Revista Gregoriana de Ciencias de la Salud

San Gregorio de Portoviejo University: 24 years of commitment to training professionals in Health Sciences

Mario A. García — 2025-01-31

Last December, the Universidad San Gregorio de Portoviejo (USGP) proudly celebrated its 24th anniversary, marking almost a quarter of a century of contributions to the region and Ecuador's academic, scientific, and social development. In this context, we would like to dedicate this editorial to highlighting the growth and consolidation of careers in the Health Sciences, pillars in the institution's history, and future projections.

Importance of rare case reports in medical literature

Andy H. Luque — 2025-01-31

The presentation of atypical clinical cases, such as malignant granular cell tumors of the abdominal wall, is of great importance to the medical community. These reports expand our understanding of rare pathologies, providing essential information on their diagnosis, clinical characteristics, and therapeutic management. Given the limited availability of reports on abdominal wall locations and gastric locations, each additional case improves our understanding of these rare diseases.

Impact of household cleaning products on indoor air quality and respiratory health

Josselyn J. Iriarte — 2025-01-31

Using chemicals in the home improves the quality of life but also poses significant risks to health and the environment, especially in closed spaces. This study analyzed the impact of cleaning products on indoor air quality and respiratory health in Ecuador, where surveillance and awareness of this problem are limited. Through a qualitative narrative review, information from recent scientific and regulatory bases was collected from a total of 45 bibliographic sources, identifying that some of the chemical components of cleaning products can affect respiratory and neurological health, especially in children and older adults, aggravated by the structures and location of the homes. The results highlight the need for strict regulations and educational strategies that promote the safe use of these products. More research into its local impact and the development of sustainable solutions is recommended.

Social determinants of health associated with dengue in South America: a systematic review

Gabriela E. Mendoza — 2025-01-31

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, common in tropical and subtropical areas of the Americas. This study analyses the social determinants of health (SDH) associated with its incidence in South America, defined by the WHO as the conditions in which people are born, live and work. A systematic review of articles published between 2007 and 2023 identified key factors such as poverty, poor housing conditions, and limited access to drinking water, which favor mosquito reproduction and the spread of the disease. The impact of climate change and the geographical distribution of dengue in the region are also highlighted. The study concludes that addressing this problem requires comprehensive approaches that combine social, environmental, and public policy improvements to mitigate the prevalence and challenges associated with dengue.

Stigma associated with people with HIV in Latin America: a systematic review

Jesús V. Macías — 2025-01-31

One of the main consequences of having HIV is living with social stigma, where Latin American society expresses discrimination and ignorance. This article analyzes the current paradigm on the stigma associated with HIV-positive patients in Latin America. An exploratory systematic review was carried out, which used Scopus and SciELO as information sources of works published between 2013 and 2023. Inclusion criteria were applied: articles related to HIV and scientific publications in English and Spanish. The exclusion criteria were duplicate theses and articles. From the content analysis, four themes were identified: quality of life of people with HIV in Latin America, stigma towards people with HIV, paradigms in Latin American society regarding HIV, and strategies to eliminate stigma toward people with HIV. It was determined that the lack of education about sexuality and HIV contributes to the continuity of stigmas in Latin American society based on prejudices and erroneous beliefs.

Bioethics and health in times of climate crisis: an analysis of the book "Climate change: let’s act from the Health sector"

Mario A. García — 2025-01-31

The book "Climate Change: Let’s Act from the Health Sector" by Eugenio Radamés Borroto Cruz and Patricia María Jiménez López, published in 2024 by Editorial San Gregorio (Portoviejo, Ecuador), is a fundamental work that connects the ethical, scientific, and practical challenges of climate change with public health. Divided into eight chapters, this publication combines scientific rigor and ethical sensitivity to emphasize the urgency of addressing climate change from the health sector and other interconnected areas. From the introduction, the authors highlight the severity of climate change as the principal risk to public health in the 21st century. This is a multidimensional phenomenon with implications ranging from heat waves and vector-borne diseases to food insecurity and forced migrations.

