Search Results (106)

Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence and key sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype in a large occupational cohort. Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTGW) phenotype, defined as the simultaneous presence of elevated waist circumference and high triglyceride levels, are major predictors of cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality. Despite their clinical relevance, data on their distribution and determinants in large occupational populations remain limited. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 139,634 employed adults (56,352 women and 83,282 men) across Spain, based on standardized clinical evaluations and validated questionnaires assessing physical activity, diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, education, and occupational class. Logistic regression models were used to estimate associations with MetS and HTGW. A longitudinal subsample of 40,431 individuals was followed over a 10-year period (2009–2019) to assess trends in metabolic risk phenotypes. Results: Male sex, older age, lower educational attainment, and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors were associated with a higher prevalence of both MetS and the HTGW phenotype. Physical inactivity, low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with increased risk. The HTGW phenotype proved useful in identifying high-risk individuals, with a steadily increasing prevalence over time. Conclusions: Sociodemographic disparities and modifiable lifestyle factors significantly influence the prevalence and progression of MetS and HTGW in the Spanish workforce. Preventive strategies should emphasize early workplace screening, promotion of healthy behaviors, and reduction in educational and socioeconomic inequalities to mitigate cardiometabolic risk. Full article

Emotional intelligence is a crucial determinant of socioemotional adaptation, psychological well-being and healthy habits in a population, although it has been barely studied in Generation Z. Therefore, the following research objectives were established: (1) to measure the levels of attention, clarity and emotional repair of Spanish university students in teaching undergraduates and (2) to design predictive models of emotional intelligence considering sex, anthropometric measurements, physical activity and the use of social networks as factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted with the involvement of Spanish teaching undergraduates. An online questionnaire integrating sociodemographic questions, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form, Trait Meta-State Mood Scale TMMS-24 and Social Network Addiction Scale SNAddS-6S were administered. University students exhibited higher levels of emotional attention (30.32 ± 6.08) than those of emotional clarity (28.18 ± 6.34) and emotional repair (28.51 ± 6.02). Most students use X, Pinterest, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and WhatsApp most days of the week. There are positive relationships between attention and emotional clarity (r = 0.33; p ≤ 0.001), attention and emotional repair (r = 0.18; p ≤ 0.001) and clarity and emotional repair (r = 0.44; p ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, males have higher levels of emotional clarity and emotional repair, but females show higher levels of emotional attention. The model with the highest explanatory power is the one obtained for men’s emotional attention. Full article

Objectives: We wished to evaluate the safety profile of the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors used in the Spanish population; to study the onset of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and thrombotic events (arterial and venous); and to analyze the factors associated with the onset of these events. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of a cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) included in the biological therapy registry of the Rheumatology Department of Virgen Macarena University Hospital (HUVM), Seville, Spain, who started targeted treatment between 2019 and late 2024. We collected data on disease activity, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, the Charlson comorbidity index, previous synthetic or biologic drug therapy, the use of corticosteroids (and their dose), severity data (structural damage, extra-articular manifestations), and adverse events at the end of follow-up (e.g., MACEs, infections, neoplasms, and herpes zoster). We performed a descriptive bivariate analysis and a multivariate logistic regression analysis (dependent variable: MACEs) to identify factors that were independently associated with MACEs. Results: The study population comprised 137 patients (110 with RA, 18 with PsA, and 9 with SpA) who were followed up for a mean of 3.9 (2.6) years. Most patients had received JAK inhibitors as their second-line or subsequent treatment. At the end of the follow-up, 82 patients (66.7%) continued their treatment. Nine patients (6.6%) experienced a MACE, and five experienced a heart attack. All of these patients had RA. We found no differences between JAK inhibitors in terms of the incidence of the adverse events studied. Patients who experienced MACEs were more often male and smokers (current or former) and more often had hypertension and diabetes. No significant differences were found in the association with disease activity or previous or concomitant treatment. The factors that were independently associated with MACEs were a previous cardiovascular event (OR, 10.74; 95%CI, 1.05–113.7; p = 0.036), male sex (OR, 9.7; 95%CI, 1.6–76.5; p = 0.016), diabetes mellitus (OR, 10.3; 95%CI, 1.75–83; p = 0.013), and the duration of treatment with JAK inhibitors (OR, 1.47; 95%CI, 1.13–2.01; p = 0.005). Conclusions: We found no differences in the onset of adverse events, specifically MACEs, between the different JAK inhibitors analyzed. These events are more common in patients who already have cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus, or who have already experienced a cardiovascular event. JAK inhibitors broadly suppress cytokines in patients whose disease is refractory to other treatments. However, we must continue to evaluate their long-term safety in real-world studies. Full article

