Comparative analysis of stress levels and quality of life among medical students in Southern Asia and South Caucasus

Background: Medicine is a challenging study and is known for its demanding nature. This also results in increased stress levels among students. Understanding factors that influence stress and quality of life from medical students in different regions is important for the development of effective interventions and support systems. Methods: A meticulous quantitative method approach has been utilized. This research is done via data fetched through a questionnaire. Statistical analyses are comprised of t-tests and correlation tests to employ a dissection of quantitative data while the data is subjected to analysis to uncover the underlying patterns and nuances. These results showcase crucial disparities in the stress levels between medical students in Southern Asia and the South Caucasus while imparting light on factors impacting the quality of life experienced by students in both regions. Results: The implications of this study hold primary significance for sharing information with targeted interventions with an aim at bolstering the mental health and academic performance of medical students in both the areas of Southern Asia and the South Caucasus. Conclusions: The major objective of this study is to hold comparisons of stress levels and quality aspects of life in Southern Asia and South Caucasus, with the identification of the multifaceted factors that contribute to the stress levels among students in both regions, understanding the various challenges and sharing a glimpse of actionable implications for interventions which are aimed at bolstering students’ well-being.

Motivaciones de los estudiantes de fisioterapia para practicar actividad físico-deportiva / Motivations of physiotherapy students to practice sports and physical activity

Introducción. El sedentarismo es un problema de salud pública, siendo un riesgo latente para las enfermedades crónicas no trasmisibles. En un estudio previo en la Fundación Universitaria María Cano se encontró sedentarismo de 97% en estudiantes. El propósito del estudio es contribuir a la comprensión del comportamiento sedentario en estudiantes de fisioterapia, información clave para que la institución genere estrategias efectivas que incentiven la práctica físico-deportiva, considerando las motivaciones de los estudiantes. Metodología. Estudio de enfoque cuantitativo, diseño no experimental, de corte transversal. Participaron 178 estudiantes de Fisioterapia (I a VII semestre). Se aplicó un cuestionario sociodemográfico y el CAMIAF (Cuestionario de Actitudes, Motivaciones e Intereses hacia las Actividades Físico-deportivas). Resultados. Población joven, en su mayoría mujeres (77,5%), con edades entre 16 y 36 años, y media de 21,3 (DE: ±3,244). El 64% manifiesta no practicar deporte o actividad física (AF) de manera habitual. Se encuentra asociación significativa de la edad con los factores competencia (todas las variables), capacidad personal (por superarse), aventura (relacionarme y conocer gente), hedonismo (porque quiero ser celebre y popular) y forma física (para mejorar mi imagen y aspecto físico). El 92,2% de los participantes manifiestan que la Universidad motiva la práctica de AF con jornadas físicas permanentes (34,9%) y el incentivo académico (28,6%) Conclusiones. Entre las motivaciones para la práctica de AF predomina, en su orden, el factor competencia, social y recreativo, y el estético. El que genera menor motivación es el emocional. Limitaciones. El constructo motivacional es multidimensional; un abordaje cualitativo adicional podría mejorar la comprensión de los hallazgos.

Introduction. Sedentary lifestyle is a public health problem, being a latent risk for chronic non-communicable diseases. In a previous study at Fundación Universitaria María Cano, a sedentary lifestyle of 97% was found in students. The purpose of the study is to contribute to the understanding of sedentary behavior in physical therapy students, which is a key information for the institution to generate effective strategies to encourage sports and physical practice, considering the students' motivations. Methodology. A quantitative approach study, with a non-experimental and cross-sectional design. 178 physiotherapy students (1st to 7th semester) participated. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the CAMIAF (Questionnaire of Attitudes, Motivations, and Interests towards Physical-Sports Activities) were applied. Results. Young population, mostly women (77.5%), aged between 16 and 36, with an average of 21.3 (SD: ±3.244). Sixty-four percent stated that they did not practice sport or physical activity (PA) on a regular basis. A significant association was found between age and the following factors: competence (all variables), personal capacity (for self-im-provement), adventure (to socialize and meet people), hedonism (because I want to be famous and popular), and physical fitness (to improve my image and physical appear-ance). 92.2% of the participants state that the University motivates the practice of PA with permanent physical sessions (34.9%) and academic incentive (28.6%). Conclusions. Among the motivations for the practice of PA, the following factors predominate in this order: competition, social and recreational, and aesthetic. The least motivating factor was the emotional one.Limitations. The motivational construct is multidimensional; an additional quali-tative approach could improve the understanding of the findings.

