Description and Analysis of Research on Death and Dying during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Published in Nursing Journals Indexed in SCOPUS.

AIM: To offer an overall picture of the research published regarding the different aspects of death and dying during the COVID-19 pandemic in journals covering the field of nursing in the Scopus database. DESIGN: bibliometric analysis. METHODS: The metadata obtained were exported from Scopus for subsequent analysis through Bibliometrix. Using the VOSviewer co-word analysis function, the conceptual and thematic structure of the publications was identified. RESULTS: A total of 119 papers were retrieved, with the participation of 527 authors. The publications were found in 71 journals covering the nursing area. The main lines of research revolved around the keywords "palliative care" and "end-of-life care" in regard to the ethical, psychological, and organizational challenges faced by the health professionals who cared for these patients. CONCLUSION: The results obtained offer a range of data and images that characterize the scientific production published on this topic, coming to the conclusion that, due to the multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach to the experience of death, care, and accompaniment in the dying process, bibliometric maps improve the comprehensive understanding of the semantic and conceptual structure of this field of research. This study was retrospectively registered with the OSF Registries on the 14 March 2024.

Comparison between self-concept, self-perception, physical exercise and lifestyle variations from 1st to 4th grade students of nursing in Tenerife, Spain.

The aim of this study was to describe and compare the self-concept, self-perception, physical exercise, and lifestyle of students from 1st to 4th year of the Nursing university studies. Descriptive observational cross-sectional study with analytical components. The study sample consisted of 1st and 4th year undergraduate Nursing students. Five questionnaires were used: a sociodemographic survey, the RSES, the GHQ-12, the PAQ-A and the HBSC. The sample consisted of 197 subjects. 44.2% had a low self-concept and a perception of self-value that improved as they progressed academically, while confidence decreased. The PAQ-A showed that 65.5% performed moderate physical activity and 15.7% were sedentary, 58.9% reported a fair lifestyle and 20.8% of the subjects reported an inadequate diet. In the GHQ-12, the perception of self-value subscale showed an improvement with respect to the academic year. The SOC-13 data showed fair coping with traumatic situations, which worsened in the 4th year, being 88.9% in males and 84.6% in females. The study identified low self-concept, an adequate self-perception, moderate physical activity with a tendency towards sedentary lifestyles, and a fair lifestyle. It is significant that adolescents do not perceive the poor figures they obtain in self-concept, physical exercise, diet, sleep, and violence as reflected in their health. It is known that the changes adopted in adolescence will be perpetuated in adulthood. Therefore, influencing this population group, and even more so, if they are potential future health professionals, is deemed necessary.

The RAS-24: Development and validation of an adherence-to-medication scale for severe mental illness patients.

Introduction: Several studies have found that most patients with severe mental illness (SMI) and comorbid (physical) conditions are partially or wholly nonadherent to their medication regimens. Nonadherence to treatment is a serious concern, affecting the successful management of patients with SMIs. Psychiatric disorders tend to worsen and persist in nonadherent patients, worsening their overall health. The study described herein aimed to develop and validate a scale (the Ralat Adherence Scale) to measure nonadherence behaviors in a culturally sensitive way. Materials and Methods: Guided by a previous study that explored the primary reasons for nonadherence in Puerto Rican patients, we developed a pool of 147 items linked to the concept of adherence. Nine experts reviewed the meaning, content, clarity, and relevance of the individual items, and a content validity ratio was calculated for each one. Forty items remained in the scale's first version. This version was administered to 160 patients (21-60 years old). All the participants had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or schizoaffective disorder. The STROBE checklist was used as the reporting guideline. Results: The scale had very good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.812). After a factor analysis, the scale was reduced to 24 items; the new scale had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.900. Conclusions: This adherence scale is a self-administered instrument with very good psychometric properties; it has yielded important information about nonadherence behaviors. The scale can help health professionals and researchers to assess patient adherence or nonadherence to a medication regimen.