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disorder worldwide and is closely linked to the components of metabolic syndrome. Shift work, through its disruption of circadian rhythms and the promotion of adverse behavioral patterns, has been proposed as a potential contributor to metabolic dysfunction and liver disease, yet evidence on its association with MASLD remains limited in large, heterogeneous occupational populations. Objectives: To investigate the association between shift work and MASLD risk using multiple validated non-invasive indices in a large sample of Spanish workers, and to explore the influence of sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and sex on these associations. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 53,053 employed adults across diverse sectors in Spain, including 31,753 men and 21,300 women. The participants underwent standardized occupational health assessments between 2019 and 2020. The MASLD risk was evaluated using seven indices: fatty liver index (FLI), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), ZJU index, fatty liver disease (FLD) index, Framingham steatosis index (FSI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), and BARD score. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, biochemical, and lifestyle data were collected. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to assess independent associations between shift work and high-risk MASLD scores. Results: Shift workers exhibited significantly higher mean values and prevalence of elevated MASLD scores across all indices compared to non-shift workers, in both sexes. In men, the prevalence of high BARD scores increased from 43.5% (non-shift) to 71.5% (shift), while in women it rose from 49.9% to 85.7%. Multivariate analysis confirmed that shift work was independently associated with an increased MASLD risk, particularly for HSI (OR: 7.83; 95% CI: 7.40–8.26) and ZJU (OR: 5.91; 95% CI: 5.60–6.22). Male sex, older age, smoking, and blue-collar status were also consistently associated with elevated risk scores. Conclusions: Shift work is significantly associated with an increased MASLD risk, independent of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Women and blue-collar workers may be especially vulnerable to the hepatic consequences of circadian disruption. These findings support the inclusion of liver health screening in occupational health programs and highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce the MASLD risk among shift-working populations. Cross-sectional design limits causality; longitudinal studies are needed to confirm temporal relationships. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hispanic immigrants (HIs) in the U.S.A. are disproportionately affected by cervical cancer compared to other groups, at least partly due to low HPV vaccination rates. The aim of this study was to investigate strategies to improve HPV vaccine attitudes and intent of HIs in the U.S.A. by developing and testing the effectiveness of video-based interventions. Methods: This study employed a two-phase mixed-methods approach. In the first phase, focus groups with new and established HIs explored perspectives, concerns about HPV vaccination, types of information to include in a video intervention, and how an effective intervention should be designed. Findings from the focus groups guided the creation of seven short educational videos, including a summary video and a testimonial-based video, addressing key questions about HPV and its vaccine. The second phase, which involved a nationwide survey of 1500 Spanish-speaking HIs, revealed a significant change in overall HPV vaccine attitude generally, and a significant increase in both HPV vaccine intent and attitudes among parents of unvaccinated children. Results: Regression analysis revealed general vaccine attitudes (β = 0.620, p < 0.001), English proficiency (β = 0.066, p = 0.01), and gender (β = −0.072, p = 0.002), as significant predictors of attitudinal changes. Notably, females exhibited less favorable post-intervention attitudes compared to males. Additionally, perceived care from video creators was a strong predictor of normalized gains in vaccine attitudes (β = 0.270, p < 0.001). Video content effectiveness varied; the video addressing vaccine side effects demonstrated the highest impact on attitude improvement. Testimonials and the summary video were also effective in fostering positive changes in attitudes. Despite differences in trust levels between new and established immigrants, both groups valued culturally tailored, Spanish-language information from credible sources. Conclusion: Addressing language and cultural barriers can improve trust in healthcare interventions among Hispanic immigrants in the U.S.A. Public health initiatives should consider these factors to more effectively reduce HPV vaccine hesitancy in this population. Full article

