Irritable bowel syndrome and erectile dysfunction in medical students at a Peruvian university: an analytical cross-sectional analysis.

Background: There is inconclusive evidence regarding the role of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the development of erectile dysfunction (ED), especially among medical students due to high academic stress. Aim: To determine the association between IBS and ED in medical students from a Peruvian university in 2022. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with secondary data analysis on 133 medical students from a university in northern Peru during the 2021-II academic semester. The dependent variable was ED as measured with the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function, and the exposure variable was IBS as assessed with the Rome IV-Bristol questionnaire. Outcomes: The results were the prevalence rates of IBS and ED and the association of these variables. Results: Of the 133 medical students surveyed, the median age was 22 years (IQR, 19-24). The median score on the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function was 21 (IQR, 10-24). The prevalence of ED was 38.4% (95% CI, 30.05%-47.17%). Among the medical students 3% and 9% displayed moderate and severe ED, respectively, and 24.8%, 13.5%, and 24.1% showed moderate depressive, anxious, and severe symptoms. An overall 10.5% had IBS. Medical students with IBS had a 108% higher prevalence of ED than those without the syndrome (prevalence ratio, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.06-4.06). Other confounding variables were not significantly associated (P > .05). Clinical Implications: The results underline the importance of comprehensive sexual and mental health assessment, with an emphasis on the relationship between IBS and ED in medical students. Strengths and Limitations: Strengths include the use of validated and reliable instruments and rigorous biostatistical methods, and this is the first Peruvian investigation to explain the association between IBS and ED in medical students. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and nonprobability sampling, and there may be bias in applying the instruments. Conclusion: This study reveals a significant association between IBS and a higher prevalence of ED in these students.

Prevalence and associated factors of premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction in young, single men who have sex with men in Lima, Peru.

Background: While there is literature on erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) in men, conclusive evidence regarding these sexual health issues and potential associated factors in the young, single men who have sex with men (MSM) population is lacking. Aim: The study sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with PE and ED in young single MSM in the capital of Peru. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study in MSM using an online questionnaire. The presence of ED and PE was assessed using the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function and 5-item Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool questionnaires, respectively. In addition, their association with personal, physical health, and sexual behavior variables was evaluated. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were estimated through regression models. Outcomes: Premature ejaculation and Erectile dysfunction in MSM. Results: Of 315 participants, most were between 20 to 29 years of age (71.8%), 43.5% identified as homosexual, 59.1% had between 2 and 5 sexual partners, and 40.6% reported that the duration of their sexual relationship was between 1 and 12 months. The prevalence of ED was 53.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 47.66%-58.95%), and PE was present in 8.3% (95% CI, 5.46%-11.86%). Factors associated with a higher prevalence of ED were having between 6 and 9 sexual partners (PR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.05-2.11) and having a sexual relationship lasting 13 to 24 months (PR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.50-0.98). Furthermore, for each additional year from the onset of the first sexual encounter with another man, the prevalence of PE increased by 7% (PR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.13). Clinical Implications: These findings suggest that there is a relationship between an increased number of sexual partners and a higher prevalence of ED. It also suggests that relationships that last for some time may have a protective effect against ED. Strengths and Limitations: Strengths include the use of validated instruments, adequate sample size, robust multivariate analysis, and being one of the few studies in Latin America assessing PE and ED in the MSM population. Limitations include the cross-sectional design, nonprobability sampling, and access to participants. Conclusion: Having more sexual partners is associated with increased ED, while relationships lasting 13 to 24 months are associated with decreased ED. Each additional year from the onset of the first sexual relationship increases the prevalence of PE. These findings can guide the design of health policies and programs tailored to the MSM community to enhance their well-being and sexual quality of life.

