Measuring Explicit Prejudice and Transphobia in Nursing Students and Professionals.

Trans* people frequently report attitudes of prejudice/transphobia in health professionals. Conversely, health professionals indicate the lack of adequate training to care for these people and its impact on the quality of care provided. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the explicit prejudices/transphobia of health students and professionals and compare them with the general population in Tenerife. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with the Genderism and Transphobia Scale (GTS) and the Negative Attitude towards Trans* people Scale (EANT) with a total of 602 participants. RESULTS: We found a low mean level of explicit prejudice/transphobia, with little/no differences between occupation groups. Explicit transphobia was correlated with being a man, less educated, and heterosexual, and not personally knowing a trans* person. Men and women were less transphobic about trans* people whose identities coincided with their own. CONCLUSION: All participants showed a low mean level of explicit transphobia. This result is not incompatible with unconscious prejudice, which may translate to discriminatory behaviors. Interventions to change negative attitudes are still needed, since even a small percentage of transphobic health professionals could exert a considerable negative impact on health care. In professionals without transphobic attitudes, the barriers identified by trans* people might be a problem due to the lack of specific training.

Impact of a Formative Program on Transgender Healthcare for Nursing Students and Health Professionals. Quasi-Experimental Intervention Study.

BACKGROUND: The field of specific healthcare for transgender people has not been included in the official curriculum of professionals. This causes a lack of knowledge that can be presumed to become a barrier to healthcare. Currently, different methodologies are emerging to achieve meaningful learning for students and professionals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the increase in the level of knowledge of final-year nursing students, applying methodological strategies such as problem-based learning (PBL) and film-forum. METHODS: 59 nursing students were randomly assigned to two intervention groups (G1 = 31 and G2 = 28), and another 57 were assigned to the control group (without specific classes or workshops on the subject of the study). The intervention consisted of a specific training course on transgender issues (TGSC&W, TransGender Specific Course and Workshop), where the type of meaningful learning strategy used depended on the group (G1 = film-forum and G2 = PBL). The study was carried out at the Faculty of Nursing Nuestra Señora de Candelaria of the Canary Islands Health Service. The randomization was done by blindly choosing a computer-generated code. RESULTS: The main outcome was based on 116 participants, comparing their level of knowledge before and after the workshop. The comparison by pairs shows that there were statistically significant differences (p = 0.000) between those undergoing the methodological interventions and the control group. Statistical significance between film-forum and PBL was not obtained (p = 1.000): Both methodologies increased the level of knowledge, but there was no significant difference between them. The means for satisfaction with the learning methodology used did not show statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: The workshop carried out was highly effective and significant in terms of increasing knowledge. No significant differences were observed in the level of knowledge, or in the degree of satisfaction, between the two methodologies used (PBL and film-forum).

El servicio de urgencias hospitalario como factor de riesgo de colonización por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina de los residentes en centros de larga estancia / Hospital emergency health service care as a risk factor for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in residents of long-term care facilities

OBJETIVOS: Los residentes de centros de larga estancia (CLE) son población de riesgo para la colonización por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina (SARM) debido a la morbilidad asociada a la edad y la alta tasa de contactos hospitalarios, especialmente en el servicio de urgencias hospitalario (SUH). El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la prevalencia y los factores asociados a la colonización por SARM en los residentes de CLE. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal entre abril y junio de 2014. Como criterio de inclusión se consideró ser residente de un CLE del área norte de la isla de Tenerife. Se recogieron variables clínico-epidemiológicas y muestras nasales que se sembraron en agar chromID®MRSA, que discrimina entre colonizados por SARM o no. El tipado molecular se realizó mediante electroforesis en campo pulsante. Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística sobre la variable SARM como dependiente. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 624 residentes. La prevalencia de SARM fue del 25,8%. Un total de 64 residentes necesitaron ser atendidos en el SUH en los tres meses previos al estudio. En el análisis multivariante se observó que ser atendido en el SUH en los tres meses previos [odss ratio (OR): 2,05 IC 95%: 1,29-3,26, p = 0,002] y la presencia de lesiones en la piel [OR: 1,65; IC 95% (1,11-2,44), p = 0,013] fueron las variables relacionadas con la colonización por SARM. El clon predominante fue ST-5 SARM-IVa (75,8%), estrechamente relacionado con la asistencia sanitaria. CONCLUSIONES: Los CLE de nuestra área constituyen un importante reservorio de SARM. Haber sido atendido en el SUH se comportó como factor predictor de colonización por SARM, por lo que es necesario de reforzar las medidas preventivas de transmisión cruzada de microorganismos multirresistentes e implantar sistemas vigilancia activa de SARM en el SUH