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a significant impact on patients’ physical, psychological, and social well-being. Emotional disorders are common and contribute to a higher prevalence of symptoms compared to that in the general population. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the emotional profiles and symptomatology in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional, observational/analytical study was developed in seven centers of the Spanish Renal Foundation in the Community of Madrid (Spain). The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid (C.I. 20/685-E). In the study, two validated measurement scales were used: the Mood Rating Scale (EVEA) to assess the “emotional profile” and the Palliative care Outcome Scale, Renal Symptoms (POS-S Renal) to evaluate “symptomatology”. Results: The sample (245 patients) was predominantly male (65.7%; n = 161), with a mean age of 63.52 years (SD = 14.99) and an average HD treatment duration of 81.44 months (SD = 96.62). The analysis of the symptom–emotion relationships revealed that patients with a sadness–depression profile had a higher probability of experiencing weakness or a lack of energy (OR = 1.741; CI 95% 1.01–3.00) and feelings of depression (OR = 3.236; CI 95% 1.98–5.30). Additionally, patients with an anger–hostility profile exhibited a significant association with pain (OR = 3.463; CI 95% 1.34–8.94) and excessive sleepiness (OR = 3.796; CI 95% 1.21–11.95), indicating that this emotional state substantially increases the likelihood of developing these symptoms. Conclusions: The emotional profiles of CKD patients undergoing HD significantly influence their symptomatology. While positive emotions may play a protective role in preventing debilitating symptoms, negative emotions increase the risk of their onset. These findings highlight the importance of addressing emotional well-being as part of comprehensive care for HD patients. Full article

Background: Alcohol consumption is a major public health concern, influencing metabolic health and insulin resistance (IR). While moderate alcohol intake has been associated with potential metabolic benefits, excessive consumption is linked to IR and related disorders. This study examines the association between sociodemographic variables, health habits, and IR risk using validated metabolic indices. Methods: A dual-phase study was conducted, including a cross-sectional analysis of 139,634 Spanish workers and a retrospective longitudinal follow-up of 40,431 participants (2009–2019). Data on sociodemographic factors (age, sex and socioeconomic status) and health habits (smoking, alcohol consumption, diet and physical activity) were collected through standardized occupational health assessments. IR risk was assessed using the Triglyceride-Glucose Index (TyG), Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR), and Single-Point Insulin Sensitivity Estimator (SPISE-IR). Binary logistic regression was used for statistical analysis. Results: Age, male sex, lower socioeconomic status, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and low adherence to the Mediterranean diet were significantly associated with higher IR risk across all indices (p < 0.001). Alcohol consumption exhibited a dose-dependent relationship with IR, with excessive intake significantly increasing the risk of IR. Longitudinal data revealed a worsening IR profile over time, particularly among older, low-income and physically inactive individuals. Conclusions: Sociodemographic factors and lifestyle habits strongly influence IR. Preventive strategies focused on reducing alcohol consumption, smoking cessation and promoting physical activity and dietary improvements are essential to mitigate the risk of IR, especially in vulnerable populations. Further longitudinal studies are needed to establish causal relationships and refine intervention strategies. Full article

This study investigates the relative age effect (RAE) in Spanish orienteering, comparing birth distributions between the general population and federated athletes, as well as across different age groups. A cross-sectional and retrospective observational analysis was conducted on data from 34,718 athletes federated (female: n = 12,338; male: n = 22,380) with the Spanish Orienteering Federation (FEDO) between 2005 and 2023. Birth distributions by quartiles and semesters were compared with birth data from the Spanish National Institute of Statistics. Chi-square tests, Z-tests for proportions, and odds ratio (OR) analysis were used to assess differences and the magnitude of the RAE. A significant RAE was found in the total population of federated athletes and the youth and male elite subgroups, with an over-representation of athletes born in the first semester of the year. The effect was small in magnitude but persistent in youth categories and intensified in the male elite category. In contrast, no significant RAE was observed in the female elite category. The RAE exists in Spanish orienteering, although its magnitude is smaller compared to other sports. The persistence of the RAE in the male elite category suggests that advantages accumulated in formative stages influence access to higher levels. Strategies to mitigate the impact of the RAE in talent identification and development are recommended. Full article