Depression, anxiety, and stress in medical students in Peru: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with depressive, anxious, and stress symptoms in medical students in Peru, during the second pandemic wave of COVID-19. Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study in 405 medical students from a university in northern Peru. The DASS-21 instrument was used to evaluate mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, and stress), and to investigate their association with socio-educational characteristics. Results: We found a prevalence of depressive, anxious, and stress symptoms of 71.6% (95% CI: 66.94-75.95), 71.9% (95% CI: 67.2-76.2), and 62.7% (95% CI: 57.8-67.4); respectively. Students with eating behavior disorders had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (PR: 1.35), anxious symptoms (PR: 1.27), and stress symptoms (PR: 1.31). The prevalence of depressive symptoms (PR: 1.57), anxious symptoms (PR: 1.27), and stress symptoms (PR: 1.24) increased in students who did not report regular physical activity. In addition, having almost always academic exhaustion increased the prevalence of depressive symptoms (PR: 1.46), stress symptoms (PR: 1.72). On the contrary, the prevalence of depressive symptoms (PR: 0.79), anxious symptoms (PR: 0.73) and stress symptoms (PR: 0.82) decreased in male students. Students who reported sleeping 8 or more hours daily had a lower prevalence of stress symptoms (PR: 0.82). Conclusion: Symptoms of depression and anxiety occurred in 7 out of 10 students, and stress in 6 out of 10. Among the factors associated with the presence of anxiety, depression, and stress were eating behavior disorder and not regularly exercising. Periodic evaluations of mental symptomatology are required and counseling should be promoted in medical schools.

Association between Love Breakup and Suicidal Ideation in Peruvian Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: We aimed to determine the association between a major romantic breakup and suicidal ideation in medical students from three universities in Peru. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the first pandemic wave in 2021 on medical students from three universities in northern Peru. The outcome was suicidal ideation, measured with question nine of the PHQ-9. The exposure was the experience of a major love breakup during the pandemic. In addition, its association with other covariates (age, sex, family members infected with COVID-19, deceased family members with COVID-19, insomnia, and anxiety, among others) was examined. Results and discussions: Out of 370 students, 19.5% reported a major love breakup during the pandemic (95%CI: 15.5-23.8), and 34.3% had suicidal ideation (95%CI: 29.4-39.4). Having a major love breakup was associated with a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation (PR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.32-1.67). Moderate insomnia (PR: 2.56, 95%CI: 1.70-3.87) and anxiety symptoms (PR: 1.94, 1.10-3.44) were also associated with suicidal ideation. Conclusion: Our study provides evidence of a significant association between a major love breakup and suicidal ideation. This finding emphasizes the need for further research to better understand this association and inform the development of effective suicide prevention policies in medical education.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in University Students in Paraguay during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

We aimed to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress in university students in Paraguay during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 293 students from four universities in Paraguay in 2021. The DASS-21 mental health scale was used to measure the outcomes (depression, anxiety, and stress) and evaluate their association with socio-educational variables. A total of 77.1% of the participants were women and 136 (46.4%) were between 21 and 25 years old. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 74.7%, 87.4%, and 57%, respectively. We found that being a woman and studying at a public university was positively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Receiving COVID-19 training increases the prevalence of mental health problems. In conclusion, high levels of anxiety, depression, and stress were found in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being a woman, studying at a public university, and receiving training on COVID-19 were factors associated with a higher prevalence of presenting all the mental health problems evaluated. Furthermore, students aged 31 and over had a higher prevalence of depression and stress.

[Arterial blood gases in clinically healthy adults living at 3,350 meters of altitude]. / Gasometría arterial en adultos clínicamente sanos a 3350 metros de altitud.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the normal values of arterial blood gases in clinically healthy adults living at 3,350 meters of altitude. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in the Santiago district of Cusco, Peru at 3,350 meters of altitude with a sample of 118 subjects determined in a previous pilot study and selected by convenience sampling. The sample included individuals between 20-59 years old with no pulmonary, cardiovascular and hematological medical history, who practice sports less than 60 minutes per day, non smoking, have resided at least 5 years prior to the study in Cusco and were characterized through clinical examination by two internists and pulmonologists as "clinically healthy". The arterial blood gas collection was standardized for statistical analysis measures of central tendency and dispersion. Student's t-tests and analysis of variance, linear correlation and multiple linear regression were applied. RESULTS: Women comprised 57.6% of the sample. Respiratory rate averaged 16.2 per minute and BMI 24.8. The blood gas results were: pH 7.42 mEq/L; pO2 61.08 mm Hg; pCO 2 30.62 mm Hg; pAO 2 62.52 mm Hg; SO 2 91.13%; AaDO 0.0 mm Hg; Hto 44.22%; Hb 14.74 mg/dL; CaO2 18.18 vol%; HCO3 19.74 mmol/L; pO /FiO 290.79 and Anion Gap 20.99. Using linear regression, it was observed that each year from the age of 20, there was a decrease in pO (0.122 mm Hg), pAO (0.08 mm Hg), SO (0.05%), index pO /FiO (0.571 mm Hg) and an increase in pCO (0.056 mm Hg). CONCLUSIONS: The results found with respect to blood gases in this population are different from those residing at sea level and can be used to study other populations residing at a similar altitude.

