Association between cardiovascular risk and maternal perception of BMI in Peruvian schoolchildren.

Introduction: In the modern era, the maternal perception of children's nutritional status has emerged as a critical area of study, given its potential influence on nutritional interventions and long-term child health. The relationship between this perception and children's Body Mass Index (BMI) by age is particularly intriguing, as it may reveal discrepancies between perception and reality. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate Peruvian mothers' perception of their children's Body Mass Index (BMI) in relation to age and to determine how this perception associates with the children's cardiovascular risk. The study also analyzed sociodemographic factors that might influence this perception. Methods: The study included 130 mothers of schoolchildren aged 5 to 11 from a school in Lima. Mothers' perceptions of their children's weight were assessed using pictograms, and sociodemographic characteristics were collected through a questionnaire. Weight and height measurements were taken to calculate BMI, and waist circumference was measured to classify cardiovascular risk. Results: A total of 57.4% of the schoolchildren presented with excess malnutrition, and 51.5% of the mothers incorrectly classified the actual BMI/Age of their children (kappa 0.11; p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, it was found that the schoolchild's age is associated with the mother's failure to accurately perceive her child's weight (OR 1.59). Lastly, there was a significant association between maternal perception and cardiovascular risk (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: There is a significant discrepancy between maternal perception and the actual nutritional status of children, which can increase cardiovascular risk. It is necessary to implement intervention and education strategies targeted at parents to enhance the recognition and management of childhood overweight and obesity.

Depression, professional self-efficacy, and job performance as predictors of life satisfaction: the mediating role of work engagement in nurses.

Background: The life satisfaction and job performance of nursing professionals are affected by a multitude of factors, including work engagement, self-efficacy, and depression. The Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model provides a theoretical framework to explore these relationships. Objective: Our study aimed to analyze the primary goal of this research, which is to examine the mediating role of work engagement in the relationship between depression, professional self-efficacy, job performance, and their impact on life satisfaction in nurses, using the JD-R theory as a guide. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 579 participants aged between 21 to 57 years (M = 39, SD = 9.95). Mediation analysis was used to examine the influence of depression, self-efficacy, and job performance on work engagement, and in turn, its effect on life satisfaction. Results: Findings indicated that work engagement plays a crucial mediating role between depression, self-efficacy, job performance, and life satisfaction. Interventions to increase work engagement could assist nurses in better managing depression and improving their performance and life satisfaction. Conclusions: Our study highlights the need for workplace policies and strategies that foster work engagement and self-efficacy among nurses while effectively managing job demands to prevent depression. Moreover, these findings underscore the importance of the JD-R theory to understand and improve nurses' job satisfaction and performance, and suggest areas for future research, including exploring other potential factors and applying these findings across different contexts and cultures.

Psychometric analysis of the revised CompLEC test to measure reading speed and reading comprehension in university students.

BACKGROUND: At university level, reading comprehension is one of the most important linguistic competences in the professional training of students because it is an instrument that enables the acquisition and production of scientific knowledge. Likewise, at this level of education, speed reading becomes a technique that allows to make the most of the time devoted to reading and to develop the ability to concentrate. However, there are not many instruments in the scientific literature that measure these two variables; therefore, the objective of this study was: To determine the psychometric properties of the revised compLEC test to measure reading comprehension and speed in university students. METHOD: The study was conducted under the quantitative approach, applied type, with non-experimental design. The type of sampling used was non-probabilistic and the sample consisted of 441 university students of both genders. The instrument prepared and applied was the Reading Speed and Reading Comprehension Test for Higher Education, which is an adaptation of the CompLEC test. RESULTS: In the study, all the items had values above 0.80, which shows that the items were rated positively in terms of pertinence, relevance, and clarity. It was also evidenced that the model of three related factors presents adequate fit indices (CFI = 0.91; TLI = 0.90; RMSEA = 0.034 [IC90% 0.021 ‒ 0.046]; SRMR = 0.072). On the other hand, only the Recovery dimension (ordinal α = 0.62) presented acceptable reliability indices. CONCLUSION: The results show that the Reading Speed and Reading Comprehension Test for Higher Education has adequate psychometric characteristics in terms of content validity and internal structure of the scale. However, further studies are required to confirm the reliability of the scale.

