Problematic use of the internet as a predictor of oral health-related quality of life: the mediating role of lifestyles in Peruvian schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: The pervasiveness of the Internet in everyday life, especially among young people, has raised concerns about its effects on mental health, education, and, recently, oral health. Previous research has suggested a complex relationship between Problematic Internet Use (PIU), lifestyles, and oral health-related quality of life, highlighting the need to examine these interactions further. This study seeks to explore the PIU as a predictor of oral health-related quality of life and examine the mediating role of lifestyles between both in a sample of Peruvian schoolchildren. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 293 Peruvian students aged 12 to 17 years (M = 14.42, SD = 1.5), using structural equations to analyze the relationship between PIU, lifestyles, and quality of life related to oral health. The data collection procedure was through a face-to-face survey. Validated instruments measured PIU, lifestyles, and oral health-related quality of life. The study's theoretical model was analyzed through structural equation modeling with the MLR estimator. The fit assessment was performed using the comparative fit index (CFI), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), and standardized root mean square residual (SRMR). RESULTS: They indicated significant correlations between PIU, lifestyles, and oral health-related quality of life. A negative influence of PIU on lifestyles (ß = -0.30, p < .001) and on oral health-related quality of life (ß = -0.35, p < .001) was observed, as well as a positive relationship between PIU and oral health-related quality of life (ß = 0.29, p < .001). The mediation of lifestyles was statistically significant, suggesting that they mediate the relationship between PIU and oral health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms that PIU can negatively affect adolescents' oral health-related quality of life, mediated by unhealthy lifestyles. It underlines the importance of promoting balanced Internet use and healthy lifestyles among young people to improve their oral well-being.

Correction: Prevalence and factors associated with self-reported anxiety in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and Spain: A cross-sectional Ibero-American study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280528.].

Factors Associated with the Health-Related Self-Care Capacity of Overweight and Obese People.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between beliefs about obese people and health-related self-care among overweight and obese people, considering sociodemographic aspects. This study adopted a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 207 participants selected through a simple random sampling method. The "Beliefs About Obese Persons Scale" (BAOP) and the "Self-Care Agency Rating Scale-Revised" (ASA-R) questionnaires were applied to data collection. The results showed that 82.6% believed that obesity is a condition the individual cannot control, and 74.4% expressed inadequate self-care regarding their health. A multivariate analysis found that belonging to the adult age group increases the probability of presenting adequate health-related self-care by 4.7 times (95% CI = 1.892-11.790) compared to older adults. The belief that obesity is an uncontrollable condition increases the probability of inadequate self-care by 6.3 times (95% CI = 2.360-16.924), in contrast to the perception that it is a controllable condition. Moreover, overweight people are 0.139 times (95% CI = 0.044-0.443) less likely to have adequate self-care compared to people with obesity. In conclusion, being an adult and having the belief that obesity is a condition that can be controlled is associated with adequate health-related self-care, while being overweight is associated with inadequate health care.

Mood and Sleep Quality in Peruvian Medical Students During COVID-19 Pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The prolongation and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an uncertain and devastating panorama in many populations, and the evidence shows a high prevalence of mental health problems in medical students. The objective was to evaluate the association between mood disorders and sleep quality (SQ) in Peruvian medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 310 medical students from a private university in Peru. The SQ was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while mood disorders were evaluated using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). All information was collected by online surveys and then analysed in the R programming language. RESULTS: The SQ results measured by PSQI were poor in 83.9% of the medical students. In the Poison regression analysis, the results of the bivariate analysis in men show that all mood disorders found the prevalence of poor SQ. However, in the multivariate analysis only stress (PRa=1.30; 95% CI, 1.08-1.57; P<0.01) and anxiety (PRa=1.34; 95% CI, 1.09-1.56; P <0.01) increased the prevalence of poor SQ. Women had a similar pattern in bivariate analysis, whereas in multivariate analysis, only severe stress (PRa=1.15; 95% CI, 1.01-1.29; P <0.05) increased the prevalence of poor SQ. CONCLUSIONS: This study allows us to observe the consequences that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on medical students in Peru. It also revealed a population group vulnerable to poor quality of sleep and bad mood, which in the future will impact on health. It is suggested to educate medical students about the importance of proper sleep hygiene and the consequences of poor sleep hygiene practices.