Research, Reading, and Publication Habits of Nurses and Nursing Students Applied to Impact Journals: International Multicentre Study.

Publishing in JCR and SJR journals has become crucial for curricular development. Results from nursing investigations "compete" for publication in journals which are not specific to the field of care, affecting the academic development of these investigators. This phenomenon may lead to an ongoing adverse effect on nursing researchers and academics engaged in research in nursing care. The aim of this study was to evaluate habits regarding scientific literature consulting, the transfer of published material, and the citation of nursing investigations. A cross-sectional descriptive study by means of questionnaires was carried out, focusing on both Spanish and Portuguese nurses. The findings of the study reveal the following reasons for reading the scientific literature: that the language was understood; for learning and applying what was learnt; that the journal was of open access; for elaborating protocols and work procedures; and that the journal was indexed in scientific databases and in nursing databases. The reasons for reading, using, and publishing in journals were related to knowledge of the language and the associated usefulness of learning and applying knowledge. Creating a specific index of research publications in nursing will have a positive effect on the scientific production of caring methodologies.

Relaciones entre el Empoderamiento Estructural y Psicológico y el Síndrome de Burnout: Revisión Bibliográfica (2010-2020) / Relationship between structural and psychological empowerment and burnout syndrome: bibliographical review (2010-2020)

En el desarrollo Síndrome de burnout en los profesionales de enferme ría juegan un papel importante las carac terísticas de las organizaciones sanita rias. Recientemente ,se han introducido nuevos conceptos como el empodera miento estructural y psicológico como factores protectores del desgaste profe sional, si bien los resultados de dichos trabajos ofrecen resultados heterogé neos. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión bibliográfica narrativa de las relaciones entre el Síndrome de Burnout y el Em poderamiento Profesional a partir de lite ratura científica (2010-2020)publicada en las principales bases de datos de Cien cias de la Salud . Resultados: Se han incluido 29 publicaciones en la revisión. Los estu dios analizados indican que ambos tipos de empoderamiento guardan una rela ción inversa con el Síndrome de Burnout, con la intervención de variables persona les y organizacionales. Agotamiento emocional y Despersonalización se aso cian con la percepción de bajos recursos y soporte. La baja realización personal en el trabajo está influida por la percep ción de significado y competencia. In crementar el Empoderamiento Organi zacional, puede contribuir disminuir lo niveles de Burnout en profesionales de Enfermería (AU)

In the development of Burnout Syndrome in nursing professionals, the characteristics of health organizations play an important role. Recently, new concepts such as structural and psycho logical empowerment have been introdu ced as protective factors against profes sional burnout, although the results of these works offer heterogeneous results. Objective: Make a narrative bi bliographical review on the interaction between Burnout’s Syndrome and Pro fessional Empowerment considering scientific literature (2010-2020) published in the main databases of Health Scien ces. Results: There are 29 publica tions included in the review. Both types of empowerment are inversely related to Burnout Syndrome, taking into conside ration personal and organizational varia bles. Emotional exhaustion and Deper sonalization are associated with a per ception of low Resources and Support. Personal Accomplishment at work is in fluenced by perception of Meaning and Competence Increasement of Organiza tional Empowerment can contribute to reducing Burnout levels among nursing professionals (AU)

International Comparison of Self-Concept, Self-Perception and Lifestyle in Adolescents: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: Adolescence is considered a vital time to address healthy attitudes and values towards an effective transition to adulthood. The aim of this review was to analyse self-concept, self-perception, physical exercise, and lifestyle in the late adolescent population. Methods: Systematic review of studies assessing the results by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the General Health Questionnaire, the Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents, and the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children questionnaires in late adolescents. The PRISMA recommendations were followed. The CASPe quality-check system was applied, excluding articles with a score <8. Results: 1589 studies were found, and 69 articles were selected. Adolescents with high self-concept and self-perception tend to be emotionally stable, sociable, and responsible. No significant differences were found regarding self-concept and self-perception between different countries, but there were differences between men and women. Physical activity and healthy diet improve self-concept and perception of body image. Conclusion: Self-concept and self-perception are associated with responsibility, stability, and mental strength. Most healthy behaviours during adolescence are followed during adulthood. Socio-cultural level of Health Science students is a differential factor for overweight and obesity.

