Adaptación y resultados psicométricos de una escala de actitudes hacia la estadística entre estudiantes de pregrado en salud pública

Introducción: Al considerar que, en asignaturas como la estadística, aspectos afectivos pueden determinar el logro de los objetivos de aprendizaje, este estudio se propuso establecer la validez de contenido y de constructo de la Escala de Actitudes hacia la Estadística. Métodos: Estudio observacional, de corte transversal, tipo validación de escalas. Participaron 250 estudiantes de pregrado de áreas de la salud. Se analizó validez de contenido mediante juicio de expertos, validez de constructo con análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio. Resultados: En la validación de contenido, todos los ítems obtuvieron calificaciones superiores a 3 (escala de 1-4), con óptimo acuerdo interjueces ( > 0,5). Alfa de Cronbach de 0,865. Con el análisis factorial exploratorio, se eliminaron 6/25 ítems. Los resultados del análisis factorial confirmatorio reportaron un índice de ajuste comparativo adecuado y coeficiente de TuckerLewis aceptable. La raíz cuadrada de la media del error de aproximación (RMSEA) también fue aceptable (entre 0,05 y 0,08), la raíz cuadrada media residual estandarizada (SRMR) señaló un buen ajuste (< 0,08). Los ítems se agruparon en 3 factores: valoración positiva de la estadística, agrado y habilidades en estadística, valoración negativa de la estadística. Conclusión: La Escala de Actitudes hacia la Estadística, validada en población colombiana, es una herramienta de apoyo en el proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje de la estadística; puede ser utilizada al inicio, durante el seguimiento o al final de asignaturas que involucren la estadística.

Introduction: Considering that, in subjects such as statistics, affective aspects can determine the achievement of learning objectives, this study set out to establish the content and construct validity of the Scale of Attitudes towards Statistics. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study of scale validation type. 250 undergraduate students from health-related areas participated. Content validity was analyzed by expert judgment, construct validity with exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory. Results: In the content validation, all the items obtained scored higher than 3 (scale of 1-4), with optimal inter-judge agreement (> 0,5). Cronbach's alpha of 0,865. With the exploratory factor analysis 6/25 items were eliminated. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis reported an adequate Comparative Fit Index and acceptable Tucker-Lewis Index. The Root Mean Square Residual Error of Approximation was also acceptable (between 0,05 and 0,08), the Standardized Root Mean Square Residual indicated a good fit (< 0,08). The items were grouped into 3 factors: positive assessment of the statistics, liking and skills in statistics, negative assessment of the statistics. Conclusion: The Scale of Attitudes towards Statistics, validated in the Colombian population, is a support tool in the teaching-learning process of statistics; it can be used at the beginning, during follow-up or at the end of subjects that involve statistics.

Síntomas depresivos y funcionamiento cognitivo de las personas en proceso de reintegración mayores (PPRM) de Colombia / Depressive Symptoms and Cognitive Functioning of Senior Citizens in the Reintegration Process (PPRM) in Colombia

Resumen Algunas personas en procesos de reintegración mayores (PPRM) que participaron en la guerra presentan alteraciones mentales explicadas por el largo tiempo desescola rizados y las situaciones vividas, que le disminuyen la posibilidad de acceso al campo laboral y a la sociedad, el funcionamiento cognitivo alterado fue más prevalente en personas sin educación formal, sin pareja o vivir en familias no funcionales. Entre los factores demográficos de las PPRM que aumentan la probabilidad de tener un sínto ma depresivo fue pertenecer al sexo masculino, tener más de 65 años, no contar con apoyo de una pareja y disminuye esta probabilidad si se cuenta con algún grado de escolaridad. De los factores familiares y sociales que se analizaron, solo se encontró que vivir con una familia no funcional aumenta el riesgo de sufrir síntomas depre sivos. Por lo que se requiere acompañamiento para la aceptación de su proceso de envejecimiento, el aprovechamiento de experiencias y el ejercicio de la ciudadanía.

Abstract Some Senior Citizens in Reintegration Processes (PPRM), who participated in war have mental disturbances explained by the long de-schooling and living situations, which decrease the possibility of accessing the workforce and society. Altered cognitive func tioning was more prevalent in people without formal education, without a partner, or living in non-functional families. Among the PPRM demographic factors of PPRM, which increase the likelihood of having a depressive symptom was belonging to the male sex, being over 65 years old, not having support from a partner. This likelihood decreases if there is any degree of schooling. Among the family and social factors discussed, only living with a non-functional family was found to increase the risk of depressive symptoms. Thus, accompaniment is required for the acceptance of their aging process, the use of experiences, and the exercise of citizenship.