Analysis of adherence to a healthy lifestyle among vegetarian and non-vegetarian Peruvian university students: A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Evidence shows that a healthy lifestyle can promote physical and mental well-being in the general population. However, there are few studies that assess the adherence to a healthy lifestyle in vegetarian and non-vegetarian university students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in adherence to a healthy lifestyle between vegetarian and non-vegetarian university students in Peru. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out considering data from 6,846 students selected by non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The Diet and Healthy Lifestyle Scale (DEVS), the Peruvian validation of the Vegetarian Lifestyle Index (VLI), was used. In addition, sociodemographic and anthropometric data such as weight and height were collected. Body mass index (BMI) was also calculated. RESULTS: Semi-vegetarian and vegetarian students had a high healthy lifestyle score compared to non-vegetarians. In addition, vegetarian diets showed a significantly higher proportion among students with a lower BMI (normal and underweight). Students with excess body weight (overweight and obesity) were less likely to report healthy lifestyle. In the overall population analyzed, it was observed that the levels of health and lifestyle behaviors, such as daily exercise and sunlight exposure, were mostly moderate and low. Additionally, sweets intake was high, while healthy food consumption such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains was low. CONCLUSION: The current findings show that although vegetarians had better adherence to a healthy lifestyle, interventions in the university setting are needed to improve healthy lifestyle in university students.

Self-Efficacy of the Community Health Agent, Importance of Motivation and Empowerment.

INTRODUCTION: The community health agent plays an essential role as a link between the community and health institutions; the effectiveness of their work is crucial in promoting health, prevention, and detection of diseases. Motivation and empowerment could affect the performance of the community agent in carrying out his work. OBJECTIVE: To determine if work motivation and empowerment are factors associated with the self-efficacy of the community health agent. METHODOLOGY: Observational and cross-sectional study. The study included community health agents in the Non-Governmental Organization ADRA in Imbabura and Pichincha, Ecuador. The sample selected by the census method corresponds to 300 agents. The instruments were the Motivation at Work Scale (R-MAWS), the Psychological Empowerment Scale, and the Professional Self-efficacy Questionnaire (AU10). Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using dispersion and summary measures-a comparative analysis with chi-square. The inferential analysis was done through logistic regression where the B coefficient and the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were evaluated, P < .05. The theoretical and adjusted model of the structural model allowed us to corroborate the association of the variables. RESULTS: Motivation had a positive effect on self-efficacy (OR = 10.091, CI [5.509-18.485], P < .05), empowerment had a minimal effect (OR = 0.664, CI [0.363-1.214], P > .05), which is not significant to predict the perception of self-efficacy. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that to improve the self-efficacy of the work of community health agents, it is necessary to intervene through strategies that keep them motivated in the exercise of their mediation work between the community and health institutions. Likewise, empowering them would contribute to self-efficacy and thus help in the fulfillment of the functions of health agents.

Concern About Returning to Face-to-Face Classes After the Pandemic: Importance of Emotional Intelligence and Stress Coping Strategies in Health Science Students.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a new normality, a scenario where different circumstances trigger emotions such as concern about returning to face-to-face classes, to which higher education students adapt. The objective was to identify how emotional intelligence and coping with stress explain students' concern about returning to face-to-face classes post COVID-19. Methods: This was an explanatory and cross-sectional study. The sample by intention was 588 students from the Faculty of Health Sciences. The Rotterdam Emotional Intelligence Scale (REIS), the Stress Coping Questionnaire (CAE), and the ACAD-COVID-19 scale were used. For data collection, the instruments were digitized. Bivariate analysis with Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression was performed. Results: The mean age of the participants was 19.72 years; most were single and without children (96.9% and 96.8%, respectively). 74.3% did not work, 80.8% were from the first years of study, and 52.7% belonged to nursing school. About 94.2% of participants indicated having adequate emotional intelligence, 91.3% expressed coping with adequate stress, and 67.2% indicated serious concern about returning to face-to-face classes. An association was found between gender (p=0.042), age (p=0.002), year of study (p=0.027), emotional intelligence (p=0.001), and coping with stress (p=0.001) with concern for return to face-to-face classes. Emotional intelligence identified as adequate (OR: 2.580; IC95%: 1.117-5.960) and coping with stress identified as adequate (OR: 2.008; IC95%: 1.018-3.960) are more likely to express serious concern about the return to face-to-face classes after the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: According to the results, the need to safeguard the psychological aspects of students is highlighted, especially emotional intelligence, as well as to improve coping with stress so that they can better manage concerns about returning to face-to-face classes. The educational authorities should implement strategies to improve these aspects in order to ensure the adequate return to face-to-face classes in new scenarios.