Questionnaires Assessing Adolescents' Self-Concept, Self-Perception, Physical Activity and Lifestyle: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Adolescence is considered a fundamental time to promote change. During this time, young people consolidate their social and individual identity. By influencing positive changes, chronic diseases can be avoided, delayed or modified in the future. The use of valid and reliable questionnaires is an optimal resource for gathering information and thus useful for this study. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to: (1). identify the questionnaires that assess self-esteem/self-concept, self-perception, physical exercise and lifestyle of adolescents; (2). analyse the psychometric measures of the questionnaires used to assess the self-esteem/self-concept, self-perception, physical exercise and lifestyle of adolescents; and (3). determine which questionnaires are the most reliable and valid for assessing the self-esteem/self-concept, self-perception, physical exercise and lifestyle of adolescents. METHOD: A bibliographic search was carried out in the following databases: Virtual Health Library, Cochrane, Medline, Cuiden, Scielo, Dialnet, PubMed and Ministry of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare following the PICO method. The recommendations of the PRISMA statement were followed. RESULTS: A total of 71 scientific articles were collected. Within the self-perception/self-concept questionnaires, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale stands out for being an optimal and widely used resource in adolescents. Regarding the questionnaires that evaluate self-perception, the General Health Questionnaire is the most used; it is used in numerous national health surveys in different countries. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents ranks first with respect to the rest of the tools. It is a widely used resource internationally and provides enough information on the physical activity carried out by the subject in a given week. Although there are several questionnaires that measure lifestyle, the Health Behavior in School-aged Children instrument was selected. This instrument is at the European level and involves the collaboration of 48 countries and allows us to compare the lifestyle habits of adolescents from different countries. DISCUSSION: The questionnaire that stands out in the assessment of self-esteem/self-concept is the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The General Health Questionnaire has been selected as the best tool for assessing self-perception. To measure physical exercise, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents is identified as the ideal instrument because it is widely used and can be completed quickly. Regarding lifestyle, the Health Behavior in School aged Children is shown to be an effective instrument in assessing lifestyle.

Trends in Research on Art Therapy Indexed in the Web of Science: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Aim: Despite the increase in international research in art therapy, few studies have been developed with a bibliometric approach which describe the situation regarding this area of knowledge. Thus, the aim of this study is to describe and contextualize international scientific production in the visual arts modality in the context of artistic therapies, to offer a broader and more in-depth vision of the structure of this area of knowledge through of a bibliometric analysis of the publications indexed in the core collection of the Web of Science. Methods: This is a retrospective, exploratory and descriptive, cross-sectional study to analyze the bibliographic data retrieved from the databases of the core collection. The analysis parameters included the data corresponding to the production according to type of document, country, journal, and institution. In addition, the main lines of research were located and classified and the subject matter of the most cited articles in each of them was summarized. Four periods were selected, between 1994 and 2020, to facilitate the thematic analysis and offer an evolutionary perspective of art therapy research. Results: A total of 563 works were published, in 250 journals, in the 63 years between 1958, when the first document was published, and April 2021. The annual growth rate was 7.3% with a mean average of 8.7 publications per year, and 83.13% of the published works were articles. A total of 1,269 authors from 56 countries were counted. The mean number of citations per document was 5.6 and the mean number of citations per document and year was 0.6. The main research domains were psychology and/or rehabilitation and the highest production on this topic was concentrated in only three journals. In general, a high degree of variability was observed in the study topics and numerous theoretical and methodological articles. The most used visual arts modalities were in the main drawing, painting and photography. Conclusion: This work did not find previous existence of any bibliometric analysis on the international scientific production in art therapy. In general terms, there has been a substantial growth in the number of publications on the subject over the last decade. However, this research area does not appear to have peaked, but, on the contrary, is still growing and progressing despite its long history in clinical practice.

