Smoking in nursing students: A prevalence multicenter study.

The role of nursing students as future health promoters of healthy behaviors is influenced by their attitude towards smoking. A cross-sectional study using a self-administered survey was performed to analyze smoking prevalence among undergraduate the nursing students who attend nursing faculties in 2 European countries (Spain and Portugal) during academic period 2015 to 2016. A total of 1469 subjects were surveyed (response rate of 79.8%). An 80% of the students were female with a mean age of 21.9 (4.8) years. The overall prevalence of tobacco use was 18.9%, with an average percentage of 16.2% in Portugal and 18.3% in Spain. Statistical significance was observed in relation to smoke and previous studies (16.4% vs 27.1%; P < .001). Only 1.1% of the students reported using electronic cigarette. 15.8% of smokers started smoking while at university with statistical gender and previous studies differences (P < .001). Fagerström and Richmond test showed low nicotine dependence (2.8 ±â€Š2) and moderate motivation to stop smoking (4.9 ±â€Š3), respectively. Smoking prevalence among nursing students was slightly higher than the general European population. For that reason, measures to reduce tobacco use have to be focused on students and university policies on tobacco control should be a challenge in the future.

Effectiveness of the application of massage therapy and kinesitherapy by parents on premature neonates: A research protocol.

AIM: The study aims to analyse the efficacy of massage therapy and kinesitherapy applied by parents of premature infants admitted to hospital. BACKGROUND: Premature newborns suffer early somatic deprivation that has adverse effects on their growth and development and that also has a negative impact on the emotional state of their parents. Massage therapy and kinesitherapy is beneficial in alleviating somatic deficit and facilitates the bond between parents and newborns. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental community intervention trial will be conducted in a neonatology unit. METHODS: This study will compare the benefits of a 15-min massage protocol applied by parents with the usual medical and nursing care given by neonatal units for premature babies. The evaluation of neuromotor development will take place through the Spanish Premie-Neuro scale. The determination of weight, size, and head circumference will be based on the unit's usual procedures. DISCUSSION: If the implementation of a massage therapy and kinesitherapy protocol is effective in promoting the growth and development of hospitalized premature infants, the results of this study could give an impetus for the inclusion of somatic stimulation in the usual nursing care given for preterm infants. IMPACT: Prematurity and its associated morbidity pose a major global public health problem. Somatic and kinaesthetic stimulation has beneficial effects on anthropometric and neuromotor development in preterm infants. The results will have a positive impact on premature neonates and their families, both during the hospitalization, and a positive socio-economic effect throughout their lives (education, work, disability). TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03704012.

Estudio de prevalencia y perfil de caídas en ancianos institucionalizados / Descriptive study and falls profile in institutionalized elderly

Objetivos: Las caídas son una de las principales causas de morbimortalidad en adultos mayores. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la prevalencia de caídas en personas mayores institucionalizadas durante el año 2014 y conocer las características de las caídas, los factores asociados a ellas y sus consecuencias. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal. Los instrumentos de medida utilizados fueron el Cuestionario de Caídas de la OMS, el Mini-examen Cognoscitivo de Lobo, el índice de Barthel, la escala de Norton y la escala de Tinetti. Las variables antropométricas fueron: edad, sexo, talla e índice de masa corporal, y las variables clínico-funcionales: movilidad, dificultad en acciones, ayuda técnica a la deambulación, enfermedades, fármacos, medicación, etc. Resultados: De los 100 residentes institucionalizados que conformaron la población, sufrieron caídas un 32%. La pérdida de equilibrio fue la causa principal. Los factores asociados más indicativos fueron las caídas previas, los trastornos de la marcha, el deterioro cognitivo, la polifarmacia y la incontinencia urinaria. El 50% de las personas que se cayeron sufrió heridas y contusiones. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de caídas en el sistema sociosanitario es elevada. Se encontró asociación entre los factores de riesgo asociados a las caídas y el riesgo de padecer úlceras por presión según la escala de Norton. La planificación de futuros estudios con seguimiento individualizado de los residentes permitiría conocer su evolución, características y tipos

Aim: Falls are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of falls in institutionalized elderly during 2014 and to know the characteristics of falls, factors associated with them and their consequences. Methodology: A crosssectional descriptive study. The measurement instruments used were the questionnaire Falls of WHO, the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Barthel index, the Norton scale and Tinetti scale. Anthropometric variables were age, sex, height and body mass index, and the clinical and functional variables: mobility, difficulty in stocks, technical assistance with ambulation, diseases, drugs, medication, etc. Results: 100 institutionalized residents who formed the population suffered falls by 32%. Loss of balance was the main cause. The most indicative associated factors were previous falls, gait disorders, cognitive impairment, polypharmacy and urinary incontinence. Suffering cuts and bruises 50% of those who fell. Conclusions: The prevalence of falls in the social services system is high. Association between the risk factors associated with falls and the risk of pressure ulcers as Norton scale was found. Planning future studies with individual monitoring of residents would know its evolution, characteristics and types

Changes in use, knowledge, beliefs and attitudes relating to tobacco among nursing and physiotherapy students: a 10-year analysis.

AIM: To analyse changes in prevalence, knowledge, beliefs and attitudes relating to smoking among undergraduate nursing and physiotherapy students over a 10-year period. BACKGROUND: Few studies have been performed to describe changes in the use of tobacco and associated characteristics. DESIGN: This study was a sequential cross-sectional study. METHODS: A self-administered survey was performed during three academic years among nursing and physiotherapy students in a Spanish Faculty of Health Sciences. FINDINGS: The proportion of smokers among nursing and physiotherapy students in 2003, 2008 and 2013 was 29·3%, 24·7% and 18·2% respectively. The ages when participants first smoked did not vary over the years. The Fagerström test showed low nicotine dependence. A significantly high percentage of students stated they were unaware of the link between smoking and bladder cancer and oral leukoplakia. Students declared they were unaware of the association between under-weight new-borns and second-hand smoke. The majority of students recognized that healthcare professionals were role models in society, there being little variation over the years studied. In relation to education and training, the study showed a need to inform students about methods and strategies to help people quit smoking. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of smoking among nursing and physiotherapy students decreased over the ten years. Active programmes should be implemented to encourage those university students who smoke to break this habit. The decline over the years in knowledge about smoking provided evidence of a significant deficit in undergraduate training.