Effects of an Educational Intervention on Breast Self-Examination, Breast Cancer Prevention-Related Knowledge, and Healthy Lifestyles in Scholars from a Low-Income Area in Bogota, Colombia.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an educational intervention on breast self-examination, cancer prevention-related knowledge, practices, and behavior change in scholars from a low-income area in Bogota, Colombia. Uncontrolled trial was conducted in 155 scholars. Two educational sessions, 90 min each, were carried out in March 2015 according to the Colombian guidelines for educational communication in the framework of cancer control. All participants completed a self-reported questionnaire at pre- and post-intervention, as well as 1, 3, and 6 months after the intervention. Breast self-examination was practiced by 78.1% of the scholars, and the overall knowledge of breast cancer risk factors was poor. The educational intervention resulted in significant improvements on breast self-examination practice, the knowledge of the technique, and the knowledge of the main risk factors for breast cancer as well as the practice of physical activity and vegetable intake at 6 months follow-up. An educational intervention according to the Colombian guidelines for educational communication in the framework of cancer control improved the practice of breast self-examination, cancer prevention-related knowledge, as well as the practice of physical activity and vegetable consumption in scholars from a low-income area in Bogota, Colombia. Further randomized controlled studies are warranted.

Raising Awareness for Lung Cancer Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles in Female Scholars from a Low-Income Area in Bogota, Colombia: Evaluation of a National Framework.

This study aims to determine the effects of an educational intervention, based on the Colombian guidelines for educational communication in the framework of cancer control, for raising lung cancer prevention-related awareness, and improving healthy lifestyles in female scholars from a low-income area in Bogota, Colombia. Uncontrolled trial conducted in 243 female scholars (mean age 14 years ± 1.5 SD). Two 90 min educational sessions were carried out in March 2015 according to the Colombian guidelines for educational communication in the framework of cancer control. Posters and other educational materials were created by scholars after the intervention. All participants completed a self-reported questionnaire-The Cancer Awareness Measure-at pre and post-intervention, as well as 1, 3, and 6 months after the intervention. Smoking prevalence (8.2% at baseline) was reduced by 3.7% at 6 months follow-up (p < 0.005). The scholars exhibited low to moderate awareness of both warning signs and risk factors for lung cancer at baseline. These variables showed statistically significant improvements at 6 months follow-up (p < 0.005). Similar improvements were also found for physical activity, high-fat diet, and fruits and vegetable intake. This evaluation of the Colombian guidelines for educational communication in the framework of cancer control raised awareness towards lung cancer prevention, reduced smoking, and improved other healthy-lifestyle-related factors in a group of female scholars from a low-income area in Bogota, Colombia. Further randomized controlled studies are needed.

LMS tables for waist circumference and waist-height ratio in Colombian adults: analysis of nationwide data 2010.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Indices predictive of central obesity include waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). These data are lacking for Colombian adults. This study aims at establishing smoothed centile charts and LMS tables for WC and WHtR; appropriate cutoffs were selected using receiver-operating characteristic analysis based on data from the representative sample. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We used data from the cross-sectional, national representative nutrition survey (ENSIN, 2010). A total of 83 220 participants (aged 20-64) were enroled. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), WC and WHtR were measured and percentiles calculated using the LMS method (L (curve Box-Cox), M (curve median), and S (curve coefficient of variation)). Receiver operating characteristics curve analyses were used to evaluate the optimal cutoff point of WC and WHtR for overweight and obesity based on WHO definitions. RESULTS: Reference values for WC and WHtR are presented. Mean WC and WHtR increased with age for both genders. We found a strong positive correlation between WC and BMI (r=0.847, P< 0.01) and WHtR and BMI (r=0.878, P<0.01). In obese men, the cutoff point value is 96.6 cm for the WC. In women, the cutoff point value is 91.0 cm for the WC. Receiver operating characteristic curve for WHtR was also obtained and the cutoff point value of 0.579 in men, and in women the cutoff point value was 0.587. A high sensitivity and specificity were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents first reference values of WC and WHtR for Colombians aged 20-64. Through LMS tables for adults, we hope to provide quantitative tools to study obesity and its complications.