Development and validation of a scale for streaming dependence (SDS) of online games in a Peruvian population.

Background: Addiction to online video game streaming has become one of the most appealing ways to occupy leisure time and is one of the most popular activities. The satisfaction it provides and the time invested in it are two of the main reasons why it is preferred. However, despite the clear benefits that this activity offers, in some cases, excessive use can lead to personal and/or family problems or abuse. Objective: The objective of the study was to develop and validate a scale to measure potential traits of dependence on online game streaming. The participants were 423 Peruvian adults aged between 18 and 47 years (M = 22.87, SD = 5.02). The Streaming Dependence Scale (SDS) was developed based on a literature review, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted. Results: The scale showed adequate internal consistency (α, CR, ω, and H > 80). Confirmatory analysis confirmed the one-dimensional structure (χ2 = 10.250, df = 5; p = 0.068; CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.06, SRMR = 0.05). Conclusion: The brief SDS is a valid and reliable measure that can be used as a useful tool to identify and evaluate streaming dependence.

Critical Thinking, Generalized Anxiety in Satisfaction with Studies: The Mediating Role of Academic Self-Efficacy in Medical Students.

BACKGROUND: The academic and emotional challenges faced by medical students can affect critical thinking and may also contribute to the development of increased generalized anxiety. Similarly, critical thinking and generalized anxiety can impact study satisfaction through the mediating mechanism of academic self-efficacy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the mediating role of academic self-efficacy between critical thinking and generalized anxiety in study satisfaction among medical students. METHODS: A cross-sectional and explanatory study was conducted involving 259 Peruvian medical students aged between 18 and 35 (M = 20.29, SD = 2.84). The evaluation was based on self-reported questionnaires covering critical thinking, generalized anxiety, academic self-efficacy, and study satisfaction. Furthermore, a structural equation modeling (SEM) and mediation approach was employed to examine the relationships between variables. RESULTS: The results showed an adequate fit of the model [χ2 (87) = 155, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.05 (CI: 0.04-0.07), SRMR = 0.07], demonstrating the impact of critical thinking and generalized anxiety. It was confirmed that academic self-efficacy has a positive effect on study satisfaction. Moreover, the mediating role of academic self-efficacy was confirmed between critical thinking and study satisfaction, as well as between generalized anxiety and study satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the high academic load on medical students, academic self-efficacy plays a mediating role in the relationship between critical thinking, generalized anxiety, and satisfaction with studies. The development of educational strategies will help to promote critical thinking and academic self-efficacy, as well as provide support to students with generalized anxiety, to enhance study satisfaction.

Infant mortality rates and pneumococcal vaccines: a time-series trend analysis in 194 countries, 1950-2020.

Pneumonia due to Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a major cause of mortality in infants (children under 1 year of age), and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs), delivered during the first year of life, are available since the year 2000. Given those two premises, the conclusion follows logically that favourable impact reported for PCVs in preventing pneumococcal disease should be reflected in the infant mortality rates (IMRs) from all causes. Using publicly available datasets, country-level IMR estimates from UNICEF and PCV introduction status from WHO, country-specific time series analysed the temporal relationship between annual IMRs and the introduction of PCVs, providing a unique context into the long-term secular trends of IMRs in countries that included and countries that did not include PCVs in their national immunisation programmes. PCV status was available for 194 countries during the period 1950-2020: 150 (77.3%) of these countries achieved nationwide PCV coverage at some point after the year 2000, 13 (6.7%) achieved only partial or temporary PCV coverage, and 31 (15.9%) never introduced PCVs to their population. One hundred and thirty-nine (92.7%) of countries that reported a decreasing (negative) trend in IMR, also reported a strong correlation with decreasing maternal mortality rates (MMRs), suggesting an improvement in overall child/mother healthcare. Conversely, all but one of the countries that never introduced PCVs in their national immunisation programme also reported a decreasing trend in IMR that strongly correlates with MMRs. IMRs have been decreasing for decades all over the world, but this latest decrease may not be related to PCVs.

Psychometric properties and invariance of an English self-efficacy scale for university students in Peru.