Factors Associated With Suicidal Ideation in Older Adults From Three Cities in Colombia, 2016. / Factores asociados con la ideación suicida del adulto mayor en tres ciudades de Colombia, 2016.

INTRODUCTION: Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts that range from a vague idea of committing suicide to a specific suicide plan. OBJECTIVE: To explore factors such as demographic, social, family, abuse, risk of depression, habits and health conditions, which influence suicidal ideation in the elderly people in the cities of Medellín, Barranquilla, and Pasto (Colombia), with the intention to identify those associated factors that can be used in public health programs focused on this population. METHODS: Cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using a secondary source, demographic, social, clinical variables, social support, discrimination, abuse, happiness, depression, functional capacity, and as a dependent variable were asked the question: "Have you ever thought about committing suicide?" A descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: The median age was ≤ 69 [interquartile range, 11] years, and 58.2% were women. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 6.4%, and of these, 28.7% had made plans to end their lives, and 66.7% had tried at least once. A statistical association was found with informal employment, cigarette consumption, alcohol and psychoactive substances, risk of depression, having a disability, dissatisfaction with their quality of life, with their health, with their economic situation, as well as feeling unhappy, bad treatment and bad relationships among family members, poor social support, sexual and economic abuse, and finally, discrimination. CONCLUSIONS: Suicidal ideation in older adults in three cities of Colombia is explained by the sexual and economic abuse that this population is suffering, as well as bad personal relationships between the members of the family of the older adult. The risk of depression increases the probability of having thoughts against one's life.

Factores asociados con la ideación suicida del adulto mayor en tres ciudades de Colombia, 2016 / Factors Associated With Suicidal Ideation in Older Adults From Three Cities in Colombia, 2016

RESUMEN Introducción: La ideación suicida se refiere a pensamientos que abarcan desde una vaga idea de suicidarse a un plan específico de suicidio. Objetivo: Explorar factores demográficos, sociales y familiares, maltrato, riesgo de depresión y hábitos y condiciones de salud que influyen en la ideación suicida del adulto mayor en las ciudades de Medellín, Barranquilla y Pasto, para identificar aquellos en los que se puede intervenir con programas de salud pública enfocados en esta población. Métodos: Estudio analítico transversal con fuente secundaria; se consideraron variables demográficas, sociales y clínicas, apoyo social, discriminación, maltrato, felicidad, depresión y capacidad funcional, y como variable dependiente, la pregunta: «¿ha pensado en atentar contra su vida?¼. Se realizaron análisis descriptivo, bivariable y multivariable. Resultados: La mediana de edad fue ≤ 69 (intervalo intercuartílico, 11) años; el 58,2% eran mujeres; la prevalencia de ideación suicida fue del 6,4%; el 28,7% de estos había hecho planes para terminar con su vida y el 66,7% lo había intentado al menos una vez. Se encontró asociación estadística con el empleo informal, el consumo de cigarrillos, alcohol y sustancias psicoactivas, el riesgo de depresión, tener discapacidad, la insatisfacción con la calidad de vida, la salud y la situación económica, sentirse infeliz, los maltratos y las malas relaciones entre los miembros de la familia, el escaso apoyo social, el maltrato sexual y económico y, por último, la discriminación. Conclusiones: La ideación suicida de los adultos mayores en 3 ciudades de Colombia se explica por el maltrato sexual y económico que sufre esta población; asimismo las malas relaciones personales entre los miembros de la familia del adulto mayor y el riesgo de depresión aumentan la probabilidad de que se presenten pensamientos contra la propia vida.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts that range from a vague idea of committing suicide to a specific suicide plan. Objective: To explore factors such as demographic, social, family, abuse, risk of depression, habits and health conditions, which influence suicidal ideation in the elderly people in the cities of Medellín, Barranquilla, and Pasto (Colombia), with the intention to identify those associated factors that can be used in public health programs focused on this population. Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study was conducted using a secondary source, demographic, social, clinical variables, social support, discrimination, abuse, happiness, depression, functional capacity, and as a dependent variable were asked the question: "Have you ever thought about committing suicide?" A descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed. Results: The median age was ≤ 69 [interquartile range, 11] years, and 58.2% were women. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 6.4%, and of these, 28.7% had made plans to end their lives, and 66.7% had tried at least once. A statistical association was found with informal employment, cigarette consumption, alcohol and psychoactive substances, risk of depression, having a disability, dissatisfaction with their quality of life, with their health, with their economic situation, as well as feeling unhappy, bad treatment and bad relationships among family members, poor social support, sexual and economic abuse, and finally, discrimination. Conclusions: Suicidal ideation in older adults in three cities of Colombia is explained by the sexual and economic abuse that this population is suffering, as well as bad personal relationships between the members of the family of the older adult. The risk of depression increases the probability of having thoughts against one's life.