Introduction: Handgrip strength, measured by dynamometry (HGD), is a key measure in assessing physical condition and nutritional status. Its correlation with anthropometric measures and body composition makes it an accessible method for the evaluation of cardiovascular health. This study aimed to develop a new reference for right-hand dynamometry in the Spanish population and compare it with previous references. Material and Methods: A total of 3281 subjects aged 3 to 16 years (1608 females) from the PESCA, PASOS, and ASOMAD projects were included. Handgrip strength was measured using the same methodology in all cases. Data on age, weight, height, and BMI were collected, and the handgrip strength per kilogram of body weight was calculated. Sexual dimorphism in the temporal development of strength was analyzed, and multiple correlations were established between dynamometry and anthropometric variables. Results: Percentile curves and tables for dynamometry are presented for each sex, including data from as early as 3 years old, for the first time. Conclusions: Sexual dimorphism in strength development is confirmed, becoming more pronounced with puberty. In absolute terms, our study shows a decrease in handgrip strength among adolescents, occurring earlier and more markedly in females. When compared to the previous literature, the 16-year-old male adolescents in our study exhibited lower strength than those from 40 and 16 years ago. Full article

Background: Knowing the oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) status of pediatric patients would be helpful in analyzing their level of dental anxiety before their first visit to a pediatric dentist. However, few studies have analyzed OHRQoL and anxiety in early adolescent patients. The aim of this study was to describe the OHRQoL and anxiety levels of early adolescents, according to age and sex, at their first dental examination. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on early adolescents (11–14 years old) attending their first dental examination in 2023–2024. OHRQoL was assessed using the Spanish version of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire 11–14 (CPQ-Esp11-14) and anxiety using the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory in Children (STAIC). Results: A total of 130 early adolescents were assessed, with an average age of 12.6 years (±1.06) and an equal sex distribution (65 boys and 65 girls). Among the analyzed sample, the OHRQoL dimension with the highest score was social well-being (15.01 ± 10.7), whereas the oral symptoms dimension (8.6 ± 4.25) had the lowest impact. There were no statistically significant differences between female and male early adolescents in the anxiety state or anxiety-trait dimensions or in the dimension of OHRQoL, except for oral symptoms, which were higher in boys (9.48 ± 4.51 versus 7.72 ± 3.81). Similarly, no significant differences were found based on age regarding anxiety or OHRQoL. Conclusions: Considering the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that higher levels of anxiety negatively impacted the OHRQoL of the early adolescent population studied. Full article

Our study addresses prostitution as a phenomenon linked to the feminization of poverty, the exploitation of women, and gender inequality, highlighting the role of male demand in its perpetuation. Spain is positioned as one of the main destinations for prostitution, with a high incidence of men paying for sex, normalizing this practice. Male motivations, classified in categories such as loneliness, risk attraction, domination, and validation of masculinity, reinforce objectification and violence against women. The aim of this study is to explore the different motivational typologies of prostitution consumption perceived by the Spanish population, as well as the perceived differences between men and women with respect to these typologies. With a sample of 198 young Spaniards (57.1% female, M = 22.5 years), we used the Motives for Prostitution Consumption Scale (MCP). Factor analyses identified two main factors: experimentation and attraction to the forbidden and sexual needs, satisfaction, and companionship, consistent with previous typologies in the literature. Results revealed that women perceive control and dominance as predominant motivations, while men emphasize sexual and affective needs. The MPC demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency indices (α ≥ 0.70) and the ability to discriminate between groups with different perceptions of the motivations of women and men. Limitations include a predominantly young university sample and the need for further validation with more diverse populations. The study reinforces the importance of analyzing male motivations for prostitution use in order to design educational strategies to promote gender equality and reduce prostitution. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) is a test used to screen for suspected concussions, with the results compared to baseline values. If current baseline values are unavailable, they can be compared to baseline values obtained from professional rugby players. The aim of this study was to evaluate the baseline SCAT values in Hispanic community rugby players of both sexes. This cohort study used an observational, prospective, and descriptive design. Methods: Participants: A total of 81 female (age: 23.3 ± 3.3 years) and 138 male (age: 23.7 ± 4.3 years) Spanish rugby players who participated in national-level competitions. Interventions (or assessment of risk factors of independent variables): The SCAT was administered as part of the pre-season medical testing, including symptoms endorsed, cognitive submode performance, and balance performance. Results: Most of the Spanish community rugby players presented some symptom in the SCAT (male = 75.4%; female = 91.4%). The number and severity of the symptoms reported by the male players were lower than those reported by the female players (p = 0.001). The time to complete the tandem gait test and balance test showed differences between sexes (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The baseline SCAT values of Spanish community rugby players differ from those of professional players, leading to the recommendation of conducting the SCAT for all players before the beginning of the season. If baseline evaluations cannot be performed, the results obtained could serve as a basis for developing reference values for community rugby in the Hispanic population. Recording the menstrual cycle phase during which the SCAT is performed may help improve its interpretation. Full article