Background: English is a global language used to communicate with members of the international community. Self-efficacy in learning English is an important factor that is influenced by perceived importance, interest, and beliefs about the ability to successfully perform tasks in English. Objective: The aim is to develop and validate a measurement instrument to assess English self-efficacy. Methods: A total of 453 students from different Peruvian universities participated, with ages ranging from 18 to 60 years (M = 23; SD = 6.18). Statistical techniques for latent variables were used and recommendations for educational and psychological tests were followed in its construction. The sample was divided into two groups to perform exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results: The English Self-Efficacy Scale (ESS-P) is representative and relevant in terms of its item content (Aiken's V > 0.70). Its internal structure is organized into three first order factors and a second order factor that are consistent with the theoretical proposal and was confirmed through CFA with excellent goodness-of-fit indices (χ2 = 1184.9, gl = 626, CFI = 0.92, TLI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.06 y SRMR = 0.04). It also has adequate internal consistency in its three factors (Reading α/ω = 0.96), Oral Communication (α/ω = 0.95), and Writing (α/ω = 0.97) and the whole scale (α/ω = 0.98), is invariant with respect to sex, and has a conceptual relationship with variables such as academic self-efficacy and exam anxiety. Conclusion: The ESS-P is a measurement instrument with evidence of validity, factorial invariance, and good reliability of its scores. Therefore, it can be used in future studies in the academic context.

Fear of COVID-19, risk perception and preventive behavior in health workers: a cross-sectional analysis in middle-income Latin American countries.

The aim of this study was to examine the association between fear of COVID-19 and risk perception with preventive behavior in health professionals from four Latin American countries. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. Health professionals with on-site care in Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Peru were surveyed. Information was collected through an online self-report questionnaire. The main variables were preventive behavior as the dependent variable and fear of COVID-19 and risk perception as independent variables. Linear regression was used, and unstandardized beta coefficient and value of ps were calculated. Four hundred and thirty-five health professionals were included, the majority were aged 42 years or older (45.29, 95%CI: 40.65-50.01) and female (67.82, 95%CI: 63.27-72.05). It was shown that the greater the fear of COVID-19, the greater the preventive behavior of COVID-19 infection (B = 2.21, p = 0.002 for total behavior; B = 1.12, p = 0.037 for additional protection at work; B = 1.11, p < 0.010 for hand washing). The risk perception of COVID-19 infection had a slight direct relationship with preventive behaviours (B = 0.28, p = 0.021 for total behavior; B = 0.13, p = 0.015 for hand washing), with the exception of the preventive behavior of using additional protection at work (p = 0.339). We found that fear and risk perception are associated with increased practice of hand washing and use of additional protection at work. Further studies are required on the influence of working conditions, job performance and the occurrence of mental health problems in frontline personnel with regard to COVID-19.

An Overview of Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis Using Machine Learning Approaches: Clinical Opportunities and Challenges.

Objective: Automatic diagnosis of psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder (BD) through machine learning techniques has attracted substantial attention from psychiatric and artificial intelligence communities. These approaches mostly rely on various biomarkers extracted from electroencephalogram (EEG) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/functional MRI (fMRI) data. In this paper, we provide an updated overview of existing machine learning-based methods for bipolar disorder (BD) diagnosis using MRI and EEG data. Method : This study is a short non-systematic review with the aim of describing the current situation in automatic diagnosis of BD using machine learning methods. Therefore, an appropriate literature search was conducted via relevant keywords for original EEG/MRI studies on distinguishing BD from other conditions, particularly from healthy peers, in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Results: We reviewed 26 studies, including 10 EEG studies and 16 MRI studies (including structural and functional MRI), that used traditional machine learning methods and deep learning algorithms to automatically detect BD. The reported accuracies for EEG studies is about 90%, while the reported accuracies for MRI studies remains below the minimum level for clinical relevance, i.e. about 80% of the classification outcome for traditional machine learning methods. However, deep learning techniques have generally achieved accuracies higher than 95%. Conclusion: Research utilizing machine learning applied to EEG signals and brain images has provided proof of concept for how this innovative technique can help psychiatrists distinguish BD patients from healthy people. However, the results have been somewhat contradictory and we must keep away from excessive optimistic interpretations of the findings. Much progress is still needed to reach the level of clinical practice in this field.

Herd immunity in older adults from a middle-income country: A time-series trend analysis of community-acquired pneumonia mortality 2003-2017.