Simplified Oral Hygiene Index in patients from the Dental Clinic III of Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí in 2023

Ruth A. Samaniego — 2025-01-31

Biofilm is identified as the primary risk factor for developing oral infections such as caries and periodontal disease. The study aimed to determine the simplified oral hygiene IHOS level in patients who attended Dental Clinic III in the Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí dentistry course period 2023-2. An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 273 patients who attended the Dental Clinic III in the ULEAM Dentistry Course period 2023-2. The majority of patients were female (60.1%). The IHOS value was 1.40, distributed in 0.92 for the plaque component and 0.48 for the calculus component. Among patients with good IHOS, 62.7% were female. On the contrary, among those with the IHOS within the lousy category, the proportion was 54.5% for the male gender compared to 45.5% for the female gender.

Poverty as a determinant associated with the main diseases identified in inhabitants of Lodana, Ecuador

Valeria D. Macías — 2025-01-31

This research addressed the close relationship between poverty and the prevalence of diseases in the Lodana parish, Santa Ana, Manabí, Ecuador. Its main objective was to analyze how poverty influences health by identifying the primary diseases in a vulnerable population and exploring contextually adapted interventions to improve access to healthcare. A descriptive cross-sectional study methodology was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative analysis through surveys and semi-structured interviews with a sample of thirty people. The most relevant results revealed that poverty, as a social determinant, significantly impacts health, limiting access to essential services, education, and adequate living conditions. The conclusions emphasize the need to implement public policies that address geographic and socioeconomic disparities to promote equitable and sustainable socioeconomic development in Ecuador's most disadvantaged regions.

Modifiable risk factors that influence the prevalence of diabetes mellitus II in the Quebrada “La Paja” community

Luis Á. Astudillo — 2025-01-31

Diabetes mellitus II is a common health problem associated with cultural and social changes, in addition to a sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, and an unbalanced diet. The influence of lifestyles on the prevalence of diabetes mellitus II in the Quebrada “La Paja” community was analyzed. A cross-sectional, descriptive, observational research was conducted from April to September 2023. The most prevalent risk factors were coffee consumption, alcoholism, and smoking. The majority of the general population did not engage in physical activities. The influence of lifestyles and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus II was demonstrated. The findings indicated that unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, and consumption of substances such as coffee, alcohol, and tobacco were modifiable risk factors that contribute to the increase in diabetes mellitus II.

Lifestyles of the residents of the Quebrada “La Paja” community, Ecuador

Lisa M. Alcívar — 2025-01-31

The study examines the lifestyles of Ecuador's Quebrada “La Paja” community inhabitants, highlighting their impact on health. It is established that lifestyles are crucial to quality of life and that an unbalanced diet and sedentary lifestyle can lead to chronic diseases. The methodology included surveys of 113 people in the community, spanning various ages and genders, to assess their dietary habits and physical activity levels. The results revealed that although most respondents were active through daily work and recreational activities such as soccer, there was also a high consumption of television as a form of leisure, which could contribute to sedentary lifestyles. It is concluded that, despite regular physical activity, the community faces health risks due to inadequate eating habits and a lack of awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, highlighting the need for educational and public health interventions.

Lifestyles associated with sedentary lifestyles in the community Quebrada “La Paja”, Ecuador

Jelitza N. Carranza — 2025-01-31

A sedentary lifestyle, defined as the practice of physical activity for less than 15 minutes and less than three times per week, is a modifiable factor in chronic noncommunicable diseases. This study aimed to analyze the lifestyles associated with sedentary lifestyles in the Quebrada “La Paja” community in Portoviejo. A non-experimental, cross-sectional, exploratory, and descriptive study was conducted with 103 people from 24 families. The results indicated that most of the population leads a sedentary lifestyle, with low consumption of fruits and vegetables. In addition, a sedentary lifestyle was related to specific occupations and low educational levels; 29.17% of the participants did not perform any physical activity. It was concluded that work occupation, low educational level, and unhealthy eating habits are key factors in sedentary lifestyles.

Arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus type II in the community El Gramal, Portoviejo

Andrés S. Palma — 2025-01-31

Arterial hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus are chronic non-communicable diseases that affect the quality of life of the population of El Gramal. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and risk factors associated with both diseases in a sample of 261 people. The research was conducted between June and August 2023, using a descriptive and cross-sectional approach. The results showed that 72.55% of the participants had arterial hypertension, while 27.45% had type II diabetes mellitus. Factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, a diet rich in carbohydrates, and alcohol consumption significantly influenced the prevalence of these diseases. The study concluded that unhealthy lifestyles are a key factor in the development of hypertension and diabetes in the community, underscoring the need to implement interventions to improve lifestyles and control these chronic conditions.

Health diagnosis of the Cañales de Bijahual community, Portoviejo, period June - September 2023

Nelson E. Andrade — 2025-01-31

This study examines the health situation of the Cañales de Bijahual community, Abdón Calderón, Portoviejo canton, during the period June-September 2023. It is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and observational research with a mixed quantitative-qualitative approach. Data collection included demographic characterization, living conditions, and the main health problems of the community. The results revealed a heterogeneous population structure by age and sex, with identified dispensary groups associated with communicable diseases such as dengue and non-communicable chronic diseases like hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus. Additionally, the primary barriers to accessing health services were found to be related to the community's geographic location, which contributes to the persistence of these health issues. In conclusion, it is essential to implement intervention strategies that promote access to health services and educational programs focused on preventing and managing these diseases, aiming to improve the population's quality of life and prevent long-term complications.

Management of sexually transmitted diseases at the Jipijapa Type B Health Center, Ecuador

Génesis F. Zambrano — 2025-01-31

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) continue to be a major challenge for global health due to their high level of prevalence and complications. This study identified key factors to improve the effectiveness of primary care in detecting and managing STDs. The literature on the prevalence and treatment of STDs in primary care was reviewed using a cross-sectional approach. The importance of early detection and appropriate management was highlighted in order to reduce complications such as infertility and the risk of HIV transmission. The barriers identified include lack of resources, social stigma, and insufficient sexual education, especially in low-income countries. The study concludes with recommendations to improve health personnel training and implement educational programs encouraging patient participation in preventing and treating STDs.

Willem Kolff: father of dialysis

Nayeli Tejena — 2025-01-31

Dialysis is a vital treatment for patients with chronic kidney failure, enabling the removal of metabolic waste and excess fluids when the kidneys cease to function. Although the idea of blood purification dates back to ancient times, Willem Kolff revolutionized the field by developing the first artificial kidney in 1943, earning the title "Father of Dialysis". This essay examines the historical evolution of dialysis, highlighting the challenges Kolff faced and his medical legacy. Before his innovation, chronic kidney failure was almost invariably fatal due to the lack of effective treatments. Earlier researchers such as Nollet, Dutrochet, and Graham laid the scientific foundation by studying osmosis and diffusion, essential dialysis principles. During World War II, Kolff built the first artificial kidney using rudimentary materials, successfully saving a patient’s life in 1945. Later, he refined this technology in the United States and contributed to developing advanced medical devices. Kolff's invention transformed kidney failure from a fatal condition to a manageable disease, although economic and infrastructural barriers still hinder global access. His legacy inspires modern medicine, emphasizing the importance of innovation in healthcare.

James Barry: between scalpels and secrets, a life that defied the norms

Jefferson J. Gutiérrez — 2025-01-31

James Barry, born like Margaret Ann Bulkley, faced rigid 19th-century rules after adopting a male identity to access medicine, a field forbidden to women. Her career included notable achievements such as the first documented Caesarean section in the British Empire with the survival of both mother and child, and reforms in military hospitals that improved sanitary conditions. Barry also promoted vaccination campaigns for marginalized groups, such as prisoners and lepers, revolutionizing public health. She performed as a good character and her obsession with hygiene and surgical innovation made her an influential figure. Her relationship with Lord Charles Somerset protected her secret, but generated controversies that marked her career. After her death, the discovery of her biological sex unleashed a scandal that did not overshadow her history in medicine.