Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

Highlights  Three categories were identified based on the settings in which students develop during their training: Health Institution Setting, University Institution Setting, and Degree Program Setting. Various facilitators and hindrances to materializing the PSMI were identified across these settings. There are  more  hindrances  than  facilitators  in  health  sciences  professional  education,  resulting  in  an  ethnocentric  professional training validated by ethnocentric healthcare practices.   The interrelationships  between  facilitators  and  hindrances  gives  rise  to  “cultural  blinders”  within  the  health  structure,  preventing the materialization of the PSMI in health sciences curricula. Introduction: In Chile, the International Migrant Health Policy (PSMI in Spanish) mandates the inclusion of topics such as migration, interculturality, human rights, social determinants of health, and gender in higher education curricula. However, it is unknown whether this effectively happens. Objective: To understand the materialization of the PSMI in health sciences curricula. Materials and Methods: This interpretative/hermeneutic study included semi-structured interviews with program directors, academic faculty, clinical professors, and students. It also involved a document analysis across different health sciences degree programs at three regional universities in Chile. Data analysis included open, axial, and selective coding with ATLAS.ti version 24. Results: A total of 179 informants participated. Three main categories emerged: Health Institution Setting, University Institution Setting, and Degree Program Setting, each comprising facilitating or hindering subcategories for materializing policy materialization. The hermeneutic analysis made it possible to interrelate these subcategories, producing a semantic network to understand the phenomenon. Facilitators were scarce and isolated from the network core, while hindrances were more numerous, cohesive, and robust, reinforcing an ethnocentric model of professional education validated by ethnocentric healthcare practices in clinical settings. Discussion: The concept of “cultural blinders” is proposed in place of “cultural blindness” as there is awareness of the cultural influences on healthcare that are nonetheless not integrated. Conclusions: Current curricula do not align with the PSMI. Coordinated policies between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health are imperative to reverse the existing healthcare status quo. How to cite this article: Álvarez-Cruces  Debbie,  Nocetti-de-la-Barra  Alejandra,  Mansilla-Sepúlveda  Juan.  Materializing  the  international  migrant  health policy in health sciences curricula in Chile. Revista Cuidarte. 2025;16(2):e4435. https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.4435

Highlights Healthcare clowns play a crucial therapeutic role by bringing laughter and humour to adult patients. Humour and laughter foster happiness and help to counteract negative moods in hospitalised adults. Laughter serves as a powerful emotional stimulant for hospitalised adults, increasing joy and reducing sadness, anxiety and anger. Integrating complementary therapies into hospital care contributes to a holistic approach, promoting and enhancing the mental health of adults, whether in health or illness. Introduction: Hospitalised adults often have essential emotional needs during their hospital stay, highlighting the importance of incorporating emotional mobilisation therapies. Objective: To evaluate the effect of laughter therapy with healthcare clowns on the mood of 40 adults hospitalised in internal medicine.   Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study used the transculturally adapted Scale for Mood Assessment (EVEA-H) to assess the intervention's effects. Results: Findings revealed significant improvements in participants' mood. There was a considerable reduction in levels of sadness/depression (p < 0.00), anxiety (p < 0.00) and anger/hostility (p < 0.00), while a significant increase in joy (p < 0.00) was observed after laughter therapy. Discussion:  Current evidence supports laughter therapy with healthcare clowns as a tool to foster positive emotions, reduce negative psychological symptoms, and improve emotional well-being in various contexts, highlighting the importance of collaborative implementation with medical staff to strengthen well-being in healthcare settings. Conclusions: Laughter therapy can be an effective strategy to improve the emotional well-being of hospitalised adults by reducing negative moods and promoting positive emotions. How to cite this article: Porras-Jiménez Yelsyn Mauricio, Álvarez-Nieto Carmen, Romero-Granados Karen Lizeth, Pinzón-Ordoñez César Augusto, López-Medina Isabel María. Effectiveness of laughter therapy with healthcare clowns on the mood of hospitalised adults. Revista Cuidarte. 2025;16(1):e4375. https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.4375