Efectividad de un plan de apoyo a cuidadores en dos hospitales públicos de Granada (España) / Effectiveness of a Plan to Support Caregivers at Two Public Hospitals in Granada (Spain) / Efetividade de um plano de apoio a cuidadores em dois hospitais públicos de Granada (Espanha)

Objetivo: dos hospitales granadinos realizan una experiencia pionera implementando medidas de apoyo innovadoras para personas cuidadoras. Transcurridos dos años desde su implantación se plantea: ¿Las medidas implementadas han logrado los beneficios esperados en personas cuidadoras en hospitalización? Para responder se realiza un estudio con el objetivo de evaluar la efectividad de las medidas de apoyo a personas cuidadoras incluyendo propuestas de mejora. Materiales y métodos: estudio cualitativo, interpretativo, basado en la Teoría Fundamentada. Se realizaron 45 entrevistas en profundidad a personas cuidadoras con distintos perfiles, en los hospitales Virgen de las Nieves y Baza. Se ha seguido como estrategia de análisis la comparación constante y la codificación abierta y axial. Se contó con el apoyo del software Atlas.ti®. Resultados: las personas cuidadoras valoran positivamente la mayoría de las medidas, destacando personalización, educación, hostelería y accesos prioritarios. La identificación de enfermera y auxiliar referentes no siempre ha funcionado bien. La utilización de zonas de descanso habilitadas ha sido escasa, debido principalmente a su ubicación. Conclusiones: las medidas implementadas han mejorado el bienestar y la autoestima de las personas cuidadoras durante la hospitalización. Aportan una evidencia que anima a extenderlas a otros hospitales y mejorar el trato y el apoyo a este colectivo.

Purpose: Two hospitals in Granada are involved in a pioneering experience to implement innovative measures to support caregivers. Two years after the onset of that initiative, the question is: Are the measures implemented achieving the expected benefits for caregivers during hospitalization? A study was conducted to answer that question by evaluating the effectiveness of those measures, including suggestions for improvement. Study Materials and Methods: This is a qualitative, interpretive study based on grounded theory. Forty-five (45) in-depth interviews were conducted at the Virgen de las Nieves and Baza hospitals with caregivers who have different profiles. The strategy for analysis involved constant comparison and open and axial coding, supported by Atlas.ti® software. Results: The caregivers reacted positively to most of the measures, highlighting personalization, education, accommodation and priority access. Use of the term nurse and auxiliary nurse as a form of identification has not always worked well. Only limited use has been made of the areas outfitted for rest and relaxation, mainly due to their location. Conclusions: The measures implemented have improved the well-being and self-esteem of caregivers during hospitalization. Moreover, they provide evidence that encourages their extension to other hospitals to improve the way this group is treated and the support it receives.

Objetivo: dois hospitais granadinos realizam uma experiência pioneira implementando medidas de apoio inovadoras para pessoas cuidadoras. Transcorridos dois anos de sua implantação, propõe-se: as medidas implantadas têm atingido os benefícios esperados em pessoas cuidadoras em hospitalização? Para responder a essa pergunta, realiza-se um estudo com o objetivo de avaliar a efetividade das medidas de apoio a pessoas cuidadoras em que são incluídas propostas de melhoria. Materiais e métodos: estudo qualitativo, interpretativo, baseado na Teoria Fundamentada. Realizaram-se 45 entrevistas em profundidade a pessoas cuidadoras com diferentes perfis, nos hospitais Virgen de las Nieves e Baza. Como estratégia de análise, foi seguida a comparação constante e a codificação aberta e axial. Contou-se com o apoio do software Atlas.ti®. Resultados: as pessoas cuidadoras valorizam positivamente a maioria das medidas e destacam: personalização, educação, hotelaria e acessos prioritários. A identificação de enfermeira e auxiliar referentes nem sempre tem funcionado bem. A utilização de áreas de descanso habilitadas é escassa, devido, principalmente, a sua localização. Conclusões: as medidas implantadas têm melhorado o bem-estar e a autoestima das pessoas cuidadoras durante a hospitalização. Além disso, estimulam sua extensão a outros hospitais e melhoram o tratamento e o apoio a esse coletivo.

Experiencia en la coordinación de programasde bienestar universitario: la tensión entre elasistencialismo y el desarrollo humano de losestudiantes / Experience in the coordination of university wellness programs, the tension between assistentialism and the human development of students

Objetivo: comprender la experiencia en la coordinación deprogramas de bienestar universitario en facultades e institutosde la Universidad de Antioquia, Colombia. Metodología: serealizó una investigación cualitativa utilizando como métodola teoría fundada, participaron coordinadores de bienestaruniversitario del campus central y sedes regionales enentrevistas a profundidad individuales, además se realizaronregistros de observación. Resultados: Cuando se habla deprogramas de intervención dirigidos por las coordinaciones debienestar universitario aparece una tensión entre los programasde tipo asistencialista, enfocados en el subsidio y la supleciónde necesidades inmediatas como alimentación y transporte,y los programas que apuntan a promover el bienestar como una dimensión del desarrollo humano, además de ser parte dela formación de los estudiantes en su proceso de aprendizajedurante el paso por la universidad. También aparecencondiciones de precariedad laboral y direccionamiento disparde las intervenciones con diferentes niveles de implementacióny de alcance. Discusión: se debate en cuanto al alcance,la pertinencia y la finalidad de los programas, como uncomplemento en la formación de profesionales, albergandola posibilidad de generar nuevas propuestas a partir delreconocimiento de necesidades que tienen los coordinadorespara el desarrollo de su tarea...