Association Between Family Support and Coping Strategies of People With Covid-19: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: The study aimed to determine the association between family support and coping strategies of people diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods: The study was analytical and cross-sectional. The sample consisted of 500 participants who were selected by non-probabilistic and snowball sampling and included residents of both sexes who belonged to the city of Lima, with a diagnosis of COVID-19, who lived with relatives, and who accepted to participate in the research. For data collection, the scales "family support" and "Coping and Adaptation Process-Coping Adaptation Processing Scale (CAPS)" were used. The technique used was the survey through the home visit and the questionnaire instrument. To measure the relationship of the study variables, binary logistic regression was chosen, considering coping strategies as the dependent variable and socio-demographic data and family support as independent variables. Results: Of the 500 participants, 50.4% were women, and 49.6% were men. The results revealed that most participants presented a high capacity for coping strategies and high perceived family support (97.2% and 81%, respectively). In the bivariate analysis, socio-demographic aspects and family support and their dimensions were related to high or low capacity for coping strategies. Significant differences were verified between marital status (p=0.026), having children (p=0.037), family support (p=0.000), and its dimensions with coping strategies. Finally, the multivariate analysis found that people with COVID-19 who perceived high family support were 33.74 times (95% CI: 7266-156,739) more likely to have a high capacity for coping strategies. Conclusion: Therefore, it is necessary to promote the development of parental and family support skills in the face of the health emergency caused by COVID-19.

Preventive measures and concern for SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with lifestyle changes in the Peruvian population.

The study was conducted to establish the association between knowledge of preventive measures and concern about SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection and lifestyle changes in the Peruvian population during the health emergency. This was an analytical and cross-sectional study, with a voluntary non-probabilistic sample of 1101 Peruvian population over 18 years old, from the three regions of the country (Coast, Highlands, and Jungle) who answered the digital questionnaires between June and July 2021. The questionnaires "Knowledge about preventive measures on COVID-19″, PRE-COVID-19, and "Changes in lifestyles during the pandemic," instruments validated in the Peruvian population, were used to determine the association of the variables, the Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used, considering changes in lifestyles as the dependent variable. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the participants, 57.4% were women, 42.6% were men, with an average age of 30.9 years (SD = 13.14). The descriptive analysis showed that 50.8% of the participants were not worried about SARS-CoV-2 infection, 72.2% knew about preventive measures, and 56.4% stated that they had changed their lifestyles during the pandemic. A significant association was found between educational level (p = 0.000), having a job (p = 0.048), and being worried about SARS-CoV-2 infection (p = 0.001) with lifestyle changes. In the regression analysis, technical/higher education (95% CI = 1.51-2.67) and being worried about SARS-CoV-2 infection (95% CI = 1.71-1.91) were associated with lifestyle changes during the pandemic. The greater the degree of education and concern or fear of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the greater the lifestyle changes.

Psychometric evaluation and invariance of the Spanish version of the Block Fat Screener (BFS-E) in university students.

Introduction: University students constantly face a number of health challenges related to an unhealthy diet, characterized by a high intake of saturated fats. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Block Fat Screener (BFS-E) food frequency questionnaire in a university population. Methods: An observational analytical study of instrumental type was carried out in 5608 Peruvian university students. Based on the Block Fat Screener questionnaire, a back-translation and cultural adaptation process was carried out. The validity of the questionnaire was determined through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), hypothesizing a unidimensional structure. For the determination of reliability, the alpha coefficients were considered; likewise, the ω and H coefficients were used to evaluate the construct. The model explained 63% of the cumulative variance. Results: The CFA confirmed the unidimensionality of the 16-item questionnaire with appropriate goodness-of-fit indicators; therefore, which model of the Peruvian version adequately fits the observed data. The values of the reliability coefficients were higher than 0.90, with ordinal α = 0.94, ω = 0.94, and H = 0.95. Conclusion: The Spanish version of the Block Fat Screener food frequency questionnaire presents adequate psychometric properties and is therefore a valid scale to quickly measure fat intake in university students in a Latin American context.

Prevalence and factors associated with self-reported anxiety in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and Spain: A cross-sectional Ibero-American study.