Factores que explican el apoyo social del adulto mayor en tres ciudades de Colombia. 2016 / Factors that explain the social support of the elderly in three cities of Colombia. 2016

Resumen Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados a las dimensiones del apoyo social del adulto mayor en tres ciudades de Colombia: Medellín, Barranquilla y Pasto. Método: Estudio cuantitativo, transversal analítico, de fuente de información primaria, obtenida a partir de encuestas realizadas a adultos mayores sobre aspectos demográficos, familiares y sociales, y escalas de medición validadas que permitieron evaluar aspectos como funcionamiento familiar, felicidad, maltrato, depresión, riesgo nutricional y discriminación. El apoyo social percibido se evaluó mediante el Cuestionario de Estudio de Desenlaces Médicos de Apoyo Social (Medical Outcomes Study- Social Support Survey (MOS)). La muestra fue de 1452 personas seleccionadas por muestreo probabilístico por conglomerado, bietápico, en las ciudades de Medellín, Barranquilla y Pasto (Colombia). Se realizó análisis univariado, bivariado y multivariado, se calcularon medidas estadísticas y epidemiológicas. Se consideraron asociaciones estadísticas aquellas con un valor p inferior a 5%. Resultados: Los adultos mayores participantes percibieron un apoyo social adecuado en sus diferentes dimensiones: 92% emocional, 93,5% instrumental, 92% interacción social positiva y 93% apoyo afectivo, y 91,9% en el índice global de apoyo. Percibir buen apoyo social fue una condición predominante en los adultos mayores: con pareja, sin riesgo de depresión, afiliados al Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud, que se sienten felices, que conviven con al menos dos familiares, que perciben un adecuado funcionamiento familiar, no reciben malos tratos al interior de su familia, tienen al menos cuatro amigos cercanos, no se sienten discriminados, que están acompañados y tienen alguien que los cuidan permanentemente.

Abstract Objective: Identify the factors that explain the social support components of the elderly. Methods: Quantitative, cross-sectional, analytical study of a source of primary information, obtained from surveys of older adults. The sample was 1452 people selected by probabilistic sampling by cluster, two-stage. In Medellín, Barranquilla and Pasto. To measure the perceived social support, the Medical. Results Study Social Support Survey was applied. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyzes were performed, statistical and epidemiological measures were calculated. Statistical associations considered with a p value of less than 5% were considered. Results: In relation to the social support components of the elderly, with an adequate condition: emotional support (92%); instrumental support (93.2%); positive social interaction (92.2%); affective support (93.2%) and in the total evaluation (91.9%). The city of Pasto was the one that selected the lowest percentages, in the different components. Perceiving good social support was a predominant condition in older adults: with a partner, without depression, affiliated with the General System of Social Security in Health, happy (through the Lima happiness scale), who live with at least two relatives, with proper family functioning, they do not perceive ill-treatment within their family, they have at least four close friends, they do not feel discriminated against, they do not leave them constantly alone and they have someone to take care of them permanently. Conclusion: Being from the city of Medellín, having a partner, feeling happy, not being alone, as well as not having depression, important factors in each of the components of social support.

