Perceptions, Beliefs, and Experiences about the Menstrual Cycle and Menstruation among Young Women: A Qualitative Approach.

The experience of menstruation is often associated with negative connotations and gender stereotypes, which results in making it invisible. This research aimed to explore the perceptions, beliefs, and knowledge of young Spanish women regarding the menstrual cycle and menstruation and their impact on their lives. The study delves into their understanding, menstrual management practices, the types of menstrual products employed, and their experiences related to menstrual health. Qualitative methodology was used with discussion groups as a data collection technique. The participants comprised 45 young Spanish women, aged between 18 and 23, hailing from both rural and urban areas. The majority were university students, with some engaged in part-time work, and one participant working full-time. While many experienced menstrual pain ranging from mild to debilitating, a normalization of this pain often led them to forego seeking specialist assistance. Disposable menstrual products (DMPs) are the most used by participants, despite limited awareness of their absorption capacity. Regarding reusable menstrual products (RMPs), menstrual cup users emphasized comfort but expressed a need for proper training. Negative menstruation experiences could evoke fear and difficulties, underscoring the importance of providing comprehensive menstrual health education encompassing both theoretical and practical components.

The Perceptions of Women with Gynecological Cancer after Radiotherapy Treatment: A Gender-Based Qualitative Study.

Gynecological cancer is on the rise and radiotherapy is resorted to for its treatment, which affects the patients. This study was conducted following qualitative methodology to analyze women's gender-based perceptions. The data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. Five categories were defined: 1. feelings; 2. daily living activities; 3. role in the couple/family; 4. coping; and 5. knowledge and uncertainties. There was one emerging category: embarrassment and effects of toxicity. The qualitative data analysis was performed in Nudist NVivo V.11. It was concluded that the patients presented both positive and negative feelings, there were limitations to their daily living activities, their role in the couple/family was affected, they faced problems with resignation, emotional avoidance, and spirituality, they mostly stated having incomplete information, and they underwent uncomfortable situations due to the secondary effects of radiotherapy.

Techos de cristal en las sociedades científicas y los colegios profesionales del ámbito de la salud en España en 2019 / Glass ceilings in the scientific societies and professional associations in the field of health in Spain in 2019

Objetivo: Analizar la composición de las estructuras directivas de los colegios profesionales y las sociedades científicas españolas del ámbito de la salud en 2019 y compararlas con los datos de 2014 y 2015. Método: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Se recopilaron los datos de las sociedades científicas del ámbito sanitario con representación estatal a fecha 30 de mayo de 2019 y de los colegios profesionales con representación provincial, autonómica o estatal a fecha 1 de junio de 2019. Se compararon con los datos de 2014 y 2015. Resultados: Se analizaron 259 colegios profesionales y 163 sociedades científicas. Tanto los colegios profesionales como las sociedades científicas del ámbito de la salud en 2019 superan el porcentaje del 40% de composición equilibrada. Los cargos que más han aumentado en porcentaje de mujeres son los de vicesecretaria (20,8%) o secretaria (9,3% en sociedades), vicepresidenta (8,8% y 11%) y vocal (6,4% y 4%). Lo cargos de presidenta (2%) y decana (6%) los que menos han aumentado. Conclusiones: Es necesario continuar con los esfuerzos para avanzar en una representación equitativa por sexo. (AU)

Objective: To analyze the composition of the management structures of Spanish professional associations and scientific societies in the field of health in 2019 and compare them with the data obtained in 2014 and 2015. Method: descriptive cross-sectional study. Scientific societies in the health field with state representation as of May 30, 2019 and data from professional associations with provincial, regional or state representation were collected as of June 1, 2019. They are compared to 2014 and 2015. Results: 259 professional associations and 163 scientific societies were analyzed. Both professional associations and scientific societies in the field of Health in 2019 exceed the percentage of 40% of balanced composition. The positions that have increased the most in percentage of women are those of vice-secretary (20,8%) or secretaries (9,3% in companies), vice-presidencies (8,8% and 11%) and members (6,4% and 4%). Presidency (2%) and dean (6%), the least. Conclusions: It is necessary to continue with the efforts to advance in an equitable representation by sex. (AU)