OBJECTIVES: Residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are at risk for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization because of age-related illnesses and high rates of hospital use, in particular, of visits to the emergency department (ED). We aimed to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for MRSA colonization in LTCF residents. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 2014 (April-June). LTCF residents in the northern part of the island of Tenerife were eligible for enrolment. We collected clinical and epidemiologic data and took nasal swabs for culture (chromID MRSA agar) to screen for MRSA colonization. Molecular typing was established by pulsed field gel electrophoresis. MRSA colonization was the dependent variable in logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 624 residents were enrolled. MRSA was detected in 25.8%. Sixty-four of the residents had received care in a hospital ED in the 3 months prior to enrolment. Multivariant regression analysis detected 2 risk factors for MRSA colonization: hospital ED care in the last 3 months (odds ratio [OR], 2.05; 95% CI, 1.29-3.26; P=.002) and the presence of skin lesions (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.11-2.44); P=.013). The health-care-associated, ST5 MRSA-IVa, was the most prevalent (75.8%). CONCLUSIONS: LTCF residents in our area are a significant reservoir of MRSA colonization. Hospital ED care was a predictor of MRSA colonization. We believe that stronger measures to prevent cross-contamination of multidrug resistant microorganisms must be implemented, along with active vigilance systems to detect MRSA in hospitals (AU)

Por qué y cómo realizer diseños multimétodo en investigación en salud. Una experiencia concreta / Why, and how, undertake mixed methods design in health research: a concrete experience

El uso de mezcla de métodos para abordar problemas de salud genera un mayor conocimiento de la realidad al obtener un análisis más completo del problema que se investiga. Este hecho se basa en que las respuestas a las preguntas que se formulan son tan subjetivas como los propios individuos, siendo necesario, por lo tanto, datos cuantitativos y cualitativos para una aproximación más real y completa al objeto del estudio. ObjetivO: Reflexionar sobre esta metodología mediante un ejemplo práctico. SínteSiS. Explicamos, a través del Programa Educativo Participativo Centrado en el Paciente de Cirugía Oncológica Colorrectal (mezcla de métodos multistrand, secuencial y mezclado en cada una de sus tres fases), en qué consiste esta metodología y sus ventajas. La segunda fase del estudio emerge de los resultados de la primera, y así sucesivamente. Al final del estudio surge un metarresultado que da sentido y respuesta al estudio en su totalidad. COnCluSión. A pesar de los retos que supone, la mezcla de métodos nos ofrece una perspectiva más precisa del fenómeno de estudio; nos ayuda a formular el planteamiento del problema y la forma más apropiada para estudiarlo; y, por último, se apoyan con mayor solidez las inferencias científicas (AU)

The use of mixed methods to address health problems generates more knowledge of reality to get a more complete analysis of the problem under investigation. This is based on the fact that the answers to the questions posed are as subjective as the individuals themselves. In that way, it is necessary quantitative and qualitative data for comprehensiveness (a more realistic and comprehensive approach to the object of the study). Objective.Reflect on this methodology through a practical example. SyntheSiS. We explain, through Participatory Education Program Focused on Colorectal Cancer Surgery Patient (mixed methods research project: multistrand, sequential and mixed in each of its three phases), what is this methodology and its advantages. The second phase of the study emerges from the results of the first one, and so on. At the end of the study a metaresult, that gives meaning and response to the study in its entirety, arises. cOncluSiOn. Despite the challenges, mixed methods gives us a more accurate perspective of the phenomenon of study; It helps us to formulate the problem statement and the most appropriate way to study it; and finally, the scientific inferences obtained are more solidly supported (AU)

[Why, and How, Undertake Mixed Methods Design in Health Research: A Concrete Experience]. / Por qué y cómo realizar diseños multimétodo en investigación en salud.

