Nursing education strategy for caregivers of children and adolescents with epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a disease that commonly manifests in childhood and can significantly affect the quality of life for both sufferers and their families. As such, it necessitates comprehensive and high-quality healthcare. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of an educational intervention targeted to caregivers of children and adolescents with epilepsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted between February and November 2022, involving 140 patients and their primary caregivers who intentionally sought medical consultation at a pediatric hospital in Caldas, Colombia. Initial nursing consultations were conducted to identify clinical and demographic characteristics and to assess knowledge about the disease, its management, and care. Subsequently, a comprehensive educational process was implemented using various educational aids. After 60 days, feedback was provided to evaluate the caregivers' learning. RESULTS: Focal epilepsy, generalized epilepsy and idiopathic focal epilepsy predominated in the medical diagnoses. The etiology highlighted genetic cause and structural 70% of caregivers were female. Caregivers' schooling: 10% of caregivers did not have schooling, 28% had primary education, 46% had secondary education, 16% had postgraduate education. Caregivers demonstrated knowledge about epilepsy and its management, with the majority scoring above 50%. The posttest indicated improvement in learning processes, and caregivers expressed that it benefited them in learning first aid. CONCLUSION: Establishing educational programs tailored to the needs of individuals and promoting care plans are essential for improving the living conditions of patients with epilepsy and their caregivers.

Method for Extraction and Evaluation of Heliocarpus popayanensis and Triumfetta bogotensis as Natural Coagulants for the Treatment of Wastewater.

This research evaluates extracts from the bark of Heliocarpus popayanensis and Triumfetta bogotensis as coagulating agents for removing turbidity in domestic wastewater, considering the coagulant dosage and pH of the wastewater. ANOVA was conducted to assess differences between the coagulants, dosages, and pH, with three pH levels (5, 8, and 9) and six dosages (7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17 mL per 1000 mL of wastewater) at a significance level of α = 0.05, and both the p-value and effect size were evaluated. This study found that the mucilaginous compound from the bark of Triumfetta bogotensis performed better in reducing turbidity levels, with an average reduction of 30.2 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Unit) (CI [25.9 NTU; 34.5 NTU], α = 0.05) at a pH of 5, and an average initial NTU of 102.2. This represents an average reduction of 70.45%. The dosage factor did not show significant effects on turbidity reduction, which opens the possibility for further study to determine the optimal dosage of the best coagulant.

fall risks in the elderly, an avoidable multifactorial event

Introduction Falls in the elderly represent important alterations in functionality and are given by intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors, which constitute an increase in morbidity and mortality, so a preventive care plan must be carried out. Objective To describe the risk factors associated with falls of the elderly in a vulnerable community. Materials and Methods Descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study. Population universe formed by N. 81 older adults who attend the community cafeteria in the San Sebastian neighborhood to receive food for lunch, and the sample obtained was n. 41. Simple random sampling with older adults of both sexes. The instrument that was applied was the Tinetti scale and Short Physical Performance Battery test (SPPB). Results The analysis of the Tinetti scale was observed balance and gait with an average of 24 points, meaning that older adults have little risk of having a fall, in the SPPB an average of 9 points was obtained, so there is minimal probability of suffering a fall.

Introducción Las caídas en personas mayores representan alteraciones importantes de la funcionalidad y vienen dadas por factores de riesgo intrínsecos y extrínsecos, que constituyen un aumento de la morbilidad y la mortalidad, por lo que se debe llevar a cabo un plan de cuidados preventivos. Objetivo Describir los factores de riesgo asociados a las caídas de las personas mayores en una comunidad vulnerable. Materiales y Métodos Estudio descriptivo, cuantitativo y transversal. Universo poblacional formado por N. 81 adultos mayores que acuden al comedor comunitario del barrio de San Sebastián para recibir alimentos para el almuerzo, y la muestra obtenida fue la n. 41. Muestreo aleatorio simple con adultos mayores de ambos sexos. El instrumento que se aplicó fue la escala Tinetti y la prueba SPPB de Baterías de Corto Rendimiento Físico. Resultados El análisis de la escala de Tinetti se observó en equilibrio y marcha con un promedio de 24 puntos, lo que significa que los adultos mayores tienen poco riesgo de sufrir una caída, en la SPPB se obtuvo un promedio de 9 puntos, por lo que hay una probabilidad mínima de sufrir una caída.