[Glass ceilings in the scientific societies and professional associations in the field of health in Spain in 2019]. / Techos de cristal en las sociedades científicas y los colegios profesionales del ámbito de la salud en España en 2019.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the composition of the management structures of Spanish professional associations and scientific societies in the field of health in 2019 and compare them with the data obtained in 2014 and 2015. METHOD: descriptive cross-sectional study. Scientific societies in the health field with state representation as of May 30, 2019 and data from professional associations with provincial, regional or state representation were collected as of June 1, 2019. They are compared to 2014 and 2015. RESULTS: 259 professional associations and 163 scientific societies were analyzed. Both professional associations and scientific societies in the field of Health in 2019 exceed the percentage of 40% of balanced composition. The positions that have increased the most in percentage of women are those of vice-secretary (20,8%) or secretaries (9,3% in companies), vice-presidencies (8,8% and 11%) and members (6,4% and 4%). Presidency (2%) and dean (6%), the least. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to continue with the efforts to advance in an equitable representation by sex.

Multiple Gestations and Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Qualitative Study of the Discourse of Health Professionals in Spain.

Multiple gestations have become an increasing phenomenon that has impacted public health globally, largely due to the application of assisted reproductive technologies. The objective of this work was to find out the discourse that the health professionals involved in its follow-up have in our context. For this, a qualitative methodology was chosen, with semi-structured interviews recorded in audio, prior authorisation, and transcribed verbatim. It was based on a script designed for this purpose, with the following analysis categories: the current trend of multiple gestations, impact, and follow-up. The content analysis was based on the experiences, knowledge, and perceptions of the professionals interviewed. Professionals stated that the current socioeconomic and legal context hinders a single embryo transfer policy that decreases multiple gestation rates. They emphasised the importance of the psychic impact of such gestations on the couple, on the mother in particular, as well as the economic effect on families, health, and society in general. They expressed the need to create specific protocols to assist these gestations. Midwives, in particular, demanded that the health administration recognise and support the differentiated care they perform with this type of gestation. Work on specific models is needed to adequately size the impact of multiple gestations, as well as to generate social health policies that lead to co-responsible reconciliation measures that favour women having one pregnancy at a time.

Instruments to measure quality of life in institutionalised older adults: Systematic review.

This study analysed the available instruments intended to measure the quality of life of institutionalised older adults, the psychometric properties of said instruments, and their use. This review was conducted using six international databases. The quality of the psychometric properties was assessed using the COSMIN checklist. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Twenty-four instruments which measure quality of life were analysed. The instruments assessed are related to two areas, thus establishing two stages of the concept of quality of life in the ageing process. The Dementia Quality of Life (DQoL) scale and the FACIT-Sp Spiritual Well-Being Scale were found to be the instruments with the best combination of length, high methodological quality, and bias control for use in older people with and without cognitive impairment, respectively. Knowing which instruments have higher quality will facilitate the evaluation of the aspects that influence quality of life in geriatric institutions.

Significado cultural de la menstruación en mujeres españolas / Cultural meaning of menstruation among spanish women