Incidental 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT Uptake in Hemorrhagic Transformation of Stroke in a Patient With Cervical Paraganglioma.

ABSTRACT: We present a case of a 75-year-old woman with clinical suspicion of stroke whose cranial CT showed ischemic changes in right precentral region, without visible vascular occlusion, and a right vagal lesion suggestive of paraganglioma. Two weeks later, 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT with IV iodine-based contrast administration (Biograph 6 True Point equipment; Siemens) was performed for characterization of this lesion and staging. Intraparenchymal 68Ga-DOTATOC uptake was visualized in right frontal lobe suggestive of hemorrhagic transformation of the previous stroke.

Prevention and Treatment of Phlebitis Secondary to the Insertion of a Peripheral Venous Catheter: A Scoping Review from a Nursing Perspective.

The objective of this work was to identify available evidence on nursing interventions for the prevention and treatment of phlebitis secondary to the insertion of a peripheral venous catheter. For this, a scoping systematic review was carried out following the guidelines in the PRISMA declaration of documents published between January 2015 and December 2020. The search took place between December 2020 and January 2021. Scielo, Pubmed, Medline, Scopus, WOS, CINHAL, LILACS, and Dialnet databases were consulted, and CASPe, AGREE, and HICPAC tools were used for the critical reading. A total of 52 studies were included to analyze nursing interventions for treatment and prevention. Nursing interventions to prevent phlebitis and ensure a proper catheter use included those related to the maintenance of intravenous therapy, asepsis, and choosing the dressing. With regard to the nursing interventions to treat phlebitis, these were focused on vigilance and caring and also on the use of medical treatment protocols. For the prevention of phlebitis, the highest rated evidence regarding asepsis include the topical use of >0.5% chlorhexidine preparation with 70% alcohol or 2% aqueous chlorhexidine, a proper hygienic hand washing, and the use clean gloves to handle connections and devices. Actions that promote the efficacy and safety of intravenous therapy include maintenance of venous access, infusion volume control, verification of signs of phlebitis during saline solution and medication administration, and constant monitoring. It is recommended to remove any catheter that is not essential. Once discharged from hospital, it will be necessary to warn the patient about signs of phlebitis after PVC removal.

Ibero-American Society of Interventionism (SIDI) and the Spanish Society of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (SERVEI) Standard of Practice (SOP) for the Management of Inferior Vena Cava Filters in the Treatment of Acute Venous Thromboembolism.

OBJECTIVES: to present an interventional radiology standard of practice on the use of inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) in patients with or at risk to develop venous thromboembolism (VTE) from the Iberoamerican Interventional Society (SIDI) and Spanish Vascular and Interventional Radiology Society (SERVEI). METHODS: a group of twenty-two interventional radiologist experts, from the SIDI and SERVEI societies, attended online meetings to develop a current clinical practice guideline on the proper indication for the placement and retrieval of IVCFs. A broad review was undertaken to determine the participation of interventional radiologists in the current guidelines and a consensus on inferior vena cava filters. Twenty-two experts from both societies worked on a common draft and received a questionnaire where they had to assess, for IVCF placement, the absolute, relative, and prophylactic indications. The experts voted on the different indications and reasoned their decision. RESULTS: a total of two-hundred-thirty-three articles were reviewed. Interventional radiologists participated in the development of just two of the eight guidelines. The threshold for inclusion was 100% agreement. Three absolute and four relative indications for the IVCF placement were identified. No indications for the prophylactic filter placement reached the threshold. CONCLUSION: interventional radiologists are highly involved in the management of IVCFs but have limited participation in the development of multidisciplinary clinical practice guidelines.

Selective deletion of Caspase-3 gene in the dopaminergic system exhibits autistic-like behaviour.

