum and the reason for consultation was hemorrhage (rectorrhagia), for which measures must be implemented to prevent this pathology.

Progresión de casos de Coronavirus en Latinoamérica: Análisis comparativo a una semana de iniciada la pandemia en cada país / Progression of Coronavirus cases in Latin America: Comparative analysis one week after the start of the pandemic in each country

La pandemia generada por la COVID-19 progresa diferente cuando llega a cada territorio, se comparó la progresión de casos de Coronavirus en la primera semana de la pandemia en cada país en Latinoamérica. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, con la información de los casos confirmados en cada país, esto desde que se anunciara el primer caso en cada territorio. Se muestran las progresiones en formas de gráficas, con los casos totales y ajustados por la densidad poblacional. Uruguay y Panamá fueron los países que destacaron de todos los evaluados, tuvieron una mayor cantidad de casos confirmados ponderados en la primera semana de la pandemia. Así mismo, estos dos países también fueron los que tuvieron mayor cantidad de casos absolutos (no ponderados por la cantidad de población), así como, el país de Venezuela; que incluso se piensa que tiene más casos, por sus problemas políticos. Hubo algunas diferencias en la cantidad de casos que se presentaron en cada país Latinoamericano al final de su primera semana de epidemia COVID-19; esto podría deberse a las políticas gubernamentales que se tomaron antes y durante esos primeros días, las cuales deben servir como ejemplo para el actuar en futuros casos similares

The pandemic generated by COVID-19 progresses differently when it reaches each territory, the progression of Coronavirus cases in the first week of the pandemic was compared in each country in Latin America. A descriptive study was carried out, with the information of the confirmed cases in each country, this since the first case was announced in each territory. Progressions are shown in graphical forms, with total cases and adjusted for population density. Uruguay and Panama were the countries that stood out from all those evaluated, they had a greater number of confirmed cases weighted in the first week of the pandemic. Likewise, these two countries were also those with the highest number of absolute cases (not weighted by the number of population), as well as the country of Venezuela; that he is even thought to have more cases, due to his political problems. There were some differences in the number of cases that occurred in each Latin American country at the end of its first week of the COVID-19 epidemic; this could be due to the government policies that were taken before and during those first days, which should serve as an example for acting in future similar cases

Factores asociados al conocimiento de revistas científicas en estudiantes de medicina de Latinoamérica / Factors associated to knowledge about scientific journals among Latin American medical students

Las revistas científicas son uno de los medios de difusión científica más importantes para la ciencia, y su papel en el avance de la medicina es crucial. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los factores asociados al conocimiento de revistas científicas en estudiantes de medicina de 40 escuelas en Latinoamérica. El diseño realizado fue transversal de análisis de datos secundarios. Se definió el conocimiento de revista científica si el estudiante respondía correctamente al nombre de cualquier revista científica. Se obtuvieron valores p mediante modelos lineales generalizados multinivel de efectos mixtos. De 11 587 participantes, la mediana de edad fue de 21 años y el 53,8 por ciento era del sexo femenino. Solo el 1,4 por ciento reportó conocimiento en revistas científicas. Se asociaron a una mayor frecuencia de conocimiento de revistas científicas la edad en años (RP= 1,06; IC: 95 por ciento : 1,04-1,07); estudiar en universidad privada (RP= 1,50; IC: 95 por ciento : 1,19-1,66); estar afiliado a una sociedad científica (RP= 1,31; IC: 95 por ciento : 1,09-1,56); el grupo de investigación (RP= 1,55; IC: 95 por ciento : 1,24-1,93) y más de 1 grupo extracurricular (RP= 2,02; IC: 95 por ciento : 1,39-2,93), así como reportar nivel de inglés intermedio (RP= 2,12; IC 95 por ciento : 1,68-2,67) y avanzado (RP= 2,12; IC 95 por ciento : 1,65-2,72); la capacitación en la búsqueda bibliográfica (RP= 1,40; IC: 95 por ciento : 1,19-1,66); la base de datos (RP= 1,40; IC 95 por ciento : 1,18-1,52); la lectura crítica (RP= 1,34; IC: 95 por ciento : 1,18-1,52) y los gestores de referencia (RP= 1,32; IC 95 por ciento : 1,16-1,51). Se concluye que el conocimiento de revistas científicas parece incrementarse en estudiantes entrenados en investigación y afiliados a grupos científicos. Se recomienda reforzar las habilidades científicas-académicas esenciales en la formación médica(AU)