RESUMEN Objetivo: Conocer qué significados culturales existen en nuestra sociedad respecto de la menstruación, desde la perspectiva de la enfermería transcultural y analizar si se han superado creencias falsas del pasado. Material y método: Estudio cualitativo con diseño basado en la Teoría Fundamentada y cuyas técnicas de investigación fueron la entrevista semiestructurada y los grupos de discusión. Participaron 47 mujeres de diferentes regiones de España. Como criterios de segmentación se establecieron la edad y el lugar de residencia. Como criterios de variabilidad el nivel educativo, madres o mujeres sin hijos/as y la profesión. Las categorías de análisis fueron la menarquia, menstruación, conocimientos sobre sus propios cuerpos y el género. Resultados: La menarquia es vivida de diferente forma según el grado de conocimiento previo; existencia de tabú en diferentes grados según la edad de la mujer, asociado a desconocimiento e ideas falsas; el traspaso de creencias populares erróneas, por transmisión oral, sigue presente. Conclusión: Los cuidados de enfermería transcultural deben ir encaminados a desterrar creencias falsas, utilizando talleres grupales que permitan erradicar creencias erróneas y ayuden a las mujeres a aclarar dudas que al respecto puedan tener.

ABSTRACT The objective of the research was to know what cultural meanings exist in our society regarding menstruation, from the perspective of transcultural nursing, and to analyze whether past false beliefs have been overcome. Method : Qualitative study with a design based on Grounded Theory and whose research techniques were semi-structured interviews and discussion groups. 47 women from different regions of Spain participated. Age and place of residence were established as segmentation criteria and educational level, mothers or women without children and the profession were established as the variability criteria. The categories of analysis were menarche, menstruation, knowledge about their own bodies and gender. Results: The menarche is lived in a different way depending on the degree of prior knowledge; presence of taboo in different degrees depending on the age of the woman, associated to ignorance and false ideas; the transfer of erroneous popular beliefs, by oral transmission, is still present. Conclusion: Transcultural nursing care should be aimed at banishing false beliefs, using group workshops to eradicate erroneous beliefs and help women to clarify any doubts they may have.

Motivaciones y experiencias emocionales del primer equipo multidisciplinario hospitalario entrenado para atender casos de Ébola en Andalucía (2014-2016) / Motivations and emotional experiences of the first hospital multidisciplinary team trained to care for people with Ebola in Andalusia, Spain (2014-2016)

Objetivo: El Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío (HUVR) de Sevilla fue elegido centro referente andaluz para atender posibles casos de contagio de Ébola. Tras la alerta sanitaria (OMS, 2014) se conformó un equipo de profesionales voluntarios sanitarios/as y no sanitarios/as, que recibió entrenamiento y atendió un posible caso. Se plantea como objetivo comprender sus motivaciones y experiencias emocionales, e identificar los elementos que facilitan y dificultan su funcionamiento. Método: Estudio cualitativo, interpretativo y fenomenológico. Unidad de observación: equipo de profesionales del HUVR entrenado para atender casos de Ébola. Unidades de análisis: trabajo en equipo, motivaciones, emociones. Se realizan tres entrevistas a informantes clave y tres grupos de discusión; participan 23 profesionales de 60 que integran el equipo (2014-2016). Se analizan con QSRNUDISTVivo10 (análisis de contenido) las categorías: motivaciones, emociones, elementos influyentes en el funcionamiento. Validez: se triangularon fuentes de datos, técnicas, perspectivas disciplinarias y se expusieron los resultados al equipo de profesionales, que mostró su acuerdo. Resultados: Perciben interés formativo, responsabilidad profesional, autoestima profesional, atracción por el riesgo o lealtad al líder como motivaciones para ofrecerse voluntariamente. Expresan su evolución emocional, del miedo y estrés original al autocontrol de la presión, tranquilidad y confianza, a través de la formación y cohesión del equipo, elementos esenciales para su funcionamiento. La familia, el servicio de origen, los recursos, los medios de comunicación y la gestión de las emociones influyen, facilitando o entorpeciendo el éxito del equipo. Conclusión: Conocer los factores que les motivan e influyen puede servir para orientar la gestión de equipos multidisciplinarios eficaces y satisfechos en casos de alertas sanitarias (AU)