Apoptotic caspases are thought to play critical roles in elimination of excessive and non-functional synapses and removal of extra cells during early developmental stages. Hence, an impairment of this process may thus constitute a basis for numerous neurological and psychiatric diseases. This view is especially relevant for dopamine due to its pleiotropic roles in motor control, motivation and reward processing. Here, we have analysed the effect of caspase-3 depletion on the development of catecholaminergic neurons and performed a wide array of neurochemical, ultrastructural and behavioural assays. To achieve this, we performed selective deletion of the Casp3 gene in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-expressing cells using Cre-loxP-mediated recombination. Histological evaluation of most relevant catecholaminergic nuclei revealed the ventral mesencephalon as the most affected region. Stereological analysis demonstrated an increase in the number of TH-positive neurons in both the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area along with enlarged volume of the ventral midbrain. Analysis of main innervating tissues revealed a rather contrasting profile. In striatum, basal extracellular levels and potassium-evoked DA release were significantly reduced in mice lacking Casp3, a clear indication of dopaminergic hypofunction in dopaminergic innervating tissues. This view was sustained by analysis of TH-labelled dopaminergic terminals by confocal and electron microscopy. Remarkably, at a behavioural level, Casp3-deficient mice exhibited impaired social interaction, restrictive interests and repetitive stereotypies, which are considered the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our study revitalizes the potential involvement of dopaminergic transmission in ASD and provides an excellent model to get further insights in ASD pathogenesis.

Microglia: Agents of the CNS Pro-Inflammatory Response.

The pro-inflammatory immune response driven by microglia is a key contributor to the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. Though the research of microglia spans over a century, the last two decades have increased our understanding exponentially. Here, we discuss the phenotypic transformation from homeostatic microglia towards reactive microglia, initiated by specific ligand binding to pattern recognition receptors including toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) or triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM2), as well as pro-inflammatory signaling pathways triggered such as the caspase-mediated immune response. Additionally, new research disciplines such as epigenetics and immunometabolism have provided us with a more holistic view of how changes in DNA methylation, microRNAs, and the metabolome may influence the pro-inflammatory response. This review aimed to discuss our current knowledge of pro-inflammatory microglia from different angles, including recent research highlights such as the role of exosomes in spreading neuroinflammation and emerging techniques in microglia research including positron emission tomography (PET) scanning and the use of human microglia generated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Finally, we also discuss current thoughts on the impact of pro-inflammatory microglia in neurodegenerative diseases.

Relationship between the self-concept and physical activity towards the prevention of chronic illnesses.

The objective of this work is to verify the relationship between the self-perception of health and the self-concept of physical appearance in adolescents, in order to check their influence on the physical activity they perform with the aim of preventing chronic illnesses. To this end, an observational, cross-sectional descriptive study with analytical components was carried out. Opportunistic activity, in which young people, between the ages of 16 and 22, were recruited from 5 secondary schools of the municipality of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, on the island of Tenerife (Spain). Data were collected through the General Health Questionnaire, the Rosemberg Self-esteem Scale, and the physical exercise habits test physical activity questionnaire for adolescents-A, revealing the first 2 that most percentage of responses were grouped on the positive side. The physical exercise habits test physical activity questionnaire for adolescents-A described that the most commonly performed physical activity was walking (75%).

Methodology Proposal for the Management of Nursing Competencies towards a Strategic Training. A Theoretical Analysis.

Professional and academic legislation relating to nursing skills reflects conceptual and professional developments. In this sense, conceptual and methodological analyses are required to describe the concept of nursing competencies, the individual or group self-perception of competencies, to identify training needs, and to specify the nursing professional profile within the health organization. A sequential mixed methodology was proposed combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. The qualitative methodology involves the Focus Group and the Delphi technique. The quantitative methodology involves surveying and analyzing self-perception (descriptive and analytical in relation to personal and professional variables and levels of excellence). The methodology was piloted among primary care nurses. Competencies were analyzed and distributed across the training program. The combination of qualitative and quantitative methods showed that obtaining a deep insight into the nurses' competencies would be a good process. This proposal is applicable as an approach to global nursing competencies or to a particular specialty.