Percepción de la sexualidad en personas mayores de 60 años: Medellín, Colombia / The perception of sexuality after the age of 60 years: Medellin, colombia

La sexualidad es inherente y acompaña durante todo el curso de la vida a los seres humanos, trasciende el acto sexual para abordar aspectos de orden físico, emocional y cultural. Objetivo. Analizar los factores asociados a la percepción de la sexualidad según características demográficas, emocionales y psicológicas en personas mayores de 60 años. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, observacional analítico, con fuente de información primaria a 665 personas de 60 años y más de la ciudad de Medellín, en el año 2018. Se determinaron las características demográficas, emocionales y psicológicas que permitieran conocer su percepción sobre sexualidad. Se calcularon medidas de asociación X2 y como medidas epide- miológicas, razones de prevalencia crudas y ajustadas. Resultados. Las personas que nunca se sintieron tristes consideraron importante la sexualidad (69,4 %), los hombres con una pareja estable, que no se sienten solos, con apoyo social también la consideraron como algo importante. Conclusiones. La importancia en la sexualidad de la persona mayor está determinada por estados anímicos, de estabilidad emocional y de integración social.

Sexuality is inherent and accompanies human beings throughout the course of life, transcends the sexual act, to address aspects of physical, emotional and cultural order. Objective. To analyze the factors associ- ated with the perception of sexuality according to demographic, emotional and psychological characteristics in people over 60 years of age. Materials and methods. A quantitative, analytical, observational study was conducted, with a primary source of information, to 665 people aged 60 and over, from the city of Medellin, in 2018. The demographic, emotional and psychological characteristics that allowed to know their percep- tion about sexuality. X2 association measures were calculated and as epidemiological measures, crude and adjusted prevalence ratios. Results. People who never felt sad considered sexuality important (69.4%), men with a stable partner, who do not feel alone, with social support also considered it important. Conclusions. The importance in the sexuality of the older person is determined by moods, emotional stability and social integration.

Capacidad laboral de las personas mayores de 50 años, en proceso de reintegración, adscritos a la Agencia para la Reincorporación y la Normalización / Work capacity in people being over 50 years old, in the process of reincorporation, registered in the Agency for Reincorporation and Normalization / Capacidade de trabalho de pessoas com mais de 50 anos, em processo de reintegração, vinculados à Agência para a Reintegração e a vida Normal

Resumen Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados a la capacidad laboral de las personas mayores de 50 años, excombatientes de los grupos al margen de la ley, adscritos a la Agencia para la Reincorporación y la Normalización. Metodología: Estudio observacional, analítico de fuente de información primaria, con 239 personas mayores en proceso de reintegración, encuestados en cinco lugares de Colombia. Se calculó la razón de prevalencia cruda y ajustada, mediante una regresión logística no condicional, con valor de p< 0,05, considerada una asociación estadísticamente significativa. Resultados: El 71,5 % de las personas mayores de 50 años se encuentran laborando, principalmente, en el sector informal. La dependencia funcional se asocia, aunque no de forma significativa, con ser hombre, soltero, no tener limitaciones para ver o moverse, y mostrar habilidades en la conducción de vehículos y el manejo de computadores. Presentaron mayor limitación en el campo laboral los que tienen dificultades para hablar y un menor nivel educativo. Conclusión: La adaptación a la vida laboral de las personas mayores excombatientes de los grupos al margen de la ley puede facilitarse con la implementación de enfoques diferenciales, programas educativos formales e informales, el uso de ayudas ortopédicas, la generación de estrategias de acceso al empleo y estrategias saludables que promuevan su salud y atención a los efectos de la guerra.

Abstract Objective: To identify factors associated with work capacity in people being over 50 years old, who used to be ex-combatants from groups outside the law, and who are now registered in the Agency for Reincorporation and Normalization. Methodology: Observational analytic study using primary sources of information from 239 senior subjects in the reincorporation process. All of them were surveyed in five different locations in Colombia. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated through unconditional logistic regression, with a p-value of < 0.05, which is considered a statistically significant association. Results: 71.5 % of subjects being over 50 years old work mainly in the informal sector. A functional dependency is associated, though not significantly, with being a single man, or a man without sight or movement disabilities, or a man having driving and computer skills. Those with speech disorders and a lower educational level presented greater limitations in the labor field. Conclusion: Adaptation processes to work life for senior ex-combatants from groups outside the law may be facilitated through the implementation of differential approaches, formal and informal educational programs, use of orthopedic aids, generation of strategies for access to employment and health strategies that promote their wellbeing and attention to the effects of war.