Objective: The Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío (HUVR) of Seville was chosen as the reference Andalusian site to treat possible cases of Ebola. After the health alert (WHO, 2014), a voluntary group of healthcare and non-healthcare professionals was set up, which, after being trained, treated a possible case. In this light, the aim is to understand the motivations and emotional experiences of this group and to identify the facilitators of and obstacles to its operation. Method: Qualitative, interpretative and phenomenological study. Observation unit: professional team of the HUVR trained to treat Ebola cases. Analysis units: teamwork, motivations and emotions. Three interviews with key informants were conducted, as well as three discussion groups involving 23 of the 60 team members (2014-2016). A content analysis of the motivations, emotions and elements affecting the team's operation was conducted with QSRNUDISTVivo10. Validity: data sources, techniques and disciplinary perspectives were triangulated. The results were presented to the team, which duly agreed with the findings. Results: Training, professional responsibility, professional self-esteem, risk appetite or loyalty to the leader stood out as motivations to voluntarily join the team. Emotional experiences evolved from fear and stress to self-pressure control, while essential elements for the team's operation were found to be calmness and confidence based on training and teamwork. Family, source department, resources, communication media and emotional management were facilitators of or obstacles to the team's success. Conclusion: An understanding of the key motivational and influential factors may be important in the management of effective and successful multidisciplinary teams during health alerts (AU)

[Motivations and emotional experiences of the first hospital multidisciplinary team trained to care for people with Ebola in Andalusia, Spain (2014-2016)]. / Motivaciones y experiencias emocionales del primer equipo multidisciplinario hospitalario entrenado para atender casos de Ébola en Andalucía (2014-2016).

OBJECTIVE: The Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío (HUVR) of Seville was chosen as the reference Andalusian site to treat possible cases of Ebola. After the health alert (WHO, 2014), a voluntary group of healthcare and non-healthcare professionals was set up, which, after being trained, treated a possible case. In this light, the aim is to understand the motivations and emotional experiences of this group and to identify the facilitators of and obstacles to its operation. METHOD: Qualitative, interpretative and phenomenological study. Observation unit: professional team of the HUVR trained to treat Ebola cases. Analysis units: teamwork, motivations and emotions. Three interviews with key informants were conducted, as well as three discussion groups involving 23 of the 60 team members (2014-2016). A content analysis of the motivations, emotions and elements affecting the team's operation was conducted with QSRNUDISTVivo10. VALIDITY: data sources, techniques and disciplinary perspectives were triangulated. The results were presented to the team, which duly agreed with the findings. RESULTS: Training, professional responsibility, professional self-esteem, risk appetite or loyalty to the leader stood out as motivations to voluntarily join the team. Emotional experiences evolved from fear and stress to self-pressure control, while essential elements for the team's operation were found to be calmness and confidence based on training and teamwork. Family, source department, resources, communication media and emotional management were facilitators of or obstacles to the team's success. CONCLUSION: An understanding of the key motivational and influential factors may be important in the management of effective and successful multidisciplinary teams during health alerts.

Estereotipos de género con respecto a las etapas reproductivas de las mujeres y sus implicaciones en la salud / Gender stereotypes regrding the reproductive stages of women and their implications on health

OBJETIVO: Conocer qué estereotipos de género existen en España relacionados con la menarquia y la menopausia y sus implicaciones en la salud de las mujeres. METODOLOGÍA: Cualitativa. Teoría fundamentada. Como técnicas de investigación se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas y grupos de discusión a mujeres de diferentes generaciones. RESULTADOS: Cuarenta y cinco mujeres participantes. Los estereotipos de género descubiertos estuvieron directamente relacionados con la fertilidad y con el hecho de que estas etapas actúan como ritos de paso; la menarquia se asoció a estereotipos de género positivos, porque se asociaban a convertirse «en mujer» y a la sexualidad independientemente de la edad de la niña, mientras que la menopausia conllevaba estereotipos de género muy negativos asociados a la vejez y el deterioro. Estos estereotipos podrían estar relacionados con los embarazos no deseados en adolescentes por una concepción errónea del «ser mujer» y con la ansiedad en la menopausia por la de envejecimiento. CONCLUSIONES: Los cuidados de enfermería transcultural deben ir encaminados a desterrar estereotipos de género y creencias falsas utilizando la educación para la salud y formando a mujeres y hombres en salud sexual y reproductiva