Highlights Patient absconding is a problem for both specialized psychiatric institutions and general care institutions. The prevalence of absconding observed was much lower than that reported in other countries, despite patients sharing similar characteristics. Absconding and attempts to abscond, as well as the motivations behind these events, vary depending on the regional context. Knowing the epidemiological profile of absconding can play an important role in its prevention. Introduction: Patient absconding in healthcare institutions has been associated with negative outcomes for both patients and the institutions themselves. Despite this, few studies have evaluated the frequency and characteristics of these events in Latin America, especially in general healthcare hospitals that do not specialize in psychiatric care.  Objective: To describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the event characteristics, among patients who absconded or attempted to abscond from a tertiary general hospital in Medellín, Colombia, between 2015 and 2023. Materials and Methods: Quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study using secondary sources, where information was collected from the medical records of patients who absconded or attempted to abscond at the Hospital Alma Mater de Antioquia. A descriptive statistical analysis of the data was performed.  Results: A total of 141 events were recorded during the evaluated period (135 absconds and 6 attempts to abscond). The period prevalence of absconding was 5.5 per 10,000 admissions, and most patients were young, single males, with a high frequency of substance use. Most events took place in the emergency department during the daytime.  Discussion: Studying the epidemiological profile of absconding patients and their motivations could facilitate prevention and intervention.  Conclusion: A lower absconding rate was found compared to reports from other countries. However, the characteristics of the patients were similar, with a predominance of young, single male patients with psychiatric history. How to cite this article: Prada Nicolas J, Castrillón-Martínez Esteban, Perez-Gutierrez Ana María, Zapata-Ospina Juan Pablo. Characterization of absconding and attempts to abscond in a Colombian general hospital. Revista Cuidarte. 2025;16(3):e4548.  https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.4548

Highlights Participants showed moderate levels of illness acceptance and mild levels of hopelessness. The mean health perception score was 50.30±0.59. A significant relationship was found between age, education, employment status, living arrangements, illness duration, post-stroke deficits, and independence level with illness acceptance, health perception, and hopelessness levels. Higher illness acceptance was associated with better health perception and lower hopelessness levels. However, individuals with higher health perception also exhibited higher levels of hopelessness. The level of independence, health perception, and hopelessness influenced illness acceptance, while the level of independence and illness acceptance have an effect on hopelessness. Introduction: According to the World Health Organization, stroke is a clinical condition characterized by the sudden development of focal or global signs and symptoms in cerebral functions and is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide. Objective: This study aimed to determine the levels of illness acceptance, health perception, and hopelessness of stroke survivors and to examine the relationship between these variables.   Materials and Methods: This study was conducted with 170 stroke survivors. Data were collected with the "Descriptive Information Form," "Modified Barthel Index," "Acceptance of Illness Scale," "Perception of Health Scale," and "Beck Hopelessness Scale." The data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 software.  Results: Participants showed moderate levels of illness acceptance and mild levels of hopelessness. The mean health perception score was 50.30±0.59. A significant relationship was found between age, education, employment status, living arrangements, illness duration, post-stroke deficits, independence level, illness acceptance, health perception, and hopelessness levels. The health perception and hopelessness levels of the participants decreased as their level of illness acceptance increased. Increasing health perception levels were also found to increase hopelessness levels. Discussion: When the literature is reviewed, there are studies that support our findings in stroke and other chronic illnesses, but there are also studies with different results. Conclusion: The study results draw attention to the levels of illness acceptance, health perception, and hope, which have not been discussed much but have important effects on the illness and rehabilitation process. How to cite this article: Yapar Sena Nur, Özkan Tuncay Fatma. Illness acceptance, health perception, and hopelessness levels in stroke survivors: A cross-sectional and correlational study. Revista Cuidarte. 2025;16(2): e4588.  https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.4588

Highlights This study reveals that patients in palliative care experience significant barriers to advance care planning, such as a lack of understanding of the palliative care process. One of the key findings is patients' tendency to delegate end-of-life decisions to family members, healthcare professionals, or a supreme being. Silence and avoidance of conversations about death are common among patients, as they seek to avoid suffering for themselves and their loved ones. The study suggests that it is crucial to improve the integration of advanced care planning from the earliest stages of treatment, promoting open communication. Introduction: Significant challenges currently exist in addressing patients' preferences regarding end-of-life care, particularly in the context of advance care planning. Objective: To understand advance care planning at the end of life in people with cancer in palliative care in Medellin Colombia. Materials and Methods: This study used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of nine patients with advanced cancer. In-depth interviews were conducted, focusing on patients' understanding of advanced care planning. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis to identify major themes related to advance care planning. Results: Six key themes emerged from the data: (1) Clinging to life; (2) Decision delegation and reflective avoidance; (3) Silence to avoid suffering; (4) Resignation; (5) A quiet place; and (6) My legacy. These results describe the experiences of cancer patients in palliative care versus advanced care planning. Discussion: The findings highlight the complexity of advanced care planning in advanced cancer patients in palliative care. Conclusions: This study revealed barriers to care planning, including a lack of understanding of the palliative care process, communication difficulties, and cultural factors. How to cite this article: Arias-Rojas Mauricio, Carreño-Moreno Sonia, Arredondo Holguín Edith. Advance care planning in people with advanced cancer: a phenomenological study. Revista Cuidarte. 2025;16(3):e4455.  https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.4455