Estado actual de la investigación y principales barreras para la práctica basada en evidencia en fisioterapeutas colombianos / Current status of research and barriers to evidence-based practice in Colombian physiotherapists

Introducción La práctica basada en la evidencia científica (PBE) se define como un proceso cuyo objetivo es la selección de los mejores argumentos científicos para la resolución de los problemas que se plantean en la práctica clínica. El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar el estado actual de la investigación y las principales barreras para la incorporación del uso de la PBE en fisioterapeutas colombianos. Materiales y métodos Estudio transversal, multicéntrico y descriptivo en 221 fisioterapeutas colombianos sin formación previa en PBE. Se aplicó una encuesta de 18 ítems divida en 3 apartados diferenciados: a) información de la titulación; b) aplicación de PBE, y c) áreas y líneas de desempeño profesional e investigativo. Adicionalmente, se reunieron datos de información sociodemográfica. Resultados El promedio de edad fue 26,6 ± 6,1 años; el 76% de los encuestados tenían titulación profesional y solo el 3,2% nivel de maestría. Un 43,4% de los encuestados buscan información en fuentes primarias y secundarias, mientras que el 28,5% respondió nunca hacerlo. El 55,7% usaban búsquedas mediante Altavista, Google, Hotbot y Lycos, y solo un 13% usaba Tesauros. El 48,9% respondía haber realizado estudios de tipo descriptivo, el 10,4% experimentales y el 3,2% de casos y controles. Un 10,9% de los encuestados desarrollaba proyectos en cuidado crítico, el 7,2% en enfermedad articular y el 4,5% en enfermedad neurológica. Conclusión El estudio confirma la escasa actividad científica y las barreras que limitan la inclusión de la PBE en profesionales de fisioterapia de Colombia. Múltiples estrategias de cambio serán necesarias para facilitar la inclusión de actividades encaminadas a la mejora de la competencia profesional en esta materia (AU)

Introduction Scientific evidence based practice (SEBP) is defined as a process whose objective is the selection of the best scientific arguments to solve the problems occurring in the clinical practice. This study has aimed to evaluate the current status of the investigation and the principal barriers existing for the Columbian physiotherapists to incorporate SEBP. Material and methods A cross-sectional, multicenter and descriptive study was performed in 221 Colombian physiotherapists with no previous training in SEBP. An 18-item survey divided into 3 differentiated sections was applied. These sections were: 1) degree information, 2) application of SEBP and 3) areas and lines of professional and investigational work. In addition, sociodemographic information data were collected. Results Average age was 26.6 ± 6.1 years; 76% of those surveyed had a professional degree and only 3.2% a master's degree. A total of 43.4% of those surveyed looked for information in primary and secondary sources while 28.5% stated they never did so. Searcy was performed in Altavista, Google, Hotbot, Lycos by 55.7% and only 13% used Tesauros. 48.9% stated they had carried out descriptive type studies, 10.4% experimental and 3.2% case-controls. Of those surveyed, 10.9% developed projected in critical care, 7.2% in articular disease and 4.5% in neurological disorder. Conclusion This study confirms the scarce scientific activity and barriers that limit including SEPB in physiotherapy professionals in Colombia. Multiple strategies of change will be necessary to facilitate the inclusion of activities aimed at the improvement of professional expertise in this material(AU)

Evidencia de la efectividad del deslizamiento del nervio mediano en el tratamiento del síndrome del túnel carpiano: una revisión sistemática / Evidence of the effectiveness of median nerve glide for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome

Objetivo Determinar la efectividad del deslizamiento del nervio mediano para el síndrome del túnel carpiano. Estrategia de búsqueda Se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática en las bases de datos de CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, que incluyó ensayos controlados aleatorizados, con pacientes adultos con diagnóstico del síndrome del túnel carpiano. Estudios publicados desde enero del 2000 hasta febrero del 2012.Síntesis de resultados Se localizaron y revisaron 13 artículos. Finalmente, se analizaron 6 estudios que reunieron los criterios de inclusión de este estudio y se compararon las técnicas de deslizamiento neural, los tratamientos conservadores (ultrasonido, parafina, deslizamiento de tendones) y el uso de férulas. Conclusiones Existe evidencia moderada que soporte las técnicas de deslizamiento del nervio mediano para el tratamiento del síndrome del túnel carpiano (AU)

Objective To determine the effectiveness of the median nerve glide for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Search methods A systematic review of the CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PEDro data bases was conducted. The search included randomized, controlled trials with adult patients diagnosed of carpal tunnel syndrome. Studies published from January 2000 to February 2012 were included. Results of the search Thirteen articles were located and reviewed. Finally, 6 studies that met the inclusion criteria of this study were analyzed. The neural glide techniques, conservative treatments (ultrasound, paraffin, tendon glide) and splinting were compared. Conclusions There is moderate evidence supporting the use of median nerve glide techniques for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (AU)