OBJECTIVE: To know what gender stereotypes exist in Spain related to menarche and menopause and their implications on women's health. METHODOLOGY: Qualitative. Grounded theory. As research techniques, women of different generations were given semi-structured interviews and participated in three discussion groups. RESULTS: 45 female participants The gender stereotypes discovered were directly related to fertility and to the fact that these stages act as rite of passage; menarche was associated with positive gender stereotypes because it is associated with 'becoming a woman' and sexuality regardless of the girls age, while menopause carries very negative gender stereotypes associated with aging and deterioration. These stereotypes may be related to unwanted pregnancies in adolescents because of a misconception of 'being a woman' and with the anxiety during menopause due to aging. CONCLUSIONS: Transcultural nursing care should aim to banish gender stereotypes and false beliefs by using health education and training both women and men in sexual and reproductive health

Presencia de las mujeres en los órganos de dirección de los colegios profesionales del ámbito de la salud en 2015 / Presence of women in management bodies of the profesional associations of the field of health in 2015

Fundamentos: La progresiva incorporación de las mujeres en las profesiones sanitarias no se corresponde con su presencia en puestos de responsabilidad. Dado que los colegios profesionales tienen un papel esencial en la representación y regulación profesional, se plantea como objetivo describir la frecuencia de la presencia de las mujeres en las estructuras directivas de los colegios profesionales del ámbito de la salud en España y comprobar el grado de cumplimiento de los criterios de paridad. Métodos: Se identificó el género de la persona que ocupaba la presidencia, los cargos ejecutivos y la junta directiva visitando las webs del Consejo General de los colegios profesionales de Psicología, Consejo General de Colegios Oficiales de Médicos, Consejo General de Colegios Oficiales de Enfermería de España, Consejo General de Colegios de Fisioterapeutas, Consejo General de Dentistas, Organización Farmacéutica colegial y Consejo General de Colegios oficiales de Podólogos. Se describió el porcentaje de mujeres de forma global y según profesión y se comparó con las cifras de colegiados y colegiadas según el INE para 2014. Resultados: De 251 colegios profesionales en julio de 2015, 41 (21,91%) la presidencia estaba ocupada por mujeres. También ocupaban el 34,69% de los puestos ejecutivos y el 42,80% del total de las juntas directivas. Los colegios médicos y de enfermería tenían una mujer en la presidencia en el 11,32% y 43,48% respectivamente. Los de psicología fueron los que presentaron mayor presencia femenina en la presidencia, el 45,83%. Conclusión: No existe paridad entre hombres y mujeresen el conjunto de los colegios estudiados. La presencia femenina es mayor en colegios de psicología y enfermería y mucho menor en los de odontología, fisioterapia, podología y medicina con el nivel de responsabilidad disminuye la presencia de las mujeres (AU)

Background: The gradual increase of women in the health professions does not correspond with her presence in positions of power. Given that professional colleges have an essential role in the representation and professional regulation, arises as an aim to describe the presence of women in the managerial structures of the professional colleges of health in Spain now to verify the degree of compliance with the criteria of parity. Methods: The Spanish official professionals´ colleges were compiled by visiting the websites of the General Council of the Psychology of Spain, General Council of Medical Associations of Spain, General Council of Colleges of Nursing of Spain, General Council of Physiotherapists Schools of Spain, General Dental Council , Organization collegiate Pharmaceutical General and Council of Associations of Podiatrists. All their webs were visited. The sex of the presidency, the executive and the entire board was identified. Data were analyzed according to the overall percentage of women and profession. We compared this to the INE-2014 collegiate professionals. Results: Out of 251 professionals´ colleges in July-2015, 21, 91% had a female president. Women hold 34,69% of the executive positions and 42,80% of total boards. 11, 32% of Medical colleges had a female president and 43,48% of Nursing ones. The Psychology are those with more women in the presidency, 45, 83%. Conclusion: There is no parity, being higher in Psychology and Nursing and, much lower in Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Medicine. It decreases with the responsibility level. Health Inequality (AU)