Background and Objectives: The accumulation of fat in the body, especially visceral fat, is associated with various cardiometabolic conditions such as diabetes mellitus and fatty liver. The reasons for the accumulation of this fat are diverse. Some studies, also in the working population, have shown a clear association between sociodemographic variables and health habits with scales that assess overweight and obesity. This study aims to determine how certain sociodemographic variables, such as age, gender, and socioeconomic level, as well as certain healthy habits like physical activity and tobacco consumption, affect the levels of body and visceral fat. Materials and Methods: We conducted a descriptive and cross-sectional study involving 8590 Spanish workers. The percentage of body and visceral fat was measured using a bioimpedance analysis with a Tanita DC 430MA device. Results: Both the average values and the prevalence of elevated body and visceral fat increase with age and decrease with social class and lower levels of physical activity. These values are higher in smokers. A multivariate analysis shows that the variables most influential in increasing the risk of high levels of both body and visceral fat are age and low levels of physical activity. Conclusions: The profile of a person at high risk of having elevated body and visceral fat levels is an older male with a low socioeconomic status who smokes and leads a sedentary lifestyle. Full article

Many clinical, neuroimaging, neuropathological, epidemiological, and genetic data suggest a relationship between essential tremor (ET) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Several hypothesis-based gene association studies attempted to find a genetic association between these diseases. Recent case–control association studies in Chinese and Spanish populations showed a marginal association between the CD4 rs1922452 and CD4 rs951818 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and the risk of PD. The proteins encoded by the CD4 and LAG3 genes have an important role in modulating inflammatory responses, and some recent data associated inflammatory markers to ET. This study investigates a possible association between the most common SNVs in the LAG3/CD4 genes and the risk of ET in the Spanish Caucasian population. We genotyped 267 patients diagnosed with familial ET and 270 age- and sex-matched controls using specific TaqMan assays for CD4 rs1922452, CD4 rs951818, and LAG3 rs870849 variants. We found a decreased risk for ET in carriers of the LAG3 rs870849 C/C genotype and the LAG3 rs870849C allelic variant exclusively in men. The mean age of onset of ET was not related to any of the variants studied. These data suggest no association of the gene variants studied with the overall risk for ET, except for a slight decrease in risk in male ET patients carrying the variant LAG3 rs870849C. However, such an association lost significance after correcting for multiple comparisons. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals often face discrimination in healthcare settings, resulting in health disparities. Evaluating healthcare professionals’ affirmative practices is essential for promoting inclusive care and addressing these disparities. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Gay Affirmative Practice Scale (GAP-ES), which measures healthcare professionals’ affirmative practices towards gay individuals. Methods: Before assessing its psychometric properties, the original Gay Affirmative Practice Scale (GAP) was translated and culturally adapted from English to Spanish. Following the translation, the psychometric properties were tested on a sample of 236 healthcare professionals. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was measured using Cronbach’s alpha and the discriminatory power index. Factor structure was evaluated with Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using the Diagonally Weighted Least Squares method. Results: The sample consisted of 152 female (64.41%) and 84 male (35.59%) participants, with 58.05% identifying as heterosexual, 28.81% as homosexual, and 13.14% as bisexual. The internal consistency of the GAP-ES was strong, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.915 for the Beliefs subscale and 0.902 for the Behaviors subscale. The McDonald’s Omega coefficient was 0.942, indicating high reliability. CFA confirmed a two-factor structure with satisfactory fit indices (CFI = 0.999, RMSEA = 0.071). Conclusions: The GAP-ES demonstrates strong internal consistency and a stable factor structure. It is a reliable tool for evaluating affirmative practices toward LGBT patients in Spanish-speaking healthcare contexts, supporting improved care for this population. The integration of the GAP-ES into clinical practice and training programs may support the enhancement of cultural competence among healthcare professionals, contributing to the reduction of health disparities for LGBT patients in Spanish-speaking settings. Full article