Highlights Anxiety is a prevalent problem among college students. Anxiety can negatively impact the quality of life of college students. This study is an innovative aspect in the research evaluating the effect of auriculotherapy intervention associated with Baduanjin Qigong. Auriculotherapy associated with Baduanjin Qigong significantly reduces anxiety and improves aspects related to the quality of life of college students. Introduction: College students are exposed to internal and external factors that increase the risk of anxiety and can negatively impact their quality of life. Objective: To evaluate anxiety and quality of life before and after the application of auriculotherapy associated with Baduanjin Qigong and the satisfaction of college students with the treatment. Materials and Methods:  Quasi-experimental study with 44 college students. Four sessions of auriculotherapy and Baduanjin Qigong were carried out, focusing on anxiety and quality of life. The evaluation occurred before and after the treatment using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref instruments. Satisfaction with the intervention was investigated. Descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed. Results: The sample was composed mainly of: women in the nursing course, with no fixed income and brown skin color. Regarding the final average of the scores evaluated, there was a reduction of 13.77 in anxiety (p < 0.001), while in quality of life, there was an increase of 13.88 in the physical domain (p < 0.001), 9.10 in the perception of quality of life (p= 0.037) and 16.48 in satisfaction with health (p < 0.001). Of the participants, 45.50% demonstrated satisfaction with the intervention. Discussion: The importance of auriculotherapy associated with Baduanjin Qigong as a care to reduce anxiety and prevent changes in quality of life that may affect the well-being of university students is highlighted. Strategies for implementing the intervention are necessary. Conclusion: The study provides evidence of the positive effect of auriculotherapy associated with Baduanjin Qigong on anxiety and quality of life of university students, impacting health promotion. How to cite this article: Loreto, Quésia Quinto; Teixeira, Wesley Silva; Barbosa, Henrique Andrade Jaqueline; Torres, D'Paula Ribeiro Vieira; Carrasco, Viviane; Corrêa, Hérica Pinheiro; Araújo, Diego Dias de. Auriculotherapy associated with Baduanjin Qigong on anxiety and quality of life in university students: a quasi-experimental study. Revista Cuidarte. 2025;16(2):e4728.  https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.4728  

Highlights Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in oncology are key tools for analysis, surveillance, and data extraction. Oncology publication topics follow the global cancer prevalence pattern, with increasing interest in occupational cancer. The use of GIS has allowed for addressing the relationship between pollutant exposure and the increased incidence of cancer in various regions. Through GIS, a better understanding of disparities in healthcare access has been achieved, enabling the optimization of resources. Introduction: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are key tools for managing spatial data and understanding the determinants of occupational cancer.  Objective:  To evaluate the applications, advantages, and limitations of GIS in the surveillance of occupational cancer. Materials and Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Bireme databases, following the Population, Context, and Concept (PCC) framework outlined in the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodological guidelines and the PRISMA ScR. A semi-automated process supported by Rayyan® software was employed for study selection. The variables identified were transferred to a spreadsheet for qualitative analysis and synthesis. Results: A total of 55 articles were included, addressing various cancer types and exposure to industrial emissions and potentially carcinogenic pollutants. The most commonly used GIS, spatial analysis methodologies, and the main advantages and limitations of their use were identified in monitoring morbidity and mortality, equity, timeliness, coverage, and access to health services, as well as in modeling environmental agents. Discussion: GIS advance cancer research by integrating and analyzing diverse datasets, mapping cases, and identifying risk factors. Challenges include data accuracy, incomplete records, and omission of socioeconomic variables. Despite limitations, GIS support cancer surveillance, occupational health policies, and prevention plans.  Conclusion: GIS are valuable tools for cancer surveillance, as they improve understanding of the geographic patterns of exposure and associated variables, providing critical insights for public policy formulation, healthcare planning, and preventive strategies. How to cite this article: Sanchez Diana Carolina, Talero Lorena Lisbeth, Mejia-Duarte Jose Ferney, Mendoza-Monsalve Alejandra, Licht-Ardila Maricel, Hurtado-Ortiz Alexandra. Geographic information systems for occupational cancer surveillance: a scoping review. Revista Cuidarte. 2025;16(3):e4747.  https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.4747