Summary: The use of mixed methods to address health problems generates more knowledge of reality to get a more complete analysis of the problem under investigation. This is based on the fact that answers to the questions posed are as subjective as the individuals themselves. In that way, it is necessary quantitative and qualitative data for comprehensiveness (a more realistic and comprehensive approach to the object of the study). Objective: Reflect on this methodology through a practical example. Synthesis: We explain, through Participatory Education Program Focused on Colorectal Cancer Surgery Patient (mixed methods research project: multistrand, sequential and mixed in each of its three phases), what is this methodology and its advantages. The second phase of the study emerges from the results of the first one, and so on. At the end of the study a metaresult, that gives meaning and response to the study in its entirety, arises. Conclusion: Despite the challenges, mixed methods gives us a more accurate perspective of the phenomenon of study; it helps us to formulate the problem statement and the most appropriate way to study it; and finally, the scientific inferences obtained are more solidly supported.

[Hospital emergency health service care as a risk factor for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in residents of long-term care facilities]. / El servicio de urgencias hospitalario como factor de riesgo de colonización por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina de los residentes en centros de larga estancia.

OBJECTIVES: Residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are at risk for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization because of age-related illnesses and high rates of hospital use, in particular, of visits to the emergency department (ED). We aimed to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for MRSA colonization in LTCF residents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 2014 (April­June). LTCF residents in the northern part of the island of Tenerife were eligible for enrollment. We collected clinical and epidemiologic data and took nasal swabs for culture (chromID MRSA agar) to screen for MRSA colonization. Molecular typing was established by pulsedfield gel electrophoresis. MRSA colonization was the dependent variable in logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 624 residents were enrolled. MRSA was detected in 25.8%. Sixty-four of the residents had received care in a hospital ED in the 3 months prior to enrollment. Multivariant regression analysis detected 2 risk factors for MRSA colonization: hospital ED care in the last 3 months (odds ratio [OR], 2.05; 95% CI, 1.29­3.26; P=.002) and the presence of skin lesions (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.11­2.44); P=.013). The health-care-associated, ST5 MRSA-IVa, was the most prevalent (75.8%). CONCLUSION: LTCF residents in our area are a significant reservoir of MRSA colonization. Hospital ED care was a predictor of MRSA colonization. We believe that stronger measures to prevent cross-contamination of multidrug resistant microorganisms must be implemented, along with active vigilance systems to detect MRSA in hospitals.

OBJETIVO: Los residentes de centros de larga estancia (CLE) son población de riesgo para la colonización por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina (SARM) debido a la morbilidad asociada a la edad y la alta tasa de contactos hospitalarios, especialmente en el servicio de urgencias hospitalario (SUH). El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la prevalencia y los factores asociados a la colonización por SARM en los residentes de CLE. METODO: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal entre abril y junio de 2014. Como criterio de inclusión se consideró ser residente de un CLE del área norte de la isla de Tenerife. Se recogieron variables clínico-epidemiológicas y muestras nasales que se sembraron en agar chromID®MRSA, que discrimina entre colonizados por SARM o no. El tipado molecular se realizó mediante electroforesis en campo pulsante. Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística sobre la variable SARM como dependiente. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 624 residentes. La prevalencia de SARM fue del 25,8%. Un total de 64 residentes necesitaron ser atendidos en el SUH en los tres meses previos al estudio. En el análisis multivariante se observó que ser atendido en el SUH en los tres meses previos [odss ratio (OR): 2,05 IC 95%: 1,29-3,26, p = 0,002] y la presencia de lesiones en la piel [OR: 1,65; IC 95% (1,11-2,44), p = 0,013] fueron las variables relacionadas con la colonización por SARM. El clon predominante fue ST­5 SARM-IVa (75,8%), estrechamente relacionado con la asistencia sanitaria. CONCLUSIONES: Los CLE de nuestra área constituyen un importante reservorio de SARM. Haber sido atendido en el SUH se comportó como factor predictor de colonización por SARM, por lo que es necesario de reforzar las medidas preventivas de transmisión cruzada de microorganismos multirresistentes e implantar sistemas vigilancia activa de SARM en el SUH