The present study evaluated the factors associated with the perception of anxiety during the first wave of covid-19 in Ibero-American countries. This cross-sectional study was carried out with 5.845 participants of both sexes, over 18 years of age, and residents of four Latin American countries-Argentina (16.7%), Brazil (34.5%), Mexico (11.1%), and Peru (17.5%), and one European country-Spain (20.1%). Data were collected in 2020, between April 1st and June 30th in Spain and between July 13th and September 26th in the Latin American countries. We used an online questionnaire with sociodemographic, lifestyle, self-reported anxiety, and covid-19 related questions. The chi-square statistical test and Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to analyze the factors associated with self-reported anxiety. The presence of self-reported anxiety was found in 63.8% of the participants during the isolation period. The association occurred mainly in women (OR:1.52; CI: 1.3-1.7), those aged 18 to 29 years (OR: 1.51; CI: 1.2-1.9) and 30 to 49 years (OR: 1.56; CI: 1.3-1.9), residents of Argentina (OR: 1.55 CI: 1.2-1.9), Brazil (OR: 2.38; CI: 2.0-2.8) and Mexico (OR: 1.52; CI: 1.2-1.9), those who gained weight (OR:1.71 CI: 1.5-1.9) or lost weight (OR: 1.40; CI: 1.2-1.6), and those who reported having slept more (OR: 1.56; CI: 1.3-1.8) or less (OR: 2.89; CI: 2.5-3.4). We conclude that the prevalence of self-reported anxiety in Ibero-American countries was high during the period studied, highlighting a higher likelihood of its occurrence in Brazil, in those who began to sleep less and gained weight.

Dietary practices and nutritional status of children served in a social program for surrogate mothers in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Dietary practices are acquired in the family context and in turn can affect the health of family members, especially the nutritional status of children. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between nutritional status and feeding practices in children from foster families served by the SOS Children's Villages program in Cartagena, Colombia. METHODS: The study had a cross-sectional design. Through a non-probabilistic purposive sampling, 139 children from 0 to 5 years of age from the SOS Children's Villages Cartagena program were involved. The sociodemographic background of the participants was recorded and the nutritional status of the children was evaluated through anthropometric and biochemical measurements. Dietary practices were measured by means of a standardized questionnaire. Analyses were performed with Poisson regression models with robust variance. These regression models provided prevalence ratios (PR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: Among dietary practices, it was observed that most families eat together at home (63.3%), watch television when they eat (55.4%), and have dietary norms (80.6%). Consumption of plant foods was predominantly high, especially vegetables (86.3%), fruits (92.1%), cereals (84.9%), root vegetables, and bananas (93.5%). Consumption < 4 times/week of soft drinks and industrialized juices increases 14.3 times the probability of low weight-for-height in the study population compared to the group that does not consume them. On the other hand, watching television while eating (PR: 2.82, 95%CI 1.32-4.69) and consumption of sweet snacks (PR: 2.24, 95%CI 1.03-4.87) increased the probability of low height-for-age; while having eaten norms at home decreased the probability of low height-for-age in the study population by 50%. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to develop and implement interventions such as preventive measures and early diagnosis of inappropriate feeding behaviors to ensure adequate nutritional status among children under 5 years of age.

Food insecurity associated with self-reported mental health outcomes in Peruvian households during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The global pandemic of COVID-19 and the social distancing efforts implemented worldwide to limit its spread have disrupted the economy, increased food insecurity, and mental health problems. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the association between food insecurity and mental health outcomes (stress, depression, and anxiety) in Peruvian households during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional investigation was conducted with 525 participants of both sexes (68% women), over 18 years of age and from the three geographic regions of Peru: Coast (54.9%), Highlands (28.4%), and Jungle (16.8%). The data were collected during the year 2021, between July 6 and September 22 through a self-administered online survey designed to assess socio-demographic, socioeconomic, food insecurity, and mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, and stress). Results: The majority of households (71.4%) experienced some degree of food insecurity. Mild food insecurity was the most frequent, affecting 49.1%, followed by moderate 15.4%, and severe 6.9%. Regarding mental health outcomes, 24.8% manifested depression, 26.7% anxiety, and 15.3% stress. With respect to the association between the level of food insecurity and anxiety, this was highly significant (p < 0.01). Households with mild, moderate and severe food insecurity are 2.04, 4.5, and 10.44 times, respectively, more likely to have moderate-severe anxiety. On the other hand, the mild food insecurity was not associated with moderate-severe depression. In contrast, households with moderate and severe food insecurity are 2.8 and 5.7 times, respectively, more likely to have moderate-severe depression. Finally, households with moderate food insecurity are 5.9 times more likely to have moderate-severe stress, and households with severe food insecurity are 8.5 times more likely to have moderate-severe stress, both having a highly significant association (p < 0.01). Conclusion: In conclusion, during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru, household food insecurity was independently associated with worse mental health outcomes. Monitoring of both food insecurity and mental health will be important as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Psychometric Analysis of the Quarantine Coping Strategies Scale (Q-COPE) in the Spanish Language.