Background and Aims: Community-acquired pneumonia is responsible for substantial mortality, and pneumococcus is commonly accepted as a major cause of pneumonia, regardless of laboratory confirmation. Child immunization programs have reported success in decreasing pneumonia mortality: directly in young children and indirectly (herd immunity) in unvaccinated adult populations in some countries. We assess changes in mortality trends for all-cause pneumonia in older adults associated with the introduction of pneumococcal vaccination for children in Peru. Methods: This is a secondary analysis on administrative data collected periodically by the Peruvian Ministry of Health. An observational retrospective time series analysis was conducted using longitudinal population-based data from death certificates in Peru between 2003 and 2017. The time series includes 6 years before and 9 years after the introduction of the pneumococcal-conjugated vaccines in the national child immunization program in 2009. Monthly frequencies and annual rates for all-cause pneumonia deaths in children under 5 years of age and adults over 65 years of age are presented. Linear and quadratic trends are analyzed. Results: Deaths among older adults accounted for 75.6% of all-cause pneumonia mortality in Peru, with 94.4% of these reporting "pneumonia due to unspecified organism" as the underlying cause of death. Comparing pre- and post-child immunization program periods, annual average mortality rates from unspecified pneumonia decreased by 22.7% in young children but increased by 19.6% in older adults. A linear trend model supports this overall tendency, but a quadratic curve explains the data better. Conclusion: Pneumococcal-conjugated vaccines are developed using serotypes prevalent in selected countries from less common (invasive) pneumococcal disease and expected to prevent mortality worldwide from widespread (noninvasive) pneumonia. Our results do not support the presence of herd immunity from pneumococcal vaccination of children for community-acquired pneumonia in the increasingly ageing population of Peru. This should direct future research and could influence public health policy.

Factors Associated with Mortality with Tuberculosis Diagnosis in Indigenous Populations in Peru 2015-2019.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with mortality in indigenous populations diagnosed with tuberculosis in Peru, 2015-2019. METHODS: We conducted a nested case-control study in a retrospective cohort using the registry of indigenous peoples of the National Health Strategy for TB Prevention and Control of the Ministry of Health of Peru. A descriptive analysis was performed, and then bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between the variables and the outcome (alive-deceased). The results are shown as OR with their respective 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The mortality rate of the total indigenous population of Peru was 1.75 deaths per 100,000 indigenous people diagnosed with TB. The community of Kukama Kukamiria-Yagua reported 505 (28.48%) individuals, followed by the Shipibo-Konibo community with 385. The final logistic model showed that indigenous males (OR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.001-3.7) with a history of HIV prior to TB (OR = 16.7; 95% CI: 4.7-58.7), and indigenous people in old age (OR = 2.95; 95% CI: 1.5-5.7) were factors associated with a greater chance of dying from TB. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to reorient health services among indigenous populations, especially those related to improving a timely diagnosis and early treatment of TB/HIV co-infection, to ensure comprehensive care for this population considering that they are vulnerable groups.

Poverty, Household Structure and Consumption of Foods Away from Home in Peru in 2019: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the probability of buying food away from home according to the type of household using the logit model, as well as the sociodemographic characteristics of the heads of household, and how much income expenditure represents. A cross-sectional study was carried out using the National Household Survey (ENAHO) 2019 database. After joining the database, the household type variables were created. To calculate the probability with the "logit" model of purchase, the variables­family size, income, types of household, and total expenditure­were selected as a measure of the purchasing power of the family. A statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was found between the probability of consumption and the variables: age of household members, predominance, nuclear without children−married, nuclear with children−cohabitant, nuclear with children−widowed, nuclear with children−separated, extended, compounded, poor not extreme, and not poor. The bulk of families was represented by nuclear families (61.97%). The highest expenditure in the CFAH was for families defined as composite with a yearly average of USD 1652.89 (equivalent to PEN 5520.67). Observing the expenditure on food consumed outside the home through the composition of households can allow a better approach to offer educational measures. This information can be helpful to developers of educational issues.

Factors associated with knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices towards COVID-19 in health care professionals in Lima, Peru.