Representatividad de las mujeres en las sociedades científicas españolas del ámbito de la salud en 2014 / Representation of women in health-related scientific societies in Spain in 2014

Objetivo: Describir la presencia de las mujeres en las estructuras directivas de las sociedades científicas de salud en España actualmente. Métodos: Se identificó el sexo de presidencia, cargos ejecutivos y junta directiva de sociedades estatales, recopiladas por el Ministerio de Sanidad, Servicios Sociales e Igualdad, y Fisterra, visitando su web. Se analizó el porcentaje de mujeres global, y según profesión y ámbito de atención. Resultados: De 173 sociedades científicas en julio de 2014, 41 tienen presidentas (22,53%). Las mujeres ocupan un 32,41% de puestos ejecutivos y un 36,24% del total de juntas directivas. Las sociedades médicas y enfermeras tienen presidenta en un 16,07% y un 76,92%, respectivamente. Las de primaria tienen más mujeres en cargos ejecutivos (54,55%) que las transversales (35,74%) y las hospitalarias (27,93%). Conclusión: No existe paridad en el conjunto. La presencia femenina es mayor en las sociedades de enfermería y de primaria que en las médicas y las hospitalarias. Disminuye con el nivel de responsabilidad (AU)

Objective: To describe the presence of women in the governance of health-related scientific societies in Spain today. Methods: Spanish scientific societies were identified by vising the websites of the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality, and Fisterra. The sex of the president, executive officers and the board of directors was identified. Data were analyzed according to the overall percentage of women and by profession and setting. Results: Of 173 scientific societies in July 2014, 41 had a female president (22.53%). Women held 35.45% of executive positions and accounted for 36.32% of the boards of directors. Only 16.07% of medical societies had a female president compared with 76.92% of nursing societies. Primary care societies had more women in executive positions (54.55%) than societies in which the professional activity of members involved both primary and secondary care (35.74%) and societies related to hospital care (27.93%). Conclusion: There is a lack of parity, which is greater in nursing and primary care societies than in medical and hospital-related societies. Parity decreases as the level of responsibility rises (AU)

Fears and concerns related to menstruation: a qualitative study from the perspective of gender / Medos e receios relacionados com a menstruação: estudo qualitativo a partir da a perspectiva de género / Miedos y temores relacionados con la menstruación: estudio cualitativo desde la perspectiva de género

The aim of this article is to analyze the fears about menstruation and health that have been passed down to us by oral transmission from a gender perspective. A qualitative study, whose design was the Grounded Theory, performed in Seville, Spain, with 24 rural and urban women from different generations, young (18-25, 26-35 years), middle aged (36-45, 46-55, 56-65 years) and elderly (> 65 years). The semi-structured interview was used as a data collection technique. The discourses were subjected to content analysis, following the steps of Grounded Theory. The results highlight the abundant fears related to use of water during menstruation, with very harmful effects to health. As a conclusion to highlight the lack of women's knowledge about reproductive health and that despite Health Education campaigns there are still ancient misconceptions present about menstruation.