Gasometría arterial en adultos clínicamente sanos a 3350 metros de altitud / Arterial blood gases in clinically healthy adults living at 3, 350 meters of altitude

Objetivo. Determinar los valores gasométricos arteriales de normalidad, en adultos clínicamente sanos que viven a 3350 metros de altitud. Materiales y métodos. Estudio realizado en Cusco, distrito de Santiago a 3350 m de altitud, se determinó una muestra de 118 sujetos mediante un estudio piloto previo, seleccionados por muestreo por conveniencia; las personas tenían entre 20-59 años de edad, sin antecedentes patológicos pulmonares, cardiovasculares o hematológicos, con práctica deportiva menor a 60 min/día, sin hábito tabáquico, residentes los 5 años previos al estudio en Cusco y catalogados como ôclínicamente sanosõ por dos médicos internistas y un neumólogo. La recolección gasométrica fue estandarizada, para el análisis estadístico se empleó medidas de tendencia central y dispersión, t de Student y análisis de varianza, correlación lineal y regresión lineal múltiple. Resultados. Las mujeres conformaron el 57,6% de la muestra; la frecuencia respiratoria fue 16,2 por minuto, y el IMC 24,8. Los resultados gasométricos fueron: pH=7,42mEq/L; pO2=61,08mmHg; pCO2=30,62mmHg; pAO2=62,52mmHg; SO2=91,13%; AaDO2=0,0mmHg; Hto 44,22%; Hb 14,74mg/dL; CaO2 18,18 vols/%; HCO3 19,74mmol/L; pO2/FiO2 290,79 y Anion Gap 20,99. Mediante regresión lineal, a partir de los 20 años de edad, por cada año cumplido, ôdisminuyenõ pO2 (0,122mmHg), pAO2 (0,08mmHg), SO2 (0,05%), índice pO2/FiO2 (0,571mmHg); e ôincrementaõ la pCO2 (0,056mmHg). Conclusiones. Los resultados hallados respecto a los parámetros gasométricos son diferentes a los del nivel de mar y pueden ser empleados en poblaciones que habitan a altitud semejante a la del estudio...

Objectives. To determine the normal values of arterial blood gases in clinically healthy adults living at 3,350 meters of altitude. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in the Santiago district of Cusco, Peru at 3,350 meters of altitude with a sample of 118 subjects determined in a previous pilot study and selected by convenience sampling. The sample included individuals between 20-59 years old with no pulmonary, cardiovascular and hematological medical history, who practice sports less than 60 minutes per day, non smoking, have resided at least 5 years prior to the study in Cusco and were characterized through clinical examination by two internists and pulmonologists as ôclinically healthyõ. The arterial blood gas collection was standardized for statistical analysis measures of central tendency and dispersion. StudentÆs t-tests and analysis of variance, linear correlation and multiple linear regression were applied. Results. Women comprised 57.6% of the sample. Respiratory rate averaged 16.2 per minute and BMI 24.8. The blood gas results were: pH 7.42 mEq/L; pO2 61.08 mm Hg; pCO2 30.62 mm Hg; pAO2 62.52 mm Hg; SO2 91.13%; AaDO2 0.0 mm Hg; Hto 44.22%; Hb 14.74 mg/dL; CaO2 18.18 vol%; HCO3 19.74 mmol/L; pO2/FiO2 290.79 and Anion Gap 20.99. Using linear regression, it was observed that each year from the age of 20, there was a decrease in pO2 (0.122 mm Hg), pAO2 (0.08 mm Hg), SO2 (0.05%), index pO2/FiO2 (0.571 mm Hg) and an increase in pCO2 (0.056 mm Hg). Conclusions. The results found with respect to blood gases in this population are different from those residing at sea level and can be used to study other populations residing at a similar altitude...