Improving the Gleason grading accuracy of transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy is the technique of choice for the assessment of clinical suspicion of prostate cancer (PC) based on abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) and/or elevated or rising levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PURPOSE: To identify factors involved in TRUS-guided prostate biopsy, which can be modified by radiologists in order to improve Gleason score (GS) accuracy, and to assess the influence of clinical variables. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective review of the records of 185 patients with PC treated surgically at our hospital between 2005 and 2008. Biopsy schemes were classified according to the number of cores (≤7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-15) and the needle length (11, 16, 20 mm). Clinical characteristics - age, family history of PC, DRE, PSA levels, and sonographic data - and prostatectomy GS (pGS) were collected. RESULTS: Non-random concordance between biopsy Gleason score (bGS) and pGS was obtained for 36% of patients (P < 0.001). Under- and over-staging were 30% and 4%, respectively. Concordance was correlated with the core number (45% for ≤7, 54% for 8-9, 85% for 10-11, and 80% for 12-15; P < 0.001), but not with the needle length. The concordance rate showed a seven-fold increase when 10-11 cores were obtained (95% CI, 2-18; P < 0.001) compared to those cases in which the core number obtained was ≤7. Among clinical variables, only PSA correlated with concordance, showing an inverse relationship. CONCLUSION: The Gleason correlation values were not improved when 12 or more cores were collected. These values reached a plateau beyond that number of samples. Therefore, when determining treatment strategies, physicians must consider the biopsy scheme used since it has proven to be a predictor of the accuracy of the PC grading system.

[Microbiological study of the meals served in school lunch rooms on the island of Tenerife, Spain]. / Estudio microbiológico de las comidas servidas en los comedores escolares de la isla de Tenerife.

BACKGROUND: School lunchrooms and catered meals are of major importance from the Public Health standpoint. This study is aimed at evaluating the microbiological quality of the meals served in school lunchrooms for the purpose of ascertaining whether it is suitable or, to the contrary, the intake thereof may involve a serious health problem for this high-risk group. METHODS: A transversal descriptive epidemiological study. An analysis was conducted of a total of 898 food samples collected from the lunchrooms at 101 schools in Tenerife, selected by a stratified random probabillistic sampling procedure, fifty-eight of which were prepared at the school proper (direct management) and 43 involving meals served by a catering firm (prepared under contract). RESULTS: No disease-causing Salmonella spp. or Listeria monocytogenes bacteria were isolated from any of the samples. A total 79% of the foods studies showed counts for this parameter, (91%) in salads and (85%) in main courses. A total 15% of the samples analyzed tested positive for total Enterobacteriaceae. Escherichia coli was isolated in 24% of the salads, in 4% of the side dishes and in 1% of the main dishes. Staphylococcus aureus having in isolated in three foods. The highest counts were found for the total aerobic mesophyllic microorganisms. A total 8.24% of the samples analyzed exceeded one or more of the limits stipulated for the parameters studies. CONCLUSIONS: The microbiological quality of the meals served in these school lunchrooms is acceptable, although due to a certain percentage of the foods having exceeded the stipulated limits for microorganisms indicative of and revealing a lack of hygiene, and school-children being a high-risk group, a revision of the surveillance related to critical checkpoints will be necessary.