Background: Nowadays, we are facing a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, known globally as COVID-19, which is considered a threat to global health due to its high contagiousness and rapid spread. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study in 302 health professionals. An online questionnaire consisting of questions about knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 was applied. Socio-demographic, occupational and comorbidities factors were explored. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with KAP. Results: Of the total, 25.2%, 31.5% and 37.4% had high levels of knowledge, preventive practices and risk perception attitudes respectively. Being married (aOR=6.75), having a master's degree (aOR= 0.41), having a working day with less than ten hours (ORa=0.49) and obesity (aOR=0.38) were associated with a low level of knowledge of COVID-19. The variables associated with preventive practices were being over the age of 50 (aOR=0.52), working in the hospitalization area (aOR=1.86) and having comorbidities such as arterial hypertension (aOR=0.28) and obesity (aOR=0.35). In relation to negative attitudes towards COVID 19, it was found that physical contact with patients with a confirmed diagnosis (aOR=1.84) and having asthma (aOR=2.13) were associated with these attitudes. Conclusion: Being married, having a master's degree, working less than ten hours were associated with having a low level of knowledge of COVID-19. Being older than 50, working in the hospitalization area were associated with preventive practices. Physical contact with COVID-19 patients was associated with negative attitudes.

Factores asociados al estigma en personas afectadas por tuberculosis en una región peruana de alto riesgo / Factors associated to stigma in people with tuberculosis from a high-risk region in Peru

Introducción: El estigma hacia los afectados por tuberculosis es un desafío importante para el control de la enfermedad. De ahí la necesidad de conocer los factores que lo desencadenan, ya que puede comprometer la adherencia al tratamiento y, por tanto, incremento de complicaciones y mortalidad. Objetivos: Determinar los factores asociados al estigma en personas afectadas por tuberculosis en una región de alto riesgo en el Perú. Métodos: Estudio correlacional en 110 pacientes tratados por tuberculosis. Los factores fueron la funcionalidad familiar medida con la escala de Apgar familiar; las características sociodemográficas y clínicas, los conocimientos sobre la enfermedad y la comunicación médico-paciente, a través de una encuesta. Para el estigma se utilizó la escala de Yang. En el análisis bivariado se utilizó la prueba de chi cuadrado. La relación entre variables se evaluó mediante la correlación de Pearson y la regresión lineal multivariada. Resultados: El nivel de estigma mostró un punto de corte (cutt off) ≥ 9 en 21,3 por ciento en tuberculosis sensible y 69,4 por ciento en tuberculosis multirresistente, con diferencias significativas (p = 0,000). El análisis de regresión lineal multivariado evidenció que el nivel bajo de conocimientos sobre la tuberculosis (ß = -0,32; p = 0,000), bajas puntuaciones en escala Apgar familiar (ß = -0,41; p = <0,000) y la baja comunicación médico-paciente (ß = -0,47; p = 0,000) se asociaron negativamente con estigma. Conclusiones: Se encontró un nivel alto de estigma relacionado con tuberculosis y una asociación negativa entre el estigma con el nivel de conocimientos sobre la enfermedad, la funcionalidad familiar y la comunicación con el médico.(AU)

Introduction: The stigma attached to people with tuberculosis is an important challenge posed to the control of this disease. Hence the need to know what factors trigger it, for they may affect adherence to treatment, increasing complications and mortality. Objectives: Determine the factors associated to stigma in people with tuberculosis from a high-risk region in Peru. Methods: A correlational study was conducted of 110 patients treated for tuberculosis. The factors analyzed were family function as gauged by the Family Apgar scale, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, knowledge about the disease and doctor-patient communication as measured through a survey. Stigma was determined by Yang's scale. Bivariate analysis was based on the chi-square test, whereas the relationship between variables was evaluated by Pearson's correlation and multivariate linear regression. Results: The level of stigma showed a cut off value ≥ 9 in 21.3 percent in sensitive tuberculosis and 69.4 percent in multiresistant tuberculosis, with significant differences (p = 0.000). Multivariate linear regression analysis found that a low level of knowledge about tuberculosis (ß = -0.32; p = 0.000), low scores on the Family Apgar scale (ß = -0.41; p = <0.000) and poor doctor-patient communication (ß = -0.47; p = 0.000) were negatively associated to stigma. Conclusions: The study found a high level of stigma associated to tuberculosis, as well as a negative association between stigma and knowledge about the disease, family function and communication with the doctor(AU)