Validity and Reliability of the Emergency Severity Index in a Spanish Hospital.

Saturation in hospital emergency departments is one of the main safety problems for the patient, which can generate negative consequences for their health. In response to this issue, triage systems are developed to organize the flow of patients in order to allow the most urgent ones to be treated first. The Emergency Severity Index (ESI) is the most used triage system in the USA and it has been implemented in the General Hospital of La Palma since 2010. The objective of this study is the validation of the ESI adapted to our hospital through the study of its degree of reliability, as well as the criterion validity. The sample consisted of 240 randomly selected cases, with proportional representation of emergencies attended in 2015 and their fraction of urgent ones (Levels 1 and 2). Criterion validity was estimated by sensitivity, specificity, and predictive result values. For reliability, the degree of agreement among the nurses was studied by means of the adapted kappa index kc2. Criterion validity showed a sensitivity of 89% (85-93%) and a specificity of 97% (94-99%), with a positive predictive value of 68% (62-74%) and a negative predictive value of 99% (98-100%) for the discrimination of urgent cases. The reliability analysis showed a kc2 = 0.94 (0.84-0.99) index, a very good agreement according to Landis-Koch criteria. The results of our study have shown adequate validity and reliability in the adaptation and implementation of an ESI triage system suited to the specific conditions of a hospital emergency service in Spain.

Reformulating Pro-Oxidant Microglia in Neurodegeneration.

In neurodegenerative diseases, microglia-mediated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are central events. Recent genome-wide transcriptomic analyses of microglial cells under different disease conditions have uncovered a new subpopulation named disease-associated microglia (DAM). These studies have challenged the classical view of the microglia polarization state's proinflammatory M1 (classical activation) and immunosuppressive M2 (alternative activation). Molecular signatures of DAM and proinflammatory microglia (highly pro-oxidant) have shown clear differences, yet a partial overlapping gene profile is evident between both phenotypes. The switch activation of homeostatic microglia into reactive microglia relies on the selective activation of key surface receptors involved in the maintenance of brain homeostasis (a.k.a. pattern recognition receptors, PRRs). Two relevant PRRs are toll-like receptors (TLRs) and triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM2), whose selective activation is believed to generate either a proinflammatory or a DAM phenotype, respectively. However, the recent identification of endogenous disease-related ligands, which bind to and activate both TLRs and TREM2, anticipates the existence of rather complex microglia responses. Examples of potential endogenous dual ligands include amyloid ß, galectin-3, and apolipoprotein E. These pleiotropic ligands induce a microglia polarization that is more complicated than initially expected, suggesting the possibility that different microglia subtypes may coexist. This review highlights the main microglia polarization states under disease conditions and their leading role orchestrating oxidative stress.

Impact of the Case Management Model through Community Liaison Nurses.

The objective of the present study is to assess the model's impact on patients and their families in terms of outcomes and the efficiency results for the health system in Tenerife, Canary Islands, selecting a period of eight years from the time interval 2002-2018. The employed indicators were collected on a monthly basis. They referred to home care and its impact on clinical outcomes and on the use of resources. The comparison between the indicators' tendencies with and without the liaison nurse model was done with the F-test by Snedecor. All these tests are bilateral, with a level of significance of p < 0.05. In those areas with community liaison nurse (CLN), improvements have been found in indicators that describe: (1) the management of the clinical status of patients, (2) the efficiency of the use of resources, and (3) the quality and compliance with the process that also includes home visits and social risk detection and management. It can be said that in the basic areas of primary health care where the work of the CLN develops there are improvements in the management of the patients' clinical condition as well as in the quality and efficiency of care.