The possibility of facing an epidemic or pandemic resulting in mandatory isolation or quarantine has become a relevant construct for comparing and evaluating coping strategies under such conditions. The objective of this research was to develop and analyze the psychometric properties of a scale to assess quarantine coping strategies (Q-COPE). This was an instrumental study and 1110 Peruvian adults (M = 26.9 years; SD = 9.77) participated in the context of social isolation. For the construction of the scale, qualitative and quantitative procedures were followed. The internal structure was evaluated by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The content analysis by expert judges supports the representativeness of the items related to the construct. EFA and CFA allowed the establishment of five factors: Emotional regulation, Information, Accommodation, Social support, and Altruism. The first-order model presents adequate goodness-of-fit indices: χ2 = 489.048, df = 220, χ2/df = 2.223, SRMR = 0.025, CFI = 0.969, TLI = 0.965, RMSEA = 0.047. Likewise, the second order model presented similar values: χ2 = 499.674, df = 225, χ2/df = 2.221, SRMR = 0.026, CFI = 0.969, TLI = 0.965, RMSEA = 0.047. The 23-item version was consistent with the proposed theory, obtained adequate fit indices and acceptable factor loadings (>0.70), and presented good internal consistency indexes evaluated by Cronbach's α, ordinal α, omega (ω), and H coefficient. It is concluded that the Q-COPE scale presents good psychometric properties that justify its use in an adult population and allows the assessment of the coping strategies that people use in the face of a quarantine situation.

Depression Associated with Caregiver Quality of Life in Post-COVID-19 Patients in Two Regions of Peru.

Due to COVID-19, the workload experienced by caregivers has increased markedly which has led them to experience fatigue, anxiety and depression. This study aims to determine the relationship between quality of life and depression in caregivers of post-COVID-19 patients in two regions of Peru. In a cross-sectional analytical study, the sample was non-probabilistic and by snowball, and consisted of 730 caregivers, to whom the questionnaires "Modified Betty Ferell Quality of Life" and the "Beck Depression Inventory" were applied. It was determined that being a male caregiver (OR: 2.119; 95% CI: 1.332-3.369) was associated with a good quality of life. On the other hand, caregivers who had children (OR: 0.391; 95% CI: 0.227-0.675), were vaccinated against COVID-19 (OR: 0.432; 95% CI: 0.250-0.744), were immediate family members (OR: 0.298; 95% CI: 0.117-0.761) and had high depression (OR: 0.189; 95% CI: 0.073-0.490) were associated with poor quality of life. The results of this study allow us to conclude the association between depression and poor quality of life in caregivers of these patients so it is necessary to monitor the mental health of caregivers, and to develop adaptation strategies to pandemic conditions.

Association Between Perceived Access to Healthcare and the Perception of Illness Among Peruvian Adults with Chronic Diseases During COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the provision of care for patients with chronic diseases. Due to social restrictions and reductions in contact with health services, the negative perception of chronic disease is expected to have increased. The aim of this study was to determine the association between perceived access to healthcare and the perception of illness among Peruvian population with chronic disease. It was a cross-sectional analytical study, with a sample of 987 inhabitants to whom the questionnaires "Coverage of health services" and "The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire" (BIPQ) were applied. Having health insurance (PRa = 0.683; 95% CI = 0.613-0.761) acts as a protective factor for a positive illness perception of chronic disease, however, a waiting time greater than 3 months to obtain a medical appointment (PRa = 1.417; 95% CI = 1.319-1.522) and poor access to health services (PRa = 1.435; 95% CI = 1.226-1.681) resulted in the probability of a negative illness perception of chronic disease. Thus, there is an association between perceived poor access to healthcare and the negative illness perception of chronic disease in Peruvian population during pandemic COVID-19.

Validity and Reliability of a Brief Scale of Intention to Vaccinate Against COVID-19 in a Peruvian Sample.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of a brief scale measuring intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 in a Peruvian sample in the context of the current pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional and instrumental study was carried out. A total of 547 Peruvian citizens selected through non-probability convenience sampling participated. Considering existing theories of vaccination hesitancy, 12 items were proposed that evaluate the intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 and the internal structure was evaluated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was analyzed with the ordinal alpha coefficient. RESULTS: The exploratory factor analysis yielded a structure of 2 oblique factors that explain 69% of the total variance and the items saturated between 0.52 and 0.97. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that, of 4 models analyzed, the fourth model that was composed of 6 items presented optimal indices of goodness-of-fit (X2 = 11.089, P = .197, CFI = 0.999, TLI = 0.999, RMSEA = 0.034 [IC 90%, 0.000-0.077], SRMR = 0.016). Reliability analysis through the ordinal alpha coefficient yielded that the brief scale of intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 has adequate internal consistency (α = .91). CONCLUSIONS: The brief scale of intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 presents adequate psychometric properties that demonstrate validity and reliability and can be used in future research and clinical practice.