Objective: to understand the experience regarding thecoordination of university welfare programs in schoolsand departments of the University of Antioquia, Colombia.Methodology: a qualitative, grounded theory approach wastaken to this study. University welfare coordinators of the centralcampus and of six regional branch offices of the Universitytook part in this research. In-depth interviews and observationrecords were made. Results: tension was observed in thefield of intervention programs directed by university wellnesscoordination offices. This tension occurs between assistentialistprograms, which focus on subsidizing and addressingimmediate needs such as nutrition and transportation, and theprograms that aim to promote well-being as a dimension ofhuman development and are part of the studentsÆ training duringtheir stay at the university. Also precarious working conditionsand dissimilar direction of the interventions with differentlevels of implementation and scope appear. Discussion: Thescope, relevance and purpose of the programs are discussedas a complement of the professionalsÆ training, considering thepossibility of generating new proposals by recognizing what thecoordinators need in order to carry out their tasks...

Lazer e qualidade de vida: considerações frente ao processo de envelhecimento / Leisure and quality of life: considerations about the aging process

Objetivos: Avaliar a correlação entre lazer e qualidade de vida e investigar diferenças entre idosos e adultos com idade entre 50 e 59 anos.Métodos: Foram incluídos no estudo sujeitos de ambos os gêneros, frequentadores de um centro de convivência para idosos de um municípiodo interior do estado de São Paulo. Foram utilizados os instrumentos Word Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Bref (WHOQOLBref),versão em português, e a Escala de Avaliação do Lazer (EAVLA). Para verificar a correlação entre os fatores do lazer e domínios daqualidade de vida e diferenças de média entre grupos de diferentes idades, foram utilizadas correlação de Pearson e teste t de Student. Paraanalisar a influência do lazer na qualidade de vida foi aplicado um modelo de equações estruturais.Resultados: Participaram 106 sujeitos, divididos em Grupo 1 (50-59 anos) e Grupo 2 (60-82 anos). Na correlação entre lazer em geral equalidade de vida, o coeficiente de Pearson correspondeu a 0,32 no domínio relações sociais (correlação positiva moderada), 0,28 no do meioambiente e 0,20 no global (correlações positivas fracas). Por meio do modelo de equações estruturais, o lazer explicou 10% da qualidade devida. Não houve diferença na qualidade de vida entre os dois grupos. Nas atividades de lazer socioculturais, o Grupo 1 apresentou média de88,52±15,58, enquanto o Grupo 2 obteve 96,41±13,37 (p=0,009).Conclusões: As atividades socioculturais obtiveram maior pontuação no grupo com até 59 anos. Em que pese a baixa ou moderada correlaçãoentre os construtos, este estudo confirmou que o lazer foi um componente relevante na qualidade de vida de pessoas com idade entre 50 e 82anos e sugere aprofundar os estudos com essa população, visando verificar com maior precisão a contribuição mútua entre estes construtos eo manejo de variáveis em processos de intervenção.

Aims: To evaluate the correlation between leisure and quality of life and to investigate differences between elderly and adults aged between 50 and 59 years.Methods: The study included subjects of both genders, attendees of a community center for the elderly in a municipality in the state of São Paulo. The instruments Word Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument Bref (WHOQOL-Bref) in its Portuguese version and Leisure Assessment Scale (EAVLA) were used. To verify the correlation between leisure factors and domains of quality of life, as well as differences between the groups with more and less than 60 years old, Pearson correlation and Student t test were used. To analyze the influence of leisure on the quality of life, a model of structural equations was applied.Results: The study included 106 subjects, divided into Group 1 (50-59 years) and Group 2 (60-82 years). Considering correlation between general leisure and quality of life, the Pearson coefficient corresponded to 0.32 in the social relationships domain (moderate positive correlation), to 0.28 in the environmental domain and to 0.20 in the global quality of life (weak positive correlations). By means of the structural equation model, leisure corresponded to 10% of quality of life. There was no difference in quality of life between the two groups. In the socio-cultural leisure activities, the Group 1 had an average of 88.52±15.58, while Group 2 had 96.41±13.37 (p=0.009).Conclusions: Sociocultural activities scored higher in the group aged up to 59 years. Despite the low or moderate correlation between constructs, this study confirmed that leisure was an important component in the quality of life of people aged between 50 and 82 years and suggests further studies with this population, in order to ascertain more precisely the mutual assistance between these constructs and the handling of variables in intervention processes.