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar os fatores associados à capacidade laboral de pessoas acima de 50 anos, excombatentes de grupos fora da lei, vinculados à Agência de Reintegração e a vida Normal. Metodologia: Estudo observacional e analítico da fonte primária de informações, com 239 idosos em processo de reintegração, pesquisados em cinco locais da Colômbia. Calculou-se a razão de prevalência bruta e ajustada, através de uma regressão logística não condicional, com valor de p <0,05, considerada uma associação estatisticamente relevante. Resultados: O 71,5% das pessoas com mais de 50 anos estão trabalhando principalmente no setor informal. A dependência funcional está associada, embora não significativamente, a ser homem, solteiro, sem limitações para ver ou se mover e mostrar habilidades em dirigir veículos e trabalho com computadores. Apresentaram maiores limitações no trabalho aqueles que têm dificuldades para falar e com menor nível educacional. Conclusão: A adaptação à vida profissional dos idosos excombatentes dos grupos fora da lei pode ser facilitada com a implementação de abordagens diferenciais, programas educacionais formais e informais, uso de aparelhos ortopédicos, geração de estratégias de acesso ao emprego e estratégias saudáveis que promovam sua saúde e atenção aos efeitos da guerra.

Factores asociados a la vulnerabilidad cognitiva de los adultos mayores en tres ciudades de Colombia / Factors Associated with the Cognitive Vulnerability of Older Adults in Three Colombian Cities / Fatores associados à vulnerabilidade cognitiva dos idosos em três cidades da Colômbia

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar los factores asociados a la vulnerabilidad cognitiva de los adultos mayores en tres ciudades de Colombia en el año 2016. Materiales y método: se condujo un estudio cuantitativo, transversal analítico, con fuente de información primaria, encuestando a 1514 adultos mayores residentes en la zona urbana de Barranquilla, Medellín y Pasto, empleando muestreo probabilístico bietápico. La condición cognitiva se evaluó con el Mini Examen Cognoscitivo modificado. Se realizaron análisis univariados, bivariados y multivariados, cálculos estadísticos y epidemiológicos, intervalos de confianza y pruebas estadísticas menores del 5%. Resultados: el riesgo de deterioro cognitivo se presentó en un 5,1% en Medellín, un 2,7% en Pasto y un 1,7% en Barranquilla, predominantemente en hombres, con edades entre los 75 y 89 años, sin pareja y con bajos niveles de escolaridad. El 100% de quienes tenían deterioro cognitivo refieren no realizar actividad física, el 13% reportaron depresión y el 7,7% soporte social escaso. Conclusiones: los factores asociados a la vulnerabilidad cognitiva de los adultos mayores incluyen características demográficas, sociales y de estilos de vida. Es importante considerar estos resultados en las políticas de salud para la población de adultos mayores con el fin de reorientar la atención en la prevención de la vulnerabilidad cognitiva.

ABSTRACT Objective: Identify the factors associated with the cognitive vulnerability of older adults in three Colombian cities during 2016. Materials and methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted with a primary source of information by surveying 1514 older adults living in the urban areas of Barranquilla, Medellín and Pasto. Two-stage probabilistic sampling was used. The cognitive condition of the adults in the sample was evaluated with the modified Mini Cognitive Exam. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyzes, statistical and epidemiological calculations, confidence intervals and statistical tests of less than 5% were performed. Results: The risk of cognitive deterioration was found in 5.1% of the sample in Medellín, 2.7% in Pasto and 1.7% in Barranquilla, predominantly among men between 75 and 89 years of age who are without a partner and have low levels of schooling. One hundred percent (100%) of those with cognitive impairment reported having no physical activity, 13% reported depression, and 7.7% indicated social support was scarce. Conclusions: The factors associated with cognitive vulnerability among older adults include demographic, social and lifestyle characteristics. It is important to consider these results when drafting health policies for the elderly population to redirect attention to the prevention of cognitive vulnerability.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar os fatores associados à vulnerabilidade cognitiva dos idosos em três cidades da Colômbia em 2016. Materiais e método: estudo quantitativo, transversal analítico, com fonte de informação primária, que entrevistou 1514 idosos residentes na zona urbana de Barranquilla, Medellín e Pasto, empregando amostra probabilística bietápica. A condição cognitiva foi avaliada com o Miniexame Cognoscitivo Modificado. Foram realizadas análises univariadas, bivariadas e multivariadas, cálculos estatísticos e epidemiológicos, intervalos de confiabilidade e testes estatísticos menores de 5 %. Resultados: o risco de deterioração cognitiva foi apresentado em 5,1 % em Medellín; 2,7 % em Pasto e 1,7 % em Barranquilla, predominantemente em homens, com faixa etária entre 75 e 89 anos, sem companheiro(a) e com baixo nível de escolaridade. 100 % dos que apresentaram deterioração cognitiva referem não realizar atividade física; 13 % relataram depressão e 7,7 %, apoio social escasso. Conclusão: os fatores associados à vulnerabilidade cognitiva dos idosos incluem características demográficas, sociais e de estilos de vida. É importante considerar os resultados nas políticas de saúde para a população de idosos a fim de reorientar a atenção na prevenção da vulnerabilidade cognitiva.

[Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in physicians in Medellín, Colombia]. / Prevalencia de la infección por Helicobacter pylori en médicos de Medellín, Colombia.

UNLABELLED: Infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and its associated complications, such as gastric cancer, constitute a true public health problem due to the high morbidity and mortality rates in Colombia and Latin America, where it is highly prevalent. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the prevalence of H. pylori infection in the medical population ofMedellin, Colombia. METHODS: A transversal-cut observational epidemiological study was done, 342 physicians were included. The presence of H. pylori infection, diagnosed with carbon 13-labelled urea breath test, and its association with personal aspects, history of gastric disease and clinical manifestations was evaluated. RESULTS: The general prevalence of H. pylori infection was found to be 77.2% (CI 95%: 72.4% to 81.5%). Discriminating by gender, it represents a prevalence of 78.4% in men and 72.6% in women, without any significant association (chi-square, p = 0.37). Of the total 342 participants, 183 (53.5%) presented at least one suspected episode of gastric disease, and of these, 141 (77%) were positive and 42 (23%) were negative for H. pylori; of the 264 H. pylori positive participants, 141 (53.4%) had history of gastric disease and 123 (46.6%) were asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of H. pylori infection in the medical population in Medellin, Colombia, is 77.2% (CI 95%: 72.4% to 81.5%), in accordance to the epidemiologic profile of the region. Also, 46.6% of individuals infected by H. pylori were asymptomatic and with no history or symptoms suggestive of the presence of the bacteria, which is only possible to determine after appropriate testing of the individuals.

Prevalencia de la infección por Helicobacter pylori en médicos de Medellín, Colombia / Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in physicians in Medellín, Colombia

La infección por Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) y las omplicaciones asociadas, como el cáncer gástrico, representan un verdadero problema de salud pública porque lideran las tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad en Colombia y Latinoamérica, en donde es altamente prevalente. Objetivo: caracterizar la prevalencia de la infección por H. pylori en la población médica de Medellín, Colombia. Métodos: se realizó un estudio epidemiológico bservacional transversal donde se incluyeron 342 médicos. Se evaluó la presencia de la infección por H. pylori mediante la prueba de aliento con urea marcada con carbono 13 y su asociación con aspectos personales, antecedentes de enfermedad gástrica y manifestaciones clínicas. Resultados: se encontró una prevalencia general de infección por H. pylori de 77.2% (IC 95%: 72.4% a 81.5%), que discriminada por género epresenta una prevalencia de 78.4% en hombres y 72.6% en mujeres, sin asociación significativa (Chi- –cuadrado p= 0.37). Del total de los 342 participantes, 183 (53.5%) presentaron al menos un evento sospechoso de enfermedad gástrica y de éstos, 141 (77%) fueron positivos y 42 (23%) negativos para H. pylori; de los 264 participantes H. pylori positivos, 141 (53.4%) presentaban antecedentes de enfermedad gástrica y 123 (46.6%) fueron asintomáticos. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de la infección por H. pylori en lapoblación médica de Medellín, Colombia, es de 77.2% (IC 95%: 72.4% a 81.5%), acorde con el perfil epidemiológico de la región. Además, el 46.6% de los individuos infectados por H. pylori fueron asintomáticos y no hay antecedentes ni síntomas que permitan sospechar la presencia de la bacteria, la cual sólo es posible determinar tras el estudio apropiado de los individuos.

Infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and its associated complications, such as gastric cancer, constitute a true public health problem due to the high morbidity and mortality rates in Colombia and Latin America, where it is highly prevalent. Objective: To characterize the prevalence of H. pylori infection in the medical population of Medellín, Colombia. Methods: A transversal-cut observational epidemiological study was done, 342 physicians were included. The presence of H. pylori infection, diagnosed with carbon 13-labelled urea breath test, and its association with personal aspects, history of gastric disease and clinical manifestations was evaluated. Results: The general prevalence of H. pylori infection was found to be 77.2% (CI 95%: 72.4% to 81.5%). Discriminating by gender, it represents a prevalence of 78.4% in men and 72.6% in women, without any significant association (chisquare, p=0.37). Of the total 342 participants, 183 (53.5%) presented at least one suspected episode of gastric disease, and of these, 141 (77%) were positive and 42 (23%) were negative for H. pylori; of the 264 H. pylori positive participants, 141 (53.4%) had history of gastric disease and 123 (46.6%) were asymptomatic. Conclusions: Prevalence of H. pylori infection in the medical population in Medellín, Colombia, is 77.2% (CI 95%: 72.4% to 81.5%), in accordance to the epidemiologic profile of the region. Also, 46.6% of individuals infected by H. pylori were asymptomatic and with no history or symptoms suggestive of the presence of the bacteria, which is only possible to determine after appropriate testing of the individuals.

Prevalencia de la infección por Helicobacter pylori en médicos de Medellín, Colombia / Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in physicians in Medellín, Colombia

La infección por Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) y las omplicaciones asociadas, como el cáncer gástrico, representan un verdadero problema de salud pública porque lideran las tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad en Colombia y Latinoamérica, en donde es altamente prevalente. Objetivo: caracterizar la prevalencia de la infección por H. pylori en la población médica de Medellín, Colombia. Métodos: se realizó un estudio epidemiológico bservacional transversal donde se incluyeron 342 médicos. Se evaluó la presencia de la infección por H. pylori mediante la prueba de aliento con urea marcada con carbono 13 y su asociación con aspectos personales, antecedentes de enfermedad gástrica y manifestaciones clínicas. Resultados: se encontró una prevalencia general de infección por H. pylori de 77.2% (IC 95%: 72.4% a 81.5%), que discriminada por género epresenta una prevalencia de 78.4% en hombres y 72.6% en mujeres, sin asociación significativa (Chi- ¹cuadrado p= 0.37). Del total de los 342 participantes, 183 (53.5%) presentaron al menos un evento sospechoso de enfermedad gástrica y de éstos, 141 (77%) fueron positivos y 42 (23%) negativos para H. pylori; de los 264 participantes H. pylori positivos, 141 (53.4%) presentaban antecedentes de enfermedad gástrica y 123 (46.6%) fueron asintomáticos. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de la infección por H. pylori en lapoblación médica de Medellín, Colombia, es de 77.2% (IC 95%: 72.4% a 81.5%), acorde con el perfil epidemiológico de la región. Además, el 46.6% de los individuos infectados por H. pylori fueron asintomáticos y no hay antecedentes ni síntomas que permitan sospechar la presencia de la bacteria, la cual sólo es posible determinar tras el estudio apropiado de los individuos.(AU)

Infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and its associated complications, such as gastric cancer, constitute a true public health problem due to the high morbidity and mortality rates in Colombia and Latin America, where it is highly prevalent. Objective: To characterize the prevalence of H. pylori infection in the medical population of Medellín, Colombia. Methods: A transversal-cut observational epidemiological study was done, 342 physicians were included. The presence of H. pylori infection, diagnosed with carbon 13-labelled urea breath test, and its association with personal aspects, history of gastric disease and clinical manifestations was evaluated. Results: The general prevalence of H. pylori infection was found to be 77.2% (CI 95%: 72.4% to 81.5%). Discriminating by gender, it represents a prevalence of 78.4% in men and 72.6% in women, without any significant association (chisquare, p=0.37). Of the total 342 participants, 183 (53.5%) presented at least one suspected episode of gastric disease, and of these, 141 (77%) were positive and 42 (23%) were negative for H. pylori; of the 264 H. pylori positive participants, 141 (53.4%) had history of gastric disease and 123 (46.6%) were asymptomatic. Conclusions: Prevalence of H. pylori infection in the medical population in Medellín, Colombia, is 77.2% (CI 95%: 72.4% to 81.5%), in accordance to the epidemiologic profile of the region. Also, 46.6% of individuals infected by H. pylori were asymptomatic and with no history or symptoms suggestive of the presence of the bacteria, which is only possible to determine after appropriate testing of the individuals.(AU)