Predictors of Intention to Vaccinate Against COVID-19 in a Peruvian Sample.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination against COVID-19 is considered one of the most effective strategies to control this global public health crisis. However, vaccine hesitancy is one of the main threats to mitigating the pandemic. The present study aimed to identify predictors of intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 in 3 geographical regions of Peru. METHODS: An online analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants were selected by non-probability convenience sampling and size was estimated using the online statistical calculator proposed by Soper. A total of 529 Peruvian nationals completed the questionnaires. Student's t-test and Fisher's F test (ANOVA) were used. A significance level of .05 was considered. RESULTS: Face-to-face work (ß = 2.037, P < .001), fear of COVID-19 (ß = .461, P < .001), vaccine confidence (ß = 2.881, P < .001) and trust in health care institutions (ß = .432, P < .01) predict a higher intention to receive the vaccine. However, the variables perception of a worldwide conspiracy (ß = -1.900, P < .001), and practice Protestant religion (ß = -2.274, P < .001) predict negatively their acceptance. CONCLUSION: Several positive predictors of intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 have been identified. However, having a perception of a global conspiracy and practice Protestant religion are shown to be risk variables for vaccine acceptance. Therefore, there is a need to develop strategies to ensure high uptake and success of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns.

Online academic satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic in medical students: role of sleep, psychological issues, college adjustment, and digital skills.

Background: The measures taken to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, led to significant changes in university education, resulting in the new normal standard of virtual teaching in many undergraduate medical schools worldwide. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to determine the factors related to academic satisfaction with virtual teaching in medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional-analytical study was conducted on medical students at a private university in Peru, through self-reported questionnaires divided into sociodemographic data and variables of interest that could influence academic satisfaction during the pandemic. To evaluate possible factors related to academic satisfaction, stepwise regression models were performed for both sexes. Results: In total, data from 310 medical students, 117 males and 193 females, were analyzed. Academic satisfaction reached a score of 11.2 ± 2.9, which was similar in both sexes. The best regression model for males (AIC: 544.32; RMSE: 2.42; R 2: 0.30) showed that adaptation to university life (favorable change) and depression (unfavorable change) explained 30% of changes in students' academic satisfaction. While in females (AIC: 907.59; RMSE: 2.49; R 2: 0.22) the model integrated favorable factors such as adjustment to college life and anxiety; while depression and poor sleep quality were unfavorable factors. Conclusion: Factors that contributed to academic satisfaction in medical students were determined in this study, which differed by gender. Thus, it is important to take into account the particularities of male and female medical students in order to improve their academic satisfaction during their university careers.

[Validation of a questionnaire that measures perceptions of the role of community nursing professionals in Peru]. / Validación de un cuestionario que mide las percepciones del rol del profesional de enfermería comunitaria en Perú.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a valid and reliable scale to measure the role of the nursing professional in the community (REFCO). DESIGN: Observational with cross-sectional and instrumental design. SITE: Populated centers and communities of the coast, highlands and jungle from Peru. PARTICIPANTS: The validation phase of the questionnaire had the voluntary participation of 402 Peruvian adults (50.7% from the coast, 40.5% from the highlands and 8.8% from the jungle). INTERVENTIONS: The elaborated questionnaire that measures perceptions about the role of the nursing professional in the community was applied. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The psychometric properties of the REFCO scale were analyzed, such as content validation and internal consistency through the calculation of Aiken's V, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and later confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), respectively. Finally, the reliability of the scale was calculated. RESULTS: Overall, all values were statistically significant when evaluated with the V-Aiken coefficient. Likewise, the skewness and kurtosis values of all the items of the instrument did not exceed the range >±1.5. The correlations between factors 1 and 2 were significant (p < .05). The reliability of the scale presents a Cronbach's α coefficient = 0.865. CONCLUSIONS: The REFCO scale has 9 items and 2 dimensions; outreach and education; with content and construct validity that provide evidence for community nursing categories, which is useful for measuring nursing work in the community field.