Scientific journals are among the most important scientific dissemination means, and their role in the advancement of medicine is crucial. The purpose of the study was to determine the factors associated to knowledge about scientific journals among students from 40 Latin American medical schools. The study was based on a cross-sectional secondary data analysis design. Knowledge about scientific journals was defined when the student responded correctly to the name of any scientific journal. P-values were obtained using generalized linear mixed effect multilevel models. Of the total 11 587 participants, 53.8 percent were female; mean age was 21 years. Only 1.4 percent reported knowledge about scientific journals. The following variables were associated to greater knowledge about scientific journals: age in years (AR= 1.06; CI 95 percent : 1.04-1.07), studying in a private university (AR= 1.50; CI: 95 percent : 1.19-1.66); being affiliated to a scientific society (AR= 1.31; CI: 95 percent : 1.09-1.56); the research group (AR= 1.55; CI: 95 percent : 1.24-1.93) and more than 1 extracurricular group (AR= 2.02; CI: 95 percent : 1.39-2.93); as well as reporting an intermediate level in English (AR= 2.12; CI: 95 percent : 1.68-2.67); or an advanced level in English (AR= 2.12; CI: 95 percent : 1.65-2.72); training in bibliographic search (AR= 1.40; CI: 95 percent : 1.19-1.66); the database (AR= 1.40; CI: 95 percent : 1.18-1.52); critical reading (AR= 1.34; CI: 95 percent : 1.18-1.52) and reference managers (AR= 1.32; CI 95 percent : 1.16-1.51). It is concluded that knowledge about scientific journals seems to be greater among students trained in research and affiliated to scientific groups. It is recommended to reinforce the scientific-academic skills essential to medical training(AU)

Revistas de Reumatología en el contexto iberoamericano / Journals of rheumatology in the iberoamerican context

Introducción: La reumatología es la especialidad médica que se encarga de prevenir, diagnosticar y tratar las enfermedades musculo esqueléticas y autoinmunes sistémicas. Se trata de una de las especialidades que más avances en diagnóstico y tratamiento ha experimentado en los últimos años. Objetivo: Exponer los principales indicadores bibliométricos de las revistas de reumatología en Iberoamérica. Método: Se realizó una búsqueda de las revistas de reumatología en diversas bases de datos y se seleccionaron las revistas vigentes que pertenecían a países Latinoamericanos, España o Portugal. Los datos generales de las revistas fueron extraídos en sus respectivos sitios web. Dada la heterogeneidad de indexación, se tomaron los indicadores provistos por el Google Académico para su comparación. Para ello se utilizó el programa Publish or Perish y se realizó una limitación temporal desde 2007 a 2017. Resultados: Las revistas con más altos indicadores de impacto a su vez son las que se encuentran en bases de datos con mayor prestigio a nivel internacional (Web of Science, Scopus y Pubmed), este es otro factor que incide en su visibilidad, hecho corroborable al identificar que los 20 artículos más citados corresponden a estas tres revistas. Conclusiones: Las herramientas bibliométricas provistas por el Google Académico permitieron estandarizar indicadores de productividad y visibilidad en las revistas estudiadas, haciendo más accesible la recuperación de información académica y el cómputo de indicadores bibliométricos(AU)

Introduction: Rheumatology is the medical specialty that is responsible for preventing, diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal and systemic autoimmune diseases. It is one of the specialties that has made the most advances in diagnosis and treatment in recent years. Objective: To explain the main bibliometric indicators of rheumatology journals in Iberoamerica. Method: A search of rheumatology journals was carried out in several databases and the current journals belonging to Latin American countries, Spain or Portugal were selected. The general data of the magazines were extracted in their respective websites. Given the heterogeneity of indexing, the indicators provided by Google Scholar were taken for comparison. For this, the Publish or Perish program was used and a temporary limitation was made from 2007 to 2017. Results: The journals with the highest impact indicators are those found in the most prestigious international databases (Web of Science, Scopus and Pubmed), this is another factor that affects their visibility, a corroborative fact by identifying that the 20 most cited articles correspond to these three journals. Conclusions: The bibliometric tools provided by the Google Scholar allowed to standardize indicators of productivity and visibility in the studied journals, making more accessible the recovery of academic information and the computation of bibliometric indicators(AU)