Highlights Family caregiver transcendence is the ability to modify attitudes, perceptions, and concepts about oneself, the care recipient, and the environment, promoting meaningful personal and relational growth. Transcendence allows finding a purpose in the act of caring, enabling connection with the inner self, the care recipient, and a supreme being. Measuring the caregiver’s relationship with themselves, the care recipient, and a higher power, allows for the appreciation of transcendence as a growth process. The ‘Transcend’ measurement instrument is a valuable tool for integrating self-related aspects into nursing assessment and care planning and is useful for future research in the area. Introduction: Transcendence is a metaphysical phenomenon of the self that is reflected in caregivers by transforming their attitudes, perceptions, and caregiving meanings about the care recipient and themselves. Objective: To develop and validate the content of the "Transcend" instrument through expert judgment and to determine its preliminary reliability. Materials and Methods: This methodological study focused on the design and content validation, via expert judgment, of an instrument to measure family caregiver transcendence called "Transcend," following the methodology proposed by Waltz. The judges assessed instrument's clarity, coherence, and relevance. After validation, the instrument was administered to 30 caregivers to assess its clarity in the population and its preliminary reliability. Results: Fifteen judges participated in the validation process, and a significant level of agreement was found (p < 0.001) in assessing clarity, coherence, and relevance. The content validity index, both individual and global, was 1.00. All items obtained an Aiken's V value ≥ 0.69, with values falling within the confidence intervals. Preliminary reliability in the pilot testing yielded a Cronbach's alpha of 0.90. Discussion: Validity and concordance indices should be interpreted together to determine the level of content validity based on expert judgment. Conclusions: The Transcend instrument shows adequate content validity and high preliminary reliability, supporting its progression to a second phase of validation, which will be crucial to determining its potential as a tool for assessing transcendence in family caregivers. How to cite this article: Aya-Roa Kevin Julian, Beltrán-Campos Vicente, Hernández Mariano José Angel, García-Campos María de Lourdes, Ramírez-Gómez Xóchilt Sofia, Núñez-Colín Carlos Alberto. Design and content validation of the Transcend instrument for family caregivers. Revista Cuidarte. 2025;16(2):e4595.   https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.4595

Highlights Deaf individuals who use the Chilean health care system report difficulties throughout the entire care process, having to employ different methods to communicate. The health care of deaf individuals must be assisted via video calls by third parties—whether family members, acquaintances, or coworkers—who are required to act as interpreters. Ongoing environmental barriers have led users to experience a range of emotions, such as anger, sadness, and a sense of detriment and impunity. Participants express a feeling of uncertainty due to their dependence on others to navigate the health care context. Introduction: In Chile, access to health care for deaf individuals faces communication and legal barriers. Objective: To reveal the experiences of deaf people from a southern province of Chile regarding their health care access between February 2022 and February 2023. Materials and Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted with deaf individuals who had accessed health services in the past year. Semi-structured personal interviews were conducted with the support of Chilean Sign Language interpreters.  Results: Participants aged 24 to 30 reported communication difficulties with health personnel, exacerbated by the lack of interpreters or facilitators trained in sign language, forcing them to rely on third parties and technological aids. Discussion: The barriers identified in health care access align with existing literature; however, the limited number of studies on the Chilean context restricts local comparisons. Conclusions: The findings highlight access barriers and issues in health care delivery, impacting care quality. Key challenges include improving physical spaces, communication strategies, health literacy, training, and culturally competent care. How to cite this article: Minte-Valderrama Daniel, Silva-Zurita Valentina, Alvarado-Salfate Camila, Villa-Velásquez Jenifer, Valencia-Contrera Miguel, Rivera-Rojas Flérida. Healthcare attention and access for deaf individuals: a phenomenological study. Revista Cuidarte. 2025;16(3):e4665.  https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.4665

Highlights The quality of life (QoL) of individuals with dementia also depends on the characteristics and capabilities of their informal caregivers. The caregivers’ QoL is also shaped by the QoL of individuals with dementia. Inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility have an impact on the competence of informal caregivers. Supporting and enhancing the QoL of caregivers is essential for improving the management of dementia in patients. Introduction: Individuals with dementia are typically cared for at home by a family member who provides informal care, a role that can negatively affect their quality of life (QoL) and caregiving performance, thereby impacting the QoL of the person with dementia. Objective:  To examine the relationship between caregiver characteristics and the QoL reported by individuals with mild or moderate dementia. Materials and Methods: This quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational study involved 50 dyads comprising individuals with mild to moderate dementia and their caregivers. The variables assessed were the QoL of the person with dementia, caregiver competence, caregiver burden, caregiver QoL, attention, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, decision-making, and working memory. Results: The study found significant correlations between caregiver competence, QoL, and burden/stress with the QoL of individuals with dementia. Executive function (inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility) was significantly associated with caregiver competence. Discussion:  Caregiver QoL is positively associated with the QoL of individuals with dementia; therefore, enhancing caregiver-related characteristics contributes to effective disease management and the well-being of the person with dementia. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the impact of informal caregivers’ competence, burden, and executive function on the QoL of individuals with dementia. How to cite this article: Alvarez Polo Mabel Tatiana, Sanchez Guarnizo Rudy Marcela, Gómez Morales Duván Fernando, Bonilla-Santos Jasmin. Relationship between caregiver characteristics and the reported quality of life of people with mild and moderate dementia. Revista Cuidarte. 2025;16(2):e4646.  https://doi.org/10.15649/cuidarte.4646