O objetivo do artigo foi analisar os medos sobre a menstruaçao e a saúde que chegaram até aos nossos dias através da comunicação oral, numa perspectiva do género. Um estudo qualitativo, cujo desenho se baseou na Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados, realizado em Sevilha, Espanha, tendo como base 24 mulheres de meio rural e urbano de diferentes gerações, jovens (18-25, 26-35 anos), de meia idade (36-45, 46-55, 56-65 anos) e idosos (>65 anos). Utilizou-se como técnica de obtenção de dados a entrevista semiestruturada. Os dados foram submetidos a uma análise de conteúdo, seguindo os passos da Teoria Fundamentada. Dentro dos resultados, destacamos os abundantes medos relacionados com o uso de água durante a menstruação, com efeitos muito prejudiciais para a saúde. Destacamos a falta de conhecimento por parte das mulheres na saúde reproductiva ja que, apesar das campanhas no âmbito da Educação para a Saúde, continuam presentes crenças milenares erradas sobre a menstruação.

El objetivo del artículo es analizar los miedos sobre la menstruación y la salud que han llegado hasta nuestros días mediante transmisión oral desde la perspectiva de género. Estudio cualitativo, cuyo diseño fue la Teoría Fundamentada realizado en Sevilla, España, con 24 mujeres de medio rural y urbano de diferentes generaciones jóvenes (18-25, 26-35 años), mediana edad (36-45, 46-55, 56-65 años) y mayores (>65 años). Se utilizó como técnica de obtención de datos la entrevista semi-estructurada. Los discursos fueron sometidos al análisis de contenido, siguiendo los pasos de la Teoría Fundamentada. Como resultados destacar abundantes miedos relacionados con el uso del agua durante la menstruación, con efectos muy perjudiciales para la salud. Como conclusiones destacar la falta de conocimientos de las mujeres en la salud reproductiva ya que a pesar de las campañas en Educación para la Salud todavía siguen presente creencias erróneas milenarias sobre la menstruación.

[Representation of women in health-related scientific societies in Spain in 2014]. / Representatividad de las mujeres en las sociedades científicas españolas del ámbito de la salud en 2014.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the presence of women in the governance of health-related scientific societies in Spain today. METHODS: Spanish scientific societies were identified by vising the websites of the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality, and Fisterra. The sex of the president, executive officers and the board of directors was identified. Data were analyzed according to the overall percentage of women and by profession and setting. RESULTS: Of 173 scientific societies in July 2014, 41 had a female president (22.53%). Women held 35.45% of executive positions and accounted for 36.32% of the boards of directors. Only 16.07% of medical societies had a female president compared with 76.92% of nursing societies. Primary care societies had more women in executive positions (54.55%) than societies in which the professional activity of members involved both primary and secondary care (35.74%) and societies related to hospital care (27.93%). CONCLUSION: There is a lack of parity, which is greater in nursing and primary care societies than in medical and hospital-related societies. Parity decreases as the level of responsibility rises.

[Presence of women in management bodies of the professional associations of the field of health in 2015]. / Presencia de las mujeres en los órganos de dirección de los colegios profesionales del ámbito de la salud en 2015.

BACKGROUND: The gradual increase of women in the health professions does not correspond with her presence in positions of power. Given that professional colleges have an essential role in the representation and professional regulation, arises as an aim to describe the presence of women in the managerial structures of the professional colleges of health in Spain now to verify the degree of compliance with the criteria of parity. METHODS: The Spanish official professionals' colleges were compiled by visiting the websites of the General Council of the Psychology of Spain, General Council of Medical Associations of Spain, General Council of Colleges of Nursing of Spain, General Council of Physiotherapists Schools of Spain, General Dental Council, Organization collegiate Pharmaceutical General and Council of Associations of Podiatrists. All their webs were visited. The sex of the presidency, the executive and the entire board was identified. Data were analyzed according to the overall percentage of women and profession. We compared this to the INE-2014 collegiate professionals. RESULTS: Out of 251 professionals' colleges in July-2015, 21, 91% had a female president. Women hold 34,69% of the executive positions and 42,80% of total boards. 11, 32% of Medical colleges had a female president and 43,48% of Nursing ones. The Psychology are those with more women in the presidency, 45, 83%. CONCLUSION: There is no parity, being higher in Psychology and Nursing and, much lower in Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Medicine. It decreases with the responsibility level. Health Inequality.