Prevalencia y perfil de la persona frágil en la isla de La Palma / Prevalence and profile of the frail population in La Palma, Canary Islands

Introducción: El envejecimiento poblacional requiere que los sistemas sanitarios y sociales centren su atención en la identificación de la fragilidad en los ancianos. En Canarias, no existen estudios que determinen la prevalencia de fragilidad en su población. El objetivo del presente estudio es determinar la prevalencia y perfil de fragilidad en la isla de La Palma (Islas Canarias, España). Material y método: Estudio transversal para estimar la prevalencia y el perfil de la fragilidad. La muestra estuvo formada por residentes mayores de 70 años, valorados mediante los criterios de Fried, considerando otros factores relacionados. La prevalencia se ofrece en intervalo de confianza al 95% y se compara con la de otras poblaciones españolas. Para determinar el perfil se realizaron comparaciones simples de las variables, usadas posteriormente en modelos de regresión logística. Todas las pruebas fueron bilaterales a un nivel p ≤ 0,05. Resultados: La prevalencia de fragilidad en personas mayores de 70 años se estimó en un 20% (17-23%). Esta prevalencia muestra diferencias con las de otras poblaciones españolas. Los factores que mostraron asociación con la fragilidad fueron el ser mujer, estar viudo, vivir solo, baja actividad física, deterioro cognitivo, depresión, polimedicación y antecedentes clínicos adversos. El análisis multivariable identifica como asociadas a la fragilidad variables relacionadas con el estado civil, la convivencia, la polifarmacia, los estados depresivos y la falta de ejercicio físico. Conclusiones: Los ancianos de La Palma presentan mayor fragilidad en comparación con la descrita en otras regiones de España; su perfil es el de una persona viuda, con depresión, polimedicada, que vive sola y no realiza ejercicio

Introduction: Population ageing requires that health and social systems focus their attention on identifying frailty in the elderly. In the Canary Islands, there are no studies to determine the prevalence of frailty among its population. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and profile of frailty in the island of La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain. Material and method: A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and the profile of frailty. The sample were residents over 70 years old, valued by the Fried criteria, and taking into account other related factors. The prevalence is offered with a confidence interval of 95% and is compared with that of other Spanish populations. To determine the profile, a simple comparison of variables was made, followed by using them in logistic regression models. All the tests were bilateral at a P≤0.05 level. Results: The prevalence of frailty in people over 70 years was estimated at 20% (17-23%). This prevalence shows differences with those of other Spanish populations. The factors that showed a relationship with frailty were, being female, widowed, living alone, low physical activity, cognitive impairment, depression, polymedication, and adverse clinical history. Multivariate analysis identifies factors associated with the frailty variables related to marital status, co-existence, polypharmacy, depressive states, and lack of physical exercise. Conclusions: The elderly population of La Palma have greater frailty compared to that described in other regions of Spain, with their profile being that of a widowed person, with depression, polymedicated, living alone, and not exercising

[Prevalence and profile of the frail population in La Palma, Canary Islands]. / Prevalencia y perfil de la persona frágil en la isla de La Palma.

INTRODUCTION: Population ageing requires that health and social systems focus their attention on identifying frailty in the elderly. In the Canary Islands, there are no studies to determine the prevalence of frailty among its population. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and profile of frailty in the island of La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and the profile of frailty. The sample were residents over 70 years old, valued by the Fried criteria, and taking into account other related factors. The prevalence is offered with a confidence interval of 95% and is compared with that of other Spanish populations. To determine the profile, a simple comparison of variables was made, followed by using them in logistic regression models. All the tests were bilateral at a P≤0.05 level. RESULTS: The prevalence of frailty in people over 70 years was estimated at 20% (17-23%). This prevalence shows differences with those of other Spanish populations. The factors that showed a relationship with frailty were, being female, widowed, living alone, low physical activity, cognitive impairment, depression, polymedication, and adverse clinical history. Multivariate analysis identifies factors associated with the frailty variables related to marital status, co-existence, polypharmacy, depressive states, and lack of physical exercise. CONCLUSIONS: The elderly population of La Palma have greater frailty compared to that described in other regions of Spain, with their profile being that of a widowed person, with depression, polymedicated, living alone, and not exercising.